Wolverine #89 and #90 - Marvel

Issue #89, I didn't like at all. Well . . except for the beautiful cover by Simone Bianchi and Simone Peruzzi. Of course, part of that was because I'm not following this whole Franken-Castle storyline. But even so, had I been reading it . . I don't think that I would've missed much without this issue. The entire issue is spent with Frank and Logan going back and forth. Frank is trying to get to Daken . . to kill him. Logan doesn't want to let him. So they spend the whole issue taking pieces off of each other. And really this issue just serves to set up the story-line for the conclusion in Franken-Castle #20. I used to follow the Punisher . . a long time ago. But to me . . this whole thing just seemed kind of silly. But it doesn't matter, because I'm not following it now. This issue was brought to us by Daniel Way and Marjorie Liu. With Stephen Segovia and Paco Diaz on the art. And then, in issue #90 . . it seems like this issue kind of serves as the prelude to the new Wolverine title coming soon, and Daken's own book. Most of this issue is spent with Daken trying to decide what he wants to do with his life. He's going through and contemplating on how he compares to his father . . in motivation, action, and what he wants out of his life. 'The wolf is at the door. And I am hungry. But . . it's just to easy . . my father's life is so small. So caught up in it's own gravity. There's no scope. No vision. That's why I don't even want it. I want something else . . something more.' Which is apparently what he'll go after in his own title. I know Daken has pretty much been the main character of this title for a while now, but . . I still don't feel like we know him all that much. Sure he comes across as an ego-maniacal blow-hard . . who's elevated his own importance to an almost god-like level. But . . I think there's more to this character that we haven't seen or experienced . . yet. The question is, when we start digging in to him a little more . . seeing the human side of his facade, will we be just as interested? Which, I guess, is what Marvel is betting on with the new series. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. So overall . . I liked both issues . . I guess. But I don't feel like I really would've have missed anything important if I hadn't picked them up. Neither of them really moved the story-line along all that much. But . . they were what they were . . epilogue and prologue all wrapped in to one. Daniel and Marjorie again write #90. But it featured some beautiful art by Mirco Pierfederici.

Magog #12 - DC

This book is interesting, and everything, but . . I'm just not sure where we're going with this. This appears to be the final issue of this series, but . . I think the story is far from over. The story in this particular issue carries over into JSA Special #1 next month. But then I see from the previews that Magog is going to be playing a role in Generation Lost, or was it Brightest Day (?), in the coming months. Anyways, we saw at the end of last issue that this soldier appeared to be popping into Opal City and was taking sight at a bus-load of kids. We find out this issue that he's actually looking at some extra-dimensional characters. Magog doesn't see them until he adjusts his vision a little bit. Also this soldier has the Eye of Providence on his helmet. That's the symbol that David Reid has on his arm. You see it on the cover, there. Anyways, it appears that whatever this organization that this guy is associated with is trying to stop the takeover of the world by, I'm guessing, the same place that Magog is from. Although I don't know if they necessarily have made that connection yet. But this group, I'm thinking unbeknownst to them, is also lead by aliens. As soon as they see Magog they recognize him, and are fearful. Anyways, they show Magog their greatest weapon . . NIL8. And by the end of the issue seem to have used some kind of mental persuasion to convince David to join them. Anyways, like I said, I'm not really sure how this is all going to play out. I don't really know who these guys are . . either side of this confrontation. And we don't have a clear picture of what it is they're really fighting for. Hopefully in the JSA Special things clear up a little bit. Scott Kolins does the story, art and cover for this issue. I don't want to be to negative . . until I get a clearer picture. Hopefully the JSA Special will help with that. And then I'll tell you what I really think of all this. Something to look forward to. Huh?

X-Factor Forever #5 - Marvel

I feel like there's something wrong with me. I liked this book. I thought the series was entertaining. It was informative, and a bit educational. But . . to me . . it just wasn't all that exciting. Yeah, I know . . we had the whole thing with Apocalypse and the Celestials. Plus Sinister, and his army of mutant clones got involved. But, I remember reading the original story . . way back when, and this one just didn't seem as exciting. Maybe because I read it once already. And yes I know that this one was different. But overall, I think it had the same type of feel to it. But the reason I think there's something wrong with me is because when I read the letters page . . something I don't do very much . . everyone there just couldn't stop raving about it. I admit it was a pretty good story. And it was nice to this this group of characters back together again . . facing down Apocalypse, but . . I just didn't think it was all that. Basically, Christopher saved the mutant species. Even though he's not ever going to remember it. He is just a toddler after all. But when Arishem, the Judge . . he's one of the Celestials . . when he looks at him apparently he's pleased because he gives Scott, and thereby the mutant race, a thumbs up. He's not going to wipe them out. Of course, Apocalypse just took out Sinister, when he was attacking X-Force. Apocalypse was concerned that it was Sinster's kind of games that were part of what would lead the Judge to a negative decision. It looked like both of them had been vaporized when Apocalypse took down Sinister's compound. But you know that those 2 are like cockroaches. They'll be back. So then the Celestials decide to turn their attention towards Genosha. Apparently they don't like what's happened to the mutant race there. X-Factor races there to try to help save as many people as possible. And a lot of them make it off the island. But there were millions of people there, so . . a lot more died. And now Ship is more like an arc. And overall . . we have a happy ending. But my question is . . if the Celestials were this disapproving of Genosha, why would they let anyone escape? I'm sure it would be within their power to wipe these people out, whether they were on the island or not. I don't know. To me, there were just a lot of unanswered questions at the end. I did enjoy the story. It just doesn't feel like it's over. There's more that needs explained, or told. But maybe that's the way it's supposed to be. Maybe they're trying to save something for another story-line. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Anyways, I thought Louise Simonson and Dan Panosian did a pretty good job with this. Obviously it could go on a lot longer, I just don't know whether that's in the plans or not. So for now . . it is what it is, and it ended the way it ended. It seems like a happy ending. But . . I just don't know.

Wolverine Weapon X #15 - Marvel

Unfortunately, unlike my previous few blogs, the 2 issues in this series were completely different story-lines. So . . issue #15 wraps up the Deathlok story-line. In it, Miranda thinks that she can kill this kid in the past . . the one who becomes the Deathlok that's hunting her down, and stop all of this from happening. Logan ends up talking her down. He tries to make her believe that they may be able to change him more out of compassion than necessarily termination. It ends up being true. This Deathlok is conflicted by the 2 minds inhabiting it. The human brain is that of the child's, grown up, after leading a life of neglect, abuse and violence. It's the psychopathic part of their personality. While the Cyborg part of his brain in trying to be logical, and . . apparently has evolved to want human experience, interaction and feelings. The emotion of the situation when they spare the child is enough for that part to claim dominance in thier situation. He goes on to help the heroes defeat the rest of the Deathloks. However, we find out in the future that the General is actually the future version of this Deathlok. He cements his position by instructing Miranda, in the past, to take the boy to the same orphanage where he was abused for all those years. It was an interesting story, and kind of touching. But the whole thing had a kind of 'Terminator' type feel to it. At least to me. But it was still cool. Jason Aaron wrote it, with Ron Garney doing the art. In issue #16, the last of this series, we see Logan dealing with the loss of his friend, Kurt. This one was actually very touching. In his will, Kurt has asked Logan to delivery a piano to a church that he's donated it to . . the Church of the Holy Ascension. It sits on top of a mountain in Venezuela. As he's performing this task, pushing himself to his physical limits, he's thinking back on the various conversations he and Kurt had. I think Kurt was always trying to save his soul. And although Logan was always acting like he wasn't listening, I think more got through than he'd care to admit. In the end Logan feels better for having done it, but . . the real kicker came with the present that Kurt had left there for him when he visited the previous year. It was something from one of the very first conversations that they had, and it really brought everything around full circle. In the end, he holds the item, looking up at the Venezuelan horizon, and says . .'Ok, elf. You win.' It was very touching. Jason also wrote this one, with Davide Gianfelice doing the art. I actually started to get teary eyed near the end of this one. But don't tell anybody I said that. Again, this is the final issue in this series so that we can get ready for the launch of the Wolverine-family of books next month.

Wolverine Origins #50 - Marvel

Next month not only does Wolverine restart his own book, but . . he's about to have his own family of books also. There's the solo book, plus Daken's title. Not to mention Laura, X-23's title. Plus the myriad mini-series and one shots that he'll be involved in. The first being Wolverine: Road to Hell. So, it seems that this issue was a way of Logan kind of clearing up his past before he moves on to all of that. We saw last issue that he went out to the woods to get away from everything, but when Nick Fury shows up, and mentions that it's his birthday . . all of his old programming seems to kick in. But as Logan's discovered lately, not only does he have the programming of Weapon X to worry about, but . . he's also got everything that Romulus has drilled into his head over the years. What he comes to realize this issue, thanks to the influence of all the various women that he's fallen in love with over the years . . the truly bright moments that he's had . . what he learns is that the future is forever changing. It's a blank canvas written to be drawn. And if he keeps looking to his past before making his decisions for the future, he's going to end up in the same place he's always been. Logan has decided that it's time to change his path. Maybe not a lot, but . . even a little bit counts. Past actions do not define future behavior. Unless you let it. And Logan has decided that he's tired of falling into that trap. The main thing I'm going to miss about this book is Daniel Way's thought provoking stories. I'm sure he'll end up someplace else, but . . it won't be here. That's kind of sad. I've really enjoyed his stories over the last couple of years. Will Conrad steps in for the art this issue. This has been a great series. And we've learned a lot about Logan through it. It's a shame it's reached it's end.

the Web #10 - DC

Well, unfortunately . . this is the last issue of the Web. As has happened with the Shield also. At least for now. Next month everyone joins forces in the ongoing Mighty Crusaders title. If that title is a success, and any of the characters really stand out . . I'm sure they'll have a chance at a solo-title once again. But, to me, the only one I really see that happening to anytime in the near future is probably the Shield. Anyways, in this issue, a Doctor Zardar tries to use the Web, and his multitude of clients, the Web-hosts, to try to solve 2 problems. There's a group called the Cell that's an offshoot of HIVE. The problem is, they refuse to do business with the Global Concern. You know, that big hidden group that seems to be behind everything. So Doctor Zardar has taken control of the Web-hosts and has them attacking the Cell's camp. Which, when he finds out, will draw the Web in as he'll try to fix it. So, long story short, the Cell is destroyed, but . . John, as the Web, saves his Web-hosts from harm. And in doing so, has foiled Doctor Zardar's plan. Even though John doesn't really know who's behind all of this. And we're introduced to a new character. It's one of John's Web-hosts who has altered her uniform and appearance. She's now calling herself Fly-Girl. In the end the military shows up and offers them both a spot on their new team, the Mighty Crusaders. Neat and clean and ready to move on to the next series. It's sad that his book is over now, because I thought that Matthew Sturges was making some good headway with the stories. But, you never know. It might be back. I also enjoyed Roger Robinson's art. We also wrap up the Hangman story this issue by John Rozum, with Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz. It'll be interesting to see how this guy does in a group. So I guess that's it. Until next month.

the Shield #10 - DC

Well . . this appears to be the final issue of this title. I'm not sure why. I thought it was interesting. It's the closest thing DC has to a 'war' book. But . . I guess it probably just wasn't selling enough. Plus . . next month the New Crusaders title comes out, with the Shield as one of the characters on the team, so . . I guess he's not going away completely. To me, what I liked about this book . . not just this issue, but the entire series . . is the way that Eric Trautmann approached the stories. His detail and intricate explanations of the military maneuvers and aspects of the Shield's situations, seemed unparalleled. I believed that he knew what he was talking about. And I believed the escalation and outcome of the events portrayed. I guess it was just nice seeing a character that was so structured and 'together'. Yes he was a soldier, doing what he was told. But . . he was growing into his character as the Shield, and adjusting to the capabilities of the war-suit which became his new personality. Also, I thought that Marco Rudy has been doing a terrific job with the art. He's almost got a JH Williams III quality and style to his work on this series. It looks fantastic. Anyways, this issue wraps up the Gunslinger story-line. I thought it was interesting, and had more than a few cool twists. I just hope this character carries over well into the team book. I liked his appearances in Magog. But . . they're both soldiers. In the Crusaders he'll be teaming up with 'super-heroes'. I'm not sure that it'll be a good fit. But I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

X-Men Forever #24 - Marvel

I can't believe, with all that's happened . . we're still only just finishing up the first year of this title . . the first chapter. And the results of that first year? Looking back, we've lost Logan, Hank and Tony Stark. While some characters have been forever changed . . Kitty, Ororo, Creed, Kurt and Rogue. Fury has firmly entrenched a portion of SHIELD within the X-Men's ranks. Because of the Consortium SHIELD has been corrupted. Tony needs to figure out how deep that corruption goes, and how to bring down the Consortium. And in the meantime, the X-Men are facing the extinction of their species . . with 'mutant burnout'. And that's just a quick recap . . of the first year. Yes, if you aren't reading this one . . you missed a whole lot of stuff. But I think in this issue, while laying Hank to rest, also provides us with some of the set-up for the second year. I think SHIELD, and Fury specifically, will be playing a much bigger part of things. Plus they'll be intertwined within the X-Men. Fury's pick of Daisy, Remy and Creed as his black-ops team should prove to be very interesting. And Scott, Jean and the Professor are trying to figure out the future of the school . . and the X-Men. I think we'll probably see more of the people we didn't see this year . . Bobby, Moira, Alex and the Starjammers, and maybe even the Avengers. Just to name a few. And with all of this going on, there's still the ever-present threat of the Consortium looming over things. Yes I think the second year . . Chapter 2, is going to be just as exciting as the first . . if not more. Chris Claremont has put together a very cool project here. And I'm sure, no matter what he started with . . his initial plans, it's probably grown into a monster since. So I expect a whole lot more twists and turns as we proceed into the future. Tom Grummett was here for this issue . . as he was in the beginning. And it looks like Mike Grell will be providing some art for the Giant-Sized issue, next week. Yes this is the final issue, but . . it's really only just the beginning. I'm telling you, if you aren't following this one, you need to pick up the TPB and get caught up. It's like we're on a giant roller-coaster, but we've only gone over the first hill. There's still a whole lot more to come.

Dark Avengers #16 - Marvel

This is another book that I'm very sad to see go. Against all my initial thoughts of this series . . I really like this one. First, Brian Bendis did a great job with all of these characters. I loved the way he handled each and every one of them. And Mike Deodato just did an astounding job with the art of each and every issue. Despite all evidence to the contrary . . I think this team actually worked . . on some level. Anyways, this issue just basically wraps up what's going to happen to each of them. Obviously Norman has been put in jail. And the Sentry, right now, seems to have been dispersed . . his energy vaporized when he took down Asgard. But . . he's come back before, so . . we'll see. Moonstone and Bullseye try to make a break for it, but the new New Avengers quickly bring them down. The only one who really gets away is Daken. He hides in the shadows and assumes the role of one of the soldiers. He then simply grabs a jeep and takes off. But that's what Daken does. He survives. He's like a cockroach. But we don't have to go far to catch up with him, he's currently in the Dark Wolverine title, and Wolverine Origins. So it's not like he's gone very far. And Victoria Hand . . well, she's also landed on her feet. She starts out being interrogated by Steve, but by the time it's over . . he's offering her a job. 'Take a long weekend. Shower. Get ahold of yourself. And call your parents. I'll see you for your next assignment bright and early Monday morning.' And finally we see that Norman is struggling even more with his alter ego. In the cell they share, he's tormenting Norman incessantly. When Norman tells him to leave him alone, he replies . . 'Can't! I'm stuck here!' I really, really enjoyed this series. And I thought Brian and Mike did a great job of wrapping everything up. Brian will be moving on to one of many series . . I'm sure. But Mike will be doing the art on the Secret Avengers. That one I'll be picking up. Like I said . . this was a series that shouldn't have worked. But it did. And now . . it's over. 'Norman has left the building!'

Avengers: the Initiative #35 - Marvel

This is the final issue of this series, and . . I'm actually going to miss this one. There was a few times in the beginning of this series that we actually wondered how long it would last, but . . I think it actually got better as it went along. And to me it was always because of that first class of recruits. But if you really want to see the next generation of Marvel heroes, Chris Gage will be taking on the Avengers Academy next, with Mike McKone. I won't be following it because . . well, I just really don't want to add any more titles to the already growing list. I'm having a hard enough time as it is keeping up . . both with time and cash. But . . that's not to say that if I find a cheap copy on E-bay that I won't pick it up. It's just not a priority for me. Anyways, back to this book . . basically . . Asgard has fallen. Loki has recalled the Rune Stones that he gave to the Hood, so . . he and everybody else that he granted magical powers to have been left with their hands in the kettle. And with the renewed vigor that Captain America seems to have brought to the real heroes, they don't really have much of a chance standing up against them. And since Norman has been arrested . . most of the non-super people following him . . the HAMMER agents, have just given up. 'Most of us had problems with what he was doing, anyway. This isn't a fight we want.' But there are some sad moments. The Constrictor and Diamondback go their own ways. Taskmaster makes good his escape . . as does the Hood and Madame Masque. It looks like the Warriors are going to be sticking together in some for or another. Komodo is ready to blow away the Baron when Cloud 9 shows up. But she's also got Hardball with her. Whom Komodo is seriously pissed at. But then he gives her an injection that turns off her SPIN nanites, immediately giving her powers back. They haven't' worked through all the issues, but . . I think they're back on the road to recovery. As it Tigra who is pleased that the Hood has been incarcerated. Luckily she wasn't the one that caught up to him first, because if so . . I think things would've ended differently. All in all, I thought it was a nice wrap-up to this entire series. But don't worry. With all the various Avengers book coming out next month, I'm sure you'll see your favorites from here in some form or another. Right now it seems to be up in the air though as to where everyone will land. Anyways, nice art by Jorge Molina. And as I said, Christos and Mike will be in Avenger's Academy next month. I'm sure it'll be more of the same . . but different.

Mighty Avengers #36 - Marvel

I thought this issue told a much better story than did New Avengers. At the end I'm a little confused as to the fate of the Infinite Avenger's Mansion, but . . other than that, I really enjoyed this issue. It turns out that Hank had sent Janet's essence into the underspace . . that's the space beneath the microverse. And, the main purpose of these large number of Jocasta robots were to act as the millions of neurons in any human body. While the Mansion acts as a harness . .'helping her keep her shape and preventing her from dissipating.' But obviously Jacosta feels betrayed, and used when she finds this out. And then, on top of all of this, we've got Ultron who's recently come back and has decided to attack his father. But Hank wins out with brains over brawn. First he uses some image inducers to make Utron think that he's surrounded by anyone who's ever been an Avenger. And then he offers him a deal . . well, actually it's Jacosta's idea, but Hank follows her lead. 'If you agree to cease all hostilities, I will give you something that you've wanted for a very long time. I shall WILLINGLY become your bride. Royal families arrange marriages to protect their kingdom. And that's what I am. Avengers Royalty. And you were to dumb to see it.' And then with all the Avengers there to back him up, he forces Ultron out one of the Mansion's doors into a remote, desolate area of space. In the end though . . Jocasta is still with Hank. If she can split her personality over millions of mansion servants, she can certainly be with Ultron and the Avengers at the same time. But I have a feeling that could come back to bite the Avengers later on. But we'll have to wait for that to happen. And then Hank heads off to Oklahoma to help the Avengers in their current battle. I've really enjoyed the way that Dan Slott has handled Hank's character in these recent issues. I really feel like he's moved past all the crap that has come before, and is a very strong character once again. My only concern is that with all this new Avengers stuff coming out that he's going to get lost, or diminished, in all the minutia. Again, I have no idea where he's going to land, but . . he's definitely one of the characters I'd like to keep an eye on. I also enjoyed Khoi Pham's interpretation of these characters. I guess I'll just have to start perusing the new issues as they begin coming out next month and try to figure out just which ones I'm going to follow.

New Avengers #64 - Marvel

Really . . in my opinion, this whole book is a waste of time. Well . . there are a couple of important things, but . . for the most part you've seen the majority of this story in the other books involved with Siege. When Asgard collapsed onto the Oklahoma landscape, we ended last issue wondering about the fate of Bobbi and Whitney. Both looked like they may have been killed in the catastrophe. But we find out this issue that they're both alive and well . . and relatively unscathed. But that's not a huge surprise. I thought the biggest news was when Loki took back the Rune Stones from the Hood, without notice or warning, leaving Parker Robbins completely powerless. But, in Loki's defense, he is fighting the Sentry and he'll need all the power he can get. And, I think, in the grand scheme of things the Hood actually got a break. Since he became powerless, and no longer a threat to either side, he basically becomes invisible to anyone's notice. He and Whitney make their way out of the destruction, grab a Humvee, and head to a motel. He's obviously distraught about his diminished capacity, but . . Whitney has a plan. Unfortunately . . this is the final issue of this series, so . . we won't know what her plan is until we figure out just exactly where these characters are going to land. And with all the Avengers and Avengers related titles coming out next month . . your guess is as good as mine. Brian Bendis wrote this, with Mike McKone doing the art. I just feel that we're getting to the part of this story where there's a lot of superfluous stuff coming out . . a lot of overlapping, and retelling of events from a different perspective. I was disappointed in this issue, but . . had I known what was going to happen . . I probably still would've bought it since it's the final one. I guess I'm just a sucker that way.

Green Arrow #32 - DC

First of all . . this is an amazing cover by Mauro Cascioli. He's got more coming up too, so . . prepare to be 'Wowed!'. Next . . I thought this was a great story by JT Krul. I didn't think that it had the emotional depth that I was expecting . . the scenes between Ollie and Dinah seemed a little dry. I expected them to be much more moving. But . . I did like the way that the ramifications of Ollie's actions were handled. Ollie gives himself up for the murder of Prometheus. And Police Chief Nudocerda is more than ready to drag Ollie's name through the mud. The problem is . . no matter how much pull, or clout that Nudocerda thinks he has . . Ollie is still an icon to this city. Both as Green Arrow and as philanthropist Oliver Queen. I expected Ollie to have to fulfill some kind of sentence, but the jury finds him not guilty. I think they sympathized with the reasons for his actions more that just the actions themselves. They let him off. But the judge isn't so kind. 'You may be a free man, Oliver Queen. But from this day forward you are hereby exiled from Star City. You step even a foot back inside . . either as Oliver Queen or Green Arrow . . you will be incarcerated for as long as I can put you there.' But Ollie isn't really a free man. Not in the truest sense. He's already got the burden of his guilt hanging on his shoulders. Plus he's been shunned by both Connor and Dinah. In fact Dinah gave him his ring back. And he's pulling himself away from Mia. 'I'm a great teacher when it comes to the bow and arrow. But I'm not much of a role model.' The issue ends with him walking out of Star City . . a devastated, corrupt Star City. He's got to be asking himself, 'Is this place really any better off for me having been here?' This is the final issue of this series, but Ollie will be back in his own book in another month or so. I have to say, despite the all the bad things that have happened, I like the turn that this character has taken. I think that the road he's been cast upon is much more true to the character of both Ollie and the Green Arrow. And it'll make things a lot more interesting in future issues. Federico Dallocchio does the art for this issue. It looked pretty good. I can't wait to see what happens to Ollie next.

Cable and Deadpool #25 - Marvel

This issue takes us all the way back to the attack on Cooperstown Alaska when Hope was born. It turns out that since Cable and Deadpool were involved with each other at the time . . their own series Cable & Deadpool was still up and running at that time in Marvel history . . it turns out that Deadpool was a lot more involved in the events of the day than we were previously led to believe. Well . . we weren't really led to believe anything. His name was just never really brought up. Cable was one of the first to arrive at the scene, attempting to save Hope, but he was still seconds behind the Purifiers. So he was in for a battle. What we didn't know previously was that he had called in Deadpool for back-up. Deadpool aids him in his departure from Cooperstown, and then is on hand when Cable and Hope are attacked by a Predator X and then a Sentinel. Apparently they split up shortly before Cable decided that he needed to take Hope into the future to protect her. As with any Deadpool story, this one was kind of goofy and sarcastic, but . . it was funny . . and entertaining. I still think that Cable and Deadpool made a good team. It's to bad that we're so far past that now. Although I'm sure that we'll see them together at some time or another. Unfortunately though . . it won't be in this book. This issue is the finale for this series. Hence the double sized issue and the special guest-star. But don't worry. I'm sure that Cable will be playing a big part in this Second Coming story-line unfolding across the X-Universe even as we speak. I thought that Duane Swierczynski finished out this series with a bang. It's got a beautiful Simone Bianchi cover, and Paco Medina did a great job with the interiors. I'm sorry to see this series go, but . . I'm sure we'll be seeing other new X-titles popping up here in the months to come. It's just the circle of life.

the Question #37 - DC

I was a huge fan of the original Question title. I thought it was a great book, and definitely ahead of it's time. With Dennis O'Neil and Denys Cowan doing this issue . . I felt like I was right back into it again. Greg Rucka helps Dennis out, and Bill Sienkiewicz' inks over Denys' pencils were absolutely incredible. This is a team that should get together again. Their individual styles definitely mesh well together. Anyways, the Black Ring has come to their little corner of the world and brought Charlie back. It also brings Shiva back. She says she's here to test Renee, but . . it turns out that she suspected that Charlie would return and she wanted to test her mettle against one of these Black Lanterns. Like Renee says . .'Girl, you are 10 pounds of crazy in a 5 pound bag.' I thought it was interesting that Charlie tries to appeal to their emotions, but all of them . . Shiva, Renee, Tot . . pretty much dismiss him right away. None of them are fooled into thinking this is actually Charlie. The problem is . . Tot sees this as an opportunity to get some of the questions about life & death answered. He sees it as an educational opportunity that he'll never ever get again. So while Shiva and Renee are trying to stop him . . Tot ends up shooting Shiva so that he can ask Charlie some questions. It isn't until they're up close and personal that he realizes that he's never going to get the answers he's looking for. It looks like they're all pretty well screwed until Shiva realizes that if they put Charlie out of their mind . . put everything out of their mind, and allow themselves to feel nothing . . they'll effectively make themselves invisible to Charlie emotional perception. Shiva does it pretty easily. It takes Renee a little bit longer. But Tot's the one that actually has to say goodbye to Charlie before he's able to do it. I thought that was a pretty touching moment. Anyways, in the end Renee decides that since that 'thing' is still out there . . she has to make it her mission to stop it. Personally . . I thought it was a great issue. Like I said, I loved the book and this issue seemed like a natural extension of it. I thought everyone did a great job and handled the characters perfectly. I really liked Charlie's character, but . . I'm thrilled that Renee is the Question now. She's got a lot of potential, and I think she can bring a lot to this character. The future is wide open.

Superman: World of New Krypton #12 - DC

Well . . this issue wraps up what was originally solicited as a 15 issue series. But that quickly changed after the 2nd or 3rd issue. However, this is nowhere near the end of the story. In this issue Kal-El and General Zod finally figure out who is behind these recent murders. It's kind of involved, but . . basically, Superwoman had come to New Krypton, shortly after being formed, and recruited people sympathetic to Earth's position. They included Council member Mar-Li, Alura's assistant Lyra Kam-Par, Tam-Or and Ral-Dar. And finally councilor Wri-Qin. All of which have now been killed except for Wri-Qui. Kal-El goes to confront him. With Wri-Qui holding Kal in a choke-hold, he spills his guts. 'You said it yourself, I'm privileged and greedy. Lane said there'd be positions of power for us within the government of a Krypton ruled by Earth. But then I got to thinking . . why share? My fellow conspirators had done what was asked of them. They'd served their purpose. I wanted their share of the spoils. Simple.' Lane convinced them that if Krypton got defeated quicker that he'd spare the planet. They'd still have their homes . . a place to live . . it would just be a Krypton ruled by Earth. We know that obviously General Lane had a lot more planned than that, but . . the Kryptonians believed him. They actually saw it as a chance to save their people, by diminishing casualties. With this wrapped up . . it appears that Krypton is now in a better position to defend itself, and . . General Zod is aware of Earth's subversive plans. But then . . on the final page of the issue . . Brainiac shows up. Past allegiances and squabbles may just have to be thrown out the window. New Krypton is now probably in for the fight of it's life. Like I said . . this is the final issue, but hardly the end of the story. We continue next into the Superman title, and then next month in the mini-series Superman: the Last Stand of New Krypton. And then in May comes the mini-series Superman: Battle of the Supermen. That's 7 more issues, so . . like I said, this story is far from over. I think James Robinson, Greg Rucka and Pete Woods have done an outstanding job with this series. The next series is by the same team, except Sterling Gates takes over for Greg. And on the third it's James and Sterling, with Aaron Lopresti doing the art. I have a feeling this is going to be a tumultuous year for the relations between Earth and New Krypton. And in the end . . Earth will have gone 2 years without a Superman.

the Atom and Hawkman #46 - DC

This was a fantastic book, but . . then again what else would you expect from Geoff Johns and Ryan Sook. This issue was mostly about Ray Palmer dealing with the power and responsibility that he was recently given by the Indigo tribe. He's fighting the Jean Loring Black Lantern, as well as the Hawkman and Hawkgirl Black Lantern. We also learn a little bit about how the Indigo's powers work. 'The ring is able to teleport you to those that need aid. As well as heal them. And when you are within the vicinity of another Lantern you are capable of reconfiguring our light into theirs. Listen for them. Feel them.' Now, on top of all the other fighting, Indigo wants to contact the tribe. With all the Black Lanterns headed toward Earth she wants to tell them whats going on, and get them to contact the homeworlds of the rest of the Corps and bring those armies to Earth. However for such a long message, both in distance and time, it's going to require most of her concentration. While she's out . . she wants Ray to protect her and keep her alive. So he uses what he's been taught and taps into the powers of the other Lanterns. But that's when Jean attacks. She pulls Ray and herself both in to Indigo's ring. Which severely disorients her. However, once he beats her, by tapping into Hal's ring, Indigo is once again able to continue and finish her message. 'Atom. You just saved the universe.' But now he wants something in return. 'Help me figure out how to bring Hawkman and Hawkgirl back to life.' Oh. Is that all? Is that even possible? Well . . we won't know anything else until Blackest Night #7. And that won't be out until Feb 24th. I think this is the last of the Blackest Night final issue books. Oh wait, I'm sorry. I misspoke. We still have the Question out next week. I thought this set of books was a great addendum to the Blackest Night series. Plus . . it was a really original idea. I think this has been my favorite so far. But I always was kind of fond of Ray's character.

the Phantom Stranger #42 - DC

Well . . as the Phantom Stranger says at the beginning and the end of this story . . 'I am the Phantom Stranger. And the Stranger comes . . when the Stranger is needed.' So . . apparently he's needed now to move a couple parts of this story forward. First he and Blue Devil come into contact with the Spectre. As with many of the heroes that have died and returned, he has been taken over by a black ring. But, as the Stranger and Danny soon find out, the Spectre is still in there. He's just drowning in the heart of blackness. They help him fight, and reveal himself . . for a little bit. But he's soon consumed once again by the darkness. And then he takes off . . looking for Hal Jordan. I assume he's headed towards Coast City. Anyways, all of this happens at the grave-site of Boston Brand. Apparently Boston's body, his physical form, is somehow important to the Black Ring's cause. But it's not here anymore. So the Stranger attempts to find Deadman. Wherever Boston's body is, Deadman won't be far away. They find them both at the gates of Nanda Parbat. Nanda Parbat is currently under siege by a bunch of Black Lanterns. They're trying to breach the invisible barrier that surrounds the city. And their ranks include Boston's deceased form. Boston has been trying to inhabit his body, but the psychic feedback is to intense. So he's been trying to take out the rest of the Lanterns one at a time. When the Stranger shows up, he explains to Boston that he must regain his body, and take it through the gates of the city. It's hard, but upon doing so the Black Ring's connection is severed. And Boston's mortal remains are put under the guard of one of Nanda Parbat's inhabitants. Since his bones are so important to what's going on right now, Danny decides that he'll stay behind and help guard them also. 'The body of Boston Brand is of singular importance, Gatekeeper. It is coveted by many who seek to do harm. Relinquish it at the world's peril.' That all sounds a bit ominous. But the Stranger always was a bit on the theatrical side. Anyways, I'm sure we'll find out more about this in Blackest Night #7. I thought it was a great story by Peter J Tomasi. I enjoy the mystical side of the DC Universe. I was hoping that we'd see Shadowpact. The art was done by Adrian Syaf. It looked fantastic. This guy is really coming along. I'm enjoying these 'Final Issue' things. I think they're a neat concept.

Starman #81 - DC

I was excited when I saw this book listed in the previews. Especially when I saw that James Robinson would be returning to the fold, and writing it. Also . . the artwork was incredible . . and perfect for this story. Fernando Dagnino does the layouts, with Bill Sienkiewicz doing the finishes. David Knight does return this issue . . as a Black Lantern. But the story this issue is actually about Shade and Hope O'Dare's incestuous relationship. Plus, when faced with the horror of what David's image and body is turned into . . we see Shade's true character. He really is on the path to righteousness and redemption. What I really liked about his and Hope's relationship is that Shade ends up being the one to put his feelings on the line . . he risks exposure and hurt to tell Hope how he feels about her. And Hope? Hope is the reluctant, commitment-phobe. Although . . part of her denial is because of their unique relationship. 'Shade. I look at you and see the same face I first kissed back when this arrangement started. Your face. You. Unchanged. Immortal. I see a new line every time I look in the mirror. One day I'll be old.' I think she's afraid that he'll actually grow out of love with her. Didn't she ever see Highlander? The Highlander loved his first wife until the day she died . . of old age. While he was still in his mid to late 20's. Anyways, as always, James is a brilliant scribe of character. And with Shade and Hope he was definitely back on familiar ground. I thought that this was a fantastic issue. With the downside being . . it made me miss the original series all that much more. If ever there was a series in need of a re-launch . . this is it. 'The King is dead. Long live the King.'

CatWoman #83 - DC

I want to say that I really enjoyed this book . . both the story and the art. And while it has nothing to do with this issue . . I really, really miss Jim Balent's Catwoman. Meooww!! In it's absence, I read Tarot, Witch of the Black Rose regularly. I just don't think it's appropriate for this blog. However, with this issue, I am happy that Adam Hughes did the cover. His version is equally as succulent as Jim's. Plus, it continues with the great covers of the last series. Adam is another guy that could put together a book of nothing but cover art. Anyways, this issue is all about CatWoman's greatest regret . . as if you didn't know . . killing the Black Mask, Roman Sionis. She was trying to protect her sister, Maggie. I don't think that she necessarily regrets killing him, just that she was pushed by him to that point. I don't think she ever wanted to take a life, but . . for family, she was willing to. And now that Black Mask has returned and is trying to make her come to that decision again. At first he comes directly at her and attacks her as she's leaving a burglary. But she doesn't give him what he wants. She becomes pure 'will'. He wants the more raw emotions . . fear, anger, hatred. But she refuses to give those to him. So he decides instead to go at her like he did last time . . through her sister Maggie. Which takes them all to the psychiatric hospital where she's been held since the Black Mask killed her husband, and forced her to eat his eyeballs. Yuckk!! Since then, she's been pretty much catatonic. But it's the Black Mask's voice that brings her out of it. And then, when she sees Selina . . it all comes pouring out. The whole Black Mask thing . . doesn't really matter. Selina gets the help of her cohorts, Harley and Ivy, and they defeat him by putting him in a man-eating plant. I guess they plan on keeping him there until the Black Ring crisis has passed. Anyways, none of that's really important. Other than setting up the story. The real important thing that happens this issue is that Maggie has found a new target for her hatred and rage. It's now being directed straight at CatWoman. During all the hoopla, Maggie mugs a nun and takes off in her uniform. We see her later, I assume, in the sewers. 'It's all so clear . . should've never left the order, never renounced my vows . . then I might've realized it sooner . . my mission in life . . to kill the demon that took away my sister and destroyed both our lives. The demon that calls itself CatWoman.' There was an old series called Areala Warrior Nun. I don't know if anybody remembers that. Anyways, my point is . . it appears that Maggie may be heading down that path. Or maybe she'll just hook up with Azrael. I don't know. But I do know . . we haven't seen the last of Magdalene Kyle. Tony Bedard did a great job with this issue. I really liked the story, and the way that it was all set up to affect, and change Maggie's character. She's been stuck away in the broom closet for far to long. It's about time she got out and started making a contribution. Even if it is to the determent of her sister, Selina. The art for this issue was done by a team of great artists that include Fabrizio Fiorentino, Ibraim Roberson, Marcos Marz, and Luciana Del Negro. Obviously each of them did different pages, so I'm not sure who's are was who's. But . . there were some really amazing panels in this book. It definitely lived up to it's preceding incarnations. So far, this has been my favorite 'Final Issue' yet. Which says alot, because I was really glad to see Suicide Squad.