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The Adventures of Superman #497 [Back-Issue Review]

Posted on November 15, 2008 by Walt

Under Fire

Writer: Jerry Ordway
Penciller: Tom Grummett
Inker: Doug Hazlewood
Colorist: Glenn Whitmore
Letterer: Albert De Guzman
Assistant Editor: Jennifer Frank
Editor: Mike Carlin
Cover: Tom Grummett, Doug Hazlewood, & Denis Rodier
Triangle #: 1992/47

Superman is chasing Doomsday, determined to foil the beast’s escape. To stay on his tail, though, means leaving the broken and battered Justice League–as well as an innocent family–behind. Superman makes the only choice he can, praying that Doomsday won’t cause too much destruction while the family is rescued. When the battle is rejoined, a small town pays the price. We get a moment of downtime as Lois storms GBS in search of Jimmy, who is needed for an assignment–covering this battle that Superman’s caught in. Maxima returns from rescuing Blue Beetle, and with little regard for innocents caught in the crossfire, eagerly wades into combat with Doomsday. A familiar figure–arriving too late for this battle–confronts Superman over the town’s destruction.

This middle-chapter isn’t much of a stand-out. In fact, the way it stands out is by doing what I have done–reading one issue at a time, in single-issue format, rather than the collected volume. Otherwise, this blends in with the overall story–which on the whole is good, but of little distinction as a single-issue.

The story’s consistent–I don’t ever feel like I’m reading a different writer’s take on Supermn than the previous chapter…this simply reads AS “Superman,” despite the creative team shift.

The art is high-quality, and where I don’t recall noticing it all those years ago when I first read this, for this go-’round I’m looking for it, and do notice that it is different. It’s got a certain clear linework to it that makes the characters stand out, and packs emotion into character faces.

Maybe not the best issue of the story, but just as strong as the previous chapter, doing everything a middle chapter of a serialized story is supposed to. This issue begins the final “countdown,” as we move from variable panels-per-page to a structure of 4 panels, and successive issues will have fewer panels until the finale with each page being a single-panel splash-page.

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

Filed under: Back-Issue Reviews, Doomsday: The Death of Superman | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman (vol. 2) #74 [Back-Issue Review]

Posted on November 14, 2008 by Walt

Countdown to Doomsday!

Story & Art: Dan Jurgens
Finished Art: Brett Breeding
Colors: Glenn Whitmore
Letters: John Costanza
Assistant Editor: Jennifer Frank
Editor: Mike Carlin
Cover: Dan Jurgens & Brett Breeding
Triangle #: 1992/46

We open with Ice and Maxima determining the fate of the Blue Beetle–one argues medical need, the other a warrior’s death. While Ice prepares to face the beast that’s taken the Justice League apart, we cut to a boy arriving home from school–he is not a fan of Superman, nor of living with his mother. As they argue, Ice is thrown through their window as Doomsday approaches. When Superman and Booster Gold arrive, the creature officially gets his name. As the battle is joined, the combined might of Superman, Booster Gold, Bloodwynd, Guy Gardner, and Fire is unleashed upon the creature. When it’s over, not only is the creature still standing–it is no longer restricted, the League’s attack having destroyed its bindings. Seeing the destruction caused, Superman refuses to allow the creature escape–though this might come at high cost to the Man of Steel.

Aside from the debte between Ice and Maxima, and a couple pages of setup/establishing-the-scene with Mitch and his mother, this issue is all fight-scene. Not much on story, though there are some almost cheesey lines from Mitch to provide context–divorced parents, angry at passive mother, prefers dad, thinks Superman’s a wimp and Guy Gardner’s cool, etc. Not too much on the writing front–I have no complaint, really, as–three issues in–Superman and Doomsday finally come face-to-face, exchanging their first punches in this classic battle.

Jurgens’ art is top-notch; the images in these pages have–through consistent re-reading as well as nostalgia–become some of the best-known to me, and are what I often hold as a standard for other comic book art. Probably the only weakness I see visually is the cover, which has never much appealed to me.

Taken as a whole, this was a solid issue, keeping the story moving and upping the ante as Superman realizes the Justice League can’t help him finish this.

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

Filed under: Back-Issue Reviews, Doomsday: The Death of Superman | 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 »

Booster Gold #14 [Review]

Posted on November 13, 2008 by Walt

Posted to comixtreme.com.

Filed under: Booster Gold, Comic Reviews 2008, cxPulp.com, DC | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Justice League America #69 [Back-Issue Review]

Posted on November 13, 2008 by Walt

Down for the Count

Story and Art: Dan Jurgens
Finished Art: Rick Burchett
Letters: Willie Schubert
Colors: Gene D’Angelo
Asst. Editor: Ruben Diaz
Editor: Brian Augustyn
Cover: Dan Jurgens

This issue opens with the Justice League already in action, rescuing people from a huge fire. As we get some context, we discover the Justice League has responded to a distress call out of their usual stomping grounds, with reports of a monster tearing up the place. While the League searches for the creature and helps those it can on the way, Superman is appearing on the Cat Grant show for an interview being televised at high school students. About the time the League finds the monster, the creature hurls debris through their transport, stalling them. Once the League deals with that mess, they began taking on the creature and finding it to be no easy chore. As the League is torn apart, Booster Gold is punched away into the sky–surviving solely because of a force field raised just in time–and caught by Superman.

I originally picked this issue up discovering it to “tie in” to the Doomsday / Death of Superman story–though at the time I knew little else. I recognized Maxima from an appearance years earlier in a Superman comic, but everyone else was unfamiliar to me. With sixteen years’ further experience with comics, everyone’s familiar to me upon the current read-through, as is plenty of context around various characters and even the creative team of the book.

The story is basically one long fight scene with the heroes either looking for or trading punches with their quarry. Juxtaposed with the action is the interview with Superman–with some nice segues back and forth between the League’s fight. The interview provides some great context for where Superman stands in regard to his fellow Justice Leaguers, as well as some nice continuity nods to recent events in DC Comics at the time. The issue’s end is one of those “oh, YEAH!” moments–cliffhanger, sure, but has one itching to get to the next part of the story. While there are no “previously” pages (there IS a note to go read Superman: The Man of Steel #18 first, though), it’s not hard to follow along with events in this issue. Given the nature of the issue’s story–contextualizing the destructive power of the creature–it does not seem at all important exactly WHO any of the Leaguers are, just that they ARE the Justice League.

The art is very much a classic–Jurgens has been one of my absolute favorite Superman (and related) artists precisely because of being one of the main artists involved in this story. To me, the depictions of the characters found here are THE standard–I have zero real complaint with the art (save that given the nature of the story, it’s rather toned-back and wounds suffered appear far less devastating than the text makes ’em out to be).

This is a great issue–perhaps largely for being the first real battle with the doomsday creature in the overall story–but also has seeds sown that play out not only in the Doomsday story but also in this title for awhile after the death of Superman. The story is good–I especially enjoy that interview/tussle structure, and the art is top notch. One probably wouldn’t be reading this completely out of context–and it’s included in the Death of Superman collected volume–but not a bad read if you come across it in a bargain bin somewhere.

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

Filed under: Back-Issue Reviews, DC, Doomsday: The Death of Superman | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Superman: The Man of Steel #18 [Back-Issue Review]

Posted on November 12, 2008 by Walt

Doomsday! part one

Story: Louise Simonson
Penciller: Jon Bogdanove
Inker: Dennis Janke
Colorist: Glenn Whitmore
Letterer: Bill Oakley
Assistant: Jennifer Frank
Editor: Mike Carlin
Cover: Bogdanove & Janke
Triangle #: 1992/45

After the previous month’s worth of issues having a single page at their end showing a gloved fist beating on a metal wall (and eventually poking THROUGH the wall), This issue opens with the bearer of that fist fully breaking free from what imprisoned it, and clawing into new life on the surface of the Earth. While the creature gets loose, we see a young boy buying glow-in-the-dark paint for purposes of his own. Meanwhile, Lois finds a message for Clark requesting Superman’s presence–she rushes off to check the likely story, but leaving a message for Clark to meet her there. The creature admires the world it’s about to destroy, beginning with a curious bird that lands on its outstretched hand. When the city’s power fails, Superman sets out to see what can be done, while Lois finds herself captured by “underworlders” and the young boy realizes that these monsters don’t have his mom, and races back to the surface to try to contact Superman. Superman attends to the underworlders’ attempted invasion of Metropolis, while somewhere in Ohio the creature causes enough destruction to gain the attention of the Justice League.

It’s been roughly sixteen years since I first read this–and I haven’t a clue how many times I’ve re-read it since that first read. The comic shop my dad preordered this story for me at allowed us to wait until the final chapter was out before picking it up–so wait we did. The first time I read this issue was with a stack of the next six chapters in a pile underneath–so this has rarely (if ever) stood entirely alone.

That said, this issue’s story is probably my least favorite of the Death of Superman / Doomsday story. I never liked the underworlders subplots. Upon this latest re-read of the issue, I still don’t. I found them to be rather boring and uninteresting, if not outright generic. The story here, though, seems to serve more to transition into the over-arching story than to really start the main event, and seems to tie up some threads from earlier plot points (specifically regarding the underworlders).

There’s not much to say about the art, except that is certainly fits the story–this was the first in-story appearance of Doomsday as more than a fist, so gets the distinction of visually defining it in this initial stage. Details seem consistent panel to panel of the various characters–I’m never left wondering what’s going on by any confusing images. Perhaps for being the point at which I more or less entered the world of Superman all those years ago for the long haul, this art is simply classic, and tends to be the standard by which I’ve judged other artists who’ve dealt with Superman–and supporting cast–on a regular basis.

On the whole, this was a good example of what a Superman book was, in 1992. The books were essentially a weekly series with rotating creative teams (one per core title), and this issue reflects that–dealing with ongoing subplots, focusing on a more specific plot-point, and keeping a number of characters in the appearance-rotation. Good in that sense; but as said, not all that wonderful as far as the first chapter of such a huge story.

Story: 6/10
Art: 8/10
Whole: 7/10

Filed under: Back-Issue Reviews, DC, Doomsday: The Death of Superman | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

The Sandman: The Dream Hunters #1 [Review]

Posted on November 8, 2008 by Walt

Original Words by: Neil Gaiman
Graphicplay and Art by: P. Craig Russell
Coloring: Lovern Kindzierski
Lettering: Todd Klein
Associate Editor: Pornsk Pichetshote
Editor: Karen Berger
Covers by: Yuko Shimizu and P. Craig Russell
Published by: Vertigo/DC Comics

As this story begins, a Badger and a Fox make a small wager, that whoever can drive a young monk from the temple can claim the temple as their own home. While each puts on an impressive show, the young monk sees through each, and remains. However, the fox finds herself in a bit of a predicament–she has fallen in love with the monk. Having done so, when she learns of a plot hatched by demons to kill the monk, she seeks some way in which she might save this monk, and finds herself encountering the king of dreams–Morpheus–The Sandman. She gets an answer to her dilemma…and wakes.

The art here is quite good. There’s a certain charm to it–it’s fairly simplistic, but not overly so. There’s plenty of detail where necessary. Other than the fact that the art fits and simply works very well for the story, I don’t have much to say on it.

The story is by Neil Gaiman, and was originally published as a novella a decade ago. This is the first of a four-issue comic adaptation of that novella. The story maintains its strength, and having the panel-by-panel visuals to chronicle the story gives a much different feel to the story while staying extremely true to the original.

I don’t always find adaptations of anything to be all that wonderful–but I have to say, just as a first issue, this is probably the best adaptation of a written work I’ve come across–at least in recent memory. Curious from the start how closely this would follow the original source material, I actually pulled the original from my shelf to compare…and was very much impressed. Virtually word for word, this is identical to its source. The difference is in the format. Narration in the original that describes a setting doesn’t have to be prose–we see it in the visuals. We also don’t have narration telling us that the Fox said this or the Badger said that–we have the word balloons showing who says what, and what they ‘re saying. Though I recall enjoying the original well enough–the art was certainly beautiful to look at–the story itself never really stuck with me all that much. Somehow, the way it is presented here, it sticks, and thus puts this at least in equal footing with the original–if not surpassing it in its own way.

This comic adaptation brings something new and fresh to the table–enhancing the original, without displacing it. Neil Gaiman fans, P. Craig Russell fans, Sandman fans–all ought to find plenty to enjoy here, if only for nostalgia’s sake. You could certainly do far worse with a prose-to-comics adapted work.

Story: 8/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 9/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Sandman: The Dream Hunters, Vertigo | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Adventure Comics Special featuring The Guardian #1 [Review]

Posted on November 6, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton part three: The Worst Night of His Life

Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Pere Perez
Colorist: David Baron
Letterer: John J. Hill
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Aaron Lopresti (variant by Victor Ibanez)
Published by: DC Comics

This issue takes place between-pages of the Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen Special from several weeks ago. In short, it details exactly what the Guardian Jimmy tracked down told him, and brings readers up to speed on further details hinted at or sped through in that special.

First off, I think I’m thrilled to see the return of classic characters to the Superman continuity. Agent Liberty last week, more Guardian this week, the revelation that Cadmus’ impact is still being felt after largely being ignored for so many years…

Robinson seems to be quite good at digging into comics’ past and dredging up old characters, working them into the present, and making the whole thing just simply work. This seems to be no exception. Unfortunately, there’s something to this issue that doesn’t quite ring true, and seems like characters have been dealt with as they have for shock value more than anything else…though there’s definitely potential here. The main drawback is in the ambiguity of elements of Superman since Infinite Crisis, and I honestly do not know if this Guardian is the one I remember reading in the Superman books from the early to mid/late 1990s…or if the identity of that character is being mucked with. As it seems there is a lot of mucking about going on lately I fear the latter, and am thus a bit skeptical here.

The art doesn’t blow me away–but it is quite solid, and serves the story very well. I have no real complaint with it, nor any out of the ordinary praise.

What actually makes this issue stand out–and ups the enjoyment factor–is that it is actually part of the New Krypton story going on in the Superman family of books right now. I’d have to look to see if there are any more of these specials lined up…but for now, this issue marks the FIFTH week in a row with a new comic in the Superman corner of the DC Universe…essentially, the fifth week of an ongoing Superman story that continues from one book into the next. I may not be entirely sure the status of certain characters…but the fact that I’m getting so much of a single, ongoing narrative of Superman and his supporting cast–elements all playing into a single, ongoing story…that takes me back to the 1990s and the sheer enjoyment of a new “episode” in the Superman mythos each and every week.

If you’re following New Krypton, you’ll probably want to pick this up given it’s got the trade dress and “triangle number” making it part 3 of the story. If you read that Jimmy Olsen special, this will flesh it out more for you. And of course…if you’re a fan of The Guardian, again…you’ll probably want to check this out.

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

Filed under: Adventure Comics, Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Superman: New Krypton (Event), Vertigo | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a 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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