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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 »

Batman #681 [Review]

Posted on November 28, 2008 by Walt

R.I.P. the conclusion: Hearts in Darkness

Writer: Grant Morrison
Penciller: Tony Daniel
Inker: Sandu Florea
Colorist: Guy Major
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Asst. Editor: Janelle Siegel
Editor: Mike Marts
Covers: Alex Ross and Tony Daniel
Publisher: DC Comics

This is an issue I’ve been looking forward to for awhile. While the opening of the arc left me rather cold, I figured it would all come to a satisfying conclusion that would explain my confusions away–especially when I picked up the Batman & Son hardcover and noticed a reference to “Zur-en-arrh” in the earliest pages of that story.

As this issue opens, we find Batman in a straightjacket in a coffin buried alive. While flashbacks show us how he’s prepared even for this situation, for facing death itself, we see Black Glove & Co. celebrate their victory with plans made to further degrade our hero, with speculation as to exhuming him still alive but brain-damaged from lack of oxygen. The Joker continues to be a wild card, not playing by the rules he was expected to adhere to, which complicates things when Batman pulls a Spider-Man Fearful Symmetry/Kraven’s Last Hunt and enters a final battle with Black Glove, with Nightwing and Robin backing him up. At battle’s end, we have seeds planted for upcoming arcs and major changes and questions for the Batman status quo.

The best thing about this issue is the art. Tony Daniel does a great Batman (backed by inker Sandu Florea and colorist Guy Major to complete the image). The full page of Batman standing over his supposed grave is poster-worthy, and we get a number of other great images (including Nightwing holding the cape-and-cowl, another poster-worthy image). There’s a realism to the images which–while realistic–stays within the bounds of “comic book art,” doing a very effective job of conveying what’s going on.

The writing–and the story’s ending–is a definite “miss” for me. Those hopes of a satisfying conclusion and confusions explained away were not realized. I found the main event toward the end of the issue extremely anti-climactic and reminiscent of a scene from A Death in the Family. While there is some decent imagery worked in by way of epilogue, I really don’t know what this story, in the end, was about. I don’t know who the Black Glove is supposed to really be, and we’re given no clear conclusion to the smear-campaign against Thomas and Martha Wayne. Leaving that unresolved is far more of a disappointment to me than any engaging ongoing plot point.

If you’re not totally steeped in Morrison’s Batman run, and this core Batman: R.I.P. arc, I don’t see this issue making a good read at all–and if you’re online reading this review, you’re just as well served to find a spoiler review or read wikipedia to catch up, and check out other titles as available if the follow-up stories sound interesting.

Story: 4/10
Art: 8/10
Whole: 6/10

Filed under: Batman, Comic Reviews 2008, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

JSA Kingdom Come Special: The Kingdom [Review]

Posted on November 28, 2008 by Walt

The Kingdom

Story: Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Fernando Pasarin
Inkers: Mick Gray, Jack Purcell, Norm Rapmund & Fernando Pasarin
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Earth-2 Pin-Up: Jerry Ordway
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Michael Siglain
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Fernando Pasarin)
Publisher: DC Comics

The main thrust of this issue follows several JSAers as they react to Gog’s “gifts”–reactions both positive and negative. Damage is very much in support of Gog–who, after all, healed his face. Others point out that Gog sent Power Girl to an Earth 2 where she was hunted as a traitor, and we see Dr. Mid-Nite and Sand both dealing with the negative repercussions to their being “cured” of what had seemed on the surface to be a curse. As “war” breaks out within the JSA, it appears that Gog might finally tip his hand, as we approach “The Seventh Day” which may or may not usher in–through Gog–the end of the world.

There’s a lot going on in this issue, and a lot of characters juggled. While it’s easy enough to lose track of everyone, Johns still manages to keep things engaging by focusing on several characters and let us see their arcs unfold in context of the larger whole. What began with the apparently simple premise a year ago of “Kingdom Come Superman arrives on New Earth” has become a lengthy, enjoyable epic that has drawn me back to the Justice Society and made the team a favorite. This is a story that will likely go down as one of the definitive Justice Society runs.

The art is–for the most part–well-suited to the story. There are a few points where characters appear a bit “off” (one panel has Superman looking like he ate too many burritos too quickly)…but as a whole, no significant complaint art wise. It’s easy to follow visually, and none of the characters seem unrecognizeable.

I’ve enjoyed these specials. While a bit pricey–both cover price, and simply by their very existence at all–I think they make for a great addition to the JSA narrative, and allow for far more than we could get with just the core title alone. It is unfortunate, though, as we have important events in these that are certainly key to the overall story, such that if one wants the full story they are essential and one will have missed a great deal reading “only” the core JSA title.

There’s a double-page pinup-style spread of the Earth-2 Justice Society included–I’m not sure I “get” exactly why it’s included…but it’s a cool little “moment” of that team sitting for team photo…there’s a lot going on in that one image that says a lot about the characters without dialogue needed…it would make a great poster.

All in all, a good package that–despite the higher cover price–feels like something special and important,and is worth the money paid. You could do so much worse by way of out-of-core-title tie-in specials in a major story.

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

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, DC Universe, JSA Kingdom Come Special, Justice Society of America | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Supergirl #35 [Review]

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton part five

Writer: Sterling Gates
Penciller: Jamal Igle
Inker: Keith Champagne
Colorist: Nel Ruffino
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Stephane Roux)
Publisher: DC Comics

This issue largely focuses on Kara and the fact that she suddenly has a family–her parents–back in her life. They want her to give up her human life (including “Linda Lang”), while she argues for her independence, that she’s just begun to make a new life for herself on earth, amidst the humans. During their conversing, Zor-El realizes something horrible about his daughter which explains her mood swings and other issues…Kryptonite Poisoning. While this is being dealt with, Kara regains some memories, and through flashbacks we, the readers, are filled in on her past as well. Sprinkled throughout we also see General Lane and Codename: Assassin reacting to the Kryptonians’ presence, and even a bit of Reactron and his possible future role. The cliffhanger promises more challenge for Kara and begins to raise a question about the place she and her cousin might have in this “New Krypton” world.

The story in this issue is quite believable. It’s a nice touch seeing a sort of “typical” parents/daughter dynamic–it humanizes Zor and Alura, and shows a further range of feelings with their daughter–going beyond simple joy at her being alive & reunited with them. We also get to see that there’s been growth on Kara’s side as well–she has actually invested herself in earth, and we get a feel for that conflict in her as these two parts of her life clash.

Igle’s art comes across a lot better to me this issue than the previous–I get the feeling my enjoyment of the visuals for this series will increase as he gets more familiar with the characters and gets to cut loose. While there is a noticeable difference in style from the Action Comics issue to this, the characters remain visually consistent enough that I have no real issue–artists are not clones with 100% identical styles; as such, there will be that difference in stle.

On the whole, I enjoyed this issue. I did not feel we got much forward advancement on the main New Krypton aspect of the story, but we did get a peek into Kara’s past, and a rather plausible explanation that deals with her personality the last few years since her introduction and a bit of slate-wiping that clears the way for future stories to come.

Well worth getting if you’re following New Kryptong, and if you’re only following this series, you really only need to know that there is an entire city of Kryptonians on Earth right now and go from there.

Story: 7.5/10
Art: 7.5/10
Whole: 7.5/10

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

JSA Kingdom Come Special: Magog [Review]

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Walt

Thy Kingdom Come – Magog: The Real Me

Story and Words: Peter J. Tomasi
Penciller: Fernando Pasarin
Inker: Mick Gray
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Michael Siglain
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Dale Eaglesham & Mark McKenna)
Publisher: DC Comics

We get a look at the new (true?) Magog in this issue–the former marine known to the JSA as Lance Corporal David Reid. Reid was recently “killed” but immediately ressurrected by the entity known as Gog, and seems to be Superman’s worst fear come true, a sign of his “history” repeating itself. The story takes a break here to follow Reid/Magog to some old comrades, allowing for flashbacks to fill us in on his past and what they meant to him. As Reid lashes out at those who captured his old friends, he becomes more like the Magog known to readers of Kingdom Come.

The story is pretty straight-forward, and nicely fleshes out the David Reid character, filling in details hinted at but not fully revealed. We get the background to his motivation, and what makes him what he is at present. This adds depth not only to him, but to the Magog we know from Kingdom Come…and gives cause to see Reid’s potential here.

Once more I’m unfamiliar with the artist, so I have no point of comparison on quality. However, in terms of this story I have no complaint. The visuals follow the story, and there’s a nice level of detail that does not disappoint. The visual style is very much that of a super-hero comic book…showing Magog as a recognizeable figure, but distinctly contrasted with Alex Ross’s rendition as seen on the cover–like comparing a live-action product with the comic adaptation.

We’re also treated to a back-up story, focusing on:

The Secret Origin of Starman

Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Scott Kolins
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Lettering: John J. Hill
Asst. Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Michael Siglain

This back-up story fills us in on the origin of this latest Starman as well as his costume. The art is a real treat…no complaint there, as I enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s also cool to see well ahead time that for however it’ll play into Final Crisis, that Legion of 3 Worlds has some bearing on how we got this version of Starman. I find it interesting the “mythology” I’m beginning to really notice with Starman, the way the various people to use the Star- name are linked…something quite enjoyable.

This backup does feel almost like it was crammed in, though…rushed to explain stuff before the overall Thy Kingdom Come / Gog story(ies) finish. Almost segmented TO get the information told where there may not be room in the main JSA series or even these specials to tell it otherwise.

On the whole, this was another strong issue, giving further background of major players in the Gog saga as we head (presumably) toward its conclusion soon.

I’m not sure this is essential to the story, but if you’re diggin’ the story and are interested in more about Magog and Starman and how they play into the ongoing saga, this issue’s worth picking up despite the higher price tag (justified, I suppose, by this being a special and not just a regular issue of a series).

Story: 8/10
Art: 8/10
Whole: 8/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, JSA Kingdom Come Special, Justice Society of America | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Justice Society of America – Kingdom Come Special: Superman [Review]

Posted on November 13, 2008 by Walt

Written and Illustrated by: Alex Ross
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Rob Leigh
Asst. Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Michael Siglain
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Dale Eaglesham & Brian Miller)
Publisher: DC Comics

My first thought of this book: With an interior by Alex Ross, featuring this particular character…why would I have any interest in a cover by another artist when Ross provides the main cover to go with the interior?!?

We open with Superman vs. Superman, then cut to “the Kingdom Come Superman” talking with Cyclone, who encourages him to talk about his past, the world he lost. Following their conversation, Superman looks up Norman McCay, the pastor he’d briefly met shortly before his world died, and determines to meet the man. Noticing a green cloud at the Daily Planet, he rushes there first, fearing a repeat of his history…things aren’t what they appear, and he briefly encounters our Superman. Following a quiet visit with a now-retired Norman McCay, Supes meets our Lois, and she learns details to how her counterpart perished.

I recall the debut of Marvels, and later, Kingdom Come–I’ve been amazed at actually reading the first couple individual issues of Kingdom Come given what it’s become in the 13 or so years since as a graphic novel. I remember the first time I read the entire story–in the collected format, as one of my earliest graphic novels purchased. I’ve always enjoyed Ross’ art, and generally credit him as the first comics artist whose work I could recognize specifically by sight. Additionally, Kingdom Come has long been one of my favorite stories–I can even credit it with some of my earliest interest in studying the bible, for context of the passages quoted.

Given all that, this issue honestly impressed me. I didn’t think anything would measure up to the original Kingdom Come, but while placed squarely in current JSA continuity, this also fleshes out Kingdom Come itself, providing a follow-up without being an exact sequel–leaving the original intact, but adding details that serve to enhance that story should one recall it.

The story here is quite good and totally believable to me of this Superman. We get to explore with him what it is to meet “alternate-world-counterparts” who look exactly like those we know, and yet are not the people we know…the heart of the individual that is noticeable regardless of the infinite variables of their lives. Offhand, this issue’s story is exactly the sort of thing I’ve wanted to see since this mega-arc began late last year.

This is Alex Ross’s art–I’d recognize it regardless of hype, promotion, or issue credits. The quality is there, the consistency is there, the tone is there…the detailed familiarity visually…is there. Visually, this is one of the best-looking comics I’ve seen…if you’re a fan of Ross’ work you shouldn’t be disappointed; if you’re not a fan…well, this probably is not for you.

There’s also some back-matter: sketches, commentary, layouts–all that give insight into what went into the creation of this issue; it’s all pretty interesting even though I’m not usually a fan of this sorta stuff…it certainly helps round the issue out, giving me little room to really complain about the cover price.

My sheer enjoyment of this issue comes from the story, and the art, AND the nostalgia. Offhand, this is definitely one of my favorite issues of the year, and very much worth having picked up.

Story: 9/10
Art: 9.5/10
Whole: 9.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, JSA Kingdom Come Special, Justice Society of America | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Action Comics #871 [Review]

Posted on November 13, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton: Beyond Doomsday

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Pete Woods
Colorist: Brad Anderson
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Stephane Roux)
Publisher: DC Comics

In the most recent issue of Superman (New Krypton “triangle number” 2), we ended with Doomsday arriving to spoil introductions between Kryptonians and the American president. Then we had a one-shot to explore further what Jimmy Olsen discovered on his recent adventure (and presumably set some stuff up for later in this mega-arc). Now we’re back to Doomsday. Except the issue begins with General Sam Lane dealing with Luthor, explaining his place in all this. Finally picking up on that cliffhanger, Superman takes charge, having had the most up-close-and-personal experience with the creature, and directs others to get the people clear, while he races into battle. Though the first time the two fought (sixteen years ago!) Superman’s allies easily fell, leaving him alone to stop the creature, this time his allies have all of his powers, and we have a half-issue Kryptonians-dogpile-Doomsday slugfest. Meanwhile, in Superman’s fortress, some Zod loyalists seek to free their General from the Phantom Zone, discovering something interesting in the process.

The story continues to build on what’s come before, picking up where we’d left off, responding to and progressing from that cliffhanger. We get some small nods to flesh out certain characters and see what the Kryptonians’ view of humans contains. It seems Doomsday’s reputation indeed is widely-known as are his origins. Johns keeps Superman in-character–as we saw years back, Supes faced his fears of Doomsday, overcoming them–he doesn’t freeze or wring his hands or cry or anything when Doomsday shows. He springs into action, confidently taking charge. On the whole, I have no real issue with the story here that isn’t self-defeating.

The art isn’t bad, either. It’s a definite departure from Frank, but in and of itself is not bad. It might just be the angles, but it appears that some bits of continuity are nicely maintained–Doomsday never has regrown the bony protrusion Superman snapped off his knee in their first encounter. The battle with Doomsday has a few panels where it’s not 100% clear what’s what…but I suppose that helps convey the nature of the battle with so many involved, and not much space between combatants. No huge complaint from me on the art.

As a whole, this is another solid issue, that admittedly leaves me waiting for the next chapter to find out more about who was found in the Fortress, what happens given the Doomsday battle, what General Lane has planned, and so on. This is hardly the best point to jump on-board, but it’s still early enough one could go snag the earlier chapters and get in from there.

I’m not blown away, but nor am I disappointed. As much as any comic is worth $3 these days, this one’s not a waste of money.

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

Filed under: Action Comics, Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Superman: New Krypton (Event) | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Justice Society of America #20 [Review]

Posted on November 6, 2008 by Walt

Earthbound

Story: Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Dale Eaglesham (Earth-2 Sequence: Jerry Ordway)
Inker: Nathan Massengill (Earth-2 Sequence: Bob Wiacek)
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Michael Siglain
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Dale Eaglesham & Mark McKenna)
Published by: DC Comics

Without a “previously…” page, I don’t recall EXACTLY how the previous issue ended…but this seems to pick up on a cliffhanger of the Justice Society of Earth-2 busting in on the New Earth JSA seeking the “rogue” Power Girl imposter. Accusations (and punches) fly, and ultimately several New Earth JSA members are dragged (along with Power Girl) back to this Earth-2, where elements of the Multiverse are re-revealed and discussed…while painful memories are dredged up as people who have died on New Earth are still alive on Earth-2. The two Power Girls have it out, before the nature of Earth-2 is revealed, and both find information to make their lives a little bit easier.

The art here is just fantastic. Perhaps because it just really fits the story–even down to having a different art team on the Earth-2 sequence (an art team that I vaguely recall has some significance to the characters). I have zero complaint with the art, and really quite enjoyed it. The cover by Alex Ross is quite cool as well…if slightly on the inappropriate side given the viewer’s angle.

The story continues to overall story that’s been going on the entire time (since #10 or so) that I’ve been reading this title, and I’m enjoying that. There’s real progression here that resolves old threads, opens some new ones, and just really holds my interest. I’m interested in the character interactions–in what happens to Power Girl and how her interaction with Earth-2 will affect her. I’m interested in Starman and his character’s evolution. I’m interested in the team dynamics–the old and young and the cross-generational stuff. I’m especially interested in the unfolding story of Gog–and even though this issue seems to be an “aside” from the ongoing Gog/Magog saga–it takes us aside to explore ongoing story elements and I don’t feel that this issue is at all out of place–it’s a great spot for such an aside after so many issues following Gog.

All in all, simply another very strong issue of a solid series. This truly seems to me to be if not the flagship, then certainly a flagship title of the DCU. Fan of the Justice Society, or of Johns, or Ross, or Earth-2, or Power-Girl…I see no real reason to skip this issue. New readers may not get a whole lot out of this given the ongoing arc–but at the same time, there’s a roster at the issue’s opening that will get new readers brought up to speed on the WHO (if not the why/what or ‘previously’) necessary for the issue at hand.

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

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Justice Society of America | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

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