Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Booster Gold
Story: 3.5/5
Art: 4/5
Blue Beetle
Story (Blue Beetle): 3.5/5
Art (Blue Beetle): 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Filed under: Booster Gold, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: Batman, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Comic Reviews, cxPulp.com, Dan Jurgens, Day of Death, DC, DC Comics, Golden Child, Guy Major, Harvey RIchards, Hi-Fi, Matthew Sturges, Michael Siglain, Mike Norton, Norm Rapmund, Rip Hunter, Sal Cipriano, Second Feature | Leave a comment »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Story: 3.5/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Filed under: Batman: Reborn (event), cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe, Red Robin | Tagged: Batman, Batman Reborn, Christopher Yost, Comic Reviews, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Comics, Francis Manapul, Guy Major, J.G. Jones, Janelle Siegel, Mike Marts, Ramon Bachs, Red Robin, Robin, Sal Cipriano, The Grail | Leave a comment »
A Battle Within: an epilogue to Battle for the Cowl
Writer: Judd Winick
Penciller: Ed Benes
Inker: Rob Hunter
Colors: Ian Hannin & JD Smith
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Janelle Siegel
Editor: Mike Marts
Cover: Tony Daniel, Sandu Florea (variant by JG Jones)
Publisher: DC Comics
Though this issue boasts the Batman: Reborn banner at the top of its cover, it actually ought to be labelled with the Battle for the Cowl logo, the word “epilogue” clearly spelled out beneath. Though this issue takes place after the events of the Battle for the Cowl mini, it’s not all that firmly set into the territory of this new Batman: Reborn “era.”
We open on a flashback of Bruce and Dick, then move into Dick and Damian, juxtaposing the two relationships. We also see Alfred reacting to changes, as well as Dick and Tim having words over Damian’s new role as Robin (reminds me just a bit of things during the early issues of KnightQuest: The Crusade back in 1993). We also get to see Dick in action, having accepted the need for a Batman while still struggling to embrace the cowl. Damian shows his brashness, and Dick–as Batman–reveals himself to the city as he shows up to face the Scarecrow.
The story is fairly straightforward. It’s not all that moving exactly–I definitely wish that Final Crisis had not had the epilogue it did–better to have been left guessing at the truly definitively final fat of Bruce to make this stuff more moving and impactful. It is nice, however, to see some of these moments happening given how entirely RUSHED the ending of Battle for the Cowl felt.
The art’s quite high-end…it’s good to get Benes’ art again on something I’m reading; I’ve enjoyed his work pretty much since I first started recognizing it in particular.
As an epilogue story, this will probably be more enjoyable/fitting for longer-time readers (particularly those who followed the Battle for the Cowl stuff in any form). The next issue I believe will kick off the action within the new status quo, and so will probably be a better jumping-on point for new readers.
Not a bad issue, but nothing to get terribly excited over.
Story: 7.5/10
Art: 8.5/10
Whole: 8/10
Filed under: Batman, Batman: Reborn (event), Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: Batman Reborn, Battle for the Cowl, Battle Within, Comic Reviews, DC, DC Comics, Ed Benes, Ian Hannin, Janelle Siegel, Jared K. Fletcher, JD Smith, Judd Winick, Mike Marts, Rob Hunter, Sandu Florea, TOny Daniel | Leave a comment »
Rearview Mirrors
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver
Colorist: Brian Miller
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Chris Conroy
Editor: Joey Cavalieri
Cover: Ethan Van Sciver, Alex Sinclair (variant by Van Sciver & Brian Miller)
Publisher: DC Comics
The “Rebirth” bit is losing its shine with me here. While expectations have been that the trumpeted return of Barry Allen is the focus of this series–that he’d be restored as Hal Jordan was to Green Lantern in that title’s “Rebirth” mini–my expectations are steadily dropping.
This issue sees reaction to Barry apparently interacting with the speed force in such a way that others tapping into it are dying as his body seeks more and more speed power, in an almost vampiric sorta way. While everyone else hustles to figure a way to separate Barry from the speed force–sure, he’d lose the speed, but at least he’d be ALIVE–Barry determines to go his on sacrificial course…one that puts him back in the familiar role of essentially racing Superman. The issue’s ending puts Barry face to face with who the villain of the piece likely is, in a way that also reminds me very much of the Green Lantern: Rebirth series.
The story, somehow–perhaps I just don’t want to like it–seems one of the weakest I can think of from Johns. While I’d known Kyle as Green Lantern longer than Hal, I’d still known Hal as Green Lantern first. However, the first real exposure I had to the Flash, it was Wally–and in restrospect, had BEEN Wally for bout 3 years before I owned my first comic. While the situation presented in this story is mildly interesting, I do not find Barry himself interesting…certainly not the way I did Hal. And I make the comparisons given the creative team and the title of this series–obviously meant to BE compared to GL:R.
The art by Van Sciver–ESPECIALLY the cover–is top-notch; I really can’t complain about it. Much as Van Sciver brought in the glowing/projected imagery for the GLs of the Lantern logo, he brings that to bear on the Flash with the lightning. Not that it’s original, but something about it really pops.
As a whole, this is a higher quality book than the first couple issues of the post-Bart-as-Flash title that I actually read. It’s not bad for those new to the Flash family of characters (I am myself learning more of the character grouping than I’d known of them prior), so overall accessible to new readers. It’s just lacking a certain excitement and enjoyment factor. With Green Lantern, it felt like the return/rebirth of Hal Jordan mattered. With Barry…it feels like we’re looking for a reason FOR his return to matter.
Story: 7/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 8/10
Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Flash: Rebirth | Tagged: Alex Sinclair, Brian Miller, Chris Conroy, Comic Reviews, DC, DC Comics, Ethan Van Sciver, Flash, Flash: Rebirth, Geoff Johns, Joey Cavalieri, Rearview Mirrors, Rebirth, Rob Leigh, The Flash | Leave a comment »
The Sleepers Part 4
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Diego Olmos
Colorist: Rod Reis
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Andrew Robinson
Publisher: DC Comics
This issue finds a couple of the “Sleepers” (the ones Nightwing and Flamebird are after) house-jacking (cuz hey, they’re Kryptonian and powerful…so let’s go that step above and beyond car-jacking). Lois and Thara talk a bit as Thara explains a bit about her relationship with Chris (K’riss to her). General Lane reacts to recent goings-on and continues to show questionable judgement. Nightwing and Flamebird find themselves back in action (no pun intended) and before long come across an ambush that may or may not pose a significant threat to them.
This issue continues to hold plenty of promise, though the execution is definitely flawed. I’m not all that engaged with the characters, nor do I particularly like them. The abnormally-fast-aging thing with Chris isn’t all that original to me (and I enjoyed the dynamic of him being a much younger child in Clark/Lois’ life, but as a semi-adult super-being…he’s just not that interesting). The story is decent, but not wonderful.
The art’s also in the good-but-not-spectacular sorta category. It fits the story and conveys what needs to be gotten across.
This remains an ok title, and mostly lives up to its name. It’s just not the most engaging, enjoyable thing you’ll find out there these days.
Story: 7/10
Art: 6.5/10
Whole: 7/10
Filed under: Action Comics, Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, World Without Superman (event) | Tagged: Action Comics, Andrew Robinson, Comic Reviews, DC, DC Comics, Diego Olmos, Flamebird, Greg Rucka, Matt Idelson, New Krypton, Nightwing, Nightwing and Flamebird, Rob Leigh, Rod Reis, Superman, The Sleepers, Wil Moss, World of New Krypton, World Without Superman | Leave a comment »
Emerald Eclipse part five
Story & Words: Peter J. Tomasi
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inkers: Rebecca Buchman & Tom Nguyen
Colorists: Randy Mayor & Gabe Eltaeb
Letterer: Steve Wands
Editor: Adam Schlagman
Cover: Gleason, Buchman & Mayor
Publisher: DC Comics
Sodam Yat uses his Ion powers to transform Daxam’s sun into a yellow sun, thus granting all the Daxamites super-powers so that they can fight back against their oppressors. Meanwhile on Oa, the Lanterns continue battling the excaped sciencell prisoners, with some fairly unlikely alliances forged in the midst of battle. Finally, Scar throws off pretense and sets into motion what she’s been building toward for awhile now.
All in all, a decent issue story-wise. It’s cool to see what the GLs are doing all over the place and not just one or two specific GLs on a single planet. We get to see Yat continue to do spectacular things worthy of the tremendous power he harbors..and the fact of his doing it fits perfectly with a cosmic-level book such as this. Seeing things deteriorate on Oa adds a bit of desperation to things–again giving cause to wonder how the GLs are going to fare against the Black Lanterns soon to rise if they’re having this much trouble now without the Black Lanterns invading/attacking.
As usual–such that I feel completely repetetive even talking of it–the art is not at all to my tastes, and is a serious detraction to the book. I’m sure the style has its place, but for this reader at least, its place is not this book.
Given the story elements, I do recommend this issue for those already following the book and/or following everything related to Blackest Night. It’s not a great jumping-on point in and of itself, though if one wants to jump in amidst the ongoing action, this isn’t a horrible point to do so, either. Still…let’s just get to the “main event,” now, can we? I’m almost ready to just dive on in, and let a “flashback story” fill the gap later.
Story: 7.5/10
Art: 6/10
Whole: 6.5/10
Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Green Lantern Corps | Tagged: Adam Schlagman, Blackest Night, Comic Reviews, DC, DC Comics, Emerald Eclipse, GL, GL Corps, GLC, Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Prelude to Blackest Night, Randy Mayor, Rebecca Buchman, Steve Wands, Tom Nguyen | Leave a comment »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Story: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Filed under: Batman and Robin, Batman: Reborn (event), cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: Alex Sinclair, Alfred, Batman, Batman and Robin, Batman Reborn, Comic Reviews, cxPulp.com, Damian, DC, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Domino Effect, Frank Quitely, Grant Morrison, J.G. Jones, Janelle Sieel, Mike Marts, Nightwing, Patrick Brosseau, Robin | Leave a comment »
Ghost in the Darkness
Script and Pencils: Jerry Ordway
Inks: Bob Wiacek
Colorist: Hi-Fi Designs
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Rachel Cluckstern
Editor: Mike Carlin
Cover: Jerry Ordway
Publisher: DC Comics
As the various JSA members go about their lives after the latest incident with Black Adam and their membership issues, a new threat shows up. First, Alan Scott’s son traps several members in the house, forcing the team to act against him, despite his claims of just trying to protect them. It’s quickly discovered that there’s more at play than first suspected, and that it is yet another “ghosts issue” for the team.
I passed on this issue when it first shipped last week–I wasn’t interested in sticking around post-Johns, and was content to go out on the high note Johns left this book on. But guilt at being in a comic shop and otherwise walking out empty-handed, I chose this issue as my token purchase…based largely on noticing Ordway’s name on the cover.
I was definitely correct in my assumption that the visuals would be top-notch for the issue, given Ordway’s being the artist. This is beyond a passive “no complaints” about the art–this is an active recognition that the art is very strong top-level stuff that I greatly enjoyed.
The story on the other hand feels rather…generic. I’m not a fan of generic “ghosts” stories, and actually avoided the Gentleman Ghost arc that closed out the previous version of this series around Infinite Crisis.
Though the characters here all seem familiar, and I want to like ’em with OR without Johns…there’s still a shift all around, and I can’t honestly say one way or the other whether I’ll be picking up the next issue or letting this title go.
Recommended for the art and for the die-hard JSA fans. Those following the book specifically for Johns’ writing may be disappointed–at the least, don’t leap into this issue thinking it a seamless change from Johns’ tenure on the series.
Story: 6/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 7.5/10
Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Justice Society of America | Tagged: Bob Wiacek, Comic Reviews, DC, DC Comics, Ghost in the Darkness, Hi-Fi, Jerry Ordway, JSA, Justice Society, Justice Society of America, Mike Carlin, Rachel Cluckstern, Rob Leigh | Leave a comment »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Story: 3/5
Art: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Filed under: cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe, Superman: World of New Krypton | Tagged: Brad Anderson, Comic Reviews, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Green Lantern, Greg Rucka, Hal Jordan, James Robinson, John Stewart, Krypton, Matt Idelson, New Krypton, Pete Woods, Sodam Yat, Steve Wands, Superman, Wil Moss, World of New Krypton, Zod | Leave a comment »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Story: 4/5
Art: 4.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Filed under: cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe, Green Lantern | Tagged: Agent Orange, Blackest Night, Comic Reviews, dam Schlagman, DC, DC Comics, Eddie Berganza, Eddy Barrows, Geoff Johns, Green Lantern, Guardians, Hal Jordan, Hi-Fi, Jonathan Glapion, Julio Ferreira, Larfleeze, Nei Ruffino, Orange Lantern, Orange Lanterns, Philip Tan, Prelude to Blackest Night, Rob Leigh, Rod Reis, Ruy Jose, Sinestro, Star Sapphire | Leave a comment »
Comic Reviews by Walt 