Peace And Love

Wonder Woman (Volume 3) #41
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Chris Batista and Fernando Dagnino

 

Can I just say that Gail Simone should stay on Wonder Woman, give Morrison or Rucka a new Wonder Book and keep Simone here. She understands the character tremendously. Power Girl’s inner dialogue about Diana pretty much showed that. Wonder Woman is more then fighting (although she is a great fighter) she is inspirational and full of love. Power Girl needed to channel Diana in order to stop the hatred consuming Washington D.C. I hope these Crow Children come back soem day because they were some damn scary Wonder Woman villains. The scenes with Etta and Steve Trevor were very suspenseful and Diana saves the day once again! Great issue! Plus The Olympian finding the reincarnation of his lover again warmed by big gay heart.

Membership

Justice League of America #42
Written by James Robinson
Art by Mark Bagley

Robinson’s Justice League run continues to impress me. I am liking the dynamic of the new team and Bagley’s art. These villains aren’t rather interesting but we shall see what comes of them. Are Black Canary and Ray Palmer now members again? They are just there and this is never explained which is kinda annoying. It looks like Red Tornado is still a member although not functional but I think it makes perfect sense for Cyborg to try to help him in the way that he is. Still wish Hal wasn’t on the team but whatever it is just great to have a good JLA comic again!

Justice League 39 and 40

Justice League of America #39
Written by James Robinson
Art by Mark Bagley

Why did Kimiyo just call Doctor Light Curry at the end of this comic like he was Aquaman? That is some bad editing and the kind’ve sloppy editing and mix ups that have plagued this title since it began. Not really forgivable. All-in-all this was a rather forgettable issue where neither of the creators showed how good they could be.

Justice League of America #40
Written by James Robinson
Art by Mark Bagley

I have to say that this was an intense issue of Justice League where the heroes are emotionally and physically taken to their breaking points by the Black Lanterns. It dealt with race and rape. And it was very uncomfortable to read and almost mean-spirited in the way that Robinson’s Cry for Justice has been. I can’t say that I object to the subject matter but just in the way it was handled, I really felt like Kimiyo Hoshi was being raped in this issue as I was reading this. If not physically, at least on an emotional level and why the hell did Bagley have to draw her running around naked? That was unnecessary and disturbing. I don’t mind the subject matter but I felt like the entire story had no light – it was completely cruel.

Quick Read

Superman/Batman #66
Written by Scott Kolins
Art by Kolins

As it turns out, Bizarro is much more interesting in Black Lantern emotional spectrum vision then he is without it. Haha. I like that he said he was full of rage when the Black Lantern saw love. Nice use of the opposite speech and twisting it to fit Blackest Night perfectly. It was also great to see Frankenstein and the Bride. This was good but a little rushed. It was a quick read.

This Was Actually Good

Justice League of America #38
Written by James Robinson
Art by Mark Bagley

Holy shit! This must be the most underrated comic of the fucking year. After reading all of the horrible reviews and the abysmal so far Cry for Justice mini, I actually enjoyed this a lot. That’s a good thing – because this book has been bad for a really long time. Bagley can certainly draw better then any artist this book has had and Robinson’s dialogue is much better then it has been over in Cry for Justice. I liked it. Sure, Blue Jay dying was stupid and we don’t need another superhero dying but forget that, I liked the moments in the cave and all of the talking about its history and even Young Justice. It’s too bad Plas is going to stay on the team because he is always fun. The fight with Despero was even exciting because Bagley is an artist who makes it easy to see what is going on. Forget what you have heard, I think this is a good start to the Robinson – Bagley run.

Powers

Justice League of America #37
Written by Len Wein
Art by Tom Derenick

This issue concludes Len Wein’s fill-in arc and I must say that it was a sucess. Wein utilized each of the powers of the team members in unique ways and gave them all equal screen time. That is much better then McDuffie or Meltzer ever did on this book. I wonder where this story is going to continue? Under Robinson’s pen? I don’t know because there was definitely a cliffhanger about the Key and a possible murder of Professor Fortune. But anyways, this was a good arc and Wein should be proud of it.

It Is Good To Have Plas Back

Justice League of America #36
Written by Len Wein
Art by Tom Derenick

Okay it took them thirty-six issues, but I think finally we have a Justice League issue where the characters are given equal screen time, have unique voices, and well…it just feels like the League. I think I was too easy on McDuffie, sure he was always being overly managed by DC editorial, but he really wasn’t good at writing this book. This was just a sigh of relief. I love having Plastic Man back. I really missed him. I liked how they actually showed Vixen asking Starfire to join the league. Heck I even liked the origin of the Royal Flush Gang that they recapped. When Robinson comes on this book, this book better stay this good.

You Don’t Need The A-Listers To Write A Good Story

Justice League of America #35
Written by Len Wein
Art by Tom Derenick and Pow Rodrix

What Professor Fortune said in the last line of this book about playing with the cards you are dealt – in other words you don’t need the big three, just create good stories about the characters you have – it could have been said to McDuffie. Heck, Wein makes Red Tornado more interesting with the two lines the character had her then anything Meltzer or McDuffie did with the character. This was a decent issue, I mean it wasn’t great but it had Plastic Man in it, so that elevates it quite a bit in my head. I love how Plas brought up how he was with the team through all those great storylines – that was a great use of continuity while at the same time commenting on how ridiculous that he has been out of the League for so long. Sure we don’t have the A-list big leaguers, but this fill-in arc is going to be a decent read none-the-less.

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.

Green Arrow & Black Canary 5 – 14

 

Green Arrow & Black Canary #5
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Andre Coelho

Get me my damn bow…awesome line. This was another good issue of this series, a series which has been a vast improvement since the relaunch. Green Arrow and Black Canary get married for real in a small ceremony this issue while Ollie grieves over his brain dead. I liked all the flashback explaining that Ollie knew about Connor all these years. I know that Connor is going to be back, but this was still a heartwarming issue.

 

Green Arrow & Black Canary #6
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Cliff Chiang

As they continue their hunt for Connor this issue I find myself really enjoying Winick’s dialogue. The banter between Black Canary and Green Arrow is fantastic and fits the character’s perfectly, which is something Winick usually doesn’t excel at. I like how he doesn’t write Dinah as being a damsel-in-distress, she is just as capable a hero as Ollie. As for those aliens, I wasn’t expecting that either.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #7
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton

So the aliens turn out to be guys in costumes in a rather amusing scene where Green Lantern shows up Ollie. But the part where the Arrow team threatens the thugs with a clown and an old lady just seemed weird and out of the blue?! Didn’t really make sense character-wise.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #8
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton

Umm….all I can say is hell ya it’s Plastic Man! Anytime he is in a comic it is good in my eyes. (Except for that stupid Kyle Baker series, I prefer my Plas in continuity) and this was a decent issue. Still feels like this story has gone on forever.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #9
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton

Now one book I wouldn’t mind Winick writing at all is a Plastic Man book, he does have a knack for one-liners and that is what Plas is all about. Gosh every second he is “on screen” I love it. What a great character…okay that’s enough gushing over Plastic Man. This was an okay issue, but not much happened, a lot of fighting. Pretty standard stuff.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #10
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton

Eh another okay issue with more fighting the League of Assassins who may not actually be the League of Assassins. Batman shows his badassness in this issue and Plas is always fun but otherwise really this story is taking too long.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #11
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton

Finally we get some movement on this story after a couple of issues of just fighting. It looks like Shado is behind everything and it is good to see Winick dipping into Green Arrow history and using her.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #12
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton

Ummmmm yaaaaaa what the fuck was this issue. This was the dumbest writing I have ever read in comics. How exactly is Connor just okay now? Why did Doctor Sivana even want Green Arrow dead? Have they even met before? This makes no sense. I really think Winick was just making this up as he went along and just wanted to use Sivana because he uses him in everything he writes. Seriously, after this issue, I am ultra glad Winick is leaving this book. What an awful waste of a year-long story arc.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #13
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton

The pain that was the year long arc of the search for Connor still looms over this title but this was the best issue in a while. Dodger and Speedy’s first date was heartwarming and made me actually like the character of Dodger. As for Connor, something isn’t quite right with him and he seems to have a little bit of Plas’s powers or something. Hmmm….I just hope he is not a clone or something. Guess we will find out next issue.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #14
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mike Norton

This is really the end of an era for Green Arrow. This is Winick’s last issue and Winick has been writing the character for five years straight. To be honest, while there was some good stuff, most of his run was rather bland so I can’t wait to see how the next writer does. It was time for Winick to move on. Despite the whole thing with Connor being so ridiculous, I do like that he does not remember how to be an archer because now it makes the character more unique in a world full of superhero archers. Which is the perfect time for Winick to leave, on something good he did for the Green Arrow mythos.

Wonder Woman 12 – 25

Wonder Woman (Volume 3) #12
Written by J. Torres
Art by Paco Diaz

Oh will Amazons Attack never end. The god-awful mini-series spills over into this issue as Wonder Woman and Nemesis look for the missing Sarge Steel. Of course this issue wasn’t bad though, Everyman is always a fun villain.

Wonder Woman (Volume 3) #13
Written by J. Torres
Art by Julian Lopez

Now this was more like it. A very sweet issue that while still dealing with the Amazons Attack aftermath, it is not burdened by it one bit. I liked seeing the JSA wondering about Hippolyta, it’s easy to forget that she was once a member of their team and they WOULD react to her coming back from the dead.

Wonder Woman (Volume 3) #14
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Terry Dodson

Gail Simone’s first issue may not have completely blown me away, but it was pretty damn good…especially when compared to the previous runs on this series. Bringing back Etta Candy is genius, having female gorillas live in Diana’s apartment is genius, and Nazis attacking Themyscira is genius. I think we can say Simone is a genius.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #15
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Terry Dodson

I like the idea of Wonder Woman going to the different Pantheons of Gods seeking help and I especially like that she ended up receiving that help from an obscure pantheon – the Hawaiian Gods. Very awesome. Oh and can I saw Diana’s transformation into Wonder Woman at the beginning was beautiful. Go Dodsons!

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #16
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Terry Dodson and Ron Randall

This issue was sligtly decompressed as it was essentially just one big battle between Wonder Woman and her gorillas, and the Nazi on Themyscara. Although it wasn’t bad, I was kinda expecting more.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #17
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Terry Dodson and Ron Randall

This concludes Simone’s first story arc on this title and I must say it was a great ending. The entire thing could have been an issue less but it was still a good arc. And Simone had Plastic Man in it! Yay! I also like how Simone is setting up these mysteries in advance…effectively creating a slow build that a long term writer should do.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #18
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Bernard Chang

Haha I did not know this but Etta Candy’s catchphrase is Woo Woo and Simone uses it in the final page of this issue in a very modern and hilarious way. The art took some getting used to after the Dodsons but it wasn’t bad. I am not sure how I feel about Diana courting Nemesis, we will see how it goes I guess.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #19
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Bernard Chang

This short story arc was very good. I liked how the Ichor is set up to be threats in the future and Etta Candy is a great sidekick for Diana. I am not sure how they made the Khund girl a Green Lantern, did one of the GLs die. I thought someone only becomes a GL when a previous one dies? And doesn’t the ring choose the person?

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #20
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopestri

Eh…I can’t really get excited about this arc. Wonder Woman in a sword and sorcery world does nothing for me. The only moments I really enjoyed were the stuff with Etta Candy.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #21
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopestri

Other then the scenes outside of the otherworldly plane (the stuff with Nemsis and the stuff with Hippolyta), I found this pretty boring. Which isn’t Simone’s fault as much as I am just uninterested in this kind of story.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #22
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopestri

Ditto, but it is good to see Donna again in this title.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #23
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopestri

The moments between Donna and Nemsis were fantastic this issue but I am still glad this arc is over.

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #24
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Bernard Chang

Now this is more like it. Nemesis meets with Hippolyta who acts like a typical mother meeting her daughter’s new boyfriend, including asking him if they have had sex and when they plan on having babies! Fantastic! The movie stuff was cool especially since we get to see some of Diana’s past reenacted innacurately. I look forward to seeing Wonder Woman kick the Queen of Fables’ ass. And having Diana say she no longer has self-doubts just shows how far she has come since the beginning of this series when she was annoyingly full of self-doubts. Thanks Gail! (:

Wonder Woman (Volume
3) #25
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Bernard Chang

This was a pretty good issue…I especially liked the end with the little girls. I think more little girls should be looking up to Wonder Woman….we need a good Wonder Woman movie soon. I like how Simone really expressed her opinion about the Wonder Woman movie in this issue….that we should wait for a really good one instead of getting a crappy one now and I agree with that but it would be nice to have a good one soon. I guess you can’t get your cake and eat it too.

Green Lantern 21-34

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #21
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

Why I waited this long to start reading the Sinestro Corps War I do not know because this was as fantastic as everyone said it would be. Kyle as Parallax is awesome, although I am glad it is only temporary. Kyle Rayner is by far my favorite GL and I was happy to see him diss on Hal (even though it was him posessed by Parallax).

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #22
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

Part 3 of the Sinestro Corps sees Hal fighting Kyle as Parallax on Qward with the help of the Lost Lanterns. The friction between Jordan and the Lost Lanterns is fun to watch. This was another good issue.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #23
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

Okay….the ending of this was fucking amazingly intenese! I loved it. Now we are on earth and things are going to get personal. Awesome writing from the master of cliffhangers, Geoff Johns. When Parallax says Kyle should kill all the GL’s so he can be special again, I kind of agreed with him. (:

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #24
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

Hell ya! Kyle gets his ring back (And shirtless as well)! The last moments of this comic gave me goosebumps. Superboy-Prime is such a little brat it’s hilarious, and things are heating up very nicely.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #25
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

First of all, the color spectrum of Corps is really cool and I can’t wait to see it in action. But I do find it hard to swallow that no one would evacuate Coast City….seems a little rudiculous if there was an alien threat those people would be out of there in seconds. John Stewart calling the Anti-Monitor Marshmallow Man was hilarious since I have been thinking that he looked like him since the beginning. I really love how Johns respects all four earth GL’s equally in this story. It isn’t just a Hal Jordan story. And the ending…well let’s just say Summer 2009 is going to kick ass.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #26
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Mike Mckone

This series is really as good as people say it is. I don’t know why I waited so long to catch up (probably because I absolutely hate Hal Jordan). I think the Lost Lanterns made the right decision in killing Amon Sur considering what arresting him would have done to the reputation of the Sinestro Corps. We’ll see if the Guardians see it that way.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #27
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Mike McKone

The Alpha Lanterns are awesome looking, but I liked there appearence in Green Lantern Corps and Final Crisis then here. McKone’s version is a little more blue I think. I think the idea of the Alpha Lantern’s is magnificent. And I especially love how they have their own oath.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #28
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Mike McKone

Okay this issue got me really excited for Rage of the Red Lanterns! The design for the Red Lanterns is kick ass. I think the Green Lanterns killing as a last resort is reasonable, but no they should not kill if they do not have to as Hal believes. Wow I actually agree with Hal Jordan on something.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #29
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis
Well, I sware the first few scenes of this I have read before and I really don’t care too much about Hal’s relationship with his father (mostly cause I could give a shit about Hal) but the story did not get to me I admit. I liked the bickering between Hal and his brothers. Why isn’t this arc called Year One?

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #30
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

Hal actually becomes GL this issue and it was actual really cool and is something that would work great in a GL movie. I kept thinking of Jor-El’s voice in the original Superman when Abin Sur was explaining what a Green Lantern was.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #31
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

Oh my God this arc would make a great Green Lantern origin movie. I am really geeking out about this…especially for someone not so fond of Hal Jordan. I feel the sense of wonder and awe that Hal must be feeling as he is inducted into the Corps. This is perfect Johns wrting. It’s worth mentioning that Reis is doing some great work here as well.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #32
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

"I am the greatest Green Lantern"….Wow Sinestro your very humble. This was another fantastic issue of the Secret Origin story arc. I like how Johns manage to connect it back to the present by dealing with the Red Lanterns and the "Blackest Night" prophecy. Johns isn’t retelling Hal’s origin for no reason.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #33
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis

I like how this arc is not only showing the secret origin of Hal, but also his major villains like Sinestro, Black Hand, and Hector Hammond. The art was fantastic again this issue. I am surprised at how much I am enjoying this arc.

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #34
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis


This was another great issue of the arc I did not expect to enjoy – Secret Origin. Now the alien Sinestro and Hal fight is pretty generic, although I know that he is set up to be part of the Red Lanterns, but that is not the point of this issue, the point of this issue was Hal’s relationship with his family. Finally, I think Geoff may be getting me to enjoy the Hal’s family subplot, even if I still don’t enjoy Hal Jordan as a character.

JLA Classified 38 – 54

JLA Classified #39
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Carlos D’Anda

Um… so is Kid Amazo’s girlfriend like the biggest bitch in the world or what. Give me a break, she just dumps him because she finds out he is a robot. Who does that?! Okay issue.

JLA Classified #40
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Carlos D’Anda

I might have to agree with Flash here, Wonder Woman prolly did not have the right to tell Kid Amazo’s girlfriend anything but I could be wrong. I liked this issue, especially the idea that Batman has technology that responds to his individual psychological make up. But I still am not a fan of the art.

JLA Classified #41
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Carlos D’Anda

You know, this story should have been published in graphic novel format (with better art) as was originally planned. The ending works great as a precurser to the break up of the Justice League during Infinite Crisis and the relationship between Kid Amazo and Ivo’s daughter is really interesting this issue. Too bad it was published in serial where a lot of probably didn’t wait till the end.

JLA Classified #42
Written by Justin Gray
Art by Rick Leonardi

In case you did not know, JLA: Year One is one of my all time favorite stories. Post-infinite Crisis, that story has at least been slightly retconned, which pissed me off, so this story which flashbacks to Martian Manhunters first meeting with Superman and the JLA kinda pisses me off but I am dealing with it. I do like the characterization of Martian Manhunter though.

JLA Classified #43
Written by Justin Gray
Art by Rick Leonardi

Okay this is retarted, the JLA came together to face the Appalexian invasion, not Starro. Way to pay attention to continuity, and this is even confirmed post-infinte Crisis continuity. I am not even going to bother saying anything else. Extremem laziness on the part of Justin Gray. The rest of this storyline isn’t worth reviewing cause it just pisses me off too much.

JLA Classified #44
Written by Justin Gray
Art by Rick Leonardi

Not worth it…….

JLA Classified #45
Written by Justin Gray
Art by Rick Leonardi
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JLA Classified #46
Written by Justin Gray
Art by Rick Leonardi

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JLA Classified #47
Written by Mike W. Barr
Art by Randy Green

This was a nice start for this story which seems like it would happen to the Silver Age Justice League. Unlike the last story arc, there weren’t any continuity breaches – in fact Green Arrow is shown in the right costumer here as well. I wish the cover art was what was inside the book though.

JLA Classified #48
Written by Mike W. Barr
Art by Randy Green

Eh that was a cute little story but nothing to write home about. It was fun. That’s all. I really don‘t have much to say, except, at first I was little turned off by the betrayal of Wonder Woman as being so, I dunno, stupid. But I realize this was one of her earlier appearances chronologically so she should be a bit naive.

JLA Classified #49
Written by Andrew Kreisberg
Art by Paulo Siqueira

Um….this was really good….until the ending which made no sense. By the time that roster of the Justice League was together, Lois was very aware of Superman’s identity…she was married to him! The art was good and Kreisberg seems to be a pretty good writer here but he needs to pay attention to continuity. WTF this series is full of continuity errors.


JLA Classified #50
Written by Roger Stern
Art by John Byrne

Byrne’s art is as good as ususal and the writing here makes a pretty good Justice League story. I am anxious to see when the League fought this monster before. Wally’s hair is yellow in this, that’s definitely a coloring problem.

JLA Classified #51
Written by Roger Stern
Art by John Byrne

The idea of a self-procalimed “God” coming to earth and challenging the Gods of the religions of the world is really interesting and I am suprised no one has thought of it before. This story is really good so far.

JLA Classified #52
Written by Roger Stern
Art by John Byrne

Okay now this is how the Justice League is supposed to work. Teamwork and great characterization and great fighting…awesome work Roger Stern. Maybe this guy should be the regular JLA writer. Byrne’s art was fantastic as well. In the last story arc of this series, there is a finally quality writing and art….wow.

JLA Classified #53
Written by Roger Stern
Art by John Byrne

Stern really gets each of the JL characters here, especially when he writes them as possible Gods, he shows that he understands what makes them tick as he shows that Titus understand it. I am really enjoying this a lot.

JLA Classified #54
Written by Roger Stern
Art by John Byrne

Well I am happy to say that JLA Classified ended on a high note thanks to Roger Stern and John Byrne. Stern wrote a team of good heroes who had flaws but ultimately triumphed. This is the way the Justice League should be. The ending was inspirational. I wish more of the story arcs in this series were like this. Unfortunately, they were not and I imagine that is why the book has been canceled. Anyways, if this storyline gets collected, I will definitely be picking it up!

Superman/Batman 31 – 35

Superman/Batman #31
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Matthew Clark

Well, that was crazy. I must say I really do not enjoy Matthew Clark’s arc. Not on the Outsiders and not here. But I do like the idea of all earth’s alien being brainwashed to kill the humans and I do love it whenever Plastic Man makes an appearance in any comic so I am torn on this. Anyways, why is Lex acting like a businessman in this issue again? Isn’t Lana the CEO of LexCorp now while Lex is in hiding? Verheiden should keep up with continuity.

Superman/Batman #32 Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Matthew Clark

I liked the idea that Superman is taken out of his trance by his love for Lois. I liked that Batman was forced to put the black rock on in order to survive…but this issue falls flat. First, because of the continuity issues. Why is Hawkgirl even there? She is not an alien. And second because I feel like it could be soo much better than it is.

Superman/Batman #33 Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Matthew Clark

This arc comes to a nice tidy conclusion. Superman convinces the Armada that earth has some good people and shouldn’t be destroyed. I liked how the battle was won through words and diplomacy and not through violence. But I can’t help but feel this whole storyline was a failure. It took too long to come out and had too many continuity mistake. Hawkgirl had red hair in this issue like the old thanagarian Hawkwoman! What the hell!

Superman/Batman #34 Written by Mark Verheiden
Art and Cover by Pat Lee

First time around, I was completely bored with this issue. I have no experience with the Metal Men (accept for 52) and did not care. Second time around, I definitely enjoyed it more and paid attention better. It is a decent story so far, I don’t know if it is consistent with Metal Men continuity or not but I liked the parts where Bruce realizes he should do better to protect the guards of Wayne Enterprises.

Superman/Batman #35

Written by Mark Verheiden and Marc Guggenheim
Art by Pat Lee

Now this was a strong issue. I don’t know about anyone else, but I was not expecting THAT ending. The OMAC Project! Wow, I look forward to seeing how this all plays out next issue. I don’t know if it was Guggenheim, but I liked this better than all previous issues of Verheiden’s run. The teamwork between Batman and Superman was prefect. I loved their conversation about “Super-Brain”. That made a nice use of continuity, I don’t think anyone has acknowledged the “Super-Brain” thing since that first OYL story arc. Great issue. This arc is definitely picking up.

JLA Classified 35 – 37

JLA Classified #35
Written by Dan Slott and Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens and Jerry Ordway

This is the last of the three realities that Red King is inhabitating and I must say that it was a lot of fun to see the ways the Red King comes up with to kill the Justice Leagyers (Although I wish Batman and Plastic Man had put up more of a fight before the died). This arc has been a lot of fun so far.

JLA Classified #36 Written by Dan Slott and Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens and Trevor Scott

So this story arc concludes in what is a little bit overly long issue. A lot of stuff could have been cut but I didn’t mind that much. I can’t say I truly understand everything that went on but it was a fun ride, and it was great to see Plastic Man get such a huge role. In fact, he is the only leaguer that really remembers all of the othe realities, which is pretty cool. Nice Arc, I am glad I read it.

JLA Classified #37
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Carlos D’Anda

The idea of Amazo having a half-human son is pretty cool and adding the fact that he has false memories into the mix makes it all even better. I thought this issue was a pretty good start to what looks like a promising story arc. The art is pretty good too. I am not sure why it took so long for this to come out, but I am glad it finally has.

JLA Classified 33 and 34

JLA Classified #33
Written by Dan Slott and Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens and Trevor Scott

So in this reality, that the Red King has created, he is doing extremely well at being a hero and is eventually asked to join the justice league. This was a fun issue and as always I am in love with Plas, I really wish he was still on the team. I think someone should buy this just because of the plas moments. Especially when he starts talking about Aquaman’s harpoon. That was awesome.

JLA Classified #34
Written by Dan Slott and Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens and Jerry Ordway

This issue was pretty damn cool. Basically it starts out exactly the same as last issue, except this time the Red King isn’t a hero but a villain in this reality and he has caused the earth to completely blow up in something like 90 hours. It was awesome to see how the JLA evacuates earth, not just of people, but cities and animals and water and plants. The coolest thing ever was Green Lantern transporting the oceans to mars through his energy. I bet Slott and Jurgens had a lot of fun writing this. Batman also is pissed as hell, while everone else is being saved, Bruce is making sure the Red King faces justice.

JLA Classified 30 – 32

JLA Classified #30
Written by Howard Chaykin
Art and Cover by Killian Plunkett and Tom Nguyen

The story that involves the JLA in an international conflict continues this issue. I enjoyed this issue too. Not bad bad, but not amazing or anything. It was good. Martian Manhunter should still be in the JLA, that’s all I gotta say. This issue shows that well.

JLA Classified #31 Written by Howard Chaykin
Art and Cover by Killian Plunkett and Tom Nguyen

This story could have been a lot better now that I look back at it. It concludes this issue well, the JLA helps the two countries get back to normal and keep the metal from getting into any government hands. At first, I thought Chaykin was writing from the perspective that America is always right type of thing, but I am happy to say that this issue shows that it is not like that. The JLA do not give the metal to the US gov even though they asked for it. So this story arc over all was better than I thought at first, but still just okay.

JLA Classified #32
Written by Dan Slott and Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens and Trevor Scott

This issue was much better than the last story arc and it is great to see Plastic Man again. But, it got a little boring at points and we see more of this new character, Darren Profitt, than we do the JLA and I am not particularly fond of parelell universe stories. So there were definitely some pros and cons. This issue was a little long, 40 pages was kinda unnecessary. There were a lot of great moments though. I will have to read the next issues before I make my decision if I like this story arc.