• December 2025
    S M T W T F S
     123456
    78910111213
    14151617181920
    21222324252627
    28293031  

  • On Facebook

    On Facebook

  • Archives

  • Categories

  • Comic Blog Elite

    Comic Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory

Superman #689 [Review]

Posted on June 28, 2009 by Walt

The Tourist

Writer: James Robinson
Penciler: Renato Guedes
Inker: Jose Wilson Magalhaes
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: John J. Hill
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Andrew Robinson
Publisher: DC Comics

This issue focuses primarily on Mon-El exploring the world and encountering trouble all across the globe. He tries to visit one place, and winds up in the middle of a metahuman conflict; he goes to help with a conflict and gets to visit something significant. Meanwhile, the Guardian deals with Morgan Edge calling out the public on Mon-El’s presence…something which Edge then spins back into his own favor once again. We also see General Lane interacting with the Prankster about getting another hero out of town…and preparing for yet another of Metropolis’ heroes to take the big dirt nap.

The art as usual isn’t much to my taste, not really enjoying Guedes’ style, nor that of the rest of the art team surrounding his pencils…though that’s personal taste, and is not to say that the art is horrible: it just doesn’t suit me, and thus detracts from my enjoyment of the book. It still gets across what it needs to–and does so effectively.

The story itself gives me mixed things: on the one hand, it’s doing a good job of keeping me interested in Mon-El’s development as well as the Guardian, especially as the two outright take the place of Superman in his own title for the fourth or fifth issue of at least a year’s worth. On the other hand, I find myself more and more skeptical of the General Lane subplot–whatever the character was depicted as prior to Our Worlds at War, now he seems like a derivitive rip-off of General Ross from the Hulk book(s)…and by his associations in this issue, begins to feel like he’s being shoehorned into the role of a new Lex Luthor quasi-archetype…the primary human enemy of Superman/Kryptonians, including having metahuman “lackeys.” We also get a return of a character at the very end that I didn’t care for the first time around.

If you’ve been following the title, may as well stick on with it–this shows Mon-El experiencing the world he’s sworn to protect as he avoids facing the fact of his mortality. If you’ve not been following things…well, you may not really care for this.

Story: 5/10
Art: 4/10
Whole: 4.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Superman, World Without Superman (event) | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman #688 [Review]

Posted on June 2, 2009 by Walt

The Fall and Rise of Jonathan Kent

Writer: James Robinson
Penciler: Renato Guedes
Inker: Jose Wilson Magalhaes
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: John J. Hill
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Andrew Robinson
Publisher: DC Comics

The first thing to note is this issue’s story title, which is a reversal of the “traditional” phrasing, as one would usually expect to read of the Rise and THEN Fall of someone, rather than the fall and then rise. It also puts me in mind of The Death and Life of Superman for the same reason–the title reversing the order. In the case of this issue, the title is quite literal, as we begin with Mon-El sans powers in free-fall. Though he survives, he is not sure what caused his powers to cut out. Joined by the Guardian, answers are sought, and in a typical comics sorta fashion, an answer is found that is not to the liking of the protagonists.

I’m not a fan of the art style in this issue. It’s just not to my liking, so much so that it does actually take me out of the story as I notice panel after panel the visual style I’m not thrilled with. That’s not to say the art’s bad or anything–for one thing, it’s far better than anything I myself could accomplish–but it is such that I don’t engage with the story as I would one with art I enjoyed a good deal more.

The story itself feels rather cliched here. The revelation of what’s affecting Mon-El’s powers goes a good way toward explaining recent events and accounting for his current status quo. But it’s also not all that original, and left me mentally groaning at just how cliche it feels, whatever original elements are yet present.

I have no problem with this book essentially starring a couple of characters who are NOT Superman himself, with stories that show a world that does not have Superman present, but rather others trying to fill the man’s role while he’s off-planet. It’s just that the story itself here just feels rather weak…especially when held against something like Starman, also by this writer.

Aside from simply being one chapter in an ongoing narrative….this is not an issue I’d recommend in general.

Story: 5/10
Art: 4/10
Whole: 4.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Superman, World Without Superman (event) | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman #684 [Review]

Posted on February 1, 2009 by Walt

The Mind of Rudy Jones

Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Jesus Merino
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: John J. Hill
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Alex Ross
Publisher: DC Comics

This issue works quite well with DC’s Faces of Evil concept. The Parasite is the focal point going in, and we see how much trouble he causes upon release from the Phantom Zone. After that battle, we see the Guardian unmask to his coworkers with the Science Police, Nightwing and Flamebird share a moment with Jay Garrick, and finally Superman visits New Krypton where his aunt reveals something quite disturbing to him.

I’m not quite sure about the green “triangle number” 12 on this cover (I don’t remember an 11, and thought New Krypton was over with as far as the official titled story). That said, this story provides some nice epilogue-type material to that story, showing that just because the official arc is over, the events unleashed don’t tie up so nice-and-neat. Given that, I have no real problem with the story, and it’s really actually nice seeing stuff continue/build from the previous story instead of simply starting fresh as if everything’s always simply been the way it is and no reference to a previous arc.

The art is pretty good, though nothing spectacular. I realize here that compared to the previous issue’s artist, I really like this art, and it depicts the characters in a style that fits what I expect visually.

This issue seems to be a middle-ground issue, not really kicking off a new arc, but not completely belonging with the previous. While much of its content would be far more appreciated with having read New Krypton already, one could probably enjoy this issue fairly well without that context.

All in all a good issue, worth reading if you’re interested in current goings-on in the Superman family of books.

Story: 8/10
Art: 7/10
Whole: 7.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Superman | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman #683 [Review]

Posted on January 4, 2009 by Walt

New Krypton part nine: Hard Times!

Writer: James Robinson
Pencillers: Renato Guedes & Jorge Correa Jr.
Inker: Wilson Magalhares & Jorge Correa Jr.
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: John J. Hill
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Chris Sprouse, Karl Story & Laura Martin)
Publisher: DC Comics

Superman faces a number of Earth super-heroes in this issue’s opening sequence–asking that they leave and let him attend to locating the Kryptonians who were responsible for a number of police deaths. They in turn give Supes an ultimatum–a half-hour before they’ll go into action. Superman confronts his aunt, and begins to realize things are beyond his control. As the battle is joined, we have Kryptonians vs. super-heroes, and then a moment between Superman and Supergirl that takes me back to a 1992 issue of Action Comics. The issue concludes with a certain “cavalry” arriving.

I’m still not the biggest fan of the art for this title–the style just seems a bit “off” to me; as probably stated before, the visual is shared by the entire art team–sometimes it’s the coloring that seems most “off” to me. I actually think I’d prefer to see Guedes’ linework inked and left uncolored–that might give me a different perception.

The story is decent if lacking complexity. Then again, given that we’re into the ninth chapter of this crossover story, it’s goot to get to action and not be bogged down with overly-complex layering and whatnot. The characters and situations are quite believable and make sense contextually. This certainly isn’t the best issue of this title–nor the “New Krypton” story–but it’s a solid chapter (and didn’t seem like some plot device forced into it for the sake of re-introducing old characters).

Not one to skip if you’re following the story; by this point in the story I assume one’s probably going to pick issues up whatever complaints they have, and doubt my recommendation would do much here. I’d recommend picking up earlier chapters before just grabbing this and wading in, of course.

Story: 7.5/10
Art: 6/10
Whole: 6.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Superman, Superman: New Krypton (Event) | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman #682 [Review]

Posted on November 28, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton part six: Invasive Surgery

Writer: James Robinson
Penciller: Renato Guedes
Inker: Wilson Magalhares
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: John J. Hill
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Rodolfo Migliari)
Publisher: DC Comics

Including the Jimmy Olsen special, this is the seventh straight week of an ongoing Superman narrative…in that sense, it’s definitely like the good ol’ days of the 90s ongoing story. Being a decade older and more knowledgeable at things like “creative teams” and in general knowing more than “just” the “character” I’m reading, I see a lot more–like while this is an ongoing story overall, we keep shifting focus from one character to another, as each creative team really gets to step up and tell their own story within the larger whole.

In part 6 of New Krypton, we begin with Clark and Martha visiting Jonathan’s grave–a fairly touching scene, though I don’t feel like I’ve seen Clark and Martha interact quite this way before. Martha seems a bit sharper…though given what the characters have been through, it’s still believable. After the two find an extremely unexpected “guest” already visiting the grave, we launch into the meat of the issue, as Kryptonians–led by Zor-El, Alura, and Supergirl–embark on a campaign of ridding the world of Superman’s old foes in a less than polite manor. Whatever their good intentions, they succeed mainly in provoking Superman to anger, and Earth’s populace to fear.

The art still hasn’t captured me–it’s got a style that somehow just doesn’t come across all that well, and I can’t quite tell how much it’s the pencils and how much it’s the colors. The look it gets for Bizarro works very well, though. There’s far, far more talent in the art than I’m capable of–but compared to the likes of Jim Lee, Gary Frank, Dan Jurgens, and others, this art just doesn’t do it for me.

The story makes perfect sense, and gets to deal with the question of how effective Superman really is, as well as the different perspectives held by the Kryptonians. It also continues to show that if Superman can do what he does, and a handful of Kryptonians do what they do, the world has justification for its fear and worry. This issue plays very well within the overall narrative of late, moving the story forward and setting up the next chapter(s) as well.

I like the cover–the image here reminds me of the cover to 1998’s Superman Forever, and it’s that much easier to imagine the motion in the depicted moment and that immediately following.

Overall, perhaps not the best point to start with on jumping in–but definitely worth getting if you’re already following the story or determined to get this title despite the crossover.

Story: 8/10
Art: 7/10
Whole: 7.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, DC Universe, Superman, Superman: New Krypton (Event) | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman #681 [Review]

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton, Part Two: Strange Meetings and Chance Encounters
Writer: James Robinson
Penciller: Renato Guedes
Inker: Wilson Magalhaes
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: John J. Hill
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Bernard Chang)

We open amidst numerous news reports all over the world in varying languages, announcing to the world the arrival of a hundred-thousand Kryptonians. Breaking to the Daily Planet, Perry has determined that on this day, there IS no other news story. The only sports, the only juicy gossip, the only anything–is this Arrival. Superman is confronted by the Justice League about bringing the Kryptonians to Earth, especially after what happened the last time Kryptonians came to earth (Superman: Last Son). Superman flies on to meet his aunt and uncle to lead them to Metropolis for a meeting with the President of the United States. A brief interlude shows us Ma Kent and the arrival of a possible comfort. Lois confronts Agent Liberty, questioning him on being back after having been gone so long. Finally, the Kryptonian delegation arrives…but before long, an extremely unwelcome intruder arrives, throwing things into chaos by its mere presence.

This entire package–from cover and a “triangle number” to a direct continuance of a story that feels more like a single story than a chapter of a cross-over–serves as a fine example of why I can never stay away from the Superman books. Now more than ever since partway through my college years, it is an awesome time to be reading not only this book, but the entire family of titles.

The art here is–for me–the only weakness. Yet, if it’s a weakness, this book is still far above many other titles out there. I’m not a huge fan of the art. Something about it just doesn’t seem entirely consistent…some panels seem to almost be painted, while others seem much less detailed and slightly differently stylized. Still, it more than gets the job done–everyone is totally recognizeable, and I’m never lost visually with what’s going on.

The writing is just fine, as well. For the moment it seems hard to separate Robinson as the sole mind behind this, as this is but one chapter of a larger three-title saga involving other writers and a nice, close continuity. I suppose that’s a strength–at the moment, I love that I’m more engaged with the story and characters than with noticing any particular writer out of a group/over another.

To me, this is how the Superman books work best: a single, ongoing story that flows from one issue to the next, regardless of the title or creative team…while allowing the individual creators to insert their marks within the overall story.

I’m chomping at the bit for the next installment of this story. This is hitting so positively on multiple levels…and while elements of the story are rich with continuity, if you’ve ever considered checking in on the Superman comics…now is the time to do so. This story looks to play with elements from all throughout Superman’s history, impact the entire Superman mythos…and give you the important information you need as you go along.

Highly recommended.

Story: 8.5/10
Art: 7/10
Whole: 8/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Superman, Superman: New Krypton (Event) | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman: New Krypton Special #1 [Review]

Posted on October 23, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton

Writers: Geoff Johns, James Robinson, Sterling Gates
Penciller: Pete Woods, Gary Frank, Renato Guedes
Inker: Pete Woods, Jon Sibal, Wilson Magalhaes
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Steve Wands
Assoc. Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Gary Frank (variant by Renato Guedes and Wilson Magalhaes)

This is the way “events” should be done. And with the (temporary, at least for this storyline?) return of the “triangle-numbers,” this issue immediately feels like “classic” 90s Superman–in its highest quality.

The issue opens with the fairly immediate aftermath of Action Comics #870 with a particularly powerful “silent” sequence–if you’ve ever been to a funeral, if you’ve ever lost a loved one or seen someone else having lost someone they loved–you know that there ARE no words…and what words there are, tend often to be private and unique to those involved. The way this sequence comes off, one can fill in their own words, their own feelings–and it is that much more touching. Any words the writer could put on the page would not measure up to what I, as the reader, can imagine…which makes the scene that much more personal. Even when we get to the flashbacks and words, the scene is still very effective…I was almost in tears at the full-page of Clark in the barn.

After the funeral, we see that the story of Brainiac is actually far from being “over,” as the military has a certain interest in our alien friend. And as is cliche…they don’t quite know what they’re getting themselves into. Meanwhile, after a moment with his mother–Martha Kent–Superman visits Kandor where he gets some time with his Uncle and Aunt–actual living, breathing, genuine blood-relatives. He also has the honor of reintroducing them to their daughter Kara–and the Family of El gets to have their first dinner together in many years.

Lois and Lucy have a sisterly reunion at their father’s grave, and later at the Planet, Jimmy returns with information he needs to share about what he found out on his recent leave of absence. Finally, we’re introduced to the folks pulling the strings behind the scenes in a cliffhanger with the potential for major ongoing ramifications for the entire Superman family.

We have three creative teams collaborating on this book. Where often I don’t notice much difference in sequences, here I felt there were several distinct pieces. The “Action Comics Sequence” seems obvious–dealing with Jonathan’s death. The “Supergirl Sequence,” too, seems obvious with the reuniting of daughter and parents. The “Superman Sequence” stood out for me more for the art. As such, this issue felt a bit like it contained several mini-issues of the regular ongoing books, probably largely for the differing art to go with their respective writers.

Despite that, the overall story works quite well, and on assumption that the entire story will be told in this fashion–one overarching story with individual creative teams going “deeper” into certain characters/interactions–this is some good, solid stuf.

There were a number of great “moments” in this issue, stuff that sets up elements for all three of the “core” Superman books as well as setting the foundation for this specific New Krypton event.

As a reader who remembers and enjoyed the days of the triangle numbering–when all the Super-books were essentially a massive ongoing weekly story, with the quarterly special often starting or bookending particular arcs–this feels like a return to form. Though the Brainiac arc worked really well for me in terms of the writing and art–this special issue has me actually excited for the first time in nearly a decade for the multiple Super-books as a whole.

While you’ll almost certainly “appreciate” things a bit more if you’ve been reading the books for awhile, this is also a strong jumping-on point if you’ve been curious about the Superman family of books. And if you’ve any interest at all…I’d recommend jumping in now–this story/event looks to be for Superman what the Sinestro Corps. War was for Green Lantern…and well worth getting in at the start!

Story: 8.5/10
Art: 7.5/10
Whole: 8/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Superman: New Krypton (Event), Superman: New Krypton Special | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman #680 [review]

Posted on September 24, 2008 by Walt

The Coming of Atlas Part 4: Man of Yore, Dog of Tomorrow

Writer: James Robinson
Penciller: Renato Guedes
Inker: Wilson Magalhaes
Colorist: Hi-FI
Letterer: John J. Hill
Assoc. Editor: Nachie Castro
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Alex Ross

Across a 16-panel grid on the opening page, we’re treated to a battered-and-bloody Superman as well as some crowd reaction–including specifically Lois and Jimmy. And a narrative, from Superman, about the newly arrived participant in this brawl–Krypto, the “Dog of Steel.” We then transition to Krypto’s narration (gone are the thought-balloons of the silver age, “in” are the narration boxes of the modern age) as he comes to the defense of his master, laying into Atlas. While Krypto chews on Atlas, Lois witnesses the goings-on and recalls her own doubts about this alien dog, as she begins to recognize the bond that truly exists between her husband and his dog. Seeing that Krypto has Atlas occupied and promising to return shortly, Superman zips off to seek some help, with somewhat unexpected results.

In the opening issues of this arc, I must admit I’ve been underwhelmed. Somehow, I just don’t find this Atlas character interesting. That might be partly the fault of Action Comics–I’m much more interested in Brainiac than this “new” character (isn’t that the way, though?–one might complain about repetetive over-use of existing characters, but then new characters are not embraced, either.) That said, the writing is not bad at all–Robinson has crafted an arc that pits Superman against someone at least as strong, if not stronger (whether or not due in and of itself to Magic) than himself. This issue brings Krypto fully into things–for the first time in years, I believe–and does so in a way that really showcases the character’s potential. If we must have a super-powered Kryptonian dog named Krypto as part of the Superman cast, Robinson has shown me that it can work. This isn’t some silly Look Who’s Talking Now thing…we’re not getting full, articulate sentences coming from the Kryptonian canine, but rather emotive responses applicable to the current situation.

I’m not exactly drawn in by Guedes’ art as far as Superman himself or Atlas are concerned. The art’s not bd, really, but there’s something to the style that just doesn’t really work for me personally. Guedes’ Krypto, on the other hand, works quite well. Some of the credit here has got to go to the coloring, which certainly impacts how the finished art comes across. Atls somehow seems almost more cartooney than a dog in a cape…while that dog looks like a distinct individual, rather than a generic dog with a cape thrown ‘cross his back.

The cover painting by Ross is fantastic, and if I could get the image as a poster, I would be all over it.

I’m not sure offhand if this is just a 4-part story or if it still has a chapter or two left. Either way, there’s a definite ending to the issue, and I feel like it’s an ending that works.

All in all, this is a solid issue, worth getting if you’re already buying the title…though perhps not the best point to jump on if you want a full story from the beginning. (Though if you just want to see Krypto in action, this is the issue for you!).

Story: 7/10
Art: 6/10
Whole: 6.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Superman | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

« Previous Page