New Media

Superman #706
Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by Amilcar Pinna

 

Despite I am sure being told to write these fill-ins quickly and close to deadlines, I am sure, Wilson has managed to hammer out some nice little interludes for Superman’s walk and this issue was no different as Perry White must deal with a blog damaging the Daily Planet’s representation. I took a New Media class in school and it’s no secret that print journalists are afraid of bloggers and the New media so I think this was a great concept to explore for the Daily Planet and the ending was quite good. I don’t know why Wilson didn’t use Jimmy Olsen instead of this new Sandeep character but oh well it works. And you would think someone would have seen Lois and Superman in a compromising postion by now and thought she was cheating on Clark right? Why didn’t anyone think of that before?

Christmas With Supergirl

Supergirl (Volume 5) #59
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

Gates and Igle end their critically praised run on this title with this issue and I think they ended it all quite nicely by kind’ve stopping that Cat Grant hating Supergirl thing after Cat is saved by Supergirl from Dollmaker (who is an incredibly creepy little guy) and showing a nice Christmas with the Superman family of characters at the end. Kara has come along way since Gates took over and I think history will look back on his run very fondly.

The Dollmaker

Supergirl (Volume 5) #58
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

 

Damn I hate that Gates is leaving this book now especially because this issue rocked! Seriously we get a new menace, creepy as hell, called Dollmaker! (Is he Toyman’s son?) Finally some confirmation that Lana’s son is still in continuity. Cat Grant’s great commentary on how Supergirl dresses (I love how she mentions that belly shirts haven’t been in style in a decade…cause seriously it’s like the artists at DC don’t look around) all with Igle’s superb art. Oh and a great cliffhanger featuring Superwoman! I can’t wait to see what Lois wants to talk to her sister about.

Bizzarro World Is Saved

Supergirl (Volume 5) #57
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Bernard Chang

 

This was a great ending to the Bizarro World arc and Sterling Gates shows just how much Kara has grown as a character since his run began; she is able to defeat the Godship and change Bizzarogirl for the better. I love how the Bizarros she created looked like the people of New Krypton. Gates will be missed when he leaves this book.

Supergirl 55 and 56

Supergirl (Volume 5) #55
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

 

This was an a fantastic issue as Supergirl continues to fight Bizzarogirl who has some absolutely hilarious lines here and Kara decides to escape to Bizarro World. I like how she remembered Reactron’s captivity and connected that with Bizarrogirl being studies by Doctor Light.

Supergirl (Volume 5) #56
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

 

Supergirl goes to Bizarroworld and finds it being attacked by a big monster. It was a decent issue but not much to write about I guess.

Bizzarrogirl’s Party

Supergirl (Volume 5) #54
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

 

Supergirl decides to get over her moping and save Metropolis from the Bizarro version of herself. Igle’s art is quite beautiful in this issue and I like how he gave Supergirl shorter hair and all the details in her bedroom. Bizarrogirl trying to have a party was pretty amusing I actually didn’t mind her compared to how annoying I find Bizarro Superman. This was a good issue. I wonder what is going on with that creepy cop though?

Fifty Issues And Still No Mention of Linda Danvers! Come On!

Supergirl (Volume 5) #50
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle
Co-Feature by Helen Slater
Art by Cliff Chaing

 

The main feature of this book was Supergirl vs. Lana as Insect Queen. I liked that we fast forwarded a few days later and Supergirl is now a prisoner of the hive, and is rescued by Gangbuster and Doctor Light. But Kara takes down the Queen way too easily for a story that has been building for so long. I have a feeling this was rushed due to the New Krypton storyline which is kind of a shame. Kare’s reaction and anger toward Lana seems like her old self and that is kind of annoying so I don’t know how I feel about this issue just yet. The Helen Slater written back-up was a neat little look at the history of this Supergirl and I rather enjoyed it. But damn…I thought in 50 issues Linda Danvers, the previous Supergirl, could have been mentioned somewhere!

Sometimes Lois Is Just As Heroic As The Super Heroes

Supergirl (Volume 5) #45
Written by Sterling Gates and Greg Rucka
Art by Jamal Igle

This is part 2 of the Hunt for Reactron crossover that began here. This was a tremendous issue that furthered the plot a lot. I like how Thara knew that Lana is sick (although Kara is kind’ve being a jerk to to Thara) and Lois acting like the hero. I hope she exposes her father and the whole operation when this is over. I love when Lois is portrayed as a smart and competent (but good-natured) reporter.

You Stupid Babootch

Action Comics #881
Written by Greg Rucka and Sterling Gates
Art by Pere Perez
Co-Feature by Rucka and James Robinson
Art by Cafu

This was the first part of the Hunt for Reactron storyline. This was a good issue that focuses on Supergirl, Chris, and Thara now as fugitives who the world blames for the death of Mon-El. I like how there is so much tension between Kara and Thara over her father’s death – and I really liked the art. I hope DC keeps Perez on this book because the art has been less then stellar before he came on. There were a lot of great moments such as Supergirl saying she has fortresses all over the world and she stole the idea from Batman. And I am actually becoming more interested in the mythology behind Nightwing and Flamebird. Oh and the best line of the issue has to be Thara calling Supergirl a “Stupid Babootch”. What a great fictional sware word for Krypton! The Captain Atom back-up didn’t really further the plot enough for me to get too excited about it.

Illusions

Supergirl (Volume 5) #44
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

This is part 3 of the Codename: Patriot Crossover that began in World of New Krypton and continued here. And this storyline is as action packed and filled to the brim as always. Gates managed to give us all the plot points but still focusing mainly on Supergirl and I really liked that. Mirabai is a dangerous enemy. I fell for her illusions just as the characters did. I have no idea where this is going, but I am excited about it.

Supergirl 40 – 42

Supergirl (Volume 5) #40
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

So Lucy Lane is Superwoman! How? I do not know. Why? I do not know. Do I still wish she was Linda Danvers? No because Linda wasn’t a killer. This issue leaves me with more questions then answers but it was cool seeing Kara use her Batman and Amazon training.

Supergirl (Volume 5) #41
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Fernando Dagnino

Oh my Rao! That was the most disturbing ending of an issue I have read in a while. Supergirl pulls off Lucy’s disc thingies in a costume and Lucy cries as she expands and then freaking blows up disgustingly. What the hell? We still don’t have any answers as to why or how Lucy was Superwoman, but she is seemingly dead now.

Supergirl (Volume 5) #42
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

So I can’t really say that I am happy with this issue. We did not get any pay off! Sure, we know Lucy was Superwoman but not much more then that. This entire issue just featured Lois getting upset over the possibility of Lucy’s death and General Lane being a douchebag as usual. Really, I want answers and I am getting impatient.

Two Lindas?

Supergirl (Volume 5) #38
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle and Matthew Clark

It’s a shame Gates hasn’t written this book since its inception. This is just that good! The same can be said for Igle’s art, which is top notch this issue. Check out the fight scene between Superwoman and Supergirl, gorgeous art there. Speaking of Superwoman, she may not be Kryptonian after all! Could she be Linda Danvers? I sure hope so. Either her or Flamebird should be Linda. And like Gates said at the convention, it looks like Supergirl will be taking over the Linda Lang identity again. Maybe that is how she hides from the ban on Kryptonians on earth? I don’t know but all of the threads are coming together and I can’t wait for the next issue.

Success

Action Comics #873
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Pete Woods

This is the final part of the ten part New Krypton storyline that began in the New Krypton Special, then continued here, then in the Guardian Special, then here, here, here, here, here, and here. I read a lot of reviews saying that this wasn’t a true ending or satisfying ending. I think it was. I mean Kandor has left earth and established a New Krypton. It is the end of this arc. This is serial storytelling people, there are never going to be true endings as if this is a complete work! I just don’t get the complaining about the ending. Anyways, I absolutely adored this issue. Every moment inspired awe and wonder in a way that any big story like this should. While I like Final Crisis, this is more of an event book then that. The ending with Superwoman was completely unexpected and I look forward to all the story possibilities that have come out of this arc. I may have been hard on some parts of this storyline, but overall, and especially this issue, it was a tremendous success.

Alura Is A Bitch

Supergirl (Volume 5) #36
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

This is Part 9 of the New Krypton crossover that began in the New Krypton Special, continued here, then in the Guardian Special, then here, here, here, and here. Seriously, this just keeps getting better. We see a lot more of Superwoman this issue and her costume is fantastic. I really love it! It has this great feel to it I don’t know how to explain it. She turns out to be really nice…that is unless she was hiding something. I was hoping she was Linda Danvers but it looks like she is definitely a Kryptonian so it’s not Linda. I still hope Flamebird is Linda. We see more of Flamebird and Nightwing this issue and learn that they took on the costumes to stop Zod’s followers. The New Nightwing’s costume is really a lot like Bat-costume, was the silver age Nightwing like that? I wonder.  I would love to see Dick Grayson and Bette Kane confront them. As for the Girl of Steel herself, I still wish she would change her costume lol. Oh and her mother, well, her mother is a bitch.

A Villainous Trip To The Phantom Zone

Superman #682
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes

Okay….this has to be the most eventful issue of this storyline yet. This is Part 6 of the New Krypton Storyline that began in the New Krypton Special, continued here, then in the Guardian Special, and then here, and here. The New Krypton event has been really awesome so far but this is the cream of the crop. The Kryptonians begin to gather Superman’s villains and toss them in the Phantom Zone, along the way killing some cops who try to stop them. When Clark finds this out, his reaction is priceless. You really get the sense of anger and disappointment as he flies out of the Daily Planet and I think that is a credit to Guedes’s artwork. He really did a good job this issue. I am not sure what is going on with the Guardian or Atlas though. I guess we will find out soon enough. At first I thought Supergirl was in on it but apparently she was unaware anyone got killed. I am glad. Allura is kind of a bitch compared to her husband, who seems genuinely upset about the deaths of the cops. I look forward to finding out what happens next.

The Spectacular Debut of Superwoman

Supergirl (Volume 5) #35
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

This is part 5 of the “New Krypton” Superman crossover that began in the New Krypton Special, continued here, in the Guardian Special, and here. And this was awesome, Gates continues to revitalize Supergirl in this issue, pulling a Geoff Johns, he explains away all the craziness of the character – the personality changes, the different memories of her parents – as being a result of Kryptonite radiation poison causing her mind and body to go a little nuts. He even tied in the weird crystal blood from Joe Kelly’s run on the book. Awesome! As for the new Superwoman – she looks great – I do hope it is Linda Danvers but it doesn’t look like it. Maybe Linda Danvers is Flamebird? I don’t know but I have a feeling she is coming back, even had a dream about it (Yes I am that much of a geek). I like the new origin of Supergirl – it is perfect and finally sets the character straight.

Action Comics 860 – 871

Action Comics #860
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

While I am more familiar with the threeboot legion, it is still cool to see all of the original Legionnaires come back and I can’t even comprehend the excitement of the fans of those characters while reading this. This was a fantastic issue for fans and newbies alike. Check it out. Frank’s art is amazing.

Action Comics #861
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

Another fine issue of Action Comics. There were a lot of fantastic moments, I liked the foreshadowing of the Crisis of the 31st century and all that stuff. Frank’s art is beautiful and perfect for the Legion. I am really getting into all these characters, many of whom I am meeting for the first time. Eye-Full Ethel is hilarious. Is that a new character? I will have to find out.

Action Comics #862
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

I am now in love with the Legion of Subsitute Heroes. What a fascinating bunch…from Chlorphyll Kid’s belief in talking to plants to Rainbow Girl’s mood swings they are a lot of fun to read about. As for the main plot, I really hope Superman gives Earth-Man a good ass whooping.

Action Comics #863
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

While this arc was a little long, it was a lot of fun. This was a great conclusion. Superman kicks Earth-Man’s ass and tells the xenophobic humans he is for everyone. And the ending flashback was so heartwarming. Great stuff Johns!

Action Comics #864
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Joe Prado

This story really set everything up for Legion of Three World and for fans of the DC Universe, it is very exciting. Batman and Lightning Lad play off each other well. I like the tie-in to Countdown with Karate Kid and Una whom I had forgotten even died. This was a great issue with great use of continuity.

Action Comics #865
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Jesus Merino

This issue focuses on Superman’s famous villian, the Toyman and in perfect Johns fashion, explains away basically all the changes and continuity glitches about the character. Apparently all the different Toymen, even the Hiro one, were just robots created by Winslow Schott. As usual, it’s perfect and I can’t believe no one has thought about this before. Johns is a genius! Toyman may come off as someone who was taken advantage of and someone who does care for children in this issue, but Johns shows with the ending that he is still a deeply disturbed individual. I loved how Toyman doesn’t want to go to Arkham because he doesn’t want to be associated with Batman’s villains. Great issue.

Action Comics #866
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

Johns is really doing a lot to revitalize everything about Superman’s world. Everything from his villains to the Daily Planet staff is being fleshed out and made better. This arc is going to revitalize Brainiac and it looks like it is working. He is certainly creepier then ever here. But my favorite parts of this issue were at the Daily Planet and the interaction with the staff. The Superman books are the best they have been since I started reading comics thanks to Johns.

Action Comics #867
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

Frank’s art really makes this issue. There were some fantastic moments because of his art. I especially like his design for Branianc’s Robots. Supergirl’s revelation about Brainiac is similar to Toyman and how most Braniac’s that Superman has met are just probes and not the real Brainiac. In fact, Superman has never met the real Brainiac. One thing I am confused about is how Supergirl’s parents remember Kandor disappearing but over in Superman and the New Krypton storyline they are in Kandor. Hmmm…I bet this will be explained though. Oh and what about the Kandor that Supergirl visited with Ultraman, is that not the real Kandor?

Action Comics #868
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank`

Superman comes face to face with the real Brainiac in this issue and he is one scary mother fucker. So he basically takes a sample of a culture and destorys the rest, so I wonder if he is responsible for Krypton’s destruction. I wish Johns’s run wasn’t so focused on Krypton as I always preferred the Post-Crisis Superman who considers himself to be a human thing but this is good writing and good story-telling so I can’t complain. The whole thing with the Kents seems a little forced though, what is it that made them think this thing with Brainiac was any different? Nothing really.

Action Comics #869
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

So the stuff with Supergirl’s parents is explained in this issue and in a way that harkens back to the pre-crisis idea that Argo City survived the initial destruction of Krypton. As for Metropolis, it looks like it has become a bottled city. Oh and I was right, Brainiac is responsible for Krypton’s destruction! Good guess on my part. Kudos to me haha.

Action Comics #870
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

While the conclusion to this arc was action-packed and awesome, I am not too saddened by the death of Jonathan Kent. The fact of the matter is he died the same way in Superman: The Movie and in Smallville so I have seen it before and I really don’t care. I don’t really get why things have to be like the Donner movie, a movie that my generation doesn’t even remember. Although, it doesn’t matter to me if he is alive or not, at least it fit in this story. As for the New Krypton stuff to come, we will see how that goes, I don’t know how I feel about it yet.

Action Comics #871
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Pete Woods

This is part 4 of the New Krypton Storyline that began in the New Krypton special, then continued here, and in the Guardian Special. I wasn’t really looking forward to this storyline but so far it has been a blast! The scene of all the Kryptonians taking out Doomsday on the moon was fantastic and I think that it really shows the strength of artist Pete Woods. Sam Lane doesn’t look like a total bad guy here as it makes sense that there should be some defense in case the Kryptonians go rogue. I love how he shot Luthor is the shoulder when he mentioned Lois. Wasn’t expecting that. As for the Kryptonian Nightwing and Flamebird, I really hope they show them interacting with our Nightwing and Flamebird. That would be interesting. Oh and Doomsday deserved to die just for fucking with Connor’s statue alone.