Boy Man

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #11
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Daniel HDR

 

So Starman is going back to being called Star Boy now? Seems kind of strange…why is Earth-Man the only one allowed to be called Man now? None of them are really teenagers anymore right? Anyways, this was a fantastic start to the Legion of Super-Villains arc as all of the Legionnaires search for the villain group. Levitz sure knows how to pack a lot into one issue.

Bad Aunt

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #10
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar

 

So it was Chameleon Boy’s aunt all along behind everything as she wanted Brande’s money to pay for rebuilding Durla (That is if I am not mistaken) this was a good issue but the resolution seemed a little fast. Not much else to say here.

Durlan Foes

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #8
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar and David Hdr

 

The Legion continues to fight the Durlans that blame the United Planets for Brande’s death. It was pretty good and Levitz continues to kick ass at writing this book…I was a tad disappointed at the outcome of the election but I can see why people voted for him considering his recent rise to stardom in the DC Universe. I guess XS isn’t an active Legionnaire which kinda blows…maybe Johns is saving her for Flashpoint?

And The Ring Goes To…

Adventure Comics #521
Written by Paul Levtiz
Art by Geraldo Borges
Co-Feature by Jeff Lemire
Art by Mahmad Asrar

 

Well I won’t spoil it…but I don’t know how I feel about the one who finally gets to be Green Lantern of the Future…it makes sense…it is just not anything new and I guess I was expecting something more surprising. Element Lad kicks ass here with his powers and I wonder why we haven’t seen much of him in the main legion book. The Atom back-up was okay and it is the last time we will see that back-up in this book, which I don’t mind, I am still to pissed about Ryan Choi to enjoy Ray Palmer.

Darkseid Worshippers

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #3
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar and Francis Portela

 

Levitz knocks it out of the park for the third time in a row as his Legion is filled with so many twists, turns, action, and character moments. There is just too much I could talk about here. Earth-Man’s ring bringing him to planet to save sentient bugs, the defeat of Saturn Queen and her revelations about the history of Titan, and finally Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl discovering Avalon worshipping Darkseid???? No idea where they are going with this but I am excited and I am not even a fan of THIS version of the Legion. Great stuff.

Saturn Queen Attacks

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #2
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar and Francis Portela

 

Saturn Queen shows up and brainwashes Brainy and Ultra Boy. At the same time, the Legion is dealing with xenophobic protesters as the refugees from Titan arrives on earth. There are so many plot threads going on and I love all of it. This is how you write a comic. It manages to have action, adventure, relationships, and politics but it doesn’t seem too busy. Levitz is a freaking master at storytelling. I love this series so much already and it isn’t even “My legion.” I never read the Reboot Legion but was Gates always so cranky or is that a new part of his personality? He seemed to be so here. A part of me misses the Phantom Girl from Earth-Prime who talked to herself and Saturn Girl being a mute. Those were cool additions to those characters but I Guess I will just have to get used to their Earth-0 counterparts. This book is great and I hope everyone keeps reading it!

Time Loops

Adventure Comics #514
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Travis Moore
Co-Feature by James Robinson
Art by Bernard Chang

In the main feature Brainiac 5 delivers Brainiac to the Coluans and Vril Dox and then delivers the Lanothians to Titan where they will be ruled over by Jemm and called Titanians from now on. I love the use of Legion continuity here and really establishing the origins of these places. I wonder if Titan will interact with earth at all in the 21st century? The back-up was an excellent ending to James Robinson’s entire run on Superman. He wraps up Mon-El’s storyline by having him return to the Phantom Zone and then arriving in the future all the way back to whatever issue of Legion he first appeared in the future in. I liked that he didn’t just leave but gave the letter to Billi Harper and remembered that he spent a year in this century on earth. I will miss his character and I think Robinson – in the end – really did a great job with him.

Three Fronts

Adventure Comics #512
Written by James Robinson, Sterling Gates, and Eric Trauttman
Art by Travis Moore, Eduardo Pansica, and Pier Gallo

 

The main feature is Part 4 of the Last Stand of New Krypton Storyline that began in Last Stand #1, and continued here and here. Robinson’s portion of the story is more of a catch-up on the history of the Brainiac’s and we learn that the reason why the past is changing is because somehow Brainiac kills Superman so Brainiac 5 is going back in time to help stop that from happening. It was good. It is not the Legion that I am familiar with and I do miss them, but it is still cool to see all those Legionnaires. I like that XS and Gates haven’t been forgotten! The Sterling Gates written part of the storyline takes place in the present as Tellus uses his telepathic powers to convince the Kryptonians to work together. It was all good nothing to complain about. Finally Trauttman’s story deals with the sleeper agents on earth in a rather interesting way. All of this was good stuff I am loving this crossover so far!

Wanted More

Adventure Comics #511
Written by Sterling Gates, James Robinson, and Eric Trautmann 
Art by Travis Moore, Julian Lopez, and Piere Gallo

 

This issue serves as Prologue to the Last Stand of New Krypton story that begins next week. In it we get three separate stories. One deals with the Legion in the future, one with them meeting up with Superboy and Mon-El in Smallville, as well as a third story dealing with General Lane unknowingly hiring a Kryptonian into Project 7734. It was all entertaining and revealed some more secrets but I feel like it didn’t further the story as much as it should have. Something better happen soon! We get a better understanding of why Lane hates Kryptonians although its clearly a hate bread from fear, which is what all hate is. I liked that and I like all the Legion stuff but I guess I wanted more from this issue then I got.

Brought Back Too Soon

Adventure Comics #507
Written by Geoff Johns and Sterling Gates
Art by Jerry Ordway
Co-Feature by Johns and Michael Shoemaker
Art by Clayton Henry

If it weren’t for the fact that I know Johns is leaving this book after issue six, I would be okay with this Blackest Night interlude focusing on Superboy-Prime versus Black Lantern Alex Luthor but with this interlude, it means we are only getting one more issue of Superboy and that just sucks. Oh well. This was still good. It was great to see Earth-Prime comic shops and Superboy-Prime reading them to find out what happens next. And of course it was just awesome to see my  favorite Legion (The Legion of Earth-Prime) back! But I got to say that we just saw Superboy-Prime in Legion of Three Worlds and I think he is being brought back way too soon. The Legion back-up was probably the best it has been yet with a sweet story about Blok and White Witch.

A Beautiful Reunion

Adventure Comics #505
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Francis Manapul
Co-Feature by Johns and Micheal Shoemaker
Art by Clayton Henry

The main story surpassed even the first issue as we finally get to see the reuniting of lovers Superboy and Wonder Girl. And guess what, it went really well! I was expecting a break up or something annoying like that but instead they were just honest with each other and nobody acted angsty or anything. Connor was mature enough to understand why Cassie had her fling with Tim while he was “dead” and I think that’s great and a refreshing change of pace for these characters. It was good to see Brainiac and Lex Luthor again and to see Luthor’s reaction to Superboy being still alive and other events around the DCU. I especially liked how the mainstream press is aware that the Justice League is on the verge of collapse haha. It looks like Lex may have made another clone…could there be two Connor Kents flying around soon? A new Match? We will see I guess. The Legion back-up was okay I guess. This isn’t my Legion and I still need to get used to that. Lightning Lad just seemed angry the entire time.

Return Of The Boy Of Steel

Adventure Comics #504
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Francis Manapul
Co-Feature by Johns
Art by Clayton Henry

Superboy is back! I find it amusing that people around the blogospher are referring to Connor in their reviews as the “new superboy”. A character that has been around since 1994 is definitely not new. None-the-less, I am excited to have Johns write the adventures of Superboy in smallville. Johns sets up everything quite well in this issue and introduces concepts I am sure he will follow through on and even a future friend turned archenemy for Superboy. Manapul’s art is gorgeous as always. Henry’s art on the Legion back up was fine but I wish Manapul did that as well he is that good and it would be fun to see him draw the Legion again (even if this isn’t the same Legion). The only possible complaint I have is that I still don’t care for the whole “omg I have Lex’s genes, what if I become evil!” subplot and Johns continues it here. I have never bought the idea that Connor would even think that he could become like Lex just because of his genes. Anyways, Starman was as usual – hilarious – in the back up and I am looking forward to this series from here on out.

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.

Action Comics 855 – 859

Action Comics #855
Written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Art by Eric Powell

While I understand the appeal of the character, I really don’t enjoy Bizarro. I find his speech patterns kind of annoying I am sorry. I don’t find it amusing. That’s not to say this issue wasn’t enjoyable. The art was fantastic and I like the idea of Bizarro World, I just wish they didn’t talk like that ah! I am curious to learn where Bizarro World comes from.

Action Comics #856
Written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Art by Eric Powell

Now this issue was more like it. I liked all the Frankenstein references and all the Bizarro characters. The idea that under a blue sun Bizzarro can make duplicates is pretty cool. I liked how he just basically smashed some asteroids together to make Bizzarro World. Very creative on Donner and Johns’ parts.

Action Comics #857
Written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Art by Eric Powell

Haha I ended up really enjoying this arc. Bizzarro World is a fun place to visit. I liked the Bizzarro Justice League and how easily that all turned on Bizzaro Luthor. It was really clever. I definitely enjoyed this a lot and smiled a few times. No complaints here.

Action Comics #858
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

The art is fantastic at the start of this new arc. I love the idea of reintroducing the original Legion of Super-Heroes and the flashback to when a teen aged Clark first met them was fantastic. Now I have never read a single original Legion comic but I still got into this, it is very accessible to new readers. I liked the ending where it was revealed that in the year 3008 the sun is red. Very cool.

Action Comics #859
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank

I am being introduced to the original Legion of Super-Heroes through this story arc and I really am liking them. I am even tempted to go get some back issues. I like the many levels that this story can be read. It can be read as a commentary on modern-day Xenophobia and even on stuff like true life of Jesus. It can be taken in different ways. Johns proves to me once again he is one of the best writers DC has right now and I almost always enjoy his stuff. I look forward to next issue.

Welcome Back Wally

Justice League of America #10
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes

This was the conclusion of the JLA/JSA crossover that began here and continued here , here, and here. And what an exciting conclusion it was, I mean if you aren’t versed in continuity you might be confused by this but it was a lot of fun for me because Wally West is back! I will miss Bart but it is time for Wally to be back and I was as thrilled as Roy Harper to see him alive and kicking again. The Legion brought him back but it looks like they meant to bring back Barry. I sure am glad it was Wally and not Barry. I was disappointed to see Batman dissapointed. It makes Wally look bad, like he is a worse Flash. Even if Batman thought Barry was coming back, he should still be happy that Wally is back. I mean Wally and Bruce served as Team members for years. I don’t get that at all and I blame Meltzer (:. But all of the mystery wasn’t solved but it doesn’t matter because I think the seeds are being sown here for the DC Universe’s future and it will all be played out around the Universe. That excites me a lot!

Fun Break

Justice Society of America #6
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham

This is is the fourth part of the JLA/JSA crossover that began here and continued here and here. This wasn’t as good as the first part of the crossover in this book but it was still pretty good. I enjoy seeing all the characters and particularly love the touch of the character’s name logos appearing when they first appear. Yes, it would probably be confusing for new readers but who gives a shit, this is for the fans! The art was fantastic as expected by Dale Eaglesham (the most underrated artist at DC). The ending was a little bit confusing. So was there a real robot-thing or not? And what exactly are the legion up to? I suppose that those questions will be answered and more in the next part. I am looking forward to seeing this book settle back into its normal routine though, but this was a fun break these last two issues.

Power Girl And Hawkman Sitting In A Tree

Justice League of America #9
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Ed Benes

This is the third part of the JLA/JSA crossover that began here and continued here. This was a kickass issue and I am getting more and more pumped about this crossover with each issue (Although this is not as good as the Geoff Johns written part 2 in JSA). The interactions between the leaguers and the society members is great. The Power Girl/Hawkman thing was a little shocking and seemed strange to me but it isn’t really that big of a deal. Why was Power Girl even on Thanagar though? Anyways, I am looking forward to the explanation on how the once thought to be non-existent original Legion of Super-Heroes is around and on New Earth in current time. Multiverse would seem the most likely reason but I don’t know what Johns and Meltzer have up their sleeve. The issue had Meltzer’s usual faults such as the calling everyone by their real name and the annoying narration boxes but if one looks past this, it was a real solid issue.