Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Superman 664 - 680

Superman #664
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Carlos Pacheco

This was a good issue but I am glad this whole Arion storyline is over. It was getting really boring....Squad K was a great concept and I am glad Busiek did not write Superman as resenting them.

Superman #665
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Rick Leonardi

Eh this was an okay issue spotlighting how Jimmy Olsen met Superman. I don't care much about the character so this was only okay for me. Not much to say otherwise.

Superman #666
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Walter Simonson

This was an awesome issue. Krypton's Hell's demons coming after Superman is a clever idea and a nice little one-shot story. I especially liked the whole Superman being annoyed with people in his 'dream' so he just kills them. Made me laugh...although I am glad that it wasn't really him.

Superman #667
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Carlos Pacheco

Damn...I thought all of this Arion crap was over!! I guess not...as this continues that storyline. The art is good, but I still don't dig this story that much.

Superman #668
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Rick Leonardi

Now this was the best issue of this series in a while. It was great to se Robin and Chris Kent meet and how Superman is aware that Batman is always spying on him. I also can't wait to finally meet the third Kryptonian.

Superman #669
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Rick Leonardi

At first I Was a little dissapointed to see that the Third Kryptonian was an old woman but I ended up really liking the idea that this space-faring adventurer just wants to settle down and rest in her old age and that is why she has avoided contact with Superman. She doesn't want to be a hero and I like that. Kristin Wells wasn't an actual Kryptonian pre-crisis and she had an awesome costume that I think her current suit is based on. They should bring back the original costume if she ever does decide to become Superwoman.

Superman #670
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Rick Leonardi

Now this was a great issue of Superman! Action, Character moments, and all around a good time! I wish Busiek wasn't leaving this title so soon at the same time more of his issues should have been like this! It was great to see the entire "Superman Family" working together and I liked all the set up for the stuff coming up this year with "New Krypton". Busiek must have originally supposed to be part of that storyline but left due to Trinity. Unless he set it up just for the editor and on Geoff Johns's behalf.

Superman #671
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Peter Vale

This was an okay start to this arc dealing with an "insect queen". Not much to say...it was really just set up.

Superman #672
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Peter Vale

Insect Queens always make good villains lol and I don't know why Chris Kent's watch blew up but I look forward to next issue.



Superman #673
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Peter Vale

Eh this was okay....nothing really great, I thought the stuff about Superman understanding Chris's loneliness was stupid. Clark was a baby when Krypton exploded! Why do so many writers write as if he has some strong emotional attachment to the planet. Earth is home...it's plain and simple. Despite Donner's obsession with Krypton, it is not THAT important.

Superman #674
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Renato Guedes

This was another decent issue from Busiek that brings an old Justice League villain back. The stuff I am more interested in is the stuff with Mon-El. Nice art as well.

Superman #675
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Renato Guedes

Busiek's final issue on the title wraps up the whole what if civilization collapses plot-thread by introducing the idea of Superman creating a library full of human knowledge. I like the idea and it is a great concept. Busiek still writes the character in Trinity and that is a really good series. More people should be reading it.

Superman #676
Written by Vito Delsante
Art by Julian Lopez

Okay was that supposed to be Connor Kent at the end....apparently cloned and in stasis long before his debut? I think so....nice touch. This was obviously supposed to be in Superman Confidential but it makes for a nice fill-in. It was kinda bland though and I am kind of sick of Solomon Grundy right now.

Superman #677
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes

James Robinson begins his run on Superman with this issue and I have to say it's decent. I mean I am not jumping for joy about it but it is pretty good. Atlas seems like a worthy opponent for Superman and I like how Superman says that he beat the traditon of Superhero relationships by staying with Lois. **Cough Cough I am looking at you Spider-Man and Marvel Comics**

Superman #678
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes

This issue was just confusing. I am not sure if I really get Atlas's origin. Where is he from? Why is he so strong? And why does Jimmy keep talking about Superman's breakfast? Weird.....

Superman #679
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes

Not enough happened in this issue to make it an issue. Superman fights Atlas and then Supergirl does and Krypto appeared. Albeit this is the most excited I have ever gotten about Krypto appearing anyways. Maybe because we get to see his thoughts. I think it is a little out of character for Lois to be jealous of Zatanna. So far Robinson's run has not been as good as I expected.

Superman #680
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes

We still know next to nothing about Atlas at the end of this but I suspect that Robinson will bring this up at some later point. The highlight of this issue was Superman's talk with Zachary Zatara and Krypto thinking "happy" at the very end which made me smile. Robinson actually made me like the idea of Krypto....which is a rare thing. This arc could have been much shorter though.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Teen Titans 50 - 63

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #50 Written by Sean McKeever, Geoff Johns, Marv Wolfman, and Todd DeZago Art by Randy, Mike McKone, George Perez, and Todd Nauck

This was a fantastic anniversary issue and a real treat to any fans of the Titans. We look back at different era of the titans history as well as reminisce on the life of Bart Allen, all along setting up the new arc and the return of the Titans of Tommorrow...John's best arc on this book. So I am glad they are coming back. McKeever's run has started off with a bang! Don't you just love that cover!

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #51
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Ale Garza

Not sure what to think of this...it's not bad and I like the hints to the future of the Teen Titans...and the idea that Bart and Connor will be alive in the future. But I think the art makes it less enjoyable....I really miss McKone and Tony Daniel's work on this title.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #52
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Jamal Igle


Awesome ending spread there...it is fun to see these glimpses of possible future titans. This is actually the second time I have read this arc and I must say it reads much better this time around. Not to mention Igle's art is fantastic this issue.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #53
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows

The Titans Army is pretty bad ass....I love that Cassandra Cain is the Batwoman of the future and that Misfit is Huntress (and still yelling Dark Vengeance!) but the coloring was quite off on her hair, along with Aquawoman's. Anyways, there have been way too many artists on this one arc.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #54
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows, Joe Prado, and Greg Tocchini

Okay who else is really looking forward to a Miss Martian/Robin romance. Much better then Wonder Girl and Robin which seems kindve incestuous to me and it would parallel the relationship between Starfire and Nightwing. Anyways, this was a nice ending to this issue. I like that Blue Beetle, Supergirl, and the Ravager are the ones who will one day oppose the Titans Army. I have to say this arc was not as good as John's Titans of Tomorrow arc....but it was still well-written and fun.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #55

Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Jamal Igle

I liked this in-between story. Robin and Wonder Girl end their romance....thank God. And Supergirl leaves the team, sad because I was actually liking her on the team. Poor Kid Devil is treated like crap throughout this issue...even by Robin. I wish Ingle was the regular artist on this title.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #56
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows


Okay I don't know why Robin and everyone are being so mean to Kid Devil...it seems kinda out of character. I am intrigued by the Terror Titans and this issue had a lot of funny moments, especailly when Kid Devil throws the party at the tower. McKeever's run on this title is seriously underrated.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #57
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows

I like that Ravager is worried about Kid Devil....but Wonder Girl really comes off as a bitch in this issue. I mean she has a right to not completely trust Rose but come on. The ending was pretty crazy....I am not sure what happened to the tower.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #58
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Carlos Rodriguez

I really liked the art this issue but why the hell can't Eddy Barrows stay for more then a couple issues! This story was great because it features mostly Miss Martian who really deserves more attention as she is a great character. She has the battling her dark side aspect of Raven and the naivety of Starfire that makes her the perfect fit for the Titans. Good issue.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #59
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows


Clock King is pretty scary and the Dark Side Club is just as so. This issue was good but I feel this arc is a little long altogether. I think Barrows's art reached an all-time high with this issue. Very nice stuff.
Teen Titans (Volume 3) #60
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows


Looks like Ravager is leaving the team...no thanks to Wonder Girl's bitchiness....although the more I think about it the more I realize I would be hesitant about having a known killer on the team as well. This Terror Titans arc was good and it's always fun to see new villains introduced for the Titans but it ran a little long.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #61
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Carlos Rodriguez


This was a sweet issue highlighting the relationship between Blue Beetle and welll....Red Devil. Kid Devil switches his name to Red Devil in this issue. I am not sure that I like the name...Kid Devil just flows better but I can deal with it. I like the bond formed between the two reluctant team mates. Good stuff.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #57
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows


Okay that was just fucking incredibly disturbing!!! I expected a sweet story about a cute god instead I got that before he transformed and slaughtered Wendy and Marvin. Not going to lie, I was pissed after reading this the first time. Miss Martian leaves the team and Wendy and Marvin who have been totally underused are now killed. What the hell right?! This seems like a Dan Didio idea to me. But on the second read-through, it's actually pretty good and I am hoping McKeever has a good reason for killing off Wendy and Marvin, if they are in fact dead.



Teen Titans (Volume 3) #63

Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows
and Allan Goldman

This issue was very decompressed...I don't feel like much happened accept Bombshell fought the military and the Teen Titans and Wonder Girl has a headache. What the hell! I am glad to see that Wendy is alive, I wish I could say the same for Marvin though. I have the feeling they are setting Wendy up to become a metahuman/hero. I am not sure. Miss Martian is on the cover for some reason despite not being o nthe team anymore.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Birds of Prey 110 - 122

Birds of Prey #110
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Nicola Scott

It really doesn't feel like Simone has left this title as Bedard continues the great writing that she did on this title. I liked Oracle's references to past Birds "try-outs" and who knew that Black Orchid could even be used in the regular DCU anymore with the unfortunate Vertigo embargo. Oh and by the way, in case you didn't notice, this issue shows how much The Huntress kicks ass.

Birds of Prey #111
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Jason Orfalas

These are some good Done-in-one issues that Bedard is writing. This issue has Oracle attending a nerd convention where she runs into the Calculator. I like how he still thinks she isn't Oracle and believes now that all the nerds worked together to be Oracle. Oh....that's classic.

Birds of Prey #112
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by David Cole

This was a fun story spotlighting Lady Blackhawk, who goes on a cross country road trip just to put up a picture of Big Barda in a memorial for "fallen heroes" at the Edwards Air Force Base. Very sweet and fun.

Birds of Prey #113
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

Wow, that was a big disaster. Was it completely Misfit's fault or did I miss something? McKeever's run begins with a literal bang....but a distrubing one at that. Superman is understandably upset.

Birds of Prey #114
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

I don't know how I feel about Oracle being such a bitch to Misfit, I mean sure Misfit screwed up and she is Misfit's guardian, but what makes Black Alice a better choice for the Birds over Misfit?

Birds of Prey #115
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

So if Black Alice can steal Misfit's powers, that means that Misfit's powers have to be magic-based, correct? I like the whole Killer Shark thing....but in this one I am more angry at Misfit then Barbara. She should have let them get stuff done instead of starting a catfight.

Birds of Prey #116
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

Yay for Platinum Flats! One of my favorite things about the DCU, if not THE favorite thing, is the fictional cities. Platinum Flats looks really awesome, it really is a city for the 21st century and not just another New York stand in. The Killer Shark was fun too. And I am glad that Barbara changed her mind about Black Alice.

Birds of Prey #117
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

Yay! The Birds are moving to Platinum Flats! The Metahuman Maphia was really cool and it should be fun to see the Birds face off against them again. I did not see the whole Tabby thing coming at the end either.

Birds of Prey #118
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Nicola Scott

Okay Granny Goodness's death was quite disgusting....ewww. Anyways, Bedard begins his run as permanent writer this issue which is exciting cause I so liked his fill-in run before McKeever came on. I don't know how I feel about Black Alice and Misfit being related though, seems kinda forced.

Birds of Prey #119
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Nicola Scott

I like how Oracle's company is Clocktower Systems....and nod to the old Gotham Clock Tower she used to work out of. Platinum Flats is a reall cool locale and I can't wait to see it develop. I really could care less about seeing Black Canary and Manhunter fight though.

Birds of Prey #120
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Michael O'Hare

Haha I did not expect to see the Joker at the end of this. I wonder about Infinity though, who is she? There are so many great female characters to be used in the DCU, why create a new one? And will she stay a member of the team? The new artist wasn't half-bad either. The whole Oracle spying on Black Canary thing kinda bugs me though.


Birds of Prey #121
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Michael O'Hare

Okay...well...the whole outcast in high school thing has been done way too many times (plus who's high school is actually like that) but somehow the idea that the geeks are the popular ones in Platinum Flats is a fresh take. The Joker's appearence hear is hilarious, especially when he shoots the annoying Wizkid in the head. I am kind of sick of Black Alice though.

Birds of Prey #122
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Michael O'Hare

That was an intense ending if not a little creepy. This was a good issue. Birds of Prey is definitely as fun as a read under Bedard as it was under Simone, if not more so cause we have Platinum Flats now!

Friday, September 19, 2008

BATO 8 - 11

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #8
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

God I love this series....Lopez's art is just plain gorgeous in this issue and I am actually really liking Remac....not the stupid annoying guy that controls him, but he is a cool looking hero himself.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #9
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Julian Lopez

Julian Lopez's work is extremely underrated. This is some great work. I especially liked the detail put into Looker's mansion...and I am not even an art person. Anyways, it was fun to see Looker again, she is a lot less annoying then when she was with the Outsiders.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #10
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Ryan Benjamin

Sadly this is Dixon's last issue on this series and he doesn't even get to finish off his whole arc with the thing on the moon. The idea of a parasite that gives metahuman powers is an interesting one. The opening page was particularly terrifying for an opening page....but I miss having Lopez on this title. I look forward to seeing how the crossover with Batman RIP goes.

Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 2) #11
Written by Frank Tieri
Art by Ryan Benjamin

Well I am happy to say that this wasn't a bad issue. I liked how all the villains ar Arkham are singing "Ding Dong the Witch is dead" because Batman is missing haha. I also like how out of all the RIP tie-ins, this one was the most tied in...even referencing more events then just the Black Glove's existence. I just wish the other Outsiders would stop picking on Batgirl....cause they SHOULD listen to her she is Cassandra Cain and she is kick-ass.

Donna's Inexplicable Costume Change

Titans (Volume 2) #5
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Julian Lopez

Well I have to say that was...um....kinda odd. Raven's turn to the dark side seemed kind of abrupt, there didn't seem to be hint of it in previous issues like there was during the Wolfman/Perez days. I like that Winick is acknowledging the relationship between Beast Boy and Raven that Johns set up though. And I liked the scene between Starfire and Nightwing, I know exactly what Starfire means when she speaks of the two different kinds of love. Cyborg's new legs are pretty cool looking and I think they are a refreshing change. Lopez is a good artist and I hope he stays with the title. I wonder why he changed Donna's costume back? Why did Donna have a new costume for four issues and then change back and why did no one say anything to her about it? The first scene was a little confusing, why did they girl wake Raven up in the middle of sleeping? Does Raven go to a boarding school or something?

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Some Changes

I would just like to announce that I will be discontinuing reviews of the Spirit. I have a lot of comics to catch up on, and so little time. The Spirit, unfortunately, has had little connection with the DC Universe so far. In fact, I am sure by this point it is safe to say he does not exist within the DCU. Therefore, I will be dropping the series from my reviews.

Also, I will not be reviewing Infinity Inc. I liked the series but it came and went during a very busy time in my life.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Booster Gold 2 - 12

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #2
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz
Art by Dan Jurgens

The second issue of this amazing series is just as good as the first. We see Booster Gold preventing Sinestro from meeting Guy Gardner way before he should and therefore cleaning up some other holes in the timeline. I love the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated events in this series....it reminds me of the movie, Butterfly Effect, which I enjoyed a lot. One thing that confused me is they showed Dan Garett getting the scarab and becoming Blue Beetle in 1939 when I am pretty sure he is considered to debut in the Silver Age. Continuity error or mistake by me?




Booster Gold (Volume 2) #3

Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz

Art by Dan Jurgens


Haha seeing Booster Gold drunk is worth the price tag alone. Westerns don't interest me in the least bit, so I really didn't care for this issue as much the last two but it was still good.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #4
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz

Art by Dan Jurgens


Supernova is reavealed to be Booster's Dad this issue - I do not know much about his Dad, but he sure is an asshole. I am excited for the next issue, but I know there is no way that they are going to save Barbara Gordon the fate of being paralyzed.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #5
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz

Art by Dan Jurgens

This was a particular powerful issue dealing with the rules of Time Travel. So apparently Rip sent Booster back to save Barbara because he wanted to teach him a lesson. No matter how hard Booster tries Barbara Gordon will always be shot and paralyzed by the Joker. I like that because it is definitely one of those pivotal DCU moments that should never be undone.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #6
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz

Art by Dan Jurgens


Hmmm I don't know if I like the idea of Ted Kord being a Time Cop with Booster but we will see. I doubt that Ted is sticking around for very long...something fishy is going on here. It was fun to relive Countdown to Infinite Crisis....probably one of the most exciting times to be a DC reader.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #0
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz

Art by Dan Jurgens


Crossing over with Zero Hour fourteen years after the crossover ended is just awesome and totally fits in with the time traveling aspect of this series. Granted, the crossover was brief, it was still pretty damn cool. I never read Zero Hour...maybe I should check it out sometime.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #7
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz

Art by Dan Jurgens


I love how these stories are a real treat for long time DC fans yet are easily accessible by newbies (but unlike most bloggers, I could care less about accessibility....people should do their homework). Seeing Catherine Colbert and the London Embassy was really cool. I can't wait for next issue.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #8
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz
Art by Dan Jurgens


I had no idea that Pantha didn't have an origin. I guess that this is Johns's atonement for writing her death in Infinte Crisis. The Blue and the Gold together are a great combination. Can't wait to see the JLI back too.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #9
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz

Art by Dan Jurgens


Wow if Ted Kord hadn't of died things would be really fucked up. I hope Booster is learning his lesson becaus


Booster Gold (Volume 2) #10
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz

Art by Dan Jurgens


So it was Mister Mind behind all of this - that is one crafty worm. Anyways, I am glad that Ted isn't staying in the book....and he is making the right choice but it was very sad to see him say his last goodbyes to Booster. Oh and could the Black Beetle be Paco in the future?
Booster Gold (Volume 2) #1,000,000
Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz

Art by Dan Jurgens


What a perfect way to cap off Johns and Katz's run on this title. Booster gets his sister back, Batman finally gives Booster some respect, and things are looking up for Booster Gold. Gotta love the last page of this issue. Johns and Katz's did a great run on this book and I look forward to Jurgen's run.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #11
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Dan Jurgens

While some of the time travel stuff in this issue could give one a head ache, it was a nice follow up to the Johns-Katz run and continues what they started. There are some continuity blips such as I am sure Booster has been to the batcave before in Infinite Crisis, but that doesn't really matter too much. It was kind of shocking to see Alfred just blatantly shoot someone though.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #12
Written by Chuck Dixon

Art by Dan Jurgens

This issue kinda confused me. I may have to read it again. As always though, the art is amazing and the dialogue is fantastic. I don't know how I feel about going back to this period in Batman's career since well, it's been done a lot. Elongated Man's surprise appearance should be fun though.