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 3.30.2011

OK, so it's getting kind of ridiculous. I have a HUGE stack of book that I need to read, already, and I haven't even picked up last weeks books, yet. Ah, the joys of working on a show, it'll only get worse when tech starts this weekend.

On the good side, this is a very light week, numbers-wise, but, since it's mostly Marvel product, my wallet is still going to feel it in the morning.

Detective Comics #875 $2.99

Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JOCK

One bright Tuesday morning, the corpse of a killer whale shows up on the floor of one of Gotham City's foremost banks. The event begins a strange and deadly mystery that will bring Batman face-to-face with the new, terrifying faces of organized crime in Gotham. Be here for part 1 of the brand new 3-part "Hungry City." 

A really excellent run in play here. I'm impressed with the new team, and the effective use of not only Commissioner Gordon, but his family, as well.

Good stuff.

Captain America #616 $4.99

Written by ED BRUBAKER, HOWARD CHAYKIN,
MIKE BENSON, FRANK TIERI, KYLE HIGGINS,
ALEC SIEGEL & MORE
Penciled by BUTCH GUICE, HOWARD CHAYKIN,
PAUL GRIST & MORE
Cover by TRAVIS CHAREST

It's the 70th Anniversary of Captain America's debut and we're celebrating by beginning a bold new direction. A double-size main story by award-winning writer Ed Brubaker sees Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes both struggling with the shocking ramifications of the Trial of Captain America and what comes next! A forgotten portrait of Captain America, painted in the waning days of World War II, brings up nearly forgotten memories of those turbulent and frightening years for Steve Rogers—memories of yearning, of loss and of innocence betrayed, brought to you by legendary writer/artist Howard Chaykin. Captain America falls under the vampiric Baron Blood’s spell in an untold tale of the Invaders! Plus: Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier, and the Secret Avengers investigate a modern day Hitler!

OK, so...I haven't read #615.1 (ugh) yet, but this does seem like an all-out spectacular for Cap's 70th anniversary. So much so that I don't mind the extra dollar on the cover price.

Ought to be a fun read.

The Stand: No Man's Land #3 $3.99

Written by ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA
Penciled by MIKE PERKINS
Cover by TOMM COKER

The Free Zone Committee has sent their spies to the west and is now mere days away from getting the electricity back on in Boulder, but darker plans are afoot... When a tormented Nadine discovers the horrific truth of what Harold's been plotting, the dark man makes his presence known to ensure nothing stops him... The clock is ticking for the forces of good, True Believers, and we've hit the point of no return... Don't dare miss it!

It's really hard to comment about this series. I really enjoy it, but...it's the book. No surprises, just a very, very solid adaptation.

Reading and Writing 2.8.2011

The first dedicated "review" blog of last week's comic releases, or at least the ones I bought. Thanks to Chad W. and Dave F. for suggesting this as a feature.

So, welcome to Reading and Writing for 2.8.2011 - Books released on 2.2.2011

Batman Odyssey #6

I've generally been a defender of this series, and I still consider it a must-read. It's Neal Adams artwork, for God's sake! You don't just write that off.

That said...This is the first issue of this series where I had trouble figuring out what the hell was going on, and simply how I was supposed to move from panel to panel. I also respect Adams' desire to fit a lot of story into each issue, but this is like the full opposite of the decompressed storytelling that's overrun the industry. Yet, in a way, it's exactly the same. The story doesn't really move very far forward in this issue, but a crap-load of exposition is spewed out.

Not to mention a really, really poor ending. I mean, Bruce says, "I'm tired," and collapses into sleep on the Batcave floor? What the hell was that? It was almost like a joke, a way to end the issue quickly because, well...that was 22 pages.

Disappointed.

Brightest Day #19

Hey, Aquaman got his had cut off...again. Which is fine, I always thought the "harpoon-hand" was pretty badass, but, once again, where is this series going? The Deadman/Liveman/White Lantern/Whatever stuff in the first half of the issue is obviously trying to put the pieces in position to start wrapping things up, but it certainly feels like too little, too late.

The "Aquawar" section was at least propulsive, but, maybe I''m stupid, why are Mera's people attacking the surface world? The answer might be in the book, but, frankly, it made no impact. It was just something for Aquaman and the new Aqualad to run from/through, then, bam! Black Manta cuts off Aquaman's hand...again.

The art is really solid, and unified, on this book. That's saying something for this schedule and the sheer number of artists working on it. It at least looks fantastic.

Jonah Hex #64

Heh, that one was twisted. A tale of sexual perversion isn't the usual for Hex, but they've hit on almost every other form of perversion, so why not? As usual, there's not much backstory, and half the dialogue is in untranslated Spanish. That, however, is really one of the strengths of this book. I love how each issue pretty much just drops you, and Jonah, into the middle of something that's already in play, and Hex's eye for human weakness makes it crystal clear to him very quickly.

"Nelson" was this month's artist, and he's got a very clean, precise line. His women are nice, too, which is fitting for a story turning on a beautiful woman. He's (She's?) an artist I would love to see on any superhero book, it's that kind of work, but it didn't really feel like Jonah Hex art. Too clean, in a modern comic book way. I've grown used to seeing very identifiable, quirky artists on this series, Jordi Bernet, Darwyn Cooke, and Nelson doesn't have a lot of quirk.

The Stand: No Man's Land #1

This book is really hard to review for me. It's a really good adaptation of the novel, and the team has plenty of room (with 30 issues, when all's said and done) to tell the story right. I can reccommend it very much, if you like the book. The script by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is excellent, the art by Mike Perkins fits the material.

It's hard to really mention anything else. If you're reading these connected mini-series, you're likely a Stephen King fan, and if you're a Stephen King fan, you've likely read The Stand.  There's not going to be a lot surprising, nor is there anything that's going to upset you.

I mean, my only complaint is that Larry Underwood has looked less and less like Bruce Springsteen (who King suggested should play the role in a movie) as the series have gone forward. But, y'know, whatever...

...and there you go.

Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #5

OK, so, I can't even tell you how long it's been since issue #4 of this series. I mean, what the hell is the deal with Ultimates projects?Yes, yes, I know you want a "hot" artist, but, my God....I feel like this mini-series started almost two years ago. It was right after that Ultimatum nightmare, right?

I mention this because, it took me at least 4 pages to try to re-set my brain to where we actually were with this story, and what the hell was at stake. Yeah, yeah, Marvel provides a "quick recap" on the first page, but does anybody else remember when, A) you got that info in one cation on the opening splash page, and B) The characters themselves would re-iterate the events throughout the story? Yes, I know that's not the most "realistic" way for people to talk...

But I remind you...It's a COMIC BOOK, about a man out of time, a Norse God and a dude that build himself a suit of armor that would need a nuclear reactor to power it. I don't read superhero comics for realism, no matter what Mark Millar's deal is. I just wish, especially if your artist is gonna need five months between issues, you reflected that in the writing.

Now, on that score, Frank Cho's art is pretty stunning, but not his best. Some of the female figures, which we all know is his strong suit, seem a bit out of proportion in some panels. It's not terrible, and I certainly couldn't do any better, but with the wait we've had...?

New Comic Day 2.2.2011 (Blizzard Edition)

Well, with the weather in Chicage being as it is, I really doubt many people will actually get their books in this town. Also check for a new feature at the end of today's blog...

Batman Odyssey #6 (of 12) $3.99

Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS
1:10 Black and white variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

The first part of Neal Adams's Batman epic comes to a dramatic conclusion as Batman, Deadman and The Joker – working together and against each other – break into Arkham Asylum and confront the doctors who control the most heinous criminals. But does some other powerful individual control these monsters? Is it the Sensei, the deadliest martial artist in the word and leader of the League of Assassins? Or is it Ra's al Ghul, the greatest opponent Batman has ever faced? And is The Dark Knight willing to let Talia die to bring this monstrous clash to an end?

Well, that's the halfway point. I'm sure there will be another round of "this sucks" from the online crowd. Me? I'm enjoying it in much the same way I enjoyed All-Star Batman and Robin. It's a major, classic talent taking Batman and running with it in a very personal way. Yeah, it is a bit "talky," and I wish Adams had given O'Neil a call. You can't argue that the art is amazing, however.

Brightest Day #19 $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!

Oh, Jesus..."Aquawar"....I smell another endless crossover event.



Jonah Hex #64 $2.99

Written by JUSTIN GRAY & JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art and Cover by NELSON

Jonah Hex was only looking for a little peace and quiet, but he didn't know it was time for the festival known as San Juan's Day. He also didn't know that this festival tends to bring out the crazy in people, but he should've figured that out as soon as he met Rosa. That big knife in her hand should've been a clue…

Look, folks...Get it through your head. BUY THIS BOOK!!







The Stand: No Man's Land #1 $3.99

Penciller: Mike Perkins
Inker: Tim Bradstreet
Colorist: LAURA JEAN MARTIN
Letterer: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

While Frannie and Stu struggle to find a balance between their personal lives and their public personas, an unholy, unspeakable alliance is born between Harold Lauder and Nadine Cross. It's a date with destiny, orchestrated by the Dark Man, and it could very well mean doom for the Boulder Free Zone. It's time to commune with the spirits of the dead, True Believers, and their message is clear: "You cannot miss what's coming next!"

Y'know, Marvel's solicitation materials have been for shit lately. Last week, there were no credits for the creative team on Captain America, at all, and this week...Who wrote this?

Anyway, this mega-project has been a pretty solid adaptaion of one of my favorite novels.

Ultimate Comics New Ultimates #5 $3.99

Writer: Tim Bradstreet
Artist: FRANK CHO
Colorist: JASON KEITH

New Ultimates

"New Ultimates?" Way to go, Marvel. I have to wait, what? Six months between issues? It would probably help if you'd give us a little something to help remember what's going on.
 
 
 
 
 
Capsule Reviews of last weeks books.
 
I'm hoping to actually set aside a day each week to actually talk about the books after I've read them, as has been suggested. Unfortunately, last week got away from me, but here's a rundown.
 
Detective Comics #873
Scott Snyder and Jock continue to impress. I'm hoping for a retrun engagement with The Dealer, hopped up on Venom and Man-Bat formula, or not. It's genuinely one of the most logical, original, and creepy new bat-foes in a good long time.
 
That said, lost points for the "Batman wakes up to something horrible, but...oh, he's just under chemical influence" thing. That lost it's cachet with O'Neil and Adams.
 
SHAZAM! #1
Sold out at my store. Didn't get it.
 
Captain America #614
As I suspected, Bucky manages to escape custody to tackle the New Red Skull and her crew. He's gotta go handle it, despite the fact that STEVE FRIGGIN' ROGERS told him he would handle it. Once again, I'm struck by the ego on Mr. Bucky Barnes. Yeah, yeah, you're Captain America...but when the REAL Captain America tells you he's gonna handle the situation, it pretty much diffuses my belief in you having to deal with it yourself.
 
I did love the use of Doctor Faustus, both in the courtroom, and in the paddywagon conversation with Bucky. Ed Brubaker is doing really amazing work with this book, even if I don't like every choice, it's all executed well.
 
The Nomad back-up feature? It's good, but not great.
 
Ultimate Spider-Man #152
OK, first off, the Iron Man bit was amazingly funny. I love how these guys are suppoed to teach Peter how to be a hero, but they are so utterly removed from any sort of "regular" life, it's starting off as a disaster. I mean, none of the Ultimates has a "secret identity," they're all celebrities. Stark catches on quick, but it makes complete sense that he'd not even think about flying down to May Parker's house and asking for Spider-Man. Brilliant bit, and I think it point toward how this whole "plan" S.H.I.E.L.D. has cooked up is not going to end well.
 
Also, the conversation with Gwen was, as usual, letter-perfect. It's just amazing to me how much of a handle Bendis has on these characters.
 
And, of course, the Black Cat/Mysterio stuff is simmering well. I can't help but figure this is the plotline that's going to erupt when Bagley returns for "The Death of Spider-Man."

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.

New Comic THURSDAY 6.3.2010

Day late for the holiday, I'm just getting tomorrow's blog out of the way today, and a nice, small week for my pocketbook.

Serenity: Float Out #1 (one shot)

Writer: Patton Oswalt
Artist: Patric Reynolds
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Cover Artist: Frank Stockton

Acclaimed writer/actor/comedian Patton Oswalt (The Goon, Batman, JLA, Dollhouse, Ratatouille) brings back one of Firefly's most beloved characters in this special spotlight issue!

Always ready with a brilliant aerial maneuver and a terrible one-liner, Wash was pilot of the Firefly-class ship Serenity in Joss Whedon's cult-classic TV series before being killed in the movie. Float Out includes three brand-new stories of Wash in a series of exciting smuggling raids, each providing a hair-raising escape or daring last-minute rescue! Featuring a cameo that will leave Serenity fans reeling, this special one-shot presents new tales of the Serenity universe's past and tantalizing hints about its future!

I'm actually befuddled as to why there haven't been more Serenity/Firefly comics. It seems like such a natural fit, and with the series well and truly dead, there's no reason not to let these characters play. The show has a rabid fanbase that will buy anything.

Interested to see how Patton Oswalt handles the writing.

Brightest Day #3 (of 4)

Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON,
ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH
1:25 variant covers by IVAN REIS & OCLAIR ALBERT

If this is the BRIGHTEST DAY then what is Black Lantern Firestorm doing on our cover?!

But...Black Lantern Firestorm isn't....

Oh, never mind.

Red Robin #13

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

Fabian Nicieza joins RED ROBIN as the new regular writer! A surge of organized mobs spreads across Gotham City like a virus! Who are The Socials and what is their mysterious agenda in moving young people across the city in self-organizing crowds? Is it mind-control or simply youth boredom? What starts as fun and games becomes deadly serious and leads to an unexpected confrontation between Red Robin and Robin!

New creative team, and a new direction. Now that we know Bruce Wayne is on his way back, I really don't want to see this solid book slide into irrelevance. They need to act quickly to give Tim Drake a new mission and reason for being Red Robin, and quickly.

The Stand: Hardcases #1 (of 5)

COVER BY: Tomm Coker
WRITER: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
PENCILS: Mike Perkins

The Trashcan Man was spared for a reason. To join the Dark Man Randall Flagg's swelling army and to set the world on fire. It's a dream come true for the pyromaniac, but he has to reach Flagg's compound in Las Vegas first--and, somehow, survive crossing paths with "the Kid," a hardcase who's even crazier and more dangerous than Trashy is! The villains are front-and-center as we cross the mid-point of this epic adaptation of Stephen King's horror masterpiece!

And so begins the...third? Miniseries of the six that will make up the full adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand. I'm a fan of the novel, which never read as "horror" to me. It's an epic tale of adventure, faith and survival. Of course, there are horrific elements, don't get me wrong, and the comic doesn't shy away from them. If you enjoy this book, the comics are a faithful, interesting adaptation. Worth checking out.

New Comic Day 3.24.2010

Extremely light week last week, with only 2 titles, so, of course, bigger hit to the wallet this week.

as a new "feature" I'll be including the official solicitation copy for each of these issues, as well. This will be in Red.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #10

Written by PAUL DINI
Co-feature written by MARC ANDREYKO
Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN and DEREK FRIDOLFS
Co-feature Art by JEREMY HAUN
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

It's Batman, Robin and Abuse struggling against the deadly clutches of Mr. Zsasz. With the lives of kidnapped children at stake, it's up to Gotham City's finest heroes to save the day. And in the Manhunter co-feature, Two-Face's trial comes to a surprising end as a new trial starts! Can Kate balance all of that with her need to spend time as Manhunter? And what's Kate's son Ramsey doing in Gotham?!

Likely another solid issue of a solid book. Dini's work is shining here, I just really wish we'd see some of this over on Gotham City Sirens. (I REALLY need to drop that book.)

Green Lantern #52

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and Cover by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY
1:25 Variant Cover by SHANE DAVIS and SANDRA HOPE

BLACKEST NIGHT'S penultimate chapter is here, and you do not want to miss this issue. Trust us on this one.

Penultimate, huh? This is a classic example of the solicit that tells you nothing, because you're buying the book anyway. I'm more excited to see what happens AFTER Blackest Night, at this point.

Power Girl #10

Written by JIMMY PALMIOTTI and JUSTIN GRAY
Art and Cover by AMANDA CONNER

Power Girl squares off against Satanna and her Animal Army just as Terra enters the fray! This should be a good thing, but somehow it looks like Power Girl's got a new enemy!

This issues strikes me as a bit bittersweet, because it was recently announced that the creative team will be leaving with issue #12. I'll be honest, one year with Palmiotti, Gray and Conner's Power Girl is not enough. Not by a long shot...

However, when Palmiotti and Gray eventually leave Jonah Hex, I'll proclaim a day of mourning.

Captain America #604

COVER BY: Gerald Parel
WRITER: Ed Brubaker & Sean McKeever
PENCILS: David Baldeon & Luke Ross
INKS: MK - Andy Kubert & James Raiz
COLORED BY: Jeff Parker & James Raiz
LETTERED BY: Jason Paz

The penultimate chapter of TWO AMERICAS! As two Captain Americas clash in the heartland, the Falcon fights to stop a terrorist attack on American soil by the new Watchdogs! Plus, Nomad: Girl Without A World back-up by SEAN MCKEEVER and DAVID BALDEON.

This series is trying my patience. Steve Rogers is back, and I want Steve Rogers as Captain America, not Bucky Barnes. Brubaker is still telling snappy espionage tales, but...I dunno, I want some of that rah-rah-sis-boom-bah Steve Rogers speechifying. Cap is supposed to be the best of all the things that make up America, not a skulking cold warrior.

Maybe it's just me.

The Stand - Soul Survivors #5

COVER BY: Mike Perkins
WRITER: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
PENCILS: Mike Perkins

Somehow, by luck and by pluck, Nick Andros led his group through the wilderness to Hemmingford House, the home of Mother Abagail. But they can't stay long, and an even more dangerous task awaits them: Seeking out and facing down Randall Flagg. In the midst of a crisis of faith, Nick makes a fateful choice that will forever change his life. Also: In a world without doctors, what happens when a member of Stu and Frannie's group requires an operation? Pick up a scalpel and say your prayers, True Believers, as the third volume of Stephen King's horror epic concludes!

I've grown to really enjoy this series or mini-series, adding up to a 30-issue adaptation of King's novel. It's very faithful to the source, so there are no surprises, but the art is beautiful. Plus, hey...Bruce Springsteen as Larry Underwood.

I say that with every issue, don't I?

New Comic Day 2.17.2010

What did I say last week? 10-title week?

So close to that, my wallet hurts.

Batman #696

Written by Tony Daniel
Art by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea
Cover by Tony Daniel

Daniel has proven very adept at running this title without really doing anything spectacular. It seems like everyone knew that the eyes would be on Morrison over in Batman And Robin, so they just needed somebody to "mind the store." His art is very nice, and the writing is solid. No complaints, but nothing amazing.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #9

Written by Paul Dini
co-feature written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs
co-feature art by Jeremy Haun
Cover by Dustin Nguyen

Dini's back after an issue off. He and Nguyen have formed a solid, workmanlike team, and they get the job done with style and wit. The quality ebbs and flows from issue to issue, but it never drops below the baseline, and it sometimes can be stunningly good.

Blackest Night: The Flash #3

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Scott Kolins
Variant cover by Francis Manapul

Time to be blunt...This series is better than Flash:Rebirth, and Scott Kolins is kicking Van Sciver's butt in the art department. I don't even care how that mini-series is going to end at this point, and every time Van Sciver posts some inane video or right-wing propaganda on facebook, I think, "shouldn't you be drawing?"

Which has nothing to do with this mini-series, which is quite good.

Green Lantern #51

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy
Variant cover by Greg Horn

Blackest Night continues...Again, enjoying it, but I think I'm ready to start wrapping this up. Hal's possessed by Parallax again, and we'll see how that turns out.

Justice League of America #42

Written by James Robinson
Art and cover by Mark Bagley and Rob Hunter
Variant cover by Adrian Melo and Mariah Benes

Just keep repeating "Robinson and Bagley will turn this around. Robinson and Bagley will turn this around. Robinson and Bagley will turn this around."

Maybe it'll come true.

Power Girl #9

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Art and cover by Amanda Conner

The joyful read of the week. Superhero comic books at their best, fun, sexy and a bit cheesy. I'm so happy to have Amanda Conner drawing Karen Starr on a monthly basis. So many people claim to be trying for a "sliver age feel," and it just comes off as a little too precious and aware. This team has captured how to have the same energy and feel of those insane silver age stories, while still feeling fresh and modern. Great stuff.

Captain America #603

COVER BY: Gerald Parel
DEADPOOL VARIANT COVER BY: Gerald Parel
WRITER: Ed Brubaker
PENCILS: Luke Ross
INKS: Array

Ah, me...I used to love this series a lot. It was the lone mainstream Marvel title I could say I was reading an enjoying. Then Captain America: Reborn happened. That mini was such a botch, on so many levels, that I can't even explain. It's tainted the series for me. Is it my expectation that Steve Rogers would be back as Captain America being thwarted? Possibly, mainly because you KNOW when the movie hits in 2012, corporate synergy obsessed Marvel couldn't bear to have Rodgers out of the costume....

The Stand: Soul Survivors #4

COVER BY: Lee Bermejo
VARIANT COVER BY: Mike Perkins
WRITER: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
PENCILS: Mike Perkins
INKS: Array

If you like the novel, you should like this series. It's a very well-executed adaptation, and I've enjoyed it all so far. If you don't like the novel, or King...nothing for you here, move along.

Buckaroo Banzai: Hardest of the Hard #2

Written by Earl Mac Rauch
Art by Shawn Van Briesen

I love the movie The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension. It's a film that I saw 2 times on the day it was released, just sat in the theatre, pretty much alone, for two showings. These comics absolutely get the story and characters right, as they're written by original screenwriter Earl Mac Rauch, but the art can swing from passable to poor. Moonstone isn't a hotbed of art talent, apparently. However, I'll be coming back for the story, and the continuing adventures of my favorite rock star/surgeon/race car drive/physicist.

Let's take a moment to look at one other thing about these titles...six of the nine have something in common that I hoped we'd left behind in the 90's.

VARIANT COVERS....

Thank you, comic industry, for trying to suck more and more money out of the pockets of your loyal, but dwindling, fanbase by getting to buy the SAME BOOK twice, or even three times!

New Comic Day 11.18.2009

Middling week, I guess I'd have to call it. Excited to see Flash: Rebirth get rolling again.

Dr. Horrible (One-Shot)

Writer: Zack Whedon
Penciller: Joelle Jones
Colorist: Dan Jackson
Cover Artist: Kristian Donaldson

OK, how cool is that? And, remember....the hammer is his penis.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #6

Written by Chris Yost
Co-feature written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs
Co-feature art by Jeremy Haunn
Cover by Dustin Nguyen

Total truth...this story has done absolutely nothing for me. Dini is the draw here, can't wait until he's back.

The Brave and the Bold #29

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Art and cover by Jesus Saiz

You had me at "Brother Power The Geek." I really hope Straczynski doesn't screw this up, because some of those bizarre DC Comics 60's/70's creations need some love. How about "Prez" next?

The Flash; Rebirth #5 (of 6)

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and covers by Ethan Van Sciver

Ok, excited to get back into this, but, that being said, the delays on this title have only pointed out that it's kind of irrelevant. This does not feel like a Flash story that "needed" to be told, especially not as a premium-priced special-event mini-series. It's a GOOD flash story, don't get me wrong, this could EASILY have been the first arc in a new Flash ongoing, and I'd have been very happy. It was clearly modled on the Green Lantern: Rebirth series, with the same creative team, even, but that level of retcon was not needed. Barry Allen was back as Flash, Grant Morrison took care of that in Final Crisis. We didn't really need any more.

The Stand: Soul Surviviors #2 (of 5)

COVER BY: Lee Bermejo
WRITER: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
PENCILS: Mike Perkins
INKS: Mike Perkins
COLORED BY: Laura Martin
LETTERED BY: VC - Rus Wooton

So, the Marvel adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand continues. You either love this story, or don't. I do. I think it's the best thing King's ever done. The best thing I can say about this series, or set of series, as it were, is that they are getting the story right.

Comic Book Wednesday 10.21.2009

Hey, hey...Here we go!

Batman: Streets of Gotham #5

Written by Chris Yost
co-feature written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs
co-feature art by Jeremy Haun
Cover by Dustin Nguyen

Looks like Paul Dini's taking a break. Hopefully, Yost, who's work I've enjoyed in Red Robin, will come up with a good tale. His story apparently teams The Huntress with Man-Bat, which certainly sounds interesting on paper. we shall see.

The Brave and the Bold #28

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Art and cover by Jesus Saiz

The Flash teams with WWII heroes, The Blackhawks. Cool. I really do love team-up books like this, and, as I've said, new writer Straczynski is really digging deep for odd pairings, and that's really the fun of this kind of title.

Justice League of America #38

Written by James Robinson
Art and cover by Mark Bagley
Variant cover by Andy Kubert

And now, Robinson and Bagley come on board to try to inject somethign into this title. I'll be on board until Bagly leaves, but if Robinson's not bringing the heat, story-wise, I'm gone with the artist. Seriously, this ought to be a flagship title for DC, and it's been in such a slump for the last few years.

Power Girl #6

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Art and cover by Amanda Conner
Variant cover by Guillem March

So. Much. Fun. Seriously, good, goofy superhero fun. This team has really given Power Girl/Karen Starr a real swagger and energy, that just rolls off the pages. Amanda Conner's art just pops, and the women are dead-sexy without seeming exploitative.

The Stand: Soul Survivors #1

COVER BY: Lee Bermejo
WRITER: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
PENCILS: Mike Perkins
INKS: Mike Perkins
COLORED BY: Laura Martin
LETTERED BY: VC - Rus Wooton

This is the first issue of the 3rd mini-series that will make up Marvel's adaptation of Stephen King's novel. I'm a big fan of the novel, and the comics are doing the story justice. Ultimately, it's going to be a 30-issue adaptation in 5-issue mini-series, and that seems about right. Plus, we finally get to see "Bruce Springsteen" as pop-star Larry Underwood. That has to tickle King a bit.