Supergirl #13 - DC

Joe Kelly really has a fantastic handle on this character. His story-lines are great. They're fast paced and action packed. Plus I really like the direction he's taking Kara's character in. I told you I was missing Lashley on the Flash, but he does the cover of this issue. And what can I say about Ian Churchill, other that fan-frickin-tabulous. He's one of my favorite pencillers out there. The end of last issue, and all of this issue, we get introduced to Powerboy. "No relation." We don't get much of his back story, but we do get to see him in action. We get to see a lot of Kara's mission, though. But is it her real mission, or just a dream. Or was she programmed when she was in Argo City. Anyways, she's convinced that she's supposed to kill Kal-El. That her sole mission is to end the El line. These two bad guys come after her, feeding off her emotion I think, and the one notices how much hate she has in her, "You want my Hate? It's yours. But understand . . . . I don't hate Superman. That's why I left. That's why I ran and hid in a bottle. I love Kal-El . . . I hate myself. AND THAT'S NOT YOURS TO HAVE!!!", she screams as she takes both of them out. We also see Boomer getting scolded by Grace because, "One, you ever try to use the Outsiders to impress a skirt again, I'll kill you. And two, that girl is seriously messed up in the head, and you should run away screaming." Fantastic book, and great series. Even better than the last one. And that's saying a lot!

Batman and the Mad Monk #5 - DC

I really am a fan of Matt Wagner's. And I really do like the style of this story. It's set in the early years of the Batman's career. He's less sure of himself, and almost every experience is something new to him. My problem is, I'm bored with it. I really think this story couldve been told in 4 issues instead of 6. The last issue, especially, really dragged. Batman has gone to the castle to find out what's going on. But, he's ensnared in a trap. Or course he gets out, but not before he's severely tattered and torn. So much so, that the only stop he makes, before going back to the cave to get stitched up by Alfred, is to stop by and talk to the Commish. He get's some rest, and then heads out the next night to help save Julie's life. The issue ends with her tied up, literally, like a lamb for the slaughter. One more issue, and then we'll see what the next chapter holds for us. Over all a good book. I just get bored easily.

Flash #7 - DC

Bart has decided to move to Los Angeles. Partly because he just wants to get out of Keystone. And partly because his girlfriend moved somewhere out west. Anyways, he just gets to town, and who does he run in to, Abra Kadabra! He's trying to pull off a jewelry heist. As the Flash, he follows him to the Alps, by getting in the jewelry store himself before it's teleported, and foils the robbery. Not much of a surprise there. Velocity is meeting with Deathstroke in Nevada. It seems that his speed only comes from the drug, Velocity 9. It has nothing to do with the Speed Force. Deathstroke heads off to New York for his Titans East thing, and Thad goes in to the future to get a part he needs to help Mota. Mota is trying to regain his physical form, by using his daughters body. Thad acts like he's trying to help him, but then sabotages the whole thing so that Valerie survives, but her father doesn't. I'm thinking, she's got some powers she doesn't know about yet though. Anyways, the issue ends with Thad trying to coax Bart in to coming out to Las Vegas where he has a trap set out for him. The writing team of Bilson and Demeo are doing a fantastic job with this book. I really like the pace and style they've brought to it. To bad Ken Lashley isn't on pencils anymore, but I do like the work of Ron Adrian and Art Thibert. My only question is, where's Waldo? I mean Wally!

Detective #827 - DC

This book is brought to us by the usual creative team, at least what were used to the last few month, of Paul Dini, Don Kramer and covers by Simone Bianchi. Fantastic team. But, again, the aspect that really sticks out to me most is the coloring. The coloring on this book, the last few months, has been some of the most vibrant I've seen, ever. It's by John Kalisz. Props to you, bud! Anyways this seems to be the year for bringing out all the old, and revamping it. This issue Scarface is back. But with a twist, it's his daughter. Scarface is back, but at first they don't really know if Arnold Wesker is back, or not. So Batman goes undercover as Lefty Knox. I forgot Matches Malone got killed by Scarface. Anyways, Scarface brings in all of Gothams hitters, to the Iceburg Lounge. You know, Penguin's club. They think it's because Scarface wants to put his gang back together, but actually it's to bring Batman out in the open. Which it does. There's a battle, and she turns out to be just as deadly as Wesker. We know it's his daughter, but Batman doesn't yet. Anyways, good book. Great art and coloring. And a fantastic cover.

JSA Classified #20 - DC

Ok, last issue we thought that the culprit in this arc was the Ultra Humanite. Well, it is. But it isn't. See this whole thing started when he took over Delores Winters body. The doctor that performed the surgery was supposed to throw away her brain. I'm sorry. Dispose of it. Anyways, he couldn't bring himself to do so, so he found another recently deceased woman to put it in. Well, that body wasn't as beautiful as her old one, so he did a lot of plastic surgery. So much so, that she became a junkie. So when that body became old and withered, she had him do it again. Who knows how many times. But eventually she came to roost in the beautiful alabaster body she now possess'. And now she calls herself, Endless Winter. Through this process, and with the help of Roulette, they discovered that there was a market for "hero" parts. So they began killing meta powered people and stealing their body parts. Eventually Doc Mid Nite does foil her plan, but of course, she makes her escape. Great story by Scott Beatty. I already liked Rags Morales artwork, but, his artwork inked by Michael Bair, is fantabulous. Great artistic duo there. Anyways, next issue it's Hawkman. We're finally going to find out what happened to him.

Superman/Batman #31 - DC

This book has so many things going for it. DC has the All-Star series, with Superman and Batman, each in their own respective series, and rumored with more to come, but this series has been an all-star since it's inception. This issue alone has an Ethan Van Sciver cover, Mark Verheiden, of Alien and Terminator fame, writing it, and Matthew Clark on the inside pencils. Matt has most recently been the penciller for the Outsiders. Hopefully he'll be going back there after this story arc. But, his pencils, while already great, have somehow steadily improved over the last year or so. And it's my understanding that he's been behind some of the look and costume changes on the Outsiders. Fantastic!! Anyways, in this book, it looks like Zook, a character from the JLA, long ago, is back with a vengeance. It's seems that DC, lately, has this thing with bringing back what were goofy characters from years ago, and making them legitimate threats. I don't know the whole history, but it's my understanding that Zook is an extra-dimensional character, kind of along the lines of Myx from Superman fame. So anyways, he appears to be messing with all the alien heroes on earth, which is quite an impressive arsenal to be messing with. Superman, Supergirl, Martian Manhunter, Killowog, Ultra the Multi-Man, and I'm sure others, are all hearing a call that seems to be bringing them to odds with the Earth and how it's treated aliens in the past. Batman is trying to be the calming force, and break through all this illusion, but, he hasn't been successful so far. He may have to team up with Lex Luthor to do so. Also there's this Black Stone, that both sides want, that Superman has been keeping locked up in his fortress. Luthor sends Batman and Plastic Man to retrieve it, but the power of the stone overtakes Plastic Man. Now we don't really know which sides he's on. He can hear the call, but isn't controlled by it. When he returns to Luthor, he is obviously captured and Luthor is trying to extract the stone by any means possible. Which brings Batman back to Luthor, to make sure nothing happens to Plastic Man. Fantastic story arc. As have they all been. I was always a big fan of World's Finest, but this one seems to have far surpassed that one. Congratulations!

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-heroes #25 - DC

Two things I love about this series. Actually three. First, and foremost, I love the Legion. Always have. And, actually, I've liked it through every incarnation. Some have been better than others, but, I've always loved the team and the characters. That's why I have it all the way back to when it started in Adventure Comics. Second, I love it when Mark Waid and Barry Kitson work together. The book was ok when Barry was off it for a couple of issues. But when these two work together, it's just magic. They seem to compliment each other, and push each other to do better things. The end result is fantastic. Oh, and the third thing is, I love Supergirl. Whoever's idea it was to bring her in to this series, was brilliant. Anyways, the purpose of this story is to bring out another super-team, the Wanderers. And of course to bring Mekt Ranzz, Lightning Lad's brother, back into the story. He's the leader of the Wanderer's, and the reason the group is together in the first place. Basically, his story is, before the United Planets had the Legion to do their work, they had another group of heroes that were like a black-ops group. They existed for years, and then Mekt was recruited for what was to be their final mission. They were after the Dominators, but everyone got wiped out on that mission, except for Mekt. Over the time it took him to wander back to Earth, he recruited other people to join his group, and took the name Wanderers. While this is going on, Supergirl and Brainiac, have released Valor from the Phantom Zone. Since they're all trapped in Legion headquarters, Brainiac has pushed the tension between Supergirl and Valor, to the point where the heated battle will hopefully break through the barriers that are holding them in. Mekt started out by recruiting Timber Wolf, Karate Kid, Kid Quantum and Lightning Lass, also his sister. But, upon Supergirl and Valor breaking through the barriers, we come to find out that Valor was actually the most important one he was after. Now, Mekt has always been malevolent towards the Legion. So, I find it hard to believe that he's actually trying to make matters better. But, we don't know the whole story yet. Only what Mekt's told us. So, we're going to have to wait to see how this all plays out. There's some argument over who started first, the Legion or the X-Men. I don't care. I love the Legion, and I always will.

Hawkgirl #59 - DC

Howard Chaykin hasn't been on this book in a couple of months. Probably while he's doing the Guy Gardner thing. Hopefully he comes back, but, who knows. Anyways this issue our fill in artist is Renato Arlem. Of X-Factor fame. Great art. Has a style similar to Howard's, but, not really. Howard did do the cover though. But I really do like Renato's style. It's got a Howard feel to it, but it also has some Barry Kitson feel also. And he can really draw some sexy women. The panels with Kendra laying in bed, thinking about Carter was . . um . . . moving. This issue we have Blackfire coming after Hawkgirl. She killed Shiera, supposedly killed Carter, and now she wants to finish her collection with Hawkgirl. Kendra also decides to enhance her weapons, to go along with her enhanced powers, by using one of Batman's manufacturers, the Mole. This story is finished up in JSA Classified #21, and I think signals the return of Hawkman. I hope they give him his own book, or maybe feature him in different books. But I really hope they keep Kendra in this one. She's such a strong and interesting character. This book as come a long way in the last 10 issues. I really hope it keeps going that same direction.

Justice #9 - DC

We get some more information this issue. "Sivana's mind was thought to be too difficult to manipulate and push as brainiac did the other villains. He wasn't a threat. Only an irritant. Brainiac stole Sivana's design for a mechanical leech of sorts that could manipulate a body and mind a Mr. Mind prototype weapon." Now I don't know how many of you remember the old SHAZAM books, but, wasn't Mr. Mind a worm? The first few issues of this series, I thought it was another Starro attack. But they took an old idea and mad it new and fresh. Just like I thought the way that Black Adam and Mary and Freddy took out Billy was pretty original too. They then took over Shazam with the device too, but Superman and GL knocked it out of him. Meanwhile, Doc Magnus, Niles Caulder and Ray Palmer have been trying to come up with armor to shield the heroes. The problem is that each persons armor has to be specifically tailored to match their powers and weakness'. But after they free Billy and GL takes him to see Sivana, is when they make the discovery that Luthor and Brainiac have stolen Sivana's designs. Speaking of Luthor and Brainiac, that twosome is going to be the downfall of the whole Legion of Doom. I mean, how can you work with someone you can't trust? Which is what I think Luthor is feeling when he walks in Toyman's factory, and Jester shows him the room with hundreds of Brainiacs lined up. At the end of this issue, we see all the heroes getting ready to go in to battle in their new armor. It's a beautiful splash page. Fantastic series, but only 3 issues left.

Jack of Fables #6 - Vertigo

This is a pretty cool book. I mean we all know that comics are fables anyways. Right? I am right? Right? Anyways, between this series and Fables, Bill Willingham has made that literal. He's brought all those stories of old, and put a modern twist on them. It's almost like, here's what was really happening while you were being told the story you were being told. So the premise of this book was, who's the most famous fable character (?), Jack, and let's look at things from his perspective. Which is whimsical, malevolent, full of guile, and very skewed. In this tale, Jack, along with John Henry, Pecos Bill and Alice are still trying to evade the Bagmen and the retrieval vans. After their recent break out. They've been hiding it the snow covered mountains. The other three have noticed that jack doesn't seem as affected by the cold as they are. So, in order to explain, he has to go through the story of how he became Jack Frost. Remember, he's every Jack of any fable. Jack & the Beanstalk, Jack-O-Lantern, Jack & Jill, Jack Frost, all of them. This issue is drawn by Steve Leialoha, it's nice to have him on board. Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham write it. Matt has been on board since last issue. So I'm wondering if he's going to be taking over for Bill. I hope not, Bill has a certain style that I like. But before I get to worried, I'll just wait and see how it unfolds. Good series, though.

Conner Hawke - Dragon's Blood #2 DC

Conner is in China. A Mr. Zhao, billionaire, has invited the top archers from all over the world to come to his country and compete. It has something to do with a legend about a dragon and an archer. Anyways, while there he finds out that Shado has elected to participate also. But her desires are not altruistic. She was hoping to see Conners dad, Ollie, actually. Connor sees her as evil. He sees her as the one that turned her dad into a killer. That may or may not be who she is, but it really doesn't matter. She tries to warn him that he is surrounded by death. He doesn't want to listen, and Shado ends up getting shot. Being the man he is though, he rushes her to the hospital and saves her life. He's also approached by a Libby Lindstrom and Honduro Kishu, a Kyudo master. Libby is trying to get his attention, and Honduro, while coming across as accomodating and interested in Connor's abilities, I think is actually out to kill him. Somebody else there, that Eddie Fyers talks to is Brandy Sloane, who is there with Tony Crowfoot. At the end of the issue, in a conversation with Mr. Zhao, Honduro makes reference to Connor's brother. Surprise! I think it's Tony. But we'll have to wait until next issue to find more information. I like this book, because I think it's about time that they expanded on Ollie's world. Finally! Even if it is only for 6 issues.

Guy Gardner - Collateral Damage #2 - DC

This book is 48 pages of Guy Gardner. The prattling, insensitive buffoon. He has no courtesy or respect for anyone, or anything. He doesn't feel the least bit sympathy for Gnort over the destruction of his planet Gnewt. The only reason he's even trying to help the Thanagarian or Rannian emissaries is because he's hoping that he'll get a three-way out of it. And when the Tormocks wreck his establishment, because of his Vuldarian heritage, all of his other concerns come to a screeching halt, until he can exact the revenge that he feels he deserves. Gnort informs him of a Tormock attack on a Vuldarian outpost. But, Guy is to late to save anyone. He does get there in time though to thoroughly kick some Tormock ass. There's some kind of space virus floating through the area, and the only thing that saves them is Guy's ego. His ring tells him that his species doesn't have the mental capacity to resist the assault. Well Guy gets so mad that he has to prove the ring wrong and saves everyone in the process. Gnort isn't quite as mad at him after this. And it looks as if he may get a date from the Thanagarian woman. Hey, it's Guy Gardner. This is just the sort of stuff we expect from him. If he acted more compassionate, we wouldn't recognize him. The best thing about this book though, is that it was written and drawn by Howard Chaykin. Love this guy. Both guys actually, Howard and Guy. Great book.

Blue Beetle #10 - DC

Lots of stuff happening this issue. Fire just left LaDama's house at the end of last issue. Well, apparently, she left a mother box behind. LaDama's daughter found it, and now has been teleported who knows where. We then get to see Jamie work with his "people", or beetle network, to find out what this box is, and where it may have taken her. It ends up that when Jamie goes into his Beetle armor, he can actually talk to it. So next thing you know .. . . . BOOM! He goes to the planet where Brenda is. About 75 miles away. Turns out she on some planet that been turned in to a big booby trap. Don't know by who, but, it has something to do with New Genesis. Also on the planet is Lonar the Hunter, from New Genesis. Brenda's taken in by some Gremlin looking aliens, whom seem nice, but then want to drink her blood. Lonar comes to her rescue, but she's still beaten up quite a bit. So as Lonar shoo's away all the aliens, and carries Brenda off to safety, Jamie comes flying in armored up, and completely misinterprets the situation. Of course. So now we have a slug-fest brewing between the two. But, we'll have to wait until next issue to see it. And somehow Metron's going to get involved too. The story's getting better, but the artwork, not so much. I'm trying to hang on though. I give it about another 12 issues, if it stays the same as it is now.

Creeper #5 - DC

The Creeper has always been one of my favorite characters. The original. Not the revamped one that came out a couple of years ago. Anyways, this incarnation lives up to the original. This issue we find out that the Joker is also involved with Dr. Yatz. He says that his Joker venom is in the serum. But he could just be playing with Creeper's head. Creeper tried to confront Dr. Yatz last issue, but he and the Joker were ready for him. This issue, Batman comes and tries to help, but these guys get 'em both. Yatz and Joker take of while they're down, and as they're flying away, blow up the facility. But not before the Creeper discovered a whole wing of his progeny. Apparently these were all the previous attempts and failures that Yatz had. So at the end of this issue, we don't know if Bats and Creep got out, got blown up, or got beaten to death by the Creeper Rejex. Steve Niles has been doing a great job with this story. We started out with Justiniano on pencils, which was awesome, but we've had fill ins for the last two. Steve Scott does the honors this issue. But, Justiniano will be back for the final issue. But then, what happens to the Creeper after that? Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #6 - DC

Remember Miss America came back last issue? And she took down the Freedom Fighters like so much wheat? Well, she wasn't the real one. She turned out to be an android. Actually, it turns out, Gonzo made her. That's the android that's posing as Phantom Lady's father, and recently got elected to president. Well anyways, the real Miss America came back this issue. And she's living up to her name. We also got to see the Red Bee, and the Invisible Hood. Uncle Sam eludes that there's other Freedom Fighters out there, but he won't call on them until they're needed. Anyways, Sam and Miss America take out father time. SHADE, and Gonzo, have to come and rescue him. Actually more like scold him. Anyways, the Freedom Fighters then take off for the heartland, "Think of it as a frozen moment in time, circa 1789." Meanwhile, Black Condor has a heart to heart with Phantom Lady, and has her take him to Arizona to show her something. We see her surprise, but we don't know what it is yet. Also we find out that the Ray, is a traitor. He actually works for SHADE. This is a fantastic book. But there's only 2 more issues left. We can't just let these guys fade away after that. We need to stand up, and speak out. Give this team their own book. Please!

Wetworks #4 - Wildstorm

Dane and Mother one have gone to Thea Mater. It's a planet on the other side of the Bleed that's similar to ours. But not similar too. On this world the Vampires and Werewolves and night creatures thrived. Eventually all but wiping out the human race. The only reason some did survive is because the Werewolves and some of the Demons sided with them. The one that came to Dane's world and started slaughtering people, Vascar, came from this world. Apparently he was bored here, or maybe the refrigerator was becoming empty, so somehow he crossed the bleed to come to this world. Well one of the Detectives came to our world in search of him, and that is how Dane and Mother One came to this world, with his help. Next we get the whole background story on Vascar. And it's a scary brutal story. They find out that the 56 fingers, 6 hearts, 20 eyeballs, 6 tongues and 6 ears all sewn together, that they found last issue in the subway, is actually their equivalent to a computer. So that's what Vascar was assembling. Creepy! So, now that they know what he's capable of, and where he comes from, they just have to figure out a way to take him down. Sure! Easier said than done. Mike Carey has brought a great feel to this book. And of course it's always great to have our original artist, Whilce Portacio, back. Back at the book he helped create. This has a great feel to it, and it's good to have them all back, including the characters.

The Boys #6 - WildStorm

I like this book. But, it is a little disturbing. This issue are group, or rather Buther's group, finally goes in to action. They've called out the Teenage Kix. It would be a pretty lopsided fight, but , Butcher's guys are on Blue (?). At least I think that's what it's called. Anyways, it gives them superpowers for a short period of time. But what really surprises the Kix, is how brutal these guys are coming after them. The only one who isn't ready for it is Hughie. He gets jumped by Blarney Cock. Nice name, huh? Anyways, Hughie freaks out and ends up impaling him with his own arm. He feels so bad, he even takes the guys gerbil because he feels bad for him. Even though, I think, it just crawled out of the guys ass. Anyways, Hughie is ready is to quit the group when Butcher sits down with him to tell him his reason for wanting to go after the big guns. It seems one of them raped his wife. While she was caring the baby, she was killed when it burst out of her stomach. Butcher says he knows who did it, and that's why he's going after the 7. Pretty intense book. But I expected nothing less from Garth Ennis. And Darick Robertson's pencils are awesome. You should give it a try. If you haven't.

Teen Titans Go! #38 - DC

Mad Mod is back this issue. He's trying to seduce the Titans by turning them in to superstars, instead of super-heroes. You know, of course that Beast Boy and Starfire are kinda thinking about the glamor. But it takes Robin's cool head to break the spell. Basically, Mad Mod was hoping that if he could trick them in to staying in his Mod World, then he could run around free like a bird, out here in the real one. But, the Titans put a nix on those plans. Cool book for kids. But, with enough of a story to attract adults also. The art is a little different this issue. It kinda looks like a cross between manga and an old Archie book. But it's cool. It doesn't have to look exactly like the cartoon series every issue.

Batman - Legend of the Dark Knight #213 - DC

This was an interesting book. First we have a nice cover by Walt Simonson. Then, with the story, they take an idea, and expound on it in it's next logical progression. We start out with the craze that the world has to have anything that may have come in contact with a famous person. I saw the other day where a cancelled rent check from Kevin Federline, went for about $800 on e-bay. That's insane. Well anyways, if we're in a universe that's filled with costumed vigilantes and heroes, wouldn't that be something of interest there? What would someone give for a discarded batarang, or a torn and discarded cowel, or any other number of things that may be left behind in the heat of the moment? And the next step would be to take that to a place where all the pop culture evolves around the trends in the states. And in this universe no one is bigger than the American heroes, or the JLA or JSA. So we move on to Japan. Batman becomes particularly embroiled in this case because in obtaining some items, someone was killed with one of his batarangs. We get filled in on some of the things that occur in Japanese pop culture, and twist it a little bit because of the different nature of the people that are watched under a microscope in this universe. And, we get some anime style villains. Steven Cummings does a nice job of giving the story an anime type style with his artwork. This was something that was truly different for Batman. But, it's ok to see him step out of his box sometimes. It was a nice change of pace.

Secret Six #6 - DC

This is the final issue. We must not let this book fade into oblivion. If anyone loved this story as much as I did, then please write in and tell the powers that be, at DC, that you don't want to see it fade away. This is a fantastic mixture of characters. Catman, Scandal, Deadshot, Ragman, Knockout and the Mad Hatter, are all unique and eclectic. The way they work and play together is just as unique and irresistible. But now they'll have to get someone to replace the Mad Hatter. Ragman doesn't really seem to like him. Plus, " . . . . I'm afraid there's really only room for one dandy freak on this team, Mr. Tetch", as he shoves him off a cliff. He then leaves him for dead as the fly out of Kyoto. Plus, their headquarters is the House of Secrets. I mean, how cool is that? And besides, now they have two things hanging over them. They defeated Vandal Savage and left him for dead. But since we all know he can't die, I'm sure he'll be back. And since he doesn't like to suffer defeat, we know who he'll come after. Catman asks Scandal, "What do you do if he comes after you?", to which Scandal replies "Well, for a start, a tubal ligation is in order, I think." And then the Mad Hatter, lying near death and broken on the ground, swears to his only friend, his hats, "I'll spit my bloody revenge on those people. The "six" now again five, now again five." So with all that left in the air, how can we just let this series be dismissed. Speak up, I say! Tell the man how you feel! Demand to be heard!

52 - Week Thirty Three - DC

This is 52's holiday issue. Ralph and Fate are in the Flash museum. Drinking and reminiscing. Actually, Ralph wanted to go there to get his gun. Nightwing is still trying to hit on the new Batwoman. Dick still doesn't know that she's gay. Luthor is upset because one of his Everyman patients seems to be dying. But also because he has been turned down, yet again, as an Everyman recipient. He's not good at dealing with rejection or failure. But, he still wants to butter up to his home grown team, Infinity Inc., so he's bought them all brand new cars for Christmas. It seems that he does get rewarded for good deeds, as the recipient who was dying has turned around. "Some . . . . X-factor in his body is spontaneously adapting to the everyman process. It's a Christmas miracle." To which Luthor immediately responds to the doctor, "Something inside the boy opened the door to the possibility of genetic adaptation. Do a full organ harvest and spinal drain on Luis, draft a glowing obituary, and have his parents compensated for their tragic loss." I think Luthor wants to use this boys miracle, to create one for himself. Renee and Charlie have been holed up in Kate's, Batwoman, apartment ever since they left Nada Parabat. Also Charlies cancer has been eating him up more and more ever since they left. But they had to, to stop the prophecy from the that foretold Kate's murder. They stopped that, but then Charlie was to far gone for them to go back. Kate and Renee then share an intimate moment. We also get a glimpse at every couple, that we follow, throughout the DC universe as they each have their own Christmas moment. Finally we see the Black Adam Family as they try to convince the world that they are just as human as the rest of them. But now Amanda Waller has a Suicide Squad team ready to go after them. It's like a big soap opera. We get to see all our favorite characters and their struggles and how they're going to get out of them this week. Love this book. But, we're down to 19 issues. So sad!

Teen Titans #42 - DC

It seems like a lot of these books are giving us the back stories now. What I mean by that is, we had the One Year Later thing, because of 52 and all the stuff that's happening in that title. Well now, 52 is starting to wind down, so they can start filling us in on the rest of the story and how some of the changes seen in One Year Later came about. That's really what we get this issue. When One Year Later happened, we got a new Titans team with Kid Devil on it. A new and improved (?) Kid Devil. But how did he get that way? Well, this issue fills us in on all that. We find out the history between Blue Devil and Gopher. Just in case you don't have, or haven't read the back issues of Blue Devil. And then we learn how, and why, he traded his soul to Neron for his new powers. Tricked is actually more like it. He was given the powers, under the assumption that he would never lose his trust for Blue Devil, and if he did that he would have to return at the age of 20 and be Neron's protege. Well, after giving him those powers, Neron reveals that it was Danny's own actions that brought about his aunt Marla's death. But the good news is, he still has 3 years to sort it all out. Teenage angst and all that. Anyways, this is a fantastic book. We had a fill in artist this issue, Peter Snejbjerg, but with the occult theme of this issue, his style fit right in. And of course Geoff Johns is doing a fantastic job with this title. And next issue . . . . . Titan's East . . . . . . . finally after all these years of anticipation. Keep up the good work!

Birds of Prey #101 - DC

Ok, first of all the good new, Gail Simone is still the scribe on this book for the foreseeable future. I was really worried that after they hit issue 100, they would try to go in a new direction. Well, they are, but with Gail at the helm. Fantastic! Now for some more good news, the new artistic team of Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood is fantastic. We've been bouncing around with some artists, the last . . . . well . . . lot of issues, but, I'm hoping, that we'll settle on this one. If feedback counts, they definitely have my vote. We haven't got the back story yet, from One Year Later, but the team we're dealing with now consists of Barda, Katana, Lady Blackhawk, Manhunter, Misfit (whom we were introduced to last issue) and of course Huntress and Oracle. A very nice team all in all. But, they also have a new problem. That comes in the form of the new SpySmasher, Katarina Armstrong. She's very driven. Seems to have a hard on for the "Birds", and has a history with Oracle going back to the Suicide Squad. So she's definitely going to be a big thorn in their sides. Not to mention that she has all of Barbara's operatives, except Manhunter, arrested at the end of this issue. We're going in a new direction, but it definitely seems to be a good one. Love this book!

Checkmate #9 - DC

The thing that I like so much about Greg Rucka's writing style is that he doesn't dummy up his story for his readers. This is a good crime / espionage story that has a lot of characters. We have all the characters on the CheckMate side of it, but we also have the DMA, Dept. of MetaHuman Affairs, Kobra and the former JLA members that are sprinkled throughout. It helps to make for a very interesting story. This one is about an undercover agent that CheckMate had inserted into one of the Kobra cells. But, the DMA got involved, and broke up the cell before CheckMate could fully utilize his position in the group. Not to mention that it took them over a year to get him there. So, what Sasha arranges with Sarge Steel, after much heated debate, was that they would set up a prison break to help their guy, pawn 502, reestablish his cred before going back to the group. This is where the twist comes in. In order to do this, and make it look legit, they need Shadowpact's help. They want it to look like they broke loose during the prison transfer and killed at least 6 armed guards. Well now that they've accomplished that, Sasha decides she's not going to just let them move on. She wants them to help CheckMate out until, "I get what I want. Until Lucas in inside Kobra . . . . . and until I'm sure that he's safe there." But, if CheckMate can get mystical help, who's to say that Kobra can't also. Fantastic story, and great art by Jesus Saiz. This series is head and shoulders above it's previous incarnation. Hopefully, it'll stick around longer too.

Catwoman #62 - DC

This book really does just keep getting better and better. Will Pfeifer is really doing a fantastic job scripting these characters. And, David Lopez's pencils seem to fit the story better every issue. Another book this month with a back story. It seems like they're trying to wrap up this whole Sam and Slam Bradley thing this issue. And in doing so we find out just how Selina came to be bearing child, that it's not really Batman's, and why she would've picked and trained someone to take over for her for a little while. Oh yeah, she also finally admits this issue that she did indeed kill Black Mask. That's something she's been skirting around for a while now. Sam has also been wondering how, and why, when it seemed like there was an attraction between him a and Selina, did she end up with his son Slam. Anyways, all the questions are answered this issue, and everything is wrapped up very tiddley. My guess is that Catwoman is going in a new direction starting next issue. I don't know any information to confirm that, but that's the sense I get from this story. So old story lines need to be wrapped up, so she can start heading somewhere new. But that's ok. Catwoman is always going to be an interesting and exotic characters. All I can hope is, whoever her new creative staff is, they do her justice.

Ion - Guardian of the Universe #9 - DC

I really like Kyle Rayner. I know, he's not the original. So what! I liked Hal Jordan also. But, I never really bought in to his character as much as I have Kyle's. I know, he's was only the fill in until Hal returned, but I really think he turned out to be a much better character than anyone ever anticipated. Hence, his maxi-series here. We got a little of a new mystery here, in that his mother seems to be ailing. He comes to see her, after being away for to long, only to find out that her health seems to be deteriorating. But the doctor's are stumped as to the source. Of course right when he's opening up to her, the Guardians call upon his service. He's off to OA, when he's get a mental tug back towards earth. It seems this Lantern, found by these kids last issue, has a connection to the Tangent universe. You know, that was the Elseworld type maxi-series that was created a couple of years ago, and gave us some interesting variations on some of DC's best characters. Well apparently some of them have crossed over in to our universe. Specifically, Flash, Atom and their Green Lantern. We see a scuffle this issue, between Kyle and the three. but we don't really know what it's all about yet. We do know, though, that the Monitors seem to be paying very close attention to Kyle and what's going on in his life. So, this is definitely going somewhere big. But, we're going to have to wait for the final three issues to find out just where.

Aquaman : Sword of Atlantis #47 - DC

We haven't been given that much information yet on this book, since One Year Later, but we getting an awful lot of hints. Right now we're in the middle of a flashback story. Kind of from Aquaman's point of view, but also from King Sharks point of view. It's about Aurthur and Mera inspecting an outpost of Atlantis, along the Great Barrier Reef. A couple of things which may have something to do with the One Year Later Aquaman is, Ptero the man who runs the outpost, The Order of the Thorny Crown which has a prophecy that's supposed to change everything in their world, and then there's the little girl of the reef "When thorned crown lies shattered, she comes. Born of corral, of life-in-death, of long prayer. Shake the sea floor with her power, shall she, shake the destiny of all beneath the waves . . . .". Or so the prophecy goes. We get a glimpse of her at the end, but nobody really knows about her yet. So I'm not sure what her involvement in all of this will be. But, it has to be someone powerful, because we got this new Authur Curry, and this Dweller who seems to be our old Aquaman. But he's terribly misshapen, and very heavy into the mystic arts. My guess is, they're both sides of the same person. And somehow they were separated. But Kurt Busiek and Karl Kesel are doing a fantastic job with this book. Now it looks as if Phil Winslade may be coming in to take over on the scripting chores. He's coming in gradually, but my guess is that in a few issues he'll be the new scribe. And as always, Buth Guice's pencils are incredible. Of course the coloring of Pete Pantazis really help. Since they're on the Great Barrier Reef, I guess they decided to make the colors more vibrant. Well, they did that and then some. The colors in this issue are off the hook.

Omega Men #3 - DC

It seems like a lot of these books are giving us the back stories now. This issue tries to fill us in a lot on the whole Lady Styx thing. It doesn't really give us a lot of her story, but we see how she is affecting, or trying to affect, the rest of the universe. We also get some more explanations on the Heartstones. You know, those four fragments that are floating around that everyone seems to want to get their hands on. Something about putting the four together and giving them some ultimate power. Supposedly, what Lady Styx is up to is, "She's going to kill god. And then swap places." Bit of a grandiose plan, I would think. There's no possibility of something going wrong with that. Anyways, somehow the Omega Men's actions are actually helping her plans come to fruition. They haven't figured it out yet, but they know that somehow they're being played. This is really thrown in their face when, on the final page, they are confronted by a swarm of Darkstars. The problem is, all of these ones, are Tigorr's fallen comrades from over the years in the Omega Men. He's talking to Lianna when he says, "Dunno what's happening sister. But sure as hell looks like . . . . . bein' dead ain't what it used to be." This is a great start to this mini. To bad it's only 6 issues long. Can we maybe do something with these characters after this. Or maybe with L.E.G.I.O.N.. I mean Vril Dox seems to be playing a big role in all of this also. Just a suggestion.

Shadowpact #8 - DC

Ok, I'll just put this out there to start with. The problem I have with fill in artists, is just that they don't seem to put their best foot forward. I like Shawn McManus. And I've seen him at his best. This wasn't even close. Don't get me wrong. It was ok. I still like his style and the emotion he puts into his characters. But, compared to other work I've seen from him, you can tell this was just a fill in. Anyways, enough of my petty complaints. I like this book. I think Bill Willingham is a fantastic scribe. And, I really like these characters. This one was, for the most part, about Ragman. Kinda' gave us a synopsis of what he's all about. We also got a history of the "rag" outfit. Where it came from and how long it's been around. It's also an eye opener, as far as how Rory feels about what he's doing. The main thing he got out of it, is that the longer the souls are trapped, the more they feel like Rory did them a favor. Look at it this way, if they had just kept up with their sinful ways, they either would have ended up in jail, or dead. Which means they would just have been judged by society, or god. No chance for redemption. This way, they have a chance to reflect on their sins, and in choosing to help Rory, have a chance at redemption. Basically, they can work off their crimes, and have a chance at a brighter afterlife. So, in a way, Rory is doing them a favor by letting them reflect on what they did, before they move on. And no the souls aren't trapped with him forever. Basically it's up to them. The sooner they work it off, and pay the world back, the sooner their slate is erased and they can move on to the next plane. Very metaphysical. So, the "Congregation" attacks them, and blinds them all. But, through this understanding that Rory's achieved, they end up defeating them, and have started to heal. Now, they just need to work on their teamwork.

A Man Called Kev #5 - Wildstorm

When I first picked up this issue, I'm thinking, Ok all we're gonna get this issue is an explanation of who did what and why. I mean, first we go through Mandalay a poem by Rudyard Kipling. Zoe and Kev are standing over Danny's grave, and Zoe's reading it because it was Danny's favorite. Meanwhile, the tiger is standing over the only surviving member of the strike against them. Actually the ninja girl survived too, but Kev and Zoe chased her off after she killed Danny. So then, for about the next 6 pages, Kev is talking to the shite about this Rashid guy who was after them for having a copy of the tape. He really doesn't even have any reason for wanting to take them out other than that they're a loose end. Danny convinces him to take him to Rashid's house, more like a compound, near Tahoe, so they can talk and try to put an end to all this violence. What he doesn't know is that Kev loaded about a ton of C4 into the back of the truck he drove in. Which, while Kev is waiting outside the gate, takes out the house and most of the men. Whatever's left, Kev's happy to go in and clean up after. Including the Ninja. He then takes Rashid down to the beach and puts a bullet in him for every one of his blokes that got taken out because of this nonsense, 16 total. He then rides of into the sunset with Zoe. He says he wants to go, "where there ain't no ten commandments". Awesome book. But then with Garth Ennis writing it I expected nothing less. I think this is the third Kev mini? I may be wrong. But, they're all awesome. And I'm sure they're all available in TPB by now.