Green Lantern Corps 7 and 8

Green Lantern Corps #7
Written by Keith Champagne
Art by Patrick Gleason and Prentis Rollins

This was a pretty cool issue. The idea of an undercover unit of the Green Lantern Corps is fascinating and of course anything that has to do with the Dominators has to be good. I hate those things so much that they really bring emotion into any story I read with them in it. This series is pretty violent and has some pretty provocative stuff in it. Especially when Guys says, I think my nipples just got hard. I laughed out loud at that.

Green Lantern Corps #8
Written by Keith Champagne
Art by Patrick Gleason and Prentis Rollins

This issue was really quite gross. Lots of blood and guts and people getting ripped apart. Not really a comic book for the kiddies (not that I am complaining). I liked this issue. I hope that Guy and the butterfly girl aren't really dead, I am sure they are not. That can't be right? I do hope that the villain gets his ass handed to him next issue. I really don't like this evolved dominator guy. Champagne is a good writer and artist. A rare talent in comics. I hope that he stays around for a while and maybe get his own series to write.

Who Is The Ventriloquist?

Detective Comics #827
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Don Kramer and Wayne Faucher

This issue marks the debut of the all-new ventriloquist and I hope she stays around for a long time to come. Dini continues his line of great one-shot stories of Batman too with this issue. So far Dini has not failed me and I do not suspect he ever will. Kramer's art is fantastic and almost perfect for Detective Comics. Although Morison's Batman run is getting more attention, this is the better of the two series. The new ventriloquist, Sugar, still has scarface but she is still very different from Arnold Wesker. She is confident and more violent. She is not so much afraid of scarface as Wesker was. Albeit, I suppose she is just as nuts as he was. I hope she sticks around. It is hinted that we are supposed to know her from somewhere, or at least Batman is. I wonder wonder who she truly is.

Uh....What?!

Robin #158
Written by Adam Beechen
Art by Frazer Irving

Wow! This story could have been good, it I wasn't distracted by the weirdest art I have seen in a long time. Irving barely even draws backgrounds or anything, Gotham City is apparently just a big orange light in Irving's eyes. I really really really really did not like the art this issue. It really takes away from the enjoyment of the story and the story isn't that strong to begin with. I liked that Klarion and Robin have struck up a sorta friendship but that was about it. I am glad this arc is over and we can get to some more Robin action. Oh and maybe some normal art. Robin has been really good since Beechen took over (minus the Cassandra Cain thing) but this arc was not his best, and I think the art made it a lot worse. Hopefully next month things will start looking up.

Checkmate 9 and 10

Checkmate (Volume 2) #9
Written by Greg Rucka
Art and Cover by Jesus Saiz

This series is brutal and can be incredibly confusing, but it sure is good. Especially this issue, which unexpectedly guest starred the Shadowpact (Who I love). I love how the Checkmate is really no-holds-barred and they do things the JLA or any superhero team wouldn't be caught dead doing. I am not sure why Sarge Steel and Sasha are so pissed at eachother this issue, but they are at odds through the whole thing. The introduction of the Thinker to the cast is a great move by Rucka, I like the character already even though I am barely familiar with him.

Checkmate (Volume 2) #10
Written by Greg Rucka
Art and Cover by Jesus Saiz

The pulled it off! They got a mole into Kobra! I was worried through the whole issue. This was certainly suspenseful and hats off to Rucka for creating that suspense. I really liked this issue. Maybe it was the magic I don't know, but it was really cool. Both Shadowpact and Checkmate kicked ass this issue and there was a lot of tension and surprise. The only thing I am worried about is did Sasha say that the Thinker could not be the White King's bishop? That would suck if he got kicked out just as I was starting to like him. Anyways, great issue. Highly reccomended.

A Meeting Between Father And Son

Justice Society of America #2
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham and Art Thibert

This issue was just as great as the first! So hats off to Geoff Johns for hitting another one out of the park! I really enjoyed this issue. The art is fantastic and the moments between the characters were great. Starman is interesting, even though I haven't read Kingdom Come in years and barely remember it. It is amazing how each of Geoff's books have totally different feels to it. You really can not say that about most writers. I think one of the best parts about this issue was the moments between Wildcat and his newly discovered son. I absolutely loved how it wasn't the typical long lost son meets his father moment. Wildcat's son makes it clear he could care less that his father wasn't around as a kid and he completely understands why. That is awesome! It was so afraid it was going to be the classic why were you not around, I hate you type thing.

Bring Back The Martian Manhunter

Justice League of America #5
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes and Sandra Hope

Wow, after five issues they finally left the cave and this story is moving forward. It was about freaking time! Now, I hope to god that Meltzer doesn't plan on killing Kathy Sutton. First because they would be too predictable and second we already did the whole Sue thing, we don't need another dead wife. You almost feel bad for Amazo in that one panel when he is crying, but then when he says he is going to hurt Kathy that sympathy goes away. The line-up of what will be the league (they still haven't officially formed) still seems really strange to me especially without Martian Manhuner. J'onn is the heart and soul of the league and I really miss him being a member. Hopefully Meltzer will realize this during his run and bring him back. But for some reason I don't see that happening. This was an okay issue, I still hate the confusing text boxes in this series but oh well.

The Flash 7 and 8

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #7 Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art by Ron Adrian and Rob Lea

This is the penultimate issue of Bilson and Demeo's run and it looks like they are just getting good when they have to leave. That is sad but it's how the comic business works. Anyways, this is a good issue and stuff. Bart moving to L.A. seems like a good idea, for now, but I hope he will return to Keystone City eventually because well, that is where the Flash belongs.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #8
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art by Ron Adrian and Art Thibert

The writing team may have started out horribly, but they are going out greatly. This was the best issue of the series to date. It was full of action and yet managed to move the character forward as well. It looks like the new writers will be continuing the Inertia storyline as well as they sort of set that up at the end of this issue. I am starting to get used to Bart as the Flash, finally. I love Wally but he will be back some day. I think it is time to let Bart ride the lightning.

The Double Chin Lex

Superman Confidential #3
Written by Darwyn Cooke
Art and cover by Tim Sale

This was a good issue, mostly because it is cool to see how Lex is so suspicious of Superman. Tim Sale draws Lex pretty fat, in fact he has a double chin in this issue. It kinda made me laugh. It was funny to see Lex get mad when Superman crashed his benefit party, but you can kind of sympathize with Lex in that scene. I mean it was about Lex and then Superman just shows up and steals all his thunder. Sick Kid's Fun Day seems like a pretty uninspired name though, I think Cooke could have come up with better. It is kind of a negative title for a benefit for Sick Children. I am not sure what Gallo is doing at the end of this issue and I am not sure if I dig the whole sentient Kryptonite idea, but this issue was still good. The moment where Superman is talking with the polar boy because he is so lonely was very nice. I liked that a lot.

Barbara Vs. Lois

Birds of Prey #102
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood

Now this was a good issue. Lots of action and tension, it really keeps you at the edge of your seat. Misfit is a fun character and I hope she stays around for a while. The only thing that kinda bothered me about this issue is doesn't Lois know that Barbara Gordon is Oracle? Didn't her husband tell her? Does Superman even know? That just confused me and got me thinking. And why was Babs acting like Lois would take her down. Shouldn't she know that Lois is a good person and won't take down heroes just for a good story? I mean she has never revealed her husband is Superman, why would she reveal Barbara is Oracle? These are some interesting questions. I really am enjoying Nicola Scott's art, he draws beautiful women but not in a sleazy way. We still do not know much about Judomaster, I would like to hear more about her. Oh and it was great to see Gypsy hasn't been forgotten about. This issue really shows how much of an asset she is the birds. Oh and this issue also showed how badass and crazy Manhunter is. Highly reccomended.

Legion 25 and 26

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #25
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Barry Kitson and Mick Gray

This was a good issue that focused on...well...a lot of stuff. The Wanderers seem interesting and you can already tell they are not exactly villains. Supergirl's fight with Mon-El was pretty standard, nothing too exciting there but there was a lot of other stuff going on. I look forward to next issue.

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #26
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Barry Kitson and Mick Gray

Now this issue was kick ass and a lot of fun. We learn the secret origins of Light Lass and Lightning Lad, along with their older brother. Waid comes up with a pretty interesting origin, I don't know if it was the same in the old legion or not but it is pretty cool. My favorite part of this issue must be when Mon-El and Supergirl talk about the fact that they will meet when Supergirl returns to the 21st century. I imagine this will happen in the upcoming Action Comics Annual. That was a nice use of continuity. I really enjoyed this issue and the ending was crazy. Nice cliffhanger.

The Spirit's Own Selina Kyle

The Spirit #2
Written by Darwyn Cooke
Art by Cooke and J. Bone

While I wouldn't say I enjoyed this issue as much as last issue, this series is still going strong. (Not that I expected it to be bad or any thing.) P'Gell is a great Femme Fatale and according to Wikipedia, she is not a new character. P'Gell's relationship with the Spirit reminds me a lot of Batman and Catwoman. Except P'Gell is still really a villain and Catwoman isn't but still. The art is great and fits the tone of the story, although I would have liked to see the cemetery more that The Spirit has his base in. I hope one day Cooke explains how The Spirit became The Spirit as he hasn't really re-told the origin story yet I would like to see his version of it. I think I just might go buy the Spirit Archives that DC has published. This is a great read.

The History Of Kid Devil

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #42
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Peter Snejbjerg

This issue is the perfect example of Geoff Johns's uncanny ability to both move characters forward yet respect their history. This recap of Kid Devil's life up till the present is exciting and emotional and fun all wrapped into one story. I loved learning so much about Eddie Bloomberg's past. It isn't all recap though, we learn how Eddie looks the way he does now. It is all Neron's fault. That evil demon from hell who has messed with a lot of superheroes over the years. Kid Devil's deal with Neron is horrible but I look forward to seeing how that will turn out in the end. I doubt that Kid Devil will actually become Neron's slave. Eddie is a very troubled young man who has been through a lot and Johns shows in this issue that he is probably the most interesting of the current Titans. Great Issue.

JSA Classified 20 and 21

JSA Classified #20
Written by Scott Beatty
Art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair

This issue was really gross and gory, but ultimately very cool. It really shows how far people will go to be beautiful in our culture and how crazy it would be if we were a culture plus metahumans. I hope Endless Winter comes back someday because she is a compelling villain and this was a really great story. Oh and as always, Rags Morales's art is amazing.

JSA Classified #21
Written by Walter Simonson
Art and cover by Simonson

Well, the art is kind of annoying in this story and I never got excited about anything having to do with the Rann-Thanagar War, but just like the last issue of Hawkgirl, this was pretty good surprisingly. So it looks like Hawkman has been on Rann for over a year now and the war is still kinda going on. Blackfire is still a bitch too lol. I wonder how she ends up getting a hold of his wings. It was cool to see the Absorbascon, makes you wonder why Hawkman does not use that more often. I also look forward to seeing his reuniting with Hawkgirl and I wonder how Hawkgirl is going to stay solo after he returns to earth. Or will she?

Girl Fight

Hawkgirl #59
Written by Walter Simonson
Art by Renato Arlem

I am not sure why, but I think this is the best issue of Hawkgirl yet. I think it was the art, which i really liked. Arlem should be on more books, I don't believe I have ever heard of him before. Story-wise this was also pretty cool, Kendra talks about how much she misses Hawkman and we get a nice fight with Blackfire. Hawkgirl even goes to upgrade her armor a little bit. It is cool to see Blackfire with Hawkman's wings (even though we all know she did not kill him, despite what she says) To be honest, I think Simonson is getting better at writing Hawkgirl but I think so many people have left the book and are not going to try it out again unless it gets a new writer, so that is what I think DC should do. In a perfect world, Simonson would be able to continue but if you want to save this book from cancellation, he has to go.

Amon Sur's Revenge

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #16
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert

This was an action-packed issue and it was great to see the new Justice League in action for the first time (even if it wasn't in their own book). It did make me realize how much the Justice League feels empty without Martian Manhunter but...oh well. Abin Sur's son seems like a logical choice for a villain and I am surprised no one has really thought about that before, it makes perfect sense. Jordan just left buried his father in the desert, of course he's pissed. But I think the guy is wrong, the ring chose Hal and Hal didn't not respect Abin when he died. Some say this bounty hunter, Hunger Dog, is really John Stewart. I don't know. Why is John a bounty hunter now? I don't think it's true but hey maybe I am wrong. Oh and is Cowgirl really dead? That seems like a waste of a character, don't it. I hope she isn't. Anyways, this was a cool issue and get it just for the Justice League alone.

Nightwing Reflects

Nightwing #128
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund

This issue concludes Marv Wolfman's first story arc on Nightwing. This arc was...well...I hate to say it but....it was very underwhelming. I expected a much better debut arc from Wolfman. At least the next arc looks a lot more fun with Bride and Groom. These two villains make their first official appearence in this issue and I look forward to seeing more of them. Albeit, this issue was the best of this arc. And the best of Wolfman's run so far. Nightwing reflecting on his relationships with Barbara Gordon and Startfire was fun to see and it looks like Wolfman is heading the character back to a more stable hero, instead of a hero who is always questioning himself. That version of Nightwing needs to end because, well, he is annoying. I still think Nightwing should return to Bludhaven but oh well.

An Outsiders Flashback

Outsiders (Volume 3) #44
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Ron Randall and Art Thibert

While it really doesn't seem like a lot happens this issue, it is basically just an introduction to this flashback story arc, it was still a lot of fun. My favorite line from this issue must have been,

Boomerang: I am so drunk
Katana: Me too
Boomerang: And...Kind of Horny
Katana: I will kill you before you could move
Boomerang: Gotcha

That was hilarious. Winick knows how to write some funny stuff. There were some continuity issues though. Why does he say Starfire quit the team? I thought Starfire hadn't returned from space at this time (As it is shown in 52) Maybe I am wrong and they are referring to her quitting at another time. I don't know. But it is great to see Shift again, even if it is just temporary. (If only we could get Indigo back!) Anyways, this was a pretty good issue and I look forward to how this story goes.

JLA Classified 30 - 32

JLA Classified #30
Written by Howard Chaykin
Art and Cover by Killian Plunkett and Tom Nguyen

The story that involves the JLA in an international conflict continues this issue. I enjoyed this issue too. Not bad bad, but not amazing or anything. It was good. Martian Manhunter should still be in the JLA, that's all I gotta say. This issue shows that well.

JLA Classified #31 Written by Howard Chaykin
Art and Cover by Killian Plunkett and Tom Nguyen

This story could have been a lot better now that I look back at it. It concludes this issue well, the JLA helps the two countries get back to normal and keep the metal from getting into any government hands. At first, I thought Chaykin was writing from the perspective that America is always right type of thing, but I am happy to say that this issue shows that it is not like that. The JLA do not give the metal to the US gov even though they asked for it. So this story arc over all was better than I thought at first, but still just okay.

JLA Classified #32
Written by Dan Slott and Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens and Trevor Scott

This issue was much better than the last story arc and it is great to see Plastic Man again. But, it got a little boring at points and we see more of this new character, Darren Profitt, than we do the JLA and I am not particularly fond of parelell universe stories. So there were definitely some pros and cons. This issue was a little long, 40 pages was kinda unnecessary. There were a lot of great moments though. I will have to read the next issues before I make my decision if I like this story arc.

I Will Never Understad The Appeal Of The Hawaiian Pizza

Green Arrow (Volume 3) #70
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Scott McDaniel

Now this is a fun issue. I think you can't really go wrong with Green Arrow, Speedy, Batman, and the Red Hood all in one issue. It would take a really bad writer to screw that up and Winick certainly does not here. There was some great dialogue in this issue, my favorite must have been when Green Arrow said, "I will never understand the appeal of the Hawaiian Pizza." I couldn't agree with Ollie more. There were some great character moments between Green Arrow and Batman and I loved when Green Arrow is talking to Speedy about Batman; explaining how Batman is well...er...Batman. I am think I like Jason Todd as the Red Hood instead of a crazed Nightwing. It just suits him better. The comment where Jason explains to Brick why he wears the domino mask under his hood is great, and a nice use of continuity (even if Winick wrote himself the storyline mentioned) This was all and all one of the best issues of Green Arrow in a while.

More Of A Story From The Past

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #47
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Phil Winslade and Butch Guice

The art really distracted me from the story this issue. There was some strange coloring and I think there was just too much going on in each frame. It was annoying. The story was confusing and I think the art made it a lot more confusing. I liked the ending though and I hope this story ties into what happened to the Old Aquaman because if it doesn't it was just a big waste of space. I like King Shark as a character though and it was cool to see the Old Aquaman when he was king. It just wasn't exciting enough or even interesting enough of an issue for me to reccomend it to anyone. Maybe it is a good thing that Busiek is leaving this title. His run started out very strong but the last few issues haven't really been up to par. Albeit, I look forward to next issue where the new Aquaman faces the Fisherman.

Crazy Robot Runs Amuck

Batman Confidential #2
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and cover by Whilce Portacio and Richard Friend

This new series that explores Batman's early days continues this month. I must say I think I liked this issue more than the first. At first I did not, it seemed like just another Robot running-amuck story, but Diggle reveals in the end that there is much more to it than that. The idea that a man's brain has been downloaded into the robot is pretty cool. I wish we could have seen that explored more instead of Batman just taking the memory cortex out so quickly. But I imagine Diggle will explore it more in the coming issues. Alfred's comments were great in this issue and reminded me a lot of Michael Caine as Alfred in Batman Begins and it was cool to see James Gordon with his old red hair again. The art is still kinda awkward and weird but I suppose fits in this book more than it would in any other DC book.

All New Atom 6 and 7

All-New Atom #6
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Eddy Barrows and Trevor Scott

This issue, The Atom stops the war between Chaos and Reason in Ivy Town. Although, he faces some incredible problem doing it, including a pretty brutal stab from Dwarfstar. Dwarfstar is a scary guy and Simone makes sure that the reader will hate him. This was an action-packed issue that will get your adrenaline going. I really enjoyed it. I look forward to seeing Dwarfstar after this and Ryan Choi is becoming a really good superhero.

All-New Atom #7
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Mike Norton

The cover to this issue never really happens in story but besides that this was a fun issue. Simone is really living up to her word that anything can happen in Ivy Town. You literally have no idea what is coming next is this series. In this issue we have cowboys, a green skinned member of the linear men who cuts off cowboy heads, and a man who has been cut in half vertically but somehow is still alive. Weird. But cool at the same time. I think weird but cool sums up Ivy Town.

A Journey Inside Ragman

Shadowpact #8
Written by Bill Willingham
Art and Cover by Shawn McManus

This is by far one of the best series that DC is putting out and more people should be reading it. (I know I am going to be pissed on by the blogosphere for saying this, but yes, it is better than Manhunter) I really enjoyed this issue which focused mainly on Ragman. The ragman is not only a visually exciting character, but also a character with a really cool and exciting concept behind him. Willingham expresses this greatly when he has Ragman journey into his suit where his captured souls are. I think I would feel the same way that Ragman feels, he feels bad for these souls. But he is and I am convinced by the end of this issue that Ragman gives these souls redemption. He gives them all a second chance. I also loved the sequence where Ragman recognized all of the people in there. That reminded me a lot of the scene in "Chicago" where we are introduced to how all the women ended up in jail. I wonder if Willingham thought about that when he was writing this. The Shadowpact ends up defeating the Congregation at the end, because the Congregation makes a really stupid error. But they don't seem like the smartest organization to begin with.

Not My Cup Of Tea

Superman #658
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art and Cover by Carlos Pacheco and Jesus Merino

This issue did not really grab me much. I guess because this is esentially an imaginary "what if this happened in the future" type of story and I usually do not like those. This is the Continuity Blog and if it is not part of continuity, it usually bores me, as did this issue. Nothing too exciting or to write home about. The art was pretty good but the story was just plain. Not bad persay, it just did not excite me. Usually Busiek's writing does excite me but this did not. Next issue stars Krypto which looks interesting. It has to be more exciting that this. Although, I did like the end with Arion's theory about the rise and fall of civilizations. That did make me think. What if some bad things are supposed to happen and the heroes shouldn't stop them? But in the end, I believe Arion is wrong. But he does have interesting ideas.

Barda Like To Play With Her Mega-Rod

Birds of Prey #101
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood

This is a pretty good issue, it was fun to see all of the new Birds working together and I am enjoying the new direction the book is taking. There is a little too much boohooing over Canary leaving the team but I really think it was time for her to go. Even in the comic, Barbara is too upset about it. I loved the moment where Huntress and Judomaster are making fun of the fact that Big Barda calls her staff a mega-rod. Very cute. That was a great moment. I don't know much about Spy Smasher, I think I should do some research on her. She seems like such a bitch. The only problem I had with this is I do not really find myself caring at all about the whole prison sub-plot. It doesn't interest me. I just like the character interactions. But I guess that is just a minor problem in what is a very enjoyable issue.

Stuart Moore's New Years Good Bye

Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #32
Written by Stuart Moore
Art by Jamal Ingle

This is Stuart Moore's last issue on this title and honestly, I am sad to see him go. You can feel in his writing that Moore cared about Firestorm and he truly enjoyed writing what he wrote. It is sad it didn't sell so well and that is why he is leaving it. If the next writer is half as good as Stuart Moore was on this title, I will be happy. Moore has built a nice supporting cast around Firestorm and I hope that the new writer continues this and doesn't just throw them (ala everytime someone take over Wonder Woman) This was really a quiet issue, but a good one at that. We are shown Jason thinking about his relationships with people as the new year rolls in. I can really relate to that and I think most people can that you reflect on your relationships with friends and family on new years and it is nice to see a superhero do the same.