the Authority #25 and #26 - WildStorm

Well, after the debacle with Mondragon . . and the extensive damage that the Aegean did to the inside of the Carrier . . the Authority really only has one course of action . . it's time to do some spring cleaning. Actually, I don't mean for that to sound as 'light' as I do. They actually have quite a bit to take care of. The Carrier is damaged. They've got an extensive amount of wounded civilians. And John, the High, has just sacrificed himself for the safety and lives of the masses. Not to mention that during the course of this, Jack revealed the doomsday device that he brought on board with him. When Jack took over Gamorra City, he learned of a WMD that they had created. It was so powerful that it could take down the Carrier. But there was a problem activating it, because when Kaizen Gamorra created it, there wasn't the technology available that could channel it. But Kaizen fixed that. He hardwired it into on of the lab assistant's brains, Mayumi Kana. So when Jack took the weapon, he did it partly to find a humane way to free Mayumi's mind. 'But, when the Carrier came back online and it was clear we weren't in control of it. I felt we needed an insurance policy.' Needless to say the rest of the Authority isn't very happy about this. Anyways, just as things are starting to get back together, the Carrier comes upon a planet. Well . . what's left of it. In it's atmosphere is some kind of base hovering overhead. And it has dozens of other 'shift-ships' attached to it. As the Carrier approaches, it hovers over a spike. I think they assume that it's some kind of docking bay. But really . . it essentially impales the Carrier. And Ange loses all connection with it. They then have dozens of doors open up all over the ship. They're immediately beset by aliens. One of which is kind of a amped up version of Cryb, from the Sinestro Corps. It seems to be alive, but . . it's also large enough to have an area to contain all the people that it's capturing. But so far it doesn't look like it's actually hurt anybody. Most of their damage comes from fighting their captors. A small group of them remain behind though . . Roxy, Sarah, Christine, River and Deathblow, also Shen. Apparently River has the ability to alter their perception of things. So basically . . he hides them. As well as Shen, who's still unconscious, laying in the infirmary. But everyone else, I assume, has been taken to the main 'loading-bay' . . as it were, and are trying to figure out what's going on. One of the aliens takes over one of the bodies of the civilians. Through this, and Jack's attempt to use his powers to interface with this moon-sized city, they learn that they're actually inside of some kind of very large alien. Apparently the Carrier serves as a 'harvester' of sorts. It goes out to collect biological material . . people, aliens, whatever . . which the larger alien uses as cogs in it's machine. To put it simply. 'When last a harvester returned from your planet, your species hadn't developed language. You could only grunt . . and scream. Now you speak but you will also scream. We will use you. You will be Karibna.' Ever since they left Earth, this group has gone from one bad situation to the next. But, it appears that they've finally reached their destination. So now, maybe, instead of reacting to everything that's been happening to them . . maybe now they can pool their resources and take the offensive. I sure hope so. Otherwise . . all these people are done. I think this has been an interesting chapter of this groups journey. Tom Taylor and Adam Warren have put together and interesting story here. Even if it does seem to edge on apocalyptic. I'm also very impressed by Al Barrionuevo's art. I've always appreciated Al's work. But in this story he changes up his style just a little bit. He's added a kind of painted style, or influence to his work. It comes across really well. Anyways, both issues end with big cliffhangers, so it'll be interesting to see what happens.

the Authority - the Lost Year #11 - WildStorm

Well it figures that the Authority's last stop on the little hitchhiking tour of the galaxy would be the worst one. On this world the Authority decided to use their power and take control . . or everything. When that was done, and they had no one left to fight . . they began splitting apart. Each of them took control of a different part of the world, whether it be geographical, or ideological . . they put a choke-hold on everything . . every aspect. They were . . the ultimate authority. Pun intended. My only question is, I'm not sure why they didn't kill all the other supers. I don't know if they thought that eventually they'd turn them into slave . . or if they just wanted someone to lord their authority over . . someone that counted. But that ends up being their downfall. When they put Midnighter in a prison, it ended up being a prison of his design. A prison that he had thought about and contemplated many times, but never made. Until they got to this world. So he also knew exactly how to disable it. The other thing that I think was their downfall was . . once they had no one else to fight . . they began turning on each other. Survival instinct . . I guess. Anyways, it's a long hard fought battle, and our Authority learns a lot about theirs on the way out. Jenny makes a grand gesture on the way out, and Midnighter asks her why. 'Why? Why the fuss if you already had this in motion?' To which Jenny replies, 'It was a long shot. Maybe I just wanted them to think we were heroes!' More or less, it was the standard 'good Authority vs bad Authority' issue. But . . this one gave these characters, and us the readers, an awful lot to think about. This was something that the Authority never, ever thought that they would do. But on this world . . they did. They decided to take that step. And no matter how much they justify that they're not this world's Authority, in some sense . . they are. Or, could be. Like I said . . they have a lot to think about. I thought it was a fantastic penultimate issue. Grant Morrison and Keith Giffen did a great job with the story. And Brandon Badeaux' art looked incredible. This was a great way for this series to go out. I can't wait to see what they have in store for the final issue . . and how they're going to tie this all together with the current state of the WildStorm Universe.

the Authority: the Lost Year #10 - WildStorm

To be honest . . I thought this was probably the best issue of this series to date. I thought the concept and the story were brilliant. But with Grant Morrison and Keith Giffen involved . . what else could I expect? Anyways . . the Authority have come to yet another world . . a varied version of their own . . but on this one the Authority have assumed absolute authority over the entire planet. They land here because . . basically, on the way to find their home, the Carrier needed a breather. The difference though with this one is that the Authority concede. They see the force that they're being met with, and rather than fight back . . they decide to submit and see what they're dealing with . . to suss out the players before jumping into the game. But they're all immediately separated and incarcerated. Which makes them suspect . . maybe surrendering wasn't their best course of action. However, the prison they're put in . . it's one of the Midnighter's design. Which leads him to think . . if he's thought this out, any number of different ways . . both him and his alter, then they probably both thought about and installed a fail-safe. Which he/they did. Once free of the prison, and having deactivated the rest of the fail-safes, Midnighter clues everybody else in to the advantage of their arrival. 'This complex is something I've given a lot of thought to. Don't pretend that I'm the only one who's imagined what it'd be like if we . . exerted our authority. We've all played out 'what-if' scenarios. The only difference between us and them is they acted it out. We know what they've done because . . we've considered doing it. Which levels the playing field.' However the one thing they don't know is where the Doctor is. But we see that he is in the possession of this world's Doctor. And this world's Doctor is the red-haired, drug addicted one. So who really knows what he's capable of? Anyways . . I loved the issue. This issue was like a classic Authority issue . . the team I came to love. Which means that . . now that they've figured out the problem . . it's time to kick some butt. Keith did a great job with this story. Also Brandon Badeaux did a great job with the art this issue.

the Authority #24 - DC

Well, the entity that has drawn the Carrier into it's web is called Mondregon. We find this out from River, the little boy that John, the High, has been trying to protect. Apparently it lays dormant in space until something with some life in it floats close enough for it to ensnare. In this case . . it's the Carrier, and everyone on board. This assembled band of heroes fights it, and the Aegean, whom they themselves brought on board. But despite their eminent deaths, 3 important things happen. First of all, Angie, who connects with River, finds out that this little boy is much, much more than he appears to be. We see a glimpse of it this issue, but . . I'm sure it's just the tip of the iceberg. Secondly, Jack pulls out his secret weapon and uses it to beat the Aegean. Apparently it's and EMP generator. And with his code-word to open it's case, 'Hawksmoor. Final solution.', we're guessing that it's probably strong enough to take out the whole Carrier. I'm sure everyone is going to be more than a little interested in that, once the dust settles. And finally . . John Cumberland, the High, makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the Carrier and the people on board. Although, really . . I think he does it mostly for River. 'In my quest to make humanity better, I've done so much to hurt it. But this child . . what he could someday do . . saving the child could erase all of my sins. But you have to promise me something, Christine. Promise me you'll do everything in your power to give him a childhood.' And with that he takes off into space and uses his incredible power to take out Mondregon. I thought it was a good way to wrap up this story. It was full of action and adventure, and a few more mysteries for our heroes to solve. I thought Tom Taylor did a good job with this story arc. And of course, Al Barrionuevo did a terrific job with the art. But I would've expected nothing less from him. Now we just have to sit back and see where the Carrier takes our group of heroes next. Eventually, maybe, they'll make it back to Earth.

the Authority - the Lost Year #9 - WildStorm

Ok . . this issue was kind of goofy. Even for me. The Authority from this alternate dimension, and the villains they were preparing to fight . . the League of Nasty Bastards . . were all a little . . cartoonish. But, I guess . . that was the point, really. Basically the Authority landing in a dimension of . . buffoons. But it was funny when, at the end of the last issue. the LNB show up, ready to fight their nemesis, and . . there's 2 of everyone. They certainly weren't prepared for that. Which is when, at the beginning of this issue, their leader Emperor Maximus steps up and says, 'Time Out!' Basically . . he wants to walk away . . to fight another day. And who can blame him? He came looking for their normal squabble, and instead he's faced with overwhelming odds. Anyways, they go back and forth. There's some hitting and punching. And you don't even want to know how the Dung Beetle gets his powers. But the Authority decide that they've had enough. They don't really care where they go from here. They just want to get off this world. They'd rather go back into the Bleed and face the unknown, than to spend another moment here. Which, eventually, they do. Keith Giffen and JM DeMatteis write this. It really showcased their goofy style. Sorry . . I don't mean that to be negative. It was funny. In spots. Together, they just really seem to go over the top. It really kind of seemed like a comic from the 70's . . dialogue and all. Except for the part where the 'bad-guys' just want to call off the fight. I thought that was kind of a unique twist. Rather than just fighting . . everybody jumping into a big slug-fest . . someone actually stops to assess the situation, and react accordingly. What a unique concept. Anyways, it was ok. A little much for me, but . . entertaining. JJ Kirby and Michael Lopez do the art. I just hope that next issue is a little more . . serious.

the Authority #23 - WildStorm

Well now that they've gotten past the threat of the Night Tribes, it appears that everybody on board is trying to relax a little bit, and unfortunately . . they're letting their guards down. The High, John, has reactivated his powers. He did so to help out his fellow passengers last issue. And already they get into a situation that only he seems to be able to handle. The Carrier is on a course. I'm not sure what it is, or where it's heading, but even Angie seems unable to alter it or slow it down. However, in thier path, there is a debris field made up of many destroyed space vessels . . Daemonite, Kheran, even a Carrier. They're intrigued, and they find signs that someone is alive in there. Christine seems to be the only voice of reason. She just wants to drive on by and ignore it. 'Those vessels didn't all just fly out here and destroy themselves.' But Jack wants to play the hero. Or at least live up to his heroic ideals. Whatever they may be. Anyways, it ends up that John is the only one with the power to go out there on his own. He goes to investigate and discovers a body. Which he then brings back on board because he's still alive. Hello! They don't have sci-fi horror movies on the world where the Authority comes from? Anyone who even watched Star Trek knows that they should contain and examine the body before bringing it on board where it can do the most damage. But . . since the ship is staying it's course, I guess they don't have much of a choice. They do this even though they know he's Agean, and he has a Justice Stone attached to his chest. 'It's probably the only reason he's alive. With that thing attached to him, he could be every bit as powerful as Union.' Hello! Lots of 'red-flags' here. And of course . . the worst happens. It appears that the debris field is sentient. And right now it's channeling it's essence through this guy. Yes he's powerful. Very powerful. And through River, the Century child, they find out that this thing . . the debris field, or essence, or whatever is called Mondregon . . whatever that means. But it's something they all appear to be very afraid of. And we see that the debris field seems to be coalescing into an octopus, or Kraken type shape. It was an interesting issue. I liked that Tom Taylor wrote a little more humor into the story this issue. And I thought that Mike S Miller did a good job with the art. It's still not the Authority that I'm used to, but . . it's something. I just wish I knew where they were heading, or what the purpose of all this is.

the Authority #22 - WildStorm

Before I get started . . I just want to say that I did enjoy Tom Taylor's story here. The content seemed a little . . sparse, to me. But I enjoyed the way he handled the characters . . both interaction and dialogue. Mike S Miller does the art, and . . I think that was the best part of the book. There's a few little things . . picky things, that I could comment on, but overall . . I think this guy shows some great talent and potential. He definitely has an Image style to him. Anyways, having said that . . this book really boils down to 2 things. First there's the infestation of the Carrier by the Night Tribes. Apparently some of them had been holed up in the bowels of the ship, and the recent insurrection and fighting amongst it's passengers have stirred them up. Christine has sent some of her finest fighters to try and quell the uprising, but 3 against a tribe doesn't stand much of a chance. Meanwhile, Angie has been looking into her own way of purging the problem. Also, Angie seems to be having a problem of her own. Her personality seems to be more that of the Carrier's than her own. So her thinking isn't carrying much emotion. Her first idea is to vent all the compartments carrying these vermin into space. Of course that means that any of the passengers in those areas will also be dumped into space. She does this a couple of times, to Christine's chagrin, but finally comes up with the solution to make herself, and the Carrier, crystalline. Thereby allowing the light of a nearby star to pass through the ship. And we all know what sunlight does to vampires. Anyways, during the course of all this, they discover that River, the soul of the new Millennium, is hiding down there somewhere and masking his presence. Because she's afraid that he'll be caught up in all the purging, Christine begs John, the High, to let her reactivate his powers. Eventually she does, and he then goes in to save the boy. Which is the second important thing that happened this issue. My only problem with all of this is . . why didn't Angie think of the crystalline idea in the first place? I guess maybe it was a way to show us the struggle between her own personality and that of the Carrier. Plus, I guess, they weren't actually in the star system at the time. And during this flip-flopping, Jack implies that he has the power to stand up against Angie . . thinking of the box he has hidden on the Carrier. But we still don't know what it is or how he's going to use it. Anyways, I thought it was an ok book, but . . it was a little disappointing to me. I just don't feel like we made much progress in the story. They took care of the Night Tribes . . which just popped up last issue, and John was reactivated. That was about the extent of it. Maybe that was just some loose ends that needed to be tied up. Hopefully we'll get more substance next issue.

the Authority - the Lost Year #8 - WildStorm

This issue was just kind of . . ok, for me. I mean . . I understand what the concept is here . . the team is lost in the bleed and by trying to find thier way home they keep landing on these various worlds with similar, but different, versions of themselves. Through those experiences they're learning a little more about themselves, and, I think, a little more about the affects that their actions have on the rest of the world. But, these guys have always been pretty arrogant and full of themselves. So . . I think it's going to take a mighty big hammer to get through that thick skull of theirs. I don't see how this particular landing is going to help them, but . . it is interesting. This world has an Authority team pretty much like their own, but . . there are a few differences. First of all, Midnighter and Apollo are kind of goofy here. And they completely deny their homoerotic tendencies. The Doctor is kind of goofy also, as he seems to be more into mumbo-jumbo than mysticism. And the Authority operates completely out in the open . . floating high over the city for everyone to see. 'We always put the buildings back together after we destroy them. In all our years together, not one single innocent bystander has ever been hurt. Well . . maybe they've been hurt. But no one's ever died. Well, there was that one guy. But we've got great insurance.' But what this world's team lacks in brutality and teamwork, it more than makes up for in paranoia. When the team first gets here, and Jack shows his presence, this world's team is convinced that they're just evil doppelgangers. So obviously there's a big fight. Until finally the 2 Jenny's agree to share information, and listen to one another . . even if very reluctantly. There seems to be some progress made until this world's arch-nemesis show up . . Emperor Maximus and his League of Nasty Bastards. They jump in and are ready to fight the Authority. That is until they take a look and find out this time that they're facing 2 teams. I enjoy Keith Giffen and JM DeMatteis' writing. They always seem to put just the right amount of humor into their stories. And Keith always has great ideas for whatever book he's working on. So, while I appreciate the work being done here, I'm afraid that in the end it's just a lesson in futility. I mean, we already know what's going to happen when they do finally return to Earth . . Armageddon. We're already following their adventures past this series. And to me it doesn't seem like they've changed very much. So whatever they end up learning while they're out here . . apparently it doesn't stick. But that's ok. We love them because they're bastards. And we love them because they fight dirty to get the job done. So, why change what works? Anyways, David Williams and Kelsey Shannon do the art. Anyways, I like this series. And I always enjoy reading an Authority story. I just don't see the point. Sorry!

the Authority #21 - WildStorm

We found out at the end of the last issue that Angie is back. Kind of. She's actually been merged with the Carrier. It seems the Carrier needed someone to merge with it, to help it connect with the people aboard it. And Angie was the most likely candidate. Unfortunately, that means that Angie, as a person . . her personality, and feelings . . are basically lost in the machine. She's now much more a part of the Carrier than she is Angie. Which has really hurt Jack, emotionally. Anyways, we also found out that the hooded guy protecting the boy was the High. And that the boy was a new century baby. Of course all of this happens as the Carrier reaches Daemon territory and they are under attack. But Angie, in her new role quickly dispels the attack, and increases their shielding. They're relatively safe. For now. Of course all the passengers aboard the ship don't really know that. They've been told that they're safe, but . . they don't believe it. However, Angie does use their influence to make their lives a little more comfortable . . and normal. So we'll see how that appeases them. However, Cole and his team have found a new threat. It appears that in the darkest regions of the Carrier . . there's an infestation . . of the Night Tribes. Fantastic! Just when things we're starting to look like they might be lightening up. A little bit. So far I like the story that Adam Freeman and Marc Bernardin have been putting together here. They've definitely kept things interesting. And as usual, Al Barrionuevo's art look fantastic. This is another guy whom I think doesn't get near the credit and recognition that he deserves. Al's a great artist. He's just been under the radar, so far. Really, my only complaint is that other than the Carrier, this doesn't really feel like an actual Authority book. There's only 3 of the Authority actually here. But I'm patient. I'll wait and see how this all plays out. I hope it's worth it.

the Authority - the Lost Year #7 - WildStorm

We saw last issue that the most recent world that the Authority has landed on has been taken over by it's version of their group. Consequently it's been split into 3 factions. One faction is led by the Doctor. It's power is magic and mysticism. The other is based on science, and led by the Engineer and Jack Hawksmoor. The third faction is a neutral ground . . or 'dead-zone', if you will. It's obviously the smallest of the 3 and contains only 1 Authority member, Midnighter. Apparently in their 'coup', Apollo was killed almost instantaneously. Which left him alone and disenfranchised. I think the other 2 groups leave him alone because he's less trouble that way. Anyways, our group has ended up with him in New Orleans, and Angie has begun concocting a plan for their escape from this world. She theorizes that if this world has a version of the Authority, then it should also have a Carrier. And if that's true . . then it needs a power source, which gives them a chance at replacing their own baby universe. It's actually pretty masterful how the whole plan comes together. Our Authority uses their knowledge of themselves, to predict and manipulate what the other groups are going to do. They approach the Doctor first, because that what they'll be expected to do. Angie and Jack, thinking that this will weaken the Doctor's position, will then attack him and take him out. But nobody else knows that has happened. So our Doctor will fill in and declare a ceasefire between the 2 factions. He talks about ordering a standing down for all of their forces, for now, except their border guards. And while Angie and Jack think they're in a weakened position, they actually attack with everything they've got . . full force. But it's all just a ruse to get into the Carrier and steal the baby universe. This world's Midnighter likes their plan, but he is concerned about what they're leaving in their wake . . a world torn apart and without leadership. But . . the Authority doesn't worry about things like that. They just worry about doing whatever's necessary to get off this world and back on a path towards home. Keith Giffen writes this book . . with some ideas and input from Grant Morrison. I thought he did a terrific job. I really like the way that this chapter of the story wrapped itself up. And Brian Stelfreeze's art was terrific. I believe this story is going for 12 issues . . the Lost Year. In the main book the team is a little fragmented right now. So I'm guessing this is a hold over for us readers until that situation can get sorted out. So far, I'm thrilled with what we're getting here. I think this is a terrific series.

the Authority #20 - WildStorm

Things are still pretty much up in the air with this group, but . . since they're in a contained space, and have no control over their source of travel or destination . . things need to come together fast so that they're ready for whatever happens next. Last issue ended with them coming into the orbit of Daemon. All things considered . . not a much better destination than the place they first started. On top of that . . they have to deal with the thousands of people aboard the Carrier that basically feel that they were shanghaied into coming along for this trip. Although the Authority gave them all a chance to decide, they don't feel that they were given enough time to weigh the decision. Plus, with the abruptness of how everything went down . . they're kind of stuck with wherever they ended up. And since their numbers greatly outweigh that of the group that wants to control them . . they're not above forming a mutiny, even though they wouldn't be any more in control of things than the Authority are pretending to be. Anyways, we find out that the little boy that Deathblow and Cole were having trouble with last issue is actually the Spirit of the 21st Century. You know . . Jenny Sparks, and Jenny Quantum's old job. Well he was so named by his mentor and guardian . . the mysterious robed figure that they saw last issue . . is actually the High, John Cumberland. So now they have an Apollo strength meta on board. The problem is, he claims he doesn't have his powers anymore. As all of this is going on, the Daemonite's decide to attack the Carrier as it's approaching thier planet. River, the little boy, stops them for now as he's attuned to all technology, but . . he's injured so everytime he uses his powers it diminishes his health. Also, at the end of the issue, when River senses that the Carrier is coming back to life . . we find out that Angie, the Engineer, is actually still on board. She was just in some kind of womb, or cocoon or something. So now, hopefully, we'll finally make some progress next issue. Adam Freeman and Marc Bernardin wrote this issue, with Al Barrionueve doing the art. I thought it was a good issue . . as far as progressing the story. But . . we still have a ways to go. And a whole lot of unanswered questions. However, I do feel that this issue was a step in the right direction.

the Authority - the Lost Year #6 - WildStorm

This was an interesting issue. It seems that the Authority have landed on an Earth where they followed through with their threats . . they assumed Authority of the entire planet. The problem is . . as this world's Doctor fills in the captured Apollo, 'Disagreement begat animosity begat division begat war and isn't that always the case? Angie worshipped at the altar of science unchecked. I much preferred a return to the ways of the art.' So the division came between science and magic. Jack and Angie as the leaders on one side . . the East coast, while the Doctor and Shen on the other . . both metaphysically and geographically. Meanwhile New Orleans has become a no-man's land. It took a lot of the initial attack between sides, because of it being a nexus point for the Doctor's energies. And now the only ones living there are this world's Midnighter and Jenny. This world's Apollo is dead by the way. Apparently both sides let them live there as long as they stay out of their business. This issue basically served as an introduction to events here. We learned who all the players were and which side they were on. Next issue we'll probably get down to some of the nasty business. I think Grant Morrison and Keith Giffen are doing a great job with this series. Even if Grant is only providing some ideas . . they're fantastic ideas. And Keith seems to be running with them. It appears that Brian Stelfreeze is also helping with the story. Joel Gomez does the art. Gene Ha once again provides the cover. I assume this series will run for 12 issues. It is called the Lost Year, afterall. But I don't know for sure. It's solicited up to issue #10 right now. I've been a fan of this group, and it's characters since the beginning. I love seeing them like this. They're kind of being re-invented over in their regular title. Which is fine. But . . this is the group I came to love.

the Authority #19 - WildStorm

Everything is up in the air right now . . literally. And it's getting higher all the time. At the end of last issue, the Carrier, after receiving a beam of energy from outer-space, started powering up and preparing itself for transportation. The Authority got a little warning so they sent out a message to every meta on the planet, 'The Carrier is leaving. Stay behind, or leave with it' They gave the same option to all of those that had starting living on the Carrier. The homeless and forsaken that needed shelter. Some were quick to go, but some weren't. When it came down to it . . the ship left when it was ready. There wasn't anything anybody could do to stop it or speed it along. And whomever happened to be on board when the doors closed . . well, they didn't have the option anymore. There's a lot of upheaval during launch, and it's break from the Earth's atmosphere. But once in space, things start to calm down. Nobodies sure where they're headed, but . . they seem to be headed there in a hurry. Jack, Christine Trelane and Swift seem to have the best handle on things. But it isn't long before Christine starts assuming authority and barking orders. Once the trip starts, and things settle down, Jack calls all post-humans to the bridge to give them a sit-rep. 'StormWatch, WildCATS, Gen13. Not here. Look around you people . . you are the new Authority.' But . . I don't think anyone really cares about that as much as figuring out just what's going on, and where they're going. Between Jack and Christine they start trying to get things in order, but . . it's a pretty big ship, and there's an awful lot of people still on board. Plus . . not everyone is accounted for. Nobody has seen Angie, the Engineer. So they don't know if she made it on board or not. Unfortunately, she was really the only one that had any kind of report with the ship. Anyways, they go through all the motions, trying to establish order, but . . it may all be moot. Next thing they know they're coming up on the planet Daemon. 'I don't know how most of you are accustomed to working, but amateur hour is over. We will function as a team. If not, we die. Everyone dies. They say you don't truly know someone until you stand with them in battle. I think our first battle may be upon us.' Overall I really enjoyed this book. I think I'm going to like the shake-up. Plus, Jack has something up his sleeve. An 'ace in the hole', in case he needs it. I understood why they did the last shake-up, but . . things in London were starting to get depressing. And boring. Adam Freeman and Marc Bernardin are writing the book now. I can't really judge how they're doing because this was more of a reaction type issue. When they start working with the characters, and start developing dialogue and relationships, then we'll see how they handle things. I thought this issue was a good start, but . . like I said, it was mostly just a reaction to last issues events. Al Barrionuevo has taken over on the pencils. I think Al's work is fantastic. I've been a fan for a while, but he's never really had a book where he could strut his stuff and shine. I think this may be it. This could be . . correction, this should be a start to what will become a great story-line. I just hope they can follow through.

the Authority - the Lost Year #5 - WildStorm

Well . . last issue, the Authority barely escaped from that low energy world. In fact, they needed the help of one of it's inhabitants . . Ken. However, now that they have escaped, they're back in the Bleed, aboard the Carrier, but . . it's operating on minimal power . . doors and life-support. Somehow the 'baby universe' that powers the ship has been lost, and Angie feels that the Carrier is in a hibernation kind of mode. Now, to make matters worse, the Carrier seems to be under attack. They don't know what it is, but it seems to be some kind of virus or something. Actually, Jack refers to it as Barnacle scraping. You know, that stuff that attaches itself to the sides of ships in the ocean. Except this one seems to be more aggressive. The point that's really driven home during all of this though, is that when it comes down to it . . they don't know jack about the Carrier, the Bleed, or how any of this stuff operates. That's why they're afraid to use the doors to escape. They have limited range, and without any knowledge . . they could end up anywhere. They're guessing that this attack is some form of 'survival of the fittest'. They're acting out of instinct. It's not an aggressive attack, and they're not fighting back. It's almost like a memory . . of doing this before. They contemplate that maybe the Carrier was part of a species . . a space-whale of sorts, that these 'barnacles' drove to near extinction. But if that's so, why doesn't the Carrier seem to have any natural defenses? Anyways, the issues ends with the team having to make a decision. Either they stay and go down with the ship, or . . they take their chances with a door and see where they end up. Grant Morrison and Keith Giffen provide the story for this series. There's a lot of neat ideas that they're throwing about here. Jonathan Wayshak steps in on the pencils this issue. They looked . . ok. It was a different kind of style for this book. But . . he shows some promise. When he gets some more experience under his belt, he could be pretty good. I'm enjoying this series. I can't wait to see where it ends up.

the Authority #18 - WildStorm

The WildStorm Universe is in for another shake-up . . and it starts with this book. Basically, the Carrier has received some type of beam from space. They don't know what it is, or where it's from, but it seems to be bringing the Carrier back to life. It's recharging and rebuilding her systems and damage. The Authority doesn't really know what's going on, but they have to assume that whomever built this ship has decided to call it back. So, they decide to send out an invitation to every 'hero' and group in the WildStorm Universe, and give them the choice of coming along for the ride. It's not that they're assuming that everyone will agree with them . . hell, within their own ranks there's dissension . . it looks like Apollo and Midnighter will be staying on planet. They just want to give everyone a choice. And it looks like there's going to be some unexpected ones made. Grifter and Deathblow get stuck on board, and it looks like Christine, from StormWatch has decided to go along. The issue ends with the Carrier taking off, but we don't really know yet who's on board and who's not. Also, just as they're taking off, the Kheran Red Guard attacks. That's who StormWatch was fighting when they were called to UnLondon. And, from the previews, there's some other attack, from some other alien race, that's just on the horizon. So, everyone that's chosen to stay behind are definitely going to have their hands full . . and they're going to need all the help they can get. I'm guessing that no team is going to be unaffected by this series of events. This issue is brought to us by Adam Freeman, Marc Bernardin and Al Barrionuevo. I thought it was an excellent opening chapter. It looks to me like all of the WildStorm Universe has been tossed up in the air like so many dice. And in future issues . . we're going to see how they're all going to land. It looks to be an exciting time in the WildStorm Universe. Also, this issue gives us the first part of a gate-fold cover by George Perez. Apparently, we're going to be getting a lot of these in the near future.

the Authority - the Lost Year #4 - WildStorm

This is the Authority before Armageddon hit the WildStorm Universe. This is the Authority that we all like to see. I enjoy the regular title, but . . I think it pales in comparison to the first and second series of this team. I'm not saying I don't like it, but . . it doesn't make near the impact that the first series did. Anyways, these are those characters, I assume, shortly before the WildStorm Universe was thrown into turmoil. By the way . . that's a fantastic Gene Ha cover. Anyways, during this year, it appears that the Carrier is hoping around the bleed, and the multi-verse. They've ended up in a low-energy universe. At least that's what they thought. Come to find out . . there's some kind of jelly-fish like creature that's wrapped itself around the Earth. Apparently it's feeding off the life-energy of those living on it. They don't know how long it's been there. It may have been there for eons. But . . they do know that their appearance . . their 'higher energy', seems to have caused some sort of disturbance. They don't think they've woken it, but . . they have caused it to stir in it's sleep a bit. And just that . . is causing a ripple affect among the inhabitants of Earth. Aggression has gone up, tempers have flared, tolerance has decreased and the suicide rate is through the roof. So the Authority knows that they need to hurry up and leave. But . . there's a problem. As soon as they arrived in this universe, the baby-universe that powers the carrier . . it disappeared. So . . they've gotten one of the citizens of Earth and their plan is to tap into the power of this creature, through him . . to jump-start the Carrier. The problem is . . it'll most likely leave him dead, and . . even then they don't know that it'll be enough to save this world. Grant Morrison and Keith Giffen are doing the story here, and they're doing an incredible job. Both are writers that can bring fantastic ideas to a story. And this is just the book to do it. Also Darick Robertson and Trevor Scott do the art. I assume this is probably going to be a 12 issue series . . 'The Lost Year', but I don't know that for sure. All I can say is . . enjoy it while it lasts.

the Authority #17 - WildStorm

Over the last few issues, Midnighter has been 'called' to the north. He doesn't know why. He ends up on an island that seems like something out of a dream. A drug addled dream. There he finds that the Doctor, Habib, has gained god-like powers. This issue we learn that it's actually the power of another Century-baby, much like his own daughter Jenny. Her name is Gaia. While the Doctor has Midnighter restrained, she comes to him in astral form to tell him what's going on. Basically when the cataclysm hit the Earth, she was scared and went to hide. Unfortunately, the Doctor also had the same reaction and ended up unintentionally finding her. As long as he's in contact with her he can control her powers, through his own. The problem is . . he's now become drunk with power. Long story short, Gaia gives the rest of the Authority the same dream and they come rushing to Midnighter's rescue. Eventually they separate Habib from the island and Gaia regains her powers. 'I have to go now. I will find the Doctor and heal him. I will heal us both. Thank you. Thank you all for setting me free.' She also gives Midnighter a gift. While searching for someone to help her she came across the Sun-god, Apollo. But she saw that he was infected with something else. That's when she was lead to Midnighter. Anyways, she gives him an apple. 'Remember Avalon . . the isle of apples . . the fruit of immortality . . of love . . .' She had promised to help cure Apollo and this was the way to do it. It works . . he's cured . . the Authority is finally back to a semblance of normalcy. However, at the end we get a preview of things to come in the WildStorm Universe. It appears that there's another cataclysmic event . . the incursion of not 1 but 2 alien races, and . . the Authority is about to head off planet. It appears the WildStorm Universe is about to get another shake-up. This issue was brought to us by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. With pencils and cover by Simon Coleby. I thought it was a great book. Dan and Andy have done a great job here and I can't wait to see where the Authority's next adventure leads them. The preview was by Marc Bernardin and Adam Freeman, with art by Al Barrionuevo. It looked terrific. We also get a peak at the new WildCATS by Adam Beechen and Tim Sealey. It looks like this is going to be an other exciting year for WildStorm.

the Authority - the Lost Year #3 - WildStorm

I was a little worried about being able to keep up with the story in this issue. After all . . issues #1 and #2 came out in November of 2006, and April of 2007. I read so many books every month it's hard to keep the stories straight from month to month. But a book in which we saw the last issue almost 3 years ago . . I'm not sure my memory or attention is that good. Grant Morrison and Gene Ha did the original 2 issues. They do help on this one, but I think Keith Giffen probably did most of the work with the story, and Darick Robertson and Trevor Scott do the art. Gene Ha simply does the cover. And thus ends our history lesson for the day . . now on to the story. Luckily this issue pretty much starts anew . . there's no carry-over from the previous issue. Well, none that would affect how you read the story anyways. In a nutshell . . the Carrier has crash-landed on an Earth with no other super-heroes. A world much like our own where the only super-heroes are in the comic books. However, it's not a world like ours. Ever since they've landed here, the Doctor has this foreboding feeling . . like the other shoes about to drop. He doesn't know specifically what it is . . it's all feelings and intuition, but he just has a feeling that if they stay here to long it'll be bad for . . well . . everybody. He feels there is some event on the horizon that if they're still here when it happens . . it'll be the end of this world. So he goes into one of the 'locals' mind. He wants to get a lay of the land. What he finds out is that this world survives only to feed another. The closest thing he can say to explain it is HP Lovecraft's ultimate evil . . Cthulhu. Whatever it is it appears to have a stranglehold on this world and their presence could probably cause some stomach aches. Angie keeps saying that it feels like it's a low-energy world, but actually . . it has energy, but it's all being diverted and fed to whatever this being is. It appears to be parasitically living off of this world and it's inhabitants. Which is how we end the issue. Another neat idea presented here is that when they crashed, the baby universe that powers the Carrier seems to have broken out of it's cage. But again, Angie is tossing an idea out there . . 'Maybe it didn't go anywhere. Maybe that's the universe we're stranded in. A power source the Carrier's been dipping into ever since . . whenever. Spooky thought.' All in all I thought this was a great book. The Authority's kind of been diminished since the whole World's End storyline. We see glimpses every now and then of the old team, but . . they're just not the same. This story gives us a picture of them in all of their pompous, glorious selves. It's a beauty to behold. Anyways . . I liked it. I'm not sure how many issues this one is scheduled for, but . . I'll definitely be around to see it.

the Authority #16 - WildStorm

It's amazing how quickly Jack Hawksmoor takes out Kaizen Gamorra when he gets his powers back. You see, Kaizen and Cybernary made one big mistake when they decided to capture Jack . . they brought him to the only real remaining city on Earth. It was only a matter of time before it healed him. And when it does . . he makes real quick work of them. Also, Angie and Swift are on their way there to rescue him. He doesn't need the rescue anymore, but he could use their help to make sure that Kaizen doesn't bother the world ever again. Long story short . . Jack is in complete control of the city. So he drops the shield long enough for Swift to drop the frozen Apollo, the Burn, straight into the center of it. He then raises the shields and locks everybody inside. He brings the city down near un-London to evacuate the residents Then he sinks the city, with the Burn inside, to the deepest parts of the Ocean. Now they just have to find the Midnighter. We know that he's in Scotland, but he doesn't know where all this stuff . . this mysticism is coming from. When he finally comes face to face with the ruler of the kingdom, he's surprised to find out that it's actually . . the Doctor, Habib. So we should find out next issue what happened to him. Anyways, this issue was brought to us by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Drew Johnson, Mike Miller and Simon Coleby. I thought it was a good issue, and hopefully we'll get it all wrapped up next time. But, the really big news is . . do you remember those 2 issues of the Authority that came out quite a while ago by Grant Morrison and Gene Ha? They came out in Nov of '06 and April of '07. Anyways, shortly after they came out WildStorm switched over to this World's End storyline. Anyways, after almost 3 years we're going to pick that story back up again. It'll be called the Authority - the Lost Year now. And issue #3 will be out this month. Grant Morrison and Keith Giffen with handle the scripts, with Darick Robertson and Trevor Scott on pencils. To keep the feel with those first 2 issues, Gene Ha will be doing the covers. We get a preview in the back of the book, and it looks fantastic. I can't wait to see this book when it comes out.

the Authority #15 - WildStorm

We get a little bit of the adventure that Midnighter is on this issue . . remember, he crossed that river onto the island full of fairy-tales, and myths and dinosaurs and stuff? And we also see that Jack is being held captive by Kaizen Gamorra. He wants to capture the Carrier and steal all of it's technology. It's for his people and his city, but . . really, it's for himself. But the important part of the story is with Angie in Rendlesham. Lorenzo has taken her there because he wants her to use the exotic-tech to build a door into the Bleed. He wants to return to Sliding Albion. It turns out Rendlesham is filled with a bunch of exotic-tech that the British Government has accumulated over the years. Including . . 'a miniature version of the caged universe that used to run the Carrier.' Angie starts using her nanites to interface with all this tech. But when she comes into contact with the caged universe . . things really get out of control. It starts talking to her and tells her that it's been a prisoner here since the 1950's. It then interacts with Angie's nanites and lets itself become absorbed into her system. She's just got the power boost that she wanted, plus . . and upgrade to end all upgrades. She talks the Golden into helping her, and in return, before guiding Swift back to her, she has her stop at Sliding Albion and get the Golden's brother for them. She easily has Lorenzo beat, but he's set on returning home . . so he jumps through the door at the last second. Unfortunately . . for him, not all of him makes it through. He's cut in half. The top half in Sliding Albion . . the bottom in Rendlesham. What will they do now? 'Saddle up. We're taking back the Carrier. And we're taking Gamorra down.' Next issue should be a heck of a story. This issue is brought to us by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning. I really liked the job they did with this story. I can't wait to see how this all plays out. The art is done by Drew Johnson, Ray Snyder, Simon Coleby and Cliff Rathburn. All in all . . I thought the book looked great. I'm glad to see that we're starting to get our team back again. They're the same . . but different. But that's ok. And once they all get back together . . maybe they can figure out what to do about Apollo.