Batman Strikes #34 - DC

This book is great. Again, yes it's for kids. And again, yes I enjoy reading it. It's fun. And except for a few rare instances . . . most of the Johnny DC line . . . comics haven't been "fun" for quite some time. I also like that this particular title has started including Robin and Batgirl. And they are teenagers. What better age to be an action-hero. That's the age when you're invincible. Right? Like I said it's fun, it's a quick read, usually a single issue story, and it almost always has an obvious moral. Great for the kids. But I like it too.

Loveless #18 - Vertigo

I like this book. But honestly the story is starting to lose me. When we were following Wes and Ruth Cutter, the story seemed to have a center. There was a lot of stuff going on around them, but they were always there. Now Ruth comes in to the story every now and then . . . . mostly as James Wright. Yes she's posing as a man, because she's been living off the land, in the hills surrounding the city. If she does that as a woman, she could be attacked, raped, killed or worse. But as a man . . . she has a bit of safety. But the story now is revolving more around Blackwater, than any one of it's occupants singly. And this one shows the dark side of Blackwater. Some group of men, we don't know who yet, have been going around killing all the black men. Freemen or not. So they go in to their settlement, gather up all the men, no matter what age, and kill them. The army guys, who've taken up residence in Blackwater, and have to go and clean up the mess, are blaming it on Atticus. Because he's turned in to a bounty hunter of sorts. But I think that's just an excuse. These are just mean, ignorant men, who will look for any excuse to hurt others. But I think Atticus and Ruth/James are going to have to find out who they are. They seem like the only 2 that really seem like they're trying to protect the city. Oh, and when Ruth goes back to cave, the guy that was supposed to be tending to Wes . . . has worked his way out of his shackles and escaped. This book is not for the weak of heart. It shows us some bad things as they actually could have happened during these times. It doesn't try to sugarcoat things. For that I commend it. Now I just ask, could we please get back to the center of this story. Because right now . . . we're kind of all over the place.

Gen13 #9 - Wildstorm

This book is fun again. The last incarnation was ok. It just wasn't fun. Like it used to be, when it first came out. Even the end on the first series lost it's . . . oomph. But Gail Simone has truly breathed new life in to it. All the characters have their little quirks. And they're all starting to grow on me again. I also like Carlos Barberi's artwork. A lot. It really reflects the feel that Gail is putting in to her stories. This issue, they're still on their way to Tranquility. But in the process, a farmer gives them a ride, and a roof for the night. They return the favor by helping out around the farm. But then they're confronted by Roxy's mom, or the woman posing as her, and John Lynch. But actually they're trying to save the from the RatKillers that are on their tail. But here's where it gets confusing, John tells them, as did the MidNighter last issue, that basically the world's been rebooted. We all know that . . . but the characters didn't. Anyways, I think the MidNighter was trying to warn them last issue that there was something wrong with their reboot. Something that was going to affect reality. John tells them this issue, that he realizes he's been rebooted, and he wants to right the wrongs he did in the previous one. They don't know what he's talking about, because they don't remember . . . . but he does. So obviously he's helping them out of guilt. On the last page they finally make it to Tranquility, and the first person they meet is Maximum Man. The part that I think Gail really excels on is the character development, and implanting some humor in to her stories. It comes in many forms, but it's always there. And it's what makes the story feel good. I'm glad we got our team back.

Stormwatch - Post Human Division #8 - Wildstorm

Hey, we get to see Andy Smith back in action this issue. He's a guy, I remember, from being the inker over Bart Sears pencils over at Valiant in X-O Man-O-war. I thought those 2 were fantastic together. I think he did some other stuff after that, but I don't think I've seen him in quite a long time. But apparently he's back now. Good to see you again, bub. Christos Gage writes this book. I'm not sure what he's done before, but I like his style. We've gotten some good stories out of these first couple of story-arcs, but we've also gotten to know all these fantastic characters. This issue we finally get a look at Skywatch, and the StormWatch Prime personnel. Jackson King has invited the PHD team up to try to get to know some of the people. He says it's for interaction between the 2 groups. But later on he reveals to John, "I don't just want PHD to do things Prime can't. If, god forbid, Prime is ever compromised . . ever goes bad . . I want you to be able to take us down. And to do that you need to become familiar with our strengths . . . and weaknesses." And then he ends up shot in the head. So now John, being a cop, has to take over the situation, put the whole building in lock-down, and try to figure out who did this. Maybe it's just me, but I think this is all a test. I don't think he's really shot, or maybe it's not really him. But I think this is going to be an elaborate test to gauge PHD's abilities. But . . I could be wrong. Guess we'll have to wait until next issue to find out.

Noble Causes #30 - Image

There is just so much happening in one of these books, I don't even know where to start. If you are not picking up this book . . . you should be. It is fantastic. This book is probably the closest thing to a soap-opera there is out there. Jay Faerber has really built up a fantastic cast of characters. We have the Nobles, the good guys, and the Blackthornes, the bad guys. Although sometimes the lines can be blurred a bit. Like the cover says, "Sex, Secrets and Super-Powers". This book has all of it. In case you haven't noticed, I'm really trying to avoid giving away anything to do with the story. I like this book so much, that I think people should get out there and buy it. Heck, go to E-bay and find the back issues if you have to. This book is worth it. There were 3 or 4 mini-series, and then this continuous one. Or, if you prefer, everything to date, I think, is out in TPB form. And you can find those on E-bay too. So what I'm saying here is, pick this book up, hold it in your hands, and read it cover to cover. You won't regret it.

Spawn #167 - Image

Ok, I went and got the one I missed. Actually it was a pretty good book. I really didn't expect to get much out of it. I read #168, so I figured I probably knew what was going to happen in this one. I really didn't expect much. But . . . I was pleasantly surprised. I actually learned more about the story than I thought I would. I really like how they're playing Wynn's character. He's still a devil . . . kind of . . . but not an actual one. Just figuratively. But with Jason, that's more than enough. And like I said with #168, it's really good to see Sam & Twitch playing a more active role. I like that although everyone accepts the "white-light incident", they're all still a little leery. And although everyone knows that it's kind-of a restart, people have taken that in different ways. Al/Spawn expected everyone to see the chance to begin anew, as a rebirth, or a way to do, or accomplish, or a way of taking care of things that may have been left undone, or just unfinished. Which is true. But, not everyone takes the positive or hopeful or even good approach. The dark natures are showing back up again. And this time, I think they're even darker. I mean look how easy it is for the Clown to turn this whole apartment complex upside down. He's not even doing anything. Just whispering. Like Jason. Even though he's not an actual demon now. I think he may be even darker than he was before. Anyways nice story-arc. I like that the Spawn universe has changed, and how they're handling it. I also think that Brian Haberlin's pencils are very crisp and clean. And in a book as dark as this one, I think that adds to the overall eerie effect. I'm more in to this book now, than I have been for a very long time. Oh, I think I forgot to mention, Greg Capulla's back on covers too. Awesome!

PainkillerJane - Episode 12 - Something Nasty in the Neighborhood - SciFi Channel

I have to admit, this episode has a pretty good story. I don't know if it was right for this series. But it was a decent story. Same complaint as always, the under utilization of the title character. Isn't there a law against that or something. Anyways, Jane does have to use her powers this episode because there's this Neuro that's brainwashed this whole town. She finds out that when she is subjected to pain, as she does this episode by burning her hand on the stove, it has a tendency to help to clear her head. In effect, clearing out the cobwebs. The biggest part of this story though, is that in the process of their investigation, Maurene, "MO", gets shot and killed. This really upsets Jane. As we've seen from her origin story, when her mother died, she doesn't take loss well. But I have a feeling this is going to cement her more with her team. When she lost her mom, she had no one. Now . . . her team is her family. I don't know. Like I said, it was a decent story . . . I just with they would showcase Jane more. Like I've said in previous blogs, I understand the approach their taken. Hell I even like the idea of the team and the Neuros. My problem is that this is not who Jane is. This series is supposed to be based on the comic books, but this is not the same Jane as the comics. So why call it this. They could've developed their own character, and probably paid a lot less for the royalties. It doesn't make sense to me. But then . . . I guess that's not my job.

Welcome to Tranquility #7 - Wildstorm

First I want to say that Gail Simone is turning in some fantastic stories here. We're really getting to know these characters. Also Neil Googe's art is phenomenal. Isn't WildStorm a creator owned company? Why doesn't he just bring Bazooka Jules here? I guess that's up to him. Anyways, he really seems to be expanding his talent on this book. Or maybe he's just trying out new stuff. Either way, it's impressive. Like I've already said, I really expect him to be the next Todd McFarlane. Artistic wise that is. I'm not saying his work is similar to Todd's. I mean that as far as originality and style, he's going to be in Todd's league. Last issue we finally wrapped up who killed Mr. Articulate. But in the process, Gail opened a whole bunch of other story-lines. This issue we get the jump on a couple of them. She starts expanding on the Sheriff's story. We deal with Mr. Hate a little bit. Heck, we even see our Gen13'ers that have come to this town to look for a little sanctuary. And in the back we get a little back-up story about Thunder Bunny, or whatever her name is. It's funny, it's prequeled by "Spank Magazine presents: Comics men like!" And then we see Suze in the shower. This is really what I like about Gail's writing, the humor that she infuses it with. It's not jokes and yucks and stuff, it sarcastic, ironic, biting humor. Great stuff. I'm really diggin' this book.

Jack of Fables #11 - Vertigo

Another insightful story by Bill Willingham. This one wraps up the Jack Frost storyline. Basically Jack convinced the Ice Queen to give him her powers until she felt better. But once he got them . . . he bolted. He's Jack. I mean, that's his nature. So now that he has god-like powers, what does he want to do with them? Well . . . . get women of course. That's also in Jack's nature. But being Jack Frost comes with . . . you guessed it . . . cold. And I don't mean . . a little nippy . . . there's a chill in the air . . . cold. We're talking Antarctica cold here. And he finds out when he meets someone he doesn't have a whole lot of time until it overwhelms the person he's with. So he dispenses with the frivolities and starts jumping right to the heart of the matter, " . . . as you can see, I'm achingly handsome, but I'm also all powerful and rich. Any chance you have a break coming soon and a room handy?" Long story short, the Ice Queen gets the help of her sisters, Spring, Summer and Fall, and they go and retrieve Jack and get the Queen her powers back. Oh yeah . . . in the process of all this, the Queen has Jack's son. Although he doubts that, I'm thinking . . . it's probably true. That would certainly put a twist on Jack's stories here. But I don't think we'll find that out for sure for a long time. That's going to be one of those story-lines that's going to be hanging about in the shadows for quite some time. At least that's what I think. Overall this is a very entertaining book.

Outsiders #48 - DC

Man I love this book. This book is just all-out action, from cover to cover. I don't know if any of you have ever seen that movie Crank? It's with Jason Statham. He was in the Transporter movies too. Anyways that movie really did crank from beginning to end. It really was non-stop. So if this book was a movie, that's what it would be like. The Outsider/Checkmate team has gone to Oolong island to try to steal all the information that these scientists have been working on for Intergang, or was it for the Chinese Govt.. Maybe both. Anyways, they were expected, they were setup, and the island computers attempted to ransack the Checkmate computers. Mr. Terrific had to take the network offline to protect the database. But that also meant leaving the team out there alone. Which on this island, is not a good thing. Long story short, they have a serious fight on there hands, just to get back to the rendezvous point. The Black Queen and Nightwing basically sacrifice themselves, so that everyone else can get out. But now they, and Owen, are at the mercy the Humpty Dumpty guy, " . . . the last-generation OMAC hybrid . . . a purported speedster . . . these 2 I can certainly work with . . . I am eager to get started. Let's take them apart, shall we August General? Let's see what make's them tick." I don't know what's more disturbing? What he's said. Or that he's drooling while he's saying it. Either way, these 3 are in for a world of hurt. The rest of the team isn't in great shape either. They made it to the Pequod, but they're being pursued by Immortal Man in Darkness. " . . . a living jet. Durlan technology where the pilot and the plane become one . . ." My father-in-law used to say to me "Don't start no shit and there won't be none!". Well these guys are hip deep in it now. I can't wait to see how they get out of this. Fantastic book by Winick, Clark, Randall and Thibert.

Countdown #47 - DC

What a fantastic book. If there was ever any doubt that this book would be able to live up to the standard set by 52 . . . put it out of your mind. This book looks like it's going to be everything and more. I mean look at the Ed Benes cover. Meowww! Who ever knew that Mary Marvel could be so sexy? Anyways, Paul Dini writes it, with help this issue by Sean McKeever. And Tom Derenick turns in another fantastic pencilling job. We start out with Jimmy Olsen. He's having some dreams, about Lightray, the New Gods and the Source. But I don't think he really knows what all those things are. So he's really questioning what's been happening to him of late. Next we see Holly Robinson. She's just arriving in Gotham. I'd have to guess that this is before she became Catwoman's replacement. That or she's moving on to another chapter in her life. We then get to the meat and potatoes of this issue. Mary's confrontation with Black Adam. He's ready to kill her, but he's decided to do something far worse. He's given her all of his powers. She thinks it's a gift, but he tells her, "If you see your cousin . . . tell him I'm sorry!". We also get another glimpse of the Monitors. They're having a crisis of conscious. They're split over how to go about correcting the problems that could lead to a crisis in the multiverse. And we get some more hints about the characters that it'll be affecting. We also check in on the Trickster and the Piper with the Rogues. They're both there for their own reasons, but it really has nothing to do with the Rogues. They're just a means to an end. Finally we get a glimpse of the Amazon attack. Nothing new really. Just a page to let us know that it's a part of what's going on around everything else. I'm really diggin' this book. I know it's only 5 issues in to it, but I'm really liking what it looks like they're going to be doing. I just hope that the powers that be don't stop them from making the changes that it looks like they're heading towards. I've always said change is good. And change should be the only constant. Excelsior!

Nightwing #133 - DC

This was just an all around good book. Right from the Ryan Sook cover. It was a great story by Marv Wolfman. And Jamal Igle, whom I'm hoping is the regular artist now, turns in a fantastic story. This is another guy who continually surprises me. I can't believe the leaps and bounds he's making as an artist. I'm sure he probably already has a following of fans, but this guy is truly going to be a superstar. Basically, Nightwing is after this gang. They've been abducting girls all over town. They're very well organized, almost military in their rhythm, and nobody's been able to get a lead on them. The one that is captured, before he can talk, his lawyer comes in to his hospital room and adds a poison, I guess, to his drip. All we know is that apparently they're lead by someone named Eddie. Actually we don't even know that until the final page, when Vigilante says so. Oh yeah . . . Vigilante is back this issue also. Another Marv Wolfman creation. It seems he's after the same gang, and the only reason he hasn't removed Nightwing, is because he really hasn't gotten in his way yet. But . . that may all change if he does. Nightwing does outsmart the gang, apparently, and follows them back to their hideout, where he finds and releases Liu. That's the woman they abducted, who happens to be a previous love interest of Dick's. He doesn't let on that he knows her, but she shows up a couple of days later at Bones, the gym he works at. He also thinks it's a little coincidental, but he's going to play it out just to see what she's up to. Plus he's really having a hard time getting past her. She's working for Eddie Hwang, who apparently was bad and has now gone legit. Is that the same Eddie that Vigilante is looking for? I would probably say yes. But we're going to have to wait a little while to see how this story plays out. I guess this is part of the story about the missing year. So we'll see what happens.

Ghost Rider - Trail of Tears #5 - Marvel

Surprisingly, this particular mini-series, is going to keep up guessing every step of the way. We truly aren't going to know the outcome until the final issue. I guess it's surprising because a lot of times Garth Ennis pretty much wraps up the series by the next to last issue. Yeah, there may be a few more surprises, or a twist or two in the final issue. But usually that one focus' on wrapping everything up. So I'm guessing here, but I'd have to say that when this one is all wrapped up, that we probably haven't seen the last of these characters. Which is a good thing. Not to mention Clayton Crain's amazing artwork on this series. He's truly come a long way since his first Ghost Rider mini-series. But even with everything he's produced before, I still have to say that this is probably his best work to date. I mean, if you want proof, just look at that cover. We find out this issue that the Red Fog that descended on Pike's Reach is actually Reagan's gang, come back from the dead. Apparently they also made some deal with the devil, and were allowed to come back for vengeance. It appears the only reason they haven't killed Parham, is because they're hoping that he'll lead them to the Rider. That's who they really have an issue with. But they're willing to kill as many people as necessary to accomplish their task. Travis has ridden to the next settlement to try to warn them, but it's falling on deaf ears. They haven't actually seen the carnage, as he has, so they really have no reason to believe him. But they should have. The next day, I think, in rolls the Red Fog. And the carnage is ready to begin anew. But shortly before it does, the rider also shows up. Reagan's trying to hold the townfolk as hostages to get the rider to give himself up. But he simply says, "Reagan. I look like the spirit of mercy to you? They perish, they will be avenged. But should any die this night . . . so be it." So next issue, the last, is going to be the major battle. I can't wait.

Uncanny X-Men #487 - Marvel

The first couple of times I saw that Ed Brubaker was writing this book . . . I was a little leery. I know he'd been around for a while. I just didn't know if he could take on such a book as this. And do it justice. Well, I'm glad to say, my fears were unfounded. He's been able to weave some really nice stories on this title. And he definitely seems to have a handle on all the characters. Now on this particular issue, Salvador Larocca does all the artwork. It's stunning. When I first saw Salvador on Ghost Rider, I knew he was going to be a talent to be reckoned with. And since then he's done some amazing stuff. His work with Mark Texiera, on the current Ghost Rider is brilliant. But this book, what he puts out here, is even better. Without a doubt I would have to say this is some of his best work to date. Truly astounding. Last issue we wrapped up Fall & Rise of the Shi'ar Empire storyline. Well . . . as much as any storyline gets wrapped up on the X-men anyways. So this issue we start the Extremists storyline. Now I don't know for sure, but I have to assume that the Extemists are referring to the Morlocks that have gotten back together. Most have lost their power, but a few, such as Masque, who seems to be the pivotal character in this particular issue, still have their powers, or have developed a secondary mutation. We also have a couple other story-lines starting this issue. Such as, Professor X getting his powers back, Hepzibah trying to acclimate herself to her new surroundings and comrades, and James becoming an active member of the X-men again. There's a few other little things worked in, here and there, but it's a little to early to tell exactly which direction they may be going in. Plus, we're heading towards issue #500. I'm sure that'll be some big extravaganza. I mean if they put out 3 different covers for X-men #200, they surely have to have something special planned for this. And I'm sure we'll be guessing every step of the way.

Detective #833 - DC

Batman hooks up with Zatanna this issue. He starts out at a theatre, where a suspicious fire has started after a failed illusion, by a performer names Ivar Loxias. The guys kind of a small time illusionist, but he's been getting a reputation lately for pushing the envelope. Some of his illusions have failed, and some of his assistants have been maimed or killed. So now people feel a greater risk factor, when they come to watch him. So Batman starts to look in to some of his recent accidents. When they're reviewing his tape of the current accident, they find that there's something odd about the handkerchief that he uses on his assistant. They find out that it's soaked in Walnut oil, which she was very allergic to. So it was set up to look like she died of asphyxiation, when actually she died of anaphylactic shock, which shut down her respiratory system. So they decide they're going to pay a visit on Mr. Loxias. Zatanna is confused, because they have performed together. She doesn't understand why he would take such an edgy, and violent turn. But after he shoots her in the neck, so she can't speak any spells, and he ties Batman in to an electric chair, he reveals to them that he's actually the Joker in disguise. He then throws Zatanna in to a water torture cell to see if she can escape as fast without using her magiks. The ending to this story has kind of the feel of the cliff-hanger endings of the old Batman TV show. "Will Batman be able to escape the electrified elocution of the Joker? Will Zatanna choke on her own mystical word play? Tune in next time to find out. Same Bat-Time. Same Bat-Channel." Oh, and the Joker's laughing in the background as they're saying this. Admit it. You can hear it.

Midnighter #8 - Wildstorm

I really like this book. First of all the MidNighter is just such an awesome character. Yes I know he's a rip-off, sort of, of the Batman. But he's different. First of all . . . he's more ruthless. Not that the Batman isn't ruthless . . but this guy brags about it. Then there's the relationship with him and Apollo. Imagine Batman and Superman . . . dating. It would be pretty much the same thing. Then of course there's the fact that the MidNighters talents come largely from his "enhancements". Which makes him a bit more reckless, because he knows that coming out of most situations, he'll be able to be "fixed". Now, on top of that, Christos Gage is just doing a fabulous job with these stories. I really feel that he has a handle on the character, and each issue he seems to be exploring a facet of MidNighter's personality. But, he doesn't loose the essence of the character in the process. We still see the same sadistic, nihilistic, overbearing chap. His personality is just starting to expand a bit. This issue Jean Paul Leon fills in on pencils. At first I really didn't like his take on the character. But I think he got more in to it by the end of the book. I don't think he's a good replacement artist on this book. His artwork is fantastic. I just don't think it's right for this one. Anyways, since we seem to be having a problem getting a regular Authority book on the stands, at least we get to see the MidNighter, and sometimes some of the other team members, in this one. Which, for now, I guess we'll have to be happy with. Until they can figure out what's going on with the regular book.

Jonah Hex #20 - DC

This issue I thought was a little off . . . but they can't all be great. The only part I really understood about it was the gentleman who was coming after him for Hex's indiscretions against his boss. A Mister Wiley Park hired Hex, a reward actually, to return his nephews. Which he did, but after he collected a bounty on them, and . . . they were dead. So anyways, Mr. Park hires this other guy to take out Hex, and his payment in return is a stake in his Casino. But he doesn't kill him, he just beats him up pretty bad . . . and breaks both his hands. But Hex is a man that you can't keep down any other way than with a bullet in the head. Anyways, then he hooks up with this Mexican, whom he saved his life awhile ago, and he gets some help from a hooker he knows. Somehow, with the 2 of them, he ends up returning to the town, and killing Park, and his gang, when he blows up his Casino. Don't get me wrong. I still like this story. And this character. I just thought that the story was a little . . . holey. Some things were happening, we really didn't understand how or why. And we got some of the highlights, but without any of the explanation. Overall . . . I thought it was ok. It's just the effect, or technique, I thought, didn't really work. But that's just me. Hopefully the next issue will be better. I'm sure it will.

the All New Atom #12 - DC

First of all, we find out that Dwarfstar is still milling about the cobblestones of Ivy Town. Speaking of which, the flyer from the Chamber of Commerce is hilarious. "Our only known serial killer hasn't been seen in days!", "New lowered Radiation levels mean it's probably okay to reproduce again!". Seriously . . hilarious! Anyways, Dwarfstar is gradually getting bigger, so now he's just stewing about what he's going to do to the Dean, and to Ryan. Speaking of Ryan, he's finally returned from China, and ends up with the same Anagram speaking cab driver. He has 2 messages for him this time, "Flay Imp Errand", which means "Find Ray Palmer", and "Hey, uphold Serene", which means "He needs your help". But when he tries to question him, he finds out he's some kind of similicrum. So in other words . . . he'll have to figure it out on his own. But then, the guy shows up at his house, with all of Ray's screwy rogues. They really are kind of lame. But he wants to test Ryan. To see if he's worthy of the challenge. After which he believes he is . . . so he exposes . . . his true identity . . . Chronos. And now . . they're about to set out on an adventure together. I'm glad Gail Simone going to be sticking around with this titles. She's transferring the reins of some of her other ones. And I really like the way that Mike Norton is improving. Of course it probably helped that Dan Green did his inks this issue. Overall, a cool, quirky book. And it should get even more interesting in the coming months.

Birds of Prey #107 - DC

Like I predicted last issue, our 2 teams had to come together this issue to fight a mutual threat. But it wasn't Ice as I had predicted. Actually, it was the Russian General. He's trying to salvage something out of his operation, and, according to him, for the good of his country. So he orders the Rocket Red's to attack the 2 teams, and when he has a chance, he confronts Ice. Huntress has already calmed her down by asking her, "Do you think Guy Gardner would want to see you like this?" Shorty after, the General tries to reason with her as a goddess of their country. But then Deadshot shoots him in the head. "What it was self-defense. The guy obviously had a gun . . . . . . . ok . . . so it was murder. Who cares?" It looks like nobodies the worse for wear, until Zindy comes to pick them up, and she gets chastised by SpySmasher. She punches her in the mouth, and then quits the team. So everyone, including ice, is on the way back to America. Oracle tells Huntress that when they get back, she wants to talk to Katrina alone. She's tired of being under her thumb. And, one way or another, it's time for them to settle accounts. This is another book, that it looks like they're getting ready for a creative change. It looks like Tony Bedard is going to be taking over this one after next issue. But it looks like Nicola Scott will be staying on the pencils. At least for a few more issues. That's to bad too. Because Gail Simone has done a hell of a job with this book. She'll definitely be missed.

Justice League Unlimited #34 - DC

Back to my monthly indulgences. This one is about Superman, and Mxyzptlk. Somehow the Phantom Zone has been bleeding over in to our reality. Superman decides that he's going to go there to try to fix it. But, against Batman's recommendations, he wants to go alone. Well . . . he can't handle it alone. And once he's in to the situation, it's to late for him to call for help. Especially once he finds out that Mxy is involved. But Batman, being the pragmatist that he is, anticipates that there may be trouble and has the Atom hide on Superman's costume. Between that and the strike team that he sends in, they soon topple Zod's plans. They bring Myx back to the satellite. But with an accident with the Zone projector, they end up sending him back. But the main moral of the story is, "It's our enemies that try to hurt us when we stumble. It's our friends . . . who catch us when we fall." Like I continue to say, I think it's a great book for kids, a fun read, and a great diversion from our usual grand story-lines. Thanks for that.

Supergirl #18 - DC

This one, I have to admit, had me confused a little. This other Supergirl shows up this issue. Claims she's the real one, and that Kara has been a mistake all along. They go back and forth at each other for most of the issue. But then, towards the end, we get some major revelations. It happens after the "new" Supergirl finally has her pretty beaten down emotionally. She has her facing all of her doubts, and has her convinced that the world would be better off without her. So basically she just absorbs Kara into herself. But . . . Kara's a fighter. Not a quitter. She burst out of her . . . prison . . and tells her, "A tip for your super-scrapbook "honey" . . . . don't play mind games against a crazy chick. I am messed up. I make mistakes all the time . . . I feel stupid and scared and ugly and insecure, just like everybody else . . . but when I blow it, I don't shrivel up and die. I get myself up. I try to do better. I always try again." It turns out that this other Supergirl is actually Dark Angel. And she's an agent of a Monitor. "Dark Angel is one of many agents we used to prod and provoke the anomalies, in order to ensure their veracity in this world . . ." It turns out, she has been being tested, by this Dark Angel, and the monitors, ever since the beginning. She got her in space, after the Father Box exploded, and has been testing her ever since. The whole thing about the memories of her father, and how he made her a weapon to destroy Kal-el, all a charade. She's also the one that set the assassins on her tail. She's not responsible for the phantoms that are following Superman, but I think she is responsible for the Red-Sun thing. It's a little confusing at the end. But the Monitor decides that she's where she's supposed to be, so they'll leave her alone from now on. But where they leave her is out in deep space. And someone is there waiting for her. But . . . we won't find out who, until next issue. I think that this is Joe Kelly's last story-arc for this book. So apparently he's trying to wrap up everything, all the way back to the Superman / Batman story. I loved the story, but I have to say I wasn't to thrilled about the art. Ale' Garza is still on the pencils, but this issue he's assisted by Adam Archer. And I have to say, the mixture of the two, gave it a real "comic" look. I wasn't pleased at all. But hopefully it was only for this one issue. From the looks of the DC previews, I think Tony Bedard and Renato Guedes are taking over after this story. But, those are for some Amazon Attacks crossover books, so I don't know if they'll be the regular creative team. But I guess we'll find out soon enough. My only concern is that when they have a good creative team on this book, it does amazingly well. When that team changes . . . it starts to sink. And I really like this character. So I would like to see her done right. But mines just one voice. So . . . . we'll see.

Superman #663 - DC

Ok, Superman is still trying to figure out what to do about this proposed threat to mankind that Arion says that he imposes. But he's interrupted this issue by Lightray, and some of the children from New Genesis. It seems that they were off on a field trip when they all got a "summoning" of sorts, to come to Metropolis and have fun. Long story short, they make a major mess of things, and it's all Supes can do to get a handle on it. They aren't actually criminals. They're just mischievous kids. Who aren't playing in their natural element, and have no regards for safety, or boundaries, or consequences. But then Lightray comes along and offers to make the children clean up their own mess, while he allows Superman the time to figure out whatever it is that's throwing a shadow on his spirit. Which he then does. He takes some alone time with Lois, contemplates what's going on from outer-space and the moon, and talks to Lana a bit, when one of the children finds a Lex-Corp facility housing some baby Chemo's. All of this leads him to a decision that he doesn't agree with Arion. " . . . I can't give up on hope. Faced with disaster, mankind doesn't surrender. They fight, they find a way. I'll fight to the death to help find that way. But I won't quit." So that's when Arion takes off the gloves. He uses his magiks to take down Superman, and make him become his puppet. His slave. "You will be a surgical instrument. Destroying all alien intruders on earth. Cleansing the planet. Allowing nature to reassert herself." But we do find out a couple of things this issue that may throw a kink in Arion's plans. However I'm not sure how . . . yet. First, the Arion that we thought we all knew? The one who helped save the world during the Day of Vengeance? He's been a fake all along. Knowing that Arion wasn't really around, Bill Knightely, a magician from Akron, decided to fill the void and pose as him himself. It was a chance for him to prove himself. To himself and the world. But the real Arion is putting a stop to that. The second thing, and probably the most powerful, is that when Lightray heads back to New Genesis, with the children, they aren't all the real ones. They've created dupli-forms in their place. And some of them are still hiding in Metropolis. So yes Arion is a powerful magician and sage. But these kids? They're actually gods. Young and impetuous, yes! But . . still gods. So now's when the real action starts with Arion and Superman. And we'll see if Arion's predictions really come to light. A fantastic story by Kurt Busiek. And Carlos Pacheco and Jesus Merino really turn in a spectacular job on the pencils. Visually, this book, is really incredible.

Avengers - the Initiative #3 - Marvel

I think I like the direction that this book is taking so far. Yes they're going after some of the good guys. Spider-man in particular, this issue. But we're going to get to see a lot more heroes. A much greater variety. And we're going to see some of their training and orientation. Plus we'll get a glimpse as the new teams are formed, and new alliances made. Like I said, this issue they decide to go after Spider-man. Really though, it's just the War Machine and Komodo. But they have some very high tech devices at their disposal. The super-prisons that they've built, with the inhibitor collars for the inmates? Well they've got that same tech is some bullets. Basically, if they're shot, the bullets go into their bloodstream and cut off their powers. They're called Super-Power-Inhibiting-Nanobots. Or SPIN tech, for short. And they have to be calibrated for an individuals specific DNA. So they're not cheap. And they'll probably only be used in extreme cases. But they also have some other tech at their disposal, that we haven't found out about until this issue. They have copies of Spider-man's armored costume. You know the one that Tony made for him? My guess is that the whole time Peter was using it, Tony was monitoring him and cataloging his reactions to situations to train other people to use them also. They're called the Scarlet Spiders. Yes there's more than one. And as War Machine eludes to Peter during their frakus, " . . . you've been using your powers irresponsibly. And we're here to take them away from you. That's what our weapons do. Parker. That's their sole purpose. But don't worry, we have no intention of leaving the world without a Spider-man . . ." Pretty cool stuff. Only 3 issues in to this and we're already dealing with some of the big guns. Can't wait to see where they go from here.

Spawn #168 - Image

I did it again. Somehow I missed an issue of Spawn. I did it last month when I read #166. After posting it I realized that I hadn't gotten #165. Well, now again, I realize I haven't gotten #167. How weird! I don't know how I could've missed it at the shop. But I guess I have to get one next time I go. It just seems weird to me that it's happened twice now. Kind of a coinkidink. I think! Anyways, Spawn is going after the Clown. He's holed up int he New Vista Apartments. It seems there's this lady, Wilma, whom the police thought killed her boyfriend. Actually, we don't know how, he was stuck in the garbage chute. That was where he was during Spawn's transformation of the earth. You know, Armageddon? Anyways somehow that had a weird effect on him. At the same time, again due to Spawn's rebirth, the Clown was released from Jason Wynn's body. He needed a new home. So he found Barney, the boyfriend, stuck in the garbage chute. He inhabited him, got him out, and started terrorizing the apartment complex. Well actually, all he instructed them was, "Do what thou wilt." Then all of their creativity and depravity was let loose. So Spawn uses Wilma to catch Barney, who is actually the Clown, or the Violator, off guard. In her presence Barney tries to come back to the surface to talk to Wilma. It's then that Spawn reopens the gates to hell, and sends the Violator back down. But he looses Wilma in the process because Barney doesn't want to exist without her, and pulls her in with him. And then Spawn destroys the apartment complex. Apparently when Spawn recreated the Earth, he also brought back Sam & Twitch. Because they were in this whole issue. It was nice to see them again. It's been so long since they've been an active part of this book. And we haven't seen one of their issues in almost a year. Anyways, I'm going to have to go get #167 now. First so I don't have any gaps. But then so I can see the part of this story that I missed. It's always something. Isn't it?

Ultimate Fantastic Four #42 - Marvel

Cool book. Reed has been obsessed with building his "cube" ever since returning from his fight with Thanos and Drax . He's pretty much completed it, but doesn't have anything powerful enough to energize it. So he's decided he going to capture a star. He has some that he's picked out, as far as mathematically. He's looking at density, core mass, internal temp . . . stuff like that. But he has Sue pick which one he's going to attempt to snag. Not a very scientific way to choose. Plus I wonder if he's taken in to consideration if there's any planets orbiting the one's he's chosen. I mean, what if someone reached out across the cosmos and decided to take our star? The consequences wouldn't be very good. Anyways he snags something, but it's not what he expected. And whatever it is, has really thrown off our bio-system. There's storms, floods, Tsunamis, and the moon, which is supposed to be full . . . isn't. As one scientist says, "What could be large enough that it casts a shadow on the moon?" They finally reel it in to the lab, but it's not what he expected. It contains large amounts of stellar energy, but it doesn't radiate it. And . . . . it looks like a surf board. Of course we know it's the Silver Surfer's. But since they haven't met him yet, Reed and Sue don't. As Reed says at the end, "This isn't it. It was something else that we hooked. And it hasn't arrived yet." So next issue, we get to meet the Ultimate version of the Silver Surfer. Kinda' coinkidink since the movie's out now. Huh? But anyways, we also have to get the rest of the story on Enid. What's with that energy that she contains now? And what's up with Ben turning Blue for a while there when the alchemists put him back together? In the true Fantastic Four style, we got some cosmic issues to deal with here.

the Boys #7 - Dynamite Entertainment

This book is finally back. It's only been a 5 month wait. But it was all worth it. First of all the book changed publishing companies. They went from WildStorm, to Dynamite Entertainment. From what I hear it was a amicable transition. My guess? The characters and plot of this story, doesn't really fit in to the WildStorm universe. But . . . it's a fantastic concept. So rather that scrap it, they simply moved it to a little up and comer, Dynamite, that shows some real potential. And they kept the same creative team. Actually Ennis & Robertson were the ones that created this book also. So . . I believe it worked out good for them. Congratulations to both companies for being able to work out such an agreement. And congratulations to the creators for being able to keep their dream alive. Without compromise. I think it was a "win-win". And the wait was worth it, because this was a pretty cool story. I don't want to give to much away, because I really think this one is worth buying. I'll just tell you that it involves a cape with an obsession. A dark, seedy, crossing the line of intimacy obsession. Our team, led by Butcher, doesn't know about his transgressions yet. But they're about to get a glimpse of them from the crotchety old man that's shown on the cover. And then they'll be left with no choice but to take matters in to their own hands. Fantastic story. And fantastic art. Now if they can just stay on track, get this book back on a regular schedule, I think that they are going to have a huge hit on their hands. Good luck guys. My fingers are crossed.

the New Avengers: Illuminati #3 - Marvel

This is really a different type of book. It seems like we're dealing with some of the cosmic shattering events that it took the whole Marvel universe to overcome, but this small group of leaders is doing it on their own. Last issue it was the Infinity Gauntlet. This issue . . . it's the Beyonder. Charles has called them together, because he's been getting glimpses that the Beyonder and his power has returned to their Universe. However in their shared connection, he's also realized that he's not the unlimited powerful God that he's portrayed himself to be. He actually an Inhuman. Well not entirely. Actually he's a mutant Inhuman. Apparently he had a mutant power before he went in to the Terrigen mists. " . . . and when he went in . . . the results were . . . unthinkable . . . unprecedented." So seeing that the Beyonder was actually one of Black Bolts subjects, they decide to travel out to confront him. They think that with this new knowledge, they should be able to reason with him. They find him in an asteroid belt, on the edge of our cosmos. He has the surface of one of the asteroids turned in to an exact replica of the entire island of Manhattan. He even has it populated. But they're just mindless copies. Basically . . . he's playing with them. Of course once he realizes that some people have come to visit, words are exchanged and parts are measured. But a battle is avoided. Basically it comes down to Namor yelling at him. "Stop! Your king demands it! You are not a god! You are not an immortal! You are the royal subject of a kink. And your king demands that you stop this madness now! All of it! You will stop this. You will leave this universe. And you will not come back!" The Beyonder tries to argue, but again Namor yells at him, "Silence! You will obey your king!" The Beyonder is silent for a while, but then he blows away like so much dust. Of course when that happens, the asteroids start coming closer and closer to each other. So our group must beat a hasty retreat. They're sure that they got through to him, and that they won't see him anymore. But we get a glimpse on the last page, that wherever he's at, he really seems to enjoy playing with the people of this planet. Even if they are mindless drones on a copy of an Earth city. So I'm sure sooner of later, we're going to see him again. I really liked this book. I like it when groups win . . . without having to beat the crap out of someone. Cool book.

new Excalibur #20 - Marvel

This book has really come a long way. But then with Chris Claremont writing it now . . . I would expect nothing less. We have a new artist this issue, Jeremy Haun. I never heard of him before. I'm not overly thrilled about his art. But, he does show promise. I mean it's not terrible, it just isn't my style. But it worked with the story, so I can't complain that much. It looks like Shadow-X is pretty much done, as far as this storyline goes. Last issue they tried to shanghai Lionheart, by offering her up as a new vessel for the Shadow King. He currently lies in their version of Professor X. But Lionheart proves herself strong enough to counter the Shadow Kings attack, making him retreat back in to the Professor's body. Which she then kills. But this puts her at odds with Shadow-X. And this all happens just as our team, Excalibur, finds out where they've gone, and comes busting through the walls. They start fighting everyone, but through the skirmish have made the observation that Lionheart was actually also fighting against Shadow X. Meanwhile, Sage, who is undercover, is having herself indoctrinated into Albion's homemade army. She's waiting for the right moment to slay him, or at least try to wound him. But she hesitates just a little to much. They hear the helicopters coming after them, and Albion has just released a spell that has put the Isle of Britain in to a complete blackout. Not just electricity, but all technology. Our team knows that Albion is behind this attack. But they don't really know where he's at. We also get a little glimpse in on Nocturne as she's going through her rehabilitation steps at the hospital. It really is sad. Overall, I thought it was a very nice book. But I am a little biased as this is one of my favorite teams. And actually . . . my favorite X-team. But in the end, this is just another book that we're going to have to wait until next month to find out the results.

Wolverine #54 - Marvel

We still haven't wrapped up this latest Wolverine storyline. And to tell you the truth . . . this issue doesn't lend that much light to the situation. All we really find out this issue is that somehow Weapon-X is involved in all of this. Sabretooth knows a whole lot more than he's letting on. But when isn't that the case. Also there's someone that was in Weapon-X that's even larger, more savage, and scarier that Creed. If that's possible. In fact in Logan's flashback's, Creed even seems to be scared of him. Oh . . we also learn that WildChild is a lot more wild, and less of a child, than we were formerly led to believe. In fact he's down right savage. Not as big as Creed. But just as mean. And for some reason, he's having flashbacks of WWII, and some skirmish's he was in with Captain America. He didn't realize it at the time, but Creed was also there. As was WildChild. But that was years before he actually remembers their first meeting. He's dreaming all this on his way from Wakanda back to Canada to the Weapon-X complex. He really doesn't even know where they're headed, or that they've left Wakanda, until he wakes up on the plane with Feral, Thornn, Wolfsbane and Sasquatch. But even as fast as they came back, someone brought Creed back faster, because Logan finds him inside the complex. " . . . somebody went to a lot of trouble just to truss Creed up like a Christmas goose . . .". Of course Creed breaks out. Logan always waits just a little to long to deliver his justice. But Creed is more savage and primal than ever. In fact, upon chasing him out of the complex, Logan finds Sasquatch laying in a pool of his own blood, Wolfsbane in a state of shock, and Creed standing over the eviscerated body of Feral. It looks like he's still feasting on her. Looks like we're in for a pretty big fight next issue. This book gives us the usual superb story by Jeph Loeb. And Simone Bianchi turns in another phenomenal issue. And cover. I love these cliff-hanger endings.

X-23:Target X #6 - Marvel

Well . . . this is the last issue of the mini-series. But I really don't think this is the last we're going to see of Laura. Actually . . . I know it's not. This series really lays the groundwork for the time between the first mini . . . and when she joined the new X-men. It continues in the same form as it started, with Matt and Steve questioning her. Through this process, Laura has filled them in on pretty much her whole past. She even went in to the meeting with Logan. She wanted to kill him, but through the whole fighting and bonding process, she realizes, I think, that he isn't her real enemy. Yes they share the same DNA. But that's not really his fault. Hell, he didn't even know about it until she shows up and tries to kill him. Anyways, Matt and Steve work through the whole ordeal, and Steve decides that no matter how they feel about the stuff she's had to endure, she still has to answer for her crimes. Matt makes an impassioned plea for Steve to let her go, learn from her mistakes, and recommend that she goes to Xavier's school to learn a little discipline and restraint. But Steve's not hearing it. To him, things are still pretty black & white. But on his way back to SHIELD, he does have a change of heart. "The first time we met, I made a mistake and you ended up back in the hands of the people that made you a weapon. If I take you in now, new people will use you the same way the facility did and I can't let that happen . . . not again. I don't know if you can build a normal life after what you've been through, but I've got to let you try. Matt was right. Go to Logan, he'll know what to do." And from there . . . she goes and joins the New X-men. Fantastic story by Craig Kyle and Chris Yost. These two are turning out to be quite the writing team. And Mike Choi and Sonja Oback were just superb on the artist end of the process. The center spread of Logan and Laura going at it . . . is just beautiful. Then at the end of the book, we get to see some of Mike's sketch's of some of the covers. This guy is very talented. Like I said I know this won't be the last we see of her. She's in New X-men every month. But I bet she has a new mini before the end of the year. This is one fantastic character.