the Amazing Spider-man #594 - Marvel

This issue actually seemed more like the normal Amazing books, than some of the others did. Peter's bad luck is back, and it seems like he goes from one bad situation to the next. He starts out on a roof having just been blinded by this new Vulture character. He's beat up pretty badly until he calms down and tries to use his 'spider-sense' to locate the guy . . before he hits him again. He webs up his face and the guy finally takes off. This Vulture usually goes after the weak or downtrodden, so Spidey probably put up more of a fight than he's used to. Then, when he goes back to his apartment, he finds out that he's got a guest staying there . . Vin's sister, Michelle. Unfortunately since his costume has been torn to shreds he's wandering around naked when he comes across her. So now, she thinks he's a pervert. Then, when he lays a trap for this new Vulture, by webbing up a mugger, he ends up destroying his new-found public image. In the alley the Vulture takes to the air, but Spidey has the brilliant idea of tailing along by attaching himself to his feet. So now he's flailing around in the air behind him. Unfortunately, they end up at Yankee stadium during Legends day. So they're packed. He comes swinging in and takes out the press-box because of his momentum. He ends up beating the Vulture by breaking his arms and webbing him up, but . . he's still blamed by all the fans for ruining their beautiful day of baseball. The next day the headline of the DB reads, "Yankees game called on account of Bug! City to Spider-man: Drop Dead!" Ouch! That's a blow to someones ego. Poor Peter. He can never catch a break. But what really has Peter upset is that when he smashed into the press-box, he saw Norman Osborn standing there. He's upset because he can't believe that the man he's fought so much has risen to this height of power. Oh yeah, and JJ's dad proposes to Aunt May. All in all, I thought it was a pretty good issue. Mark Waid, Mike McKone and Barry Kitson did a really good job with this one. Next month Phil Jimenez is finally back. I can't wait. Also, this month's cover is by Joe Quesada . . again.

Captain America #48, #49 & #50 - Marvel

I've thought about this for the last month or so. I've been reading in a couple other blogs how happy they are with the stories that they're reading in this book. Honestly, I haven't picked up this one since issue #25 . . the one where Steve died. So, with issue #50 out this week, and #600 next month, I thought I'd give it a shot and just give an honest opinion of how I feel about the story. However, it wouldn't be fair to just read a single issue and try to form an assessment. I mean, every title has it's ups and downs. So I decided to go back a couple of issues. I've read #48, #49 and #50 together. And that should probably prepare me for #600 next month. I wanted to do the same thing with Thor, but . . I'm not really into that character all that much. Well . . here goes nothing. I was kind of surprised after reading these issues because, honestly all 3 felt completely different. Which, to be fair, is because they were all parts of different story-lines. I had no doubt that I would like Ed Brubaker's stories. I loved his stuff on the X-Men. Issue #48 was wrapping up a story about Bucky in his Winter Soldier guise. In 1948, Bucky, with the invaders, had rescued this 12 year old Chinese scientist named Zhang Chin. Later, as the Winter Soldier, he was tasked with eliminating the same scientist. He didn't do it, but he did kill a woman who turned out to be someone Zhang loved. Now it appears that Zhang is back and he's using the old body of the Human Torch to create some new epidemic. In a nutshell, he wants to 'trim' the world's population by 35 to 50 percent. "Our world is falling apart . . it's resources are depleting. Food is becoming more scarce . . Earth itself has turned against us. Just imagine the effects of that kind of a global pandemic . . how far less toxic our smaller population will be to the ecosystem." Also, besides having the Human Torch's body, Zhang has also capture Namor and is using him as a test subject. Long story short, the Black Widow shows up and between them they stop the release of the virus and release Namor. Zhang had a person in his employ, The Man With No Face, whom I thought was an interesting character. However, with just this one issue to go off of, I didn't really learn all that much about him. Namor kicks his ass pretty good, and in the end . . snaps his neck. In the end they finally give Jim Hammond the burial that he deserves. This one was brilliantly drawn by Butch Guice and Luke Ross. Now issue #49 went a different direction and was all about Sharon Carter. She and Sam Wilson are living in her family estate in Virginia . . just as friends, strictly platonic . . and she's trying to piece together the memories that she's missing. I like the way Ed relates her condition to that of Sharon's Aunt Peggy. Sharon visits her often, but she's got advancing Alzheimer's. The difference is, Aunt Peggy doesn't know that she's missing memories . . parts of her life, but Sharon does. And it's driving her crazy. They're both actually in very similar situations. It's just . . one's cognizant, and one isn't. Anyways, most of the issue is focused on Sharon and Sam's friendship, and reliving Sharon's, and some of Aunt Peggy's memories. Also, Sam is looking for this 'Evil Cap' or 'Bad Cap'. He looks and acts exactly like Steve, but . . without the personality or convictions. Two things come out at the end. First Sharon discovers that she was pregnant at one time. She didn't even know. Sam fills her in on the specifics. Really, the revelation is almost more than she can bare. Finally, we see Aunt Peggy at the end and she thinks she's having a conversation with Steve, her one-time lover. Actually, it's 'Bad Cap'. I guess he's fishing for information about Steve, or the war. Oh yeah, and Sharon has a dream about an event she doesn't remember. She captured by Zola and the Red Skull, and she's witnessing some kind of experiment that they're working on. She's mostly out of it . . drugged maybe, but she can make out a form. It looks like they're working with a time-platform . . maybe? . . and they're trying to draw a figure out of it. She can't really make the person out, but . . she thinks, or hopes, that it's Steve. But that's really all the information that we get. This one had some fantastic art by Luke Ross. Finally, in issue #50 we learn some more about Bucky. Basically we see how his 'mission' in life has effected his birthdays over the years. It's his birthday now, and he's being chased by guys in high-tech suits that are trying to kill him. But, as we see through the flash-backs that it's pretty normal for his life to be in jeopardy on, or because of, his birthday. You would almost think he has some kind of birthday curse. Through the flash-backs we see a lot of Bucky's past, and his relationship with Steve. And then we find out that the guys who are trying to kill him are actually a para-military group who worship Cap. They're trying to kill Bucky because they don't feel that he's the 'real' Cap. "Believe me, I know that better than anyone . . but I'm tryin' . . . " However, the issue ends on a good note when he returns home to find out that the Avengers have all got together to give him a birthday worth remembering. It was actually a very touching issue, and it really made you think about everything that Bucky's been through over the years. The many, many years . . and many, many birthdays. There was a back-up also which filled in a lot of the holes . . at least for myself, on the history of both Cap and Bucky. The main story's fantastic art was again by Luke Ross. But the back-up was by Marcos Martin. Marcos' work almost had a Tim Sale influence to it. Or maybe even Darwyn Cooke. Really, it was the perfect style for this part of the story. Anyways, overall I'd have to say, I didn't get exactly what I was expecting out of these books, but . . I still thought they were very, very good. They piqued my interest enough that I'm looking forward to issue #600. I can't wait to see what they pull out for that one.

Fantastic Four #566 - Marvel

I think instead of titling this book the Fantastic Four, we should title it the Fantastic Mark Millar. I really think that would be just as appropriate. I can't believe the ideas and concepts that Mark comes up with for this book. It's . . . fantastic! This issue the team, and Doom, are both heavy with anticipation for the arrival of Doom's master. To that end, Reed investigates what was thought to be a whale beached up on the shore. That was until they saw it's feet, and sandals. It turns out there's a dead Watcher washed up on the shores of Thailand. However, it's not Uatu, but rather a Watcher from another dimension. Reed discovers that during the autopsy. During all of this, Ben is having trouble with Debbie's ex. It turns out that he's trying to profit off of his ex-girlfriends foray into super-hero romance, by writing a book. But, in sticking up for his fiance's honor, he may have done more harm by scaring her. We'll have to see how this all washes out. Then, in Latveria, Doom heralds the arrival of his master . . and the new apprentice. He informs Doom, "Am I happy with your progress? Does it please me that your name reverberates around this world as the greatest villain who ever lived? NO! I look around and see much wealth and happiness. I hear the heartbeats of enemies who have beaten you time after time. I smell defeat upon your flesh. So much promise that has amounted to nothing. In truth, your failure disgusts me. You rule a time kingdom I have never even heard of. After twenty years. Your foes deserve a new menace Victor . .", and with that he incinerates him inside of his armor. That was a pretty powerful ending. This series has really come leaps and bounds since Mark's control of the scripts. I'm not taking anything away from anything that's come before. There have been some great runs on this book. But, you have to admit, this is probably going to go down as one of the best runs ever. It really is fantastic. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Bryan Hitch is turning in some incredible looking pages. Every issue leaves me screaming for the next.

Black Terror #4 - Dynamite Entertainment

I think the reason that it took a little longer for this issue to come out is because the future of Project Superpowers is hinged on what the Black Terror does in this issue. He, and his friends, had gone to Washington to confront the President. Basically, they don't like what's become of the country, the world for that matter, in the time of their absence. Well . . that's what he told everybody so they'd go along with him. Actually, he just wants to find his ward, Tim. He's been worried about him since the day he came out of the urn. Since it was a haphazard plan in the first place, of course things don't proceed as scheduled. The Terror ends up fighting the President, and some of the heroes that were locked up in the urn with him. Those with a patriotic theme immediately went to the President upon release and swore their allegiance. This issue ends with the Green Lama pretty much controlling the whole situation. He lets the President know how it's going to be from now on . . "Things are going to change Mister President. Whether you're in the White House or not. They're going to change. We'll be going now, Mr President. Be grateful we just took this house, and not the whole of the city. Don't bother trying to cut this tree down. Ask Dynamic Man how well that works." Afterwards the Super-American tells the President that they actually changed the future, "History has no record of this. They've done it. They've actually managed to change the future." But it turns out that the whole thing was actually a ruse. The President wanted them to believe that they could be beaten. His real power is the power of the media, "They really think they can beat us now. They have no idea how fast the public is about to turn on them." And the group that Tim's with has decided that they're going to do their part to make this a better world also, "You're taking power from them every time you face them, Lama. The same power that corrupted them in now growing in your hands. We've all been changed by our time in the urn. But now, you are all changing more. We all heard your announcement that you are going to be a check and balance to the world's superpowers. If you go too far, we the Inheritors, will be the same for you." I thought this was a great mini-series by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger. I think this one played more directly with the whole Project Superpowers concept, than did the other 2. Mike Lilly does the art on this one, and it's fantastic. He does some neat stuff with the framing this issue, and I think it worked out wonderfully. Now we just have to wait for Project Superpowers: Chapter 2 to come out. It should be soon.

Herogasm #1 - Dynamite Entertainment

I know . . I can't believe I picked it up either. But, in my defense, I had a couple of things working against me. First of all . . I love the Boys. I think it's a great title, and I love the characters. Since this is associated with that . . I know . . it's a stretch . . but it's arguable. Right? Secondly, my shop guy had a little note on the stack that said, "This is a very naughty book!" Hey! I'm a comic geek. Right? You can't put stuff out there like that and expect me not to look. Right? Anyways, that's my defense. And I'm sticking with it. Also . . it's a 4 issue mini, so . . it's not like I'm making a huge investment in time or money. The cover here is by Darick Robertson, but the interiors are by Garth Ennis and John McCrea. Overall, this is actually another chapter of the Boys. But I think because of the content, they had to do this one separate. They probably just didn't want to alienate any of the Boys readers who might not like this stuff. But when you get down to it, the whole thing is just another poke at the rest of the comic-book industry. The premise here is that once a year, all the heroes and villains, no matter what team they're on, get together to fight some huge earth-shattering event. This year it's the Marith'ra! They've got a Battelite ship supposedly entering our galaxy around Saturn, and everybody has to go there to fight it. It boosts up everybody's credibility, and impresses their fans and admirers. But really? . . really they're all going to a remote island off of Costa Rica. There . . there they're all going to have a week long orgy, or . . whatever else they feel like doing. Hence the name, Herogasm! This year though, because of everything that went down with the G-Men, they can blame it on the Marith'ra. "We've heard that . . the G-Men . . that our comrades, the G-Men, have been targeted in a preemptive strike by the invaders . . and have not been seen since." Anyways, as expected the Boys are also there spying on their targets. However, they're watching the airports, not the hotels. They watch 2 planes come in, one from Voight-American, with our mysterious guy that seems to be involved with everything that has to do with the 7. The other plane is Air-Force One, and it has the VP on board. So Hughie asks which 'supers' they're after this time. "Oh. We ain't after supes at all, Hughie. Not this time. We're here for . . . your looking at him." This time they appear to be after the VP. There's a lot of nudity and carnal behavior in this issue, but like I said, when it comes down to it it's really just another Boys adventure. I love how Garth makes fun of all the other comic companies. The names he uses for all the various invasions are hilarious. And during the orgy, he's even got someone talking like Zatanna . . "Krow eht tfahs . . . eldarc eht sllab . ." Hilarious stuff here. Obviously this book isn't for everyone, but . .it is funny.

Ex Machina #42 - WildStorm

Brian K Vaughn and Tony Harris are brilliant. Here's this series about the Mayor of New York City . . we're 42 issues in to it, some 5 years later, and we're stilling learning new stuff about his honor every month. The book starts off in flashback mode. Mitchell is thinking about a man that he fought back in 2001. The reason this guy is so important is because he seems to have the same powers as the Mayor. The exception being that he talks to animals instead of machines. Anyways, long story short he takes him down and puts him away. This is all back when he was the Great Machine. So now we're some 3 to 4 years later and the Mayor is dealing with all the normal stuff . . graft and corruption from the Governor's office, trying to clean up the city for the upcoming New Year's Eve celebration, and now it appears that there's someone out there killing transients. Also we know that January is working behind the scenes to try to take him down because she blames him for her sister's death, and Kremlin is working with a reporter trying to give away all of the Mayor's secrets. Recently he's turned her on to something called the White Box. We don't really know yet what that is, but I think it has something to do with the Mayor's powers . . maybe how he got them? Anyways, she went to Bradbury to ask him about it and it spooked him so now he's brought the concern to his boss. The Mayor sends him out to destroy it right away, but that may have been a bad move because the reporter is hot on his tail. Meanwhile, we find out that there's someone in the sewers, I think that animal guy from 2001, that's sending all the rats in the tunnels up to kill the tourists that are gathering for the festivities. This guy just can't have a normal day, can he? I almost feel sorry for him. It's almost as if a target has been painted on him just because of his position. That never happens . . right? Anyways, this is a fantastic series. Brian and Tony have done a great job with it right from day 1. Anybody out there who's looking for something to read . . this would be a great book to pick up.

Hellblazer #255 - Vertigo

John's story in this arc is wrapped around that of a family that died from the plague in London, circa 1665. There's a construction site in Kent where their building for the Olympics. It just happens to be over top of some of the plague pits. Anyways, as this story has progressed we've watched what this family did during that time to try to survive and stay together. John thinks he's found the ghost of one of the plague doctors, but actually it turns out to be the father from this family. He's asked John to move the bones from the grave because of the terrible things that he'd done. It turns out when it wasn't sure that they'd all be able to escape London safely, he killed his wife and daughter, and then himself, so that they wouldn't be torn apart. When John finally learns the whole truth of the man's story . . he refuses to help. "You killed the people you loved . . rather than risk losing them. You're just a fu#$%ng coward Fernby. Far as I'm concerned you can rot here for eternity." The point of this whole story though was to show Constantine that what he's been doing with Pheobe, is pretty much along the same lines. He's been pushing her away because he figured it wasn't going to work out anyways, so why prolong it? But . . he really likes her. Now he's wondering if he isn't handling things the same way that Fernby did. I thought it was a pretty intelligent story. Peter Milligan did a fantastic job. But then . . I didn't expect anything less. I also thought that Goran Sudzuka did a good job on the art. It really had the feel of the 'old' Hellblazer stories . . you know, from back in the beginning of the series. This title is on it's way to becoming one of my favorites again. I'm really enjoying it, and look forward to it every month. Whodathunkit? . . . some 20 years later.

Green Arrow vs. Black Canary #20 - DC

Dinah and Ollie are still trying to figure out their relationship. They love each other, obviously. But, Dinah is worried that Ollie has been even more erratic and cynical lately . . more than normal, anyways. I think she fears he may be even getting a 'death-wish' going. He has seemed rather 'dark' lately. So, to that end, they've decided to try couples counseling. The doctor is a little uncomfortable though, because they have to come in their work clothes. They tried to do it discreetly, but . . they had a hard time talking, being honest, but still maintaining their cover. Anyways, during the middle of their session the whole town is blanketed in silence. Ollie surmises that everyone has become deaf. And now . . now the whole town is in chaos. Ollie and Dinah go out to try to help, but . . it may be even bigger than the 2 of them can handle. Not surprisingly, they split up, to cover more ground and Ollie runs in to Cupid. I don't think he's thrilled to see her, but at the same time he appreciates the back-up. Sometimes you just have to get it where you can. Because of the therapy sessions, we also get a little background into Dinah. We see her about the time that her powers started to manifest, and were getting a little insight into her relationship with her mother. I'm not sure how that's all related to this story, but . . it should all become apparent as the story progresses. The story ends with the town in chaos, and our heroes running around like chickens with their heads cut off. On the final page we see the perpetrator of this chaos. I'm not sure who he is, but we'll probably find out more next issue. I'm really enjoying Andrew Kreisberg's stories here. I think he's doing a great job so far. I would like to see Conner and Mia back in the picture, but . . maybe down the road. Mike Norton is the penciller. Oh yeah, we also see the Shield pop up this issue. He's one of the characters from the Archie super-hero line. He's only in one panel, but . . it's his first DC appearance.

Vigilante #6 - DC

This is another book that ends . . not at all how I expected. I mean, I didn't really expect them to rehabilitate Joey. There's an awful lot of build-up here, and Joey's kind of been an enigma for a couple of years now. His recent actions, and what happened during DC Universe: Decisions series just further emphasizes how gone he really is. So no . . I didn't expect them to just patch things up and slip him into therapy or anything. I think his issues go a heck of a lot deeper than any 'quick-fix' could've remedied. Also, I didn't really expect them, or Vigilante, to kill him. First of all, the Titans aren't killers. Even when there doesn't seem to be any other course of events. And Vigilante? Well . . Vigilante is a killer, but . . he has a more specific target. It really seems like he tries to avoid collateral damage as much as possible. Although he has been after Joey for a while, he had a completely different reason than the Titans . . the Titans wanted to save a friend. Anyways, as we guessed, last issue the Titans weren't really killed. It was all an illusion perpetuated by Raven. And it's not really his father, Slade, that he's fighting in the park. It's actually M'gann trying to contain his rage and flight. However, between the Titans and Vigilante they do end up bringing him down. Of course they have to put a mask over his head to hamper his powers. Vigilante wants to kill him, I think, but Rose insists that he promised her that he wouldn't. Then Cyborg shows up, because he's worried about his friends. He heard the footage on TV and it brought him out of his coma at the hospital. The Titans are happy to see him but in the confusion, Vigilante slips away. Well not totally, he disguises himself as one of the officers that drives Joey away. They make a stop and Vigilante cuts Joey's eyes out. I really didn't see that one coming. And . . it doesn't seem to have helped Joey with the whole 'voices in the head' thing. I guess that's one way to end it, but . . it really wasn't something that I would've guessed. Well, maybe the Titans will be able to get him into therapy afterall now. Oh yeah, we also learn some more about Vigilante this issue. It appears that his father-in-law is one of the crime-bosses in town. Vigilante is worried because the cops are getting closer to figuring out who he is. He's been begging JJ for a new dermaplas face. However, JJ hasn't finished it yet, "You came here for Huang and he's dead. We can leave and hide 'til it's ready." But Vigilante hasn't completed his plans yet, " I can't . . you know I came to New York to tear apart the mobs from the head down. My SOB father-in-law included." So, gradually, we're getting closer to figuring out who he is. I've like this whole Deathtrap storyline. I'm glad that they brought Joey back, even if it was to turn him into a villain. But we've gone down this road before, with Raven, Terra, Rose, even Garfield I think once. This one was handled a lot differently, and the ending wasn't anything like the others. I thought Marv Wolfman and Tom Lyle did a great job with this book. Anyways, things can get back to normal for the Vigilante next month, and hopefully we'll learn some more secrets about our lead character.

Supergirl #41 - DC

This issue definitely did not end the way I expected it to. We start out with Lana being rushed to the hospital. Jimmy and Cat Grant, of all people, are the 2 that are there because they're worried about her. Last issue she just collapsed. We don't get any more information this issue. I think Lana is sneaking out, but . . she tells Jimmy and Cat that she's being released and that she'll return tomorrow for some more tests. Meanwhile, at the end of the last issue Supergirl had learned that Superwoman was actually Lucy Lane. She's got all kinds of questions running through her head right now. She's trying to put everything together. Does this mean that she was in on it with Reactron when he killed her father? Did she help him escape from New Krypton? Is she the one that killed Agent Liberty? And obviously she's just recently put 2 more eye-beam blasts into the chest of Inspector Henderson. She's also confirmed with her super-vision that Lana appears to be Kryptonian, down to her DNA. How is that possible? The thing is . . nobody has made the connection yet to General Lane and project 7734. We find out that Superwoman is trying to frame Kara. That's why she tried to take out Henderson. He was the only one that knew the truth, but without him she could make it look like everything was Kara's fault. Anyways, General Lane doesn't want Lucy's identity compromised so he sends Reactron in to help her out. However, in the process, Reactron accidentally grabs Superwoman's legs and short-circuits the discs attached to her uniform. Kara, thinking that maybe this is where he powers are coming from starts to rip the discs off of her. However, it seems that they, and the suit, are more along the lines of some type of containment suit. Kara says that she's not worthy of the "S" and rips it off her chest. When she does, she immediately starts to overload. "Hhhrrrrhhh! . . s.s.stupid girl! . . you don't . . know . . wasn't the discs . . nnngg! . . suit . . h.h.hurts . . g.get away . . nnnkilled me . . you've killed muh . . muh . . me" Her body is convulsing and distorting during all of this. It appears that she's releasing huge amounts of energy. Back on the monitors at the Generals base it says "Suit Destroyed . . Subject Deceased", over and over again. Kara is also completely distraught because . ."I . . the suit . . I couldn't . . did I . . did I just . . did I just kill Lois' sister?" Wow! What a crazy ending. Not at all what I expected to happen. So now the question is . . where do we go from here? This was a fantastic issue. Sterling Gates is doing a great job with this story. Fernando Dagnino contributed some incredible pencils. I really like his style. And I can't wait to see what happens next.

Final Crisis Aftermath - dance #1 - DC

I really had no idea what to expect from this title. These are the characters . . the Super Young Team . . that was introduced to us during Final Crisis. There was such a build-up about these characters, and Grant Morrison's involvement in their inception, but then . . they really didn't play that big of a role in the whole Final Crisis. I mean, they did, but . . it wasn't nearly as much as I expected from the hype. So I guess it was just natural that they were going to turn up somewhere afterwards. Hence . . this title. Joe Casey writes it, and Chriscross does the pencils. First of all let me say that the cover, by Stanley Lau, is simply incredible. It's really sharp looking. I also enjoyed Criscross' pencils on the inside. He has a perfect style for these characters. They're a bunch of teen-aged Japanese super-heroes. From left to right, in the cover, we have Well-Spoken Sonic Lightning Flash, Most Excellent Superbat, Shiny Happy Aquazon, Big Atomic Lantern Boy, and flying over their shoulders is Shy Crazy Lolita Canary. I don't know how I'm going to remember all those descriptive names. Anyways, this issue is basically the 'set-up' issue. The team has some backers and they have hired a publicist. They've also constructed a huge orbital satellite headquarters for them. "As you can see, state-of-the-art all the way. Makes the JLA's Hall of Justice look like Gabriel's horn." But we find out, like our 'Bat' character, Superbat is also extremely wealthy. He doesn't really need these 'backers', but . . he's willing to go along with the ride because of the rest of the team. We also see that although these characters appreciate the attention that's being lavished upon them, really all they want to do is be heroes. Anyways, long story short, by the end of the issue we find out that Japan has some big secret that it's trying to cover up. These heroes, this team, was put together as a distraction to focus the world's attention on them, rather than their homeland. "We hired you to use these false idols to distract the world from the current plight of our homeland. They have their own brand of ambition . . which makes them dangerous. The world must never know the truth about Japan. Even our own citizens must not know. We are counting on your organization to ensure this obfuscation. Do what must be done." All in all, I thought it was an interesting first issue. It'll be interesting to see where we go with all of this, and what exactly the 'big-secret' is that Japan is trying to hide from the rest of the world. I'm looking forward to this one.

Outsiders #18 - DC

I really, really like the feel that Peter J Tomasi and Lee Garbett are giving this book. Of course it doesn't hurt that Trevor Scott is doing the inks. Lee and Trevor's styles both seem to really work well together. Right now were still dealing with this group that's searching the globe for pieces of this meteorite. As it turns out, it's the same one that gave Vandal Savage his powers and longevity. Somehow the principal participants in this group, the ones that never seem to leave their stronghold in Europe, have figured out a way to use this 'rock' to prolong their own lives. My guess is, either they've used up what they had, or . . the effects just aren't lasting as long on them anymore. They also seem to have these Acolytes around the globe. They probably do their dirty work for them. They're given a taste of the longevity, I think, in return for their services. But it appears to be something that can be taken away from them, because they need transfusions to keep up the process. Anyways, it appears that since Rex has every known element inside of him, he also has a piece of this rock. Owlman decides to use that, in conjunction with Halo's powers as a kind of spectrograph to uncover other pieces around the globe. They only turn up one. The rest must be buried underground. This, and Alfred's digging into the Thrasher parts, have led him and the Outsiders to the same spot . . Opal City. And actually, to the same person . . Richard Benioff, VP of operations at PSM Global. Somehow, Slade Wilson is also involved in all of this. He seems to be 'testing' the people whom he thinks is involved, and then follows them. He is also led to Opal City. As it turns out, Richard is one of the Acolytes. Alfred doesn't know all of this yet, but . . he does know that he's been living longer than he should. He goes to visit him to verify that he has a scar on his left hand, and a bullet wound on his right shoulder. It seems that Richard, or rather, Nigel, served with Alfred in MI-5 back in Tangiers. However, Richard looks 30 years younger than he should. So all of the participants are now converging on the same spot. After confirming his suspicions, Alfred goes outside for some reconnaissance. When Richard, and his 'master' Mr Mallory, leave the building he's ready to follow them but instead witness' them being gunned down by Slade. What really impress' me about Alfred is the way he confronts, and even stands up to Deathstroke. I mean, this is the Terminator after-all. Alfred even goes so far as to give him a sock in the jaw. But just as Slade is about to discipline him for his temerity, the Outsiders come swooping down. "Hmm. It seems to me that you're in the wrong place as the wrong time, sir", Alfred cordially says to him. I really like the feel of this book right now. I like the way the Outsiders are operating, and I really like the more prominent role that Alfred has been given. Alfred is a fantastic character and I think it's great that he's been given this avenue to show his strengths. This book just has so much potential right now. And really, we're only just beginning.

the Brave and the Bold #23 - DC

Now I know why Dan Jurgens couldn't do the latest issue of Booster Gold . . he had to do the writing and pencilling on this book. And really . . this really could've just been another issue in the Booster Gold series. The only real difference is that they cross paths with Magog. the only thing I don't really like about this issue, is that we don't really resolve anything. Booster is in Rip's lab with Skeets when the time-platform is activated. Booster sees Rip and someone else coming through. They appear to be fighting. He works the control to separate them, and just before he's successful, he gets a gander at Magog's visage. When the dust settles, Rip is sprawled out across the platform, ripped and tagger-ed looking like he's been in a war. In his hand he's grasped what looks to be Superman's emblem. It looks like it's been ripped right off his costume. Well . . it's not from our Superman. But rather the Superman from Earth 2 that's been hanging out with the Justice Society recently. Anyways, Booster wants to go into the future to find out what's going on, but Rip forbids him. "You aren't ready for this aspect of time-travel yet, Booster. There are facets of the future you aren't yet ready to know. You don't know the exact fates of some of your friends. Before learning all that, you must be properly prepared." So . . he decides to go catch up with Magog in regular time, and start building a file on him. He comes upon him handling a hostage situation in Kahndaq. Needless to say, Magog's methods for completing the mission are extreme and rather brutal. Booster's ready to take him out right now. But, again . . Rip stops him. "For the immediate future, Magog has his own course to chart. It will be unconventional, but he'll do a lot of good over the next couple of years. He'll save lives Booster. Important lives." So, even though they're both 'heroes', Magog is definitely now on Booster's list. Overall it was a good issue. I just don't understand why it wasn't just another issue of Booster Gold. But . . I'm not the editor, so . . mine's not to reason why. I enjoyed it, and that's all that matters. At least to me.

Superman / Batman #60 - DC

This book feels more and more like the old World's Finest series to me every issue. That series had a lot of stories about different worlds, or dimensions. It had a lot of 'what if?' stories. That's where Nightwing and Flamebird originally came from. Superman and Batman went to visit the bottle city of Kandor, but they didn't want anyone to realize who them were. So they wore the costumes of their legendary heroes, Nightwing and Flamebird. They also had the 'Son of Superman / Son of Batman' stories. It was a great series. This series is starting to feel the same, in ways, to me. This issue the duo find themselves in another unknown universe. This story is called Mash-Up, because everything is familiar her . . it's just all mashed together. The boys don't know how they got here. They were patrolling through their respective cities, when . . they turned a corner and things just weren't the same anymore. I guess 'supers' aren't allowed here, so when they're spotted the Justice Titans come to apprehend them. Like everything else . . they're in the city of Gothamopolis, for gods sake . . this team is a conglomeration of the JLA and the Titans. The heroes include, Star Canary, Aquaborg, Nightlantern, Hawk Beast, Flash, Terranado and Donna Wonder. They fight a villain called Doomstroke, and everything is choreographed by this world's villain, Lex Joker. I know. It all seems kind of silly. But, as you're reading it . . everything actually does all fit together. I know . . on the splash page where we're introduced to the Justice Titans . . when I first saw the characters, I thought that this looked like a really silly story. We don't really know who's behind all of this yet. Batman makes the logical assumption that it's probably Mxyzptlk or Bat-Mite. But there's nothing really to verify who's the master-mind. Like I said, it seems more and more like the World's Finest every issue. Michael Green and Mike Johnson are doing a great job with the stories here. And this issue Francis Manapul fills in on the pencils. Well . . probably for this arc. I'm guessing that they have to do these types of stories, what with the fate of Batman up in the air and all. But personally . . I like 'em. Gothamopolis? What a funky name.

Batman: Battle for the Cowl #3 - DC

Dick doesn't realize it yet, but . . right from the very beginning of this issue . . he's already got the 'cowl' on. He just doesn't do it officially until the final page. I mean, he's got this team . . this confluence of characters that are helping him patrol and watch Gotham . . his 'Network'. And he's running them, and controlling them, like a General . . like Batman. He tries to tell himself that he's trying to figure out what's going on with the Gotham Underground . . that he needs to find out who's making the plays that are sending all of Gotham into a free-fall, but really . . he's just doing busy-work to distract him from the obvious decision that he has to make. He even admits to himself, "I've been lying to Tim and Alfred. It wasn't because of my fear of failure . . or because I felt it was wrong to try to replace Batman . . I refused to take on the role of my mentor . . because it's what he asked me to do. In his final message to me, Bruce ordered me to stay away from the cape and cowl. And I listened. He said he had enough faith in Nightwing and Robin to carry the torch. But Bruce underestimated the psychological effect that Batman had on Gotham." However, before he can do anything . . he has to go save Tim from Jason. We saw last issue that Tim tried to go after Jason with a crowbar, but . . Jason was just to much for him. In the end, it looked like Jason had killed him. However, it appears that Jason was just using a trick that Bruce had taught him . . the Possum Reflex. "My heart automatically slowed to eight beats per minute to restrict blood loss. I forgot about it. Didn't know it would actually work. I owe you one, Bruce . . . " Anyways, Dick finds Jason but they're so busy going at it that he doesn't even have time to look for Tim. Squire and Damian end up saving him as Jason's mock cave comes tumbling down around them. But even in the end, as Dick's got Jason against the ropes . . he still tries to give him the chance to reform, to extend his hand to save him . . literally. Jason's hanging on to the bridge, just barely, over Gotham river. But Jason won't accept Dick's help. "What's the matter, Dick? Don't want my blood on your hands? Well, it's to late! . . . I'll be seeing you sooner than you think.", the last part he says as he plummets from the bridge to the river below. After that . . he accepts the inevitable, "It takes courage to face yourself in the mirror and look beyond the reflection. To find the you that you should have been. The you who got derailed by cruel childhood events. Events that took you life's natural trajectory and twisted it. Changing it into something unimaginable . . or even incredible . . giving you the courage to embrace your birthright, your destiny, and finally realize . . . . that you are Batman!" So with that, I believe the die has been cast. Dick has finally given in to the inevitable and accepted that he is the only logical choice in the succession of his mentor. I for one, think it's fantastic. We all knew he was the logical choice. The only roadblock was . . well, himself. Even if Bruce hadn't instructed him to "stay away from cape and cowl", I don't think Dick would've jumped right into it. He respected Bruce much more than that. However, as recent events have shown, even though it was hard on the Bat-family, it was even harder on Bruce's city . . Gotham. And, as we've learned with recent events, the Black Mask has done everything he could to send it sinking even further. That's one thing Dick does learn from Jason . . that it was the Black Mask stirring the pot, as it were. I think it was that bit of knowledge, along with what happened to Jason, that finally sends Dick in the right direction. We, however, learn that the Black Mask is not whom he appears to be. We haven't seen his actual face yet, but . . the original is indeed dead, as we were lead to believe. So who is he now? Well, they have to leave something for future issues. Right? I thought this was a fantastic mini-series, and Tony Daniel really did an outstanding job, handling the scripting and the pencils. But as it says on the final page . . this is . . " . . only the beginning!"

Trinity #51 - DC

Now that I've finally got caught up on all my books . . I'm more up-to-date on my posts, as far as publication dates . . now I just have to find the time to actually do the blogs. Things are winding down, as far as the various TV shows go, but . . they're just heating up at the movies. Also we're just coming into the busy time of year for me, both personally and professionally. It just seems like it gets harder and harder for me, everyday, to find the time for the things that I want to do. Plus, my wife's schedule is more confluent with my own right now, and . . she doesn't want me spending 'our time' doing 'my time' stuff. It seems like the only 'my time' I have right now is on the way to or from work. I think that's why I drive the way I do. I have to have fun where I can. Anyways, this was a great issue. I love those Shane Davis covers. This issue the world is all coming back together. However, with such a shock to the system, things may be worse off now with everything trying to fit itself back together. But the world's been given another chance. We'll just have to see what they make of it. We have a few things that are left hanging, which I don't think we're going to be able to wrap up in the final issue. The worldsoul is out of her cage. Well . . I don't know that 'cage' is the right word, the world was her home. It's where she's lived for billions of years. But now . . now she's outside of that home. Right now she's using her power to help with putting things back together, but . . I'm not sure what the future holds for her. John Stewart has finally been separated from the Void Hound, but . . I don't think we've seen the last of the Hound. And, I don't know how John can come out of this not changed. The delicate balance between Le Fey, Despero and Enigma has been disrupted. Morgaine still wants to be in control, but . . I don't know what she's in control of. Enigma has turned on them, and Despero is only hanging on because he's still hoping that there's something to be gained. To that end he seems to have wounded Enigma, but we don't really now how bad. With the SPHERE damaged, the spirit of his daughter is loose, and she's trying to do what she can to help him. Batman, or the Batman-god, ends up coming to help her, and Enigma, but this issue we don't really know the extent of what he's done. The Trinity makes one last lash-out at Le Fey and Despero, taking them down, but it looks like they've surrendered their power to the worldsoul to help her better fix things and deal with Krona. The issue ends with them back in human form and immediately confronted by the Crime-Syndicate. "You're exhausted, drained, barely able to stand. I almost hate to admit it . . but that's just how I like my victims." Well, we're down to the final issue. Next issue is the last, and, hopefully, we'll see what kind of changes this story will make on the DC Universe. Kurt Busiek, Mark Bagley, Fabian Nicieza and Tom Derenick . . along with Scott McDaniel, have really put a lot of work into this series. They've kept it on schedule and looking great. That'll be the take-away from all of this also . . what projects will all of these fantastic creators take on next? I really hope Mark picks up another project for DC. I really enjoyed his take on all of these characters. I can't believe 3 years of weekly comics are over . . 52, Countdown and now Trinity. What's next on the shelf?

To know him was to love him . . .

I don't usually share to many personal things here . . it is the internet afterall, but . . someone I knew, and admired, and loved passed away last week. I don't want to remember him for how he was at the end, but rather for the things he accomplished and brought to this world in his lifetime. His life was rich with family and friends. Anyone who met him knew that he was a man of his word. He was stern, yet fun. He liked a good laugh as much as the rest of us. And he was loyal to those around him. In the last few years I didn't get to talk to him as much as I would've liked. But I shared pictures of family and friends and special occasions. Since he was confined mostly to his home, I'd like to think that I helped provide a window to the world. Anyone who has a loved one out there should tell them daily how much they care. Don't let it go for granted. Don't assume that they know that you're thinking about them. Make sure they know. And make sure they believe how much you really care. Don't let time or distance, and especially not work, stand in your way. The minutes and seconds are counting down constantly. Did you say everything you should have . . or wanted to? I know I didn't. And I really wish I had. I just wanted to let you know . . . I'll miss you.

Wolverine #73 - Marvel

This issue, our pages are split between 2 stories. The first really comes down to what Yukio notices at the end. We go through about a month in the life of our favorite Canuck-head. Each panel is a different day, and we see that Logan is a pretty busy character. He just really seems to go from one situation to the next. Between being a target for all types of crazies, to his work with the Avengers, X-Force, the X-Men, various 'team-ups', and sometimes just him looking for trouble . . he doesn't really have a lot of down time. Finally Yukio gets him to relax a little, and they spend a night together. The next morning, as Logan is getting ready to shuffle off, Yukio decides she needs to speak her mind . . "Logan, why are you doing this, running yourself ragged, all the time like this? What are you running from? What are you trying to prove? There are easier ways to kill yourself, you know? Listen Logan, I'm no expert or anything . . but I think this might be what a nervous breakdown looks like." But Logan's already left. He and his bike have hit the road. "Logan? For god's sake, Logan. I used to think it'd be thrilling to be you for a day . . but now I wouldn't do it if you paid me."I thought it was a great look into the mind, as it were, by Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert. Fantastic pencils by the way. Every panel was beautiful. But I think it's just the beginning of something much larger. We'll have to wait until next issue though to see if we continue along this 'theme'. It could be interesting. What happens when the world's most dangerous weapon loses his cool? The second story takes place in what looks like Arizona. Logan comes across an old friend, Horror-show. He's the leader of a bike-gang, and it appears that he and Logan go way back. Anyways, Logan comes around right when there's a problem between Horror-show's group, the Burnin' Sons, and the New Saints. It appears that Horror-show's ol' lady and son took off a while ago when he decided to go 'clean'. When the supply ran out, they took off. One thing lead to another, and now his son, Junior, is the leader of the New Saints. It appears that he wants to declare war, for some reason or other, on the Burnin' Sons. But Horror-show isn't so quick to jump the gun. Also, he doesn't know how their third 'Lord', War-horse, feels about all of this. "Declaration has to be unanimous among the 3 Lords, Ram . . and you ain't but one of them." So Logan decides that he's going to try to help his old friend out. As a natural party, he's going to try to go talk to Junior. However, as the story ends, it seems that there's someone that doesn't want to let that happen. This was an interesting story. It was pretty much a 'typical' Wolverine story, but . . it was interesting. The second part was by Daniel Way and Tommy Lee Edwards. I think the story was better than the art. However, the art did fit the story . . as far as location and characters, pretty well. Actually, both stories were ok. We just have to get used to this type of book, and story, after the big epic we just finished by Mark Millar. This is more of what the Wolverine book should actually be like . . what we're used to, but . . Mark's story was pretty sweet. It's gotta be hard to follow that up.

GeNext United #1 - Marvel

I really like the feel of this book. But then . . I expected nothing less with Chris Claremont writing it. Chris seems to be an idea guy. He's handled pretty much all the various X-teams, and he's come up with some neat ideas for various publishers. I like that he's kept this idea 'in-house', as it were. It's kind of a 'What if?' . . what if we went a generation or two forward, and picked up with some of the kids of the originals? Some of them are obvious like Pavel Rasputin, Olivier Raven and Becka Munroe, but then . . some we're still just learning about. Like 'No-Name'. We find out this issue, finally, that her real name is Anne-Marie. We're not sure what the implications are yet, but . . Hank notes that that's the same name as Oli's mother. "I know. That's partly why I kept it to myself." But really, that's all the explanation we get . . for now. And of course we have Megan Frost, Rico and Hank McCoy is their mentor. Also, I was surprised to see that Val Cooper is still around. And she's still the government liaison to the school. We don't have an exact time-line yet, but . . somewhere in the 'near' future, the X-mansion is destroyed, and many students, along with Charles, are killed. I guess it's kind of like the state of the school right now,but . . a little different. These stories, and characters, are 10 years after that. So, as were learning about these characters, were also getting hints as to what's happened during that time. This issue is spent mostly bringing readers back up to date on the characters. It basically recaps the last series . . the trip to Genosha, and our teams encounter with Shadow-X. If you hadn't read the last series, you can still fall right into the story with this issue. I don't think Chris left anything out. The big thing this issue though is that the team has to make a decision . . " . . to go home, back to school, or stay out here on your own. On the road. If you come home, you do so knowing . . . giving your word . . that you agree to Scott's rules . . no more fooling, no more excuses, no more exceptions. The X-Men are done. If you want to be super-heroes you cannot do it as any sort of adjunct to the school. You want to be heroes, you can't be students. You want to be students, they being heroes will have to wait." Hank's left it up to the kids to decide. But then . . in typical X-Men fashion . . the debate is taken out of their hands. They run into another teen-mutant from India, Sati. She's got a would-be goddess, Kalima, trying to control her country and she's decided that Sati is to much trouble. So she's attacked her with some goblin type creatures, the Ravarati. After introductions are made, it's either help out this person in need, or . . go back to the school. It's really not a decision at all. Chris has a great bunch of characters here. Of course he's got a great 'pool' to choose from. A 'pool' that he's intimately knowledgeable about. He rather easily seems to have this story . . this possible future . . fitting right in with X-Men continuity. Or, I guess I should say possible continuity. I was pretty happy with the first mini-series, and it looks like this one is going to be everything if not more than that one. I also really like Jonboy Meyers' pencils. This book has a great look and feel to it. I can't wait to see where their adventures take them this time. Thanks, Chris . . for bringing them back.

Ultimate Spider-man #132 - Marvel

I can't believe there's only a couple more issues left on this title. 2 actually. Issue #133, and then after Ultimatum, Ultimate Spider-man Requiem. That really sucks. I love this book. This issue, the dialogue between MJ and Kitty was fantastic. They're together on top of a building, with Kenny and Gwen, and they're all worried about Peter. Of course they're also dumbfounded because of all the destruction around them. Right now I think they all think it's all a little bit surreal. Obviously they don't know what to do, so they start taking it out on each other. It's funny that Kenny is the one that has to be the voice of reason. Meanwhile, Peter is off trying to put a lid on all the stuff that's been let out of Dr. Strange's house. The round window on is roof is actually a mystic seal. It is a ward that keeps all the bad stuff inside the house. Especially the Orb of Acmantata. Anyways, during all of this destruction . . the seal was broken. So now all form and manner of demon have been let loose into the world. This issue, Peter and the Hulk have to deal with some guy who's possessed Dr. Strange and feeds off of other's fears. So he's purposely trying to antagonize Peter and the Hulk so that he can feed richly off of their emotions. Peter's just trying to keep up with everything that's being thrown at him, but in the end . . the Hulk just can't take it anymore. He goes directly after the source and starts violently smashing him. The issue ends with what looks like a giant purple atomic fire-ball, with lightning shooting out of the clouds, erupting directly over the spot of real-estate that they're all occupying. It's enough of an explosion that the survivors all over town have seen it . . Spider-woman, Aunt May, and Peter's friends up on the rooftop. Personally, I think Brian Bendis has just done a fantastic job with this series right from the get-go. I've loved the character development and dialogue throughout this entire series. I don't know how it could've been any more perfect. I was sad when Mark Bagley left. He definitely helped to define and set the feel for this book. However, since his departure, Stuart Immonen has done a more than stellar job. This book has never missed a beat. There hasn't been a single issue that I wasn't thrilled to death with. And now it's over. Almost! I can't believe it! I don't know what else to say. I'm really gonna miss it!

Hold the phone! I was just doing some digging around and it looks like the Ultimate Universe is going to be relaunched in August. The Requiem books come out in July. And then . . August 5th there's an Ultimate Comics Spider-man #1 slated for release. It's by Brian Bendis and David Lafuente. Then, the following week, there's an Ultimate Comics Avengers #1 on the schedule.It's by Mark Millar and Carlos Pacheco. On the right is the cover for the Avengers, but they don't have one listed for Spider-man yet. This is probably because . . there's hints that Spider-man may be . . someone different.

Secret Warriors #4 - Marvel

It seems like Nick has his irons in all the fires. For a guy who's trying to lay low, and under the radar, he seems awful ambitious. He had gathered together his little band of neophytes for the Skrull invasion, but now . . now it seems like he's got his sights set a whole lot higher. First of all . . he's got Daisy and Sebastian off in the Australian Outback. There's another member he wants to recruit for their little band of misfits. He's an aborigine named Eden Fesi and he's a universal shaper. Right now he's under the tutelage and protection of Gateway. You remember him from the X-Men stories, when they were stationed in Australia? Anyways, I guess this guy is even more powerful that Gateway. "He can bend reality . . folding and twisting space-time. Like being a souped-up teleporter" He's very friendly, but . . "I can't go. You're here recruiting for Nick Fury. Gateway said I couldn't go, and if he says I can't go, I can't go." To which Gateway immediately says . . "You can go." Everybody is really confused by this. Gateway is, after all, a man of very few words. "The one-eyed man wanted you for his other group . . not the lady's. Her, you can go with . . she'll protect you." This bewilders Daisy because she has no idea what this 'other group' is that he talks of. However, we know that Nick has figured out that everything is connected to HYDRA. So he's decided he wants to take the fight to them. Plus he's not all that happy with HAMMER right now either. To that end, this issue he meets up with Dum Dum and Gabriel. Basically . . he wants to put together another . . a new . . SHIELD. Apparently, there's 1200 ex-SHIELD agents out there that refused to work for HAMMER. That's the pool he wants to pick from. Like I said, he's pretty ambitious. In the meantime, we see that Alex and JT have decided to go rifling through the old man's office. They aren't necessarily trying to be mischievous. JT just want to know he's doing something for a purpose. "All we do is stumble around in the dark. How can we be expected to fight for something if you don't actually know what that is?" And then . . then they find a secret closet with 5 of Nick's LMD's hidden inside. They're both pretty creeped out. And, in Gehenna, the group that HYDRA has put together . . Madame Hydra, Baron Von Strucker, Gorgon, Hive, Kraken and Viper . . has decided, unanimously, that they are declaring war on Nick Fury. I liked the next issue blurb . . "Next month, all hell breaks loose! It's the Howling Commandos vs. HYDRA vs. HAMMER" Like I've said previously, I picked up this series on a lark. I liked the times that we saw Nick and his group during the invasion, so . . I thought this series might be interesting. So far . . I haven't been let down yet. Brian Bendis and Jonathan Hickman have done a great job of constructing and pacing this story. So far I really like the feel of this book and these characters. This book definitely has a lot of potential. I also really like Stefano Caselli's interpretation. The look and feel of his pencils are perfect for this series. This issue did it's job . . it definitely left me wanting more.

Echo #12 - Abstract Studio

This is a great book. Terry Moore really has this knack for drawing the reader into the story. We've really come to care about Julie, and her . . condition. And actually, I don't think Ivy is the hard-ass that we all expected her to be when we were first introduced to her. I think she's starting to feel for Julie's predicament. Last issue, in the blast of lightning, Julie almost loses Dillon. In fact he's dead for a few minutes. When she's crying over him, and pulls him in close to hug him, I think some of the energy of the suit helped revive him. He asks for another hug because it's making him feel better. Anyways, Ivy finds the remains of the guy that the other guy incinerated in the crater on highway 95. She knows that it wasn't Julie, because the hand print on the guy is to big. Unfortunately she also knows that the other guy isn't dead. So Julie isn't safe. But while Dillon was dead, Annie, his dead girlfriend, came to talk to him. She told them they have to go back to HenRi and talk to Will. So they're headed there now. Ivy is in tow, tracking them from the air. And Julie is finding out that as she uses the suit, it's beginning to cover more and more of her body. Also her sister Pam has broken out of the hospital she's in. I think she's on her way to find her . . maybe to help. If she can. Ivy calls them to check in, and Dillon finally asks her the question . . "What about Annie? I know she's dead, but what happened to her? Where's her body?" And Ivy gives him the answer he's been dreading, "You mean you don't know? You haven't figured it out? Julie's wearing what's left of Annie." What a way to end the issue. I hate it, but I love it, when Terry does that. I like the characters and the story in this book, but . . the true star is Terry Moore. He's doing a fantastic job here. Thanks for the effort!

StormWatch #21 - WildStorm

Jackson has decided to go after the Night Tribes. I guess he's just decided that they're a scourge on the Earth. They begin this issue up in Skywatch interrogating Petra. Christine is a little appalled by the lack of restraint he is using, but Petra informs her . . "I wanted this! I went looking for the night tribes, told them who I was. Bartered what I knew in exchange for becoming one of them! I gave them the others as an act of good faith. It was Kabras himself who turned me!" However, as much as Petra is pissing him off, he really wants to take down Kabras. So he sends Petra back. He tells her that he wants her to give Kabras a warning from him. But, what he really wants it to track her. Christine gives her some blood to drink, to help her recuperate, but it's laced with a radioactive isotope. They're hoping that she'll lead them straight to Kabras. However, Dane is also going after the Night Tribes and currently he is taking them out with the head of Medusa. When he turns Petra to stone, Skywatch loses track of her. So Jackson transports Dane up to the station. Right now he wants to keep Kabras alive so that he can keep the Night Tribes together. He has a plan to eradicate them all, wiping out the species, that's been approved by the Vatican. Now he just has to get Winter to play his part in the whole thing. They remind him that he's linked to the sun . . the scourge of the Night Tribes. So Christine powers him up, but she has to be careful. The last time he absorbed the sun's energy he went mad and attacked the Earth. So this time she gives him just enough energy that he can't quite tap into it yet. Then Jackson sends him down right in the middle of the tribes. He's hoping that with the right amount of stress it might trigger an outburst. And of course he's right. Winter fights the Tribes for a few minutes with no results, and he's ready to give up. But Jackson won't let him. Eventually he gets to a point where he lets out a wide flash-burst and takes out everything surrounding him for, probably, miles. The crater he's created looks like a small country form Skywatch. However, now he's energized and pissed. "Notify high command. Tell them . . we may have a problem." Also this issue, we see the High return to his 'fortress of solitude'. It's been years since he's been here. And he seems to have come with a purpose. He goes up to what looks like a giant version of a Faberge egg, and enters it. There's a sign outside that says, "Purple Haze - Metagenic Mist: Biohazard - Treat with extreme caution!" As he enters he says "Oh, what the hell . .", and he also drops a note. On it it says, "Help us . . " I'm not sure what that was all about, but . . I'm sure we'll find out soon. Ian Edginton and Leandro Fernandez supply the creative juice for this book. I thought this was one of the best issues of Stormwatch that I've read in a while. It thoroughly kept my interest. I'm looking forward to the next issue.

R.E.B.E.L.S. #4 - DC

The only problem with getting into a brand new series is that you spend the first few issues watching the stories, or characters get put together, or in place. There's been some action in these first couple of issue, and a few pretty cool ideas. However, this issue didn't have a whole lot going on. We find out some more information about Maltus. We found out last issue that is was Starro that had taken over the planet and therefore LEGION. However, we found this out by accident. The Omega men had gone there to wreak some havoc with LEGION, when they find out that the whole planet is under Starro's influence. This issue they spend their time trying to run from him, it (?), and really . . that's about the extent of the action. The rest of it is spent with Vril Dox starting to put his new team together. So far he's got Wildstar, his first choice, Strata and Bounder. It's not overly impressive, but . . it's a start. We also find out that the Khund empire is currently being run by a psychopathic shape-shifter from Durla, Ciji. I'm not sure why that's important, but I'm sure it'll play into the story somewhere along the line. And the issue ends when Vril goes to Maltus, to find out what's going on, but it's space, the Xylon Expanse, is being invaded by an army of aliens. Oh yeah, and guess who saved the Omega Men from Starro? It was their good friends the Psions. Talk about going from the frying pan to the fire. This is an interesting series. I'm sure it's all going to pay off here pretty soon. I just didn't find this particular issue all that exciting. But, like I said, that's the problem sometimes with a new series . . there's ups and downs. Unfortunately without it, you don't get the proper character development. So I'll just look at this issue for what it is . . a lot of information and some pretty cool ideas. By the way it was brought to us by Tony Bedard and Claude St. Aubin. Claude's art looked pretty cool actually. He did a good job of portraying all these various aliens. We'll see what happens next issue.

Booster Gold #20 - DC

Well, since Dan Jurgens does everything on this book now . . I guess this would be the 'Dan Jurgens fill-in month'. He did the cover, but that was it. Keith Giffen writes it and Pat Olliffe does the pencils. However, with Norm Rapmund doing the inks, as he does over Dan's pencils, the art really looking pretty close to Dan's stuff. Anyways, this issue was really kind of boring. There was a lot of explanation . . a lot of build-up, but then . . no real pay-off. Basically, Booster is bored when Rip's time-sphere stalls. So he decides to go visit the 50's. For some reason he enamored with that time-period. Rip's warned Booster that because of his intertwined destiny with time, that 9 times out of 10 he's going to wind up where he's needed most . . whether he likes it or not. This trip basically proves Rip right. He ends up as a rocket launch, and is immediately noticed by a very early version of Task-Force X. They're investigating the possibility that one of the scientists is a double agent. As they're pursuing this lead, they find out that he's got a rocket launch planned. A manned launch. Booster knows that this is years before it's supposed to happen so he has to stop it. "I'm going to break a few things. You guys carry on with whatever it is you have to do. Trust me, I'm really good at breaking things." Anyways, long story short, they stop the launch Booster returns to Rip. As Rip is checking to make sure he didn't disrupt anything, he finds out that the scientist actually went back to Russia, gave up his pursuit of manned flight and decided to build an exoskeleton. He was the guy who created the Rocket Reds. He was actually Sergei's grandfather. So now the question is . . who cares? As I'm reading this, I'm thinking that this story is really leading someplace. But . . it just lead to a big 'ol long winded explanation by Rip. Boring! Hopefully Dan will be back next issue and things will get back to normal. This fill-in issue? I could've done without.

Secret Six #9 - DC

This was an interesting little one-shot story. Cat-man, Bane and Rag-doll have gone to Gotham to try to catch someone who is abducting the children of some very rich people. Actually Cat-man had picked up the contract. The hilarious part of the story, and the tie-in to Battle for the Cowl, comes in the banter between Thomas and Bane. They both spend the entire issue ribbing each other about how 'secretly' they would each like to have a shot at wearing the cowl. Both of them know that it'll never happen, but . . I think deep down they both wonder what it would be like, even if just for a little while, to have that much clout and moxy. The dialogue between them was hilarious. And then . . throw in the Rag-doll on top of it . . "Never fear, old chum! The he/she wonder is on the case! Holy capital punishment or some such!" With the other 2 both playing, and ribbing at Batman the whole issue, Rag-doll spends it in a mock Robin costume the whole time. Finally, at the end, after they've taken down pretty much this whole gang, Nightwing shows up to scold them for their action. They have been leaving a wake of bodies in their path after all. "I have wounded to tend to, and this isn't the only crime going down in Gotham tonight. So, let's imagine that I didn't see the 3 of you here, tonight. Let's imagine you hit the road before I turn around. But just so you know . . you're now on my radar." Thomas is pissed, but Bane stops him from saying or doing anything he might regret, and they take their leave. But that doesn't stop him from grumbling, "The sanctimony. It gets me every time. No one gave them that power. They just took it. They always take it. I see that sneer. And I hear that contempt. And I remember why I hate those little dictators! One saves a terrorist, one kills a terrorist. Who did more for the world in the end?" I really like the 'anti-hero' status of these characters. There's a spot in the issue, where one of the kidnappers is holding a kid at gunpoint and says, "Back off, heroes! Back off!" Thomas looks at Bane and says, "Heroes? You think he means us?" To which Bane replies, "The definition is extraordinarily fluid. He could well be." What a fantastic line. I think Gail Simone is doing a tremendous job here. I also think Nicola Scott is doing a good job. I especially like the cover. If you aren't reading this book . . this is definitely one that's worth giving a shot. It's got good characters, great dialogue, interesting stories, and some stellar artwork. What's not to like?

Batman Confidential #29 - DC

I may be a little behind on this, but . . I just noticed last week that Andrew Kriesberg is also one of the writers on one of my favorite TV shows, Fringe. There's a big article over on CBR about that commitment and why he isn't writing World of New Krypton. I guess he's also done Simpsons and Boston Legal. It's ironic to me how much the resources and ideas of the comic book medium cross-over with the larger mainstream media . . TV and movies. It makes sense though. If you want new ideas or fresh perspectives, why not tap into a resource that's been doing it largely unnoticed for 70 or so years. Most people wouldn't even know if they stole an idea. I'm sorry. That last bit came off a bit cynical. I appreciate anyone, or thing, or medium that shines a light on the resource of my years of enjoyment. And comics are after all a drama . . be it crime, or hero, or sword & sorcery . . played out on sheets of thin white paper. Anyways, all of that is because Andrew wrote this book. He's the regular writer on Green Arrow & Black Canary, but I guess his time is freed up enough that he can occasionally do some stories on the side. This issue appears to be around the same time as the Ventriloquist first appeared. In it we're introduced to a new character, Bad-Cop. His name is Geoff Shancoe. He's an ex-Gotham police detective. Apparently his daughter was killed, and somehow in the process he shot his partner, paralyzing him, and Jim Gordon in the shoulder. He must've wigged out because he ends up in Arkham. And, as luck would have it, he's roomed right next to the Joker. After a recent visit by his ex-partner, the Joker goads him into escaping. It turns out there's a tunnel right under his cell that leads to the sewers. At the end of the issue we see him dressed in full riot gear and attacking the students at the police academy. I thought it was an interesting story. It was a neat introduction to a new character. We'll just have to see, after this, if he has the staying power. Scott McDaniel does the art. The amazing cover is by Stephane Roux. This girl is really improving by leaps and bounds. She's turning in some amazing stuff. Like I said, overall I thought it was interesting. We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out next issue.

Titans #13 - DC

I have to say . . either Joey's a whole lot smarter than anyone ever gave him credit for, or . . he's a whole lot crazier. We find out this issue just what his plans are. Basically . . he wants to kill all the Titans, and Teen Titans, and take the credit for it. He wants to show his dad that he could do it. And then . . then he's going after his father. Also we find out just why he has the guy tied up in his hotel room staring at the Hamilton Grande Hotel. He's got his eyes propped open, and we find out this issue that it was his emergency escape route. He comes into the hotel holding a trigger for a bomb. He tells them that until the Titans show up, he's going to kill a hostage every 2 minutes. Once the Titans show up he tells them, "I'm going to set off the explosives in this place . . and, because you're supposed to be heroes, you're going to have no choice but to try and save the hostages . . which means you will all die." But Rose has come along on this trip and tries to out-think Joey. First she appeals to the sibling connection, and then she grabs Joey's hand with the switch in it. "If I hold your thumb down on the trigger, the only way for you to set it off is to leap into some. Sure everyone else here still dies . . but you die with us." But this is just what Joey had the escape route set up for. He puts on a special pair of glasses and then jumps out of the eyes of the guy tied up in the hotel. Then, thinking that he's killed the Titans . . it's time to go after his father. The Titans show up as he's departing, but I think Joey thinks they're all just more voices in his head screaming out to him. Vigilante is also hot on his trail. He arrives at the hotel shortly after he leaves. On the final page Joey has finally come face to face with his father. Oh, I also forgot, Vic was in his hotel room when the news came across the TV. So, as far as he knows the Titans really are dead. So he's also on his way to get some vengeance on Joey. So far I like this story-line. I think Sean McKeever doing a pretty decent job here. I think he's finally found his groove on this title. I wasn't thrilled with Angel Unzueta's pencils, but . . they were ok. Overall I don't think this is really all that complicated of a story-line. But then . . Joey isn't really that complicated of a character. Sure he's got a whole lot of voices in his head, but . . then again, who doesn't? When it all comes down to it, it seems like the whole thing hinges upon the relationship between Joey and his father. Either he's trying to out-do him, or . . he's trying to prove himself to him. Either way, I think he's in a hopeless situation. Really, the only thing that's saving Joey is his power . . and his friendship with the Titans. They just can't bring themselves to believe that he's gone this rogue. Hopefully we'll get some more answers in the next issue of Vigilante.

Action Comics #877 - DC

Andrew Robinson does the cover of this book. I'm not thrilled with it, but . . the interior art is awesome. Sidney Teles does the art and it looks fantastic. He really draws some great action scenes. Last issue Christopher ended up on Lois' doorstep with Thara. They just got done fighting Ursa at the Fortress, and she stabbed Thara with a Kryptonite soaked knife. Lois calls in Dr Light to help them out. She uses her light powers to bombard her with photons that replicate solar light. She wants to give her Kryptonian immune system a jump-start. After she's stabilized and resting Christopher takes off for the Fortress to make sure that Ursa isn't doing anything she shouldn't. Now, here's where the problem comes in. General Lane has been tracking Dr Light. So of course he tracked her right to his daughter's apartment. He's also the one that prompted the order banning all Kryptonians from the planet. So when his satellites pick up 2 at her house, he's a bit concerned. But all he's got is a picture of Thara. Christopher he tracks in action as he flies back to the fortress. While there, I think he talked Ursa into going back to New Krypton. He knows that she and Zod have sleeper agents around the planet, and he explains that she's jeopardizing them by being here. Which . . I guess is what we see on the final page. This couple has just robbed a bank, but when they go out the door the cops already have the bank surrounded. They just stand there . . and start blasting them with their eyes. Greg Rucka wrote this story. I thought he did a fantastic job. I really liked this whole issue . . well, except for the cover. It didn't even really have anything to do with the story. I think Nightwing and Flamebird, Christopher and Thara, are a great addition to this title. Also, I can't wait to see what General Lane is going to do with all of this information.

Final Crisis Aftermath: Escape #1 - DC

This book was a bit . . confusing. Tom Tresser, Nemesis, has been taken captive. But we don't know who did it . . why . . or where they're at. He thinks he sees other people that he knows, but . . he's pretty drugged up, and he keeps slipping in and out of consciousness, so . . it could all just be a dream. That's the other part that's confusing, as we go through this story, we don't know what's real, and what's not. Cameron Chase is there, as is Count Vertigo. Those two, I believe, are real. However, he also sees Amanda Waller and Rick Flag. Those two, unfortunately, I think, are apparitions. But I could be wrong. As I said, we don't really know what up or down here. Then, at the end of the issue, one of the OMAC's show up as a guard . . or maybe a tour guide. Maybe Tom is just tripping and the OMAC is his spirit guide. How messed up would that be? Anyways, he tells them that they're free to go whenever they want, and that the doors are not locked. That's when they see a door at the end of the hallway. Cameron and Rick go running for it, but when they open it . . it looks like they're on another planet. It's definitely an alien horizon. The atmosphere rips Rick's body to shreds. Like I said, we don't really know the 'who', 'how', 'what' or 'whys' yet. I assume that will unravel over the course of the 6 issues. It'll have to be, because this issue didn't really tell us anything. If we at least knew what was a dream and what wasn't it might help us figure out what's going on. This one is brought to us by Ivan Brandon and Marco Rudy. The story was interesting . . what I could figure out. And the art was . . ok. I especially liked the 'trippy' stuff with Count Vertigo. Also that cover is by Scott Hampton. I can't really get a fix on this series by this one issue, so . . I'll wait till next time to decide if I like it or not.