Moon Knight #10 - Marvel

I gotta say, Charlie Huston, who writes this book, must seriously be on his stuff when it comes to Moon Knight history. I mean seriously. He's digging up stuff that either I forgot all about, or I just plain don't remember. This issue, in a confrontation with the Punisher, actually it's more of a team-up, kind-of, but
anybody who comes into contact with Moon Knight knows that it's going to end up being a confrontation. Anyways, in their confrontation, they delve in to the whole history between the Punisher and Moon Knight. Basically they both end up letting the other know that they're keeping an eye on them. Kind of the classic male posturing. Seeing who's swinging the biggest stick. But you know . . . with a deranged . . . psychotic . . . a little "off your nut" twist. I mean let's face it, neither of these guys are the poster child for emotional stability. Meanwhile, Midnight, Marc's former partner, and I don't mean that in a gay way, has got a serious hard-on about making Marc pay for the way he treated him in the past. And now, he's got just the enhancements to get the job done. But Marc has to do some legwork to try to find him. This issue Mico Suayan replaces David Finch as the artist. Talk about some hard shoes to step in to. Mico has a completely different style than David. But, is stuff is moody and dark. So he should be perfect for this series. The first issue he's on . . . is ok. It doesn't blow me away . . but it's good. Or course right now, so soon after his departure, I'm comparing him to David. But I have a feeling that after a few months, Mico's look for this book is going to be the norm. Well . . . . obviously it will. But I mean, the moodiness of his work is going to ingratiate him with the fans, I think, enough that he'll be the new standard. I may sound like I'm laying that on a bit heavy, but . . . I think it'll happen. Check back in a couple months and I'll tell you what I think by then. Meanwhile, enjoy the book, and make sure you have something light to read afterwards.

Ultimate X-Men #82 - Marvel

I like the X-men. And, if you've read any of my blogs, you know that I love the Ultimate universe. But . . . I feel like we're trudging through the same old crap here. Yes I know, it's set up to be a little different than the regular universe. But, other that a variation of the same 'ol same 'ol . . . we're going through the same 'ol stuff here. NightCrawler has gone off looking for the Morlocks. He feels disenfranchised by the world, and by the X-men in particular. So he's looking for something different. Well he's found Callisto and Caliban. Big surprise. Scott wants the school to be a real school, so he's looking for some new students. Obviously he can't use Cerebro, so he has to do it the old fashioned way, by beatin' the streets. He sends Toad to the Morlocks also, although he doesn't know that is where NightCrawler went. After a test of mettle, the Morlocks decide to let NightCrawler in. But, then when Toad shows up, they think it's to much of a coincidence and that they must be spys. So they have their first prisoners of war. Them against the world. I guess. Also Storm and Bishop are out recruiting a new battle team. This issue they recruit Pyro, and on the last page look up Dazzler. I don't know. I do like the book. But, like I said, other that a little of a twist on things, it really is just the same 'ol same 'ol. It would be nice if they could do something different here. Something that maybe hasn't already been done over in Uncanny or the X-men. I feel like, sometimes, we're just rehashing the history of the X-men. Like they're taking the old stories and just putting different characters in different places. Nice try. But it's boring. And I hate for a book that I really like to be boring. Please do something different. Live up to the Ultimate name. Please!

X-Factor #19 - Marvel

It seems like everything is about to change for these guys also. Jamie has been on this quest to gather up all his dupes. Some of them have been out there for so long, they've started living their own lives. And some of them, like the one he's trying to absorb this issue, wants so much not to go back, that he's poisoned himself, because he knows that if Jamie absorbs him, he himself will also be poisoned. Guido is working with Rahne. But honestly? I think he's a little scared of her. Theresa and Monet are fighting some of the Morlocks, whom also no longer have their powers. But it's hard to reason with them, because they believe the Govt. is responsible for taking away their powers, and since X-factor works for the Govt., they are the man's stooge. And X-Factor has decided that they aren't going to tell anyone that the whole thing was the Scarlet Witch's fault. She herself a mutant. They manage to take them down, but not before Theresa and Rictor get shot. Monet takes Theresa back to the headquarters to get fixed up. But Rictor . . . gets gathered up by Pietro. He says he wants to help Rictor, and in return Rictor will help him. With his earth based powers, Pietro believes he can bring their race back to life, as it were. He's also got some people to help him. Callisto, Abyss and the Reaper. As this issue ends, it looks as if Rictor has made a deal with the devil. I really like the direction this book has taken. There's a lot of cool characters in this title, and Peter David seems to be making use of all of them. I also like Khoi Pham's artwork. It's not flashy. But it is nice in this book. Overall, I think it's a great story.

Uncanny X-Men #486 - Marvel

This one wraps up the Rise & Fall of the Shi'ar Empire. Kind of. It actually leaves a lot of story-lines hanging out there. Last issue, the Professor got thrown in to the M'kraan crystal. Darwin went in after him. When he emerged, the Professor was no longer paralyzed, and had his powers back. Vulcan, whom last issue slayed D'Ken, basically on his alter, has now assumed the position of the Emperor. In the melee, Corsair was killed. At least as far as we know. We've were never positively told one way or the other. Also in the battle, another team forms. It consists of Alex, Lorna, Rachel, Chodd and the rest of the surviving StarJammers. But there's not many. When Lilandra sees the Charles is ok, she teleports him and Darwin, NightCrawler, Thunderbird and Hepzibah back to earth. Basically, so he won't be captured or hurt again. It's not really Hepzibah's home, but she's going to stay, because she has no where else to go. Polaris crushes Vulcan to within an inch of his life. So Deathbird gathers him up, and guarded by the Imperial Guard, they make a hasty retreat. After a few days, Xavier gets a message from Alex. It's one way though. He's not responding. "I hope you'll all understand, especially Scott and the Professor . . . but our job out here isn't done. So we're going to stay and fight to restore Lilandra to the throne. We're going to lead the resistance against Vulcan and Deathbird. Because we have to end this threat . . . he has to die. And X-men don't kill, so I guess we aren't X-men anymore. We're what my brother turned us in to. If we succeed, we'll see you all again . . . hopefully soon. But if we fail, you have to send someone else to stop Vulcan. Because he's crazy. He's a warped child . . . and if we fall, I truly believe the Shi'ar Armada will head for Earth." See! It's the end of the storyline . . . but it's not. I'm sure we'll see a StarJammers mini series come out of this. And obviously, with the Professor in better shape than ever . . . the X-men will be changing also. So it looks like this was more of a prequel of things to come.

Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century #2 - DC

This is another cool Johnny DC book. This one seems a little above the average kids reading level though. It's the same type of story, last issue they rescued Timber Wolf, this issue he promises his talent to the team, and ends up pulling Brainiac 5 out of a hairy situation. Just like the usual Johnny DC stories. About teamwork, camaraderie, and just being there for your friends. But since we're in the future, I guess, the language is a little more complex. I'm just thinking of my 7 year old nephew, who I've been picking up these books for, trying to read this one. He'd learn some new words. But I think he'd get a little frustrated trying to make it through it. I enjoyed the book though. Like I've said with all the other Johnny DC books, they stay right with the same feel and look of the animated series. Cool stuff.

Jack of Fables #10 - Vertigo

This issue wraps up, literally, Jack's adventures in Vegas. He finds out Dan, his casino boss, lied on his application. He's really one of the Belgians that's been hanging around with Lady Luck. So he dangles him over the balcony, and gets all the information he can from him. He finds out that Lady Luck's been feeding off of all the luckiest winners, from the casino's around town, by eating their brains. She also knows about the Golden Horseshoe that's floating around, and want's to get it so she can take over the world. Isn't that always the case? So Jack finds out where Lady Luck is performing her feeding ceremonies, and goes and disrupts things. First by replacing her chosen meal with Noelle, Gary's in-fatuous dummy, literally. And then by calling Revision to report where they could find Lady Luck. Feeling victorious, he returns to open his casino, only to find that his lawyer is making a play of his own. He's killed Dan, with the golf club that Jack was threatening him with. This causes his to lose the casino, which then goes in to a trust, which the lawyer controls. With the cops hot on his trail, he decides it's time for he and Gary to hoof it out of town. Well . . . ride out in a GTO actually. Which gets destroyed when the owner of the Horseshoe inadvertently flings it in his direction and causes an accident. So Jack's lost his wife, his casino and his car. All he has left is the briefcase. And Gary. So now he's ready to start a new adventure. I've never been overly thrilled about the artwork, in any of the books in this series to date, actually. But I love Bill Willingham's stories. They're fantastic. And unfortunately probably the only thing that's going to keep this book going. But as long as he's here . . . there shouldn't be any problems. We'll see.

PainkillerJane - Episode 9 - Trial by Fire - SciFi Channel

This was actually not a half bad story. All the hype and drama about one of their team members actually being a pyromaniac had me going for a second there. Then about 10 minutes in to it I thought, forget about what they say is going on. And look at what is actually happening. Forget about the whole government angle. It's all smoke. And forget about the whole mess about worrying about the guys previous record and what his cell-mate is going to say. That's all smoke. Think about what we do know. The fires were all in blue houses, 2 story, easy access to freeway. And . . . oh yeah . . . a garage that faces the alley. Well . . . all except the last house. In which our guy was caught. And, after which, there were no more fires. So to me that meant 1 of 2 things. Either they caught their guy . . . highly unlikely. Or the person that they were trying to kill got killed. And since she was a stay at home mom . . . I instantly thought . . . it's the husband. But I continued to watch the next 40 minutes of the show, only to have my suspicions confirmed. This one could've been a Close to Home or Criminal Minds episode. Wait! Scratch that. It wasn't good enough for a Criminal Minds episode. And what about our namesake here? Jane Vasco? May as well have been Urkle running around with the team, for all she participated. Ok. Yes she took a bullet or 2. But that happens on every TV crime show. Her . . . and her powers . . . were inconsequential to the episode. Which really . . . is to bad. She's a good character. She's a complicated, sexy character. She's actually the main character. But you would never know it from how the stories are written. My recommendation? Skip it! Unless there's nothing better on. But if you can find an episode of AFV or a Gilligan's Island repeat, which you've probably seen about 10 times . . . . skip it. The other show's are better.

Countdown #50 - DC

Like 52, this book is going to be really pivotal to the DC Universe. I have a feelings there's going to be a lot of change to some characters, that are going to originate in these pages. And so far, Paul Dini, with Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, are doing a fantastic job with this story, and these characters. This issue J Calafiore is the artist, and it is some fantastic stuff. The opening spread, with Superman floating in the atmosphere, looking over the earth, is amazing. Jimmy Olsen jumps in to the story this issue. He's supposed to have something to do with something. But this issue he's profiling the Red Hood, Jason Todd. We also get another look at Mary Marvel this issue, as she goes to Madame Xanadu for some advice. Also Karate Kid is in the Bat-cave, duking it out with Batman. This issue, I think, actually takes place just before the current JLA storyline, because Val still thinks he's Trident. They're holding their own against each other, but Black Lightning shows up to upset the balance. Then we see a little of the Rogues side of the story, as they're coming together to take out Bart. The Trickster and the Pied Piper weren't supposed to be part of the group, but, they've kind of muscled their way in. Jimmy then goes to Arkham to try to get some information from the Joker about Duela. Also to tell him that she's been killed. It kind of has a Hannibal Lectur type feel to it when he's interviewing him. The Joker eludes that there's some kind of universal conspiracy going on, but he doesn't give him any information along those lines. Jimmy stops the interview, and is about to leave, when on the last page of the book, it looks like he's about to be eaten by Killer-croc. I really like the feel of the book so far. And I really hope that they're committed to shaking things up, as they've eluded to. And of course, I'll be with this one, until the end.

the Mighty Avengers #3 - Marvel

What a fantastic book. A great group of characters. Superb writing by Bendis. And a fantastic story visually, by Frank Cho. What more could we ask for? Besides a huge slug-fest between the Sentinel and Ultron. Wow!! They both . . . can really take a beating. I also like the way that Brian is writing Carol. She's strong and determined. But, at the same time, full of self-doubt. But, she's not letting anyone else on the team see that part. And I like that way she thinks about things before she just jumps right in to action. I mean, she and Jan spent the whole last issue just talking to Ultron, trying to figure out just exactly what it was. While the whole time she had Ares ready to jump over her should, and go out and throttle it. Not that that would've done much good. But he's not a man of inaction. But what a true leader knows, is that what's perceived as inaction . . . is actually a way of assessing the situation, and determining the best course of action, before committing to it. And Carol's decision this issue, was to let the Sentinel keep Ultron busy, while the rest of the team made a strategic retreat. Which, to me, takes a lot of balls. Part of her plan also, which we don't find out till later, is that she absorbed some of Ultron's energy into herself, so she could go back to the SHIELD Helicarrier and have them examine it. SHIELD catches up to Henry this issue also. They catch him with his pants down, literally, when they walk in, break in, on him and Tigra. And Franks' Tigra? MEOWWWW!!!! This chick is H.O.T.!! But then Ultron breaks in to SHIELDS systems, and shuts down the Helicarrier. Which in the process knocks out Commander Hill. So being the only other person available with a level 10 clearance, Black Widow takes over. And she is a bitch on wheels. Meanwhile the Mole-man is still out there, crying over the loss of his babies. And on the last page, Iron-man, or one of his automated suits, shows up. "Attention Avengers. If you are receiving this message, Tony Stark is dead. Listen carefully . . . ." Like I said, Fantastic book. Keep it coming.

All*Star Batman & Robin the Boy Wonder - #5 - DC

I want to say up front that I like this book. I really like this book. I think Jim Lee is amazing. And, when Frank Miller is on his game, I think he's pretty amazing also. But it kind of aggravates me, that there's been what?, 14 or 15 months between this issue and last? I mean seriously. We've had about 5 or 6 issues of All*Star Superman come out between this issue and last. The whole 52 series came out between this issue and last. Almost the whole Alex Ross Justice series came out between this issue and last. The Firestorm series came . . . and went . . . between this issue and last. Do you get what I'm saying here? It's kind of hard to follow a story, that you didn't know for sure, was ever really going to come out again or not. And I really don't like to place blame. But let's look at the facts. Jim Lee has had a lot of stuff come out between now and then. Maybe not his own. But, as the Editorial Director of Wildstorm . . . he's had a lot of stuff hit the shelves. Frank Miller? Not so much. A movie . . . 300. But . . . I wouldn't think a guy like Frank was so self absorbed, that he couldn't put together 1 or 2 comic scripts in all that time he spent in Canada. I mean, yeah it was a movie about his books, but did he have to be there every second of every day. Did he have no time at all that he couldn't have put a script or two together? Did it even cross his mind that he had 4 issues of this fantastic book, dangling out there, with no ending, and tens of thousands of fans clamoring for the next issue? And look at that variant cover up there, the one that I paid $10 for. It seems kind of a cop-out, compared to the other work we've seen from him. I mean, the Jim Lee cover, which I paid $3 for . . . was far superior to that one. And I know some of you out there are saying, "So what. The book came out. It's a fantastic story. Let it go." As far as the story goes, I agree with you. Phenomenal! The artwork is brilliant. But letting go how he treats his fans? I can't do it. I would've rather that Jim Lee just took over the whole book and ran with it, than to keep us waiting this long for another issue. It's absurd. But as long as we tolerate it . . . . as long as we keep buying the books that come out 10, 12 or even 16 months between issues . . . . they're going to keep doing it. And doing it without apologies. I just have a hard time when we, the consumer, or we, the fan, are treated like that. And it shouldn't be acceptable!

Action Comics #849 - DC

This is an interesting set of characters that they introduce us to, this issue and last. But, I don't know how much I really like them. I assume, since they put this much effort in to introducing them to us, that we'll see them pop up again. In some form or another. But they definitely aren't your typical anti-heroes. Last issue, Superman was trying to stop this kid, who calls himself Redemption. Which, literally, is what he feels he's doing. He feels that he's doing gods work. And the evil people that he's punishing, deserve it. Which they probably do. But not to the extent that he's delivering the smack-down. It turns out that the real person with the power, is the minister. Apparently he's had this power since the second World War, in which he let loose by accident and killed some 2300 enemies . . . and allies. Supposedly he's been trying to use his time since then to make up for that atrocity. When he found Jarrod, who could absorb his power, he could channel it in to him, have him try to make a difference in the world, and he could just sit back and watch. But in his anger over the atrocities that he committed, he became overzealous in his delivering of punishment. Which is what attracted Superman. So, drawing on his upbringing from his parents, he shows both side, Jarrod and the Revered, the truth about what they're doing . . . and then lets the whole thing crumble apart from within. Kind of anti-climactic. But . . . it got the job done. But Clark doesn't want to write about, or bring either to justice, because he can relate to where they're coming from, and from whence their intentions sprang. Overall a pretty decent book though. But I gotta wonder, with all the other stuff going on in the DC Universe right now, where this story came from. Kind of out in left field there. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Flash #12 - DC

If you haven't read this book yet, you should. Before you read this blog. I don't like to be a spoiler. Anyways, things don't turn out good for Bart this issue. Inertia has been putting together this team of Rogues, for a couple of months now. He says he wants to build a device that will stop time, so they can pillage the earth. They always have such lofty goals. Anyways, as Kadabra figures out, it's actually a device to pull the Speed Force out of Bart, and then when that happens, he plans on putting it in himself. Although he a future clone of Bart, he doesn't have the power to tap in to the Speed Force. So he gets his speed from pharmaceuticals. Well I guess he's tired of that, and he wants the real thing. Bart's grandmother even came back from the future, to try to warn him. And to tell him not to go to the Rogues today. But, being the hero he is, or wants to be, when the city is put in danger, he has to go to try to help. Knowing that this is going to happen, Iris goes and gets Valerie, so that maybe she can somehow stop the machine. She does . . . but not before Bart loses his speed. After which . . . after tumbling about 100 yards, because he was moving at the time . . . he stands before all the Rogues, the Rogues that he's been beating up on, both physically and mentally, with snappy banter, the whole issue . . . completely powerless. What a cliff-hanger! Oh yeah, the Black Flash has shown up too, but only Bart and Inertia can see him. This means that one of the speedsters . . . is going to die. Nice story by Marc Guggenheim. And it's accompanied by the very adept pencils of Tony S Daniel. Very cool book! I can't wait to see what happens next issue.

Army @ Love #3 - Vertigo

This one really got me stuck. Don't get me wrong. I really liked the book. I just have no clue what to write about it. I mean, we're getting to know the people of the Motivation and Morale unit. And we're seeing what the effects are that they're having on the enlisted men. And women. And we're seeing that the whole thing is going to come down like a house of cards, because, "What happens on the island, stays on the island!". But, that isn't what's happening. One of the soldiers goes home for a benefit. He's a magician. And it just so happens that the girl that he's in the "Hot Zone Club" with, lives in the same town. Well she goes home to see her husband. But the night that she comes home, as they're getting ready to get it on, his boss calls and wants him to make a payment to somebody that's at the benefit. So, being the nosey woman that she is, she follows him to see just what the nature of his business is. At the time she gets there, the magician is doing a disappearing act, and needs a volunteer from the audience. He chooses the wife. While they're in the box, they start to have sex, but they run out of time. So, for the illusion, the magician tells her that they have to switch clothes. This, plus the amount of time they spent in the box, has her husband highly suspicious. And he happens to have connections with some congressman, or senator or something. He's going to make waves, and the whole thing's going to come tumbling down. These people apparently know nothing about discretion. But I guess when your job puts you in a hot desert, shooting and blowing up people, you're not to worried about subtlety. Anyways, I like the twist that Rick is putting on this whole war thing. Something he ought to at least bring a little attention to, though, is the number of people that reenlist because either they miss the rush, or, once back in the real world, they don't feel as important or needed. Plus, with this whole Motivation & Morale thing, it might not be as fun back in the real world. I mean seriously. How many people, in their normal lives, gets to, or has the time to, go on a retreat once or twice a month? Maybe he already has plans for that, but it's just a thought. Overall, though, I think it's a very cerebral book.

Amazing Spider-man #540 - Marvel

Another J Michael Straczynski book. And another incredible book. I'm not so thrilled with Ron Garney's pencils. But . . . he can crank out the books. So timeliness over quality . . I guess is the key. I'm really not saying that Ron's pencils are bad, they just aren't my cup of tea. His style is ok, for what it is. I'm just not thrilled with it. But the story . . . the story is fantastic. Peter is still trying to get to the bottom of who shot Aunt May. She's hanging on for her life . . . barely. And as far as Peter is concerned, the gloves are off. Right now all he has to go on is a very expensive scope. Which he works for everything it's worth. He finds the seller, and then he finds the buyer. And he's really working over the buyer, because he's also the shooter. But he has to leave him breathing, because he needs a name. He wants to know, who pointed him in his family's direction. But before he can work him over to much . . . someone else wants him to not talk . . . as much as Peter wants him to . . . and he's taken out. Like so much trash. But with Peter's spider-sense, it doesn't take him long to find the new shooter. Even in a crowded train station. And when he catches up to him, he's on the phone reporting his progress. Peter webs him up and takes the phone. On the other end . . . . Wilson Fisk. Now Peter is seriously pissed. And now he knows exactly which direction to aim all that anger in. If he didn't deserve it, I'd almost feel sorry for the guy. Next issue should be a doozy.

Ultimate Power #5 - Marvel

This book has 3 very positive things going for it. First, J Michael Straczynski is writing it. Second, Greg Land is drawing it. Actually, painting it would probably be more accurate. These pages are incredible. And third, this is an Ultimate book. And as we all know, when things get amped up in the Ultimate universe, you know some heavy sh*@ is going down. Seriously, on this book alone we have the Ultimate Fantastic Four, whom this book really revolves around. Especially Reed. We have the Ultimates. Whom we just don't get to see enough of in their regular book. Mainly because it takes so long between issues. We have the Ultimate Spider-man, and X-men. And, on top of all this, we've taken all these fantastic characters, and taken them to the Squadron Supreme universe. I don't know if this is the same Squadron Supreme, or ones in a different universe, but, I really don't think it matters. The book is worth it alone for the battle between Thor and Hyperion. It's not so much a battle, as the meeting of gods. Johnny and Sue join the fight, for all the good it will do them. I say they'll probably go at it for another issue, before someone with a cooler head finally prevails and they pool their resources to try to solve the Squadrons dilemma. Catastrophe actually. Right now there's a lot of testosterone flying around out there, so it'll take an issue or two for them to get their heads on straight. But, in the meanwhile, enjoy some major mayhem and carnage. Let's get ready to . . . . . well you know what I was going to say. Incredible book.

New Avengers #30 - Marvel

We're bouncing back and forth on our story here. We started out going to Japan, a couple of issues ago, and seeing Ronin fighting with the Avengers. Then we bounced back to New York, the day before, to see where the New Avengers, actually, I guess, the Mighty Avengers, Tony's new team under the supervision of SHIELD, lays a trap for this team, to try to apprehend them. Basically, they leak the information of where Steve's body is, and that he's not really dead. Well of course it's a ruse. I mean . . . duh!! But they get out of the trap and retreat to Doctor Strange's house. I mean . . . sanctum santorum . . . or something like that. Anyways, because of the trap, Tony learns that Strange is helping them. He's got some kind of elaborate spell going that makes everyone else, who sees his house, think that it's in disrepair and about to be demolished. Says it's going to be a Starbucks. Of course it is! So anyways, they're hiding in plain sight, it's just no one else can see them. So Tony brings in his own Shaman, Brother VooDoo. To do the hoo-doo . . . that he do. But . . he's just not strong enough for the Doctor. He can't break through his spell. But Tony's still not convinced. So he walks through the supposedly empty house and gives a little speech. After which, a couple of issue ago, is when they went to Japan, because Ronin asked for their help. Oh yeah, Clint Barton, Hawkeye, shows up too. But he doesn't want to be Hawkeye anymore. So when they go to Japan, he is the one wearing the Ronin suit. Which really doesn't matter because after Elektra killed Echo, Maya, Ronin, she brought her back to life. The Avengers thought they got there quick enough that she wouldn't be completely under her spell, but at the end of this issue she skewers the good Doctor. So now we're hip deep in another fine mess. But I really do like this book. Bendis and Yu are doing a fantastic job. I just wanna see how this whole New Avengers / Mighty Avengers thing plays out. I'm interested to see where all the pieces land when the dust settles. Who'll be on what team . . . and what they'll be called. I think they're going to stretch this out for a while though.

New X-Men #38 - Marvel

This is the first part of the Quest for Magik storyline. The last issue was kind of a prequel, if you will. This issue we actually get to see Magik. At least I think it's her. I don't know because we don't see her until the 3rd to the last page. And then she's just posturing. She doesn't say anything. We get to meet a lot more new X-men though this issue. We know these kids have been running around the school, we just haven't had the time to actually meet, or get to know what their particular powers are. But . . . they get thrown in to the situation this issue. Basically, Belasco has felt the presence of Illyana Rasputin, Magik. And since the school is her usual stomping grounds, that is where he's gone to look for her. Somehow, and I really don't know why, he sense's her on them. The rest of the students. So, either she's been hiding there, or she's posing as another student and has been with them the whole time. Like I said, at the end of this issue, she's posturing, and doesn't say anything, so it's all speculation right now. All we know for sure is that Belasco has taken the whole lot of them to Limbo, and is planning on killing them if they don't tell him where she's at. This issue, along with our usual team of Mercury, Rockslide, Dust, X-23, Elixir, David Alleyne, Hellion and Surge, we also meet Match, Loa, Wolf Cub, Gentle, Anole, Blindfold and Pixie.That's a lot of characters. But it may all be moot, because Belasco is going to kill them one by one until they give up the location of Magik. And he starts this issue with David, he rips his heart out. The problem is, none of them even knew who Magik was until last issue when Blindfold told them the story. So they certainly don't know where she's hiding out at. I have a feeling that this story-arc is really going to shake up our team. And apparently we're going to get Magik back.

Grifter / Midnighter #3 - Wildstorm

This is a pretty cool series. First of all we have two fantastic characters, hence the name . . . Grifter / MidNighter. Then we have Chuck Dixon doing the story. So you just know it's going to be action packed. Well . . . it has to be with these two guys in the lead. And then Ryan Benjamin is doing the pencils. And they are fantastic. He obviously has a firm grasp on this type of book and action. The way his panels flow are incredible. And look at that cover. It's a thing of beauty. I'm still a little confused about what it is exactly that these guys are being brought together to fight. Before the MidNighter could see his nemesis, Grifter was getting visions and dreams of them. Either that or somehow he was attuning to their particular dimensional shift. Not sure how he was doing it, but . . . until other's could see them, he thought he was going crazy. Also it appears that there is a woman, isn't there always, who is purposely trying to bring these two together. Almost as if they are her chosen knights. They just don't know it yet. But I think they're starting to get the gist. She also has to play the referee because these two . . . . will never play nice. All she says at the end is that they have a planet to save. Their own? Someone else's? Hers? We just don't know yet. Hell it's taken us 3 issues just to get these 2 close enough to be able to carry on a conversation without trying to blow each other's head off. I can't wait to see how they can save a world, without killing each other. Should be a blast.

Gen13 #8 - Wildstorm

What I really liked about this book, is that is really had the feel of the old, original, Gen13. You know, the J Scott Campbell part of the series. It was fun, irreverent and jocular. Of course it was also cool that the Authority showed up. Our heroes, actually maybe they're more of anti-heroes, just want to get away from all the authority figures chasing them. And then the ultimate one's show up. Jenny is telling the team that their existence is somehow jeopardizing the world. Actually all of existence. But she won't get in to specifics. Our gang let's loose, mainly because they're just tired of being hounded. Well . . . also because they found out that their whole existence, up until a couple of days ago, has all been a fabrication. Parents, family, school, friends. . . . all of it like an elaborate maze for them to try to scurry through. Well now they're out of the maze, and they just wanna be left alone. But then Roxy yells at the MidNighter, and somehow gets him to change his mind. "That's how it always starts. But someday the enemies are conquered, and the war machine sits there on idle. And then what? Someone's gotta feed that beast. And this time, it's us. My friends. Just do what you're gonna do. Take us prisoner. Lock us up. It's pretty obvious we can't do anything to stop you. It's what you're good at." And that's when the MidNighter calls it off and says they're leaving. But he leaves them some words of wisdom, "Kid. Listen up. You're not supposed to be here. You're not supposed to exist at all. Stick to the shadows. Find a place to hide. And try not to destroy the multiverse. I'll be watching. Good fortune, Roxanne Spaulding." And with that, they're back on the road. And it looks like their next stop . . . is going to be Tranquility. I really liked the feel of this issue. Like I said, it put me back in mind of the original series. Which I think is a pretty good camparison. Keep up the good work guys . . . er. . . . and gals.

Tales of the Unexpected #8 - DC

This one ended up pretty much the way I thought it would. Crispus finds out that pretty much everyone who lives in the tenement had something to do with Krieger's death. In some way or another. Of course that doesn't mean that he didn't have it coming. The guy didn't some pretty awful things to his tenants. Extortion, blackmail, rape . . . . just to read off the top of the list. But Spectre's job isn't to hold judgement over him. His job is to find out who killed the man, and deliver cosmic retribution. Which he does in spades. But there's still the ying & yang between what Crispus and the Spectre consider to be justice. Crispus wants to try to temper his retribution, but the Spectre doesn't want anything to do with that. That part of the story doesn't fully play out in these pages. So, my guess, is that'll be the focus and crust of future stories. They wrap up this tenement thing, but they still leave an awful lot just hanging out there. It'll be interesting to see where we go from here. But overall, I thought it was a fantastic story by David Lapham and Eric Battle. I also liked the Dr. 13 backup story. I thought it was a little confusing . . . but . . . I think that was the whole point. I liked the way they ended it . . . but at the same time . . . I didn't. If that makes sense. It probably was the only way they could wrap it up . . . but . . . it just doesn't sit well. I suppose that's so they can carry on the story in the future. But it was still kinda' cheesy. But still, as with the main story, overall . . . I liked it. It was different. Which is really what the whole thing was about. And I think that Azzarello and Chiang delivered on their end of the deal. So again . . . we'll see where we go from here.

Batman Strikes #33 - DC

This was just a silly one. Batman, Robin and Batgirl are fighting Poison Ivy. But she gets the drop on Batman. She injects him with a concoction that's going to make him younger. The only thing I didn't like is that Robin and Batgirl didn't get to see the younger Bruce, except for at the end when they battle Ivy, and put her away. I think it would've been funny to see Robin and Batgirl give him a hard time in the Batcave. Especially when they were ready to go after Ivy, and Robin wouldn't have been able to resist telling Bruce that he was to young to drive. Anyways, like I said, they put Ivy away, and Bruce comes up with an antidote to get him back to normal. Which is something else I'm no sure about, because I could see him coming up with something that would stop the reverse aging process, but . . . how would that automatically take him back to his right age. If anything, it would just stop him where he was at. But, that's why it's a comic book. It doesn't always have to make sense to us grownups. I still think the books pretty cool. Even with the inconsistencies.

Noble Causes #29 - Image

Dawn and Celeste are no longer an item. I think. I mean, Celeste killed Dawn's mother. And Dawn showed up shortly thereafter. . . . so . . . I'm thinking maybe . . . they won't be hooking up any more. True . . Kitty begged Celeste to kill her. But . . . I'm not sure Celeste is going to be able to convince Dawn of that. On yeah . . . and during the fight . . . Dawn let it slip that the Blackthornes had given Zephyr the same virus as Kitty's . . . hoping that Doc would develop an antidote. Celeste wasn't very happy about that. But what she doesn't know . . . is that it was Slate that gave it to her, because he and Zephyr have developed a friendship. During the funeral, Celeste shows up to pay her condolences, but, in typical "super-hero style drama" a battle ensues. The rest of the Noble clan is soon there, and then it's just a free-for-all between both families. Zephyr and Slate decide that they have to join the battle, but they're going to try to control the casualties. Then, to everyone's surprise, it's Race that stops the fight. "This all started when Pierce died, and now Mrs. Blackthorne's death has only ramped things up. Everyone just listen. I have a way to fix all of this. All of it. I can bring your wife and son back." He wants to use Doc's "reality-shifter" to let Hunter go to another dimension and look for another Kitty and Pierce to bring back with him. Much in the same way that Liz came to them. So with a little discussion, Hunter is off to look for his wife and son. "Noble, for a long time, I held your son responsible for Pierce's death. Now I hold him responsible for setting things right." Great story. Definitely a super-hero soap-opera. Like the cover says, "Sex, Secrets, and Super Powers." I wasn't to thrilled with the fill in artist this issue. But I still love this book. Jay Faerber definitely has me hooked.

PainkillerJane - Episode 8 - Friendly Fire - SciFi Channel

To me, this was kind of a strange episode. Basically, someone, well we know it's this Doctor, but he was hired by someone else, abducts Jane. They put her through this personal hell, because they want to know where NIKO is. That's the place where McBride takes all the Neuro's after they've been "chipped". No one on her team knows where she's at. And the guy that's holding her is a shape-shifter. So he keeps coming in, as members of her team, to visit her, but then he has them turn on her so he can break her down psychologically. All except for the girl, that came on to the group with her. Sorry, the only names I can remember are McBride's and Riley's. Like I've said previously, I'm really having a hard time getting in to this series. Mainly because I just don't . . . "buy" it. So anyways, when he comes in as the girl, he working on trying to garner her trust. Supposedly she's in a hospital. But the nurse that's watching her, notices that they have no other patients. So what about all the other people we see working up and down the hallways. They don't notice that. Or they're all working for this Doctor guy? Because if so . . . they never ever stop to talk to him. If he's running the show, and they're some kind of actors, playing parts, don't you at least think there would be some kind of interaction between them? And I'll bring this up again, why on earth is this her show, it is called "Painkiller Jane", but they minimize her character? Anyways, they figure it out, they get the doctor, but they don't find out who's behind the whole thing. And even though he had Jane driving him to NIKO, when they're wrapping up the whole thing, they don't think that that's important? I don't know. There's a lot of holes in this series, and in these stories. I'm really trying to get in to it. Because I'm a comic book fanatic. But I don't know . . . I'm really thinking about chucking the whole thing. It's really a waste of my time. But that's just my opinion. That and a nickle . . . . . will get you . . . . nothing!

Justice League of America #9 - DC

Man I love this series. Brad Meltzer and Ed Benes are just masters of their crafts. And I really love seeing Ed doing all these Legionnaires. I always liked the JLA / JSA team-ups. But, more often than not, they seemed to be forced. Just because it was a year later, they had to get together, and they each had to have an issue that crossed over in to the other. Whether the current storyline in either book supported it or not. Sometimes, though I loathe to admit it, they really were pretty lame. But this one . . . this one seems like a natural reaction to the current chain of events. And bringing the Legion in to the whole thing, was just brilliant. We start out this issue with Starman, Wildfire, Dreamgirl and Karate Kid having all come out of their apparently self induced comas. Sort of. Or maybe it's all part of a master plan by Brainiac 5. I guess that's what we're here to find out. This issue they bring Timber Wolf and Dawnstar in to the mix. And as was noted last issue, as they bring each Legionnaire back to reality, they each seem to have a missing piece of the puzzle. But there's only one more. They said there were 7 of them here. So I guess whoever we find next issue, is going to hold the final piece. The thing I really like about Brad's writing isn't just the action. He writes great action scenes. But it's not all action and fisticuffs. There's also a ton of interaction between the characters. Little quips and jabs here and there. Unspoken glances between the characters that know each other, and interesting questions between the ones that don't. And it all seems natural, and unforced. As if he just walked in to a room full of people and started writing down notes about their conversations and interactions. When Wildcat, Vixen, Flash and Green Lantern visit Gorilla City Wildcat says, "He's a talking ape?". To which Vixen replys, "You're a talking cat. Show respect." Or when Batman is talking to Karate Kid and makes an observation about each of their situations, "Whoever put you in those personal hells . . . . Dr. Destiny gets your Dreamer . . . Wildfire gets shut off . . . you being forced to rely on a weapon . . . . when the knife digs that deep . . . it's usually coming from someone right behind you." And we also find out that Per Degaton, the Ultra-Humanite and Despero have something to do with all this. But we really just see a glimpse of them. No idea what they're up to yet. Now add to all that 2 fantastic covers, 1 by Michael Turner and 1 by Phil Jiminez, and you definitely get your money's worth. This, and the JSA series, are both going to be instant classics. You better get them why you can. And so far there's been an amazing variant cover to every issue. It's the 1 in 25 thing, so it's worth the money. For the picture too.

Countdown #51 - DC

I finally made it to this series. Like the 52 series, this one is also going to focus on the b-list characters. The ones that don't have their own series. From this first issue, I would guess that we have 3 main things going on here. With this issue they seem random, but I'm sure in the weeks and months ahead, everything will start to come together. First I see a storyline with Darkseid. I'm not sure what that is yet, but to him it's like a chess game. With the heroes of earth being all the playing pieces. All we see is Desaad and Darkseid so far. But I'm sure this will play out more. Secondly, I think that we're going to be dealing with a storyline in the magical realm of the DC universe. Maybe not entirely, but at least as far as Mary Marvel goes. But I can't imagine the story will be only about her. That's why I'm thinking that this may be a storyline to redefine the magical rules here. I mean we've been told that they've all been changed, or redefined. But we haven't been given even a glimpse of how that's going to affect all our established magical characters. So that's what I think is going to happen with that area. Third we have a storyline with the monitors. I'm guessing here, but I think that now that the multiverse has been reestablished, there's some people on our earth, that were not originally intended to be here. So I'm guessing that they're going to start trying to put people back in their place. I don't think that there's any malicious intent to their actions. If anything they're trying to keep the balance. But, some of these characters are going to have to be forced in to going back to where they belong, so I think they're going to be perceived as antagonistic. Now really, this is all just speculation and conjuncture on my part, but I think that we're counting down, because when this series is all wrapped up, the multiverse will have a defined set of rules and permanent homes for some of these characters. Also I think that we'll have a clearer picture, if that's possible, of what's going on in the magical realm. Who the new players are, how the power structure is going to play out, and what exactly the rules and conditions are now that they're different. And then this Darkseid storyline will play out however it's intended. I'm sure we'll see a lot of our favorite characters. In this issue alone, we see Duela, who actually ends up dead, Jason Todd, Mary Marvel, Heatwave, the Trickster, and the Pied Piper, all the originals, and talk about . . . . . Ray Palmer. Good start to a new series. Like I said, it's going to be interesting to see how it all plays out in the weeks and months ahead.

Checkmate #14 - DC

Part 3 of the CheckOut storyline. And it's a thrill ride. We ended the last issue with the sea-monster coming up to attack the Pequod. Grace and Anissa go outside together and make pretty short work of it. There also seems to be a bit of subterfuge going on here, on the part of Checkmate anyways. Werner was supposed to keep an eye on Boomer, but then he lets it slip, "I've done this kind of stuff before, I did it for Waller last year she . . .", and with that she's on Sasha's team. Werner tells him to shut-up, but he plays stupid, "For Waller, you know, the white queen. I . . . uh . . . I say something wrong?" On their way into the island, Sasha and Dick are trading a bunch of Batman stories. Actually, more like quips, I guess. Enough that Boomer and Josephine notice it, "You get the feeling those two have some history they're not sharing with us?" They make it all the way to the data hub. But when they up-link to steal their files . . . . . "Somethings invading the system. It's targeting the operations software . . . it's inverting the data-stream, it's uploading our files to Oolong, instead of the other way around. We have to shut the network down!" But the only way to do that, is to take the whole system offline, which Mr. Terrific makes the choice to do. "You . . just . . . you just abandoned them . . . .", Jessica says to Michael. "Them or us. It'll . . . it'll be all right, we'll get them back . . . . they can take care of themselves . . ." Of course Michael can see the final page of the book, where Sasha and Dick's team is surrounded by the 4 horsemen. This might be a little more than they can handle. I can just hear Dick saying now, "Holy Kingdom Come Batman!" But seriously, they're in deep dodo right now. And yes, that's the technical phrase for it. Well, you can't say that this story-arc isn't going to leave you on the edge of your seats. Like I said, Greg Rucka and Judd Winick teamed up on this story, is just phenomenal. These 2 are brilliant. And Joe Bennett's pencils on this issue are just as impressive. It should be interesting to see all this is all going to shake out. I'll see you in a week or 2, back in the Outsiders.

Ghost Rider #11 - Marvel

This has been a fantastic incarnation so far. Daniel Way seems to have a very firm grasp of his characters. The way he's playing and manipulating Lucifer, is pretty original, I think. And I gotta say, for this whole run, I've thought, "What a huge waste of talent, to have 2 such distinguished artists on the same series, one doing layouts, and the other doing finishes." But, I gotta tell you, you sure can't argue about the results. Javier Saltares and Mark Texeira are turning in some beautiful pages for this series. I mean, there are some frames in here that could end up in the Ghost Rider museum, for all of time. And just for your information, I think they're building it down the street and around the corner from the Flash museum. They wanted it closer to the Superman museum, but Clark wrote this really bad article about Johnny that put a stop to that. So they're just going to have to settle for being kitty-cornered from Guy's theme bar. Not a bad location really. It's on the #666 bus route. But that bus always runs late. Anyways, the panel on the top of the second page, with GR throwing out his chain, is classic. The panel at the bottom of the 3rd page, with GR standing in the wreckage of all the zombies is pretty cool. "You . . . I can't believe . . do you even know how hard it was for me to raise an entire zombie army? Do you even care?" Then there's the full page on 9, where GR's bike jumps a car and shoots up in the air to bring a falling GR down after blowing up the Jack-O-Lantern disk he was riding. That one could be a picture for the movie. And then the full page on 19, where GR, after killing J-O-L, is crushing his flaming head under his boot. Perfection! Anyways, if you couldn't tell, I love this series, I love this character, and I love the creative talent behind it. You guys are brilliant. Thank You!

Wolverine Origins #14 - Marvel

We learn some more about Daken, Wolverine's son, this issue. Specifically that Cyber had something to do with raising him. Either in tutelage or training, he was somehow involved in making him the man that he is today. And that's someone who could take out Wolverine, without even breathing heavy. But now he has to fight Cyber. Who, not only is stronger that him, but is also encased in an impenetrable carbonadium exoskeleton. But he still manages to get a few good licks in. Then for some reason, when Cyber has Daken on the ropes, Wolverine jumps in and tries to hold Cyber down so Daken can finish him. But rather than prolong the fight, Daken just takes off. Leaving Wolverine and Cyber to duke it out. But, what Wolverine didn't know, and Cyber didn't expect, was for his bad heart to catch up to him. He's literally beating the snot out of Wolvie, when all of the sudden he starts clutching his chest. Wolverine is ready to kill him, but then he remembers what Cyber said a little while ago, "You were my best student. I found him once, I can find him again." So he ties Cyber up, and tells him he wants to hear the story from the beginning. Basically, he started in Sioux City Iowa, 1912. He was a Pinkerton Agent, but was arrested and was standing trial for, " . . . committing atrocities against man, woman and child . . . frankly, too heinous for me to recount." Long story short, he ends up killing everyone in the courthouse, and Sabretooth, dressed up as a guard, helps him escape. He drives him right to Canada, and what I assume is the very beginning of Weapon X. But he can't tell him anything more, because he's having a hard time breathing. So now Wolverine has to take him to get some medical attention. Cool story. Lots of information. And Steve Dillon and Daniel Way are doing a fantastic job, creatively. I'm glad I don't have to buy 2 covers every month, any more.

Outsiders #47 - DC

This, I feel, is going to turn out to be a pretty interesting storyline. We ended last issue with Nightwings arm around the Black Queen's throat. He seems to be in control. But, she's a human / OMAC hybrid. So she's pretty strong herself. She also seems to have some ties to Batman, but I'm not sure what those are. Her and Nightwing trade some interesting quips back and forth though. Anyways, after they go through their obligatory scuffle, Nightwing eludes her, and is planning on going through the castle to release his teammates. His first choice is Grace, and as they attempt to approach the others locations, they do a lot of property damage. "Seeing as it's my property . . I'd rather you didn't.", says Sasha. "I enjoy reckless collateral damage as much as the next girl, but you guys bring it to a whole new level. You crashed elevator 4, you destroyed a quantum optical interface panel. You blasted a hole in the side of the building . . . and the truly impressive thing is that you did all of it in under 2 minutes. That's commitment." And the irony is, Sasha already had his team assembled in the briefing room. "The mission is designated Shadow Box. It's objective is to neutralize the operation on Oolong Island." And with this issue, they land and prepare for infiltration. However, right before reaching the island, they're met with some resistance. In the form of a sea-monster. With these 2 teams together, you know it's going to be an action packed storyline. This is the perfect team-up for the Outsiders. Not only to the teams compliment each other perfectly, but the creative talent of Greg Rucka and Judd Winick on scripts is more talent than you can ask for. Also Matthew Clark's pencils on the Outsiders, I think he's finally back, is simply incredible. This team and book has come such a long way, over it's various incarnations. But the change hasn't stopped. Between this story arc, and the next with Batman, I think our team is in for even more changes. But that's good. There's such a wealth of characters here, and I don't think we've even scratched the surface yet of their potential.

JLA : Classified #38 - DC

Part 2 of the Kid Amazo storyline. And I really like the way this one is shaping up. First of all, we have Peter Milligan on scripts. And he's really doing some interesting things with these characters. We also have Carlos D'anda on pencils. I really like his style. It kind of has the feel of the early Howard Porter JLA pencils. But then again, not really. I get the same feel, but he still has his own unique style. Basically the team knows about Frank Halloran. Now they're just trying to decide what to do about him. The team is really split about this one. On one hand they could rush in, take him and try to bring him over to their side. But, that could set him more along the course with Amazo. But if they wait, and try to let him choose for himself, he could end up making the wrong decision. But they seem to lend themselves towards the waiting approach. Frank has a run-in with Amazo. There's really some interesting "father / son" dialogue. And it seems like the mess the Amazo creates, Frank is trying to straighten up. But it also seems like the more he realizes, and uses, the full extent of his powers, the more he becoming overwhelmed by them. You know what they say, "Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!" Well that appears to be the case here so far. On the final page of this issue, it appears that he's ready and willing to accept his Amazo heritage. But with Peter writing, anything can happen. We'll have to wait until next issue to find out which way he's leaning. But all in all, this is going to be a fantastic story-line. And a definite turning point in the Amazo saga. Stay tuned for further developments.