Creeper #1 - DC

Ok, I know that there's been a few incarnations of the Creeper in the last couple of years. But there's always been a classic one. That of Jack Ryder. He's been around since the 40's or 50's. Well now he's being brought into the new millenium. This is the classic tale of Jack Ryder, crossing some mob or gang or whatever, and through his actions becoming the Creeper. Well this time its nanotech that does the trick. After creating the nano-genetech, a gang wants the genes for themselves. Well, of course, Jack gets caught in the middle. Long story short, the doctor injects him with the final cells, he gets shot, the cells bring him back to life. A little altered of course though. And on the fly, he comes up with the laugh, and the Creeper. It's ok for a first issue. If you've read the old story, you knew what was going to happen. I'll let it slide, because I want to see what they do with the character from here. Justiniano is on pencils, and they're perfect for this story. I'll be more forthcoming with my opinion when I see what they do with him next issue.

Ex-Machina #22 - Wildstorm

Brian K Vaughn and Tony Harris have such a handle on this title, you'd think that one of them was writing their bibliography. Seriously, the nuances of character, and the little details, somebody really knows what they're talking about, or they have this planned out down to the minutest detail. Plus the way the story bounces around timewise, part of the story is 4 or 5 years ago when he was the Great Machine, and not the Mayor. Then the story will bounce to the present, or to a year or 2 ago when he was Mayor. And, it's flawless. That's what I'm saying, the way it all fits together is almost to perfect, as if it was someones past, rather than a fictional story. But, I guess that just reinforces how well it is written. We start out a couple of years ago when a drug dealer steals the Great Machine's machine. Then we bounce forward a couple of years to when a woman set herself on fire on the steps of city hall. At this time there's also someone posing as a fireman going around and doing home invasions. Also going on is a woman, January, who is working undercover at the Mayor's office, for some reason we haven't learned yet. And the story ends when a building is on fire and when a fireman goes to clear out an apartment he is shot through the door because the guy living there has heard about the fake fireman stories. Now add to this that Tony Harris is changing his artwork a bit, we see a glimpse on some of the final pages, and it really looks nice. Not that his old stuff wasn't good, but this stuff is even better. This is a thinking man's comic. I think it'll be around for a long time.

the All New Atom #2 - DC

This series has a lot of potential. They're off to a good start too. Ryan Choi has come to Ivy University, per Ray Palmer's request, and is literally stepping into his shoes. His classes, his position, his house, his friends, everything. And with those friends, a bunch of cantankerous old teachers/scientists, they are testing out the Atom's equipment to see how it works. His first try out, Ryan almost blows himself up because he doesn't expand up right, which almost makes him become unstable and explode. Not a good way to start the series. Ray then interacts, some character development, with different people around the University. But there's some stuff going on in the background. It appears that Ivy University is being invaded by some kind of alien tech monsters. Also, don't forget the we have the microscopic aliens that are living on the dogs around town, that we got a glimpse of last issue. So Ray follows them into the subway, and, in trying to evade them, comes across some kind of huge blob type monster that says, "Greetings traveler. I have been waiting eons for you." Don't know what that's all about. Oh yeah, and then on the last couple pages, we see this psycopath that Ray Palmer is giving another Atom belt to. At least it appears to be Ray. Like I've said with other books, Gail Simone is an incredible writer. She's pretty new to the scene, but, she's coming on really strong, really fast. John Byrne is on pencils. I'm not to pleased with him right now, after the debacle with Blood of the Demon, but I have to admit, with Trevor Scott doing his inks, his pencils looked pretty good. Hope this series lasts for a long time. And I hope we find out what happened to Ray soon.

Ultimate Spider-man #98 - Marvel

This is part 2 of the clone saga. And do we have clones. Last issue Peter unmasked a Scopion wannabe only to find himself underneath. This issue he has taken that clone to Reed Richards to have him check it, him, out. Needless to say Peter is pretty freaked. Then Mary Jane dissapears. When Peter goes to look for her, in their secret spot, he comes across a Spider- woman? Or maybe a Spider-girl? Whoever it is, it almost looks like an MJ clone. But we don't know for sure. That's a mystery we haven't learned yet. Then we find out where MJ is being held. Well, not exactly where. But we do know that it's on the inside of an abandoned Oscorp factory. You just knew the Osbornes were going to be involved somehow. And it looks as if another Peter clone is holding her captive. At least MJ assumes it's Peter. We don't get a complete look at him, but it could be. Then on the last page, Peter goes to his old house, thinking that for some reason MJ might have gone there, but instead he runs across a Gwen clone. My, my, my. It appears that somebody has gotten a new set of cookie cutters. I just hope that this clone saga, won't be as convoluted as the one that ran through the Spider-man titles a few years ago. A clone story is like a time-travel story, they're neat to read, but by the end you have a headache from trying to figure it all out.
Regardless, I love this book.

Jonah Hex #10 - DC

We switch artists again this issue. Phil Noto does the cover and the interiors. The cover is incredible, and the inside art fits the story very well. I really like having a book I can read every month that's just a single issue story. This one's about a swamp family that likes to capture people and feed them to the 'gators. Well one of the guys they try to capture, gets away, after he's stabbed. So by the time he makes it to town and asks for Jonah's help he's barely alive. Well, needless to say that Jonah does help. After he talks the town constable into offering a reward. So anyways he goes down to the swamp, ends up killing the entire family, some to the gators, some not. And, he rescues the mans wife that asked him for help. Before the man died he gave Jonah a land contract for some land in Oklahoma, after he rescues his wife he gives it to her. Who said he wasn't a softie? Don't tell him I said that. Anyways good story. Just the right amount of blood and gore. It's 2006, and this is a true western.

American Way #6 - Wildstorm

Ok, I'm getting into this book a little more, but I gotta' say, it's still to racist for me. Now granted, this story is set in 1962. And, those were different times back then. But, I'm of the belief that just because you may not know something's wrong, doesn't mean it's not. But anyways, the CDC, Civil Defense Corps, has been split into 2 teams, the CDC and the SDC, Southern Defense Corps. This was done because even though you take a human and give them superhuman powers, at the core, they're still human. So now instead of a racist man, we have a racist super-man. So since they were of 2 diff. views of their new black super hero, the American, they thought it would be best to split in 2 rather than trying to work together, when they had such diff. beliefs. Whether this is going to work or not, remains to be seen. Now the American, is off on his own chasing after Hellbent, a super villian created by the same govt. group that created the heroes. But Hellbent has gone off script and decided to live up to his reputation and go on a killing spree. He decides to make it personal and goes after the American's brother. So now the American is after him. It's also creating turmoil because members of the CDC want to go after him too, but now they aren't allowed to go into the SDC's territory. The story really is written well. It's just a little to preachy to me. And some of the characters are a little to stereotypical. But, like I said I am getting into it more. And Georges Jeanty is doing a nice job on pencils.

Outsiders #39 - DC

Ok the Outsiders have been captured by Silver & Grey. Or, rather, by their cloned superheroes. Not sure who all the clones are of, but at least one of them is Plastic Man. Anyways, last issue the Outsiders thought they were storming Mssr. Mallah and the Brain's secret lair, an abandoned Russian nuclear facility, but they were actually being set up. Suprised? Not Really. But through S&G's help, actually through their dipping into everyones DNA, we learn a little bit more about our Outsiders. We learn that Grace is not actually human. What is she? We haven't learned that much yet. Maybe we'll learn who Boomerang's mother is. Speaking of Boomerang, we still don't know why he switched sides during the last year. We also learn that Shift may be more that just a piece of Metamorpho because when Metamorpho is captured, Shift goes free to find Katana. Do we have a schizophrenic super-hero here? So the book ends with Shift and Katana down in the nuclear core, trying to figure out how they're going to free their friends. Good book. Brilliantly written by Judd Winick. I mean the pillow talk between Mallah and the Brain was priceless. And with Matthew Clark, Ron Randall and Art Thibert on the art chores, the book is perfection.

Batman #655 - DC

Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert on Batman? It's like a wet dream come true. And, an alternate cover by Adam Kubert? "Dy-no-mite!" And this one blows you right into the action on the first page. It appears that the Joker has finally won. James Gordon if falling off a building with a huge Joker smile, and it looks like he has beaten the crap out of Batman with a crowbar. To which, the Batman grabs the Jokers gun and shoots him in the face. Classic! Except, it's not really Batman. It's a cop, who in Batman's abscence, decided that someone needed to put on a Batman suit and try to take out the trash. Which, ironically, is what the real Batman does with the Joker's body when he goes down to see how James is doing. He throws it in the nearest dumpster. Now, add to all that Kirk Langstrom and Talia, with the League of Assassins next issue, and we got a party. And, all of this happens right when Alfred talks Bruce into taking a vacation from his nocturnal activities, and go to a fundraiser in London. Talia has Kirks wife and is forcing him to turn over his Man-Bat formula. And, by all appearances, has Bruce's son, and hers, looking for him in the videos of the party, and is apparantly going to take him to meet him. Man!!! Talk about a lot of twists and turns. Especially for one issue. This is going to be a fantastic ride. Next summer Six Flags is going to have to open the Morrison/Kubert coaster.

Warlord #6 - DC

Ok we're already developing a large cast of characters. We got the obvious ones, Travis & Bovis. But we also have Regine, Tara, Terry and Alexa. And they're all intertwined. Though not as tightly as you would think. For now. Somehow Travis' power and link to the godly power of Cassus, is also linked to his ship. The reason Bovis overtook him last issue, is because Terry had found the ship,and in trying to recover it inadvertantly shut off it's power. This in turn shut off Travis' link to Cassus. We don't really know the particulars yet though. But, when he gets it up and running this issue, Cassus comes back in full strength. Travis regains his strength, his power, his sword of truth and his winged steeds Phebus and Belus. Well after a sound trouncing, Bovis goes back to he land only to be exiled by it's leaders. Of course the isle he's exiled to, is also the place where Alexa has landed. Coincidink? I don't think so. And Terry's got the jet up and running and is flying around looking for them. I have to say I'm getting more accustomed to Bart Sear's new style. That or he's getting better at it. I was a little iffy at first, but it fits the story very well. The old rallying cry used to be, " Until Travis runs out of bullets..", but since he doesn't have a gun yet, we'll have to think of a new one. Good book, and cool series.

Loveless #9 - DC

This series is powerful. Brian and Mario have really set the mood for this Western set in Blackwater. Wes Cutter, our main character, is now sheriff. And he's decided to use his position to make the townspeople pay him back for what they took from him while he was off to the Civil War. The real Civil War. Not the fake one over at the marvelous competitors. He's trying to keep his wife Ruth out of it though, so she's staying by herself up in the hills around town. I think he's the only one that knows she's alive. So now he's starting to make his presence felt in town, and to the people who come into town. The problem is, I think, one of his cohorts from the war has also come into town and for some reason is brutally murdering people. We don't really know who or why yet, but I'm sure we will soon. This expedition into the Western genre is just incredible. It's nice to have a different themed book in the pile to read every month.

Hawkgirl #54 - DC

Ok, this book has come a long way. It was good when Geoff Johns was writing it. But now, it's just incredible. With the mixture of Walt Simonson's story, and Howard Chaykin's art, it's just sheer perfection. Another thing that I like about it, and I don't think these people get enough credit, but the coloring is just genius. Every page is so vibrant and bright, it's mesmerizing. Michelle Madsen does the colors, as I think she usually always does for Walt. But the two of them together are perfect symetry. What's going on in the story? Well this scumbag Christopher Roderic is trying to obtain financial control of the Stonechtat Museum, where Kendra works. We don't really know why yet, other than there's something under the museum in the catacombs. Somehow he's hooked up with a mystical order that can bring people back from the dead, and is channeling this powerful being from another dimension. So, at the end of this book, somehow they bring Carter back. Kendra get's a call from his office, and when she get's there he's sprawled out on the floor in his Hawkman gear, barely conscious. I really look forward to this book every month now. It's nice to see such a strong woman character that won't take any shit off anyone. I know there's other one's out there, but Kendra just has this certain Ooomph that's intoxicating. She's a fantastic character.

JLA Classified #25 - DC

Speaking of boring stories, this is the final issue of this arc. Finally!! The only thing I really got out of this whole story arc, is that I learned more about Gypsy. Actually, more than I ever knew about her. And since she's in the Birds of Prey storyline now, I guess that's a good thing. But the rest of the story, boring and predictable. Gypsy is also over in the JSA storyline I talked about last blog, so maybe they're trying to get some attention on her so they can use her for some bigger things in the future. I bet she's going to be one of the new members of the JLA. That wouldn't be all bad I guess. I do like her character. But back to this issue, YYAAYYY!!! It's done!! Next issue we get back to the Superman / Batman JLA. I'm sorry. I really don't mean to be so negative, but I really didnot enjoy this storyline. Like I said before, I like this book, and I like the concept of pulling stories from anywhere in the JLA's history, and I love the JLA. This story though, didn't do so much for me. I guess they can't all be classics.

JSA Classified #14 - DC

Ok the team that gave me the boring story in the last couple of issues of JLA Classified, Steve Englehart & Tom Derenick, has moved over to this title, to give us another story about the Royal Flush Gang. There's a twist this time though, because it's not about the RFG but Amos Fortune is involved. Basically, some of the bad guys with luck powers (Amos Fortune, the Wizard, the Gambler, the Sportsman) decided, out of a card game, to up the stakes and capture heroes and make them fight each other for sport. Somehow Gypsy and Vixen got hip to what was going on and rescued Stargirl before she was abducted. The 3 of them decide to go off and try to set things right. Now I'm not sure how Stargirl is going to play into this, but her father was one of the members of the original RFG. 3 or 4 incarnations ago. But who's keeping track. Seriously. Who's keeping track, because, nobody cares. Hopefully this story pans out better than the last one in JLA Classified, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

52 Week 12 - DC

There's alot happening each week in this book. Last week they brought back Batgirl, or woman. This week they bring back Isis. First we get a look at Renee Montoya and the Question. They're still digging in to Intergang. Their next lead is going to take them to Kanhdaq. We go to Kahndaq ahead of them though to find out the Black Adam is still taking advice from Adrianna, a woman who had the courage to step up and talk to him, and tell him what was on her mind. So he is taking her advice, and doing things to help his country and the world in general. To return the favor, he takes her to the Rock of Eternity, which apparently has an entrance from his palace, to give her the Amulet of Isis, because he feels that she deserves it. Down here, we find Billy, who is stuck in the form of Captain Marvel, and is stuck in the Rock of Eternity because with the wizard gone he is in charge of watching over the rock,and the sins. But he is going mad, because of the voices of the sins, and because within the rock his power is a hundred fold. Needless to say she does become Isis, and now they are off in search of her brother. And Ralph has finally caught up with Cassie. He starts to get on her, but then when he realizes they are trying to ressurrect his wife, he wants to do whatever he can to help. On top of all this, there's a 2 page spread in the back on the origin of Wonder Woman by Adam Hughes. It's fantastic. Love this book. Hope they keep a week to week thing going after this. It's a dream, but it's my dream.

Supergirl #8 - DC

Continuing the story of Kara (Supergirl) and Karen (Powergirl), in Kandor. That's alot of K's. Anyways, the truth comes out this issue that this whole thing is being orchestrated by Saturn Woman of the evil Legion. We last saw her and her cohorts in Superman/Batman when she tried to brainwash them. She came back in time to change their history and try to get them to do her bidding. But, eventually their true nature shown thru and she couldn't bend them to her side. Well apparently she came to Kandor to try to do the same thing. But this time she has Ultraman, from the Crime Syndicate, and has him conviced that he's Kal-El. Well, I guess he is. On a different world. Anyways, I guess Kara and Karen resisted her programming and became Nightwing and Flamebird to try to help the resistence movement in Kandor. She captures Karen and trys to warp Kara's thoughts. But Kara comes out of it just in time to save Karen from being executed. She has Ultraman on the ropes ready to kill him, but Saturn Woman offers her some info on Argo City, to spare his life. I really hope this series lasts. I thought the last one had some shining moments, but I guess it wasn't enough because they killed it after 70 or 80 some issues. Sad!! But hopefully, this time, they got it right and it sticks. We'll just have to wait and see.

Birds of Prey #96 - DC

Ok first of all the team is changing. Which is ok. I like change. We now have Oracle, Huntress, Gypsy, Black Canary, Lady Blackhawk, Sin ( the child from Dinah's quest, who is now like a daughter to her) and Batgirl. Yes she's back. We don't know who she is yet. And, she hasn't joined the team yet. But, she will. And this thing with Sin, I know she's just a little girl, but I think there's going to be a lot more happening with her than we realize. This issue they're dealing with Black Alice again. She's trying to stay on the straight and narrow. To be a normal teenager. But, life just isn't going to let that happen. First the Society come after her. Well not come after her so much, as trying to brainwash her into thinking that the Birds will be coming after her. It's Felix Faust, Cheetah and Talia who really do all the harm. So when the Birds do arrive to try to talk to Lori, she's already raged up. They've had a new artist on the book the last couple of issues, and he's really making headway. It's Paulo Sequeira. I think he's new to the comic scene, but his pencils seem to get better every issue. And Gail Simone is quickly becoming a master of the medium. Her stories seem to get better and better. Especially considering that she doing so many books now. Only 4 more issues till 100, I wonder what they have in store for us??

Action Comics #841 - DC

Kurt Busiek and Fabian Necieza write this. So you know it's going to be awesome. There's a global threat, and Superman seems to have his hands tied because he's no longer clearanced by the Govt. A lot of other heroes are involved also, Nightwing, Firestorm and the Titans, to name a few. Superman is feeling the frustration of not having a League around anymore. Basically, this alien ebayer is following some space junk that is heading towards earth. When he sends his operatives ahead to find it, they don't but they find a lot of other stuff that could be auctioned off. So he informs them to take it. They begin to do so, but of course are met with resistance from the Govt, police, heroes, pretty much everybody. Superman decides to go head to head and destroys one of the ebayers "pacifiers" and "acquisitioners". One I think the guy is pissed off. And two, I think he sees something else he can sell. So he comes planetside to deal with it himself, and . . . . that's the end of the story. There's a Dave Gibbons cover on this issue also. Cool.

Teen Titans Go! #33 - DC

Here's yet another genre that DC has been expanding into recently. DC now has 7 titles monthly in its kids bracket. That's some cool stuff. After all, who's gonna' keep buying comics in the future when all us old timers quit? Or run out of money. But anyways, this issue was done as a Strange Sports story. Cool!! The Titans go to a baseball game, and a bunch of their Rogues get together and decide to challenge them to a game. Like I said before, if you like the Cartoon on Cartoon Network, you'll love the book, because it's the exact same style. Even being a "grown up" I still like the book, because I love the characters. I also like Justice League Unlimited and Batman Strikes. Both good titles. And all the books are nice for kids too.

the Spectre #3 - DC

This is a mini series that reintroduces us to the Spectre. How can we be reintroduced to a character that's been around since the 40's?? Well first he's bonding with a new mortal. Well, a deceased mortal. But Crispus Allen is his new alter ego. He's a former cop that was killed by Jim Corrigan. Well the last three issues have been a class for Crispus on what it is the Spectre does and why. He doesn't actually get it until he's forced to confront his son who has obtained a gun and gone and shot Jim Corrigan for killing his father. So as the Spectre he has to pass judgement on his son Mal. This is when all the lessons sink in and he finally realizes the enormity of the task in front of him. But he still decides to merge permanently with the Spectre. Good story. Well written. And decent art. The best news of the whole book though is in the next issue blurb. It says that the Spectre's adventures will continue in the fall in "Tales of the Unexpected". Awesome. DC is really beginning to expand it's genre's again, last time was in the 70's. It's good to see them willing to take some risks.

Blue Beetle #5 - DC

I like that they've taken this book in a completely different direction than the old one. This Beetle is Jamie, a teenage bario kid from somewhere in Texas. This issue starts out with the Phantom Stranger checking in with Jamie, well actually with the Scarab, but he wants to find out how hooked in he is to the "tapestry of the New Age of Magic". Turns out he's not, but he can lead him to the one he wants. So I think we'll be seeing more of P.S.. Anyways this issue has him catching up with his "homies" because he keeps crossing paths with the Posse. Some of them turn out to be metas. Or as they call 'em "extras". Anyways theres this La Dama character who collects things and right now she's after a child of 2 sorcerers. The mother of which happens to be affiliated with the Posse. Therefore Jamie, or rather Blue Beetle gets involved. The suit is still a mystery, but according to the next issue blurb, we're going to learn more about it next issue. This book is interesting. The art's not great. But, overall I think this book has a lot of potential.

Nightwing #122 - DC

We start out this issue with 3 Nightwings, but by the end we're back to 1. And they did it the normal way, not the cheap easy way that J.B. did over in Blood of the Demon. Dick, Jason and Cheyenne are alldressed in the Nightwing costume in the beginning. Jason is doing it because he's just trying to push some buttons with Dick. Cheyenne wanted to catch up to Dick when he left her the night before, so I think she just did it out of necessity. Although she does have some meta powers. Anyways, they're all fighting the Pierce brothers. They're a pair or metas who operate out of a strip club in New York. Through the whole skirmish though, I think, Dick and Jason bond a little. Or at least that's the way Jason feels in his sick little twisted mind. So I guess Dick's off the hook for now. It'll be interesting to see where Jason show's up next. But I don't think we've seen the last of Miss Fremont. Her and Dick seem to have a thing, so I think she'll be around for a while. I gotta' give him credit though, for as much as he does between his solo gig, working with Batman here and there, hanging with the Outsiders, and occasionally helping out the Titans, this guy gets some serious action. I don't know how he has the energy for all these ladies after everything else that happens in his life. Must be vitamins. Anyways, I really like this book. It's come a long way.

Green Lantern Corps #2 - DC

Ok this book is only on issue #2, so I'm still getting in to it. But, I like what I've seen so far. First, Dave Gibbons is doing the writing, so it's very intriguing. There's a few plot threads, that I can see, that are being started up. Patrick Gleason is on pencils. I'm not a huge fan, but with this series being set almost solely in space sectors other that ours, his style works great with all the aliens and alien landscapes and technology. We've seen a lot of Guy Gardner these first 2 issues, which is fine by me 'cause he's one of my favorites. Him and Natu are investigating a string of murders that are stretching across many sectors. The only consistancy between them is that they all appear to be heros of their own worlds. But with no apparent motives or consistent patterns, they have no idea where to start or what to look for. So they have their rings identify possible targets, based on what they do know, and rank them. They start with the first, obviously, but arive just a little bit late. This time their target appears to be a pair of brothers, but before they can arrive one is lost. Really, the whole book is about this story, but there are some glimpses of other lanterns and other stories that are just beginning. I'm sure they'll all be connected in some way. After all this is the GLCorps. But since this is just the beginning of the ride, and I don't really know what to expect, I think I'll save my criticisms and critiques until we're riden out a few more twists and turns. I'm interested to see what kind of ride Dave has in store for us.

Eternals #2 - Marvel

Ok, with Neil Gaiman and John Romita Jr. on this book, you just know it's going to be epic. First of all huge props to John. His artwork in this book is fantastic. What I like about John is that his work is consistent. He's been all over, Spider-man, Daredevil, etc., and he always remains constant. Neil is really pulling this group together. Basically, the Eternals have all been stuck on earth in "sleeper" identities. Some are a little more coherent than others. Well, now everything seems to be coming to a head. So, the identites are starting to blur with the dreams and images that have always haunted their thoughts. As incidents around them escalate, their grasp on their imagined identities deteriorate. So far we have Ikkarus, Makkari and Sersei. At least that's who they'll be when then return to their true form. But Ikkarus seems to be the catalyst with whom all the change seems to be centered around. I bought this book on a whim. More for Neil than for any other reason. But, I'm glad I did. This should be a good ride.

Checkmate #4 - DC

DC has entered back in to the Western genre with Loveless and Jonah Hex. Well, it has also entered the "Cloak and Dagger" spy thriller genre with Checkmate. Granted, they put their own little twist on it with the inclusion of Alan Scott, Mr. Terrific, Fire and Count Vertigo, but it's still a spy drama. Good for them. This appears to be a very well thought out title also. We have a structured parliment of power, and a lot of ground rules that we haven't learned completely yet. It's seems complicated, but, if they're going to do it, do it right. This issue we're dealing with Checkmate trying to get China to give them the vote they need for their U.N. sanction. Amanda Waller has a plan in place to try to force the issue. But, it ends up being Alan's steady hand that gets the job done. But, in doing so, he doesn't play political favorites, and ends up losing his position of power. I don't think he really cares about that, but he likes the check & balance system that his involvement provides. This is a great story, and there's lots of good character development. I liked the first run on this book, but, I don't think it was nearly as well, or thoroughly, thought out as this incarnation appears to be. Hopefully, with all the effort they're putting in to it, this series will be around for a long time to come. After all, somebody has to be around to thwart KOBRA.

Strangers in Paradise #83 & #84 - Abstact Studios

Ok, I got a little behind, so I read theses 2 together. Which is really a good thing, because Terry Moore always leaves you wanting more at the end of his book. So this time I got to move right into the second one, but I still wanted more at the end of it. I can't say enough about this book. Everything about it is fantastic. The story, the characters, the character developement, the various plots, the various plot twists, the different styles that he uses to get his stories across, they are all genius. I got into this book at about the middle of the second series. I always though it was a "chick" book, so I didn't bother. But I had also heard from a lot of people how much they liked it. So I thought, what the heck, and tried it out. I then proceeded to go through a lot of comic bins looking for all the back issues, and haven't stopped bying it since. Now there's only 6 issues left. That sucks!! But, I can't wait to read the stories in between. I'll really miss these characters when they're gone. But, the road to that ending, is still going to be good. Quick recap: Francine finds out her husband, Brad, is having an affair. Tambi, with help from Cherry & Annie, is off to try to save David. She's going to enlist the help of a Neurosurgeon in Germany, and they are going to look for David's sister in Japan. Katchoo and Casey decide that they both love David equally, and that the best thing they could do for him is to have his child. Casey can't, so it's up to Katchoo. So now, for his final days, they're going to be a threesome. Poor David. Brad's brother Griffin is shot and killed on stage while performing. So, even though she doesn't love Brad anymore, Francine has to go with him and Griffin's wife Nikki to the funeral and to spread his ashes. While talking to Nikki, Francine has the epifany that she still loves Katchoo. Suprised? Katchoo pulls all of her money, or her Darcy money, out of her Swiss account and enjoy life with David and Casey. Tambi gets the ball rolling with the German doctor. While Cherry and Annie do indeed find David's sister. And we get to see a glimpse of Griffin as he comes "home". Fantastic!!!! I love this book and I love these characters.

Exiles #84 - Marvel

This is one of my favorite books. Why?? Because they're always willing to shake things up. This issue, they're starting to do it again. After the whole Proteus affair, the Exiles decide that it's time for a little down time. But, the bugs who run the Crystal Palace, feel otherwise. They feel that the fractured universes that are waiting to be mended, are just going to get worse by the Exiles inaction. We get to see a hint of all the members different realities, but ultimately this issue is about the bugs firing the team. They are called into action in Heather's universe, although it seems in the end, that it could've been saved by Alpha Flight without their involvement. But, once they are all together there, the tallus disappears, and the "Jarvis" looking character shows up to let them know they've been dismissed. "Sorry. But you couldn't be relied on. So the bosses decided it's best for everyone to replace you. But they wanted me to let you know, there's no hard feelings. . . . . . thanks for everything gang! Have a nice life!" He blinks out, and they're stranded. Like I said, this book is always shaking things up. Just when you think they're going in one direction, they come along and change everything. I like it.

X-men #189 - Marvel

Mike Carey and Chris Bachalo are doing a good job with this "Supernovas" storyline. What we got is a team of "Metas" who are going around and wreaking havoc. Thier not mutants, but their also not humans. This is part of the mystery. But they know enough about the X-men, that every time they create damage, that's who they blame it on. This time their after Jean-Paul Beaubier. I thought he was dead?? Well you know how that works in the Marvel Universe. Apparently he's being held by SHIELD. He's in the same machine Wolvie was in when they had to reprogram him after the HYDRA thing. The machine, where they run months of scenarios though his head in hours. Anyways, these guys bust in and the one girl interfaces with the machine, to put her own ideas into his head. She then begins to brainwash him. We also get to see Sabretooth, who has turned himself in to the X-men, because he is afraid of this Supernova group. The interaction between him and the X-men is classic. We also get to see a little more of Mystique's new role with the group. Rogue and Hank are talking to the Sentinel/Human hybrid in the medcentre, Miss Shapandar. Along with Regan Wyngarde, who is still unconscious. Finally this outlaw team is getting ready to make an assault on the X-men, and their using Northstar and his sister to do it. Lots of action. Great story. My only complaint is Chris' art. Usually he floors me. This issue I thought was only average. A few of the pages had an Adam Warren feel to them. I know Adam has his own style, but for Chris it felt lazy. That's just my opinion. Overall though, it was a good book.

Amazing Spider-man #534 - Marvel

This book is always good. We get to see Peter's involvment in the whole SHIELD operation, and his take on it. They're moving some detainee's to a permanent facility, but, in order to do so, they have to move right through downtown Manhattan. They're sure there's going to be trouble, which there is. Peter ends up coming face to face with Cap. They fight, athough Peter still has the hugest respect for him, because they're on opposite sides of the fence. His feelings, and their interaction, is great. But the main point of this story, is to let us see that Peter is really starting to question the whole thing, and his "real" role in things. First he's beginning to question Tony. He's starting to think that Tony knows more than he is telling him. He's also beginning to wonder how Tony is getting some of his information. He also feels, "I'm legal. I'm registered. I'm authorized. And as I feel this whole situation starting to unravel all around me . . . . . . . I just hope to God that I'm also right." He's a very somber Spider-man right now, because he has all of this running through his head. I have a feeling he's eventually going to switch sides, and there's going to be hell to pay because of it.

New Avengers #22 - Marvel

Another book that I really like, although it's probably more because of Brian Michael Bendis than anything else. The artwork in this issue, I thought, was subpar. Leinil Yu does the pencils. I'm usually a fan, but, I guess, he's trying something new this issue, and I didn't really care for the results. It's ok, but not at his usual standard. Anyways, this one is mainly about Luke Cage and his wife. It tells how he is drawn into action with Cap. He really justs wants to stay in his own neighborhood, but the world won't let him. So he sends his wife and child off to Canada, and joins up with Cap to create the underground. The interaction between characters is great, and believable. Especially between Luke and his wife. My only complaint it that this books seems to be about 2 months behind the Civil War storyline. I'm not sure if it's meant to be that way, but if you know how the story's going to play out, it's less suspensful. But, any story Brian writes is still good.

Civil War : Front Line #4 - Marvel

This book is a view of the Civil War from a street level. Kinda' neat idea. Stories are well written, but art leaves something to be desired. But overall, a decent book. This one starts out with 2 reporters and their different takes on how to get the story. Sally Floyd is ready to jump right in with the underground movement, and report on what their doing, how their coping, what their planning, etc. Ben Urich, wants a story too, but he prefers to stay at arms length. He may not get the choice though. Sally goes to the secret meeting place. But, that means shes there when the "Cape-Killers" come crash in to round up all the insurgents. She gets away, but now she's on the run too. Ben on the other hand, trys to play it safe, but through some notes and cryptic messages ends up in an alley face to face with Hobgoblin, who's very mad at him for things he wrote about him. Next we have the continuing story of Robbie, aka Speedball, who is in prison for not registering. He's been goaded into a boxing match with Toomey, who's been doing all the goading. Everything actually is going well, until someone reaches in from the side and shanks his leg. But through this act, some of Speedball's powers manifest. It doesn't last long, and it creates some damage, but it's still there. He then has a little heart to heart with his mother. "Sleeper Cell" is about what appears to be an old man who blew up his corner store for no apparent reason. We, on the other hand, know that it was an agent of Atlantic that had been hiding. We haven't found out yet why he "woke", or what his plans are, but we are getting some more pieces of the puzzle. Finally the last couple of pages compare the "Civil War" to the Vietnam War, or any war really, to show the injustices that are being done to people in the name of the Govt. , kind of preachy, but ok. I wasn't sure about this book at first, but I like that it's giving us a different view of the Marvel Universe. It's still the same place, but like I said, you're seeing it from the street level.