Superman Batman 79 and 80

Superman/Batman #79
Written by Chris Roberson
Art by Jesus Merino

 

Roberson introduce (or re-introduces for some) to the DC Universe of the 853rd Century and I am one of the few who have never read DC One Million and therefore I am fascinated by this Justice Legion with its many worlds and I can’t wait to see more next issue. Epoch Lord of Time doesn’t seem like a new character but I could be wrong but he was a great way to frame the story and allow for the past and the future to collide.

Superman/Batman #80
Written by Chris Roberson
Art by Jesus Merino

Epoch is stopped by the Bronze Age World’s Finest and travels through time being defeated by each era’s Batman and Superman – Brilliant! I am looking forward to seeing more of Roberson’s run on the main Super-book after reading this awesomeness.

All Coming Together

Superman #699
Written by James Robinson
Art by Bernard Chang

 

This is part 8 of the Last Stand of New Krypton storyline that began in Last Stand #1 and continued here, here, here, Last Stand #2, here, and here. Things are all falling into place as Kandor is restored by Supergirl and Brainiac 5 and Superman and Zod take on Brainiac. I am not exactly sure what happened at the end – was that a city coming out of Brainiac’s ship. Did Lex just double cross Brainiac? And why is Mon-El worried that Sam Lane knew so much about Daxamite. I am not annoyed with all the questions – just intrigued. I can’t wait to see where this all goes!

Continuity Crisis

Supergirl (Volume 5) #52
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Ivan Rodriguez

 

This is part 7 of the Last Stand of New Krypton storyline that began in Last Stand #1, and continued here, here, here, Last Stand #2, and here. Supergirl teams up with Brainiac 5 and takes out the ship’s core in this issue. So I was kinda hoping that they would mention Supergirl’s time with the Legion of Earth-Prime, I can’t remember if she remembers it or not, perhaps that is why Brainiac 5 seemed familiar. But this Brainiac 5 seems to know here, does all the pre-crisis Supergirl tales with the Legion still happen in this timeline but later? And why does he refer to her as dying? The pre-crisis Kara died in the Crisis why would this Kara have died? I hope they clarify all this soon.

Brainiac Is Winning

Adventure Comics #513
Written by James Robinson, Sterling Gates, and Eric Trauttman
Art by Travis Moore, Eduardo Pansica, and Pier Gallo

The main feature is Part 6 of the Last Stand of New Krypton Storyline that began in Last Stand #1, and continued here, here, here, and  Last Stand of New Krypton #2. It was great to see Superboy use his tactile telekinesis. I like that he has that extra power it makes him unique. Things are not going well..for well…anyone but Brainiac here as the city is rebottled and Superboy is now stuck in there with it and Mon-El has been captured. I can’t wait to see where this goes! As for the second story it was a gory story that ends in death…Sam Lane is such an asshole, I can’t wait to see what happens to 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!

Destiny

Superman #698
Written by James Robinson
Art by Javier Pina and Bernard Chang

This is Part 3 of the Last Stand of New Krypton storyline that began in Last Stand #1 and continued here. Not much seems to occur here, I think it was rather decompressed compared to what Robinson usually writes in this book and we need for a lot of stuff to occur and for plot threads to be revisited since Robinson is leaving the book soon. Albeit, I did enjoy this issue as Mon-El’s destiny is revealed – he was needed to save the bottled cities while Superman was chained up –and those cities somehow effect the future of the Legion. I hope it is explained better soon.

Supergirl Leads The Legion Once Again

Supergirl (Volume 5) #51
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle

 

This was part 2 of the Last Stand of New Krypton storyline that began in Last Stand of New Krypton #1. I am loving this storyline. At first I was kind of annoyed that we were getting another Supergirl vs. Superboy fight but it was just one punch and they were fight. Loved hearing him called Kon-El again, it seems like nobody ever remembers that he once went by that name and Gates even wrote him using his tactile telekinesis powers too! (I miss Linda Danvers though) Alura’s hair was miscolored and that was annoying but oh well this was a lot of fun!

Lois Finds Out

Action Comics #879
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Diego Olmos
Co-Feature by Ruck and James Robinson
Art by Cafu

Things are heating up in the main story as Lois finally figures out that her father is alive. I love the way she figured it out too – by getting Mon-El to x-ray his grave. I wonder how happy she will be when she finds out what her father is up to? The cover art is weird – why is it that Thara seems to have different hair every time an artist draws her? The while flame powers that she has reminded me of Linda Danvers and got me sad about how much I miss her but Geoff John’s comments about Linda here got my hopes up! Come on Sterling have Supergirl meet Supergirl! Anyways, the second feature was decent as we see Captain Atom is back in time now – or  in another universe I suppose we will find out and it looks like he is finally remembering who he is and his time with the Justice League after the whole Countdown debacle as Monarch. It will be interesting to see what is up with him. Cafu’s art was great as well.

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.

Bloody

Action Comics #876
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Eddy Barrows and Sidney Teles

All I can really say about this comic is that it was bloody. Barrows drew so much blood it kind’ve made it hard for me to read it, and I am not afraid of blood! I love horror movies and I had no problem with that violent Nightwing issue everyone complained about last year! Why was so much blood and all that needed to be shown. I did not need to watch Thara get brutally stabbed. It was completely unnecessary, and this is coming from someone who has no problem with sex and violence in comics and doesn’t care if kids start to read comics or not. Besides that, this was a good issue. The story was good and we learned more about Ursa, Thara, and Chris and it was great to see Chris go to Lois for help. Rucka just needs a different artist because I am not really impressed with Barrows’s work right now. All the women are way to sexualized and everything is way too bloody, and like I said I usually don’t mind that but this was over the top.

Good But Disappointing

Action Comics #875
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Eddy Barrows

It took me a while to review this because of my disappointment over the fact that Nightwing and Flamebird were not, in fact, Connor Kent and Linda Danvers. And unless Linda is Superwoman, I am afraid we won’t be seeing her a lot in the DCU as I had hoped. Oh well, without judging this on the dissapointment, I did enjoy this a lot. Flamebird is Thara and Nightwing is Chris Kent. Not exactly the most exciting reveal in the world but it’s decent. I too liked their old costumes and everything but I understand why they needed to change them to protect themselves. I have to wonder why they were shown to have Telekenetic powers before, could DC have originally meant them to be Linda and Connor and then switched on us in the last second? I am not sure. Anyways, this was a good start and Barrows is art is better then usual. I like the idea of Sleeper Agenty Kryptonians all over earth but I wonder what their purpose is? I suppose we will find out.

Two Lindas?

Supergirl (Volume 5) #38
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle and Matthew Clark

It’s a shame Gates hasn’t written this book since its inception. This is just that good! The same can be said for Igle’s art, which is top notch this issue. Check out the fight scene between Superwoman and Supergirl, gorgeous art there. Speaking of Superwoman, she may not be Kryptonian after all! Could she be Linda Danvers? I sure hope so. Either her or Flamebird should be Linda. And like Gates said at the convention, it looks like Supergirl will be taking over the Linda Lang identity again. Maybe that is how she hides from the ban on Kryptonians on earth? I don’t know but all of the threads are coming together and I can’t wait for the next issue.

Checking In With Good Art

Superman #684
Written by James Robinson
Art by Jesus Merino

This Faces of Evil issue focuses on Parasite who briefly had the power of Mon-El and craves more of it. I think Robinson is foreshadowing a possible fight with Parasite and Mon-El when the Daxamite takes over this title soon. There was a lot in this issue. We check in on the new Nightwing and Flamebird, as well as New Krypton where Zod is leading the army. It’s all pretty awesome. The art is fantastic. I really never realized how much I liked Merino as an artist until this issue.

Keeping His Eye On Zod

Action Comics #874
Written by James Robinson
Art by Pablo Raimondi and Renato Guedes

At first I was a little angry that Superman even considered renouncing Earth and living on New Krypton as Alura offered, but now I see that he is only going to do it to keep his eye on Zod. Good idea and I think Lois will understand why he has to do it. You know, a year ago I never though the Superman books would be this good. But tying them all together and creating this awesome storyline has really got me excited. I can’t wait for each new issue.  I’m not sure how Mon-El is going to survive the end of this issue but I know he is. the backup focuses on the Guardian; a character I don’t have much interest in but I suppose Robinson will convince me to like him.

Success

Action Comics #873
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Pete Woods

This is the final part of the ten part New Krypton storyline that began in the New Krypton Special, then continued here, then in the Guardian Special, then here, here, here, here, here, and here. I read a lot of reviews saying that this wasn’t a true ending or satisfying ending. I think it was. I mean Kandor has left earth and established a New Krypton. It is the end of this arc. This is serial storytelling people, there are never going to be true endings as if this is a complete work! I just don’t get the complaining about the ending. Anyways, I absolutely adored this issue. Every moment inspired awe and wonder in a way that any big story like this should. While I like Final Crisis, this is more of an event book then that. The ending with Superwoman was completely unexpected and I look forward to all the story possibilities that have come out of this arc. I may have been hard on some parts of this storyline, but overall, and especially this issue, it was a tremendous success.

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 850 and 851

Action Comics #850
Written by Kurt Busiek, Fabian Nicieza, and Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Renato Guedes

This was a nice look back at the life of Superman up to the present day and at first, I found it only okay…I mean when Superman yells Justice League Together I rolled my eyes. Since when do they say that in the league?! But on a second read I really saw how wonderful this issue was. I love how it is Supergirl and the Legion looking at the past through a what did he call it…Chronex? And we do get some hints of the future but like Brainiac 5 said, it could be altered timelines. This was a nice anniversary issue.

Action Comics #851
Written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Art and Cover by Adam Kubert

I gotta hand it to them for the idea of making all the phantom zone scenes in this issue in 3D. It was a really cool idea…I just don’t know how well it was executed. I found it kind of annoying at times, especially those glasses. But I give them kudos for trying. Story-wise, it is okay. I think it is definitely over-hyped…I don’t really have any complaints about it but it doesn’t really excite me either. Maybe because I don’t harbor any strong emotions about Zod…I don’t know. The Mon-El Stuff was pretty cool though and the ending with Luthor was good too.