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Sweet Christmas! That’s what I said when I plunked down the $67 (after a 20% discount) for these books. There are 25 comics in total, with a Wizard thrown in for good measure. It is a perfect 12/12 split between Marvel and DC with an indie thrown in for good measure. The influx of Marvel this week is due to Civil War being in full swing. Who will have a better week? Let’s read on to find out.
1) DCU: Brave New World #1
Main Plot Points:
This story centers around six main characters, The Creeper, Shazam, The Atom, Martian Manhunter, OMAC and the Freedom Force. Here is a brief note on all six:
--Martian Manhunter learns he is not the last Martian left after we learn more of his origin.
--Mike Costner is a drug pusher in Gotham and has a very odd dream where he learns he is the only one who can stop the last OMAC.
--Firebrand left Bludhaven at the end of last issue and is heading to the Mississippi. He later finds out the source of the voices in his head, it was Uncle Sam. Meanwhile, the Freedom Force stop a threat at Washington D.C.
--Jack Ryder is a journalist who moonlights as The Creeper at night. A cop starts getting on his case when he realizes that all the perps The Creeper captured had spoken to him earlier. The Creeper stops an attempt on the senator’s and Jack plays it up on his show that the Creeper is no hero.
--The Atom and his team of scientists stop a microscopic threat at the Capitol. The new Atom shows off his powers.
--It seems that the Marvel family all lost their powers and it was transferred all to Captain Marvel himself.
--A big shocker at the end sees a troupe of Monitors standing around, monitoring.
My Take On It:
This is 80 pages for a dollar, so it is well worth the money. I am still deciding on the stories though. As preludes to series’ go, some of them were great and others were just so-so. Surprisingly, I thought the Atom was the worst. I am a fan of Gail’s writing and Byrne’s art but the writing didn’t seem that great (it was very corny) and the art was average. The Creeper holds minimal interest for me, possibly because I am not familiar with the first one(s?). Martian Manhunter seems interesting but I don’t know if it will be entertaining for 8 issues. OMAC and Shazam seem interesting though again, I don’t know if Trials of Shazam can go on for 12 issues. I loved the OMAC mini from before so I look forward to that one. I thought the best of the stories was the Uncle Sam and The Freedom Force prologue with Uncle Sam making his triumphant return. I loved the Countdown to Crisis and it built up the 4 minis perfectly. It also had its shock ending. This tried to do the same thing but felt more like an extended commercial since there was no intertwining theme. The Monitors at the end is intriguing though. Overall, I was a bit disappointed by it to be honest. It’s only a dollar though, by far one of the cheapest books you’ll find and if you hold even a minor interest in any of these characters, check it out.
Rating: 2.5
2) Civil War: Front Line #2
Main Plot Points:
--Ben Urich meets with Peter Parker who tells him to apologize to JJJ and Robbie of the Bugle wants to make it into a story, which JJJ refuses. He hates Parker now and has lambasted him and fired him.
--Firestar informs Sally that she quits being a hero.
--Iron Man takes out Prodigy of the Slingers 5 minutes after the Registration Act is enacted, as the reporters are shocked at what happens. Ben Urich thinks they have made a mistake
--Speedball is in prison and SHIELD is trying to force him to sign documents taking the blame for the Stanford massacre. He refuses and is thrown to prison and forced to fend for himself.
--Norman Osbourne finds out about Parker’s reveal and is none too pleased.
My Take On It:
I think this has been a fantastic part of the Civil War storyline and behind Civil War is probably the most important tie-in (so far). It takes an inside look at the news part of the Civil War and how both Urich and Floyd approach the issues. Not only that, we have an inside look at Robbie Baldwin (Speedball) and the hardships he is now going through. It truly is the human side of the Civil War and thus what we as readers can relate to the most. The writing has been great in both stories and I eagerly look forward to this title every month. This issue delivers with both important storylines and plot advancement (JJJ’s reaction, the opening blows of the Civil War, and Speedball) and the art has been good as well.
Rating: 4
3) Amazing Spider-Man #533
Main Plot Points:
--Peter Parker has just revealed himself to the world and JJJ is not happy. He fires Parker and sues him.
--Peter goes home to rest after the reveal and Tony tells him he doesn’t need him for now. He goes home and things have changed. Peter is then shocked to learn that Tony Stark names Spider-Man specifically as one of the Superhero Registration Act enforcers to bring in those who don’t sign.
-- He steps outside for air and into a sea of reporters. There is even a crazy gunman wearing a Capt. America shirt who tries to shoot Parker. Peter blocks with the webbing and the gun explodes in his hand. Peter meets with Tony to discuss being named as an enforcer and Tony apologizes.
My Take On It:
What I like about Amazing Spider-Man so far is that it follows closely with Civil War and we see Peter’s reaction to all that has been going down. We see the big moments in Civil War, and this title showcases what he’s going through. Again, this is another very human story. Peter made a huge life-changing decision and we see JJJ go mad and then sue Peter! This has been an essential part of Civil War as well and shouldn’t be missed.
Rating: 4
4) Young Avengers #12
Main Plot Points:
--The New Avengers and the Young Avengers are still battling the Kree and Skull over Hulkling. Eli was injured at the end of last issue and is brought to the hospital.
--Hulking figures out a way to stop the madness. He will split time between the Kree and the Skrulls and can return home whenever he pleases. Of course, it’s all a ruse as The Super-Skrull was just impersonating Hulkling and Hulkling is still safe on Earth.
--Eli is saved by getting a blood transfusion from his grandfather who was originally tested with the super-soldier serum. Eli now has that running through his blood.
--The Young Avengers regroup at the end with the team fully intact as we close out Season 1.
--There is also a back-up story called “Masked Marvel,” which has a writer who is the hero pitching his story to Marvel. Inside jokes abound in this back up.
My Take On It:
Season One ended for the YA with a bang. The beginning of this story was just an all-out battle between the two Avengers teams and the Krees’s and Skrulls. I have to say, the artwork was fantastic and the scripting was marvelous. The dialogue was well written as well, especially the scenes between the YA and the NA. The ending could be seen coming a mile away but that is acceptable since the story has been so good (if not extremely late). The end was touching with the memorials at the Avengers Mansion and the addition of Speed to the team makes for a nice splash page and the feeling that this team is here to stay awhile.
Rating: 4
5) New Avengers #21
Main Plot Points:
--This is Captain America post registration. He is hounded by SHIELD Agents and retreats but passes out before he is out of the clear. Luckily, the Falcon saves him and brings him to one of Fury’s secret hiding places.
--Falcon and Cap go to recruit other heroes to their cause and visit with Henry Pym but Pym is with Iron Man and more SHIELD agents arrive. Cap and Falcon escape.
My Take On It:
The problem with this story wasn’t the writing, it was the artwork. Howard Chaykin is truly a comic genius but his artwork just did not fit this book at all. It was too rough around the edges, too dirty, and somewhat cartoony. I felt it took away from the book’s impact, which was Cap’s view of the Civil War. I don’t know if they went for that look to imitate what Cap is feeling now, but as someone reading and looking at this, I didn’t enjoy it. His work, I feel, isn’t polished enough to be featured in a Cap solo story in the New Avengers in the midst of one of Marvel’s biggest crossover events. Wait for the trades for this one.
Rating: 2
6) Fantastic Four #538
Main Plot Points:
--Johnny Storm is in a coma as Reed and Sue argue over the Registration Act.
--This is basically a Thing story as he stays with Johnny then goes to Yancy Street to talk to the Yancy Street Gang about the act. They are against it and are fighting it. Ben tells them that even if they don’t agree with it, it is still the law. We never really learn which side he is on.
--Mad Thinker and The Puppet Master are plotting something
--Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, the hammer of Thor is picked up by a man whose bag contains the initials DB. He flies off.
My Take On It:
This is another Civil War-themed book and just like New Avengers focused mainly on Captain America, we take a look at Ben’s side of things. I think his monologue to the Yancy Street Gang sums up the Civil War appropriately. Ben doesn’t like it, but it’s the law. There are lots of laws he doesn’t like but that doesn’t mean he won’t follow them. He’s wishy-washy as to what side to support and he still doesn’t know. He still has that confusion. Ben was always seen as the big dumb brute of the team but he’s written so intelligently here and it’s a great look at the mind of Ben Grimm. There was also a brief snippet of two early (and sort of B-list) FF villains plotting something which hopefully will pay off in the future, Johnny’s still in a coma as we slowly see Reed and Sue’s marriage come apart at the seams due to the Civil War. We haven’t forgotten Thor’s hammer either. Who could this DB be? I assume it would be Donald Blake but is that just a red herring? Who doesn’t look forward to the Thunder God’s return?
Rating: 4
7) 52 #8
Main Plot Points:
--Steel starts growing Steel on his body and his daughter finds out it is because of the metagene Lex put into him. Natasha reads the situation wrong since Steel has told her not to take it and perceives that he did. She does not realize it was forced on him and not his choice. She goes to Lex and asks to have the metagene planted in her. She looks real nervous as the procedure begins.
--Green Arrow and Ralph Dibny talk about the weird cult and Arrow doesn’t know anything about it. He is shocked to see their symbol in Star City, but their hideout was deserted.
--There is an anonymous new hero in Metropolis saving people and everyone is happy, except Booster Gold. Clark Kent even tracks him down and tells him he will find out who the mystery hero is as Booster rants about his bad press to reporters.
--Animal Man and Adam Strange find Starfire and they are captured as well.
--The History of the DCU brings us up to the events of Identity Crisis. Some of the notable events are the new JLA, Superman’s marriage, Batgirl shows up, new Teen Titans and the Outsiders, Donna Troy dies and Supergirl shows up.
My Take On It:
This was another solid issue of 52, as it seems that more of the stories were advanced. I didn’t really like Steel in the beginning but I like the dynamic relationship between Steel and his daughter, Natasha. What will become of her? Maybe she’s a hero already OYL we just haven’t seen her. Green Arrow makes his first appearance in 52 and he meets with Ralph Dibny. Ralph seems to plant the seeds for his running for mayor, too. The mysterious hero in Metropolis hero intrigues me, though honestly I don’t care about Strange, Animal Man or Starfire to this point. The History of the DCU back up has been your average history lesson to this point as it focuses on the big crossover / continuity altering events of the last 30 years.
Rating: 3
8) Ultimate Spider-Man #96
Main Plot Points:
--Spider-Man is in the middle of Morbius battling another vampire and werewolf. He fights them both and leaves with Ben Urich, bringing him to a hospital as Morbius kills the vampire
--At the hospital, Morbius shows up to bite Urich again to heal him but Spidey doesn’t believe him. They fight but then other vampires show up and bite Spidey! They couldn’t finish since his blood is tainted. Morbius saves him then cures him and Urich.
--Peter is shaken up at school and confides in Mary-Jane.
My Take On It:
This was an enjoyable issue. Morbius really isn’t a villain after all and even manages to save Spider-Man and Ben Urich. What role Blade had in this saga (he was seen in #95) is still undetermined, though. Peter is quite shaken up when he was bitten by a vampire and he and MJ have an emotional conversation to end. I wonder if this will have any effect on MJ and Peter’s relationship, or Peter’s relationship w/Kitty Pryde. An enjoyable issue, if not a quick read.
Rating: 3
9) Wolverine #43
Main Plot Points:
--Wolverine is still hot on the trail of Nitro when Iron Man and SHIELD intercept him. Wolvie is against the registration but he’s already registered since he’s a mutant. Wolvie decides to join the SHIELD strike team to take out Nitro
--That strike goes pretty badly as all the SHIELD agents die and Wolvie’s skin is burned completely off. Nitro escapes and calls some mystery man on the other line. That mystery man tells Nitro they don’t need him anymore and as they hang up, Nitro is shocked to see Wolvie standing over him.
--Another mystery man named Janus is introduced and kills a local guy who had given a ride to Nitro.
My Take On It:
This story was a bit ham-handed in my opinion. Nitro manages to evaporate all the SHIELD agents and burns all the skin off Wolverine. He manages to heal himself, though I have no idea how. If all the skin is gone, how can he heal? What is there to heal? His bones are laced in adamantium and if there were any holes or pores in the metal, his bones would be burnt to a crisp as well! I had a friend who didn’t read comics look at this issue and he thought the same thing. I look forward to an answer next issue. The comic itself had nothing really get done. We meet a mystery mutant (who reminds me of Mondo from Generation X) and we see how powerful Nitro is. He also has a mystery man on the other line and that is who I want to know who that could be. Other than that, the issue was just a showcase of Nitro’s power (which we saw in Civil War #1) and two unnamed people. Also, I hate to say it, but the art is too manga-ish for Wolverine. It worked fine for Robin (which was similar in my opinion) but the art doesn’t reflect the seriousness of the issue.
Rating: 2
10) Moon Knight #3
Main Plot Points:
--This continues the origin of Moon Knight. A strange committee is told of these events. Spector and two other killers (including Jean-Paul and someone named Raul) ended up in Africa to dig up riches of an old Egyptian tomb. The man who found the tomb was Dr. Peter Alraune Sr. and his daughter is Marlene. The doctor ends up dead and Spector and Jean-Paul takes sides against Raul. Raul kills Spector and he becomes Moon Knight.
--This committee is trying to keep Moon Knight in exile but incite him by having a goon attack Jean-Paul in front of him. Spector gets his revenge by stabbing this goon through the mouth with a sword. Turns out that they went into this action too soon and person who initiated it gets two pens thrown through his eyes by Contingency T: The Taskmaster.
--Through all this, Spector meets with Jean-Paul and have a heart-to-heart and we learn that Jean-Paul is gay. It is after this conversation that Jean-Paul is attacked.
My Take On It:
Can you like a title even though you have no idea what is really going on yet? The answer is yes. Well, at least for me it is. I don’t know what it is. Is it the art? That surely is fantastic and it seems Finch was made to draw dark, gritty scenes. Is it the writing? That has been great as well, especially with the way the scenes have been interspersed in this issue. Is it the hype? Well, it certainly deserves it. This has been a very involved tale and seeing Moon Knight reborn and in the way it takes his origin from the past has been fantastic. So let’s see, great writing, great art and it lives up the hype? Sounds like a winner in my book. This issue itself dives deeper into what we’ve learnt before and takes a real look at MK’s origin.
Rating: 5
11) Superman Returns Prequel #3
Main Plot Points:
--This is actually a brief look at Lex Luthor’s time in jail while Superman was away. We see the back story of Superman and Lex as seen in the first movies as Lex is released from prison.
My Take On It:
Off the four, this is the best one. That is not saying much though. These mini-series were done really for one reason, to capitalize on Superman Returns debut. Did the stories add anything? Sure, you get a bit of a look into the five years since Superman was gone, but nothing that probably wouldn’t be mentioned in the movie. This (as were all of them) all had the same theme. We’ll let them know what happened in the previous movies (which accounts for about 85%, or more) of each book and then sort of fill you in on the next five years to bring us to the movie. Wholly disappointing as a series.
Rating: 2
12) Superman Returns Prequel #4
Main Plot Points:
--This is the last prequel issue and we focus in on Lois Lane. Again, it re-hashes the events of the previous movies and a little bit of her life after Superman. She met a new man (Richard White, Perry’s son) and had a child with him. She eventually writes an article called, “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman.”
My Take On It:
See above. This showed Lois having a kid and writing her article that the World Doesn’t Need Superman but again, it rehashed the old movies and didn’t offer anything exciting or new.
Rating: 2
13) Action Comics #840
Main Plot Points:
--Superman and Lex Luthor have fallen from the sky and landed in the water. Superman is powerless and Lex’s super suit is damaged. So it’s mano y mano and Superman wins. His powers returned, too.
--It’s business as usual for Superman who helps rebuild Metropolis, battles an Intergang threat and learns Lex Luthor has escaped from jail. Through it all, Lois Lane sticks up for Clark at work and Jimmy Olsen gives Superman a piece of the ship that was left. It was actually the “brains” of the ship and Clark learns that it was a gift from his parents, a home of sorts. It’s his new fortress of solitude.
My Take On It:
Yes, I read three Superman books in a row, and luckily I ended with this one. This ended the Up, Up, and Away storyline and it returned Superman to the status quo. He has his powers back, the main villain is back, and his supporting cast is still there. Through any crises (infinite or otherwise) Superman is still Superman. That’s a bit reassuring. I have to say I have enjoyed Busiek on Superman so far. From here on out, though, I am eager to see what else they can add to the saga. This issue was good enough and is a solid and entertaining read, but where do we go from here?
Rating: 3
14) X-Factor #8
Main Plot Points:
--Layla tries to stop Quicksilver from going into the X-Factor office as Siryn and M ponder the idea that Cyclops lied to them. All of a sudden, on of Jamie’s multiples from SHIELD shows up to sign Siryn and M up to the Super-Hero Registration Act. Siryn leaves in a huff and runs into Spider-Man.
--Meanwhile, Guido and Madrox visit Dr. Malcolm Modern to check the samples of Damian Tryp and his son. It’s revealed that Tryp’s ‘son’ is actually just a clone and they share the same exact DNA.
--Siryn is suspicious of Cyclops and gets Spider-Man to reveal what he knows about the Decimation and Siryn learns that Cyke knew more than he let on. She informs Jamie of this. They end the conversation as Quicksilver shows up to the X-Factor offices and has an odd discussion with Layla.
My Take On It:
Honestly, I was a bit confused by it at first. It could be that I missed #7 (I haven’t actually had a chance to read it yet) but luckily Marvel includes a short synopsis prior to every story. Layla is one of the most interesting and mysterious characters possibly in Marvel right now and we know she’s important due to her role in House of M, and we have no clue what she’s up to. The conversation she had with Quicksilver at the end was beautifully written and to see how cold Quicksilver is and how apathetic Layla is summed it all up perfectly. The writing for the whole series has been great and the art gives it that great noir feel. The only gripe I have with the issue is its Civil War tie-in status. Ok, so Jamie is working for SHIELD and comes to get X-Factor sign up, but that was only a few pages. It was not a tie-in in the way Amazing Spider-Man or Fantastic Four has been. That is a small gripe though, as the issue was intriguing and cements its status as one of the best X-titles out there today.
Rating: 3.5
15) Solo #11
Main Plot Points:
This issue of Solo focuses on Sergio Aragones. There are 9 short stories included here including: a story about Sergio killing Marty Feldman, one about gunslingers, a cheating husband and the detective assigned to the case, a history lesson and how people interpret it differently, a twist on King Kong, an historical Japanese story, a story on Sergio first coming to NYC, a lucky snitch and a Batman story.
My Take On It:
The stories were varied and most of them were entertaining. At times it got a bit too political for me. This issue is a bit different than other issues of Solo. Past issues have showcased writers/artists creating DC stories that were only a few pages in length and self-contained. This issue contained but one DC story. To me, it hurt the book a bit. Sergio’s art is definitely inimitable and we get a Mad story of sorts with the cheating husband story. I would say that this would get a pass from me, though. I read Solo to get creator’s takes on DC characters and this didn’t give me any of that. It’s not a knock on Sergio in any way, but it is not what I wanted from Solo.
Rating: 1
16) Blue Beetle #4
Main Plot Points:
--Oracle tries to recruit Blue Beetle, and fails.
--Jaime learns that his father was shot when the guy who worked for him, Luis, was involved with some bad gang people.
--Jaime’s friend, Brenda, has an aunt with some bad intentions. She gets the Diviner to attack Jaime to remind everyone of the gang wars (since Jaime’s father was shot and all) and was surprised to find out Jamie is the Blue Beetle.
My Take On It:
Blue Beetle has been enjoyable so far. It can be argued that not much has happened or has been revealed in its first four issues, and that can be argued convincingly, but the writing and art has been good so far. It may be hard to get used to a new Blue Beetle so the writers have taken care in making Jamie likeable. This issue was uneventful as far as plot advancement goes. Oracle tries to recruit Blue Beetle but he declines and I’m sure we’ll never see that mentioned again, and Brenda’s aunt has some mischievous ideas and is connected to Jamie’s father getting shot. A well-done comic book, but not so much in the way of moving the story along.
Rating: 2
17) Catwoman #56
Main Plot Points:
--Angle Man learns that there are in fact two Catwomen after new footage shows up.
--The Catwomen take a cab ride home as Wildcat calls Catwoman. Selina Kyle reminds Holly that she is Catwoman and she helps Wildcat at a warehouse where Holly makes the mistake of calling him by his first name.
--Sam Bradley realizes it’s not the same Catwoman as before.
--Angle Man makes a discovery. Using his knowledge of movies, he remembers a movie called Cat People where the main character has the name of Irena Dubrovna, which Selina has been using has her pseudonym. Angle Man and his partner get her address and kidnap her baby. They call Selina who rushes back home to find Angle Man with a camera in tow and Bend holding her baby.
My Take On It:
Catwoman had the same problem as Blue Beetle this month. A very good and enjoyable comic book, but not much happening. Granted, more happened here than in Blue Beetle and I actually thought the story was better. There was a great scene of the two Catwomen going home in the cab together and this Angle Man is one smart cookie, figuring out who Catwoman was based on the movie Cat People. Next issue it comes to a close but I don’t know how Angle Man or his crony can be a match for Selina’s fighting ability. The real question will be who is wearing the Catwoman costume at the end of the arc. One note, my friend looked at the cover and accused Catwoman of having man-hands. I just thought I would mention it.
Rating: 3
18) Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre #2
Main Plot Points:
--Crispus Allen learns more about how the Spectre works and his brand of justice. Crispus has trouble understanding since he was a police officer and can’t understand not setting an example by giving this justice. Spectre tells him that although it looks like there is no pattern, he himself is the pattern. He is the key to justice.
--Crispus pays a visit to Karl Weiss and is surprised to learn he can see him. Crispus tells him he will be punished but Spectre takes him away to punish someone else to Crispus’ chagrin. They then go to a bank robbery where Crispus witnesses a robber kill a woman. Since there is a crime, there can be punishment and Spectre forces him to pull the gun on himself and kill himself. Crispus is horrified. They could have stopped that murder. Spectre tells him they don’t do that, they just punish.
--With that, Crispus’ son buys a gun, with the thought of killing his father’s murderer. Crispus doesn’t know this so he tells the Spectre he wants to punish Corrigan. Spectre tells him his punishment will come and that Crispus muster decide if he delivers justice.
My Take On It:
This title has come from nowhere in my opinion. I don’t hear many people talking about it but it is such a thought-provoking series that deals with moral issues in a great way. Crispus can’t understand the Spectre’s brand of justice and that he didn’t stop a murder just so he can punish someone. The great ending makes him highly anticipate the final issue. It is building to Crispus’ son killing Corrigan and Crispus having to punish his son. The writing for this issue was amazing and was probably the best-written of this week’s titles. You should be reading this.
Rating: 5
19) G.I. Joe vs. Transformers #4
Main Plot Points:
--Optimus Prime takes on the Decepticons almost single-handedly and is beating them when Serpentor shows up telling Prime that if he doesn’t surrender, he will kill the Joes in his possession. Serpentor now has the leader matrix in his possession.
--Back on Earth, Cobra Commander is researching Serpentor and wants to control him.
--The Joes are still imprisoned but through the cell, Snake Eyes makes eye contact with one of the Decepticons, puts a whammy on him, and they escape. Upon learning this, Serpentor is pissed and then shocked to see Prime escaped and heading for him! Back on Earth, the Joe's ready an army as well.
My Take On It:
This title has come from nowhere on my pull list and combines my two great loves of the 80’s; G.I. Joe and the Transformers. I bought this for that reason alone and was pleasantly surprised at how well the writing and especially the art has been. This issue sees the Joes and Transformers at their lowest, but getting better. I want to know how Snake Eyes put the whammy on the Decepticon to escape and the splash page near the end with Prime as just awesome. This issue was a true winner with great action, great art, and great writing.
Rating: 4
20) Hawkgirl #53
Main Plot Points:
--Hawkgirl follows Lt. Grub and Lt. Doucette to the piers, as the officers are investigating gangs. Meanwhile, we see a super powerful woman named Khimaera kill a man. It turns out she was marked by a strange alien who hungers and it has her mate as hostage.
--Khimaera ends up on the pier and kills some of the gang. The officers Intervene and all hell breaks loose. Hawkgirl shows up, gets her shirt ripped off, and is almost killed until Grubs saves her. Khimaera attacks Grubs so Hawkgirl throws the wings on her and drops her over barbed wire. The threat is vanquished but Grubs dies, but not before telling Hawkgirl he knew her identity.
My Take On It:
I know I blasted Chaykin’s art for the New Avengers but I feel his art fits the mood of Hawkgirl well. I am not familiar with Hawkgirl as a character or her history so I can only base these reviews on the OYL stuff. This issue was pretty decent in terms of how Hawkgirl defeated the big brutish villain though I have to confess; I’ve seen Hawkgirl in her bra too many times in this series. She has her shirt ripped off for no real reason. It’s a bit too gratuitous for me. The story, as I said, was alright. I still don’t know what’s going on with her dreams and that issue wasn’t touched upon at all in this issue and this issue was really only here to kill off Grubs. This issue was good enough, but nothing I’d actively search out if it weren’t in TPL.
Rating: 2
21) Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #19
Main Plot Points:
--Chameleon is framed for the murder of a prisoner the Legion put away as part of an alien-espionage plot but he tells them he was framed. He tells the whole sordid story of how Jeyra, a mute telepath, was actually a spy and forced the man to kill himself then made up the whole story. When Chameleon found out, she tried to frame him. They police found out and Chameleon was let free.
--Meanwhile, Supergirl looks to find Seiss, but he is nowhere to be found. She and the other legionnaires are shocked to find Braniac has disappeared and has taken Dream Girl and Lemnos with him.
My Take On It:
This issue focused almost entirely on the Chameleon, and I have no problem with that. Truth be told, I bought this since Supergirl was in it and I have been surprised with the writing so far. I don’t feel alienated since I don’t know whom these characters really are and the writing has done an excellent job introducing them. This was a fine mystery issue as Chameleon pieces together a murder mystery. It works really well as a stand alone story but also has some segments to keep other stories (like where Brainiac is) moving. Very good issue.
Rating: 3.5
22) Avengers and Power Pack Assemble! #3
Main Plot Points:
--Spider-Man is attacked in New York City and The Power Pack go for the save. The other New Avengers show up and learn that Kang was behind the attack. Kang defeats the NA and send the Power Pack approximately 10 years into the future. The Power Pack are attacked by Kang’s cronies and are shocked when they are saved by their grown up selves!
My Take On It:
I was shocked to turn to the last page and see the Blue Beetle. What? It was Jack Power? Nevermind. That aside, this has been a great, enjoyable, run and though it is a story for kids (as evidenced by the artwork and the rating), I think it has some great stories. Seeing The Power Pack thrown into the future was fun and honestly, that’s what this title is about: fun. The story is funny and witty and the art is playful. It’s a lighthearted book, which is nice to read amidst some of the more serious books, and I enjoy it. I’d wait for the TPB though, since mileage may vary.
Rating: 3
23) Annihilation: Ronan #3
Main Plot Points:
--Ronan and Gamora fight and Ronan wins. A creature known as The Glorian uses the bleed off energy from Ronan’s hammer to rebuild Godthab Omega. This creation and growth does not go unnoticed by Annihilus. He sends out an Annihilation wave over there and they are upon the planet at issue’s end.
My Take On It:
I may just be prejudiced against Ronan. This, by far, has been the weakest of the Annihilation stories. The art hasn’t been good, and the story even worse. I have no clue, after three issues, how Ronan will tie into the Annihilation and the character is far less defined in this melee than Nova, Surfer, or Super-Skrull. I have no emotional investment in Ronan and I anticipate the next issue just because it will be the last, and that’s not good. It’s been just a convoluted story that has been much too hard to follow. Avoid this book, since it doesn’t even really seem to impact the Annihilation saga at all so far.
Rating: 1
24) Ion #3
Main Plot Points:
--Kilowog contacts Hal Jordan who finds Adriana (the woman who attacked Ion last issue) and learns that Ion caused death and destruction but she doesn’t know where he went.
--Ion, meanwhile, is on the planet Mogo and relieves past dead loves (Alex, Donna Troy, and Jade) and even an old villain (Major Force). It is all psychological for Kyle as he rids himself of the fear of his powers and he says he knows what to do now.
My Take On It:
This is a title that has been improving. The first issue was just so bad it has left a sour taste in my mouth that hasn’t washed away easily. The art is improving but I get a sense that 12 issues may have been too ambitious for this character. He has all this power that he is scared of and he may have lost control a few times. He meets some dead girlfriends and seems to have erased his fears. He’s ready to do what he needs to get done. Hal Jordan is looking for him and I think its safe to say it should be an interesting meeting. I feel that the 3 issues it took to get to this point could’ve been done in a shorter time, but this issue was at least better than the first two and hopefully the title will pick up steam as it heads toward the conclusion.
Rating: 2.5
25) All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z #6
Main Plot Points:
--We take a look at characters from Justice to Marvel.
My Take On It:
It’s a handbook with Marvel Characters. There are no stories. Get it for completist sakes, but wait for it to come out on TPB.
Rating: 2
Comic of the Week: Young Avengers #12. It had fantastic art and closed out a great story. I look forward to seeing these kids in Civil War and I can’t wait for Season 2. One of the most fun reads I’ve had in a while.
Surprise of the Week: Moon Knight #3. This title has come out of nowhere to consistently be a very intriguing story. The art and writing are superb and the retelling (and retooling) of Moon Knight’s origin leaves me wanting more Moon Knight and has transformed this mostly B-list character into a hot title.
Dud of the Week: I’d actually call this a tie between Solo #11 and Wolverine #43. Solo was not what it has been in the past (a platform for creator’s to do their own DC related stories) while Wolverine featured art not becoming to the title and horrible use of Wolvie’s healing factor.
Company of the Week: Marvel. None of DC’s books this week really wowed me while Marvel came out swinging with titles like Moon Knight, Young Avengers, Civil War Front Line and Fantastic Four lived up to the hype (and exceeded it) thus canceling out the poor taste of Wolverine. Marvel was a clear winner this week.
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