Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes 19 - 24

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #19
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Barry Kitson

This was fun little mystery and I have to admit, I didn't guess who was behind the murder at all. I was actually quite surprised by it. That is good writing. We get a lot more insight into the character of Chameleon this issue and I am beginning to really like him. Good issue.

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #20 Written by Mark Waid and Tony Bedard
Art by Barry Kitson

This book is a lotta fun and I love when they talk about what has happened to the world from the present until the 31st century, maybe that is because I am a continuity/history buff. I don't know. What I do know is that I enjoyed this issue although Cosmic Boy falling in love with Supergirl does seem a little forced. Supergirl's reaction to hearing of Bizzaro-Brainiac was funny and I loved the story of how B-B created Big City.

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #21 Written by Mark Waid and Tony Bedard
Art by Barry Kitson

I am glad the Dream Girl isn't actually ressurected, if she was, it would make death seem meaningless in this series. Instead, we see Brainiac 5 realizing that not everything in the world can be solved with science. Another thing I enjoyed this issue was the idea of an upcoming election of a new leader. I can't wait for that. It was also fun to see Supergirl acting like it is all still a dream.

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #22 Written by Mark Waid and Tony Bedard
Art by Barry Kitson

The relationship between Shadow Lass and Karate Kid was very similar to a relationship that I just recently got out of so this issue really hit home for me. I enjoyed it a lot. See I knew that the Cosmic Boy-Supergirl thing was forced, and it turns out Waid wanted it that way. Cosmic Boy's reaction to Supergirl is because of mere physics, not love. I have to say this is one of the most underrated series out today. I highly reccomend it.

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #23
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Barry Kitson

I actually felt bad for Supergirl in this issue, I mean she has been through a lot and waking up only to find out that it wasn't a dream and her home planet really was destroyed and her cousin really is superman and she really was thrusted into the future against her will to work with the legion. That must be hard news for her take. But I think the legion did the right thing in making her see the truth. Now, seeing as I know nothing about the pre-reboot legion, I know nothing about the surprise character at the end, who happens to be Mon-El I believe. Time to do some research.

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #24
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Barry Kitson

This issue continues this series with great success, I still think this is series is highly underrated. I love the monologue about Kandor's history since it was bottled and it makes perfect sense why they would not want Kandorians knowing what happens to Kryptonians once they leave the red sun. It also made me smile to see Supergirl deciding to stay with the legion. Brainiac 5 can be a real jerk sometimes though. The ending was good too, I look forward to next issue.

Scarabs= Extra Terrestrial Technology

Blue Beetle (Volume 6) #9
Written by Keith Giffen and John Rogers
Art and Cover by Duncan Rouleau

This was another fun issue of Blue Beetle and the art wasn't too bad. I guess I am not one for cartoony art and usually this book has way too much cartoony art, but Duncan does a decent job here. This series never lets me down, it always has at least one fun part to it and this issue was all fun. The virtual "Beetle Cave" is a really fun and cool idea. Although, it does seem like a heck of a lot of people know that Jaime Reyes is the Blue Beetle. I guess it isn't too bad though, I mean most people who know his ID seem trustworth. Brenda and Paco are great characters and I am surprised how fast the writers of this series have managed to develop a solid family of supporting characters around Blue Beetle. The idea of the scarab being alien in origin didn't surprised me because it has been rumored for so long, but it still doesn't quite explain why the Jaime Blue Beetle looks so different from the Dan Garret Bluee Beetle. I am itching to know the answer to that question. I look forward to the next storyline where Brenda and the Blue Beetle go to the worlds of the New Gods.

That's It?

Hawkgirl #58
Written by Walter Simonson
Art by Joe Bennett
Cover by Howard Chaykin

I have come to the conclusion that I just hate Hawkgirl's current mask, it is not appealing to the eye. I definitely do not like it. I think that why I am unsatisfied with any artist that comes on to this book, the stupid chaykin designed mask. It is fugly. Now besides that, this issue wasn't bad persay, I mean it was enjoyable but, it was very decompressed. Not much happened, Hawkgirl realizes that she still has some powers without the Nth Metal (I guess that was kinda cool to find out) and she escapes from the asylum that she was being imprisoned in. I feel like more could have happened in one issue. This whole storyline is moving way too slowly. Oh and since when can Hawkgirl's wings be controlled remotely? I was not aware of that. Has it always been that way? That definitely confused me. So to conclude, this wasn't bad, it was just way too decompressed.

A Brand New Era For The Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey #100
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Nicola Scott, Doug Hazlewood, Paulo Sequiera and Robin Riggs
Cover by Jerry Ordway

It's exciting to see a book like Birds of Prey reach its 100th issue, it is like the little engine that could. Gail Simone and Chuck Dixon before her have created a great series out of the adventures of Oracle and her agents. Here is to another hundred issues! This issue introduces a new era for the Birds, with Dinah leaving the team it looks like Oracle is turning the Birds into a who's who of DC females as shown by the cover of this issue (which is great by the way.) It was fun to see all the lady super-heroes get their invitations into the Birds. But what about Gypsy, wasn't she going to be a permanent member now? She is not even mentioned in this issue. Strange. While I enjoyed the main story, I enjoyed the back-up a lot more. I love how Dinah tells her life story to Sin. I am actually kindve excited to see that Dinah and Ollie might get back together, even though I know it has been hinted a million times in the past. Will their always be Black Canary back ups in this series? I guess time will tell but I certainly enjoyed this one. Fantastic milestone issue.

Superman/Batman 28 and 29

Superman/Batman #28
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Ethan Van Sciver

This was a dark issue, darker than this book usually is, some people might complain about that but I loved it! This issue was suspenseful and cool, Martian Manhunter has gone crazy and has elevated powers and now he is going after Batman and Superman. While it may seem like the superhero gone rogue thing has been done too many times before, but it really works in this issue. Verheiden pulled it off. Van Sciver's art is wonderul as usual too. By far my favorite quote this issue must have been, "Your fine, is someone else's two weeks bed-rest" - Superman to Batman.

Superman/Batman #29
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Ethan Van Sciver

In this issue we find out that it wasn't really Martian Manhunter last issue but a different shape-shifter. This creature is apparently part of a bigger plot and is able to control Green Lanterns, which is why it is able to control Kilowog and Hal Jordan this issue. I don't know if I liked this issue quite as mch as the last but it was still good. Certainly a lot better than anything Loeb wrote when he was on this book. The art is fantastic and I am wondering who exactly is behind all this craziness. I look forward to next issue.

Wonder Woman 2 and 3

Wonder Woman (Volume 3) #2
Written by Allan Heinberg
Art and Cover by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson

Heinberg continues this series' debut arc this issue, a little, but it does not matter because he certainly deliver this issue. This was more fun super-hero action. This issue we find out that Bruce Wayne set Wonder Woman up with the Diana Prince ID. It is hard to accept the idea that no one recognizes Wonder Woman because she has glasses on and her hair is up, but I suppose if it works for Superman, it can work for Wonder Woman. Great issue.

Wonder Woman (Volume 3) #3
Written by Allan Heinberg
Art and Cover by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson

This issue was fun, just like the last two, but I have to say that the lateness of this book is getting rudiculous. I know Allan has other things to do but if you sign on to write a comic book, in my opinion, you should be ready to have it on time. End of rant. Besides that, the art in this is wonderful and the story is fun. I am not that familiar with Circe as a character but she seems like a cool villain, it interesting to find out she is the reason why Wonder Woman's villains are getting upgrades. Wasn't Cheetah a regular woman last issue. Why does she look all Cheetah-like again? Is that Circe's doing, I am not sure.

Hats Off To Gibbons

Green Lantern Corps #6
Written by Dave Gibbons
Art and Cover by Gibbons and Michael Bair

I think this book has great art, and what's amazing is that Gibbons manages to write a good story and do great art. Hats off to him. Ranx is an interesting villain and I wonder if he is a Gibbons-created character or not. I like him. It is sad to see Korugar turning its back on Natu. She seems pretty upset about it and considering she is my favorite character in this series, it upsets me as well. I feel bad for her. Guy is actually likeable in this series, unlike he was in the JLI days. That makes me happy, I never thought I would ever like Guy Gardener. Oh and since Geoff Johns isn't uitlizing John Stewart over in the main Green Lantern book, I think its time John co-starred in this book. He is a high profile character now and I think he should star in at least one monthly book. He is just too big of a draw, to not have him in a book would be missed oppurtunity.

Cutting Wires

Catwoman (Volume 3) #61
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez and Alvaro Lopez

Like all issues of Catwoman since Pfierfer took over the book, this was good. I am sad to see that Film Freak will be gone for a while (I imagine he will be back someday like all great villains.) He was a really fun villain, even though he was an evil fucked up bastard. During this issue, I couldn't help but thinking, does Catwoman work best as a hero or a villain? And I think she works best as in the middle, I feel like she is being portrayed too much as a super hero of late. Maybe she should try to steal and stuff more often. I know people think oooo but she can't, that would be like taking the character back a step. Naw, I think that she could steal once in a while and not be going backwards. Oh and I think that she should start acting like a cat more, like Michelle Pfiefer did in Batman Returns. Maybe I am prejudice because Michelle was the reason I ended up liking Catwoman in the first place. I don't know. Will and the artists still, besides my little rant, created a good issue here. The art is great, and the finale to this storyline was pretty good. I was glad they didn't do the which wire is correct type of thing with the bomb, it was refreshing to see that not happen. I wonder if Selina is right, in real life does it really not matter which wire you cut?

Robin 152 - 156

Robin #152
Written by Adam Beechen
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

Beechen is a great Robin writer, I do not blame him for what happened to Cassandra, I blame DC for that. I am glad that I finally get to see Beechen write Robin in a better storyline this issue. This was another great issue, Beechen just really gets Tim Drake. I like the friendship between Zoanne and Tim that is being set up, and I even liked the moments between Bruce nad Tim. The idea of Robin searching through old super-villain hideouts is too cool for school (:

Robin #153
Written by Adam Beechen
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

The banter between Robin and Boomerang in this issue seemed so real. I liked it a lot. Boomerang's comments about how weird Batman's villains were was great as well. There were a lot of great lines in this issue. Owen is written much better here than he is in the Outsiders I think. Although, I am pretty sure that already I can tell that Beechen is a better writer than Winick so that is understandable. Great issue. Oh and the art is good too. I wonder if we will see more of this "Dodge" kid.

Robin #154
Written by Adam Beechen
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

Tim Drake is one smart little dude, I mean he is way beyond the skill that Dick had when Dick was his age. I guess that is why Tim is my all-time favorite Robin. He beats out Stephanie, Dick, and Jason any day of the week. It really shows his skill in this issue. I love how he manages to fight and think of ways to make it look like Tim Drake is not Robin at the same time. The cover to this issue is fantastic and I can't way to see Robin's reaction to Dodge getting involved. That annoying kid is starting to get on my nerves, but I think he is supposed to. Robin is still one of the most improved comic books since the one year later jump.

Robin #155
Written by Adam Beechen
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

The cover to this issue was beautiful, but doesn't t seem too similar to last issue? Strange. Anyways, this issue was very good. Beechen continues to hit them out of the park. Tim being upset that Dodge is in a coma is understandable but, Bruce is right, it is not Tim's fault. It actually upset me, I was actually kinda starting to like Dodge. I think the kid means well, even though he got carried away and cocky.

Robin #156
Written by Adam Beechen
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

This was a well-written touching story about suicide, and it wasn't too preachy! A lot of stories like these in comics could seem lame and preachy, but not here, Beechen is a good writer so he pulled it off. I liked how Robin dealt with his problems by talking to a suicidal teen. I actually know someone who went through the same thing as this guy when he went to college. But I have to say, Robin's life has been a hell of a lot harder than that suicidal guy. I hope Dodge gets out of his choma. Or maybe not? Maybe he works better as a character in a coma that Robin goes to when he needs to talk to. We'll see I guess.

Shadowpact 3 - 7

Shadowpact #3
Written by Bill Willingham
Art by Cory Walker

This was a fun conclusion to this storyline. It establishes that what was only a few days for the Shadowpact, was a whole year outside of the blood barrier. Way cool. I doubt that this will be the last time we see the Pentacle, they are just too cool of villains for the shadowpact to stay in limbo. Oh and I didn't realize how powerful Nightshade really is until this issue.

Shadowpact #4
Written by Bill Willingham Art by Steve Scott

This was a stand alone day in the life story of Blue Devil, although the rest of the Shadowpact was mentioned, they don't make an appearence. I always hate when comic issues do that, the stars of the title should all be in the issue. But besides that little nitpick, this was a fun story. Mr. Green and Mr. Grey were funny villains and I hope Willingham brings them back sometime.

Shadowpact #5
Written by Bill Willingham Art by Steve Scott

This was another fun issue, picking up where issue 3 left off. It was fun to see what happens to each member's belongings since they have been missing for a year and though dead. Makes me wonder what would happen if I dissapeared and came back. The final scene with Ragman is great and I look forward to learning more about this new villain with an awesome name, Dr. Gotham.

Shadowpact #6
Written by Bill Willingham
Art by Cory Walker

Just in the first few issues of this series alone, Willingham has managed to create some fun villains for the shadowpact. And in this issue the wild huntsman and Blue Moon are added to that list. The scenes with the oblivian bar were fun as well. I think it is safe to say that the Phantom Stranger is the official narrarator of this series and I think he works great in this role. This is the most fun book that DC is putting out.

Shadowpact #7
Written by Bill Willingham
Art by Tom Derenick

I actually do not have that much to say about this issue except it was a lot of fun, just like this book always is. I wonder of Derenick actually read last issue, because Nightmaster was not wearing those clothes before. The congregation's light attack was pretty cool. Oh and I hope Rex the Wonder Dog becomes a permanent member of the team.

Mediocre

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #45
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Butch Guice and Tony DeZuñiga

This issue was not bad persay, but a little dissapointing compared to the extreme high quality of the previous issues. I just got a little bored reading this. Maybe because it was more battle scenes and I am more of a drama fan. (Maybe that is why I love those day in the life issues of comics books) I don't know. Something about this issue wasn't doing it for me. It was cool to see that the dweller is definitely the old Aquaman. Although, we still do not know how get got like that. I suppose the answers will come before Busiek leaves the title. It was also cool to see that the new Aquaman's father is still alive. The art is still top notch and too. This issue was good, but just not as good as Busiek's previous issues.

Supergirl 7 - 11

Supergirl (Volume 5) #7
Written by Joe Kelly
Art by Ian Churchill

With this issue, Joe Kelly begins his run on this title. While this story was originally concieved by Greg Rucka, Kelly continues it here and he does a good job of it. The ending was a little wacky though, why is Kara making out with a man who looks just like her cousin? The art is fantastic though and I think I am getting used to the idea that Supergirl was originally sent to earth to kill Superman. I like seeing her ongoing struggle against that mission.

Supergirl (Volume 5) #8 Written by Joe Kelly
Art by Ron Adrian
For some reason, when I first read this, I was very confused. I wasn't sure if Kara was acting on her own free will or if she was being controlled. Second time around, I now know she was being controlled. This was a cool issie, I bet the artist had fun drawing all the crazy Kryptonian costumes. But, Power Girl and Supergirl never really fight in this issue, so why does say that on the cover? Oh well, it is not like I want to see them fight anyway, Supergirl has fought enough with other heroes.

Supergirl (Volume 5) #9 Written by Joe Kelly
Art by Ian Churchill

This was by far the best issue of this series so far! We really get some incite into who Kara really is in this issue. She is a girl who wants to do good, had messed up parents, and sometimes makes some bad mistakes. But in the end, she truly only wants good for the world. I like how Kelly establishes that Supergirl has money now, so cool. And I like her friendship with Wonder Girl. There were so many touching moments in this issue. Kudos to Kelly and Churchill.

Supergirl (Volume 5) #10 Written by Joe Kelly
Art by Ian Churchill and Norm Rapmund

Speaking from the point of view of someone that just recently graduated from high school, I can tell you that modern high school is nothing like the evil school that Kara goes to in this issue. God, what are these the teenage girls from hell. Movies misrepresent modern day high school, it is really not this terrible place where people are incredibly cruel to eachother. I though High school was fun and we all got along great. Sure, people get in fights but the average teen isn't as mean as this comic or any movies act like they are. That is why I found this issue hard to swallow, the girls were just too mean. I understand why Kara decides to quit school. I would too if I went to that high school.

Supergirl (Volume 5) #11
Written by Joe Kelly
Art by Joe Benitez

Joe Kelly is doing really well on this title. He seems to be making sure that the new Supergirl is not just a carbon copy of the pre-crisis Supergirl. She has this whole dark past thing which I am really digging. Am I a dumbass for not realizing the guy Kara has been seeing is Captain Boomerang. Boomer should have given it away right? Guess not for me. Anyways, great issue. I am really starting to like Kara, after the Loeb run, I thought I would never like her. It would be interesting if she joins the Outsiders full time but I doubt she will. I think this is just another step in her journey to figuring out who she is. Oh and I didn't expect Powerboy to show up this issue, hopefully we will actually find out who he is next issue, besides being one of the one year gap titans.

Superman 653 - 657

Superman #653
Written by Geoff Johns and Kurt Busiek
Art by Pete Woods

I am not going to lie, I like my Lex Luthor being the powerful corporate evil man, not a super-villain. But this was still damn good. I love the ending, Lex Luthor telling Superman, "I hate you, I really hate you."

Superman #654
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Carlos Pacheco

This is the first issue of Kurt Busiek's solo run on this title. And I got to hand it to him, he knows how to write Superman and he knows how to write him well. This was basically a day in the life type of story, and it was done really well. I loved the moments with Clark and Lois, and I loved the excellent use of Superman's powers. I love how he is doing his job as well as being Superman at the same time in the scenes. Great art too.

Superman #655
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Carlos Pacheco

I loved the momets between Clark and Lana in this issue, especailly since I am a fan of Smallville. The other stuff was okay, nothing to get too excited but not bad. Subjekt 17 seems kind of a lame monster villain but knowing Busiek, he probably has something up his sleeve. I don't know how I feel about Superman's "Super-memory", it seems a little silver age.


Superman #656
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Carlos Pacheco

And I was right in saying that Busiek had something up his sleeve about Subjekt 17. Subjekt is not jsut a lame monster villain, but instead is what Superman would be if he landed in the wrong place, at the wrong time. This was a very sad character and I really hope he ends up okay in the end. The way the humans treated him was sad. I wonder what Arion was talking about in the end of this though? Definitely reccomended.

Superman #657
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Carlos Pacheco

In this issue, Arion tells Superman and the daily planet staff about the future he worned about. It is very "Day After Tomorrow". I really enjoyed it. Seeing the future in a comic is always fun and I don't think the DCU has had that since that arc in Teen Titans. Very cool. I wonder how they end up preventing this from happening? I look forward to next issue.

International Squabbles

JLA Classified #29
Written by Howard Chaykin
Art and Cover by Killian Plunkett and Tom Nguyen

I have to admit, after reading last issue I hated this storyline. But this issue, I kinda like it. The JLA aren't acting quite like the dicks they were last issue. The art isn't bad, but the colorist keeps changing Wally's hair color every page. At least stick with one. (Wally's hair is red by the way.) This actually made me sad that Wally is no longer The Flash and that the Martian Manhunter is no longer in the Justice League like he should be. But besides those problems this issue is pretty good. I like the idea of the Metahuman Arms race, even though it is being dealt with in 52, in 52 no company is profiting off of it like in this storyline. It was kinda fun to see the JLAers out of costume with this issue and Chaykin's narraration is spot on. Especially when he describes Superman and Bruce Wayne.

Teen Titans 37 - 40

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #37
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tony Daniel

Wow, I mean just wow. That is the word that sums up this issue, wow. This was a very emotional read...so many great moments. Teen Titans is the best series that DC is putting out right now and I think everyone should be reading it. I feel like anything I say about this issue will be an understatement. It is just that good. The ending was kinda shocking but not unlikely, lots of people come together in the face of trajedy. I just hope to god it does not become a regular thing. I loved the scenes where the members talk to Cyborg and basically all of the other scenes in this issue too!

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #38
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Carlos Ferreria

That one page where they listed all the members of the Teen Titans in the last year with their picture, that got me so excited! I can not wait to meet each and everyone of them. This book is really making the most out of the one year gap. I love the rivalry between Wonder Girl and Ravager. The team's roster is now Wonder Girl, Robin, Cyborg, Ravager, and Kid Devil. I imagine that more members will join up as this storyline unfolds.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #39
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tony Daniel

I think I drooled a little bit while reading this. It was just that good. I love Miss Martian, I hope she joins the Titans full time. I hope she is not the traiter. Zatara is a brat but I still like him, don't know why. Bombshell, I don't like. She seems like such a bitch. I hope Ravager isn't the traiter. I have loved her in this book so far.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #40
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tony Daniel

I sure as hell am glad that Miss Martian nor Ravager is the traitor, but it the one character I hated, Bombshell! The Teen Titans kick her ass this issue too. I look forward to seeing Jericho back on the team and back alive. He may have a terrible costume, but he is a great character. Now that I think about it, the Titans seem to be always searching for Raven. Someone should tell her this time not to run off again. Great Issue. Can't wait for the next!

The Firestorm Team

Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #31
Written by Stuart Moore
Art by Jamal Igle and Keith Champagne

This was one crazy issue. So many secrets revealed, so many mysteries solved. It got a little confusing and jumbled, but I suppose it wasn't bad. The art though was usually good, but for some reason everytime Firehawk appeared, she looked so messed up. She looked like an Elf or something. Weird. I do not know what that was about. Anyways, I like how Moore has built this family around Firestorm. Firestorm has a pretty strong supporting cast now. I mean with Firehawk, Pozar, Pionic Man, and Gahenna, he could start his own team if he wanted. Pretty cool. I wonder what Hewitt meant when he said he knew why Jason was Firestorm. Is he talking about Earth-8 or maybe something else? I am not sure. I suppose we will find out though.

Proof That Art Can Ruin Good Writing

Green Arrow (Volume 3) #68
Written by Judd Winick
Art and Cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens

This was a pretty good issue. I enjoyed the writing, just not the art. In fact, I despised the art. This issue would have been perfect if it was not for the horrible art. I mean take a good look at Mia in this issue, what in god's name is that. That's not Mia. She looks like a freaking monster. The writing was great, I love Ollie's monologue that focuses on his origin story, and I love the reasoning for Connor and Mia not returning to Star City. It makes perfect sense and I am suprised that I never though of it before. Judd is really thinking this whole Ollie as a politician thing through. Oliver Queen's relationship with Mia would definitely hurt him an election. People would think it was odd that the candidate was living with an HIV infected ex-hooker and won't see it in a positive light. Would have been a great issue, if it weren't for the damn art.

Global Pricks

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #14
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert

This issue was pretty good. I mean, it wasn't bad, but it didn't give me goosebumps or anything. The ending was interesting, I wonder why Abin Sur's son hates Hal Jordan. I am going to guess he doesn't understand that Parallax took over Hal. Ya that is probably it. Oh and what League is Hal referring to? Maybe he is just referring to the old league, because he was definitely not with the Justice League a few months ago. The art is just to my liking, that one page where he recites the Green Lantern oath was freaking amazing. I mean wallpaper on my desktop amazing. I wish this book wasn't so late, but it is understandable since Geoff is working so hard on 52. The Global Guardians are such pricks, but I think they were always pricks? At least they were during the JLI days.

Outsiders 38 - 42

Outsiders (Volume 3) #38
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Pop Mahn

Okay this issue rocked! Evey page filled with great moment. Whether it was Nigtwing telling off Captain Boomerang or Katana's dropping of Phobia. I loved it! The only thing is that the brotherhood of evil is becoming overexposed since crisis. They seeme to be appearing in too many places. But hell, the art was amazing! I wish this guy was the regular artist!

Outsiders (Volume 3) #39
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Matthew Clark and Ron Randall


This issue was just full of surprises. Apparently, the brotherhood is cloning metahumans and we find out some truths about the DNA of the outsiders. Grace has a people?? And the best of all, Shift is back! Probably just temporarily, but he is back. I miss that guy. I think Metamorpho must have absorbed him somewhere in the one year gap. Great issue.

Outsiders (Volume 3) #40
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Matthew Clark and Art Thibert

I am definitely loving the Outsiders one year later. There is something so cool about them. This storyline is great too. I look forward to seeing the Outsiders going after Sivana after this. I was kind of sad that it wasn't Shift in this issue but instead another piece of Metamorpho. And I was correct that Shift was absorbed by Metamorpho in the one year gap, but he chose to because he felt guilty for commiting murder. Interesting.

Outsiders (Volume 3) #41
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Matthew Clark and Art Thibert

This issue was so-so, it was a little decompressed. Not much happens outside of the Outsiders being exposed as being alive. Oh and we find out that Thunder and Grace are having a lesbian affair. We still do not know what exactly the Outsiders are in trouble for doing and what is Grace's big secret.

Outsiders (Volume 3) #42
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Matthew Clark, Ron Randall and Art Thibert

Okay this was a lot better than the last issue. Sivana's plan is cool. It reminds me of the old school villain comic plots. Very nice. Wiping the memories of an entire city. Now, I wonder why he says he and the Outsiders want the same thing. I guess we will finf that out next issue. But before that, I have to say that Katana's new costume is hideous. Just hideous.

Death of a Bat-Son

Batman #658
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Andy Kubert and Jesse Delperdang

So it looks like Batman's son is dead. We never see a body so in a comic book, that means he could easily still be alive. I am not sure why Talia would set herself up for death, so I am going to assume that they are still alive. But he's dead for now. I doubt Batman is going to grieve much, since Damien was a brat from the day he met him. An evil brat at that. I find it hard to believe that Damien would end up as anything else besides a Jason Todd clone. In the end, I have to ask. Was this storyline needed? Or was it just a ruse to sell some comic books. I am leading to the second choice, it accomplished nothing in the development of Batman in the cover and if we erase this storyline from happening, it would change nothing. At least I believe so, I have been wrong before. I just do not think that this was one of Morrison's better works. I am excited for next month with the return of the Joker. Everyone loves the Joker!

Nightwing 122 - 126

Nightwing #122
Written by Bruce Jones
Art by Paco Diaz

Jason really screwed Dick over by skipping town. Now, the police are gonna see Dick as the villain. The cops hate the super-heroes thing has been done before with so many character. Heck, I am pretty sure it has been done with Nightwing before. So I guess I am not totally excited about next issue. I do hope that Cheyenee stays in the series though, even after Jones leaves the book and Wolfman takes over.

Nightwing #123
Written by Bruce Jones
Art by Robert Teranishi

I am really enjoying the moments between Nightwing and Clancy. I love how she has become Dick's therapist sort of. And it was great to see some acknoledgement of his involvement with Barabara in this title. The NYPD is really starting to piss me off, when are cops gonna learn that super-heroes are good.

Nightwing #124
Written by Bruce Jones
Art by Robert Teranishi and Wes Craig

Well it looks like Cheyenne is leaving this series after all. She goes off to hollywood this issue. Well, at least we are getting Marv Wolfman on this title. I look forward to his writing. Jones's wasn't as bad as fans made it seem though. Except for the whole Pierce Bros. thing, they were some boring villains.

Nightwing #125
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund

Marv Wolfman's debut issue on this title was not as exciting as I had hoped. The Rapter doesn't seem like a great villain but I am interested in finding out if he even is a villain. And what will come out of this whole, "You should have died in Crisis" thing.

Nightwing #126
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund

I still am not totally getting into this storyline, I have no idea why. I liked the last scene though with the funteral, those protesters really pissed me off. But in the end, I just don't care about this whole LexCrops/Biotech storyline. It does not interest me at all. Maybe I will get into it later, but now it is just going too slow for my tastes. It was good to see Dick talk of his circus days though.

Scary Villains

All-New Atom #5
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Eddy Barrows and Trevor Scott
Cover by Ladrönn

Man am I loving this series. In 5 issues, Gail has managed to get me hooked. In fact, I did not expect to like this when I first heard of it but I am definitely loving it now. The cover, oddly enough, has to do with the last issue and not this one. Giganta is not in this issue and the Atom fell in her mouth in the last one. This issue reveals that the dean is actually working against the Atom and is actually quite evil. Ryan's father pays him a visit and he seems like a real hard ass dad. I love the mention of the way the Chinese treat their fathers with respect, nice litle cultural recognition there. Oh and the scene where Dwarfstar rips through Ricky Robot's throat was sooo cool. Definitely something I have never seen before in any medium. Sick, but cool. Dwarfstar and the dean are pretty scary villains.

Manhunter 23 - 25

Manhunter #23
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco

Okay I know that most critics love this book, and I did too at the start. But this issue just bored me, I like Manhunter. But I find myself not caring too much about her supporting cast, especially Dylan. Plus, the whole Phantom Lady is Manhunter's grandmother thing seems a little forced. I mean there is nothing wrong with having a superhero who is not related to another one. But that is just my opinion.

Manhunter #24
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco

Okay this issue was much better than the last. I wasn't actually bored. The fight between Manhunter and Dr. Psycho was great and even the society notes that Kate can kick ass. I am not sure what Bones is getting at at the end of this issue but I suppose we will find out soon. Oh and Sweeny Todd is certainly becoming an intersting/creepy villain.

Manhunter #25
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco

False alarm, this series is definitely still good. And I hope that it will continue past issue 30. Manhunter is getting famous in L.A. as she fights Sweeny Todd in a club. Oh and Wonder Woman shows up this issue, and it is definitely Diana. Which is weird, because over in her own series Donna is now Wonder Woman. Maybe this takes place after this? Anyways, I look forward to the team up between Wonder Woman and Manhunter next issue.

The Disgusting Return of Dr. Phosphorus

Detective Comics #825
Written by Royal McGraw
Art by Marcos Marz and Luciana del Negro

This was a nice little filler issue. In fact, it is one of the better filler issues I have read. While I did miss Paul Dini this month, these creators (whom I have never head of before) are not half-bad. They tell a story about a villain I must admit I am not familiar with, Dr. Phosphorus. But it doesn't really matter if you have heard of him or not, he is pretty damn scary as a skeleton on fire. That may be because of the art here, which is just fantastic. This art team should do more books. I cringed when Batman through baking soda on the villain, Phosphorus looked very gross after that. I imagine it would be like throwing lemon juice on a wound...that would hurt! Gordon is kind of dumn in this issue...he makes a lot of pretty rookie mistakes. But otherwise, this was a well-written little story that is quite enjoyable. Reccomended.

Justice League of America 1 - 3

Justice League of America (Volume 3) #1
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes and Sandra Hope

Wow, did this get me excited me about the Justice League again or what? Identity Crisis is one of my favorite comic stories of all time, so I have hope for this series with Brad Meltzer as writer. Oh and not to mention Ed Benes is not one of my favorite artists, he did some great work on this issue! The storyline is good, the moments with Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are perfect and I love how we rarely see their faces. Oh and for the first time in my life, I actually care about the Red Tornado.


Justice League of America (Volume 3) #2
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes and Sandra Hope

This was another excellent issue. I am starting to really care about the red tornado and I never really realized how powerful he was before this. I have to wonder though why Green Lantern and Black Canary chose Roy instead of Ollie to go with them on their mission. Green Arrow is clearly the more experienced hero. I hope that that is explained. Oh and it is going to be pretty hard to deal with an army of red tornado-like robots. I hope those three can handle it.

Justice League of America (Volume 3) #3
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes and Sandra Hope

This issue was pretty good, but I still can't help but wonder if this story is too decompressed. I mean after 4 issue, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are still in the damn batcave. I want to see the Justice League formed already! Oh well, maybe I am just being impatient. One thing I am confused about is is Red Tornado still human? Why does he look like the red tornado now? Is he wearing a costume? If someone could answer this that would be great. I think I missed something. Oh and doesn't Vixen need the totem to have powers?

The Origin of Kryptonite!

Superman Confidential #1
Written by Darwyn Cooke
Art and Cover by Tim Sale

This is the first issue of a series that is supposed to have stories that take place in Superman's early career and show us his post-infinite crisis history. Okay...I can buy that. But hasn't Superman's first encounter with kryptonite been done time and time again. You say that since Infinite Crisis, this is going to be the real story...well okay. Fine. Whatever. If I ignore the fact that this story has been time and time again, this was a damn good issue. Usually when I think of Tim Sale's art, I do not think of Superman, but he certainly works well here. The story seems interesting and I know Cooke is a good writer. I loved what we got to see of Lois this issue, it is fun to see the old Lois Lane act all in character. Very nice. The issue of a new casino moving into a town and the concerns over it really hits home for me, my home town had just the same issue. Of course, our fuss was all moot because the casino never came but in Metropolis, it did. It was interesting to find out that Metropolis has a low crime rate. Probaby just the opposite of Gotham. Nice first issue. I look forward to the next.

JSA Classified 13 - 18

JSA Classified #13
Written by Stuart Moore
Art by Paul Gulacy

This was the final issue of this Vandal Savage story arc and it ended pretty well. I mean it was kinda cool seeing Vandal eat flesh Hannibal Lector style. The whole clone thing was a little cliche though. I think this arc could have been a lot shorter but it had some good moments.

JSA Classified #14
Written by Steve Engleheart Art by Tom Derenick

This issue begins a new story arc that is the sequel to the recent "Detroit Era" JLA Classified arc that I loved so much. This time around, it takes place in the modern DCU when Gypsy and Vixen discover some villain's plan to kidnap the JSA and make them fight eachother. Okay, that whole thing right there is a little cliche, so I am not singing this arc's praises just yet. We have seen that whole force a team to fight eachother thing a million times. But I look forward to next issue. Oh and when do you think Stargirl will finally get her braces off?

JSA Classified #15
Written by Steve Engleheart
Art by Tom Derenick

This felt like such an "in the middle" issue. Not much happened and when it did, it didn't interest me. I think it's safe to say that Engleheart's JLA Classified arc was much better than this one. The superheroes fighting each other has just been done too many times.

JSA Classifed #16
Written by Steve Engleheart
Art by Tom Derenick

This issue was a little bit better than last, at least the ending was. It was nice to see Vixen and Gypsy be asked to join the JSA, even though they turned it down. Vixen will be re-joining the JLA soon and Gypsy is now a member of the Birds of Prey. It was funny to see Amos Fortune balloon up like Violet from Willy Wonka. I was expecting the oompa loompas to come in and roll him away (:

JSA Classified #17
Written by Tony Bedard
Art and cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens

This was a really creative, well-written storty. I like writers who make me think of something I have never though of before, and Bedard does that this issue. I never thought of the connection between Bane and Hourman; that Hourman and Bane both have to use drugs to get their power. And I am surprised no one has thought of it before, so I think that was really clever on the part of Bedard. The only problem I have is the art, I have McDaniel's art, it's terrible. Just look at the legs on Hourman on the cover, he looks fricken weird.

JSA Classified #18
Written by Tony Bedard
Art and cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens

Damn, it is nice to see Bane being written well again. Bedard is good, I am surprised I have never heard of him before. I enjoyed this issue a lot. Bane was kick ass in this isssue and so was Hourman. I didn't even really mind the art this time around, the story kept me from realizing how bad it was. Gosh, I can't wait till the Justice Society of America book begins in december. Anyways, I hope Bedard returns to this book sometime soon for a rematch between Bane and Hourman.

Learning about the Legacy

Blue Beetle (Volume 6) #8
Written by Keith Giffen and John Rogers
Art by Cully Hamner
Cover by Duncan Rouleau

The new Blue Beetle goes on a roadtrip with Brenda and Mr. Black to meet the granddaughter of Dan Garret, the first Blue Beetle. I enjoyed this issue because any use of history or continuity just gets my blood flowing. We are still not any closer to understanding why the scarab is so different from when Dan Garret had it. The scarab never spoke to Dan or created crazy ass armor but it is not. This is certainly a mystery and one I hope gets solved soon. I don't want them to drag it out too long. Now that we have seen Dan Garret's relatives, I think it is time to see the Kords. Ted needs to get some commemoration. I wonder who Mr. Black is and who the reach is? Even more mysteries. This book is certainly full of lots of questions. I think that is why I like it so much. Good Issue.

JLA Classified 23 - 28

JLA Classified #23
Written by Steve Englehart
Art by Tom Derenick and Mark Farmer

The arc focusing on the "Detroit Era" Justice League continues this issue. I must say that I like all the moments with the Leaguers but I could care less about the Royal Flush Gang and would really have enjoyed this issue more without them. Besides that, decent issue.


JLA Classified #24
Written by Steve Englehart
Art by Tom Derenick and Mark Farmer

Okay this issue kicked some major ass. I loved it. The only weakness being the parts with the royal flush gang again. Otherwise, I just could not get enough of Englehart's characterization of the Detroit Justice Leaguers. He makes me want to go back and read the old issues. Vixen's origin is written so eloquently and I am excited that she is going to be part of the current JLA now. He has gotten me to care about characters that I never gave a crap about before. Great writing. Englehart even made Aquaman's talking to fish power seem cool. Not to mention, this issue had pretty good art.


JLA Classified #25
Written by Steve Englehart
Art by Tom Derenick and Mark Farmer

This was a great ending to a great story arc. I think this series needs more arcs like this, arcs that focus on obscure parts of the JLA's history. It is revelaed in this issue that Gypsy knew about Vibe and Steel's deaths before they happened. I don't know if this is a new idea or not but it is very interesting. Gypsy is a lot more powerful than I thought and I am glad she is now a member of the Birds of Prey. I think this story arc may just have convinced me to pick up some old Detroit JLA issues.

JLA Classified #26
Written by Howard Chaykin
Art and cover by Kilian Plunkett and Tom Nguyen
This issue was okay, nothing to write home about it. I feel like the whole JLA getting involved in international affair thing has been done to death in the last few years and therefore, a story that would have been a big deal a decade ago is just another JLA story now. It is nice to see Faith again and to read a story with the JLA taking place only a little while before Infinite Crisis. It makes you think about how much has changed in the DCU since Infinite Crisis.

JLA Classified #27
Written by Howard Chaykin
Art and cover by Kilian Plunkett and Tom Nguyen

This issue bored me until the end when I was just so pissed off at the league for getting involved in this international affair and creating a huge problem. Chaykin write the Justice League as being pretty damn arrogant and that is just not how I see them. Oh and the art is pretty mediocre. Not one of my favorites.

JLA Classified #28
Written by Howard Chaykin
Art and cover by Kilian Plunkett and Tom Nguyen

Okay this issue sucked and I must say that this whole storyline so far blows. The JLA is acting totally out of character and shitty. They are acting like they have no experience as super heroes at all. Not reccomended.

Superman Confidential Reviews

Issues:

#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14

Hawkgirl 53 - 57

Hawkgirl #53
Written by Walter Simonson
Art by Howard Chaykin

This issue was pretty weird. I think because of Chaykin's art. He draws a pretty messed up villains this issue. The whole weirdness factor doesn't mean I didn't like this issue because I did like it. I liked how Hawkgirl was shown on patrol, not enough heroes are shown like that these days. I am a little dissapinted that Grubs is dead now. I thought he was becoming a good character.

Hawkgirl #54
Written by Walter Simonson
Art by Howard Chaykin

Now this issue I really enjoyed for some reason. I was really getting into it. St. Roch is perfect for zombies and I can't wait to see Hawkgirl kick some zombie ass. All in all, I am beginning to be glad that Hawkgirl is the star of this book now and she can get some much needed characterization. Despite what the cover makes it seem like, Carter doesn't appear until the last page. Oh and I really like the idea that the villain can cause people to go mad when one looks into her eyes.

Hawkgirl #55
Written by Walter Simonson Art by Howard Chaykin

This issue wasn't quite as good. The art started to bug me again and I was pretty confused. I do like the idea of Hath-Set coming back, we haven't seem in a long time. Exploring the Hawks's past is always interesting. I just found this to be a sort of "in the middle" issue.

Hawkgirl #56
Written by Walter Simonson
Art by Howard Chaykin

I liked this issue but it leaves us with more questions than answers. What exactly was the thing in the basement? And why does it want to kill the hawks? And it safe to say now that Hawkgirl is not against killing her adversaries. Okay issue.

Hawkgirl #57
Written by Walter Simonson
Art by Joe Bennet
Cover by Howard Chaykin

This issue was another okay one. Not much happens, Kendra is locked up by some folks led by Blackfire that believe her to be a traitor from the Rann/Thanagar War. I feel like this was a pretty decompressed issue. It could have been better. Now that art though, Bennet is a hell of an improvement over Chaykin and I hope he stays on the book for a while. He drawes Hawkgirl to look cool, like she should look.

Green Lantern Corps 2 - 5

Green Lantern Corps #2
Written by Dave Gibbons
Art by Patrick Gleason

Once again, I went into this issue expecting not to like the space-opera storytelling. But once again, I was pleasently surprised. I am diggin the whole murder mystery feel of it and I have suspicion that Ragnor or whatever his name is is behind it all. I do hope that Natu isn't dead. I like her character a lot. The art is pretty good too.


Green Lantern Corps #3 Written by Dave Gibbons
Art by Patrick Gleason

Wow, Gibbons just keep surprising me with these issues. This issue brought out a lot of emotion in me. I was sad to see Ragnar's execution, I know he was a killer, but he seemed so sad to die, and sad to see his sister become a green lantern and not him. It was kind of upsetting. Next issue should be less sad and more Guy Gardener fun. But anyways, this was another great issue.

Green Lantern Corps #4
Written by Dave Gibbons
Art by Patrick Gleason and Prentis Rollins
Cover by Gibbons

I think this was my favorite issue so far. I loved everything about it. The Guy Gardener moments were so reminiscent of his JLI days and it really made me smile. I wasn't reading comics during the JLI era but I have recently gone back and read them and to my surprise I did like them a lot. Anyways, the Natu visiting her dead partner's parent's home was great. It paralelled how parents often feel when their child dies in the military. And I love those thanagarian lizards, they make me laugh.

Green Lantern Corps #5
Written by Dave Gibbons
Art and cover by Gibbons and Michael Bair

I liked this issue a lot as well. I love how Gibbons is portraying Mogo as the therapist for the Green Lantern Corps. I always thought the idea of a planet that is a Green Lantern so awesome so I am glad Mogo is being featured. I think I am liking this series even better than the main Green Lantern series. Bravo.

Not Another Kryptonian!

Action Comics #844
Written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Art and cover by Adam Kubert

I have mixed feelings about this issue. First off, I am worried. I don't think we need a new kryptonian in Clark's life. I know that Donner is supposed to be a "god" among comic fans because of his directing of Superman: The Movie but he is has an odd obesession with Jor-El and Krypton. And I know that I am not alone in that opinion, I read it in a few other places in the blogosphere. I don't know if that affects his stories negatively or not but I would like to see a story by him not about Krypton. Though I do welcome him to Action Comics and I hope he stays long. Anyways, why I am worried about this issue is this kryptonian boy, he seems too similar to Superman's illegitamate son from Superman Returns. That was a plot-point that nearly ruined the movie for me, I thought it was just rudiculous and stupid. The art was okay, not the best. I guess I expected more from this issue than I got. There were some good moments though and that is why I am going to wait before I judge this storyline too harshly.

Green Lantern 12 and 13

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #12
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis and Marc Campos
Cover by Simone Bianchi

Okay I am not going to lie and say I know exactly what is going on in this issue. But I will say that I did enjoy it. I never knew Cyborg-Superman's origin before and I love how it is like the fantastic four if Reed Richards went evil. At least how it is shown in the art in this book. I also loved how Geoff introduced all of the green lanterns, very good writing there. Otherwise, I still am not sure what the heck is going on. How did all of those GL's survive? Am I supposed to know that already?

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #13
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis and Marc Campos Cover by Simone Bianchi

This issue was very good. We find out that Superboy-Prime is imprisoned by the guardians and apparently they know exactly what "52" is, and there is some kind of path in sector 3601. Whatever that means. These mysteries I suppose will be solved eventually so I am not going to worry too much about them now. Next issue Hal is to return to earth, and I like earth stories a lot better than Space operas. Good issue, but not one of my favorites.