New Comic Day 8.11.2010

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

Booster Gold #35

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

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

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

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

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

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #13

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

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

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

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

MAYBE PICKING UP:

Superman #702

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

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

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



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

Er. Well...

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

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

DROPPING:

Ultimate Comics Avengers 3 #1

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

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

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

ON THE PERSONAL SIDE:

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



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

New Comic Day 8.4.2010

Fairly big week here....

Batman: Odyssey #2 (of 6)

Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art by NEAL ADAMS
1:25 Sketch variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

Neal Adams's ODYSSEY ramps up as The Caped Crusader slowly but surely loses control. A dark presence lurking in the background begins pulling Bruce's strings...who is responsible? This second chapter is a tour de force of action as the greatest crime fighter on earth displays his vicious combat skills. What else can you expect? Adams's art at its best!

I know a lot of the reviews on this have been...not great. I kinda get that. this is a very, very 70's-style book, and I know a lot of the kids out there don't really "get" that. You have to read, you see, the text is as dense as Adams flat-out awesome artwork.

For myself, I'm loving every page. No, I don't quite get what's going on yet, and Adams' Batman seems to lean toward the Frank Miller A-Hole style, but the whole preview of issue #1, with a Batman wielding twin Colt automatics, played out in an extremely satisfying manner.

Do I wish Neal had rung up Denny O'Neil to do the dialogue? Sure, but, all on his own, Adams is bringing back the kind of comics I cut my teeth on, and I love it.

Brightest Day #7

Written by GEOFF JOHNS and PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF,
SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:10 White Lantern Variant covers by RYAN SOOK,
FERNANDO PASARIN and JOEL GOMEZ

Don't miss the hottest event in comics as BRIGHTEST DAY continues!

There can be only one who wields the White Lantern...but is it truly Deadman? And what will happen when he attempts to charge the white ring? Meanwhile, Ronnie Raymond risks everything for Firestorm, Martian Manhunter uncovers more clues about the bizarre string of murders stretching across the country, Aquaman searches for the key to the ocean's survival and the Hawks come face-to-face with the evil that lurks within the strange land known only as Hawkworld!

Ok, I think we've jumped the shark here. I still care what's going to happen, but it's really, really apparent this could've easily been a 4-issue series. Even bi-weekly, it's seemed to drone on and on, and on. Let's wrap this up, and put the events to bed for a while.

It's like I said in my SDCC wrap-up blog, specifically about the DC Town Hall panel (scroll down to the bottom), let's focus on the regular series for a while, and let "the universe" take care of itself. I could say it about both of the big two, but I am, finally, tired of having every monthly book tie into each other, and connect to some larger concept that never ends up as cool as you think it'll be.

I mean, does ANYONE really, really care about "The Heroic Age" or "Brightest Day" right now? Or are we just feeling like we HAVE to be interested, because of our love of the respective universes? The individual boos are starting to suffer, they don't feel like full stories, just snippits that don't seem to connect I mean...exactly how is the Flash series tying into any of this?

Give it a rest for a while, guys.

Jonah Hex #58

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art and cover by GIANCARLO CARACUZZO

When you live the kind of life that Jonah Hex has, you learn that every bullet tells a story. This is one of those stories – one of betrayal, violence and immeasurable greed! Featuring the art of rising star Giancarlo Caracuzzo (Cable)!

The absolute perfect cure for crossover-itis. This book, as I have said time and time, and time again, is damn near perfect. the done-in-one style provides so much freedom. Maybe a story won't pop like the creatives thought it might, or an artist doesn't quite mesh with the material...BAM! Another chance next month!

DC and Marvel ought to take a good long look at why this book is looked at so favorable by so many people. It's because it's a respite from the overwhelming baggage of continuity. Maybe it's not the greatest selling thing out there (certainly not for lack of me trying), but nobody knows who Hex is! (The movie certainly didn't help, but then, the movie wasn't REALLY Jonah Hex, now was it?) Try this format with Batman, or Green Lantern, and it will sell, and the work will be strong.

Red Robin #15

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

With Tim Drake targeted for assassination, will Red Robin have to eliminate his secret identity? Or is it all part of an elaborate ruse to draw out the lethal Egyptian assassin known as Scarab and get Vicki Vale off his trail?

Over here on the other hand, we have a book that's deeply rooted in continuity, but doesn't get bogged down in it. Why? Because, after a few false starts, they zeroed in on exactly what Tim Drake's place in the DCU and the Bat-verse would be, and they've left that area alone for him to play in. You can easily read Red Robin without the other Bat-books. If you do read the other books, it just fills in gaps. The creative team gives you a full story that is informed and deepened by what's happening in Batman or Detective (Batman and Robin is off in it's own little Morrison-world), but doesn't rely on them. A very solid read, month-in, month-out.

Captain America #608

COVER BY: Marko Djurdjevic
WRITER: ED BRUBAKER/SEAN MCKEEVER
PENCILS: FILIPE DANIEL/MORENO DE ANDRADE/BUTCH GUICE
INKS: BUTCH GUICE
COLORED BY: DEAN V. WHITE
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC|NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

Baron Zemo takes his battle against the new Captain America to a new and terrifying level. And neither Bucky Barnes, or the readers will believe Zemo's last page revelation! By the senses-shattering team of Ed Brubaker and Butch Guice!

*sigh*

PUT STEVE ROGERS BACK IN THE SUIT!!!!

We all know you'll do it before next Summer, when that little movie comes out, so quit jerking us around. Although, I have to admit this whole current storyline feel like it might be leading to a bad end for Bucky Barnes. I mean, don't get me wrong, I like Bucky as a character, and as Cap he was interesting, but this has just gone on too long.

Ultimate Comics Avengers 2 #6

COVER BY: LEINIL FRANCIS YU
WRITER: MARK MILLAR
PENCILS: LEINIL FRANCIS YU
INKS: GERRY ALANGUILAN
COLORED BY: DAVE MCCAIG
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 2 #6 (of 6) Written by MARK MILLAR Pencils & Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU The Avengers are caught in the middle as Ghost Rider and the demonically powered Vice-President Blackthorne go head-to-flaming-head! What hope do Hawkeye, Punisher, and the new Hulk have against Satan's soldiers? Find out as best-selling creators MARK MILLAR (CIVIL WAR, KICK-ASS) and LEINIL FRANCIS YU (SECRET INVASION) bring this story to a fiery finish!

I'm finally ready to admit that I generally think Mark Millar is a hack. This series is completely boneheaded and makes zero impact on the reader. Hell, I thought it was only 4 issues long, because, well, the plotting never seems to indicate we're getting anywhere.

Y'know what I was saying in that SDCC blog about chasing the "cool," instead of just telling solid stories about heroism and playing your characters for all they're worth? Millar's the poster boy for the "cool" moment that ultimately, means bupkis. Vice-President Blackthorne erupting from the White House as an agent of Satan in issue #5 of this title? Cool, but ultimately empty, because, frankly...I don't care about anyone in the book. They're all blank tools to create "cool" moments, and nothing else.

He wrote the quite wonderful Red Son, and then just went on a spree of garbage (Although, I will admit a fondness for the first two Ultimates mini-series). The only question he seems to ask when working with established characters is "how much can I pull them into the mud?" and when doing creator-owned new work, "how fast can I sell this to Hollywood?" He's like a one-man crusade to make comics irrelevant, just a "idea shop" for movie producers.

I had a conversation with a creator, who recently moved his title to Image, a couple of years ago, and we were talking about the Watchmen movie. We were talking about the pros and cons of Zach Snyder's uber-literal (in my mind overly so) method of adapting the book to film. That led to talking about the sad fact that, to many "comic" fans today, nothing, no book, no graphic novel, really matters until they make it into a movie.

The medium of comics has just become a stepping stone to a "bigger and better deal." To me, Mark Millar is the personification of that mindset. Yeah, sure comics have become more recognized as a cultural force, but, seemingly, only as source material for a "real" art form like movies or TV.

Which is not to say I have a problem with selling rights to your concept to somebody with deep pockets. This particular creator had sold the movie rights for his own book, but it's also very, very clear that the book is his passion. He's not gonna stop doing it, he's not gonna hand it off to other and just cash checks. Selling the concept to Hollywood wasn't the end goal, it was a nice bonus.

When I pick up Millar's Kick-Ass, and I can see, from issue one, how it's just a pitch for a movie. I just get sad. Sad because this is a guy considered a "star" comic-book creator now, and I wish he'd just have more faith in the medium as an end unto itself.

I mean, ask yourself...do you think if Kick-Ass hadn't made it to film, we'd ever see a sequel? Even at that, I have my doubts. Was Millar's commitment to his characters, or his deal?

New Comic Day 6.23.2010

Well, I'm caught up on books waiting to be picked up, and I even managed to bag and box the about 3 months worth of assembled issues I had laying around over the weekend. Of course, this action also filled my storage boxes to the point of bursting. So, I guess a new short box is in the offing. Where I'm gonna find room for it is a whole 'nother matter.

Ah, comic book collecting.

I gotta tell ya, the idea of dropping all my monthly books, and completely switching over to a "waiting for the trade" tactic is looking better and better. Sure, a Trade Paperback collection might be more pricey, short term, but...

Issue of Batman: the Return of Bruce Wayne: $3.99
All six issues of this mini-series: $23.94
Esitimated cost of Trade Paperback: $19.95 + tax = $21.95

Plus, many more trade paperbacks will fit into a short box than will single issues.

I mean, I have series I follow exclusively in Trades; Powers and Invincible. I got on board so late, it was the only way to amass the entire stories reasonably. Sure, I'm behind on them, but I also wait for the Blu-Ray release of Mad Men, so I see that almost a year after the rest of you. I do enjoy reading those series in that format immensely. There's something about getting huge swaths of story in one fell swoop, especially in the current "decompressed storytelling" environment, where stories that would've been told in 1-2 issues in, say, 1984, now take 6-8.

Anyway, I have to say I think I've added to my list of series I follow in trades.

For the last couple of years, I've had several people suggest I read Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead series. I've always resisted. I love Kirkman's Invincible, which is some of the best superhero storytelling going on right now, but I just don't really grok zombie stories, and Horror, as a genre, holds very, very little appeal to me. So, I'd look at the covers, with the zombie hordes, and the title, and it just turned me off.

These folks persisted, however. "It's not really horror," I was told, "it's more of a survival story." "More of a post-apocalyptic road tale," I was told, which held some sway, as I've always love the post-apocalypse sub-genre. So, when I went into Borders to get the next Scott Pilgrim book I need to read (Vol. 4), and found they were out of stock, I grabbed the entry-priced first trade collection of The Walking Dead, Titled Days Gone Bye.



"What the hell," I thought. I don't have to buy any more if I hate it, and I can say, "tried it, didn't take" if it's bad.

Well, it's not bad. In fact, I loved the first arc immensely. Here's a little something I'd offer to anyone trying to describe this series in a pop-culture shorthand, this series reminds me intensely of Stephen King's The Stand, which happens to be a book I admire greatly. Yes, there are horror elements, shocking and unsettling moments (not for young readers, is my point), but that's clearly, extremely clearly, not the point.

In his introduction to this collection Kirkman says, flat-out, he doesn't care if the series scares anybody, or not.

The fact the series is black and white only further mutes the horror, or at the very least the gore. Where many other series with this sort of concept try to get in your face with heavily detailed depictions of violence, in an attempt to frighten, or at least gross you out, The Walking Dead stays clear of that. Tony Moore's light, almost cartoony artwork, and the absence of color, always brings you back to the distinctive faces he's created. Oh, he's telling a zombie story, all right, and that means some gore and violence, but the intent stays solidly away from lurid for it's own sake. In other words, the focus is always on the characters.

Kirkman's point here is holding a mirror up to humanity, and exposing it's foibles in an extremely intense setting. King used a superflu in The Stand, Kirkman uses zombies, but the result is the same. In the survivors, we see a microcosm of society, humanity in both it's most noble and petty.

So, yes, you were all right. Highly recommended. I'll be picking up some more trades soon.

With that, on to this week's pull list. Only four titles, but really heavy on the Batman this week.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #3 (of 6)

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by ANDY KUBERT
1:25 Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

The most anticipated miniseries of 2010 continues! As Bruce Wayne's astonishing journey through time continues in this 6-issue miniseries, The Dark Knight travels to the eras of high seas thievery! Mastermind writer Grant Morrison's most ambitious project to date continues to chronicle the return of the original man behind the cape and cowl – Bruce Wayne! Featuring the dynamic artwork of YANICK PAQUETTE.

I've heard a lot of complaints about this series. How it makes no sense, and that Morrison is just high again. Well, I can't fully agree. I think this series makes a hell of a lot more sense than that Captain America: Reborn abortion that Marvel brought out last year. Morrison can go all the way off the rails (See Final Crisis), but I think he's pulling this off fine, so far.

I still say he's absolutely the wrong writer for BRUCE WAYNE as Batman (I love how he handles DICK GRAYSON as Batman), but that's also because I feel like "regular" Batman adventures work best as tough, urban neo-noir street drama, and Morrison likes to go straight for the Silver Age "costume of the week" style. It's a matter of taste, I know, but I really kind of hope Grant moves on after he wraps this up.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #13

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

Hush finally breaks his silence and decides to make life difficult for Batman. What is Tommy Elliot's gameplan? And what will Bruce Wayne's return mean for the man who's been masquerading as Bruce all these months?

Also, the final, thrilling installment of the Manhunter co-feature is here! Kate confronts a vicious enemy who has infiltrated her personal life. Everyone she cares about is in danger, and so is her secret identity! Can she protect her loved ones? And when it's all said and done, will she decide to stay in Gotham City – or return to the relative peace of Los Angeles?

Y'know, I had almost forgotten that Hush was surgically-altered to look like Bruce Wayne, and "hiding in plain sight" as Dick kicked around in the Cape and Cowl. It was a clever enough trick, plot wise, to keep Bruce and Batman alive in the public eye. However, it's been simmering for so long...Who knows? I have faith in Dini with these kinds of stories.

I'll be sad to see Manhunter go...again. Hopefully, she'll get another back-up feature, or her own series, again soon.

Detective Comics #866

Written by DENNIS O'NEIL
Art and cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
1:25 "DC 75 Anniversary" Variant cover by WALTER SIMONSON

Continuing the spirit of celebration from BATMAN #700, comics legend Dennis O'Neil's returns to the Batcave in this stand-alone, 40-page issue! O'Neil spins a tale of the Dick Grayson Batman intertwined with those classic days when Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder, patrolled the mean streets of Gotham City!

And come back next month for the return of The Question and Batwoman!

Ahh, Dennis O'Neil is going to write Batman again!! That makes me very happy. (I'm also very happy he'll be at SDCC this year, along with Neal Adams. May warrant buying a hardcover of the Green Lantern/Green Arrow series for signing.) It's exactly the kind of thing I like to see with this anniversary promotional stuff. Bringing in an old pro to do a quick one-shot that invokes the old days. O'Neil's picture is in the dictionary when you look up "Pro," so I expect it'll be good.

Also happy to see Batwoman coming back next issue.

Ultimate Comics Avengers 2 #4

COVER BY: Leinil Francis Yu
WRITER: Mark Millar
PENCILS: Leinil Francis Yu
INKS: Gerry Alanguilan
COLORED BY: Laura Martin
LETTERED BY: VC - Cory Petit

Nick Fury’s Avengers have assembled: Black Widow, The Punisher, a new Hulk, War Machine and Hawkeye are souped-up and ready to face Hell…literally. Evil’s emissary comes in the form of The Ghostrider, a mysterious new villain sent to collect Satan’s debts: human lives. But how do you fight the devil and his men? With big guns and even bigger cojones. Who lives, who survives? Who knows? But it’ll be one hellish ride!! Join superstars MARK MILLAR and LEINIL FRANCIS YU in another heart-pumping adventure!

Well, thank God this is over. "Overrated," thy name is "Mark Millar."

Seriously, this series, mini-series, whatever the hell it is, has been nothing but a mess. I don't care about a single one of these characters they've introduced. The first Ultimate Comics Avengers series at least had the revelation that "Ultimate" Captain America's son had turned himself into an "Ultimate" version of the Red Skull. I cared about Cap from past stories, so I cared about HIM. Now he's gone, and we're left with a bunch of characters I couldn't give two whits about.

I mean, look at these characters...The "Original" Hulk (which makes sense in context, but is just stupid), which is nothing more than an ugly racial stereotype, because OF COURSE a respected, highly educated black scientist, if given Hulk-like power, would immediately just become a drug-dealing, bling-covered "Gansta." "Ultimate" War Machine, who's nothing but a macho gun-nut in a generic suit of armor. "Ultimate" Punisher, who's, well, exactly like the regular Punisher, meaning a one-note muscleman with big guns. "Ultimate" Hawkeye is the only character with even a remotely interesting background, but he's just been turned into a Punisher clone. Yet another version of Black Widow who's made less impact than Scarlett Johanssen did in Iron Man 2?

It's ridiculous. Not to mention, and this is a killer...THESE are the characters Nick Fury recruits to take on a literal demon from hell? Two musclebound guys with guns? Another musclebound guy in an armor suit? A super-musclebound guy who's more interested in "Bitches and Money?" The girl Millar can't even bother to give a real personality to? Don't ya think you would want someone a little higher on the "supernatural" meter?

Millar writes killer "moments." Last issue featured Ghost Rider jumping his bike through a landing jetliner, ripping a passenger out of it. That was a great moment, but it didn't connect to anything. It's like the opposite of The Walking Dead. I don't care because Mark Millar doesn't give me even the slightest reason to do so. Frankly, it's the problem with most of his work.

I've gotten this far, I'll read how it ends. That said, when Ultimate Comics Avengers 3 appears, it's gonna be a tough sell to this guy.

New Comic Day 6.9.2010

Oh, my aching wallet.

In an act of an idiot nature, I did not manage to get to my Local Comics Shop (LCS) ast week to pick up the (reasonable week of) 4 title. So, now I'm on the hook for those 4, plus the 6 from this week (including a rather expensive anniversary title.)

Batman #700

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by TONY DANIEL, ANDY KUBERT,
FRANK QUITELY, DAVID FINCH & RICHARD FRIEND
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 "DC 75th Anniversary" variant cover by MIKE MIGNOLA
1:75 "DC 75th Anniversary" variant black and white cover by MIKE MIGNOLA

Grant Morrison returns to BATMAN with this oversized special! And he's brought an all-star roster of artists along with him including Andy Kubert, Tony Daniel and Frank Quitely to celebrate this milestone 700th issue featuring stories spotlighting each of the Batmen from different eras – Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne. You won't want to miss this blockbuster story that paves the way for the return of Bruce Wayne and sports mind-boggling covers by superstars David Finch (BRIGHTEST DAY) and Mike Mignola (BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT, Hellboy)!

So, with Dick Grayson-as-Batman and The Return of Bruce Wayne in full swing, Grant Morrison returns to the eponymous Batman title to celebrate it's 700th issue. Promotion art indicates that the story will involve a case across time. With Bruce, Dick and Bruce's bastard son, Damian, all in the Batman costume, and making their way toward a solution. Could be interesting, or Morrison might spin out into some sort of retro-Silver Age weirdness. We shall see. Actually excited about this.

Booster Gold #33

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by CHRIS BATISTA
Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE

The shocking events of JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST leave Booster Gold bloody and beaten, and the only way for him to put right what went wrong and save the people he loves is to travel back into the past. But what happens when Booster comes face-to-face with himself and Justice League International?

OK, so...Looking for that good old-timey Justice League International "BWA-HA-HA-HA!!" fix? Do not, under any circumstances, pick up Justice League: Generation Lost. Get this book instead. I'm really just putting my toe in the water with this issue, and the last, but Giffen and Dematteis did not let me down. I'll figure I'll stick with this as long as they do.

Jonah Hex #56

Written by JUSTIN GRAY & JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by PHIL WINSLADE & OTHERS
Cover by DARWYN COOKE

Timed to coincide with the upcoming JONAH HEX movie starring Josh Brolin and Megan Fox from Warner Bros., this issue is a special jumping-on point for new and old HEX fans alike! Learn Hex's savage origin and how love played a crucial hand in forming the hard-edged man he is today! And when an old Native American woman hires Hex to save her life, he assumes it's just a normal job – but it turns out to be one that will affect the course of American history! All this, plus a cover by the one and only Darwyn Cooke (NEW FRONTIER)!

OK, forget all the movie-hype here. (It's opening opposite Toy Story 3 anyway, the writing is on the wall.) Look at that awesome Darwyn Cooke cover, and revel in the best western comic on the market. Over and over I'll say it, this is the most consistently great regular series either of the "Big Two" are putting out, and I might even say "any company, period." It's that good.

Captain America #606

COVER BY: Butch Guice
WRITER: Ed Brubaker & Sean McKeever
PENCILS: David Baldeon & Butch Guice

THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE! Acclaimed artist Butch Guice joins award-winning writer Ed Brubaker as the summer begins with a blast from the past! Zemo returns to finish the job his father started -- Killing Bucky!

Wanna know how to alienate this reader? Have the shipping schedule be as weird as it has been for this title. Then pull a "bait-and-switch" with the rebirth of the title character. I'm sticking it out, for now, because Brubaker is telling good stories, but, man...Steve Rogers is back from the dead. Why isn't he in the suit?

Oh, and blah, blah, HEROIC AGE, blah, blah...

Ultimate Comics Avengers 2 #3

COVER BY: Leinil Francis Yu
WRITER: Mark Millar
PENCILS: Leinil Francis Yu
INKS: Gerry Alanguilan
COLORED BY: Laura Martin
LETTERED BY: VC - Cory Petit

Nick Fury’s Avengers have assembled: Black Widow, The Punisher, a new Hulk, War Machine and Hawkeye are souped-up and ready to face Hell…literally. Evil’s emissary comes in the form of The Ghostrider, a mysterious new villain sent to collect Satan’s debts: human lives. But how do you fight the devil and his men? With big guns and even bigger cojones. Who lives, who survives? Who knows? But it’ll be one hellish ride!! Join superstars MARK MILLAR and LEINIL FRANCIS YU in another heart-pumping adventure!

**YAWN**

I am so tempted to drop this. They're hunting Ghost Rider? Big friggin' whoop.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #11

COVER BY: DAVID LAFUENTE
WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS: DAVID LAFUENTE
INKS: David Lafuente Garcia
COLORED BY: Justin Ponsor
LETTERED BY: VC - Cory Petit

After the shocking drama surrounding Kitty Pryde is exposed, an edict is made: “No more super heroes!!” Will Peter and his friends be able to keep the costumes off?? Especially when J. Jonah Jameson reveals himself to be the biggest threat Spidey has faced in years? Looking for a Spidey adventure you’ve never seen before? Look no further as Eisner-nominated writer Brian Michael Bendis and fan-favorite artist David Lafuente, bring you another blockbuster story!

I have total faith in Brian Michael Bendis on this title. Total. Faith. This is the jewel in Marvel's crown right now. I do, however, still miss Mark Bagley on this title.

New Comic Day 5.19.2010 (one day late)

So, this week has been a very lazy one for your friendly neighborhood blogger. Things have been busy, but I have a lot to write about.

Let's start with this week's books. Most are at the $3.99 price point this week...**sigh** As a twist for this week, the cover art will be part of my comments.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #12

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

Batman deals with the aftermath of Zsasz's crime wave when a new threat walks upon Gotham City's stage! And in the co-feature, an enemy Kate made in both the courtroom and on the streets of Gotham has decided to make his fight a little more personal…

That is a Badass cover, no doubt. Hats off to Mr. Nguyen. More solid bat-tales from Dini. I can't say I await new issues of this series with anticipation, but I'm usually not disappointed.

Brightest Day #2

Written by GEOFF JOHNS and PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF,
SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH
Variant cover by IVAN REIS and OCLAIR ALBERT

BRIGHTEST DAY continues, but in ways you can't possibly expect! What does BRIGHTEST DAY mean to the DC Universe? Is everything from here on out going to be bright and shiny? No, BRIGHTEST DAY means something else entirely, something we can't tell you...yet. But we can tell you our heroes will need to rise up more than ever to combat the forces of evil, and a select few will uncover a secret that binds them ALL.

In the grand tradition of modern comic book storytelling...nothing much has happened so far in this series. I'm still hopeful, but y'know...I'm counting on you Geoff. Cover: Meh.

Justice League of America #45

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art and cover by MARK BAGLEY and ROB HUNTER

A BRIGHTEST DAY tie-in! Supergirl rejoins the JLA as incredible, ancient forces of chaos are unleashed. What could posses her and Power Girl to battle to the death? And what horrors await the rest of the Justice League and Justice Society in this prologue to "The Ghosts of Earth and Space"?!

I like how Mark Bagley draws women. So, this cover works for me. However, I've grown so disillusioned with this series, I'm actually entertaining the idea of dropping a Mark Bagley drawn series. I'm hanging on until issue #50, but, if things don't turn around...It may be over.

The Spirit #2

Written by MARK SCHULTZ
Co-feature written by HARLAN ELLISON
Art by MORITAT
Co-feature art by KYLE BAKER
Cover by LADRÖNN

In this second gripping issue, Angel Smerti is a lady who gets what she wants – and she wants The Spirit dead! The Spirit's first encounter with the Golden Tree crime organization will show him that the threat extends far beyond Central City! And in the co-feature, THE SPIRIT: BLACK and WHITE, modern fiction master Harlan Ellison teams with the brilliant Kyle Baker (WEDNESDAY COMICS) to bring an adventure right to the Spirit's backyard — Wildwood Cemetery!

OK, first, what a fantastic cover. Very classic Spirit image, as femme fatales were a bread and butter mainstay of Will Eisner's creation. I don't know who "Ladronn" is, but this is a really sharp image. Also very excited by the Harlan Ellison/Kyle Baker "Spirit:Black and White" back up feature. DC promised big-time creators for that feature, and they've delivered so far. Love me some Uncle Harlan, and Baker is a genius. The "First Wave" line has been pretty much a let-down for me, the Doc Savage book may be the worst thing published by the "big two" in the last few years, but the first issue of this series was pretty sharp. Better than the last Spirit series, at least after Darwyn Cooke left.

Ultimate Comics Avengers 2 #2

COVER BY: Leinil Francis Yu
WRITER: Mark Millar
PENCILS: Leinil Francis Yu
INKS: Gerry Alanguilan
COLORED BY: Laura Martin
LETTERED BY: VC - Cory Petit

The Avengers have their first mission: track and neutralize the Ghost Rider for good. But they need one more recruit to help them do the job…and he’s not so cooperative. How do you put down a HULK? Chuck a few tons of metal at him! War Machine and the newest HULK go head-to-head and it gets explosive. Hotshot creators MARK MILLAR and LEINIL YU bring you the next blazing chapter of ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT!

Cover; Bleech. I don't know if I'm going to get all the way through this series. The splash page, and costume change, that ended the last issue was a really bright spot, and spoke of many character possibilities, but....Mark Millar, I just don't trust you.

New Comic Day 4.28.2010

After last week's $30 blast, it's a blissfully light week, and mostly Marvel, which is odd for me.

Detective Comics #864

Written by DAVID HINE
Co-feature written by GREG RUCKA
Art by JEREMY HAUN
Co-feature art by CULLY HAMNER
Cover by CLIFF CHIANG

The inmates of Arkham Asylum have taken over DETECTIVE COMICS in "Beneath the Mask" Part 1 of 2! It's Black Mask verses Jeremiah Arkham for control of the asylum. But what of the enigmatic Three Beauties, and how does Batman fit into the mad plan? Everything that was set up and teased in BATTLE FOR THE COWL: ARKHAM ASYLUM and ARKHAM REBORN is at last revealed, but the answers to the mysteries just might drive everyone – including Batman – mad!

Then, in the co-feature, the spotlight is shone on Renee's personal life. But just who knows about her secret identity, and what will they do with that information? That is the question...

I guess that's the end of Batwoman headlining Detective Comics. I was loving Rucka's work with the character, but I also think that maybe this was drawing to a close at the right time. We shall see what David Hine does with the material.

Captain America #605

COVER BY: Gerald Parel
WRITER: Ed Brubaker/Sean Mckeever
PENCILS: David Baldeon/Luke Ross
INKS: Sno-Cone Studios, Ltd./Simone Peruzzi
COLORED BY: Joseph Clark/Simone Peruzzi
LETTERED BY: Keith Aiken/Jeromy Cox

The dramatic conclusion of "Two Americas" by acclaimed Cap scribe Ed Brubaker and Luke Ross. The final battle between two Captain Americas will leave each changed...and a new secret enemy will be revealed.

There's only one thing to say here...

When will Steve Rogers (it's just hit me just how great a hero name that is...almost as good as Steve Austin) be in the Captain America suit again? Bucky was a great placeholder, but he's feeling played out. It's also fair to say that DC handling this sort of story far better with Dick Grayson as Batman. I don't just keep waiting for the original guy (and the VASTLY superior original costume) to come back. OK, Marvel? He's back to life, stop jerking us around.

Ultimate Comics Avengers 2 #1

COVER BY: Leinil Francis Yu
WRITER: Gary Martin
PENCILS: Leinil Francis Yu
INKS: James Jean
COLORED BY: Arron Williams
LETTERED BY: Jared Fletcher

Some jobs are just too dirty for the Ultimates. For these, Nick Fury must gather the Avengers, a black ops team willing to do the missions that others won’t. What role will an infamous mass killer play in Fury’s plans? Find out here, as the Punisher returns to the Ultimate Universe! The blockbuster team of MARK MILLAR (ULTIMATES) and LEINIL FRANCIS YU (SECRET INVASION) presents the explosive beginning to ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

Lord, Ultimate Comics Avengers just ended last week. So, yeah...it's on the pull list, but with the pretty weak wrap-up on the first series, this issue will have to be really damn good to get me to keep buying. At least it's a Punisher that's not some sort of half-assed Frankenstein monster riff.

New Comic Day 4.21.2010

Big, almost HUGE, week...almost $30.

**sigh**

Sometimes I do wonder about how much I spend on this stuff. Doesn't help I also have a $25 fundraiser for my current show on Friday night, and I'm working hard to put away a significant dollar amount each week for San Diego. Oh well, I could be spending it on smack.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #11

Written by Paul Dini
Art and cover by Guillem March

As Gotham City swirls in a maelstrom of evil and villainy, three of the most unlikely candidates – Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn – step forward to bring some light to the situation. But will their efforts enough to stem the tide of madness and mayhem?

This series is kinda like comfort food. I'm never disappointed, but rarely excited, either. Dini is a master, but that doesn't mean the stories are always brilliant. However, sometimes they are, and I approach each new issue he writes with that hope.

The Brave and the Bold #33

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art by CLIFF CHIANG
Cover by JESUS SAIZ

Oh yes, it's ladies' night! Batgirl, Wonder Woman and Zatanna enjoy a nice, peaceful evening on the town that absolutely won't be interrupted by any kind of superheroic hijinks whatsoever... and if you believe that, there's a giant bronze globe in Metropolis we'd like to sell you!

Aw, yeah...ladies' night! **BOW-chicka-wow-wow**

**ahem**

JMS has been holding up his end of the deal so far, although the series isn't nearly as regular as it used to be. However, Straczynski promised odd pairings, and he's lived up to that. I stand by my previous assertion that this is old-school comics at it best. We don't need sweeping crossovers for heroes to get together, just sharp, done-in-one, fun storytelling. All 33 issues of the modern version of this title have lived up to that. Totally recommended.

Green Lantern #53

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY
1:25 Variant cover by RODOLFO MIGLIARI

A BRIGHTEST DAY tie-in! Exploding out of BLACKEST NIGHT comes the next exciting chapter in the Green Lantern mythos: "New Guardians"! Forced together during the rise of the Black Lanterns, Hal Jordan, Sinestro, Carol Ferris, Saint Walker, Atrocitus, Indigo-1 and Larfleeze must agree to disagree if their next mission is to succeed. But when one of the strangest beings from Green Lantern's past returns, the future of the Lanterns and the universe at large once again falls into question.

Of course, there's noting wrong with huge crossovers, if done right. I'm excited to see what the post-Blackest Night/Brightest Day universe will mean for the assorted ring corps. I don't know if I've pontificated over this already, but it really needs to be said...Kudos to Geoff Johns for introducing the multiple color/emotion ring corps. It's, hands down, the best, most story-generating (which is the most important part) new element to be added to the Green Lantern mythos in decades. There's nothing wrong with the changes writers like Ron Marz put into effect, but rebuilding the Green Lantern Corps as a galactic police force, and then adding the additional spectrum corps...it's just opened up the cosmic DC universe in a huge way.

Justice League of America #44

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art and cover by MARK BAGLEY and ROB HUNTER
1:25 Variant cover by David Mack

A BRIGHTEST DAY tie-in! Following the events of BLACKEST NIGHT, the brand new Justice League of America enters into BRIGHTEST DAY with an arc featuring the Justice Society of America. The epic team-up begins with a character from the end of BLACKEST NIGHT joining the JLA. But when the storyline's over, what mysterious villain will be revealed – and which hero will switch teams?

Oh, God...WILL SOMEONE MAKE THIS BOOK GOOD AGAIN!?!?! I mean, I won't drop it, I love Mark Bagley too, too much, but, if he goes, I'm out. Unless they get someone writing this thing that can run with it, AWAY FROM THE ASSORTED CROSSOVERS, and make the team matter.

I mean, seriously, this title has been hamstrung with editorial mandates and tie-ins for years, and when Dwayne McDuffie up and admitted he was having trouble writing a compelling series when it had to tie-in to every DC event down the pike, they fired him. Bad form, Dan Didio. I love so much of what you've put in play at DC, but...You need to let this title breathe, get a team in place, and let it gell into a cohesive unit. Hell, the series has even become about how the team has problems working together!

Pull it out of continuity for a year, and let it establish it's own identity.

Power Girl #11

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

Power Girl's life has been torn apart, and the last thing she needs is to find out that one of her closest allies is now one of her deadliest enemies! But, we're sorry to say, that's exactly what Satanna has managed to serve up!

One part sad, one part glad. Sad because there's only one more Palmiotti/Gray/Conner issue of this series left, and it's become one of my favorite reads on a monthly basis. that's all because of what that team brought to the table. Especially Conner's strong-but-sexy artwork. I'll miss the hell out of this series when I drop it after next issue. Like I said at the top of the page...I need to cut back on the comics $$ for a bit, and if the team is gone, what I was reading for will be gone.

The Spirit #1

Written by MARK SCHULTZ
Co-feature written by Dennis O'Neil
Art by MORITAT
Co-feature art by Bill Sienkiewicz
Cover by LADRÖNN
1:10 variant cover by MARK SCHULTZ

The Spirit returns in an all-new ongoing series! Central City destroys everyone who lives within its borders...so it's a good thing The Spirit already died once! International crime syndicate The Golden Tree wants to help Central City's Octopus consolidate control over the underworld and the Spirit is the kind of mess the Golden Tree was created to clean up. They've offered the Octopus the services of one of their finest assassins to take his breath away for good – and the sight of this killer would get anyone's heart pounding!

This issue also features the debut of the eight-page THE SPIRIT: BLACK and WHITE co-feature, showcasing the industry's finest talent. And who better to kick things off than DENNIS O'NEIL and BILL SIENKIEWICZ?

More of DC's First Wave line...A little background here;

The Spirit was created by a genius cartoonist named Will Eisner in 1940. It was a comic book series that was actually an insert into Sunday newspapers, and Eisner owned the property outright, holding full creative control. He managed to tell many different and affecting stories within the framework of The Spirit's world. The Eisner series is sheer genius. (Despite the ugly stereotype of the Ebony White sidekick character)

The most recent version of The Spirit was a series DC published starting in 2007, with the first 12 issues being handled by modern genius cartoonist Darwyn Cooke. After Cooke left with issue 12, the series limped along for about another 20 months, but no one really captured the way a modern Spirit ought to work like Cooke did. (I should've stopped reading with his departure).

The recent movie, directed by sometimes-genius cartoonist Frank Miller was nothing but a nightmare. I never saw the whole thing. The power went out about 20 minutes in the film, and it felt like a reprieve from Hell.

I hope this series gets it right, I really do. The property is too ripe, and too historically important to lie fallow. I am most intensely interested in the "Black and White" back-up feature. It'll be cool to see various creators play with the property, and O'Neil and Sienkiewicz are a hell of a way to start.

Ultimate Comics Avengers #6

COVER BY: Carlos Pacheco
WRITER: Mark Millar
PENCILS: Carlos Pacheco

Like father like long-lost psychotic son? Not quite! Looks like this anticipated Father-Son reunion will result in bullets instead of tears! Will the Avengers get there in time to keep Captain America and Red Skull from blowing themselves away and the world in the process? Hold on to your masks!

Y'know, this title debuted the exact month that Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (below), and Millar and Pacheco are already 3 months behind Bendis and Lafuente. Go figure.

The Ultimate Red Skull being Ultimate Captain America's illegitimate son is a fairly interesting concept, but I can hardly tell you what's going on in this story arc. It's been that long since I read an issue. However, I usually enjoy the title when it comes out, and Pacheco is no slouch in the art department.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #9

COVER BY: DAVID LAFUENTE
WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS: DAVID LAFUENTE
INKS: Todd McFarlane
COLORED BY: Allan Jefferson
LETTERED BY: Jared Fletcher

It's the return of Spider-Woman! And guess who she totally makes out with in this issue! What?? Yeah, you heard me!! Wanna see a Spider-Man story you have never ever ever ever seen before? We promise you, it’s right here!! All this and Kitty's Pryde's world comes crashing down around her as the U.S. government comes to Midtown High to collect her.

This title is great. It's a great all-ages title staring a familiar hero, and, while it carries some continuity BS with it, it's not the 40 years worth the "regular" title carries. I love this book, and I have from the start. I love the voice Bendis gives these kids, and the way he spins the superhero action in to the mundane High School hijinks in a pretty effortless way. It's top-notch.

But I still miss Mark Bagley's art.

The Comic Day from Hell 11.25.2009

Huge week, and I won't be able to pick it up until next Wednesday, most likely.

Annoying.

Frankly, I am in a really poor mood today, and I really don't have much of anything to say about these books. I'll buy them, I'll read them.

Blackest Night #5 (of 8)

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert
Variant cover by Rodolfo Migliari
Sketch variant cover by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert

Detective Comics #859

Written by Greg Rucka
Art by JH Williams III
Co-feature art by Cully Hamner
Cover by JH Williams III
Variant cover by Jock

Gotham City Sirens #6

Written by Paul Dini
Art and cover by Guillem March

Green Lantern #48

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy
Variant cover by Rags Morales

Justice League: Cry for Justice #5 (of 7)

Written by James Robinson
Art and cover by Mauro Cascioli

Justice League of America #39

Written by James Robinson
Art and cover by Mark Bagley

Superman: Secret Origin #3 (of 6)

Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank and Jon Sibal
Covers by Gary Frank

Ultimate comics Avengers #4

COVER BY: Carlos Pacheco
WRITER: Mark Millar
PENCILS: Carlos Pacheco
INKS: Dexter Vines
COLORED BY: Justin Ponsor
LETTERED BY: VC - Cory Petit

New Comic Wednesday 10.28.2009

Well, two light weeks mean...heavy week on the way.

And it's here.

Ambush Bug: Year None #7 (of 6)

Written by Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming
Art by Keith Giffen and Al Milgrom
Cover by Darwyn Cooke

Ahh, FINALLY! I've been waiting for this bugger to wrap up for, God, has it been half a year? More? Was the delay a intended part of the scathing satire of modern comics that is the whole point of the series? "Whatever Happened to AMBUSH BUG YEAR NONE #6?" will hopefully answer those questions.

Batman #692

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

Tony Daniel comes back to the fold after writing and providing art for The Battle for the Cowl, a mini-series which, while not terrible, didn't blow up my skirt by any reach of the imagination. I had liked what the Judd Winick/Mark Bagly team had brought to the table quite a bit, but I'll let Daniel take a run. It's not like I'm dropping this book.

Blackest Night #4 (of 8)

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert
Variant cover by Ethan Van Sciver
Sketch variant cover by Ivan Reis

"Variant cover," sketch variant cover".....**SHIVER** Thank God Geoff John's writing is solid enough to hold up under the marketing machine. The pieces of this puzzle are starting to fit, with the introduction of the Indigo Lanterns and the revelations that the Black Lanterns aren't REALLY our favorite characters revived. That said, this is where "secrets are revealed," and I really do not want Johns to drop the ball.

Detective Comics #858

Written by Greg Rucka
Art by JH Williams III
co-feature art by Cully Hamner
Cover by JH Williams III
Variant cover by Adam Hughes

A Batman title with no Batman? (well, none of them have "BATMAN" at this point.) This is the one that's working on all cylinders at this point. The Batwoman lead feature is well written with, flat-out, amazing art, and the Question back-up feature is kicking ass, as well. A rare title where a $3.99 price tag doesn't phase me at all.

Gotham City Sirens #5

Written by Paul Dini
Art and cover by Guillem March

I keep saying I'm going to drop this book, but I keep buying it. Right now, it's the only regular series Dini is writing. So, I suppose that's a reason. It is attempting to tie-in with the main Bat-storyline, but the series seems so far out on the edge of everything, I have to struggle to care. March can draw ladies real nice, I admit.

Green Lantern #47

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy
Variant cover by Ed Benes

I always wonder how an artist like Mahnke can stay pretty much on schedule for a monthly book like Green Lantern, while, say Ethan Van Sciver seems to slip further and further behind on Flash:Rebirth? (Maybe it has something to do with Van Sciver's constant Facebook complaints about Obama?) I love the Pretty Indigo Lantern cover, and as in the Blackest Night rundown above, the story is working for me. Go Geoff Johns, Go!

Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)

Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank and Jon Sibal
Covers by Gary Frank

I picked up the first issue out of a sense of curiosity, and a respect for the creators. The first issue was fun enough to warrant a second. However, it just keeps nagging at me...Do we need ANOTHER re-telling of the Superman origin? Also, did DC just plan to put out all of Geoff Johns' series in one week? Are you trying to bankrupt me?

Ultimate Comics Avengers #3

COVER BY: Carlos Pacheco
WRITER: Mark Millar
PENCILS: Carlos Pacheco
INKS: Danny Miki|Dexter Vines
COLORED BY: Justin Ponsor
LETTERED BY: VC - Cory Petit

What's happening in this book again? Something to do with a new super-team, after the Ultimatum cock-up, that's "under the radar?" Oh yeah, and Ultimate Red Skull...THAT'S why I'm reading!

One final thought:

Here's a question I'd like to ask Joey Quesada over at marvel...How come you can't put out a decent Fantastic Four book? I WANT to buy a Fantastic Four book...I'm dying to. Benjamin J. Grimm is an almost perfect creation. Why has it sucked since YOU fired Mark Waid and (God rest his soul) Mike Weringo?!?