New Comic Day - 6.8.2011

I can't even tell you how behind on bagging and filing I am...maybe 4 months. It's embarrassing.

Here we go.

Batman & Robin #24 $2.99

Written by JUDD WINICK
Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

The Red Hood is out! But the bigger mystery is who broke him out of prison – and why? His liberators seem to have plans for him. Plans that Jason wants no part of. It's a street brawl, and unlikely allies come together! Batman, Robin and The Red Hood must fight alongside one another in a knockdown, drag-out battle, taking on the people who sprung Jason Todd. 

It's Batman and Robin....It's Jud Winick! Personally, I'd like him to write a series about the JLA living in a beach house together and "getting real."

I kid, I kid. Winick is horribly uneven, but I've usually liked his Batman stuff.

Booster Gold #45 $2.99

Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND

Booster knows that the Flashpoint world isn't his own. But how does he get back? How does he make things right?

I'm a Dan Jurgens fan, but I am REALLY missing Giffen and DeMatteis on this title. I'm picking this up because I was reading it before, not because of Flashpoint. Of course, now that we all know what the end result of Flashpoint will be, I'm really just itching to get it all over with.

Red Robin #24 $2.99

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and cover by MARCUS TO
and RAY MCCARTHY

To survive the Assassination Tournament, Red Robin must survive an attack from Scarab's Covenant of Ka, make it to Russia in time to rescue a critically injured oligarch, track the mercenary Promise and come to an unexpected confrontation with the mysterious sister of Ra's al Ghul! 

I have really become a fan of this book, and it's odd that the cover for the new, revamped Teen Titans book hit today, with the new look for Red Robin. I do like the new look, but I'm also sad that it SEEMS like this title, and Tim Drake's solo adventures will be ending in August. That's a damn shame, because Nicieza has really done some fantastic work with this character.

The Stand: No Man's Land #5 $3.99

Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by Mike Perkins

After the horrific fruition of Harold and Nadine's plans last issue, everything in the Free Zone hangs in the balance. Newly returned from the wilderness, Mother Abagail clings to life, just barely, prompting city-wide fear and unrest. Meanwhile, the surviving members of the Committee keep vigil by her bedside, unprepared for her latest revelation: That the time has come for the forces of good to make a stand against Flagg's armies of darkness in the west... The stage is set, True Believers, the die is cast, and it's time to choose sides, as this shattering arc concludes!

My comments on this series are always the same...it's a very good adaptation of the novel. You like the novel? You'll likely like this series of mini-series.We are getting pretty close to wrapping this up, which my wallet is thankful for.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #159 $3.99

Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art & Cover by Mark Bagley
Variant Cover by Frank Cho

Spider-Man has been horribly wounded and hangs to life by the thinnest of threads. And when the Sinister Six come for the young hero in his hometown, Spider-Man will truly be in for the fight of his life! Prepare for a rumble in Queens like you’ve never seen before. Prepare for the end!

Ok, I don't think they're going to kill Peter, but I think they'll make the world think he's dead. It's just fantastic to have Bagley back, even for just a few issues. This is certainly the most consistently good series Marvel has, and maybe for both of the big two (although Jonah Hex is REAL close...)

New Comic Day 4.13.2011

I'm truly hoping things'll get back to normal soon. With the show open, perhaps a bit more free time.

(I actually went OUTSIDE for lunch today! I wasn't hold up in a corner of the office somewhere going over lines)

There will be very little commentary today, mainly because, with a lot of these titles, I haven't been able to read the last issue. Yes, the "need to read" stack is pretty damn huge, at this point. So, before Chad starts whining about no comments....I'll ask you to indulge me for one more week.

Batman and Robin #22 $2.99

Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by PATRICK GLEASON & MICK GRAY
Cover by PATRICK GLEASON
1:10 Variant cover by GENE HA

"Dark Knight, White Knight," part three of three! As The White Knight makes his final, bright stand against the darkness and corruption of Gotham City, Batman and Robin find themselves trapped in a war of good and evil . . . but no matter who wins, the Dark Knight's city will surely suffer!

 I can't even remember what's happening in this book, anymore.

Booster Gold #43 $2.99

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art and cover by CHRIS BATISTA and RICH PERROTTA

Coming to grips with all he's seen and done, Booster Gold makes the biggest decision of all times – do it for the glory . . . or just do it. Is this the start of a new Booster?

Ahhh...Booster.





The Flash #10 (Flashpoint) $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
1:10 Variant cover by SCOTT KOLINS

The prelude to next summer's FLASHPOINT event continues! The new speedster known as Hot Pursuit has arrived on his Cosmic Motorcycle, but what terrible warning has he brought with him? The FLASHPOINT is closing in, and it looks like no one will be safe!

Here's a way to see how far behind this book is. It's sporting the "unified" cover that was on the whole DC line, what? Two months ago?

I can't wait until the one shows up on The Dark Knight, sometime next year.

You're right. I'm ignoring the whole "Flashpoint" business...because it makes my ass ache.

Red Robin #22 $2.99

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

In the first part of a 3-part crossover with GOTHAM CITY SIRENS and BATMAN this month, Gotham City faces final judgment as the Angels of Death seek to spare the city by finding one person who is without sin. After putting Red Robin through physical and emotional trials, have they found the city's salvation? What is the one thing they learn about Tim Drake that might change their minds? Guest-starring Catwoman and Batman! 

Great. A Gotham City Sirens crossover...Way to remind me why I dropped that book.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #157 $3.99

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller: Mark Bagley

It is the shot heard around the world. Witness the issue comic fans be talking about all year. leave your cynicism at the door... this is the real deal. TheDeath of Spider-Man. Bendis and Bagley reunite for this historic Spider-Man event a decade in the making. 

You can certainly tell Bagley's back. This title's coming out every 2 weeks, again.

New Comic Day 3.9.2011 (Day Late and a Dollar Short Edition)

My apologies to all of your beautiful people that follow this blog. It's been a hell of a week, and I'm struggling with exhaustion, some stress, and looming "off book" deadline for The Copperhead.

Batman and Robin #21 $2.99

Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by PATRICK GLEASON & MICK GRAY
Cover by PATRICK GLEASON
1:10 Variant by GENE HA

The new regular creative team of writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason continue their run with "Dark Knight, White Knight" part 2 of 3!

Batman and Robin find themselves in the middle of a deadly crusade as "angels" continue falling from the skies! The White Knight is shining his heavenly light into the dark corners of Gotham City in his quest to vanquish the shadows of the soul…

So, I'm sitting here trying to remember what happened in the last issue, and drawing a complete blank.

Not a good sign.

Batman: Incorporated #3 $2.99

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHAEL LACOMBE
Cover by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
1:25 Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

Batman and Catwoman travel to South America to reunite with Gaucho, Argentina's Batman Incorporated representative. But their trip may be cut short when an unexpected adversary sends things spiraling downward!

Waitaminute...weren't Bruce and Selina in Japan?

This is a book that should NOT work for me. I've never been a fan of the globe-trotting, psudo-James Bond version of Batman. Ra's Al Guhl notwithstanding, it's just a way of using the character that doesn't spark for me, plus this whole "Batman: Incorporated" idea still sticks.

So why did I enjoy the first two issues so much?

Taking another angle on this, let's give Morrison and Paquette a hand for going TWO WHOLE ISSUES before they feel behind by over a month. Way to go, guys! **rolls eyes**

Booster Gold #42 $2.99

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art and cover by CHRIS BATISTA & RICH PERROTTA

He's managed to avoid paying the price for a loooooong time… but now a newly responsible Booster Gold is ready to step up and serve the time for a crime he committed in his misspent youth! A crime that pretty much created Booster to begin with!

I have this sneaking suspicion that this story will be the gold standard for the Giffen/DeMatteis run on this title. It's a great concept, and I have full confidence they'll do something fun with it.

It's funny. That word, "fun." I read a lot of comics because I am involved with the story, the whole soap opera intertwined universe bullshit. And a lot because they're just flat-out cool, like Jonah Hex.  The sad thing that just hit me is how few I read because they're just fun to read. I could probably count 'em on one hand.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #155 $3.99

THE END STARTS HERE! The Death of Spider-Man prologue!! THE most talked about story of the year begins!! Peter Parker has gathered his most eclectic group of friends and family in the world. In this very special issue we will discover some shocking secrets that will either pull them closer together or push them apart forever. Welcome to Spider-Man stories you have never read before. Welcome to the beginning of the end of what you know to be Ultimate Spider-Man. And welcome fan-favorite Chris Samnee as he makes his Ultimate Universe debut! 

Did I say "fun?" 

Yeah Ultimate Spidey falls squarely in that category, as well. Bendis never fails to deliver. But when is Bagley returning?!?!

Reading and Writing 2.27.2011

Well, I finally got a chance to sit down and read the last two weeks worth of my pull list....So, from Feb. 16th, 2011 and Feb 23rd, 2011....

2.16.2011

Batman #707

Another solid Batman tale from Tony Daniel. The guy's not the greatest writer in the world, but he certainly know how to keep a story moving. Frankly, he also surprised me. I was certain that Peacock would be a Batman: Incorporated agent by the end of this tale.

Which brings me to another thought. If you weren't reading Batman: Inc. (which has streeted two issues in...4 months?) or The Dark Knight (which published issue #1 to great fanfare, and then fell off the face of the Earth), would you even know Bruce Wayne was alive again? Even "Batman: Incorporated," as a concept, what, exactly, is the deal. It's a plot element that I, personally, find dumb, but I'm willing to have my mind changed. The fact that it, and Bruce's return, seem to have almost no effect on Dick, Tim and Damien (other than a family gathering to watch The Mark of Zorro, apparently) is really annoying.

This is admittedly all sideline thoughts to what is a pretty decent issue. The Asian mysticism was handled pretty well, and Sensei made a fine villain. I'm also a fan of Tony Daniel's art, so that helps.

Booster Gold #41

Being a relative newcomer to the world of Booster Gold, and having dropped this series for a while between the ext of Geoff Johns and the entry of Giffen and DeMatteis, I have to admit the final splash page meant absolutely bubkis to me.

That said, this was another solid story, with the creative team tackling the fact that Booster, as a hero, exists solely because he stole all of his equipment in the far future. No ifs, ands, or buts, Booster Gold is a thief, and I'm glad that's being addressed. This series is ripe for it, too, with the whole point to move Booster toward becoming a better human being.

The continuing General Glory thread, with Booster fighting out-of-time Nazis also tickles me. It's old-school comic books in the absolute best sense. Really enjoy this book.

Brightest Day #20

Six issues to go.

Tiny plot development that SEEMS to move the story forward, but doesn't really, securing last issues that will try to wrap everything up all at once and just end up being confusing? Check.

Ignoring plot thread for weeks on end, until I can barely remember what's going on in them? Check.

Six issues to go.


Green Lantern #62

Oh, great. Here we go with another crossover, or is it still part of Brightest Day?

Or, wait, is War of the Green Lanterns part of Flashpoint? Why are the events in Brightest Day seemingly completely disconnected from what's happening in this book? The book that supposedly spawned said crossover? Why doesn't this book seem to resolve anything?

I mean, why does this suspiciously feel like, "well, Brightest Day wasn't the kicker we expected, what else you got, Geoff?"

"War of the Green Lanterns?"

"Go with that."

Justice League of America #54

I find it a bit of a cruel irony that as Dwayne McDuffie, may he rest in peace, passed on, the title that he was the last good writer on, and was fired from for admitting that editorial made the job more difficult than it needed to be, is going with him.

What the hell happened in this issue? Sure, sure it's a variation on the old war-horse, the recruitment issue. There was a moment, on page 17, when they went to pick up the Shadow Theif, where the whole house of cards fell for me. I couldn't even follow the book all of a sudden. That may be my fault, maybe my brain just shut down to avoid further pain...

I need to drop this book. Bagley's gone, there's no reason to hang on.

The Spirit #11

There's always a danger in bringing honest-to-God, real-word problems into a fantasy world. It's hard to seriously talk about, say Nuclear poliferation, in a world with a Superman. The Spirit, however, doesn't have this problem. From the strips inception with Will Eisner, it's always been more about people, and the city, than simple cheap thrills. Eisner loved the people of New York, and that's who he told stories about.

So, this new Spirit adventure, tied to the underworld of human trafficing, feel right. The writing and art have been uniformly solid since issue one, and this title, sales notwithstanding, is one of DC's jewels again.

2.23.2011

Detective Comics #847

A really, really solid Commissioner Gordon-centered issue. I don't know if any of these issues with James Gordon, Jr. were established before this story, or if they're a retcon. Doesn't matter, what a great idea, and super well executed, too. From the great script by Scott Snyder to the Mazuchelli-style artwork by Francesco Francavilla, this all feels well done and well packaged. This is the right talent for this story. I cannot wait to see where this goes.

Well done, guys.

It's also one of the best Batman covers in a good, long while. Excellent stuff all around.

Captain America #615

Well, that was....

Pretty much what I expected to happen. We can't sully a character like Captain America, even a replacement Captain America, but the character also demands that he take responsibility for his own actions. I've said it time and time again, I really do like how Brubaker and Guice are telling this tale, but, much like what's going on with the Batman titles, once the real deal is back on the scene, you kinda get antsy for the inevitable to just happen. I mean, does anybody think Steve Rogers won't be Captain America again? Does anybody thing Bruce Wayne won't be the sole Batman again? The answer is no.

I also am no fan of Sin as the new Red Skull. Maybe that's just me.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #154

The way Bendis used to be on Powers, where every issue felt handed down from on high, with his talent perfectly matched to the material? That's Ultimate Spider-Man, now. I mean, I didn't feel like anything overly relavatory happened, and the conversation with Mary Jane in the last pages seemed a bit silly coming out of the mouth of a kid who's seen the entirety of Manhattan island flooded. That said, it's good stuff, and I love the developing relationship between Peter Parker and Tony Stark.

This is just a great book, and it's been a great book for so long. I suspect it'll continue to be a great book until Bendis leaves it.

Which almost, but doesn't quite, make up for the $3.99 price tag.

New Comic Day 2.16.2011

Have I said I really appreciate DC "drawing the line at $2.99?"

Thanks, guys. 

Batman #707 $2.99

Written by TONY DANIEL
Art and Cover by TONY DANIEL

Batman uncovers the secrets of Gotham City's founding fathers and the secrets hidden within the city's foundation. In a captivating turn of events, The Dark Knight finds that he alone holds the key to stopping the cataclysmic events that loom over Gotham. Don't miss this stunning finale guest-starring I-Ching and Peacock, a spectacular new heroine from the Far East! 

Oh, Peacock has "Batman: Incorporated" written all over her.

"Secrets of Gotham City's founding fathers?" You know what that means...Wayne family dirty laundry!

Booster Gold #41 $2.99

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art and Cover by CHRIS BATISTA & RICH PERROTTA

A new threat from another time attacks Booster again – for the first time! Unfortunately, this threat catches Booster in Rip Hunter's lab, and the bunker takes enough of a beating to put everybody out of time-traveling commission for a long while!

I like that the time travel gag is actually getting turned around on Booster and Rip Hunter. It's nice to see that they're not the only ones messing around in the time stream.

Although, I swear to God, if it's the return of that time-traveling Blue Beetle ("again - for the first time!"), I will be seriously disappointed. we just got over the Ted Kord thing, let it rest for a while.

Brightest Day #20 $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON,
ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
1:10 Variant Covers by IVAN REIS

The BRIGHTEST DAYS are numbered as this best-selling series heads toward its shocking conclusion, and fans won't want to miss a single page of the action! "Aquawar" breaks out with Aquaman, Mera, Aqualad and a surprise guest star facing off against the terrorist forces of Black Manta and Siren to keep the vast waters of the world from sinking the United States! 

"The BRIGHTEST DAYS are numbered..."

You might think that by issue #20 of a 26-issue mini-series, I'd have some cohesive idea of what, y'know, the point of it all is.

...You might think that.

A shocking conclusion really ain't gonna be to hard, because you've given us no reason or way to understand what's gonna happen.

Green Lantern #62 (Brightest Day) $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE & CHRISTIAN ALAMY
1:10 Variant cover by GENE HA

Starting with this issue, 2011 becomes the year of Green Lantern, and we're kicking it off with the shocking conclusion to "New Guardians"! Hal Jordan and Sinestro must make a great sacrifice in an attempt to protect the entities. But the future of Hal Jordan and the Corps falls into doubt when they're betrayed by one of their own! The drums are beating, the tensions are rising and the upcoming WAR OF THE GREEN LANTERNS is set to ignite!

Oh, joy...another Green Lantern crossover.

I shouldn't be so negative, they've had a pretty good record so far. Only Brightest Day has really been a flop.

Justice League of America #54 $2.99

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by BRETT BOOTH & NORM RAPMUND
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
1:10 Variant Cover by DAVID MACK

"The Rise of Eclipso" begins here as the dark energies that have surrounded Earth are harnessed once more to usher in the great Lord of Darkness! And it looks like the corruption of all mankind starts with the members of the Justice League! When things go dark, which teammate poses the greatest threat to mankind – Obsidian or Jade?

 So, our new, Teen Titans-esque JLA is gonna take on Eclipso, and sibling heroes Jade and Obsidian represent some sort of threat....

Wait, hasn't that last bit been in every  JLA story Robinson's generated for this title?

The Spirit #11 $2.99

Written by DAVID HINE
Art by MORITAT
Cover by LADRÖNN

Has the Octopus gone soft? New York godfather Shonder Zeev thinks so, and he intends to cut in on Central City's action and dismantle the truce the Octopus has with Commissioner Dolan - by sending an unlikely assassin to end Dolan himself!

This series is rapidly getting to that "Jonah Hex point" with me. Yeah, some issues have been better than others, but there's never been a stinker.

New Comic Day 1.12.2011

Man, the last few weeks have been pretty light...Which leaves me terrified that the hammer is going to drop soon, and I'll have some God-awful huge week, with a dozen, or more, titles. I'll be swamped under in the cost of it, run out of money, fail to pay my rent , and CByrd and I will end up on the street. Where she'll murder me to crawl inside my corpse, for warmth, like a Tauntaun.

AND I'll deserve it....

Batman and Robin #19 $2.99

Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Scott McDaniel and Rob Hunter
Cover by Patrick Gleason
1:10 Variant cover by Gene Ha

Batman and Robin have found The Absence, but a deathtrap awaits them. How do you prove a negative? How do you escape nothing? When there's nothing at the center of a life, madness can stick its claws in!

The book's holding up well with out Grant Morrison, at least so far. The whole multiple Batman/Batman Inc. stuff still rankles me, but, yeah, I have to admit the Dick Grayson/Batman & Damian Wayne/Robin team is a heck of a combo. It's just fun to watch them bounce off each other, with Robin being the darker of the two, for once.

I'll hand it to Morrison, this was a smart, non-continuity-busting way to bring back a Silver Age-like, more light-hearted Batman. We all know how Morrison loves him some Silver Age weirdness. I just can't help wondering what's going to happen when they FINALLY take Morrison off the Batman books. Will Damian remain? I can't see Bruce putting up with his crap for half a second, yet, on the other hand, I get the impression Damian would be much more deferential to Bruce...Er, Daddy...


Booster Gold #40 $2.99

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art and cover by CHRIS BATISTA
& RICH PERROTTA

Coming to grips with reality at last, Booster Gold steps up his game and finally accepts the fact that his best friend, Blue Beetle Ted Kord, is dead. This is bad news for the villain who shows up this month because they're about to face an angry Booster Gold…

And so, we move on. As I mentioned with the last issue, really happy to see the Ted Kord thing take a back-burner. I'm interested to see what Giffen and DeMatteis will do with a Booster released from that obsession. It'll be nice if we can get back to a more mission-oriented book, let's see Booster defending the time-stream of the DC Universe, again. That's supposed to be his job, and what makes this book unique.

Oh, I know they'll get back to Ted. I'm not naive enough to think he'll stay dead. thing is, by backing off a bit, it's gonna have more impact.


Red Robin #19 $2.99

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

When Red Robin and his friends are trapped in the unknown world of the Unternet by the Calculator's fail-safe program, it's Batman and Robin to the rescue – but which Batman and Robin is it? If the Unternet is a telepathic communications gestalt where the villains' dreams come true, can Red Robin become its waking nightmare?

Wow, that solicitation synopsis is far more "out there" than this series usually is. Excellent! What's nice about having Tim Drake no longer have to be "Robin," but a new persona that isn't trapped under a million marketing deals, is the ability to really play around with it. Also, with Tim being a computer whiz, the plot fits well with his skill set.

Frankly, I just love this book. That was unexpected, and it didn't start off as strong as it ended up being. This should sever as notice to DC. Let things build with time, and find their footing. This books has evolved into one of the most consistent in your line. It sad to know that, without the Batman tie-in, it would've never gotten the chance.

Side Editorial Comment:
I am loving the special covers this month. The "iconic" poses, and the white backgrounds, really let the characters "pop." Now, of course, you wouldn't want to do this all the time, but it does give a sense of how the covers should feature the stars of the book prominently. I mean, we all buy a Comic Shops now, not on the newsstand, but...it's still a wall of books, and this month it's been easy to zero in on my characters and it's stood out form the competition.

New Comic Day 12.8.2010

Another relatively light week.

It's kind of amazing how quickly you can get behind on storing your books. In general, I tend to make a pile, and let it grow until I'm "ready" to pull out the short boxes, and put the stuff away. Well, apparently, when I put away my pile last week, I'd let things go on for about five months. I couldn't believe it, almost a half a year of books.

Of course, it also pointed out how badly off the schedule some books are. I had five issues of things like Green Lantern and Ultimate Spider-Man, only three issues of The Flash, and, the worst offender, one measly issue of The Brave and the Bold. It's just kind of amazing how far these things can go.

I'd LOVE for one of the big two to just come out and say, "a year with no late issues, no matter what!" That would mean more to me than a big crossover. Keep fill-in artists in place to take up the slack, have fill-in issues ready to go if the scripting gets behind. I mean, put the pressure on the creators to understand what a deadline is. DC looked like they were heading that way a couple of years ago, but they didn't have the balls to pull it off.

Never happen, though. The power wielded by the "hot" creators is too much, sadly.

Anyway, here we go.

Booster Gold #39 $2.99

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art and cover by CHRIS BATISTA
& RICH PERROTTA

Forced to face the reality that his best friend Ted Kord is never coming back from the dead, Booster Gold withdraws from reality by running home to his original time and place. Unfortunately, once home, he's arrested for the theft of the Time Sphere that allowed him to become Booster Gold in the first place!

I have to say, reading this solicit makes me happy.

I love Ted Kord as much as the next guy, and the Blue & Gold team is something I loved dearly. Thing is, DC's been pretty solid that Ted is DEAD, with a legacy replacement and the whole shebang. I also think this book has done great, even terrific, work with Booster's grief over loosing Blue Beetle. All that said, I think it's time to move on. I don't want this series to be about Booster visiting Ted Kord in different eras, over and over again.

The concept behind this series, with Booster Gold being the guardian of the DC Universe time stream, give you so many places to play. So many story options, so many possible adventures, and it kinda feels like they keep going back to the Ted Kord thing over and over again. It's certainly a storyline I'd like to see revisited in the future, but...I think it's time to let it lie for a while.

The Flash #7 $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by SCOTT KOLINS
Cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
1:10 "DC 75th Anniversary" Variant cover
by DARWYN COOKE

The Rogue Profile issues return as BRIGHTEST DAY zips on with a spotlight turned toward the resurrected Captain Boomerang! He knows why he's back and what he needs to do. But does he still have what it takes to be a Rogue?

Manapul gets six stuttering, stop-and-start, issues out, and is rewarded with a month free. I can point specifically at him because Geoff Johns has proven to be someone that can get a series out monthly. Green Lantern is never late, so...we're looking at you, Francis.

Sad part is, I really do wish Kolins was just the artist on this book, or Mark Bagley. When Bagley was wrapping up on Trinity, they were talking about where he could go next, and I SWORE it was going to be The Flash. His clean, lean style is perfect for a runner's physique, plus the sort of dynamic, agile stuff he did with Spider-Man would lend itself to this title, as well.

Not to mention...IT WOULD'VE BEEN ON TIME!! Which, as I've discussed before, might've made this return of Barry Allen fly. It's been so hampered with delays and missed issues. As it is we get Bagley's top-notch art on a sub-par Justice League of America title (yeah, the last couple of issues have shown a pulse, here's hoping!), and the well-written Flash book feels...slow. Which is so wrong, on so many levels.

Red Robin #18 $2.99

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and cover by MARCUS TO
& RAY MCCARTHY

To infiltrate the computer systems of a Russian industrialist tied to the mysterious Unternet, Red Robin must stop a vengeance-driven vigilante named Promise from killing the oligarch while making sure his former ally Red Star doesn't stop him!
If you'd have told me a year, or even six months ago, that Red Robin would be my favorite, and the most consistently good Batman-related book on the shelves, I'd have told you that you were high. It didn't really snap out of the gate, but the arrival of Fabian Nicieza really gave the title shape, and a dramatic thrust.

Yeah, I'd have to say that, month in, month out, I enjoy reading it more than Batman and Robin, and that has been a great book, too. I just think this title, out of everything going on, swirling around the Bat-titles, feels like a classic Batman-related book. In all the best ways. Tim Drake has grown into a really solid lead, although that really shouldn't be a surprise, as he carried the Robin title for years. He just needed good writers to make it fly. He has one now, and it's become a steady, solid read. 

**MAYBE PILE**

Detective Comics Annual #12 $4.99

Written by DAVID HINE
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA
Cover by STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU

What starts as a Batman, Inc. recruitment trip soon turns into an international incident as The Dark Knight encounters a string of bizarre murders in Paris, France. Featuring both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as Batman, this extra-sized spectacular guest-stars The Question and spotlights the debut of a new Bat-ally!

In part 1, Bruce, Dick and Renee Montoya are presented with a series of cryptic clues, which lead them to the underground catacombs of Paris — and the most unexpected of assassins! Continued in this month's BATMAN ANNUAL #28!

Ah, Annuals.  I remember when annuals were places to let new talents play around with established characters, without having to tie in, directly, to the ongoing story of the main title. As I look at all the Batman, Inc. references here, I see that this isn't going to be the case. OOH! Continued in the Batman Annual, as well!!

I know that's pretty snarky. I know it is. Still, I'm going to flip through the issue, and make a call based on art and the bits I read. Five dollars is just too damn much to pay for something that isn't much good, and ties in intimately with a storyline I'm not overly excited about.

Although...Featuring The Question always helps.

New Comic Day: 11.10.2010

Well, due to out-of-town travel, and prep for such, I still haven't picked up last weeks books, but here;s what's been added to the pile:

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #6 (of 6) $3.99

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by LEE GARBETT & WALDEN WONG
Cover by ANDY KUBERT
1:25 Variant cover by LEE GARBETT

Grant Morrison and BATGIRL artist Lee Garbett deliver the final chapter of this time-spanning epic! With Bruce Wayne just steps away from returning to present day Gotham City, the timestream might have a few more surprises in store for The Dark Knight! Do not miss this issue, as it paves the way for the shocking future era of Batman!




 So, here we are. Morrison wraps this up, and we head toward Batman, Inc., even if that all seemed (according to the solicit) to happen in last week's Batman and Robin #16.

I dunno, I'm just so stuck on this idea that Batman, Inc. is just plain stupid. I could be wrong, I'll admit that, but it's such a drastic switch from the Batman, the Bruce Wayne, we've followed for at least the last 30 years. I can see working a switch in the OCD, "I'm always right, and you're all stupid" Batman we've had for about the last decade (Which Morrison kinda jump-started in his JLA run). Still, it's a huge leap from the loner with a tight-knit team to "hey, you wanna fight crime? He's a Wayne Foundation grant!" Not to mention the oddness of having Bruce Wayne so intimately involved in the enterprise.

I dunno, I just think the whole things sounds...dumb.

Booster Gold #38

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by CHRIS BATISTA & RICH PERROTTA
Cover by CHRIS BATISTA

What do Booster Gold and World War II have in common? Not a lot. What do Maxwell Lord and World War II have in common? Quite a bit, actually. Join Booster, Skeets and (Heaven, help us) General Glory as they take on Nazis, mad scientists and whatever else we can throw in. Oh yeah, and Booster is forced to make a choice that could alter the DCU forever…





 Fun, fun, fun. The return of General Glory? Sign me up!

One of the joys of this book, and I'm sure I've mentioned this, is that Giffen and DeMatteis have acknowledged that changes that Booster has gone through in the past few years. He's matured, and become responsible. The take they seem to have is that he sorta wants to be the goofball again, and part of his longing for Ted (Blue Beetle II) Kord, is that he represents a time in his life when friendship and misadventures was the order of the day. Now, as the guardian of the DCU timestream, there's too much riding on him to let himself go. It reminds me of the best of the Wally West Flash era, where the character's impulses were far less noble than they ought to be, and it was the feeling of responsibility that kept them on the straight and narrow.

That's real, that's a human impulse we all understand, and I love it.

Red Robin #17

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and cover by MARCUS TO
& RAY MCCARTHY

How does the return of Bruce Wayne and the beginning of Batman, Inc. work into Red Robin's plan to initiate an international stranglehold on crime? If Batman approves of everything Red Robin has set in motion, what will he do when his protégé decides to release the gang-leader-and-maybe-undercover-cop Lynx from prison? And guess which surprise guest star you'll see when Red Robin takes a quick trip to Hong Kong!




 Huh. It seems like quite a long time since I've gotten an issue of this book. The one thing that is interesting to be about where Batman, Inc. is going is what Tim Drake's ultimate role will be. He can't go back to being Robin, Damian Wayne's pretty firmly set in there, now. Dick Grayson looks to be the "Gotham City Batman" (which is so wrong to me, so, so wrong). and Bruce is apparently winging around the world recruiting international Batmen (again, using that word, so, so wrong...and yes, I know it was set up in the Silver Age, OK? I get it.), where does that leave Tim? Apparently in Hong Kong.

I like where Nieciza had positioned Tim, as the proactive member of the Bat-family (which doesn't bother me at all, funny enough), with his list of targets and plans to take 'em out. It was a solid way to establish how Tim would be different than the rest of the family, and felt connected to who the character was, way back even to his introduction, and his "plan" to help Bruce way back then.

I hope we don't lose that, or find the series mired in Morrison's Bat-concept.

Ant-Man and Wasp #1 (of 3) $3.99 [but the Marvel site says $2.99]

COVER BY: SALVADOR ESPIN
WRITER: Tim Seeley
PENCILS: Tim Seeley

Two of Marvel's smallest heroes must join forces and get over one BIG elephant-in-the-room! Eric O'Grady once STOLE the Ant-Man suit from Hank Pym. But now, Eric is the only one who knows about a secret AIM plot to steal Pym's greatest invention! Can the two men get along long enough to save the soul of the former GOLIATH, Bill Foster? Tim Seeley, creator of Hack/Slash brings us the big story of the two smallest Avengers! And make sure you check out this adventure before the astonishing events of AVENGERS ACADEMY #7 next month!




 Now, this is a personal one. I'm an acquaintance with Tim Seely (I feel "friend" would be pushing it), and I've been a fan of his work. Hack/Slash is something that I've followed in trades.

I should really have a blog about series I follow in trades, as I'm just as much in love with those books, but find them easier to just get on a 6-month, or whatever, cycle. this either because I got on board late, or just because I think the story flows better that way.

One thing is, I'm not really a "horror" guy. It's a great testament to Tim that he's taken a book firmly set in the tropes of the "slasher" genre, which is really my least favorite type of horror, and made it sing with the two lead characters. So, if he can grab me in a genre I don't much care for, I'm looking forward to what he can do in the superhero vein that is my bread and butter.

New Comic Day 10.13.2010

And a-way we go...

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #5 (of 6)

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by RYAN SOOK
Cover by ANDY KUBERT
1:25 variant cover by RYAN SOOK

Grant Morrison is joined by all-star artist Ryan Sook in the penultimate issue of THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE! In this story, Bruce Wayne finds himself in the hard-boiled streets of Gotham City's past. Will his adventure as a private investigator help him take one step closer to the present day?

I still am no fan of Morrison's handling of the Batman titles, in a macro sense. His way of dealing with Bruce Wayne, as a character, for me, left much to be desired. That said, I'm actually finding this mini-series to be the best work Morrison has done with Bruce. Yeah, it's a little high-concept for what I want in a Batman story, but I firmly recognize Bruce Wayne in what Morrison is doing. I couldn't say that, consistently, about Morrison's writing since waaay back when he re-launched the "Big 7" version of JLA.

Oh, I still think Batman mopping the floor with the White Martians, after they'd smashed every other member of the team, in the first arc of that series, was one of the greatest Batman moments of all time. That was the Batman I'd expected when Morrison took over the line, maybe a little more sci-fi that we'd been getting, but still about the smartest man in the world. A man always at least 1 step ahead of everyone else in the room. It hasn't felt that way (except MAYBE for Batman's confrontation with Darkseid at the end of Final Crisis) for me until this mini-series.

Booster Gold #37
Written by KEITH GIFFEN
and J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by CHRIS BATISTA
and RICH PERROTTA
Cover by DAN JURGENS
AND JERRY ORDWAY

Continually leaping from yesterday to today, Booster Gold finds himself conflicted between reliving happier times with Ted Kord and chasing Max Lord in the present. Is it getting to be too much for our time-spanning hero? Will he pull it together in time to help his friends in the JLI? Or will he spend all of his copious free time rescuing super-models from near-death explosions? Well, this IS Booster Gold, after all…

This is a top-notch series, now that Giffen and DeMatteis have brought their Justice League International-style irreverence to bear. The book is very, very funny, but without losing the dramatic urgency and thrust. It's a really fine line to walk, but one these two guys just seem to do effortlessly, and revel in. I actually greatly enjoyed this new Booster Gold series when it first appeared, with Geoff Johns pulling the strings. He set Booster up as a sort of "temporal cop" for the DC Universe, working with "Time Master" Rick Hunter. Eventually, I dropped it because I felt like it had lost it's identity.

What's nice about Giffen and DeMatteis coming on board is that the series now feels like something different, not just another superhero book with a gimmick. The gimmick being time travel, and playing around in past DCU events. I feel like G&D understand who Booster was, and how events have made him more responsible and trustworthy, and they can successfully merge those two elements into a consistently entertaining whole.

Green Lantern #58

 Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and Cover by DOUG MAHNKE
& CHRISTIAN ALAMY
1:10 Variant cover by ALEX GARNER

BRIGHTEST DAY continues as Adara, the Hope Entity, finds a host in a young girl who may be destined to be a great savior. Can this young student hope to contain such a powerful force – and what will drive Hal Jordan on a spiritual journey unlike any he's ever taken?

OK, so...

I'm kinda over Brightest Day. It's not so much that it's bad, it's just...well, it feels like it's getting drawn out far beyond where it needs to. Blackest Night felt like it was here and gone, it didn't overstay it's welcome, and, frankly, the Brightest Day storyline seems far slighter. Yet, I am a Green Lantern fan. I'm curious about how this will all turn out. What is truly annoying is that this book, in particular, has gone from being fairly self-contained, while definitely connected to other titles, to a book that feels like I'm missing at least half the story.

And that annoys me.

Please, Didio, Lee, Johns...whoever, give the crossovers a rest. If you wait 2-3 years for the next one, it'll feel huge and important. This rapid string of "EVENTS!!!" has only served to make brutally apparent that nothing really changes.  

Jonah Hex #60

Written by JUSTIN GRAY
and JIMMY PALMIOTT
Art and cover by BRIAN STELFREEZE

Can Jonah Hex help it if he's good at poker? No, of course not. But some people are sore losers – and sometimes those sore losers have some very rough and violent older brothers who are willing to fight for their little brother's "honor."

Unless you;

A) Have just started reading the blog.

B) Have comprehension issues.

C) are just obtuse.

You ought to know damn well how I feel about Gray and Palmiotti's Jonah Hex.

It's GREAT, go buy it.

New Comic Day 9.9.2010

So, technically books don't come out until tomorrow, Thursday, but this is my Wednesday series, so deal..

All DC books this week, and all at the $2.99 price point. It's weeks like this when I realize how much the $3.99 books do impact my wallet on a weekly basis.

Batman #703

Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art and Cover by TONY DANIEL
1:10 "DC 75th Anniversary"
Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN

Celebrating the "Return of Bruce Wayne"! Those closest to The Dark Knight look back on the legacy he has created. Featuring appearances by Alfred, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Selina Kyle and more!

Well, Bruce is back, but not...quite...yet. I'm not even sure how I actually feel about it, because the books were pretty solid with Dick Grayson under the cowl, and Bruce Wayne being back just brings us one step closer to that God-awful Batman, Inc.

Batman and Robin #14

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by FRAZER IRVING
Cover by FRANK QUITELY
1:25 variant cover by FRAZER IRVING

In "Batman Must Die!" part 2 of 3, one of our heroes lies near death! Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne enter the ultimate, blood-soaked battle against two foes who almost destroyed the original Batman. Are the new Dynamic Duo up to this final confrontation with absolute evil? If they can't truly bond as a team, they're dead!

Speaking of how well things were going with Dick...here's what's, honestly, his flagship title. I just don't get how Morrison can make this work so well, and then drop the ball with Bruce. Although I am liking the Return of Bruce Wayne series.

Booster Gold #36

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by PAT OLLIFFE
Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE

Blue Beetle is in trouble, and Booster Gold must decide whether to save his best friend in the past or continue his crusade against Maxwell Lord's growing power in the present. Can one man out of time do both?

So.

Much.

Fun.

Giffen and DeMatteis are rockstars. One of the most solid, entertaining books out there.

Green Lantern #57

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY
1:10 White Lantern Variant cover by RYAN SOOK,
FERNANDO PASARIN and JOEL GOMEZ

BRIGHTEST DAY continues as what readers have been asking for finally arrives: a male Star Sapphire in the form of the Predator. But how is this entity unlike the others? And what does it want with Carol Ferris? Meanwhile, the White Lantern is defended by an unlikely hero…

Is that what we've been asking for? I think I've been asking for Brightest Day, a crossover with good ideas that's drawn on far too long, to end. Johns is such a solid writer, you never feel cheated, but this is starting to drag, Geoff.

Red Robin #16

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and Cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

The new Anarky has his own version of Red Robin's Hit List! Ulysses Armstrong has made a record of Gotham City teens who could be Red Robin – and he's murdering them one by one. With an incapacitated Tim Drake crossed off his list, can Red Robin stop Anarky before the villain attacks his next target? And with the deaths of innocents weighing on his conscience, how far will Red Robin go to cross Anarky off his own Hit List?

Finally someone saw the sense to bring back Tim Drake/Robin III's real arch enemy, Anarky! Now, I am a little sad it's not the original Anarky, Lonnie Machin (who was popular and interesting enough to even get his own series), but I'm willing to see what they bring us with this new version.

Red Robin is truly the little series that could. It's become one of my favorites, and completely unexpectedly.

New Comic Day 8.11.2010

It's a light week for me, thank God, because I haven't managed to get to my shop to pick up last weeks books yet. Since that was a pretty big week, this is a bit of a relief.

Booster Gold #35

Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by CHRIS BATISTA and RICH PEROTTA
Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE

Back in the past, Booster Gold is mistaken for himself and embarks on an untold journey in space with Blue Beetle to obtain a rare and secret artifact. Needless to say, their mission goes horribly, horribly wrong…

I love that this book is first on the list, because, as far as superhero fare, I will hazard to say this is the most fun I am having with a book right now. Giffen and DeMatteis re-visit the land of Justice League International, literally, using our time-traveling hero Booster Gold. It's sheer joy, funny and exciting in equal measure.

When I was at SDCC, I picked up three volumes of Justice League International trade paperbacks, mainly because this series has made me remember why I loved them so much. They also represent a sense of fun and truly unleashed imagination. Keith and J.M. just let themselves go with this stuff, crafting really entertaining reading on a monthly basis. They aren't worried about being the "coolest" thing on the market, only giving their readers a full $2.99 of fun and entertainment.

Dan Didio and Jim Lee ought to be looking at this sort of stuff, and, while not every series should be this goofy, it should be this much fun to read.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #13

COVER BY: DAVID LAFUENTE GARCIA
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: DAVID LAFUENTE GARCIA
INKS: DAVID LAFUENTE GARCIA
COLORED BY: JAYPO LLC
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

There’s no other way to say it: In this issue...Spider-Man’s entire life is completely destroyed. Read the series that has fans and critics hooked as Brian Michael Bendis and David Lafuente rock out another unbelievable issue!

Here's another one. Brian Bendis, who in his SDCC panel told a aspiring writer that using his middle name made him sound like an "asshole, " and he regretted it, when working in the mainstream Marvel Universe, has kinda drank the kool-aid on the "coolness factor" as well. Thing is, out here in his little, Queens-centered, corner of the Marvel Ultimate Universe, he's just cranking out fun, entertaining stories.

The subject matter here probably is a factor. I don't think Bendis is really all that suited to the bombastic world of The Avengers. I think these little stories about teenagers dealing with superpowers, and life in general, is far more conducive to his impressive skill set. His Peter and MJ and Gwen, and the rest always feel like real kids, and, more importantly, real human beings. This series, and Powers, will be his masterpiece, I think.

MAYBE PICKING UP:

Superman #702

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art by EDDY BARROWS and J.P. MAYER
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
1:25 Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN

"Grounded" continues as Superman enters a small town in Ohio where, like many towns, a number of its residents are from other places. But when The Man of Steel discovers that there are also a number of residents secretly from other worlds, he unravels a mystery that may have grave consequences for Earth.

Wow, my morning Diet Mountain Dew was working well, until I saw that cover. What is the deal with dull-ass covers for this series? Look, I know everyone wants to draw an "iconic" Superman cover, but that doesn't mean stagnant. I like a dynamic cover, and I think most readers (and buyers) do too. I mean, Neal Adams can do both:



I mean how about something from the actual story? Y'know, it's not like it's just about Superman walking, or something...

Er. Well...

Look, I got a good vibe from at least the last couple of pages of Superman #701 (my good buddy KenG, the biggest Superman fan I know, absolutely does not agree), so I thought I might give Straczynski a few issues to see what he's doing. I still kinda feel that way, but I can't quite get over the "12 issues of this?" feeling.

I want to like a Superman title, I want to be reading a Superman title, but I can't tell if this is the one. I can say in JMS' defense, he's not going for the "cool" here. This is a meditative story, and clearly he is trying to establish a connection with Superman as an idea, and the real world, both in and out of comics. I think that's a great goal, but I don't know if this is what's going to do it.

DROPPING:

Ultimate Comics Avengers 3 #1

COVER BY: LEINIL FRANCIS YU
WRITER: MARK MILLAR
PENCILS: STEVE DILLON
INKS: ANDY LANNING

Blade is back in a bad way and that can only mean one thing: vampires are afoot! Somebody is leaving behind a bloody trail of bite marks and Blade’s stake-ready to take them on. Could the mysterious figure donned in an iron suit have something to do with it? And who exactly is the new figure leaping around down in a devil costume? As the Avengers get deeper into black ops, there’s no telling who’ll be thirsting for blood and who’ll be next on the menu! Bite into the next exhilarating series of ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS by superstar creators MARK MILLAR (CIVIL WAR, KICK-ASS) and STEVE DILLON (PUNISHERMAX)!

Oh, no...Millar, you are a cheap hack, and no tease of a "new Daredevil" is gonna get me to drop another $3.99 (yeah, no kidding...no back-up feature, or anything) on this garbage. Take some time off, count your movie money, and see if you can't come up with a story and characters that will make me care again.

ON THE PERSONAL SIDE:

When I pick up my books this week (likely Saturday), I'll be dropping off some copies of Steel City Serenade #0, by myself, Mark Pracht, and Zach Bosteel, at Chicago Comics for consignment sale. I'm thinking $1.50 for the 12-page zero issue. If you want to swing by and pick one up, please do.



It's also available digitally, for free, at the Steel City Serenade page on Zach's website.