52 - Week Fifty - DC

What an intense book. This issue starts world war III. And it's a war of Black Adam against the world. He's finally broken free of the scientists on Oolong island, and he's looking for some retribution for what was done to his beloved country, and his entire family for that matter. He's already made Biayla pay for harboring the Horseman that ran there to hide. He's attempted to make the scientists pay that created all this carnage and destruction, and set it loose on the world. Now he wants to make China pay for it's involvement. And every country in the world sends everything it's got after him. But Black Adam just mows them down like so much wheat. There's not much anybody can do to stand up against him. Billy even petitions the Egyptian gods, whom Black Adam receives his powers from to strike down with their lightning and remove his powers, but they just laugh at him. So he decides he's going to have to come up with a plan. Basically what he does is call down his own lightning, but then before it can transform him, he races it down to Black Adam, so it strikes them both simultaneously. This works, but he could change back anytime he wanted. So Shazam, being the new guardian of magic, decides he's going to change his magic word. And he'll never tell anyone what that is. On the final pages, T.O.Morrow has returned to his laboratory where he's been digging in to the Red Tornado head that he found, but before he can make any progress, Booster Gold and Rip Hunter show up to recruit him for the mission they're working on. Fantastic book. Justiniano does the finish art over Giffen's layout, and the end result is fantastic. What a perfect artistic choice for an all out carnage issue like this one. With another beautiful cover by J.G.Jones.

Legion of Super-heroes in the 31st Century #1 - DC

This is the newest addition to the Johnny DC line. It's pretty cool too. It's set up pretty much the same way as the first episode of the cartoon, showing Clark first coming to the 31st century. But they do it in a little different way than the cartoon did. I'm just happy that the Legion's getting some of the attention that it deserves. And I'm glad that a new group of readers are going to be exposed to them. This is a fantastic team of heroes, and characters. This should've happened a long time ago for them. And like I always say when I read these books, I know their set up for kids, but sometimes it just nice to read something that's fun to read. So I say "Hooray" for the Johnny DC line. Thanks!

Robin #161 - DC

Adam Beechen is really doing a nice job with this book. I hadn't really heard of him before, so when he came on board I didn't know what to expect, but I really like what he's done so far. Also Freddie E. Williams really seems to be growing in to his role of artist. Again, not overly thrilled when he first came on board, but he really is getting better and better. This issue Robin is still on the track of the chemicals, drugs, that are turning a local street gang in to a group of rampaging, psychotic meta-humans. The problem also is that the longer they're in to this drug, the more they're degenerating. The first thing they're losing control of is their social skills, but I have a feeling it's going to be pretty much every body function after that. Somehow he has to tie all this to a local pharmaceutical company, Strader. He knows the drugs are coming from them, he just doesn't understand why, or what their goal is. Also he's having a hard time locking down substantial proof of their corroboration. He actually makes it in to the company headquarters, as Tim, on a research assignment. This helps him hack in to their computers. But they also know of this breech. So by the time Robin finds the gangs hideout, there's also a squad of mercenaries, hired by Strader, there to eliminate loose ends. But the loose ends are comatose and pretty much dead anyways. Now Robin just has to keep someone alive long enough to get some info out of them. No problem. Yeah. Right! But overall I'm very pleased with the direction this book has taken of late. Which is good, because Robin is a fantastic character.

Birds of Prey #105 - DC

Last issue the Birds went to Russia to retrieve some tech that they were told that this Russian general had. This is also the first mission orchestrated by Spy-Smasher, who is assuming command of the Birds. It's a long story, but it has to do with her and Oracle. Anyways, they come face to face with the Secret Six, or 5 as of now, and find out that the tech was actually Tora, from Max Lord's JLA reign. Wasn't she dead? And really . . . for a long time? Well somehow this general got hold of her body and has been using a Rocket Red suit as a life support system. She's not really conscious, but she does have a pulse. Well, the Birds have 2 aces up their sleeves on this mission, Hawkgirl and ManHunter. But even that may not be enough with everything that they're facing. The Secret Six get back up to full compensation this issue also, with the addition of Harley Quinn. The general is sending his people to retrieve Tora, in the remote farming village where our Birds are hiding her, but the Secret Six get there first. And on the final page they're threatening to twist off Hawkgirls head if they don't turn over Tora to them. Everybody's going to be Kung-Fu fighting next issue. Fantastic issue by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott. Nicola recently came on board as the penciller, and she is very quickly coming up to speed as an up and coming superstar. She's really getting a good feel for these characters and this book. Next issue I think our Birds and the Six are going to have to team up to have any hopes of getting out of this country alive. And I'm sure we'll have another shake-up in our team when all is said and done. I just want to know how bad girls can look so good?

Grifter / Midnighter #2 - Wildstorm

Our story starts to heat up a little bit this issue. It seems as if Grifter and the MidNighter, although they fight on the same side, the side of the angels, have been co-opted by their organizations, to be on opposite sides of the current op. Grifter is supposed to kill this prince, and MidNighter is supposed to protect him. Since both sides probably knew who was going to be working for the other, you have to think that they were hoping that the two would eliminate each other. Well . . . that's not how it worked out. Mainly because the prince turned out to be some kind of shape-shifter. And somehow this all plays in to the vision that the MidNighter has been having. It turns out that this shape-shifter is holding the real prince captive, and took his place as an indulgence of sorts. I really think he did it to get Grifter and the MidNighter on board for whatever his real purpose is. I say he, but we don't really know if the shape-shifter is a he or a she. But anyways, Grifter is ready to take off and go after the real prince, the mission he was hired for, but before he can do so the 3 of them are attacked by some kind of aliens. I really like the way Chuck Dixon just gives us bits and pieces of information as the story unfolds. I don't like to be spoon fed stuff. And Chuck definitely doesn't do that. He'll start to wrap it up for us in issue 5 or 6, but in the meantime, we kind of have to figure it out for ourselves, and come up with our own assumptions. Just the way I like it. I also enjoyed Ryan Benjamin's pencils on this issue. He does the cover also, which is incredible. Overall a nice book, and it should play out to be quite a yarn by the time all is said and done.

Manhunter #30 - DC

The only thing I'm really sorry for, with this book, is that I didn't get on board sooner. When it first came out, I just thought, "Yay. Another ManHunter." I felt kind of let down by the last 2 incarnations, so I really didn't know if I should stick my neck out for another. But, I gotta tell you, I really enjoyed the last 6 or 7 issues. I got sucked in with the Blue Beetle storyline. And I liked it so much, and the developing Wonder Woman storyline, that I went back and picked up the 3 or 4 issues before that, that were still on the shelves. And like I said, overall I've been pretty pleased with it. There's a great group of characters here. Of course Kate and her son Ramsey, but then there's Cameron, her sister Terry and her boyfriend Dylan, and of course Mark Shaw whom the Order of St Dumas is desperately trying to bring back in to their fold. Oh, I almost forgot Trapp, the resident bad guy whom always seems to be lurking over on of their shoulders. Anyways, fantastic cast of characters. Also this issue we find out that the Grand Jury has decided not to indict Wonder Woman for the death of Max Lord. This is a huge relief for everyone involved. And on top of all that, there really is a good creative team on this book also. Marc Andreyko is the writer. He has a great grasp of all these characters, and does an excellent job with his story flow. I also like Javier Pina, the penciller. I wasn't sure at first, but he's gotten better with every issue I've read. And his feel for this book and the story is near perfect. Finally, the last bit of good news, since this was the last issue . . . . "To be Continued! Really! We have a next issue!". Awesome! The next issue blurb says that Kate will return later this summer. Fantastic! I didn't really care, a couple of months ago, but now . . . I can't wait for the story to pick back up.

Stormwatch - Post Human Division #6 - Wildstorm

This issue, our new Post Human Division of Stormwatch, is about to be put to the test. It seems Lord Defile has been using Fahrenheit to gather information on her team. He keeps promising her that he can help her get her powers back. So she been feeding him, what she thinks is, just background information that shouldn't be important to either one of them. But apparently he thinks it is, because he's put a team together and has decided to lead a direct assault on her team, right at home in the police precinct where they're at. We don't see to much action this issue. They realize they're being assaulted, but they haven't figured out who or why yet. Lord Defile has gone after their big guns first, Black Betty, whom he's got wrapped up in some mystical snake, something, and Dr. Shaw whom he already has transformed into his monster form. But now that he's like that, I don't really see how either side can control him. But Defiles opponents aren't strictly limited to the members of the PHD that Paris and Jackson have put together. He's assaulting the home of a lot of good officers, so on the final page we see Paris getting ready to lead a group of heavily armed men, officers, in to battle. And you know these guys are going to fight with their all, to protect their home. Lord Defile may have miscalculated here. But, we'll have to wait until next issue to find out. Great story by Christos Gage, and fantastic art by Doug Mahnke. I wasn't sure about this book at first, but I really think it's going to be a powerhouse.

Gen13 #7 - Wildstorm

Our characters this issue decide to make an escape from Tabula Rasa. The place where they were being held. Mainly because it's coming down around their ears. So they find a transporter device, and decide to take a chance with it. They end up in the middle of a jungle somewhere. And not just any jungle. A jungle with a Sabre-tooth Tiger, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and other various animals from that era. Almost like a Jurassic park. But it's not a zoo, per-se. Caitlan, who landed here separate from everybody else, finds out that it's more of a hunting reserve. It seems like the same people that made them, created all the animals. But, when they did, they also gave them intelligence and voice. Caitlan is talking to them. Which means the loin cloth she's wearing, that she made from the Sabre-tooth Tiger she killed, was actually . . . . well . . . she doesn't really want to think about it. Anyways, it appears they gave them intelligence, to make it a better hunt. They end up taking down the hunters, and left them to the fate of the animals, and they take their vehicles and are ready to head out for the next adventure. But it looks like one of the animals, a rather odd looking cat/monkey green furred kind of thing, is following them. Not sure what that's all about. But, in the meantime, Gail Simone is really making us feel like we're back in the old J.Scott Campbell Gen13 stories. Back when it was fun. Without being to corny or overly dramatic. So I'm saying, I like the direction that she's taking. Alvin Lee fills in on pencils this issue, which are . . ok. He draws a really nice Caitlin in a loin cloth. But Talent is still on the cover. I'm really starting to dig this book again. Thanks!

Loveless #17 - Vertigo

Well we've worked our way away from focusing so much on Wes and Ruth Cutter, and now seem to be focusing on Blackwater as a community. A sad little community, in the aftermath of the Civil War, trying to decide which direction it's going to go. But a few people aren't leaving that decision up to choice. The main protagonist is a Mr. Trotter. He's the one who tried to bring Wes in as the sheriff to try to get things under control. But that didn't work out exactly like he planned. Which is why he had him killed. Now he's turned to the Army. Or at least people that used to work for the Army. They're really more like mercenaries. But the still wear their Blue or Gray uniforms. One because that's the only job they know how to do now. And two because the uniform makes them feel important or respected. But the truth is that these guys are so far off the reservation that they may as well be wearing clown costumes for as close to being actual Army as they aren't anymore. And Mr. Trotter is finding out that they're just as hard, or even harder, to control than Wes was. So basically, he traded the devil he knew, for the devil he doesn't. And he seems to be working his way up the ruthless scale because he's on his 2nd or 3rd commander now, and each has been worse than the one before. In fact the only people who seem to be fighting for this town is Ruth, hidden out up in the mountains with an assassin and her dying husband, and Atticus Mann. He's a free black man, hidden out up in the hills, the only one who actually knows that Ruth is up there, who keeps killing bounties and taking them in to the city for his rewards. He may clean up the countryside all by himself. If the Army guys let him. And, in the final pages of the book, it looks like Captain Lord, the current ranking officer, has some diabolical plans up his sleeve. I have a feeling things are going to get a lot worse before they get better. Fantastic story by Brian Azzarello. I didn't particularly care for the art this issue. I really wish they'd find a better artist. But that's just me. I still love this book.

Tales of the Unexpected #7 - DC

Another book that I really have to give props to the creative talent. David Lapham is doing a fantastic job with this story. And it can't be easy. I mean the Spectre has been around for about 60 years. He has such a rich and established history. He's trying to play around with the relationship, and co-existence he has with Crispus, but there's probably only so much he can do. But he does seem to be trying to expand on it a little, without causing any damage to the rich history that the character already has. And I really think he's doing a great job of accomplishing that. In the beginning of the book especially, when we see a glimpse of all the creative, and poetic justice ways that he punishes a bunch of criminals. And of course Eric Battles pencils just add to the eeriness and feel of the book. I've always liked Eric's stuff, but I really like what he's doing with this book. And they're finally starting to bring the story together, from issue #1, about the slumlord who was killed in the basement. It should be a nice wrap up issue next time. And the back-up story is just as good. Brian Azzarello is putting together a really compelling and neat story about Dr. 13. But really it's about a lot of other obscure DC characters also. Dr. 13 just seems to be leading the pack. And again, another artist perfect for the story, is Cliff Chiang. I wasn't sure at first, but I don't think it could've been done, or felt the same way, by anyone else. Overall, a great book, with only 1 issue left.

Teen Titans #45 - DC

Ok, Tony Daniel has been doing the pencils on Teen Titans of late. And he is fantastic. The look and feel of these characters was great. Well, this issue, he's not here. I was really worried. But then I opened up the book, and started looking through the pages, and I was amazed. AL Barrionuevo does the pencils. You know, he used to be on Gotham Knights. And most recently on the Martian Manhunter maxi-series. Well his pencils are fantastic. I became a fan on his at the end of Gotham Knights there. But, I have to say, the stuff in this book, is leaps and bounds from that. The stuff he produces here is incredible. And the story that Adam Beechen and Geoff Johns put together here, really make this a must have book. I really just can't even describe how awesome this book is. We get to see each of the Titans, East and West in action against each other. I am kinda confused about a couple of the characters though, Duela, supposedly the Joker's daughter and the Riddlers daughter. Don't know her name. And Risk, I must've missed the stories where he was, because Robin always talks about how they used to work together. Am I wrong, or do I just not remember that? So I'm a little confused about their histories. But it looks like Duela is switching sides, and she helps Raven out. Anyways, they all break free, but they still have to fight them because they're on their island. Meanwhile, underground, Joey, Rose and Slade are having a bit of a family moment. A psychotic, over the top, beating your kids within an inch of their lives, moment. But . . . it's still a moment. Well above ground all the good Titans have been beaten, and Slade comes up carrying his children. He's trying to calm them down from killing all of them right at that moment, he wants Joey and Rose to be conscious to see it all. But then . . . on the last page . . . all the original Titans show up. Nightwing, Donna, Flash, Garth, and Cyborg. It appears that Raven and Duela went to get them. And they aren't going down without a fight. My only complaint about this all is that we finally get a Titans, East and West, and they turn out like this. But, we'll just have to wait and see where everyone lands when all the dust settles. I have a feeling things are going to be shaken up a little bit. I can't wait!

Wonder Woman #7 - DC

Ok, last issue Circe abducted Nemesis. By posing as Wonder Woman and coming on to him. I mean what better way to abduct a "guy" than by posing as a beautiful woman who throws herself at him. We're just so predictable. It's really a sad state of affairs. Anyways, she leaves behind an old pair of Diana's bracelets which leads her to believe that she has him at the Wonder Woman Museum. Of course she finds Circe there, and she ends up beating the crap out of her. A little bit. "What're you gonna' do? Kill me?", Circe asks, trying to rile her up. But then she runs away into a mirror, before Wonder Woman can do anything else. Diana goes and finds Nemesis shackled and beaten elsewhere. He's really is pretty beaten up, but he hasn't lost his fight or his sense of humor. "Wonder Woman?! Is this a dream? Can't be . . you never wear that in my dreams . . ", he tells her as she picks him up and starts to take him off to get medical attention. "No? What do I wear?", she asks. "Oh, I don't know . . dessert toppings mostly." She has to stay out of the public attention, so they end up breaking in to a veterinary clinic to get some stuff to patch him up. Next they take off for a villain bar. Not really. They're all just "wanna-be's", but it's a good place to get information. It turns out that Circe is hiding out in the bathroom. They have a little tussle, and next thing you know Sgt. Steel and his DEO agents show up to take her into custody. It turns out that Nemesis had a locator chip in his uniform that he didn't know about. So it turns out that maybe Circe was working with the DEO? But why? Well on the last page she show up incognito at Themyscira. I don't know what she's up to yet, but obviously she's decided to make some play now that Wonder Woman is out of the way. And you just know, it can't be good. This new writer Jodi Picoult seems to have a pretty good handle on this character. She does a great job with the interaction scenes. Also Drew Johnson is on pencils. He's no Terry Dodson, but he does have a certain unique flair. It's not that I don't like him, but I'm a huge fan of Terry's. And I know, realistically, that Terry won't be here forever, but I'd like to see as much of his Wonder Woman as possible, before he has to move on to something else. And when that happens, if Drew takes over for him, he would be a more than adequate replacement. I would just like to see some more stuff from Terry first. I know he's back for the next 2 issues, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see after that. Overall, though, this was a very nice book, and I like the direction that we're going with the character. I'm really interested to see where we go from here.

JLA : Classified #37 - DC

Peter Milligan writes this book. And he's got a pretty cool concept going here. It's about a college kid, Frank Halloran, and his trouble coming to grips with his feelings, purpose in life, emotions, you know the usual 20 something personal crisis time. Come on. We all went through it. Well anyways, he's smack in the middle of it. And things are complicated when the JLA show up on his campus. They're chasing Amazo, and he comes face to face with Superman. He's awed because Superman is his hero. But at the same time, "It's weird. As I watch the big, handsome icon fly off I feel something . . . dislike. Or even . . . low-level hatred. But that's totally irrational. Why should I hate Superman?" But it turns out he really does have a reason to hate him, he just didn't know it. It turns out that Amazo is his father. Later on that day, Amazo grabs him and takes him to a rooftop to have a father son talk. "You are a Cyborg. Half human, half robot, created less than 2 years ago . . . false memories implanted in your brain by Professor Ivo. A gestation period necessary until you fulfilled your destiny." He really doesn't believe him, until Amazo decides to show him. By dropping him off the 4th story roof, and riling him up so much that he punches him and knocks him across the block. He also has a name for him, Kid Amazo. Which of course Frank thinks is lame. So now, on top of everything else running through his head, he has to find some way to cope with this. And from the last page of the book, it looks like Batman knows that something is up, because he's keeping an eye on him. This could end up being a really cool story. There's lot's of ideas and implications that could be played upon here. We'll have to wait and see what Peter decides to do with all of them. Basically he's creating a new character here. And from what we're seeing so far, he really could go either way, as far as good or bad. We'll just have to see what decisions he makes. Carlos D'Anda does the art for this book, and it is perfect for this story. I think we're going to have an instant classic here.

Green Arrow #73 - DC

This issue starts Ollie's fall from grace. Well at least as far as being the Mayor of Star City goes. When we found out that he was going to be "outed" for something, I thought it was going to be his identity. Actually, it was for all the money that he's been using to fund the Outsiders. When he was on the island, he used some of his influence to manipulate the stock market, a bit, and made billions of dollars. But since the Outsiders are considered terrorists, by most of the world, this will be a major political scar for him. Connor is back this issue also. Just in time for all the fall-out. But Connor is confused about why Ollie isn't fighting back harder that he is. Well it turns out that he's taking a dive. He cut a deal with Nudocerdo, the crooked cop who's running for Mayor. "There's no less than thirty programs that will keep this city being the Star City that he built. Needle exchanges. Free clinics. Drug counseling. Low-income housing. Nudocerdo agreed to lock in the funding . . . lock . . for every program and none of it can be touched for 15 years. All Ollie has to do is not fight and let them win. They also agreed to leave Mia alone." They also have another problem. There have been a bunch of low level bad guys, but guys with meta powers, blowing thru town the last couple of weeks. It turns out that Brick is trying to put some muscle back together. Which means that his truce with Ollie is probably over. Which is another thing that Connor is surprised about. Ollie let him keep a crime syndicate afloat, as long as he kept the peace in the glades. But it looks like that's not going to be the case anymore. Especially now that Merlyn has shown up in town for Brick. But on the last page, Ollie get's a new ally also, Black Canary is back. For how long and to what extent, we'll have to wait and see. But I don't care, she's back in the book. And that's incredible enough. I say this every month, but this is really turning out to be a fantastic book. And what's really fantastic about it is that it's so consistent from month to month. Story, art, pace, characters, everything about it is phenomenal. I've always liked this, I mean these, characters, but now I truly look forward to this book every month. If you aren't picking this one up, you're really missing something special.

the Trials of SHAZAM! #6 - DC

Judd Winick and Howard Porter are really doing an awesome job with this series. And if case I haven't said it, or you haven't heard it, "The book of Magic has been . . . rewritten." And it ain't no Black Magic Woman. This time his trial is to be by Hercules. The problem is his sitting in a maximum security federal penitentiary. For killing 14 people. Of course they were all magical beings. But since he was fighting Medusa, she made it look like, when all was said and done, that he had killed a bunch of Japanese mobsters. Oh yeah, and she set up a booby-trap, so that when Hercules tried to use his powers, it set off a shock-wave and killed 4 mortals in a passing car. Since Gods are never allowed to harm mortals, he is being punished by having to sit out the rest of his existence in a prison as a mortal. So his trial for Billy . . . if it isn't to obvious . . . is to get him out of there. But Zareb, his guide, is convinced that doing so crosses a line. "Hercules took the lives of the innocent. That breaks the magical covenant for a being of his rank. Fate has divined that he is to remain mortal as his penance. There are no loopholes. He's supposed to rot in there . . . as a man." But then Lucifer shows up with the head of Medusa, claiming that her spell can be broken. But all he really wants is to take Hercules power for himself. But there's a problem with that, as Hercules lays on the floor he says, " . . has to be earned . . you steal . . you can't hope to carry it all in your thievin' hands . . . I have more . . and it belongs elsewhere . ." And with that he gives it to Freddie. He says his magic word, and he thinks he's ready to take on Lucifer. Next issue we'll see how that all turns out. I really like this book though. And I've been a fan of Howard Porter's ever since his JLA days, and before that on the Ray. But I think this is some of his best stuff to date.

PainkillerJane - Episode 5 - Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself - SciFi Channel

This was a pretty weak episode. The premise is that there's this FBI safe house that appears to be haunted. The only thing they can find is a woman who shows up on satellite photos, around the same time as the incidents that they're investigating. It turns out that her husband was brought to the house to be questioned. There's no record of it in the FBI files. But they do have satellite photos of him being delivered here. Long story short, the man was a neuro. He has the ability, with touch, to feel what you were feeling, or to pass his feelings along to you. Well this FBI agent wanted to interrogate him about the abduction of a little girl. At the time he worked for the girls parents. Well it appears that the agent conducting the interrogation got a little overzealous and gave him an electrical jolt, he thought, to scare him. They didn't know that it was going to cause his heart to stop. Well when his heart stopped his own electrical impulses transferred over in to the electrical circuit of the house. And it captured his final feelings. Feelings of terror, anger, and fear. So basically whenever anyone touched anything attached to that circuit, the feeling were then transferred over in to them. So they ending up "chipping" the house. Now just because I can explain the story, doesn't mean that I liked the story. I thought it was very weak. Really it was like an episode from Ghost Hunters. And Jane, whom the series is named after, didn't use her powers once. Again, if you want to do a series about a team that investigates neuros, then fine. Do a series called Neuros. But this series is called PainKiller Jane. Which means the stories should be about, and involve . . . oh I don't know . . . maybe . . . Jane! She shouldn't be reduced to a back-up character. That's what I felt was her involvement in this episode. I don't know why I'm being bothered by this, because I really don't think there will be that many more episodes anyways. I really wanted to like this series. And I really wanted it to do well. But that's obviously not the case.

52 - Week Forty Nine - DC

Chang Tzu is trying to auction off Black Adam this issue. He's had his scientists, Chang Tzu's Science Squad, working on finding ways to torture him. They believe that with what they learn, they can also use it against the Shazam family. So he's opening up the auctions, and he has the scientists shielding the island, just in case. Which is a good precaution actually, because the JSA is ready to come a knocking. Knocking on heavens door. But then the Great Ten show up to declare that the Oolong island and everything on it belongs to China. So if they attempt to storm it, it will be considered an act of war. So far Chang Tzu has accomplished releasing the Four Horseman on the earth, capturing and torturing Black Adam, and he is about to unleash his, and Will Magnus', newest creation, the Plutonium Man. But I think Will is afraid to, because his Metal Men exhibit the basic nature of the metal that they're composed of. And so far all he's seen from Plutonium is anger and hatred. But Will has his own trick up his sleeve, in the form of his Metal Men. They're back alive. And he uses them to attack Chang Tzu. Meanwhile Alan Scott has figured out about the Great Ten, " . . . you're covering something up, aren't you? Chang Tzu is a member of the Great Ten. Under orders from Beijing, Chang Tzu and his crew used Intergang money to build doomsday weapons with only one purpose . . . the assassination of the Black Marvel Family. No one expected Black Adam to survive the attack, did they? But now you're here to finish the job." So inside Will and TO Morrow are launching an assault against Chang Tzu, and outside the JSA is ready to storm the beach. So with TO Morrow's help, Will is able to shut the shields down. And with Will's help, TO is able to escape to Sivana's Omnibot, in geosynchronous orbit above the earth. So with the shields down, the JSA comes in, but before they can get to Black Adam, Albert reaches him and helps him escape. And you thought Black Adam was angry before? You ain't seen nothing yet! Fantastic series. I can't wait to see how it all wraps up.

Uncanny X-Men #485 - Marvel

This story is getting very complicated. But hey! It's the X-men. That's what we've come to expect. Lilandra and Major-General Ka'ardum are trying to put together a force powerful enough to stand up to D'ken, Deathbird and Vulcan. Meanwhile D'ken is setting a trap for our freedom fighters. Vulcan and Deathbird, Cal'syee Neramani, are going to be married. They're going to perform the ceremony at the base of the M'kraan Crystal. Then immediately following, they are going to kill Charles Xavier by trapping him in the crystal. All goes as planned, except our freedom fighters strike early. It doesn't seem like either side is making much ground, but NightCrawler is attempting to save Charles. Well Vulcan isn't about to let that happen. So he jumps up and throws Charles in to the crystal himself. Darwin comes running to his aid and also jumps in after him. Meanwhile D'ken has Lilandra in a death grip. He's about to kill her when he is killed . . . by Vulcan. "You think I would be your brother?! That I would serve beneath you?! You think I could ever forget what you did to me?", he shouts as he frys him with his eye beams. He's talking about when he was a child and D'ken ordered the death of his mother. But this was his plan all along. Now that D'ken is dead, and he is married to Deathbird, "I claim D'ken's throne as my own! By right of blood and combat! By right of succession! I name myself Emperor Vulcan, Ruler of this Shi'ar Imperium!". And now Vulcan's plan seems complete. I like this story by Ed Brubaker and Billy Tan. But there really is an awful lot going on. And there's only 1 more issue left in this story-arc. And we have a lot of unanswered questions. Good luck with wrapping everything up next issue. That should prove to be interesting.

New X-Men #37 - Marvel

Well, it looks like Magik, Illyana Rasputin, may be back. We don't know for sure yet, but the new X-men have a precog on their team, Blindfold. It's a dark night and our heroes are gathered around the hearth telling ghost stories. Well, Blindfold steps up and starts telling the story of Magik. Everybody thinks she must have read some of the mission files or something. But then she starts talking about Belasco. About how he was banished from Limbo. But then he sensed Illyana in the worlds of light above him. So he decided to make the trek back to Limbo, and take over the land from the sorceress that had been ruling it. She also took the name Magik, but, she wasn't the original. This one was Amanda Sefton. It turns out that Belasco's anger was enough to give him the edge in power over the pretender. And he defeated her and banished her. And with his rule resumed in Limbo now, it became a much darker place. He was still mad because he could no longer sense his apprentice. But he could smell her on the students that now inhabited Xaviers. So really, Blindfolds story was a warning. Because Amanda was defeated 2 days ago, and now Belasco would be coming after them. Great story by Craig Kyle and Chris Yost. This book is really the prelude to the Quest for Magik. We also have a new penciller this issue, Skottie Young. He's got a pretty unique style to him. It's kind of hard to explain. You really have to see it to understand what I'm saying. Anyways it was a nice prelude, and I think the story-arc will prove to be very interesting.

All*Star Superman #7 - DC

What a fantastic book. But then with Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely at the creative helm, what did you expect? I mean . . Grant is all over the place with this story. He is totally in his realm here. And Frank's pencils are just phenomenal. There's a few panels in here that I would really like to blow up and frame. But I always say that. Anyways, Grant introduces us to the Bizarro world this issue. They appear to have no form, until they come in contact with another life form. And then it replicates them. But then it seems like the host and the alien are then Bizarro's. And of course one of them comes in contact with Superman. So then he uses one of his new powers (?) to take it down. Temporarily! But they seem to have found some of it's weakness' already. Apparently it can't take over a body on steroids, and yellow sunlight makes it sick. And since the whole Bizarro planet is in the earth's atmosphere, Superman has to find a way to push it in to the sunlight. Currently it's on the dark side of the planet. But, when he goes to their planet, he finds that he's losing his powers. But he's found help. "One in every 5 billion copies is flawed. Unique. Different. Not mindless like these shambling mockeries . . . but sensitive, and self-aware. Suffering. Alone. In a world of confusion." And of course the Bizarro that's telling him this also looks like him, and calls himself Zibarro. And he looks like he's the lone human on a planet of freaks. But that's ok, because next issue he's going to have to help Superman get back home. I like the way Grant is doing this series. Kind of like the Superman stories of the 70's. Each book was it's own story. They were connected . . . but they weren't. And sometimes, in his own book, his stories contradicted each other. Not Grant's, but the one's in the 70's. Sometimes the only thing consistent about them was the artist, Curt Swan. You always got the sense that the stories were happening around the same time. But then you'd see inconsistencies in the back-up characters. Nothing major. But little things here and there. But I really get the feeling that Grant is paying homage to those types of stories. And that era. At the time, they were fantastic. To look back on them now . . . not so much. But there is a certain nostalgia to them, and I feel Grant has captured that here. This book hasn't been coming out on a consistent basis, but it's always worth the wait. Which is good, because . . . Everybody wants some!

Green Lantern Corp #11 - DC

Dave Gibbons has us all over the place in this issue. It seems that there's a prophecy by the Empire of Tears. The Empire was banished to a dying planet eons ago, by the Guardians. They also forbade anyone from coming in to contact with that planet. One person disobeyed that order, Abin Sur. But, to stand up for him, he did it to try to protect a life. Unfortunately all it took was contact for the thoughts of the Empire's to collude with his own and create a doubt in his mind over the power of the ring. Which ultimately led to his death. Well the prophecies say that the Guardians, and OA specifically, are going to be attacked by Weaponers of Qward, Ranx the Sentient City and the Children of the White Lobe. Then the Empire of Tears will join the assault. The Guardians want to consider the story just that, but they have to be prudent and keep an eye out. Which is what they assign Salaak to do. But from all the Corps members that we see all over the place this issue, it appears that some of the machinations of the stories are already beginning to come in to play. He even has Kilowog on a trip to Mogo being brainwashed by what he thinks are the souls of his planet-mates. And they sound like they hate the Guardians. So Kilowog takes off, and it looks like he's ready to Bullet the BlueSky. And two of the members that Guy is supposed to be working with turn up murdered. Of course Guy is the first to find them, and it looks like someone is trying to frame him. Like I said Dave is all over the place with this story. But that's ok. In fact it's fantastic. This is what a Corps story should read like. I mean I know everybody has their favorite. But in order to tell the true story, you really need to involve everybody. I also have to give props to Patrick Gleason. He's really stepped up his game for this series. This issue in particular is one of the best I've seen from him. Kudo's to the whole creative team. Thanks!

Batman Strikes #32 - DC

Back to my kids books. "But they're fun dad!" They really are. This issue Robin does a little homework. He's studying how to beat a room full of villains. As he's reading through the book, actually a battle log I think, he's finding out that Batman actually does have a sense of humor. Who knew? He also finds out that Batman has everything wired for voice command, and everything has a code word. Robin asks, "Are my bat-shorts booby trapped too?" But hey if you're going to live in the world of espionage, you have to have some secret gadgets. Edison's Medicine, and all that. Anyways, it comes down to, even though Batman looks like he's winging it sometimes, he's actually following a very specific battle plan. I think he just likes to ad-lib every now and then, to make it look like he's just that lucky. I really like this book. Actually this whole line of books, the Johnny DC titles. They're fun to read and they aren't doom and gloomy. And like I said, they're good for lighting the imagination of a new audience.

Wolverine Origins #13 - Marvel

Wolverine finally comes face to face with his son this issue. Well . . . more like face to claw. This kid, Daken, as actually better at what Wolverine does than he is. And he's very fast. Logan has gone to Brussels to get the Carbonadium Synthesizer that Black Widow left there for him. Unfortunately, Daken is waiting for him. And he pretty much takes him out without even breathing heavy. But he's hoping that with the Carbonadium, it will negate his son's healing factor, much as it does his. But it's kind of hard for Logan to get it when Daken's got him on his knees clutching his neck to hold it together. And since Daken overheard him talking to himself, he's going to go see what's in lock-box #35. And just when he thinks all is lost, Cyber shows up. What's he doing here? Isn't he dead? Guess we'll have to answer these, and all your other burning questions, next issue. Heaven, Hell or Houston . . . er . . I mean Brussels. I'm really diggin' the way Daniel Way puts these stories together. And, although I did like Steve Dillon's artwork way back when in Hellblazer, I really think this is some of his best stuff yet. Overall, a fantastic book, and a great series. And hey . . . I don't have to buy 2 covers any more every issue. Yippee!!!

Avengers - the Initiative #1 - Marvel

They're just gonna force me to by 2 cover to this book, aren't they? When it came out, I guess I didn't pay close enough attention to the pile, so I just bought the right side of the picture. But, since I'm a completest, and a sucker for these multiple covers, I guess I'll have to look it up the next time I'm at the shop. At least I won't have to pay $10 for this one. I hope! Anyways this one is about the Avengers, but it's really not. Tony, through the registration act, has set up as one of the initiatives, hence the name, to set up a sanctioned group of heroes in each state. A group of heroes that answers to the government and to Tony Stark. So now they have the task of going around and gathering up every new meta they can find, and basically recruit them in to SHIELDS branch of the Government. I say recruit, but, they really don't have a choice. As homage to the tragedy that happened, they're using Camp Hammond in Stamford Connecticut. Plus I think they want to use the proximity of the tragedy to help boost the players patriotism. Basically, they're bringing them all here to train, and once that training is complete, they will be picking a state and a team for them to work with. Probably coordinating powers and all that too. Anyways, they have their first tragedy on the first day. MVP, basically a Captain America Jr., is shot through the head. But the scientists discover something when they do the autopsy. Unfortunately they won't be sharing that discovery with us this issue. So it's been a very eventful first day for our Jr. Avengers. Maybe. I'm not sure what they'll actually be called. I bet they bring out every old team-name that been in the Marvel mythos for the past 50 years that isn't being used right now. Nostalgia, and all that you know. Would I lie to you? So I like what Dan Slott's done with the story so far. I'm interested to see how he's going to coordinate all these characters. Obviously we can't pay attention to all of them. So I want to see how it all melts down. Stefano Caselli is the artist. It's ok. I'll give it a couple of issues to see how I get used to it. Overall though, a very nice book.

Ghost Rider #10 - Marvel

Well Johnny still hasn't beaten this town's Urban Legend. Basically what happened is, one of it's locals, Steven Levins, used to be the Jack O' Lantern. Well he died recently. His mother wanted him brought home. So when the sliver of Lucifer came looking for a body to inhabit, it found an an ironic twist waiting for him in the ground. He could inhabit Steven, with his costume and powers, and he could scare the crap out of this town on Halloween. A town that just happened to be named Sleepy Hollow. It was just to much for him to resist. Then, when Johnny showed up to try to beat Lucifer, and the town was already riled up because of the killings, the flaming head thing was just to much of a coincidence. The sheriff was convinced that he was the killer. But Johnny went to him, to give himself up, to prove that he wasn't the one doing it. Once they get to talking, and the Sheriff puts 2 and 2 together, he figures out that it's probably Steven. Or . . . at least his body. According to Johnny. And knowing that, and Johnny's info on Lucifer's MO, it's pretty easy for him to figure out where he'll strike next. So the Sheriff and Johnny are waiting for him when he comes knocking on the door with an army of zombies. But that's all the farther they're going to take us this issue. I think Daniel Way is doing a fantastic job with these scripts. And I really like the way Mark Texeira and Javier Saltares styles of art mesh together. Unfortunately I know they probably won't be able to keep these 2 together much longer. So I really hope they have someone just as talented waiting in the wings to take over. I really like this book. I'd hate to see it's uniqueness and style fade because of a creative change. I may be jumping the gun. But that's just my concerns. In the meantime, I'm Lovin' every minute of it.

New Avengers #29 - Marvel

Last issue we discovered that Ronin was actually Maya Lopez, Echo. She was sent to Japan by the Avengers to keep an eye on the Japanese underworld. Well . . . she got in a bit over her head. So she called for the Avengers. Since they weren't really wanted stateside, they came running. But they came running in to a big 'ol mess. Then Ronin, Maya . . . er Echo, got killed by the hand. Who is currently being led by Elektra. But Elektra used there potions and ancient magics to bring her back to life. So what going to happen next? Well . . . you're going to have to wait until next issue to find out. Why? Because this issue, we get the story of what happened the day before they went to Japan. I don't know why? That's just the way they did it. Anyways, SHEILD, led by Tony Stark, drew them in to a trap. They thought they were going to find Captain America, but instead they just walked hip deep in to it. All their powers were negated, but luckily they had Dr. Strange with them. So with a little hocus-pocus, he got them out of the jam. They try to go to Dr. Strange's house, but it appears abandoned. And since he has his magical shields up, they can't even see them even though their occupying the same space. So instead they go to Rand Industries to talk to Danny Rand, IronFist. They try to bully him in to confessing what he did, and where the others are. But Danny and his counselor play it pretty cool. After they leave he gets a package from Murdock & Nelson, which is Ronin's costume. There's a note from Maya, and she wants to be avenged. But Tony still hasn't given up, now he's gotten his own Shaman. He's gone and got Brother VooDoo, to try to find our renegades. So they go from a fight with Tony and all his people, including Brother VooDoo, to a fight with the Hand and Elektra. But Luke tries to diffuse the situation, he goes straight to Elektra, gives her the rundown, and says, " . . . . criminal to criminal . . . let's talk." It's a good story by Brian Michael Bendis, of course. I'm just not sure why were bouncing around so much. But . . . whatever. I also like Leinil Yu's art. It fits the characters and the mood of the story perfectly. I hope this title is back on track now. But we also have 3 different Avenger titles going. This one, the Mighty Avengers, and Avengers the Initiative. Somebody up in the editorial offices is wetting themselves right now. But really . . . this is a great book.

Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman #19 - Marvel

We finally wrap up our SandMan story this issue. SandMan and Spider-man are trying to prove that Sandy's father is innocent of killing Uncle Ben. Peter recently came in to possession of one of the Spider-helmets from Spider-man 2211. It's a long story, so I don't really want to explain it all here. Suffice it to say, that since the Corps members are all descendants of Peter's, the helmet bonded with him automatically and is following all of his instructions. The thing they're trying to do now is find this person that's posing as Uncle Ben. He ends up being at Peter's school, and he ends up being Roger the Principal. Actually, since there's a Spider-man in the future, and a HobGoblin, it turns out that there's also a Chameleon. And he knocked off the principal months ago, so that he could pose as him and keep an eye on Peter. Earlier the helmet asked Peter how he wanted to punish the person when they found him, and Peter replied "poetic justice". So the helmet lands on the Chameleon's head, and just as SandMan's father is to be electrocuted, the helmet decides to serve justice, and swaps the Chameleon with Floyd Baker, SandMan's dad. Meanwhile, our nurse Arrow has been following Betty and Flash. My guess is that she's jealous because she doesn't understand the relationship that these 2 share. So she's been tormenting Betty, making her think that she's going crazy. She also is in the Principal's office shortly before Peter and SandMan get there. Peter asks the helmet how many life-forms are in the room, and it replies "eleven thousand two hundred and five". Like I said we're getting bits and pieces of info about her each issue. But I have a feeling that things are going to come to a head pretty soon. This is a nice book by Peter David and Todd Nauck.

Ghost Rider - Trail of Tears #3 - Marvel

Everything about this book is phenomenal. The writing is genius, thank you Garth Ennis. The art, and this truly is art, is astounding. Thank you Clayton Crain. And the character . . . well you know who the character is. And if you weren't a flame-head, you wouldn't be reading this book. So you know you love the character. In the end, what more could you ask for? I believe Travis Parham is our Ghost Rider in this series. We finally get to see him this issue. It looks like he's going to take out George Reagan's gang, one member at a time. But you know what, now that I think about it, I could be wrong. The Ghost Rider could actually be Caleb, the guy who took Travis in. I don't know. I'm going to have to think about this one. Anyways he takes out one member, Billy, by wrapping him in chains and speeding off across the field with him. I'm sure he was beat to crap by the time the horse stopped. The other guy, Banjo, he takes out with 4 horses. I forget what this is called, but basically he has Banjo tied up, with one arm or leg leading to each horse. The horses are pointed in the 4 directions, NSEW, and when spooked, run and tear the guy apart limb by limb. So now there's only 4 of them left. And they're pretty spooked. Like I said, a fantastic book. And we still got 3 issues to go. I can't wait to see how this one turns out.

New Excalibur #18 - Marvel

The Captain Britain Corps, the security force for the omniverse, is based on the recruits, picked by Roma and her father Merlyn, choosing the right path when they are offered the sword or the amulet. All the recruits, when given the choice, and told what the Corps stand for, and their responsibilities, have chosen the Amulet. Including our Captain Britain. Well now they've come across 1 recruit who chose the sword. His name is Albion. When he chose the sword, his powers were not supposed to manifest, but they did. Roma wanted to put a stop to it, and take them back. But Merlyn stopped her. The recruit has come from a world in which World War I has never come to an end. And by this time, their whole world is ravaged. So Merlyn suggests, " . . . this creature is human and mortal and utterly alone. His world may just need the sword. Let him go." So he does indeed take the sword, and puts an end to the battles all over his earth. But that doesn't leave them in any better shape, because their world is ravaged. Now they're dying of hunger and disease. In Tibet there are some of those alien slave traders that are actually behind this world's demise. You know, those big fat purple Mojo type looking creatures. Well now that's there's nothing left, they're ready to move on to the next world. Well . . . Albion arrives just before they are able to do so. He takes out the traders, and in the meantime one of the other Corps members arrives through the portal. He's abhorred by the destruction on this world, and since he has arrived just as Albion is taking down one of the trader's henchmen, he assumes Albion to be the bad guy, and of course starts to fight. So even though Captain Britain can beat him in strength, Albion has been fighting his whole life. He bests him, and then kills him. Now he's looking to use the portal to conquer other worlds. And on that note, a team arrives at his door to be his ExCalibur. They look like a negative universe version of the X-men. Fantastic story by Chris Claremont, but then I expected nothing less. Also this art team of Scot Eaton and Staz Johnson is really putting out some nice looking stuff. It looks better and better every issue.

Heroes for Hire #8 - Marvel

I put off reading this one for a little while, because this book is really not thrilling me lately. The covers have remained awesome. The interiors though, both scripts and pencils, just seem weak. This issue wraps up the storyline about the Doom-bot. Oh, and the Headmen. I think that's what they're called. They really are a lame bunch of bad guys. If it wasn't for the Doom-bot, the Heroes would've wipe up these guys right off the bat. As it is, the Doom-bot shoots and kills Orka. Which really upsets Shang-Chi. So much so, that after a few minutes of meditation, Shang-Chi takes out the whole group, including the Doom-bot, all by himself. And he doesn't exhibit a whole lot of restraint when doing so. He beats up on the Doom-bot so bad, that he's broken both his hands. Meanwhile the girls have been trying to foil a diamond heist, as they were hired by the diamond cartel to do. They did stop the bomb, saving the Statue of Liberty. And they did return with the Grim Reaper, who seems to be the muscle behind this whole operation. But, they didn't return with the diamond or the information of their whereabouts. So overall that operation was a bust. And so they didn't get paid. But the Palladin has been offered $10million to take on an operation for the government, and he's decided that he's going to offer the job to the Heroes. Paying them a million each. I don't know . . . the whole issue just wasn't really my cup of tea. I mean, they even had to reattach Humbug's head to his body in this issue. And that particular feat was very anti-climatic. Maybe it's just me, but at this rate, I really don't feel this book has long to live.