McDuffie’s Actual Last Issue

Justice League of America #34
Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art by Ardian Sayaf and Eddy Barrows

Okay for some reason DC’s solicitations were wrong on their website and this is McDuffie’s last issue on this book. Well at least he gets to finish his story arc. I actually liked this conclusion. Sure the art is still not great for a book like Justice League, but it was competent. I enjoyed the explanation for how the Milestone Universe and DC Universe merged. I think it was really the easiest way to explain it. Although I was under the impression they were not going to explain it, I am glad they did (Although it doesn’t make sense that Superman would be wearing his Superman outfit on New Krypton). I hope when the new creative team takes over they won’t get rid of Firestorm, I think it is great to see him on this team and I am hoping Icon will still be joining even though McDuffie is not on the book anymore.

Bringing Metropolis to Life

Superman #688
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes

Wow this issue was another incredible one. Robinson writes Superman so much better with Superman in it. I mean he is really bringing Metropolis to life. I like how General Sam Lane is monitoring all the milestone and red circle heroes. Think there is a reason behind that? I dunno. Are they just trying to avoid using Doctor Mid-Nite because Doctor Light is used once again in a Superman book to examine someone; maybe she lives in Metropolis now? I don’t know but I am not complaining. Mon-El’s ticking clock is an interesting development that I think really adds to the story and makes the character a whole lot more interesting. Good stuff here.

Sad Way To Go

Justice League of America #33
Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art by Rags Morales

Um…what? I am really not sure what this was about. This whole storyline has been convoluted and confusing even without Ed Benes’s art. This isn’t even a conclusion and I am pretty sure this is McDuffie’s last issue. A lot could be said about DC’s mishandling of McDuffie on this title but really…even if you take into account the editorial interference the guy hasn’t written a very good story for this team. Ever. That may not be his fault. I did like last issue but this, this had too many characters and too many plot points I just did not enjoy it. What a sad way for McDuffie to leave this title.

The Mystery of the Chick With The Face Tattoo

Action Comics #877
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Sidney Teles

I have to say that this is the best issue Rucka has given us thus far. It was really action-packed and filled with a lot more story then the previous two issues have been. The idea that somehow Chris has been infected with Brainiac tech that has effected his ageing is a decent explanation although not really that great but this is comics so I am not complaining. I don’t know who the woman with the tatoo on her face is that is working for General Lane. I wonder what her deal is. She can’t be Kryptonian right? I wonder why Barrows has left this book so soon? Was DC not happy with his art? Anyways, Rucka introduces a lot of interesting threads in this issue and I can’t wait to see when Lois finds out what her father is up to. Good stuff.

Praying For A New Artist

Justice League of America #30
Written by Dwayne McDuffie and Len Wein
Art by Jose Luis and Marco Rudy

I am very confused as to how the Shadow Cabinet and Icon betray the League here? Icon seems pretty upset that they betrayed them but how? Did they take Dr. Light’s body? I don’t get it. Anyways, this book gets a fill-in artist and he draws just like Ed Benes! Total shit. What the hell! Why, oh why? Please DC put some good art on this series so people can understand what is going on in it and characters look like actual different people from one another. The origins and omens backup revealed what looks like the post-Final Crisis line up; Black Canary, Vixen, Firestorm, Green Lantern, Doctor Light, and Icon. That should be interesting. Maybe there will be a new artist. Let’s pray for it.

Besides The Art

Justice League of America #28
Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art by Ed Benes

The Justice League encounters the Shadow Cabinet story continues in this issue. I don’t want to sounds like a broken record but Benes’s art is just awful and just takes away from the story. As for the story, I did enjoy it much more this issue. It looks like Superman and Icon are working together. Which is cool because Icon was the “Superman” of the Milestorm Universe. It would be interesting to see a team up between Superman, Icon, and Captain Marvel. The final page was quite a surprise and I definitely didn’t expect the Shadow Thief to be involved. All of the characters of the Shadow Cabinet are really interesting and get more screen time this issue then last. I would like to learn more about them and wouldn’t mind if DC gave them their own book. Anyways besides the art, good issue.

Justice League Vs. The Shadow Cabinet

Justice League of America #27
Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art by Ed Benes

Ugggghhhh! Ed Benes’s art is horrific!! Why is he still on this book! Seriously, every one looks the same and I am just so sick of it. It really is distracting from the story. Why can’t DC get rid of this guy! This issue would have been fantastic if it wasn’t for the art. So we are introduced to the Shadow Cabinet and Icon from the Milestone books, and they are okay looking, but very nineties it seems. I don’t know why everyone keeps talking about the death of Dr. Light in this issue considering he dies in Final Crisis, which I assume takes place after this! Is this another editorial fuck up on DC’s part? I wouldn’t be surprised. I guess Zatanna is a member again. Maybe they asked her off-panel? To be honest, McDuffie does know how to write the JLA well, and he would really shine if Benes was gone. But with Benes, he barely even flickers.