Supergirl Rebirth 1 – 9

Supergirl (Volume 7) #1
Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Brian Ching

I went into this issue expecting to at the least find it boring if not hate it. I love Linda Danvers – she is Supergirl to me and ever since Kara Zor-El replaced her I have been pissed – and mostly pissed because no one ever seemed to mention there was a Supergirl before her. I want her to be acknowledged! And now we have Kara living with people who are Danvers. Can we at least ackowledge her somewhere Steve Orlando?! Anyways, I did not hate this issue. It was actually a good set up of taking what has worked with the Supergirl tv series and applying it to the comic book universe but still keeping it different enough to be its own thing. I sure hope Martian Manhunter shows up soon! That being said, I find the art distracting.

 

Supergirl (Volume 7) #2
Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Brian Ching

Cat Grant is written as interesting as she is on the tv show in this issue when Kara goes to interview at the new Catco Worldwide Media. I appreciate that they followed continuity and explained that Cat left the daily planet to find this new company. The stuff about Supergirl’s Dad being maybe still alive as a robot annoys me as it has been done before. We don’t need more Kryptonian angst in DC Comics. Can we also get a new artist on this book? Sometimes Ching doesn’t even draw faces!

Blood Thirsty Huntress

Batman: Streets of Gotham #5
Written by Christopher Yost
Art by Dustin Nguyen
Co-Feature by Marc Andreyko
Art by Jeremy Haun

During Gail Simone’s run on Birds of Prey, if I remember correctly, Huntress grew as a character and now rarely goes for lethal force on villains. So why in this issue is she unnecessarily blood thirsty? I get that she is more willing to kill then any of the other Gotham heroes but she seems to want to kill Man-Bat in this issue. It is just over the top. That being said I did like the story and the idea of the crazy priest. The Manhunter co-feature was pretty damn awesome as we look at Dylan’s histoy and Two-Face being up to no good. I did enjoy the issue although the Huntress was written strangely.

Passing the Baton

Manhunter #38
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Michael Gaydos, Dennis Calero, and Fernando Blanco

While I wish we got to read that abortion story that was solicited, I think this series ended on a good note. Ramsey graduates from college and Kate give him a suit, he will probably succeed him as Manhunter. I wonder why this series wasn’t nominated for any GLAAD Awards. I like how everyone seems to really have a healthy view of sexuality in it. The art was inconsistent and downright ugly in some places. They really could have given this book some better art these past 8 issues. Anyways, I am not too sad to say goodbye to this series because it did have a fantastic run. It will probably be more appreciated later down the line for the ground it broke in the DCU. I look forward to see more of Kate Spencer and her supporting cast around the DCU.

Manhunter 35 and 36

Manhunter #35
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Michael Gaydos and Carlos Magno

Eh I don’t feel like a lot happened here….this arc is taking a little longer then I would like. Manhunter basically fights some dudes and the Crime Doctor finds out about Suicide Squad’s deception. The only thing that stood out about this issue was Cameron saying she was pregnant. Was the art always this bad? I don’t remember hating it this much until this issue.

Manhunter #36
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Michael Gaydos

Now this was more like it, I loved the politics and right-wing bashing in this series because comics need more right-wing bashing. And if that offends conservative readers I really don’t care, because I don’t want you reading my blog anyways. Kate’s speech to the press was awesome and shows how much of a hero and brave women she really is taking out such a large corporation. She is right about how sad it is that one white girl goes missing and it is front page news for weeks but hundred of mexican women go missing and no one pays attention. That is just wrong. I look forward to the next arc which will sadly be the last one of this series.

Birds of Prey 110 – 122

Birds of Prey #110
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Nicola Scott

It really doesn’t feel like Simone has left this title as Bedard continues the great writing that she did on this title. I liked Oracle’s references to past Birds “try-outs” and who knew that Black Orchid could even be used in the regular DCU anymore with the unfortunate Vertigo embargo. Oh and by the way, in case you didn’t notice, this issue shows how much The Huntress kicks ass.

Birds of Prey #111
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Jason Orfalas

These are some good Done-in-one issues that Bedard is writing. This issue has Oracle attending a nerd convention where she runs into the Calculator. I like how he still thinks she isn’t Oracle and believes now that all the nerds worked together to be Oracle. Oh….that’s classic.

Birds of Prey #112
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by David Cole

This was a fun story spotlighting Lady Blackhawk, who goes on a cross country road trip just to put up a picture of Big Barda in a memorial for “fallen heroes” at the Edwards Air Force Base. Very sweet and fun.

Birds of Prey #113
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

Wow, that was a big disaster. Was it completely Misfit’s fault or did I miss something? McKeever’s run begins with a literal bang….but a distrubing one at that. Superman is understandably upset.

Birds of Prey #114
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

I don’t know how I feel about Oracle being such a bitch to Misfit, I mean sure Misfit screwed up and she is Misfit’s guardian, but what makes Black Alice a better choice for the Birds over Misfit?

Birds of Prey #115
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

So if Black Alice can steal Misfit’s powers, that means that Misfit’s powers have to be magic-based, correct? I like the whole Killer Shark thing….but in this one I am more angry at Misfit then Barbara. She should have let them get stuff done instead of starting a catfight.

Birds of Prey #116
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

Yay for Platinum Flats! One of my favorite things about the DCU, if not THE favorite thing, is the fictional cities. Platinum Flats looks really awesome, it really is a city for the 21st century and not just another New York stand in. The Killer Shark was fun too. And I am glad that Barbara changed her mind about Black Alice.

Birds of Prey #117
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Nicola Scott

Yay! The Birds are moving to Platinum Flats! The Metahuman Mafia was really cool and it should be fun to see the Birds face off against them again. I did not see the whole Tabby thing coming at the end either.

Birds of Prey #118
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Nicola Scott

Okay Granny Goodness’s death was quite disgusting….ewww. Anyways, Bedard begins his run as permanent writer this issue which is exciting cause I so liked his fill-in run before McKeever came on. I don’t know how I feel about Black Alice and Misfit being related though, seems kinda forced.

Birds of Prey #119
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Nicola Scott

I like how Oracle’s company is Clocktower Systems….and nod to the old Gotham Clock Tower she used to work out of. Platinum Flats is a reall cool locale and I can’t wait to see it develop. I really could care less about seeing Black Canary and Manhunter fight though.

Birds of Prey #120
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Michael O’Hare

Haha I did not expect to see the Joker at the end of this. I wonder about Infinity though, who is she? There are so many great female characters to be used in the DCU, why create a new one? And will she stay a member of the team? The new artist wasn’t half-bad either. The whole Oracle spying on Black Canary thing kinda bugs me though.

Birds of Prey #121
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Michael O’Hare

Okay…well…the whole outcast in high school thing has been done way too many times (plus who’s high school is actually like that) but somehow the idea that the geeks are the popular ones in Platinum Flats is a fresh take. The Joker’s appearence hear is hilarious, especially when he shoots the annoying Wizkid in the head. I am kind of sick of Black Alice though.

Birds of Prey #122
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Michael O’Hare

That was an intense ending if not a little creepy. This was a good issue. Birds of Prey is definitely as fun as a read under Bedard as it was under Simone, if not more so cause we have Platinum Flats now!

Manhunter 29 and 30

Manhunter #29
Written by Mark Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Robin Riggs

Thank God (Or Bob Wayne) that this isn’t Manhunter’s penultimate issue after all because this is an excellent series. Wonder Woman’s reasoning for not wanting the fact that Superman almost was under Max Lord’s mind control to be publicly known was spot on and perfectly in character. It made me smile. And Manhunter’s fight with Everyman was pretty cool too. I am loving all of the story arcs in this. Oh and these artists draw a beautiful Wonder Woman.

Manhunter #30
Written by Mark Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Robin Riggs

This was another fantastic issue of Manhunter. I loved it. This was supposed to be the series’s last issue and it would have made a perfect series finale but I am glad the series is continuing. Wonder Woman is decided to be innocent after all and Dylan saves Cameron Chase’s life (in a way that actually made me like him more) and in the end we get a preview of the next story arc. Looks like it is going to have something to do with an abortion clinic and maybe the Joker? I don’t know but it looks to be great.

Manhunter 27 and 28

Manhunter #27
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Robin Riggs

Okay I did not see the shock ending of this issue coming, even with it being given away on the cover. Ted Kord can not be still alive? Could he? This has to be a hoax of some sort. Maybe it is Bruce in disguise. I don’t know, what I do know is this was a great issue. Full of courtroom drama you would expect in a book about a superhero lawyer. And Wonder Woman hasn’t been drawn this good in a long time.

Manhunter #28
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Robin Riggs

This is all really intense. First Ted Kord has appeared and says he was alive and well and has no memory of the last 18 months. Wonder Woman’s lasso seems to think he is telling the truth and Batman is doing a blood test on him. (Why didn’t they think of just taking off his mask?) Then Sasha sends Manhunter the real video of Maxwell Lord’s death. This is all really important for the DCU and its sad that more people aren’t reading this. I don’t know whos to blame for this series’s cancellation but the whole thing is sad. Andreko’s a great writer and I hope he gets put on something high profile at DC soon. (Like um…Wonder Woman)

Amazon Legality

Manhunter #26
Written by Mark Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Robin Riggs

I really hope this series makes it after Issue 30. Andreyko clearly has a love for the DCU and it shows in his writing. If Manhunter does end with Issue 30, DC should at least have Andreyko write another series, he is a wonderful writer who I could see on lots of other books. After reading this, I think he should take over as Wonder Woman writer after Jodi Picult’s upcoming run. He knows how to write female heroes. This issue is actually pretty important, Wonder Woman has come to Kate, who she knows is Manhunter, for legal defense against the US government who are charging her for the murder of Maxwell Lord. I loved the moments between Manhunter and Wonder Woman and Manhunter basically being in awe of her. The only weakness is the Dylan character, I hate him. I absolutely hate him. He makes my skin crawl. I really wish he would leave this series but I don’t see that happening since Andreyko created him. Anyways, I encourage everyone to pick up this issue. This series is great and it deserves to last.

 

Manhunter 23 – 25

Manhunter #23
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco

Okay I know that most critics love this book, and I did too at the start. But this issue just bored me, I like Manhunter. But I find myself not caring too much about her supporting cast, especially Dylan. Plus, the whole Phantom Lady is Manhunter’s grandmother thing seems a little forced. I mean there is nothing wrong with having a superhero who is not related to another one. But that is just my opinion.

Manhunter #24
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco

Okay this issue was much better than the last. I wasn’t actually bored. The fight between Manhunter and Dr. Psycho was great and even the society notes that Kate can kick ass. I am not sure what Bones is getting at at the end of this issue but I suppose we will find out soon. Oh and Sweeny Todd is certainly becoming an intersting/creepy villain.

Manhunter #25
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco

False alarm, this series is definitely still good. And I hope that it will continue past issue 30. Manhunter is getting famous in L.A. as she fights Sweeny Todd in a club. Oh and Wonder Woman shows up this issue, and it is definitely Diana. Which is weird, because over in her own series Donna is now Wonder Woman. Maybe this takes place after this? Anyways, I look forward to the team up between Wonder Woman and Manhunter next issue.

The Dramatic Return of Kilg%re

Manhunter #22
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco
Cover by Shawn Martinbrough

One thing I really love about this book is that Andreyko really knows his way around the DCU. He keeps bringing old tidbits from DC’s history and that is great. In this issue, he brought in the little know flash villain Kilg%re. I know the character from Mike Baron’s run on the flash and he was a pretty powerful villain then. I wonder if Kate will be able to take him out sucessfully. I don’t know anything about the other villain this issue, the metahuman serial killer Sweeney Todd. I have never heard of him, I wonder if he is new. I should probably do some research to find out. This issue once again balanced action with a healthy does of humor. My favorite moment was the very beginning where Kate says her comment about Giant 4-headed hydra thingies. That actually made me laugh out loud. I am glad that this book is not getting canceled just yet.

Holly Does Not Quite Meow For Me Yet

Catwoman (Volume 3) #54
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez and Alvaro Lopez
Cover by Adam Hughes

This issue continues the trend in the DCU of formerly lame villains becoming cool. This time it is Angle Man who gets the treatment. While not on the same level that Cat Man has become cool, Pfieifer does manage to make Angle Man much cooler than he ever was here. I do not think I have ever read anything else where these Lopez guys did the art but I must say I do like it. They should probably get more work. I am not so sure if I like Holly as Catwoman still, she just doesn’t seem Catwoman-like. She is too naieve and innocent, not enough femme fatale in her I guess. But I will give her a change to prove herself. Meanwhile, Selina is being a good mother of a baby whom I am not sure who the father of is. I am less convinced that it is Batman’s kid this time around for some reason. Not sure why I have changed my mind about that. I am excited about the introduction of Film Freak who since reading this I have learned is an old villain. I like him, he is creepy and in a way he reminds me of my love for films and trivia. (Accept I am no villain).

Can You Guess Which Doctor is the Psycho?

Manhunter #21
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco
Cover by Jesus Saiz

The previous issue of this series was reviewed here. This issue was great but man were there some disturbing parts. I mean a woman ripping a body apart and a man putting his arm through someone whoa. Crazy stuff! The court scenes were done well, Marc certainly knows how to write them. The scene where Dr. Midnight talks about how the brains that are psychically posessed are different is something I would have never thought of. Dr. Psycho is just as creepy this issue, especially with the revelation that he gets off on murders! Don’t we all just love that little creepy icky guy. I think its cool that the JSA keeps DNA of all there members, makes sense since they do live in a world where clones and long lost children are abundant. I also never realized till now how cool Dr. Midnight’s costume is, maybe it is the artist or something, but the Doc looks great in this isse.

My favorite psychotic munchkin returns!

Manhunter #20
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Fernando Blanco
Cover by Jesus Saiz

I have to say, any book featuring Dr. Psycho at any point is going to be a great read. I mean he is just the creepiest little villain ever. I am glad he has been getting so much exposure lately. I hope that Allan Heinberg will use him in the new Wonder Woman series this summer. Now putting Dr. Psycho aside, this one year later issue leaves us with more one year later questions. Who is this woman Peter has married? How did Cameron and Dylan hook up? And what was Kate talking about when she said there was some kind of big event in Metropolis. I wonder if this event will occur in the forthcoming 52 or in the final issues of Infinite Crisis. I liked this issue because I felt the last few issues have been kind of dull and now I am interested in Kate’s life once again. I also liked how she finally has come to terms with the fact that she is a superhero and not some kind of wannabe.