Action 889 and 890

Action Comics #889
Written by Greg Rucka and Eric Trauttman
Art by Jose Perez
Co-Feature by James Robinson
Art by Cafu

 

The main story ends Rucka and Trautmann’s run on the book by having Chris and Thara defeat the false Rao. It was a kind of a wimper of an ending. I have to say that I have grown to like these two characters as they have starred in this book – but not enough to really miss them. I like the mythology of it all but I think it is just time to move on. The finale to the Captain Atom back-up was more exciting as Mirabai is defeated and Captain Atom’s reputation restored. I really thought this back-up was a neat idea all-around and I’d say it was successful.

Action Comics #890
Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Pete Woods

Wow that was unexpected. I wasn’t sure what to think when I heard Lex Luthor would be the new star of Action Comics but damn this was awesome. Lex is an evil bastard and Cornell writes him that way. He has an employee killed just for embarrassing him, he builds a robot Lois to be his companion haha, and he is obsessed with finding the secrets to the Power Rings. Great start!

Birds of Prey: Wanted

Birds of Prey (Volume 2) #2
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Ed Benes and Adriana Melo

Um pretty much EVERYTHING goes to hell for the Birds of Prey in this issue. Black Canary is blamed for the death of the Iceland guy from last issue and is now a wanted criminal and the Birds ended up fighting the cops. The White Canary is pretty awesome whoever she is and seems to be behind this. I sure hope it is not Cassie (But I don’t think it is anyways). Creote and Savant are murdered. There goes another gay character. Come on Gail, you of all people are not who I would expect to be killing off the few gay characters in the DC Universe. That bothered me. Oracle decides it is time to go to war with whoever is behind all this and Black Canary’s secret identity is revealed to the world! I have a feeling this has something to do with Sin. Could Sin be the White Canary somehow? I don’t know. The only bad thing about this issue was the damn art. Benes couldn’t even finish the issue and he didn’t draw backgrounds for the pages he did run. They are in Gotham and we are supposed to believe their are no backgrounds!

Reversed

Justice Society of America #38
Written by Bill Willingham
Art by Jesus Merino

 

This issue takes a look at the past (at least the past for this story which is set 20 years from now after the Fourth Reich has taken over) and what has happened to the many heroes when they’re powers went out. I laughed out loud when Hal Jordan’s dumb ass died. (Is that wrong?) and I liked this, even if it was a very dark and depressing issue, I am just itching to know how it is all going to be reversed. Time Travel?

Let’s Stay Focused On The Other Characters

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #53
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Doug Mahnke

Really Johns? Another Donner Superman reference? Give me a break. We get that you liked the original Superman movie but this is getting out of a hand lol all we had was Lex Luthor and already he is referencing the Donner Superman movie. I liked this issue, that being said, as it focuses on the group of New Guardians. It makes for a great way for Johns nto to focus on boring old Hal Jordan. Didio’s DC Nation at the end of this week’s books explain a lot about why certain characters keep coming back. He is such a douche.

White Lantern

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #52
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Doug Mahnke

 

Once again we are shown that Green Lantern Corps is the Green Lantern title you should be reading this was…well…kinda pointless. John Stewart takes out Xanshi which may or may not be connected to all the rings. That is about all that freaking happens! Hal Jordan is just bossing people around and acting like a dick as usual. Johns used to be my favorite writer, it’s sad, why does he like this character so much! Sinestro’s White Lantern costume is cool though and I like all the history stuff I will give it that.

Meh

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #51
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Doug Mahnke

 

The Black Lantern Spectre is defeated and Hal is no longer Parallax is one issue. This all seemed to be just stalling for the fight against Nekron and it bored me. There were some cool moments, none of which featured Hal Jordan of course, but otherwise it was just a waste. Mahnke’s art seemed really rushed too.

Parallax Rebirth

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #50
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Doug Mahnke

Wow! I thought that the cover was just metaphorical but no, Hal becomes Parallax again in order to scare off the Spectre! Where is Nekron in all of this though. Why the focus on Spectre instead of him? Don’t get me wrong I liked the issue but I was just wondering what was going on with him. This is a nice anniversary issue because it harkens all the way back to Rebirth. Hey maybe Hal will stay as Parallax and we can get Kyle back! I highly doubt that but I am a Blue Lantern what can I say (:

It Could Have Been Worse

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #49
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ed Benes and Jerry Ordway

I am frustrated with DC editorial – after Didio’s asinine 20 questions videos where he derails all excitement anyone had for the Flash franchise – once again we see a black character miscolored as white! The star of this issue, John Stewart, is colored white for an entire flashback sequence. Are the editors doing their job with these comics? No! To top it off it wasn’t even a very good story…where did this sharpshooter crap come from all of a sudden? The Jerry Ordway drawn back-up told us nothing that we did not already know from reading Blackest Night – this issue was a waste. It could have been worse, at least Hal Jordan wasn’t in it

Brave and the Bold 7 – 19

Brave and the Bold #7
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Perez

Waid and Perez start their second arc with team-up of Wonder Woman and Power Girl….Wonder Woman’s “perfection” is portrayed against Power Girl’s crazed anger in this issue and I have to say it rings untrue. Power Girl is the leader of the JSA, yet her emotions are all over the place like a teenager this issue and I just see that as a little out of character. Besides this, this was a good issue that sets up the new threat…Megistus. And Perez’s art is as beautiful as ever.

Brave and the Bold #8
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Perez

This issue sees The Flash and the Doom Patrol team up when Wally takes his kids to be “fixed” by Dr. Niles Caulder. I love how creepy the Doom Patrol are and they should be used more often around the DCU. I am not sure why Caulder has gray hair here, as usually it is red I think. This was a good issue.

Brave and the Bold #9
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Perez

Eh…I really could care less about any of the characters in this issue besides Hawkman and the Atom…so besides those last few pages I was totally bored with this issue.

Brave and the Bold #10
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Perez

While the first part with Superman and Silent Knight was kinda boring…it was cool to see the old Teen Titans team up with Aquaman. Oh and it is good to see that Perez hasn’t forgotten that Aqualad looks like a boy instead of a weird fish-boy like over in Teen Titans: Year One. This series is becoming too much of an homage to the silver age. Let’s bring in some modern age characters!

Brave and the Bold #11
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Jerry Ordway

Superman and Ultraman from the anti-matter earth team-up when the anti-matter Mxyzptlk tells them of a disaster that will effect both earths. This explains what Megistus is doing and who he is. While I look forward to next issue’s conclusion, this story arc is taking way too long. At least this issue wasn’t silver agey. Ordway’s art is always welcome and the perfect artist to replace Perez.

Brave and the Bold #12
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Jerry Ordway

This concludes the Megistus arc where a lot of heroes team up and take on Megistus. In the end, it is June who saves the day and becomes a challenger in her own right. Megistus was not that scary or interesting of a villain as you think he would be after so many issue of build up but I did enjoy this issue. The foreshadowing of Final Crisis is interesting as Megistus says it will change everything. Interesting.

Brave and the Bold #13
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Jerry Ordway

I remember listening to Mark Waid’s interview on Word Balloon where he talks about this issue (great interview by the way) and how we never do see Jay Garrick and Batman interact. You know….he’s right and now I want to see them together more often. This was fun issue where Jay and Batman fight android safaris haha but the best part is the dialogue between Jay Garrick and Batman. I often forget that Jay is a scientist as well as a hero. You really get the feeling that Jay is the old hat while reading this and how much Batman respects him.

Brave and the Bold #14
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Scott Kolins

What? So confused….why did Ollie just shoot an Arrow into Deadman? Is there something to this? I bet because I know Green Arrow would never do such a thing and Deadman is already dead anyways. Kolins’s art can be a little distracting but this was an okay issue…I preferred the parts in Star City then the Nanda Parbat stuff though.

Brave and the Bold #15
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Scott Kolins

This continued the storyline that began last issue with Nightwing and Hawkman. I like that Waid is playing up that Nightwing is probably the most trusted superhero in the DCU because that is totally true. I just wish Didio would recognize that and not try to kill him all the time. There was a little continuity goof, I am pretty sure Deadman told Nightwing about him knowing his parents already in Nightwing: Year One but that is just a slight error, and such things are very unusual for Waid. So ya this was an okay issue, nothing to get really excited about.

Brave and the Bold #16
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Scott Kolins

First of all, what the hell is Selina doing in this costume. She definitely did not have this costume until Brubaker took over her series and this takes place long before that if it is her first meeting with Superman. Kolins obviously knows very little about her history if he isn’t aware of this, and the editor is an idiot for not catching it. The story was good though, I liked the fake out with the cave. But this huge continuity error really distracted from what was a good story.

Brave and the Bold #17
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art by Phil Winslade

You know…I never thought about the similarities between Raven and Supergirl until this issue. While this is the first Waid-less issue of this series, it was still very good. Winslade’s art is much better then Kolins, and I liked the use of continuity as Wolfman clearly followed the Supergirl series well. I know that Supergirl’s father apparently didn’t want her to kill Superman though right, at least it is not how he is being portrayed over in the Superman books. I think Johns said that they were going to clear that up soon.

Brave and the Bold #18
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art by Phil Winslade

You know I kind’ve like the bad ass Supergirl and her sense of humor, I hope she doesn’t completely change. Raven and Supergirl’s dialogue here is excellent and really shows what Wolfman can do. The insult comic dog stuff was hilarious and the story had real depth to it as well. Check this out, you won’t be disappointed.

Brave and the Bold #19
Written by David Hine
Art by Doug Braithwaite

Okay….if you don’t pick this up because you are waiting for JMS to start his run then you are an idiot. This was amazing! The story is fascinating and the art….oh my gosh…the art is beautiful. Perfectly dark but still full of beauty and wonder….especially when Green Lantern and the Phantom Stranger go to Kahlo. I never thought Green Lantern and Phantom Stranger could make sense in a story together, but they really do here as magick effects an alien planet. The panel showing the little girl who wrote the Green Lantern Oath on the wall was breathtaking and well creepy all at the same time. Check this out people, it is worth it. I can’t wait for the next issue. Definitely the best book I read this week. And by far the best issue of this series yet.

Aquaman 56 and 57

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #56
Written by Tad Williams
Art by Shawn McManus

This penultimate issue of this series was not as good as the previous issue but is still pretty good. It’s a real shame this book is getting cancelled, I feel liek Tad Williams has a lot of potential with this series and he has made it fantastic in his six issue run so far. Oh well. Hopefully Tad isn’t done with comics for good after this.

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #57
Written by Tad Williams
Art by Shawn McManus

So the entire series ends with a cliffhanger? We finally get an answer to the new Aquaman’s origin and that’s all cool and stuff but the story isn’t really over. It ends with the new Aquaman going off to Atlantis with Topo so he can bring the old Aquaman back to life. I liked the connection between the two Aquamen, the new Aquaman was dying and the old Aquaman’s essence was stolen to bring him back to life. While the whole thing with the original Aquaman isn’t resolved nor is the stuff with Koryak and Tempest, Williams did the best he could to bring this series to a close in one issue and I give props to him. I really enjoyed Tad Williams’s run on this series. We all know a new Aquaman series will happen someday, but for now I look forward to seeing Aquaman around the DCU.

Say Good Bye To Your Face, Black Manta

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #53
Written by Tad Williams
Art by Shawn McManus

Tad Williams’s EXCELLENT run on Aquaman continues this issue. Yes, people this is EXCELLENT. Why aren’t you reading it? It is that good. Well-written, funny, clever, action-packed…it has everything. Williams is writing the best Aquaman stories I have ever read while still continuing the mystery and intrigue started with Busiek’s run. There was so many good things this issue that I don’t know what to focus. Aquaman turning into water, Black Manta’s villainous dialogue, King Shark’s violent attack on Black Manta, the new Aquaman’s clever escape plan…oh and Topo is still around so that is great too. The art is fantastic and fits the tone of the series perfectly. Please people, give this series a chance. I am begging you.

A Quicker Way To Travel

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #51
Written by Tad Williams
Art by Shawn McManus and Walden Wong

Tad Williams continues his so-far brilliant run on Aquaman this issue. In just two issues, he has expanded the new Aquaman’s supporting cast and introduced a new fun sidekick as Topo. Who is also handy by introducing the others to the concept of Hatches or magical portals in the ocean. It is about time. I always wondered how the old Aquaman got around the ocean so quick. Maybe he knew about hatches too? But no, I don’t think the old Aquaman is dead, just comastose. He will be back. And the re-introduction of Aquagirl is just perfect. She has been missed and I am glad she is back along with Subdiego (although didn’t it get raised above water in WWIII?) Black Mantus may be incredibly overused as an Aquaman villain but I trust that Williams will do something different and fun with the character than what has been done before. Highly recommended. Everyone should give this book the chance it deserves.

PS: Why is The Flash in the scene visiting the old Aquaman with the Justice Leaguers? Bart is not a member of the League and he was never really close with Aquaman, what is the deal with that? Weird.

The Grand Debut Of An All-New Topo

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #50
Written by Tad Williams
Art by Shawn McManus and Walden Wong

Tad Williams begins his run on Aquaman with one giant fantastic issue. Seriously, more happens in this issue than in all nine issues of Busiek’s failed run. I loved it. Every moment either made you smile or laugh or at the end, frown. It was a hell of a ride. Williams is the perfect match for the new Aquaman and the Aquman mythos. He has fun with the concept but does not turn it into a joke. We are introduced to the Deep Church, an evil underwater cult along with a powerful villain who my guess is really Aquaman’s supposedly dead son, Koryak. But the best part about this issue has to be Topo! Yes, the octopus sidekick to Aquaman back in the fifties and sixties is back! Williams reimagines Topo as a very funny humanoid octopus creature who instantly wants to be the new Aquaman’s sidekick. I really dug the character from the moment he first speaks. This was a wonderful issue. I hope Williams sticks to this quality throughout his run.

Aquaman’s First Meeting With King Shark

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #46
Written by Kurt Busiek and Karl Kesel
Art by Phil Winslade and Butch Guice

This issue tells the tale of the Classic Aquaman’s first meeting with King Shark. This issue is also a hell of a lot better than the boring last issue. While I like the new Aquaman, this issue really made me miss Orin a lot as the flashback shows how great of an Aquaman Orin was. Maybe he should be king of Atlantis again? (And yes I know Atlantis no longer exists as a nation anymore) The fight between Aquaman (the original one) and King Shark was good and well-written. The mystery is also pretty interesting. I love the girl with the jellyfish-like stinging hair. That was cool. The only problem I can see with this issue was the fact it really doesn’t get us closer to the mystery of the new Aquaman or why Orin is now the Dweller of the Depths. I think Busiek should concentrate on answering those questions instead of writing flashbacks, but that is just my opinion. Definitely a good issue though.

Mediocre

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #45
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Butch Guice and Tony DeZuñiga

This issue was not bad persay, but a little dissapointing compared to the extreme high quality of the previous issues. I just got a little bored reading this. Maybe because it was more battle scenes and I am more of a drama fan. (Maybe that is why I love those day in the life issues of comics books) I don’t know. Something about this issue wasn’t doing it for me. It was cool to see that the dweller is definitely the old Aquaman. Although, we still do not know how get got like that. I suppose the answers will come before Busiek leaves the title. It was also cool to see that the new Aquaman’s father is still alive. The art is still top notch and too. This issue was good, but just not as good as Busiek’s previous issues.

Aquaman 43 and 44

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #43
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art and Cover by Butch Guice

I am going to have to just come out and say that this is the best revitalization of a series I have seen in a long time. This series used to be so boring…month after month of blandness. Now, month after month it continues to intrigue me as we get closer and closer into this mystery. It is basically confirmed this issue by the ghost of Vulko that Garth (Tempest) and his family are not dead. I know that many fans of the character were worried about his death but luckily Busiek saved him. I think I really like Vulko after this issue, I never knew much about him before.

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #44
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art and Cover by Butch Guice

The mystery deepens (no pun intended) this issue when the Dweller in the Depths shows his true face to Mera. The reader does not get to see it but Mera looks very surprised at it. Is the dweller the old Aquaman? The dweller certainly seems very confused on who or what he is. Seeing the Ocean Master face the new Aquaman is pretty cool and we can also see through this how inexperienced yet brave the new Aquaman is. The Aurati are interesting creatures. I think I would like to see more of them as time goes on.

Of Ghosts and Boats

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #42
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art and Cover by Butch Guice

This issue was the most fun so far of Busiek’s run. I suppose though I should give credit to Guice for this too. I loved seeing that huge crazy castle boat. Too Cool! And any book that contains an evil seductress mermaid gets a thumbs up from me. The mystery deepens (no pun intended) this issue as we find out an old character is still around in ghost form and the new Aquaman encounters this boat known as the Windward home. The whole concept of Windward Home intrigues me and I can’t wait to see more of it next issue. The greatest minds in the world working on international waters so they do not have to answer to any government and they are completely non-violent! Sounds like my kind of an organization! I do not know much about this old character that has resurfaced (once again no pun intended) but I still would like to know the hows and whys of him being in ghost form. There seems to be no limit to Busiek’s imagination.