Shutting Down...

After two years of having both a Blogger and Wordpress version of this blog....I have decided to stay with Wordpress. Therefore, I will no longer be updating here. Please visit www.continuityblog.wordpress.com for new posts and updates

The Time-Traveling Starfish

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #13
Written by Rick Remender
Art by Pat Olliffe

Rick Remender begins his fill-in run here and I liked it. I mean we don't really need anymore Starro takes over the world stories but at least it is a little fresh because of it involving Booster Gold and time travel. I also liked how Remender used elements from All-New Atom and his run in that series such as Lady Chronos. It seems that Booster may find out Rip is his son next issue. I really hope this isn't the case as I think that should have been kept a secret a bit longer then a few issues. The art was decent. And it was fun to see Booster and Goldstar arrive during the time Superman was fighting Zod. Nice use of continuity there.

Wallace

Titans (Volume 2) #6
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Julian Lopez

Eh...this issue was okay. I feel that we didn't really need another Raven goes bad story. I like how she was defeated by her pure self though. The problem with Winick's writing is that he writes everyone with the same voice and manner of speaking. For example, why did Raven call the Flash Wally when traditionally she has always called him Wallace. Why does everyone make pop-culture references? That may be good for one character like Beast Boy doesn't work for someone like Starfire and Raven. At least the art is a lot better on this series. They haven't really established it yet....where are they staying? Are they on Titans Island? I don't even know. Anyways, I do look forward to seeing Jericho again next issue.

As I have Said Before, Batgirl Rules

Batman and the Outsiders #12
Written by Frank Tieri
Art by Ryan Benjamin

Yes, Cassandra Cain is awesome! Didio respect her you big porn-mustached Jackass! I thought Tieri was leaning toward Batgirl betraying the team but no, she makes a mistake and the Outsiders disband but she demands that the team be brought back together. I like how Robin is worried about Batgirl in this issue because in the main bat-books it seems like they don't give a shit about her. This book is actually tying into RIP more then most of the tie-ins. In fact, the Black Glove appears in this issue threatening the Outsiders. I don't think Thunder will stay in the coma and I like how Grace speaks to God about it. And Remac's death doesn't bother me a bit, visually he was cool, but Salah was just annoying as hell. Tieri picked the right Outsider to kill off. I really liked this issue.

Secret Six 1 and 2

Secret Six (Volume 3) #1
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Nicola Scott

Simon kicks off this series with one of the most disturbing images; a man choosing his family's death over his own. Then brings us to the Secret Six who are just as awesome and hilarious as ever. I love the talk about Catman going good and Deadshot making fun of it. I loved the inappropriate but meant well gesture of having the hooker dress as Knock-out. I can't wait for the next issue! Check this out people. This is Gail at her best!

Secret Six (Volume 3) #2 Written by Gail Simone
Art by Nicola Scott

The highlight of this issue has to be the dialogue between Batman and Catman. Simone's strengths as a writer who can write a serious story with great comic relief is shown here especially with Catman's obsession with the smell of Mexican food. She utilizes some pretty obscure villains in that last page spread and Nicola Scott is an amazing artist who needs to be doing more books for DC.

Not Impressed

Batman Confidential #22
Written by Andrew Kreisberg
Art by Scott McDaniel

Ya....this is the writer that will be taking over Green Arrow and Black Canary soon and I hope this isn't the kind of stuff he will be writing over there. This issue was not well thought out. How can the Joker just convince a woman to kill herself? Did the woman have some history of mental illness? Did he know that? It just seems rudiculous to me. Also, the plot is a little too similar to the Dark Knight in terms of the Joker threatening relatives of people from a police station. Also, how many early Batman-Joker stories are we going to get in this series?! I am sick of it! I don't know maybe I am being too hard on this issue because last arc was sooo good and I always hated McDaniel's art but....not impressed.

More Kyle Please

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #35
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

Hmm....this was a good issue. I mean nothing really exciting....Hal Jordan argues with the Guardians and some foreshadowing of the future. I am not sure what the point of this arc was over all but I know Johns had some reason for it. Reis's art was really good I liked it a lot. Really not much else to say except I am excitied for the future of this series. It just needs more Kyle Rayner!

JSA 7 - 19

Justice Society of America #7
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham

I am glad to be reviewing this series again as it is just so full of goodness I want to scream in happiness. This issue deals with the aftermath of Nathan Heywood becoming Citizen Steel. I do think it is kinda rude how the JSA kinda forces the whole super hero thing upon Nathan but all in all this was an uplifiting yet sad story of a man who has lost the ability to feel and lost his family. Starman's moments are of course fantastic as is the teamwork of the JSA.


Justice Society of America #8
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Fernando Pasarin

I barely even noticed Eaglesham wasn't the artist the art and story was so good this issue. This issue dealt with the character of Liberty Belle and really got into the psyche of her character...dealing with her parents and her love for Hourman. The whole thing with not throwing away something just because it has a crack in it was perfect. Tremendous issue.

Justice Society of America #9
Written by Geoff Johns Art by Dale Eaglesham

While this was another fantastic issue, the last page reveal did not really excite me much; considering I am not a fan of Alex Ross or Kingdom Come but I trust Johns will do something good with the Superman of Earth-22. Oh and Johns knows how to utilize each member of a superhero team like no other writer in comics.

Justice Society of America #10
Written by Geoff Johns Art by Dale Eaglesham

I like that one has to not even read Kingdom Come to understand this as Kingdom Come is recapped throughout the issue. I am digging this even though I wish this series wasn't so Alex Ross-influenced.

Justice Society of America #11
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham

I am getting exicted for all these new members! In this issue alone we get Superman of Earth-22 (who I like the contrast between his perception of New Earth and the Earth-2 Superman's perception), Judomaster, and Mr. America. I wonder why Judomaster is so different from her appearences in Birds of Prey though. I am pretty sure she spoke english there.

Justice Society of America #12
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham

Nice! I am always excited for new members and this issue was packed full of 'em. Amazing Man - making the original a hero of the civil rights movement was brilliant and the new one helping out in New Orleans after Katrina was brilliant as well. Lightning - You have to wonder why Black Lightning has these daughters he never mentions. It is unclear in this issue - but aren't Black Lightning and his wife sitll divorced. Visually Lightning is cool as hell though. Lance is probably the least exciting of the bunch - I mean his Lance arm is cool but the whole no costume thing kinda kills it. I like that he is Roosevelt's Great Grandson though. Roosevelt you could say is a found of the JSA. I don't know how I feel about Lance mentioning there are 300 other metahumans in the military because I don't really like the idea that metahumans are extremely common. It takes away from their specialty.

Justice Society of America #13
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham

This was another good issue but it was a little more Kingdom Come-Centric then I would have liked and not enough JSA action. I like that Jakeem Thunder is crushing on Lightning. They would make a great couple!

Justice Society of America #14
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham

This is the kind of issue that shows how well Johns writes teams. Not only does all twenty-something members get a word in in this issue, but they are all utilized well in the fight scene.

Justice Society of America #15
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham

The fight with the false Gog continues this issue with great character moments sprinkled in - such as Lightning's aggression over not being able to drive a car to Citizen Steel's declaration of his "thing"- the art and writing in this issue was fantastic. The upcoming preview was cool but didn't get me as excited as the first issue's one did.

Justice Society of America #16
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Fernando Pasarin

I can't tell if Gog is bluffing or not, but he does have the creepiest yet warmest smile of any giant gods I know (:
Pasarin is the perfect subsitute for Eaglesham, their work is so similar.I hope Damage's face isn't fixed for good. I like his current costume.


Justice Society of America #17
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Fernando Pasarin

Awww I really like Gog! I like his smile and his kindness. I still get the feeling he can't be trusted but he is at least fooling me into thinking he could be a good guy. Another fantastic issue. I hope Starman isn't permanently cured, he is a lot more interesting as a loon.

Justice Society of America #18
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham

I am excited for next issue as we get a look at the Earth-2 Michael Holt in this issue. Hawkman is right...it might be a good idea to let them stay as trees but no I do not think he should be allowed to just kill them. I get the feeling that Gog's "miracles" are not really blessings at all.

Justice Society of America #19
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham

At first I thought that Johns had gone to the cliche we are going to fight eachother over something completely stupid thing but luckily he saved itself by Alan Scott declaring the JSA doesn't fight itself. Awesome. I didn't want Johns going all Winick on us all of a sudden. Anyways, another fine issue but this is Gog thing is dragging out a little long. I am more excited about the Power Girl stuff and look forward to next issue. Oh and it's great to see Black Adam back.

Heartless

Detective Comics #849
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Dustin Nguyan

I kind of have a problem with Doctor Mid-Nite knowin that Selina is the love of Batman's life. Why would Batman ever tell that to him? Is this common knowledge in the DCU? Anyways this was a good issue...not as exciting as last issue but good none the less. Hush gettin plastic surgery to look like Bruce Wayne is a smart move on Hush's part and I like the continued flashbacks to Elliot's life. Dini has brought more to the table with this character then Loeb ever did. The artwork in the flashbacks is great but I kinda miss Don Kramer's stuff for the main story. The Joker getting so excited as he watched Batman beat the brutal crap out of the Scarecrow was fantastic. I love those types of Joker moments. I hope Selina gets her heart back soon though.

Wonder Woman 12 - 25

Wonder Woman (Volume 3) #12
Written by J. Torres
Art by Paco Diaz

Oh will Amazons Attack never end. The god-awful mini-series spills over into this issue as Wonder Woman and Nemesis look for the missing Sarge Steel. Of course this issue wasn't bad though, Everyman is always a fun villain.

Wonder Woman (Volume 3) #13
Written by J. Torres
Art by Julian Lopez

Now this was more like it. A very sweet issue that while still dealing with the Amazons Attack aftermath, it is not burdened by it one bit. I liked seeing the JSA wondering about Hippolyta, it's easy to forget that she was once a member of their team and they WOULD react to her coming back from the dead.

Wonder Woman (Volume 3) #14
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Terry Dodson

Gail Simone's first issue may not have completely blown me away, but it was pretty damn good...especially when compared to the previous runs on this series. Bringing back Etta Candy is genius, having female gorillas live in Diana's apartment is genius, and Nazis attacking Themyscira is genius. I think we can say Simone is a genius.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #15
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Terry Dodson

I like the idea of Wonder Woman going to the different Pantheons of Gods seeking help and I especially like that she ended up receiving that help from an obscure pantheon - the Hawaiian Gods. Very awesome. Oh and can I saw Diana's transformation into Wonder Woman at the beginning was beautiful. Go Dodsons!


Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #16
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Terry Dodson and Ron Randall

This issue was sligtly decompressed as it was essentially just one big battle between Wonder Woman and her gorillas, and the Nazi on Themyscara. Although it wasn't bad, I was kinda expecting more.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #17
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Terry Dodson and Ron Randall

This concludes Simone's first story arc on this title and I must say it was a great ending. The entire thing could have been an issue less but it was still a good arc. And Simone had Plastic Man in it! Yay! I also like how Simone is setting up these mysteries in advance...effectively creating a slow build that a long term writer should do.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #18
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Bernard Chang

Haha I did not know this but Etta Candy's catchphrase is Woo Woo and Simone uses it in the final page of this issue in a very modern and hilarious way. The art took some getting used to after the Dodsons but it wasn't bad. I am not sure how I feel about Diana courting Nemesis, we will see how it goes I guess.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #19
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Bernard Chang

This short story arc was very good. I liked how the Ichor is set up to be threats in the future and Etta Candy is a great sidekick for Diana. I am not sure how they made the Khund girl a Green Lantern, did one of the GLs die. I thought someone only becomes a GL when a previous one dies? And doesn't the ring choose the person?

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #20
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopestri

Eh...I can't really get excited about this arc. Wonder Woman in a sword and sorcery world does nothing for me. The only moments I really enjoyed were the stuff with Etta Candy.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #21
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopestri

Other then the scenes outside of the otherworldly plane (the stuff with Nemsis and the stuff with Hippolyta), I found this pretty boring. Which isn't Simone's fault as much as I am just uninterested in this kind of story.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #22
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopestri

Ditto, but it is good to see Donna again in this title.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #23
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopestri

The moments between Donna and Nemsis were fantastic this issue but I am still glad this arc is over.


Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #24
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Bernard Chang

Now this is more like it. Nemesis meets with Hippolyta who acts like a typical mother meeting her daughter's new boyfriend, including asking him if they have had sex and when they plan on having babies! Fantastic! The movie stuff was cool especially since we get to see some of Diana's past reenacted innacurately. I look forward to seeing Wonder Woman kick the Queen of Fables' ass. And having Diana say she no longer has self-doubts just shows how far she has come since the beginning of this series when she was annoyingly full of self-doubts. Thanks Gail! (:

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #25
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Bernard Chang

This was a pretty good issue...I especially liked the end with the little girls. I think more little girls should be looking up to Wonder Woman....we need a good Wonder Woman movie soon. I like how Simone really expressed her opinion about the Wonder Woman movie in this issue....that we should wait for a really good one instead of getting a crappy one now and I agree with that but it would be nice to have a good one soon. I guess you can't get your cake and eat it too.

Two-Face Is One Messed Up Dude

Nightwing #149
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Don Kramer

Okay this issue was an awesome look at the psyche of Two-Face....disturbing but awesome. Probably one of the best issues featuring the character in a long time. What a psycho. Harvey hired Nightwing to protect Carol from himself! And then freaks out when he finds out he killed her. What an awesome moment! Made even better by the great artwork of Don Kramer. The other villains are just hallucinations but they were great characterizations of those villains, I especially liked the Joker talking about killing Jason Todd....It reminds me of how unfortunate it is that they brought Jason back to life. The moments between Dick and his hallucinations of his parents was cool because it is easy to forget sometimes that Dick went through the same trajedy that Brucewent through. I also liked how Dick mentions he misses having Batman by his side sometimes. Fantastic issue...pick this up people, especially if you are a fan of Two-Face.

Introducing Linda Lang

Supergirl (Volume 5) #34
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

Well this was a great start to Steling Gate's run on this series. Don't get me wrong, Kelly Puckett's run on this series was good, heck I even liked Joe Kelly's run...but they never really got around to giving Supergirl a life outside the "S".... and Gates does it in one issue. The idea of Supergirl working as Linda Lang at the Daily Planet, "niece" of Lana, is great and works to make her more involved in the Superman stories. Lana's hair is miscolored blonde in this for some reason and that was annoying but that's beside the point. Now, the next thing Gates needs to do is have Igle design a new costume for her. Look at thing, it's been what four years and she is still wearing that trashy costume. Speaking of Igle, the art here is very good and I am glad he is on this title. I can't say that I am really looking forward to the whole "New Krypton" storyline coming up....honestly Kryptonians don't excite me sorry but since Geoff Johns is spearheading it I think it might turn out well.

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.