So Brett Ratner Might Direct Justice League

*Blog inspired by a recent e-mail exchange*

At least according to io9: The Most Discouraging Justice League Rumor Imaginable.

Well...

Brett Ratner isn't a paragon of a human being, we know that. Honestly, I don't care. Lots of people are assholes and still make good entertainment.

He's not inspired, but he is a competent, no-surprises director who understands pacing. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Ratner was NOT the problem on X-Men: The Last Stand. His directing credits are all pretty watchable, high-concept fluff, with some high points. The Family Man is good, Red Dragon is (surprisingly) quite good (unless you insist on comparing it to Manhunter. I try to take each film on it's own terms), After the Sunset is fun, even if all of those films are clearly "it made money before, make something similar" studio films. And the Rush Hour movies are exactly the kind of high-value, slicky-made entertainments that Marvel is making right now.

The problem with The Last Stand (which is a good comparison, since it's his only other superhero credit) was that Fox was pissed that Bryan Singer (who's, to this day, the ONLY filmmaker who's had a handle on how to do the X-Men) for doing Superman Returns (far better than people give it credit for, but too beholden to Richard Donner's film) and dumped him. They went with a poor script, which Matthew Vaughan- yes, X-Men: First Class (which, it should be noted, had a script co-developed with Singer) Matthew Vaughan, oversaw putting together. A script that checked off fanboy "want list" crap over a cohesive vision. Ratner, was hired VERY late on that film...Fox had a script and a release date, and Vaughan freaked and quit.

I will never call The Last Stand the best X-Men movie, but it is watchable, and the set pieces are well executed and exciting. It also feels connected with Singer's first two films. Ratner understood what he needed to do with that script, not step on the toes of what worked before, what was expected, and keep the shit moving. He's not an auteur, he's not even a "great" director, but he is a workmanlike one. I imagine that if he had come up during the days of the studio system he'd be a "go-to" guy.

Compared to Joss Whedon (if we do a direct Avengers/JLA comparison)...Ratner can't touch him on concepts, scripts, writing, but there's already a script in play. What Warner's wants is a pure director, and on a pure technical level, the nuts and blots of filmmaking, I think Ratner's equal to, or even a bit stronger than, Joss (even if The Avengers was a big step forward for him).

So, yeah...I understand why they're looking at him. I wouldn't even be upset if he got the job, because, if he does it, the chances of it actually getting made probably double. It'll be fun to watch, and probably faithful to what works. The real question is the script, which is what really made The Avengers memorable.


Do I wish they'd find somebody really exciting, with a non-corporate sensibility to really invigorate the JL? Oh. you bet! Justice League's current screenwriter, Will Beall's got a lot of heat coming off Gangster Squad, so I expect it's an exciting script (faithful, "good," or "the right script?" Who knows?).

Ben Affleck (who's a GREAT director waiting for the world to realize it) clearly didn't want it. The Wachowskis are NEVER going to do it. Zack Snyder apparently wants it, but that's because he's exactly what Ratner is, but with visual flair (even if it's cliche visual flair).

Although, that said...the Man of Steel teaser is really awesome.

Look at who Marvel's been using; Jon Favreau, who was fully B-list (if that) before Iron Man, really (and after Cowboys and Aliens, may be again). Kenneth Branagh, who was hardly known for this sort of thing. Joe Johnston, who I think is a fantastic, bordering on genius, workman director, but also has a "hack" label. Whedon, who we know is a genius, but he's a TV guy with one flop film and some internet stuff. Shane Black, a huge screenwriter from 15 years ago, who fell off the map, then made possibly the best film of the 2000's - that nobody saw. They all made great-to-fantastic films.

Honestly, I don't think you can do the shared universe thing with filmmakers with strong visions and things to say. Christopher Nolan, for example, wouldn't want to, and I think, flatly, he couldn't. He wanted to work with themes and psychological elements that would be completely invalidated the second Christian Bale's Batman walked into a JLA meeting room. The saddest thing, to me, is that kind of vision, that kind of pushing at the concept, thanks to Marvel, is dead and gone. Hollywood is fixated on "team 'em up" now.

Yes, Wheadon...who definitely had a strong vision, but what he wanted to say was "gee whiz! The Marvel Universe is neato!!" I think he looks at this like working on a TV show...you can make very, very fun, exciting drama, but, except in VERY rare cases, you're not going to be transcendent. Which is probably the healthiest place to be, and those checks will pay for his Much Ado, and the Dr. Horrible follow-up.

So, yeah...the collective Internet groan may head off Ratner, but the ultimate choice is going to be in the same realm. What I really wish is that Andrew Stanton hadn't so quickly slunk back to PIXAR for Finding Nemo 2 after the pounding he took over John Carter (a top-ten movie for 2012 in my book...screw the box office). He would be an excellent choice for Justice League, or heck, what about Brad Bird? The Incredibles is still one of the best superhero movies ever made, and flat-out the Best fantastic Four movie. I think he proved himself completely with Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. These are both mid-tier guys who might take the job as another stepping stone, and represent clear, strong visions of the properties they tackle.

DC's "New 52" Justice League #1

So I picked up my books yesterday, instead of waiting for the weekend, as usual. Yesterday was ground-zero of the "New DC Universe" with the release of Justice League #1, written by Geoff Johns, and art by Jim Lee.

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

I really liked it.

I mean, it's got a lot of things about it that just are what the comic format is these days, that I'm not fond of (trade pacing, etc), but, as a starting point, it makes lots of sense, from using your two best selling characters (Batman and Green Lantern) on out. I think it's a little weird to set the book "five years ago," but it does provide a way to show this group of characters first meetings without many story contortions.

I thought the "first meeting aspect was handled well. I really liked the characterizations of both Hal and Bruce. I disagree with people who say that Bruce is still a Dick in the new DC Universe. Judgmental, impatient, sure...but he also joins right in with Hal, as an equal....while also gathering data (I LOVED the taking the ring scene).

The Pre-Cyborg stuff...*YAWN*. Not that it was bad, but it just didn't really add to the drive of the story.

I loved how Superman appeared. I like that idea that trust is something the heroes have to earn from the rest of humanity. The tease of Darkseid didn't bother me at all, either as a established fan, or *trying* to put myself in the mindset of a new reader, it was a mystery to be unfolded.

Lots of energy and, even with the trade pacing, things happened. It didn't feel like all set-up. It was fun, and it was new-reader friendly, taking what a civilian might know from movies/childhood memories, and then just jumping into the story. Notice you really spend no time going into detail about Batman...because everyone knows the basics...but we do spend a bit of time setting up who and what Green Lantern is.

I still say Lee will be 4 issues behind by January. I've kinda grown to hate that guy, from his deadline destruction (not just blowing, but completely smashing), to his less than attentive attitude at conventions where I've seen him,  but the art is good, you can't say otherwise. I just feel like he's got to prove somethign to me, at this point...Johns, I'll give him a lot of leeway.

I think, while I wasn't thinking "over the moon GENIUS!!," this is a good, solid start to our new continuity, and I'm kinda finding myself really taken with the idea of starting fresh. We'll see how the rest of the line goes.

New Comic Day 4.20.2011

Welcome to a new week of comic buying. It's a nice, moderate week, but I think the time has come to let one series, I've been with for quite a while, go. It just ain't worth it.


Batman #709 $2.99

Written by DAVID HINE
Art and Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

This month's 3-part crossover with RED ROBIN and GOTHAM SIRENTS reaches its conclusion as Batman becomes Gotham City's last hope! Can he help the city avoid a cleansing scourge? Will the Angels of Death find one good man whose soul is pure? And what is the tragic secret in Dick Grayson's past that might doom Gotham? Guest-starring Red Robin, Catwoman and Ra's al Ghul!

Personally, I've always felt the Azrael/replacement Batman/avenging angel storyline was kinda uninteresting. The character served a specific purpose during the "Knightfall" storyline, being the hyper-dark, hyper-violent Batman that a lot of people were pushing for, and making a pretty solid case for NOT going that way with Bruce Wayne.

But since that story? Flatline, as far as I'm concerned. I'm honestly hoping that this mini-crossover will put the final nail in the Azrael coffin. I'd have no problem with that.

Green Lantern #65 (War of GLs) $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and KEITH CHAMPAGNE
Cover by IVAN REIS and OCLAIR ALBERT

The "War of the Green Lanterns" takes a shocking turn! With the entire Green Lantern Corps against them, the four Earthborn GLs make a choice that will rank among the most memorable in GL history. But not all of them agree on what has to be done and what lines are to be crossed. Plus, the countdown to the live-action film continues with another exclusive look at the upcoming GREEN LANTERN movie!

Here's the deal. I REFUSE to buy any title, that I normally wouldn't, in order for a crossover to make sense, period.  I will not be starting to pick up Green Lantern Corps just because half of this "War of the Green Lanterns" is in that book, I just won't. I didn't pick it up for Brightest Day or Blackest Night, either, and it just irks me that DC assumes I will. They even have an online checklist, so you know what you "have" to buy.

There used to be a unspoken trust, in all but very few situations, that you could read your title, and it would make sense if you just stuck with that one title. No longer, and, as much as I admire Geoff Johns as a writer, he's took a turn into a realm of annoyance with me. EVERYTHING the man writes these days appears to be tied to a crossover, and 10 other series. Top that off, he seems to not feel it's needed to recap, or make a single series read as a whole. I do not want, nor can I afford, to buy FOURTEEN miniseries to make sense of Flashpoint. I want to read The Flash.

Come on, DC.

Justice League of America #56 $2.99

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

"The Rise of Eclipso" continues as the JLA and the villainous lord of darkness have a showdown on the dark side of the moon!

Am I even going to buy this?

I've been talking about dropping this title for over a year. The artist I loved, Mark Bagley, is LONG gone. James Robinson's writing is less that inspiring on this title, and this Eclipso arc is already skewed because of the ramming off that "Doomsday-whatever" crossover into the last issue. (ANOTHER crossover....*sigh*)

I think it's time to cut. The. Cord.

I mean, you're not even trying with the solicit copy!!

The Spirit #13 $2.99

Written by DAVID HINE
Art by MORITAT
Cover by LADRÖNN

It was a love at first sight when the cartel's assassin set eyes on Ellen Dolan, his target's daughter – though the feeling isn't exactly mutual! But you know what they say about love: If at first you don't succeed, kidnap your intended and build a perfect mechanical simulacrum!

Ahhhh...continuity-free stories featuring Will Eisner's The Spirit.

Books like this, and Jonah Hex, soothe my soul. Yeah, they suffer in sales because the pavlovian-response fanboys out there can't look past, "oh, it's a Flashpoint crossover!!" and see the great work being done on these titles month-in, month-out.

David Hine "gets" The Spirit, the noir trappings wrapped in pure, fun energy, and Moritat's art is classic, cartoony and cool. In other words, it feels like a work connected to Eisner's spirit (pardon the unintended pun). They're creeping very close to the level of genius that Darwyn Cooke hit with this character, but from a much different, and more hewing to Eisner, angle.

It's a great book.

New Comic Day 3.23.2011

I'm finally getting caught up on my backlog from the last few weeks, and I've been trying to figure out if I should do some sort of mega-post to cover all my reactions after reading them, or if I ought to just cut the cord. Start over fresh, y'know?

Anyway...This week's books.

Batman: Incorporated #4 $2.99

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by JH WILLIAMS
Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Superstar writer Grant Morrison and artist Yanick Paquette have sent The Dark Knight on a trip to Japan and Argentina, but now Batman's taking a brief breather back in his home base of Gotham City for a team-up with Batwoman! And don't miss the first issue of BATWOMAN's new monthly series, on sale this month!

It's so odd, when you get behind on reading...I JUST read issue #3, and now #4 is coming out?

Is it just me, or is something really odd happening at DC? Last week had the solicit for an issue of Batman that absolutely, in no way, resembled the issue that actually hit the stands. Now, we jump back to Gotham, and some sort of run-in with Batwoman? The Argentina adventure from last issue wasn't done, and, it's been a long time, but did they ever wrap up the Japan story from the first two issues?

Batman: The Dark Knight #2 $2.99

Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARK

Batman faces the Penguin in the search for his childhood friend Dawn Golden…but what The Dark Knight finds sends him on a far darker and more desperate path. Now he's forced to reach out to Etrigan, the Demon for help – a favor that may come at too high a price! 

Worst drinking game in the world: When a "hot" creator is set up on a high-profile, much-hyped book, take a drink when each new issue comes out.

Ridiculous.

Green Lantern #64 $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by DOUG MAHNKE & CHRISTIAN ALAMY
Cover by IVAN REIS & OCLAIR ALBERT
1:10 Variant cover by TYLER KIRKHAM & BATT

"War of the Green Lanterns" ignites with part 1 of the blockbuster event that'll burn into the summer! A malevolent force has usurped control over all the power batteries, leaving the Corps powerless except for a select few members. Now it's up to Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart and Sinestro to regain control – but can these warriors overcome their differences in time to save the universe.

Ahh, another issue of "DC Comics Crossover Factory," I mean Green Lantern. Look, the crossovers with this book have been a textbook example of diminishing returns. I mean, look at Brightest Day...in the end did that really have ANYTHING to do with Green Lantern or the Corps? Other than being another color of ring?

Self.

Contained.

Stories.

I'm ready now.

Justice League of America #55 $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" continues! With the Spectre fallen and darkness spread throughout the DC Universe, no one is safe from Eclipso's control! Not any of DCs shadow-based heroes and villains. Not Alan Scott and the magical beings of the moon's Emerald City. Not even the World's Greatest Heroes! And when Eclipso's ultimate goal is revealed, they'll see that it's scale is even bigger than the DC Universe. One lone hero has the power to make sure all be well however...for he has hope. Introducing Blue Lantern Saint Walker to the Justice League of America! In the remains of New Krypton, Doomsday tears through Batman, Supergirl and Alpha Lantern Boodikka in his search for Cyborg Superman as "Reign of Doomsday" rampages on! 

...and here we go again. You had a nice Eclipso story going on, and then somebody at Editorial says, "we need to tire into this Doomsday thing..."

No, you don't.

I think I just need to rip off the band-aid with this series. Keep my money until somebody puts Morrision, or Giffeen and DeMatteis back on it.

Captain America #615.1 $2.99

Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by MITCH BREITWEISER
Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA

START READING with this Point One issue. Steve Rogers emerged from the super soldier program to become the first Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty. When he died, Bucky Barnes took up the shield to become a new kind of Captain America. With Barnes on trial, who will wield the legendary weapon—who will become the new Captain of America? This is the start of a new era for the famed Avenger! 

Bucky's on trial with the Russians.

OK, the movie ain't far off, and we know the "House of Corporate Synergy" ain't gonna want anyone but Steve Rogers in that costume. Bring it.

HATE the ".1" program. Stupid.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #156 $3.99

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by Mark Bagley

DEATH OF SPIDER-MAN, CHAPTER ONE

The wait is over!! THE most shocking Spider-Man story you will ever read!  Young Peter Parker has led a heroic life and tried to live by the simple and powerful philosophy that with great power comes great responsibility, but will that philosophy be enough to save him from the horror that awaits him here?  This is easily the most important story in Ultimate Spider-Man history and maybe the most important story in the Ultimate Universe. Who better to illustrate it than Ultimate Spider-Man legend MARK BAGLEY, making his mighty Marvel return!! Bendis and Bagley back together again and just-in-time!!

Again, wierd. I JUST read the last issue of this. But who cares? Bagley's back! 

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 1.19.2011

Here we go...

Yay for the return of the $2.99 price point!!!

Batman #706 $2.99

Written by TONY DANIEL
Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

A powerful relic, hidden and protected by an ancient order, falls into the hands of one of Batman's deadliest foes! The Dark Knight and his allies are outnumbered and outmatched as they struggle to free themselves from their merciless adversary. With death and destruction imminent, Batman must make a crucial sacrifice...

Nice cover, Tony.

Daniel continues to tell nice, solid Batman tales. I'm not over the moon about his writing, but his art, as always, is rock solid. Fluid and dynamic. Sometimes, I have to admit, I wish they'd just put Dini on this book with him. Daniel isn't bad, but Dini is brilliant. With "The Morrison Effect" not so pervasive anymore, maybe Dini could start doing the work he's capable of.

Of course, that would mean ending this Batman: Incorporated thing....

Brightest Day #18 $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
Variant cover by IVAN REIS & OCLAIR ALBERT
1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS

Hawkman and Hawkgirl pay a visit to the Star Sapphires, but with the Hawks' connection to the cosmic corps, it looks like this meeting may end in bloodshed. And more even more blood may be drawn as Captain Boomerang hunts down Deadman and Dove!

Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?
Are we there yet?

Are we there yet?Are we there yet?Are we there yet?

Arewethereyet?Arewethereyet?Arewethereyet?Arewethereyet?

ARE WE THERE YET?!?!?!

Justice League of America #53 $2.99

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY, ROB HUNTER
& NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

The final chapter of "JLA Omega" arrives as the World's Greatest Heroes and the Crime Syndicate struggle for survival. But the Syndicate's betrayal of their own pact results in a final, savage confrontation – and Ultraman does some betraying of his own! Can the JLA defeat Omega Man, the harbinger of death? Can they save the Crime Syndicate's world and the Tangent Universe? And in the midst of this war between good and evil, which side will Dark Supergirl choose?

Here's a little game....

Bagley is already announced as going back to Marvel. I'm sad about that. He could've been amazing with the DC Universe, as he showed in Trinity. Anybody want to lay odds on how long this survives on my pull list after he goes?

The Spirit #10 $2.99

Written by DAVID HINE
Art by MORITAT
Cover by LADRÖNN

Roscoe Kalashnikov was sure he could get away with murder – and in a town as corrupt as Central City, maybe he could. But if that's so, why do his victim's words still haunt him? She said something about "the spirit of justice" and now, around every corner, Roscoe is seeing a flash of trench coat and the briefest glimpse of a masked man…

Here's the one, and only, place where I regret the $2.99 price returning. We've lost the awesome Black and White back-up feature. I will miss it.

Sometimes, it does surprise me how much I've become attached to this title. I think it's the character, there's something about Denny Colt, and the way the character is, sort of, just designed to absorb damage. The Spirit looks awesome when he's beat to hell. Darwyn Cooke really had the modern take nailed down, but the current team has taken a track that's much more lush, if that's the right word. Cooke's style is very angular and cartoony, the artists on this series have all been very soft and classic...I feel like there's a lot of Joe Kubert in Moritat. I really like it...

I like Cooke more, but...that's ridiculous to moon over.

New Comic Day 12.22.2010

Last new comics before Christmas, folks!! Of course, this all but guarantees a big week.

Batman Annual #28 $4.99

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

This year's Batman annuals collide in a 2-part story involving both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as Batman! In this second part of the story, when a Batman, Inc. recruitment trip to Paris, France leads to a murder mystery, the heroes deduce that the assassinations are connected to a strange cult leader. But will this religious figure take them one step closer to solving the bizarre murders? Or are The Question, Bruce and Dick getting one step closer to becoming the next victims? Continued from this month's DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12!

Sue me, I bought the Detective Comics Annual, and now I need to see how it wraps up.

I ought to trust my gut more.

Batman, Inc. #2 $3.99

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by JH WILLIAMS
Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

The dynamic new era of Batman continues! The Dark Knight and Mr. Unknown – the Batman of Japan – go up against Lord Death Man. It's going to be a fight to the end that could see the failure of Batman, Inc. before it's even begun! 

I'll eat a little crow here. Batman, Inc. #1 was pretty damn good. I'm still skeptical of the whole thing, but I'll ride out the first arc, at least. The art is quite delicious, and I especially want to high-five Morrison for writing a great, interesting Selina Kyle in #1. This may be a good book, but the concept still feels wrong.

Green Lantern Larfleeze Christmas Special #1 $3.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by GENE HA

It's BRIGHTEST (CHRISTMAS) DAY! What do you want for Christmas? Orange Lantern Larfleeze wants everything – including Santa Claus himself! And nothing, not even the heroes of the DC Universe can to stop the Orange Lantern from getting what he wants! Plus, you won't want to miss the strange holiday season shenanigans starring the rest of the Orange Lantern Corps! Superstar writer Geoff Johns and artist Brett Booth team up for an unbelievable sleigh ride adventure!

I've been looking forward to this one for a while. One of the best things to come out of the whole Blackest Night cycle was Orange Lantern Larfleeze. I'll try to be brief on this. The Lantern Corps rings have a color spectrum that corresponds to an emotional spectrum. (Green = Will, Yellow = Fear, etc.) Orange is greed and envy. There is only one, actual, Orange Lantern, because he just can't share. He wants everything he sees, and no one else can have it.

Well, what happens when that guy finds out about Santa Claus?

I'd guess HILARITY ENSUES!!

Seriously, Geoff has done wonders with this character, who's been described as a deadly version of Gonzo...Yes, The Muppet Show Gonzo. I always have fun reading about him.

Justice League of America #52 $3.99

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY, ROB HUNTER
& NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

With Washington, D.C. in the hands of The Omega Man and the full extent of his horrific power revealed, the JLA is forced to make a difficult decision. Is there no choice for the World's Greatest Heroes but to team with the World's Worst Villains – the Crime Syndicate – in order to save both Earths? How will this desperate action be affected by Ultra Man's betrayal of everyone. . . and the reappearance of Dark Supergirl?

So, Marvel announced that Mark Bagley was returning to Ultimate Spider-Man this Spring. Good news, I like that. Exciting, fun.

I think it's also a nail in the coffin of my following this title. That is, unless something really cool happens. Robinson's not had a great track record on that score.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #151 $3.99

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: DAVID LAFUENTE, Sara Pichelli

After the shocking status quo game changer from last issue's 10th anniversary special, Spider-Man must now undergo afterschool super hero training—and the lessons start here!!! Plus Peter Parker gets a new girlfriend? And you won't believe who she is. They’ll be guest stars galore in this action packed adventure as Spidey gets schooled!

So, Ultimate Spidey is no longer a free agent. He's under the thumb of S.H.I.E.L.D., and they mean to train him to not make so many mistakes.

I love this turn of events. It's great because it completely fits with the established Ultimate Marvel Universe, and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s place within it. Plus it'll be great to see Peter deal with his costumed persona no longer being an escape from the pressures of school and real life. It is school, now, all over again.

Of course...we also have Bagley's return and "The Death of Spider-Man" in the Spring...

New Comic Day 11.17.2010

I knew it would come eventually, a big, big week. The fairly small ones leading up lulled me into a sense of security...now smashed.

Batman #704 ($2.99)

Written by TONY DANIEL
Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

Welcome back Tony Daniel as regular writer/artist on BATMAN!

Bruce Wayne may have returned, but when an aging but wealthy technology developer comes to Gotham with his beautiful daughter, it turns out he's in search of a joint project with WayneTech. DNA tracking is the name of his game, and there are others interested in his proposal. But when the developer goes missing, Batman finds that his tracks stop in the city's violent Chinatown neighborhood, where a new deadly Triad gang has taken root. Guest-starring I-Ching!

So, here we go. Bruce is back, but running around the world recruiting an international team of "Batmen," and Dick Grayson is continuing as the Batman of Gotham City. Apparently, Batman and Robin, Batman and Detective Comics will continue to be about Dick's work in Gotham, while Batman: The Dark Knight and Batman: Incorporated will be about Bruce globe-trotting. I have to tell you, I'm fairly tempted to just keep buying the titles I'm following already, The Dick Grayson books, and ignore the Bruce titles. I can just pretend Bruce is still dead, and wait until Morrison leaves, or he gets a wild hair up his rear to go back to status quo, then follow Bruce again. Mainly because you KNOW that's exactly what's going to happen.

 On the positive side, this issues marks the return of Tony Daniel as writer/artist. I was pretty happy with his work on this title prior to the Return of Bruce Wayne stuff. It wasn't mind-blowing, but it was good Batman stories month-in, month-out. He keeps a schedule and tells solid stories. That might not sound exciting, but I'll take it over one hyper-incredible issue followed by eleven that are just above dreck, or worse.

Batman: Incorporated #1 ($3.99)

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by JH WILLIAMS
Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Grant Morrison continues his earth-shattering run on the Batman titles with this exciting, new ongoing series! Featuring; Art by the remarkable Yanick Paquette (SEVEN SOLDIERS: BULLETEER), BATMAN, INC. marks the next stage of evolution for The Dark Knight. This can't-miss series will star not just Bruce Wayne as Batman, but also a huge number of guest-stars! Don't miss out on this all-new start to a stunning direction for Batman!

I know what you're thinking, I bitch about this concept constantly, but I'm planning to buy it. Let me make one thing clear, I am planning to buy the first issue. I am open enough to allow Morrison the chance to sway me to his idea. His run of Batman and Robin, and his non-Batman work allow him a chance at drawing me in.

In short, I am willing to be wrong.

Again, the real annoyance here is that this new method of operation for Bruce is never going to stand. It just isn't. It's especially annoying when DC stated policy for every other hero is to "use the most known and iconic version," hence, Wally West is consigned to...wherever he is, and Barry Allen is the Flash. So, Morrison gets to create a bunch of crappy (if Knight and Squire are any indication) versions of Batman, and indulge himself, even while the rest of the writing staff is falling back to characters that, in some cases, are not nearly as interesting as their replacements. In a year or two, Bruce will be back in Gotham, Dick will be Nightwing, I suspect Damian will remain Robin, leaving Tim as Red Robin (which I'm fine with), and this will all be quietly swept under the rug.

Y'know, way back in 1992, when they killed Superman, the creative team was almost immediately saying, "of course he's not going to stay dead, but we think we have a good story to bring him back." I like that, it's honest and it allows the creatives to play freely. I kinda hate how everything now is "changing everything," when it clearly won't.

Brightest Day #14 ($2.99)

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

Don't miss the hottest event in comics as BRIGHTEST DAY continues with the search for a new White Lantern. And Martian Manhunter returns to Mars as we discover the origin of the creature mysteriously stalking him. Plus, the evil within Firestorm now haunts Professor Stein! And Hawkman: betrayed!

I am really this series' bitch. It's like Brokeback Mountain, "I wish I could quit you!!"

I need to drop the book, but every damn time I think I'm ready to, BAM! Oh, look Batman White Lantern!! Gotta see that!!

 Sometimes I hate being a fanboy. I do swear, if I even think of staying with Batman: Incorporated, or Batman: The Dark Knight, this thing is the first to go.

The Flash #6 ($2.99)

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and Cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
1:10 Variant cover by ALE GARZA
& SANDRA HOPE

BRIGHTEST DAY dashes on with the stunning conclusion of "The Dastardly Deaths of the Rogues!" With Barry caught between the Rogues and the Renegades, the resurrected Captain Boomerang's role in the adventure is revealed! You won't believe how this leads to the upcoming FLASHPOINT…

I am a big Flash fan. Huge, actually. This series, and Flash: Rebirth, however, will be looked upon in future decades as the template for how to shoot yourself in the foot during a major reboot of a character.

Rebirth was painfully late, and this series seems like it's on anything but a regular schedule. I almost forget it's out there before a new issue shows up. You cannot build excitement if the book isn't shipping on a concrete schedule. I have to be waiting to see what happens next. As it is, I can hardly remember what happened last!

Top that off, the re-introduction of Barry Allen has done absolutely nothing to distinguish the character from any number of others. When Wally West was The Flash, and, to be fair, he is the Flash I grew up with, the writers immediately set about distinguishing him, not only from his former mentor, Barry, but from every other hero on the stands. Wally was a broken person, he needed to find the hero and the strength within himself, and the creative teams weren't afraid to make him look bad on the way there.

I'm sorry, because I know there's a ton of Barry Allen fans out there, but Barry is boring. I enjoy Geoff Johns writing, but his Barry is just...the Barry from the 80's, the major character that actually had his book cancelled because of disinterest. There were a ton of mis-steps with Wally late in his run, with the whole "family" angle, but it just needed the right writer to get that hook and run with it effectively (excuse the pun). There really was no need to drop back and punt, especially when the punt was executed so poorly.

Green Lantern #59 ($2.99)

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

BRIGHTEST DAY blazes on as the New Guardians seeking the Indigo Entity are shocked to discover a sedated Black Hand. Can Hal Jordan trust the Indigo Tribe to house the herald of Nekron?

Is it just me, or are the solicits for Green Lantern just getting shorter and shorter? I suppose it makes sense, the books is pretty much the linchpin for the entire direction of the line, right now. If you're into DC right now, you pretty much have to be reading Green Lantern.

Thank God the book is still pretty damn solid.

I've given a lot of crap to Geoff Johns-written books today, but that's mainly because I know what he can do, how good he can be. Green Lantern is where you find it, each month. Yeah, currently it feels a little disjointed because of the deep tie-in to Brightest Day, and that associated stuff. Even with that, Johns has an ultra-solid handle on exactly who Hal Jordan is, and how to best use him.

Justice League of America #51 ($3.99)

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY,
ROB HUNTER & NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

In "Justice League: Omega" part 2, as the battle between the JLA and the Crime Syndicate within the Hall of Justice explodes into the streets of Washington D.C., a new villain bent on his own form of conquest prevents any other heroes from helping save the nation's capital. It's up to five members of the Justice League to save the city's people, with serious repercussions for one Leaguer, who may turn to the dark side. In order to help their teammates, Bill and Mikaal must begin an odyssey across the world that will evoke memories of Prometheus.

Why do I have a sinking feeling? The last issues was pretty damn solid, and did a great job of making me want to read this series again. Then I see the solicit for this issue, and I feel my optimism may have been premature.

This is another series that is on the chopping block if I pick up anything new. Of course, I've been saying that for a while.

The Spirit #8 ($3.99)

Written by DAVID HINE
Co-feature written by WALTER SIMONSON
Art by MORITAT
Co-feature art by JORDI BERNET
Cover by LADRÖNN

The widow Ophelia Ottoman is the drop-dead gorgeous heir of one of the most powerful crime families in Central City. So why did she ever marry a loser like Jimmy Bauhaus? And why does she creep into Wildwood Cemetery each night to speak to his corpse? There's a mystery buried with that dead man, and it's The Spirit's job to dig it up!

And in the SPIRIT: BLACK & WHITE co-feature, modern masters Walter Simonson and Jordi Bernet bring you "Gemini," the tale of twin sisters nobody could tell apart...but where one is a good girl, the other is very, very bad indeed!

As with anything published that doesn't involve the mainstream heroes of the DCU, I get the feeling this is a "quiet book." One that falls under a lot of people's radar. It's worth seeking out for the Spirit Black & White
back-ups alone, honestly.

Eisner set the bar high with his own work, and, really, only Darwyn Cooke's run a few years back has come close. The teams on this series have done good work, if not "blow-up-your-skirt" brilliant. Much like Tony Daniel on Batman, it's solid storytelling. I admire that.

THE "MAYBE" PILE

Batman: The Return #1 ($4.99)

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by DAVID FINCH and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by TBD
1:200 Variant cover by TBD

The event of the year is here! Bruce Wayne made his long journey back through the timestream in RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE, Dick Grayson and Damian uncovered important secrets in BATMAN and ROBIN, Gotham City's bravest heroes made their mark in BRUCE WAYNE – THE ROAD HOME…and now it's time for BATMAN to return! What happens to Dick Grayson now that the "real" Batman is back? How will Bruce Wayne handle a reunion with his son, Damian? This special one-shot bridges two exciting eras of The Dark Knight and sets up a surprising new status quo that's just on the horizon.

Featuring the talents of Batman mastermind Grant Morrison and superstar artist David Finch providing interior art, this issue is a can't-miss for comics fans!

Don't we know the answers to these questions from recent issues of the regular series? It's a "maybe" because I'm a fan, and I've managed to skip all the other one-shot tie-ins. This one seems the most on point. That said, it's five frakkin' bucks. Couple that with the fairly certain feeling I have that it's not essential, at all...and the best I can give it is a maybe. If I flip through it, and something grabs me, I may drop the cash, but I think it's unlikely.

New Comic Day 10.20.2010

Oh boy...big week. Should'a seen it coming, with the last several weeks being fairly light

Batman and Robin #15 ($2.99)

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

In the final chapter of "Batman Must Die," all is lost and everything has gone to pieces! Is Dick Grayson alive? Will Damian make a pact with the devil? And what will happen after the final confrontation with Dr. Hurt?

So, we're hurtling toward the return of Bruce Wayne. I'm really hoping they keep this title active. I'm sure they will, what with Bruce apparently trotting the globe in Batman, Inc. setting up international "Batman Franchises" like some sort of crime-fighting McDonalds, leaving Gotham City to Dick and Damian.

God, I wish they'd take Grant Morrison off the Batman titles...put him on Justice League, for God's sake..He's already proved he's made for that.

Brightest Day #12 ($2.99)

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
and PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON
ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK
and JOE PRADO
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS

Don't miss the hottest event in comics as the biweekly BRIGHTEST DAY continues with the return of the Black Lanterns! Has time run out for our resurrected heroes? Plus, you must not miss the stunning origin of the new Aqualad, the battle between Aquaman and Black Manta, and the bizarre journey of Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond as they delve into the inner workings of the Firestorm matrix and uncover its secret!

So, here we are, twelve issues into a series that, I still say, could've been wrapped up in a 5-6 issue mini-series. I dunno what to say anymore, honestly. I am interested, otherwise I wouldn't be buying it, but fer Christ's sake, can't we move it along a bit? At every point where I feel like we're set up to resolve something, they cut away to another story, and, when they finally cut back...start building again.

Tell the story, let it be as long as it needs to be. Then END it. This did not need to be, in any way, a year-long bi-weekly.

Justice League of America #50 ($4.99)

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY
with POW RODRIX
and ROB HUNTER
and NORM RAPMUND
Gatefold cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:75 "DC 75th Anniversary" Variant cover
by JIM LEE
1:10 Variant cover by MARK BAGLEY

Jade is plagued by the remanants of the Black Lantern, and Dr. Impossible and his group's machinations unleash the Crime Syndicate upon the JLA's Earth as BRIGHTEST DAY continues shining! What are their true plans? And can the World's Greatest Heroes handle these evil incarnations – or is the entire Multiverse doomed?

It's "do or die" time for this title. I'm sticking to my guns, if #50 isn't a home run, or at least a solid triple, I'm out. It pains me to drop a title Mark Bagley is drawing, but this book has been so, just...nothing.

Justice League ought to be a flagship title for DC, it ought to be a place for the top characters in huge stories, but it's just been hamstrung, left and right, by these stupid crossovers. Then when Dwayne Duffie dared to actually admit that point, which we all knew anyway, they fired him. Stupid. This could be a top-notch title. Bagley is the right artist for it, but Robinson is not the writer, and you need to let the "big guns" out to be part of it. This title reeks of mediocrity, because DC Editorial won't let it be anything else.

The Spirit #7 ($3.99)

Written by DAVID HINE
Co-feature written by JAN STRNAD
Art by MORITAT
Co-feature art by RICHARD CORBEN
Cover by LADRÖNN

"Frostbite" concludes with all-out gang war in the streets! Just how far will the Octopus go to take back control? You won't believe your eyes – and neither will the man on the receiving end of the Octopus's fury!

And in the SPIRIT: BLACK and WHITE co-feature, Jan Strnad and Richard Corben bring you a Halloween treat – Central City's favorite dead man battling a werewolf!

I'm really liking this new "Next Wave" version of The Spirit, mainly because it really seems to have nothing to do with the rest of the atrocious "Next Wave" titles. Seriously, DC should be embarrassed to have published the first two issues of Doc Savage. The main teams have found a nice way to keep the "classic" Spirit feel, while being obviously modern, as opposed to the highly-stylized world that Darwyn Cooke created for the character in the last series.

You also have the excellent "Black and White" tales as a back-up feature. Top-notch teams playing with Will Eisner's creation with no continuity restrictions. This is one back-up feature I'm going to be very sad to see go when DC drops the $3.99 price point.

The Stand: Hardcases #4 ($3.99)

COVER BY: THOMAS LEWIS COKER
PENCILS: MICHAEL PERKINS
INKS: MICHAEL PERKINS
COLORED BY: LAURA JEAN MARTIN
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

In a house in the newly established Boulder Free Zone, behind closed doors, seven soul survivors are holding a clandestine meeting. Their agenda: Saving a disease-decimated country and protecting themselves against the threat of the dark man. But what are they missing? Harold Lauder, who is biding his time and plotting his revenge... And Mother Abagail, who is having a crisis of faith and coming face-to-face with her personal demons... Hold your breath and say your prayers, True Believers, as we head towards the final conflict!

The quite good adaptation of Stephen King's novel continues. Again, all I can really say is, if you're a fan of the book, it's worth a read. Quite enjoying it.

Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #4 ($3.99)

COVER BY: FRANK CHO
WRITER: JEPH LOEB
PENCILS: FRANK CHO
INKS: FRANK CHO
COLORED BY: JASON KEITH
LETTERED BY: RICHARD STARKINGS

Thor's reborn and on a rampage! Finally freed from Hela's clutches, Thor reunites with his teammates only to discover Loki's wicked betrayal. How will the Ultimates be able to stop an Asgardian gone wild? Join superstars JEPH LOEB and FRANK CHO as Thor makes a thunderous return to the Ultimate Universe!

I'm actually surprised to see this issue, it's been so long since the last. I mean, it's not unexpected, Cho is notoriously slow, but the results are usually quite spectacular. Now, I just have to remind myself of what, exactly, is going on in this series. Times like these I wonder if waiting for the trade isn't the smartest choice.

And from the "Maybe" file:

Ragman: Suit of Souls #1 ($3.99)

Written by CHRISTOS N. GAGE
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Cover by JESUS SAIZ

Rory Regan has long struggled to reconcile the burden he carries as the Ragman, protector of society's forgotten, with his own strained faith.

Could the souls he has consigned to redeem themselves within his mystic suit have the answers he needs about what lies beyond — and about the mysteries kept from him by his own father? Christos Gage (STORMWATCH: PHD, Avengers: The Initiative) and Stephen Segovia (Wolverine) provide a look inside one of the DCU's most peculiar Super Heroes in this standalone one-shot!

Huge Ragman fan from way back. A deliciously weird concept, with a heaping helping of Jewish mysticism. With this being a one-shot, I am likely to pick it up, but I'll probably thumb through it before making the call.