Final Crisis Aftermath Ink #6 - DC

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Final Crisis Aftermath Dance #6 - DC

Right up until the very end . . this final issue . . this series has continued to confuse me. I'm just not really sure what this was all about. Obviously it was set up to introduce us to these young, Japanese super-heroes, but . . I didn't really understand a whole lot about it. Other than that. Rising Sun, formerly of the Global Guardians has been coming after them. But we found out last issue that it was actually because Mister Mind had burrowed himself into his brain. The team performs a 'fantastic journey' of sorts this issue, when they shrink down to go in to Rising Sun's brain and find out what the problem is. But they don't expel Mr Mind as much as Rising Sun gains a moment of clarity and decides to burn himself up from the inside out . . 'There is . . great . . nobility . . b-better . . to burn out . . than fade away!' Hmmm! Who knew he was a Highlander fan. Or maybe he just liked Queen. Anyways, they've always marketed themselves as the Super-Young Team, but they always had individual contracts. However, through this adventure things become clearer. 'In that moment, we found a new marketing angle . . Super-Young teamwork.' Hmmm! I guess that never occurred to them before. And they also fix Japan this issue, by . . well, Most Excellent Superbat buys it. 'Made things much easier. Not to mention . . a lot more fun. Japan in my own image. No one has to know. With that bit of nonsense out of the way, we could once again concentrate on the business of being fabulous.' It occurs to me this issue just how much all of these characters resemble various JLA members. Sure they're all younger twisted versions of them . . but still. Anyways, did that make sense? Did that seem in the least bit coherent? If you were confused . . then you know how I felt reading this issue. I could see the various pieces. I just had no idea what puzzle they went to. Joe Casey writes it, with ChrisCross doing the art. Overall it looked good. And I liked it . . kind of. It just seemed . . confusing. Although there were some fantastic covers by Stanley Lau. I don't know if these characters will show up anywhere else. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Final Crisis Aftermath Escape #6 - DC

We finally learn the fate of Tom Tresser this issue. He's been running around Eclectic City for the last 6 issues not knowing where he is, why he's hear, or even how long he's been here. Then, at the end of this issue . . everything comes together. It appears that Brother Eye, on behalf of the Global Peace Agency has been testing Tom, and putting him through trials. And now . . he's the last. He's the only one that's made it this far, and has figured out things that he wasn't supposed to be able to. In the end, he even questions Brother Eye. It appears that Brother Eye also isn't really in charge, but rather Buddy Blank. And now that he's figured everything out . . they let him go. The next thing he knows he's waking up back in his apartment with his alarm going off and his cat licking his face. But . . there's one of the faceless agents there. Tom tells her to take her mask off because as soon as she starts talking he know who it is . . Adrian Chase. Apparently she was going through the same trials, just not at the same time. I guess while in the city, Tom was moving through space as well as time. That's why when he closed his eyes end open them someplace else. Anyways, now that he's through, they want to offer him a position as a part of their Agency. And it looks like he's going to accept. Overall I thought this series was more than a bit confusing, but . . it was supposed to be that way. I think Ivan Brandon was trying to get us, the reader, to feel the same inconsistencies that Tom was feeling . . the moving from space to space . . and forward and backward in time. So in my book . . he accomplished that because I felt as confused as Tom did. Now, hopefully we'll see more of the Global Peace Agency, and more of Agent Tresser. By the way Cliff Richards did the pencils, and he did a pretty good job also. The proof is in the pudding, though. Where do we go from here?

Final Crisis Aftermath Run! #6 - DC

This issue wraps up the sad story of Mike Miller . . the Human Flame. Well . . maybe wrapping it up isn't the right way to think about it. This whole series, Mike's only goal had been to get enough power that he no longer has to run . . from anybody. He's been running his whole life, and he's tired of it. Anyways, last issue he came into contact with the hyper-griffin at STAR Labs and when John Stewart, Firestorm and Red Tornado try to apprehend him, he explodes into a nuclear blast. That's how last issue ended. This issue, the guys have to contain the blast. And then . . they have to try to contain Mike. Apparently the blast took away everything that was human about him and now he appears to be a being of energy and fire. The problem is . . he's got the same dumb intellect that he had before. As he goes on a rampage through town he's oblivious that it's his own heat and mass that's taking out buildings and roads and cars around him. Sure he's doing some destruction on his own. But most of it is peripheral simply from the proximity of his being. But he's still not satisfied. He's angry that the 'heroes' are still trying to take him down. So he grows . . in size and mass . . up to 200 feet. Up to the point where he can no longer control, or move his being . . and he's trapped. Red Tornado asks the question, 'He could change his size at will. Why didn't he just make himself smaller?' To which John replies, 'Honestly, I don't think it even ever occurred to him. All he ever talked about was getting more. Why would he ever consider going for less?' Basically they contain him . . like a nuclear reactor. So, although he's down and out for this series . . I don't think we've seen the last of this guy. I'm sure Prometheus or Black Mask or somebody will get ahold of him and try to use him to their advantage. But . . that's a story for another book. This book seemed to be mostly about turning Mike Miller into more than he was before. Not more intellectually, just . . more power. Matthew Sturges and Freddie Williams II again bring us this chapter of the book. I thought it was interesting. The ending really went the only way it could. But like I said. I don't think we've seen the last of the Human Flame.

Final Crisis Aftermath - Ink #5 - DC

We get some insight into Mark's past this issue. A few years ago, when he was a Marine, his chopper was shot down and he was taken hostage as a prisoner of war. But the people who took him weren't interested in using him as leverage. They didn't like the war, or the Western involvement in it, but . . they also didn't like being downtrodden by ' . a tyrant whole rules our bodies but fails to rule our souls.' When they give him the gift of the tattoos . . a gift that comes with incredible pain . . they tell him 'The only world that matters is that which lies within. We will help you see it. From now on, you will live your life as we do . . from the inside out.' We see all this as his younger brother rips it from his memory. Mark had thought him dead, but instead the government had experimented on him to give him the power to control others. Some type of telepathy, I guess. Anyways, I think all of this is happening for two reasons. One is the classic conflict that will happen between brothers when they find themselves on opposing sides of an ideal. Mark's brother want to take over the Hill. He wants to be king. Mark wants to save it. Unfortunately, right now . . the only way he can do that is by turning his back on his family, and turning himself over to the police. A corrupt and evil department that is every bit as bad as the gangs that run the neighborhoods. The second reason I think all of this is happening is to help, or teach Mark how to control his power . . his tattoos. That's why they've been running loose and wild. He's never fully been in control of them. But I think this conflict . . these decisions that Mark's had to make for the interest of his family and his community . . they're the strengths that are going to teach him to control his gifts. So, as he sits in his cell trying to silence Altura and the Ronin, he contemplates his powers and his path. And he's also visited by Roy. He's here to inform him that because of recent events, he's been suspended from duty in the JLA. So with this issue . . he's been completely deconstructed. He's reached the bottom. Next issue . . the last issue . . he has to put it all back together and rise from the ashes. Do you think he can do it? I guess we'll just have to wait and see. This was a great issue by Eric Wallace and Fabrizio Fiorentino. I really liked the way it all played out, and the overall look and feel of the book. I can't wait to see how it all wraps up. If you're interested in this story at all, this will be a great TPB to look for when it comes out. It's a pretty intense story.

Final Crisis Aftermath Dance #5 - DC

For some reason . . I just haven't quite got a handle on this series yet. It's got some interesting characters. And a compelling story-line. I'm just not sure where it's going. Basically, we got this Super-Young Team. They're a team of Japanese super-heroes that are teenagers. But, they really haven't done anything. Yes they provided some assistance during Final Crisis, but . . they're mostly media famous. They have a PR guy, whose been pushing their images, action figures, and sometimes just the overall drama wrapped up in their teen-aged minds. But . . he appears to be working for someone else. Back in Japan there's something going on. Something that they don't want the rest of the world to know. So they've got the whole country blocked off from outside influence. So much so, that Super-Young Team can't even return home . . if they even wanted to. So the PR guy is manipulating the team to keep them in the spotlight and the focus off of the Japanese mainland. But he's doing so at someone else's direction. Now, during all of this, one of the older Japanese super-heroes keeps popping up, Rising Sun. At first he was also trying to figure out what was happening in his home. But now? Now it seems like he's antagonized the Super-Young Team . . calling them out. But this issue they find out that he's actually being controlled. Living inside of his head is none other than . . Mr Mind. You know, the little worm guy from Captain Marvel, SHAZAM! I'm not sure what he has to do with all of this . .or why? But . . he's been thrown into the mix right before the final issue. Anyways, Joe Casey writes it. I really do think he's doing a good job. I'm just not sure I understand the motivation or ultimate goal of this series. But since next issue is the last . . hopefully it'll all become clear. This issue was drawn by Eduardo Pansica. I've never heard of him before, but I thought the art in this issue looked pretty good. So, moving on to next month, we'll be wrapping up all of these Final Crisis Aftermath series. Which begs the question . . where we'll go from there.

Final Crisis Aftermath: Escape #5 - DC

This is a very strange series. We still don't know where Tom, Agent Tresser is located, but . . it has something to do with the Omacs and . . they seem to be running him through some type of gauntlet. Almost as if they're testing him, or trying to push his powers. We don't even know if these events are actually happening. By that, I mean . . are they happening in the real world? Or is it all just going on in some hallucinogenic state? This could all be happening on the psychic plane. Whatever's going on . . Tom has figured out that by handling situations, and choices differently . . the outcomes changes. It's almost like he's in some kind of 'Groundhog Day' scenario. The first time through, he saw all those around him . . his friends and confidants, either end up getting killed or just plain disappearing. When he goes back to the beginning and makes different choices . . the people he cares about either don't even show up, or at least don't come to any harm. It also has to do with Buddy Blank, who he spends a significant amount of time talking to this issue. Well . . with only 1 issue left, I'm sure all explanations will come to us next issue. I like Tom's character. Maybe this is a way of reinventing him . . or focusing his powers. But I think it's great to see him back in the spotlight again . . not just some supporting character. Ivan Brandon and Cliff Richards have done a neat job with this series. It's different. I'm interested to see it to it's conclusion.

Final Crisis Aftermath Run #5 - DC

This series is about Mike Miller . . the Human Flame. He's the guy whom Libra took under his wing in Final Crisis and granted him his wish . . he wanted the Martian Manhunter to pay for all the grief he had caused him over the years. So . . Libra got Jonn, and killed him. That's how this guy came out of relative obscurity. Anyways, in this series, so far . . General Immortus . . another villain from the archives . . again took the Human Flame under his wing and 'updated' him. He basically revamped and reshaped his whole body. His contingency was . . Mike's pain receptors were left intact, until he proved his loyalty to the General. We're talking about flame powers here. Heat! Lots of it! Flame powers, and metal objects protruding out of your skin don't mix well with human physiology. And even though he did become more powerful . . Mike felt like he was double-crossed. So, the first chance he got . . he and the Seductress lit out on their own. She was another of the General's test subjects. She's been following Mike around ever since. But Mike hasn't stopped to ask her a single question. Like . . what are your powers? Are you using them on me? She's obviously already proved her loyalty to the General, so . . why is she with Mike? Is she keeping tabs on him for the General, or does she have some other alterior motive? Yes she's hot, and well endowed, but . . that's no reason to just take her at her word. Many men have gone down that path and failed. Why should Mike think he's any different? Anyways, they end up at STAR Labs last issue because Mike thinks that he can get more power there. There they accidentally let loose a 26-dimensional Hypergriffin. And they run into Dr Xenophon Quincy, the Asst. Director, who's trying to stop it. After interrogating him for a while, they find out that he can do a procedure on Mike called 'cellular microfission' that will give him the power enabling him to contain this Hypergriffen. It's done with Nanotechnology, but . . it has a side-effect. First it's very painful. All of his other modifications will cease to operate. And, he finds out later, "Without a massive influx of neutrons, the nanoreactors will cease to function. You'll be right back to normal in a matter of hours." Then he finds out, "The only way to stabilize the reaction process would be to immerse yourself in the pressure chamber of a PWR nuclear reactor." Now why did he have to go and tell Mike that? Since there just happens to be a nuclear reactor nearby, in White Mountain . . that's right where Mike's heading. Consequences be damned. On his way he finds out that his powers aren't as easy to operate as he thought. And . . he picks up some 'friends'. Namely, John Stewart, Firestorm and Red Tornado. They picked up the Seductress and know what Mike's plans are, so . . they're out to stop him. Obviously. But then Mike plays them and John Stewart punches him right into the reactor. The issue ends with the whole facility going up in smoke. So what about Mike? Did he survive? Has he been amped yet once again? And when is this guys luck going to run out? I like Matthew Sturges story here. It's a little 'out-there', but . . it's fun. Kind of. Freddie Williams II is also doing a great job with the art. But . . there's only 1 issue to go. So the ultimate fate of Mike Miller will be decided then. I can't wait.

Final Crisis Aftermath: Ink #4 - DC

Well . . I think what happened here is . . Mark thinks he killed Diamond . . one of the Ded Boyz. And . . so do the police. However, I think it was one of his tattoos. At the time though, Mark didn't believe it because . . how could a tattoo act on it's own without him telling it what to do? Well it turns out that there's someone else in control . . a 'Mister S' . . actually, SYNck. He thinks that he's controlling the tattoos, by releasing them, but all he's really doing is allowing them to give in to their true nature. That's why K-Dan is loyal to Mark and helping him, but Altera is on her own agenda. Anyways, last issue a little girl was killed in some cross-fire and now all of Liberty Hill is up in arms. They're mad about these gangs making their home hell, but they're also mad at Mark, the Tattoed Man because he said that he would protect them. They want to know where he's at. So Mark is out there trying to make a difference, and the police have let his son Leon go. He almost gets attacked by the Ded Boyz, but Altera comes to his aid. "I'm Leon's new best friend. You're welcome. Just don't forget to tell your daddy."Anyways, the police come after him, but Mark, with K-Dan's help is like a one-man army. However, after the police are dispatched, someone else steps in to take Mark down . . SYNck. It turns out that this 'Mister S' is actually Mark's brother Devon . . his dead brother. Huh? I'm sure we'll find out more next issue. I really like this series. I think Eric Wallace has put together a great story here. I think this prepares this character to go on to other things after this. He's already an honorary member of the JLA. I also think that Fabrizio Fiorentino is doing a great job with the art. It's vibrant and colorful and fits this story perfectly. Unfortunately there's only 2 issues to go. But that's still a lot of story.

Final Crisis Aftermath - Dance #4 - DC

This series confounds me a little bit. So far we've seen these teen-aged Japanese heroes run around and drum up publicity, but . . we haven't really seen them do anything yet. They kind of remind me of Spencer and Heidi from the Hills. They're famous for being famous, but . . not much else. This issue we learn that their existence, and recent dis-banding can be traced by to Innovative Concepts, a company in Manhattan. They seem to be a cabal of powerful figures that want to manipulate the events of the world to their own ends. Including whatever is secretly happening in Japan right now. However, there's been a recent change in management there as Rising Sun seems to have taken out the Board . . literally. With their dis-banding last issue, the team has basically been scattered to the winds. They've all gone in their own direction, and have literally ended up at the four corners of the globe. However, when the Bat character realizes some of what's going on this issue . . he taps into Innovative Concepts' mainframe and views a lot of recent downloads . . he realizes that the Super Young Team needs to get back together immediately. But, on the final panel of the final page . . we see that this may all just be a dream. All the members of Super Young Team are hooked up to a machine and their brain-waves and dreams are being monitored . . maybe even manipulated. Which points out what confuses me the most about this book . . everytime we think we get an answer or 2, there's 4 more questions. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a neat story. Joe Casey has really pulled out all the stops on this one. He's combined the super-hero genre with the teen-aged reality show, and mixed in all the modern conveniences of technology. I'm just not sure where it's all going. Chriscross is helped out by Eduardo Pansica on pencils this issue. With 2 issues to go, I hope this all makes sense soon.

Final Crisis Aftermath - Escape #4 - DC

Now this mini-series, on the other hand . . is very confusing to me. I believe this story takes place in one of the World Peace Organizations strong-holds, I believe in Bludhaven. But . . I could be wrong. This whole story, and everything in it comes across as some type of fever-dream. Some drug-induced scenario that's being played out in Nemesis', or Cameron's, head. Also, for some reason, during these scenes . . they have a clock. I'm not sure what the signifigance of that is . . it's very hard to follow, but I know it's important. They start out at 12:08. They've come to Tom's aid (?), as he's strapped to some big wheel. We see Fire, the Atomic Knight, Cameron and Peacemaker. Well actually, we start out with Amanda in a control room with a couple of agents and a prisoner. He's hooded, but when she removes it, after Peacekeeper and the other guy (?) take off to help Cameron and Tom. It turns out to be Rick Flag. He apologizes and then they're swept up in some kind of beam or something. They all try to make their escape. But then at 12:19 they come face to face with some type of OMAC. It's obvious that's what he is, but . . he's different. He tells them "You have to finish what you started.", whatever that means. Adrian tries to use her powers on him, but he's not a metahuman. Tom and Adrian then find themselves separated from the others and in some kind of maze. They close their eyes and each time they reopen them they end up in some new whacked-out situation. It's 3:15 when they end up by a time-pool. When they come across some machine, Cameron seems to have an epiphany. She tells Tom she thinks she knows what's going to happen, however she's not allowed to tell him, and they're not getting out of there together. Next thing they know they're standing in front of one of the Flash's cosmic treadmills. For some reason Tom thinks he can get on it and get them out of here. He ends up lying in a bed. It's 12:47 and there's 3 lady robots there to serve him. Did that make any sense at all to you? Me either. Ivan Brandon and Cliff Richards are the creative talent on this story. The only thing I get out of this whole thing is that it revolves around Tom. Other than that . . I have no idea what's going on.

Final Crisis Aftermath - Run! #4 - DC

I like this mini-series. I think the Human Flame is an interesting character. He's a degenerate, low-life, SOB, but . . he's interesting. This issue, between he and the Seductress, they end up taking out most of General Immortus's army. However, I don't think that's necessarily the end of them. Afterall, the good General did put them together, and give them their powers in the first place. So as long as he, and his scientist, survive . . they can probably pick up the pieces and rebuild. They may not look the same, or have the same powers, but . . I think he can work with what he's got. Anyways, for whatever reason the Seductress has decided that she to needs to escape from the General and is apparently helping the Flame to do so also. However, as much as I think he likes her attention, his main goal is escape and the acquisition of power . . or, I should say, more power. In the end they end up at STAR labs. The scientist tells him, "Cellular microfission! STAR labs just outside of town. Turn your cells into miniature nuclear reactors. Lots of power there. I was going to try it on you next". But before they jump into the frying pan, the Seductress asks him why . . why more power? "As long as I have to sneak around, flee the scene of the crime . . as long as I have to run from the people that are after me . . them I'm not powerful enough". He's about to get more than he bargained for. When he opens the doors to the lab he comes face to face with a 26-dimensional Hypergriffin. I'm not sure what it is either, but it looks like it's more than he can handle. Matthew Sturges and Freddie Williams II are doing a great job with this book. Action, adventure, intrigue, betrayal . . they've got it all here.

Final Crisis Aftermath - Ink #3 - DC

I really like this mini-series. I think this whole story with Mark Richards, the Tattooed Man, is turning out to be very interesting. I think he's a great character. He's trying to follow the path of righteousness . . become a hero, to his family, himself and his community, but . . he's having a hard time balancing it all. "One thing they don't warn you about in hero school, is that the folks you care about are weaknesses the other side can use against you." Which is true, but . . there has to be a way he can keep them all out of harms way, but still be able to live with, and spend time with them. Last issue Slipknot and Cannon came after Mark and his son. But it all started with a drive-by from the Ded Boyz, a local gang. So, after Mark chases them all off, this issue, he turns in his son, Leon, as the killer of Phat Diamond. He knows he didn't do it, because Mark did, but . . in jail, Mark feels like he's safe. Like he won't get caught up in the cross-fire of everything he's trying to do . . be Liberty Hill's protector. Anyways, during all this, Mark's also having problems with his Tats. Some of them seem to be taking on a life of their own. One, Altera, a demon woman, even seems to be coming on to him. Later on, in the process of finding Cannon . . Mark wants to know who hired him, and why . . Cannon is underneath a power plant trying to get charged up. When he starts to talk to Mark, whomever is controlling him takes over like a cheap marionette. Cannon ends up blowing up the facility, but Altera pushes Mark out in time to save his life. What's going on with these powers? Also, while Mark was out looking, the Ded Boyz did another drive-by and killed a young local girl. Now they're all pounding on Mark's door. They want to know what happened to his promise to keep Liberty Hill safe? Eric Wallace is really doing a nice job with this story. He's really drawing the reader into the plight of the main character, and his family. We really feel his frustration, and have compassion for him. And Fabrizio Fiorentino's artwork is just incredible. It really gives the story a fantastic feel. Personally, I'd really like to see more of this character, after this series. He's definitely intriguing.

Final Crisis - Dance #3 - DC

I really like this book . . the art . . the characters . . the story, although it all is a bit confusing. Basically, we have these characters . . these 'super-heroes' from Japan, who are being manipulated by the media hounds. There's something going on in Japan, that we and the rest of the world aren't supposed to know about, so they're pushing these kids to take over the spotlight and direct the attention away from their homeland. This issue they're involved in some type of huge convention . . the Super Young Team [SYT] Fanfest Extravaganza. It's in Dubai. All of Super Young Team [SYT] are there, along with thousands of fans who are dressed up just like them . . mimicking their favorite character. So, during all of this, someone seems to be using all of this confusion to cause problems within the group. I mean, face it . . this team isn't that well known, so with all of these kids dressed the same, who's to know who the real team, and characters are . . or not? Then, on top of all that . . there's a group of German guys, they all look pretty much the same . . young blond yuppies. "The Con has been overrun by . . I dunno . . Tennis Nazis!?" Actually they're the PTA . . the Parasitic Teutons of Assimilation! "The PTA are scientific miracles! Engineered to forcibly take what is unique in others! And to return in kind . . ." When the [SYT] tries to fight them, they immediately imitate their powers. It ends up being one of the fans . . a really large one, with no real powers . . that ends up knocking out the leader of the PTA. Their media hound, not knowing what to do to gloss over this debacle, decides to set up the teams 'second act'. "Fan-tastic! You couldn't ask for a better setup for the big comeback! The shot heard 'round the world . . Super Young Team has broken up!" Like I said, a bit confusing . . and frantic. But, I think that's the feeling that they're trying for. Well, that and the infusion of all the current media sources . . Twitter, pod-casts, blogging, e-mails, etc.. Joe Casey writes it and Chriscross does the art. I think it's definitely unique. I just haven't figured out what the ultimate goal is here. Are they trying to introduce the team, or . . are they just trying to show a group of kids who had their moment in the spotlight and then faded into obscurity? Or, are they trying to show that with the right twist of the media, even the obscure can become famous? It definitely makes you think, though.

Final Crisis - Legion of 3 Worlds #5 - DC

This week starts out with 3 fantastic titles by Geoff Johns. Wow! I guy could get spoiled with a week like this. We've been waiting a while for this one, but . . that's ok. The story is fantastic and the artwork of George Perez and Scott Koblish is incredible. The 2-page splash of all the various worlds' Legionnaires converging on Vanishing Point . . now that they've realized that Superboy-prime is the Time Trapper . . those 2 pages alone are worth the price of admission. Some important events that come out of this story are . . Mysa, the White Witch, is converted into the Black Witch. "The White Witch may not have been powerful enough to stop you . . but the Black Witch is. Long Live the Legion. But not Mordru." She uses some of his own incantations to absorb most of his power. In the end she returns to Sorcerer's World and claims the throne as her own. "I am sorry. I am not here to save you. I am not here to save anyone. This is my world now. Evil beware the Black Witch." Wow! That's going to provide some fodder for many stories to come. It was also important to see that Connor and Bart are back, and that Sodam Yat has survived many years into the future. His igniting of Daxam's sun obviously won't be his demise. We also see that Dawnstar and Drake's relationship is as strong as ever. And ultimately, the Legion defeats Superboy-prime by turning him on himself. Gates opens a portal and takes the Time Trapper into the past to confront an earlier version of himself. The younger version is so full of rage that he can't believe that it's actually himself . . he thinks it's some trick of the Legions. Their confrontation . . their 'connection' . . the paradox of the situation is enough to basically 're-boot' his character. He's sent back to Earth-prime . . his continuity picks up where it left off. The problem is . . he's still full of hatred and evil . . he's done it for so long, I don't think he knows anything else anymore. And, in the time that he's been gone, the comics of his adventures have come out and been read by his family . . I don't know any 'family' that reads comics together. Although, I would've been a strong proponent of that. We had a 'game' night, and 'dinner' night . . even 'movie' night. I propose that we should've had a 'comic' night. Anyways, they're scared to death of him, and he quickly subjugates them all . . I think he even kills his sister. Oh yeah, and Sunboy is back in the action again. He's gotten past his self-obsessed, or depressed (?) stage. In the end, Bart and Xs use the cosmic treadmills to send all the various Legion teams back to their respective Earths, and dimensions. And Superman reunites Connor and Bart with the Titans. Most of this leading directly into the relaunch of Adventure Comics. We even get a preview of the first Superboy story by Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul. This is a fantastic week for our medium, and Geoff Johns. I can't believe the guy does all of this . . and he does it for us, the 'comic-geeks' of the world. All I can say is . . Wow!, and . . Thanks!

Final Crisis Aftermath: Escape #3 - DC

Wow! I'm really not sure what's going on in this series, but wow! I think my head was hurting by the time I got done reading this. I'm just playin'. But, it was more than a bit confusing. Obviously this series is all about Tom Tresser, Nemesis. But, there's an awful lot of other characters involved. First of all, I think . . I could be wrong . . but, I think this is all taking place in Bludhaven. Although they're calling it Electric City for some reason. Anyways, last issue we saw that Amanda Waller was involved. Actually I thought she was the jailer, but now it appears that she's just a captive along with the rest of them. 'Them' being the Atomic Knight, Peacekeeper, Blackhawk, Cameron Chase and Fire. This whole thing seems to be about testing them and getting information. But we still don't know what it is 'they' want. They all try to make an escape this issue, but it's thwarted by some guy, with no face, and a giant roulette wheel. Like on the cover, they're attached to it and they spin for a choice. But again, I'm not sure why. After reading this, I feel like I just got done reading a book when I was a little stoned . . or incredibly tired. I read all the words, I tried to put the pieces together the best I could, but I still don't know what happened. But, the confusion is intentional. I think that in itself is a hint to what's going on, but . . I don't know how it all fits together, yet. Ivan Brandon is writing this with art by Marco Rudy. We're 3 issues into this and we still don't know what's going on. Either these guys are incredibly gifted, or . . well, I don't know what other option there is. I'm sure these guys have a plan. I just can't see it yet.

Final Crisis Aftermath: Run! #3 - DC

I'd have to say . . of all the Aftermath mini-series, I think I like this one the best. I think Matthew Sturges is doing a good job with the story, and I'm enjoying Freddie Williams II's artwork. The woman on the cover here is going to be the downfall of this little group that Immortus has put together here. She's called . . the Seductress. And her skills seem to be working on Mr Miller, the Human Flame. Immortus has sent his little band of misfits out to get some chemicals and stuff that he needs. Basically he has a formula that helps him live longer, and he's almost out. What they don't know is that for some reason Clayface seems to be after the same shipment. Luckily they don't have to fight him because the Army is protecting the shipment, and . . when they call for back-up . . John Stewart and Firestorm show up. They're more concerned about Clayface than the group of misfits that they don't even know, so . . they slip under the radar, and while John and Jason are busy with Clayface, Dot takes them out of the fray. But Clayface is more than willing to give them up. "Hey, I'm not the one you should be gunning for, you know. That Human Flame guy was after it, too. Why don't you go after him? After all, he's the one that got your green buddy toasted. I was an innocent bystander to that whole unfortunate business. He might have some new gizmos stuck on him, but he's still the same loser. And now he's running a crew of total losers, too." But I don't think we've seen the last of Clayface because the Army takes off with him, but . . their containment vessel . . it doesn't work. Anyways, during the course of the story, the Flame and the Seductress do some talking. Mike Miller lets it be known that he appreciates the upgrades, but . . he's only sticking around until Immortus turns off the pain receptors, and then . . he outta' there. However, while doing some snooping around, Immortus catches wind of their plan and confronts them. The Seductress quickly turns on the Flame, but he's not going to give up so easily. He tries to make a break for it, but in the process jumps out a third story window. Needless to say, the Human Flame is broken again. I'm sure Immortus will put him back together, but . . I'm also sure that he'll have him on a much shorter leash this time. I think the most interesting part of this story is watching this serial loser trying to get out of the hole that he's dug in his life. He can get all the 'gizmos' and 'upgrades' he wants, but . . he's still stuck in the same decision making process. So, he'll continue to be a loser. Even though he didn't choose his rescuer, in Immortus . . he's willing to try to use him to become a better villain. What's the definition of insanity? "You continue to do the same thing over and over again, but you expect a different outcome." Well, I think Mike is definitely caught up in that paradigm. I think it'll be interesting to see how he comes out of this series, as compared to how he was when he went in. But . . we won't know that for a few more issues yet. So, come along for the ride . . sit back, and enjoy.

Final Crisis Aftermath: Ink #2 - DC

I have to say . . this issue had me a little confused. I know we're following Mark Richards on his quest to become a hero. Well . . maybe not a hero, but at least someone who can make a difference in the world that he's come to find himself in. But despite all the gangs and stuff . . he also seems to be surrounded by a lot of magic and mysticism. The line between the two is kind of blurry sometimes. Anyways, he's found out that his son want to join a gang. He wants to get inked and get some street cred. However, most of the people around here know who Mark is. So, I'm guessing this gang that he's trying to join is using him as a way to hurt Mark. And then there's the little mystery about the tat that seems to have disappeared from Mark. It's been sighted at a couple of crime scenes, but Mark isn't involved. I'm guessing somehow his son is connected. I don't know. Like I said . . that's where the whole thing gets a little confusing. All I know is that Leon has some sort of magical sword, or knife, that he's been using for the gang. Somehow this is connected but we don't have all the pieces yet. Mark has the same suspicions and hits the streets looking for Leon, hoping to keep him out of as much trouble as possible. But he should also be concerned about keeping himself out of trouble. The issue ends with him in the grip of Cannon and Slipknot. I'm not sure who they are, but we always have next issue. Eric Wallace is doing this story. I really do like the story, I'm just a bit confused about all the gangs and magic and what-not. It's all overlapping, but we aren't shown how it's all connected. I also like Fabrizio Florentino's art. I like the style that he's using on this book, and I can definitely tell that he's got a Mark Texiera influence to his stuff. This is only issue 2 of 6, so . . we'll just have to watch and see how this all plays out. I can't believe he's a member of the Justice League already.

Final Crisis Aftermath - Dance #2 - DC

This series is all a bit perplexing. But, it's original and interesting at the same time. We have this group of teen-aged Japanese super-heroes . . at least they want to be heroes, and they have powers. But everything that's going on here seems to center, and rotate around what's going on back in there homeland. The problem is . . nobody really know what that is . . yet. Rising Sun, from the Global Guardians, tries to get into his country, but . . "Tokyo is off-limits. Even to you honored Sun." And when our group tries to take a look at their country, through satellite images, they find that even those are being scrambled. Meanwhile, Shiny Happy Aquazon has decided to take the first step into commercialism and has decided to endorse a product. To bad that product happens to be a breathing induced mass-hypnotizer. But she didn't know that her first foray into commercialism would really be more about socialism. Luckily . . the rest of the team has her back. After arriving at the scene of the hysteria, they soon find out where this mind control oxygen is coming from, and soon find the source of the dastardly plan . . an amoeba who has named himself Brain Drain. But with teamwork, they break his grip on them and solve their first case. Joe Casey does an interesting job of presenting these new heroes. They're different and unique and seem to have a new perspective, and expectations, of this whole 'super-hero' game. But I think that's the point. In Final Crisis they just helped save the universe. Now they have to settle into everyday life in 'Las Vulgar'. That's their nick-name for their new home-town. So while they're trying to establish thier life, whomever is behind their new 'image' and commercialism, is trying hard to keep them from gaining any perspective on it. "This generation. They barely question their environment. As long as their pleasure centers are being adequately stimulated . . . getting them on TV is a good bet. One season and they won't even be able to discern reality . . .! Exactly what Mr. Itam and his backers want. Anything to keep the focus on them and not on their homeland." I also enjoy the way that Andre Coelho and Eduardo Pansica are presenting these characters visually. They're keeping things fresh and hip and full of bright colors. I mean, look at that cover. Personally, I think this will be the best of the 4 Aftermath mini-series. Unfortunately, it'll probably also be the least read.

Final Crisis Aftermath - Escape #2 - DC

This story is either very complicated, or . . very confusing. I haven't really figured out which yet. But, I enjoy Nemesis' character, along with Amanda Waller and Rick Flag, so . . I'm patient enough to wait and see what happens. The part I'm confused about is . . I'm not sure if this is a dream, a hallucination or is somehow Amanda Waller has figured out how to play with the time-pool. It almost suggests that Nemesis, Tom Tresser, was captured a while ago and someone else has been filling in for him. Which would make sense, considering this is an extension of Final Crisis. Maybe Darkseid had him replaced to obtain information . . a mole. Or . . Nemesis had assumed someone else's identity, under the orders of Waller, and had done so for so long that he forgot who he was. And if that's the case, I'm thinking it may have been Flag. The only reason I'm saying that is because he sees, and talks to Rick the whole issue, but at the end you find out that Rick was never really there. Then when I went back to look over it, it's apparent that Rick isn't interacting with anyone else. It just looks like he's in those scenes, but no one else is acknowledging him. The reason I even brought up the time-pool is because there's a scene . . a dream, or hallucination, I don't know . . where Tom is pulling someone out of what appears to be a time-pool. It's a younger version of himself. And then the scene switches and it's an older version of himself. Or, maybe it's a younger and older version of Flag. I'm not sure. They kind of look alike. So . . like I said, it's all a bit confusing. Or, it could be some intricately fabricated plot-threads. We just don't know how they're all connected yet. Either way . . it's piqued my interest, and I want to know more. Overall it was in interesting story by Ivan Brandon and Marco Rudy.