Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Story: 4/5
Art: 4.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Filed under: Blackest Night, Blackest Night (Event), cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: Adam Schlagman, Agent Orange, Alex Sinclair, black lantern, Black Lanterns, Blackest Night, Comic Reviews, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Comics, Eddie Berganza, Flash, Geoff Johns, Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Nekron, Nick J. Napolitano, Oclair Albert, Sinestro, Star Sapphire | Leave a comment »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Story: 4/5
Art: 4.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Filed under: Blackest Night (Event), cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe, Green Lantern | Tagged: Adam Schlagman, black lantern, Black Lanterns, Blackest Night, Carol Ferris, Christian Alamy, Comic Reviews, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Comics, Doug Mahnke, Eddie Berganza, Geoff Johns, Green Lantern, Indigo Lanterns, Indigo Tribe, Mark Irwin, Randy Mayor, Rob Leigh, Sinestro, Sinestro Corps, Star Sapphire, Star Sapphires, Tom Nguyen | Leave a comment »
Mild-Mannered Reporter
Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Gary Frank
Inker: Jon Sibal
Colorist: Brad Anderson
Letterer: Steve Wands
Assoc. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Covers: Frank w/ Anderson
Publisher: DC Comics
While I generally enjoy stuff Johns does, my feelings toward this series have been trending toward the negative. Initially, I thought it was sorta cool that elements from the various versions of Superman were being incorporated into this. But as this series has progressed and I consider it further, it seems more of an amalgamation than something definitive. It’s like a “PC” version of Superman intended to offer these little bones to as many readers as possible, without giving any one group a clear Superman.
This issue picks up with Clark’s (or should I say Kal’s?) early days in Metropolis, with a sinking Daily Planet where he’s been hired to replace someone else. From the country-boy-in-the-city bit to getting his briefcase stuck in the door to sliding into the parasitic elevator man, this is a Clark Kent far too much like the silver age “Clark-is-the-mask” persona put forth than I care for. There’s also a distinct feeling of Christopher Reeve’s presence here…it’s easy to hear his voice in the character.
Arriving in the office itself of the Daily Planet, Clark meets Jimmy, Ron, Steve, Perry, and of course Lois. Cat Grant is present, looking very much like she does in the current “present-day” story, which seems to do away with all the great characterization from her introduction through the mid/late 1990s–as if that version of the character never even existed.
Lois takes to clark just fine from the get-go…just another reporter for her to break in. The two head to a Lexcorp technology demonstration, where Lois uses Clark as “bait” to distract the guards while she slips by (apparently anyone from the Daily Planet are expressly not welcome around Lexcorp). Lois winds up falling of the building in an attempt to avoid getting squished by a helicopter that malfunctions, leading to a duplication of that scene from 1978’s Superman film in which Superman arrives on the scene, catching the falling Lois and a helicopter as his first public act. (Though people surrounding him and Lois demanding favors and askins salvation is kept, to give him something to go home and think about).
The art, truly, is the best part of this book. It’s just a bit much, though, that it’s so easy to see Christopher Reeve…that’s the primary problem I have with the visuals. It’s not that one shouldn’t be able to see Reeve, but that this Superman is then tied to that vision of the character, anchored in a past rather than freed to grow into the future.
The writing in and of itself is not bad, by any means. Johns certainly knows his stuff, working in subtle elements of the various Superman origins/backstory through the years–the films, the silver age comics, Byrne’s revamp, and presumably a bit of Birthright and Smallville (though if so, the latter two are over my head at present). It’s great that recognition is given to all the different visions…but it’d be better if there’s just one definitive version, rather than this bastardization of so many takes on the character.
Ultimately, this is a good issue in and of itself…just that the reworking of the character to bring so much of the silver age and films into the comics seem to rob the character of so much development that was accomplished over the past 20-some years.
Story: 7/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 8/10
Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Superman: Secret Origin | Tagged: Brad Anderson, Clark Kent, Comic Reviews, DC, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Jon Sibal, Matt Idelson, Metropolis, Mild-Mannered Reporter, Secret Origin, Steve Wands, Superman, Superman: Secret Origin, Wil Moss | 1 Comment »
Night of the Cure
Story, Art & Cover: Scott Kolins
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Colors: Michael Atiyeh
Associate Editor: Adam Schlagman
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Publisher: DC Comics
There’s not really a whole lot to this issue, when you get right down to it. Black ring commands Solomon Grundy to Rise; Grundy goes off to kill. Meanwhile, Kirk Langstrom is yet again fighting the whole Manbat thing, and has a run in with Bizarro. And by issue’s end, they’re both facing Black Lantern Solomon Grundy.
Needless to say, I’m not too fond of this issue. Kolins’ art isn’t bad…it’s got a distinctive style that I like for the most part. Plus, I’ve gotten used to Bizarro’s appearance coming off differently with practically every artist who does the character lately. So no real complaint with the visuals.
The story itself, though just doesn’t do anything for me. I’m rather tired of the over-use of Bizarro the last few years; I’ve never been particularly fond of the character, and especially not when he/it shows up every other month or so. The Manbat bit is also rather tiresome and seems like any other Manbat story I can think of; there’s nothing new added to my understanding of the character, and nothing to show the character has moved forward at all; just the standard “every knows this basic original status quo” sort of take on the character, as I read this. Solomon Grundy being chosen by the Black Ring makes sense–he dies and comes back to ‘life’ all the time, so is one of the major offenders of Death.
As an issue of Superman/Batman, this issue is certainly mistitled: neither Superman nor Batman make any appearance here. The logo on the cover is more Manbat-ish and the S is backwards to represent Bizarro, so that part at least shows the difference…but this seems like it ought to have been its own special or mini-series.
As Blackest Night goes, this is one of the weaker tie-ins, and I’m confident the only reason for me to pick up the next issue is that I decided before Blackest Night began that I was going to follow the ENTIRE event/story. (Of course, I had no idea how huge it would become as it’s gone on!)
This is definitely one of those ancillary books that doesn’t seem to have any real bearing on the main story, and ties in due to the Black ring raising Grundy. If you’re interested in Grundy, Bizarro, or Manbat…you’ll probably enjoy this issue much more than I did. Otherwise, the only reason to get this is if you’re determined to follow Blackest Night into every last tie-in.
Story: 5/10
Art: 8/10
Whole: 6.5/10
Filed under: Blackest Night (Event), Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Superman/Batman | Tagged: Adam Schlagman, Batman, Bizarro, Black Rings, Blackest Night, Comic Reviews, comics, DC, DC Comics, Eddie Berganza, Man-Bat, Manbat, Michael Atiyeh, Night of the Cure, Sal Cipriano, Scott Kolins, Solomon Grundy, Superman, Superman/Batman | Leave a comment »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Overall: 2.5/5
Filed under: Adventure Comics, Blackest Night (Event), cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: Alexander Luthor, Black Lanterns, Black Witch, Blackest Night, Blok, Bob Wiacek, Brian Buccellato, Brian Reber, Clayton Henry, co-feature, Comic Reviews, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Comics, Elisabeth V. Gehrlein, Francis Manapul, Geoff Johns, Jerry Ordway, Legion, Legion of Superheroes, Michael Shoemaker, Sal Cipriano, Sean Ryan, Sterling Gates, Steve Wands, Superboy, Superboy Prime, White Witch | Leave a comment »
Matter of Trust
Story and Words: Peter J. Tomasi
Penciller: Fernando Pasarin
Inkers: Scott Hanna, Prentis Rollins & Fernando Pasarin
Colorist: Brian Reber
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Cover: Tom Mandrake
Asst. Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Michael Siglain
Publisher: DC Comics
We begin this issue much like the other Blackest Night tie-in issues: a flashback showing us the memories a black ring is downloading to use with an animated/rebuilt corpse, concluding the scene with the command to the body to RISE. In this case, it’s Tara Markov again, and fresh off menacing the Titans, now she goes to her brother and the others of the Outsiders. As the Outsiders seek to find the truth about what’s going on, the readers know it’s not quite what they think–or want to think. Meanwhile: Tatsu, Violet, and Creeper are transporting Killer Croc, and bump into Black Lanterns of their own to deal with…Tatsu’s dead family.
This is one of those issues that is far easier to read than it is to describe. Visually, I recognize everyone; the names I’m a little less confident with and have to search through the issue to find references (I’m pretty sure Tatsu and Violet are “civilian” names and not the characters’ codenames).
With the Blackest Night: Titans mini and its flashbacks, and other series lately dealing with the Titans’ history and characters related to them, I have that thin understanding that works fine while reading, but isn’t strong enough for me to really “get” fully. In a way, that’s something on the writing; but at the same time, the fact that I can read the story even not knowing much about the characters nor their status quo prior to this point is more positive than negative.
The art’s quite good; no real complaints from me. Everyone looks as I’d expect–if there’s any expectation–and at the very least, I recognize pretty much everyone. Even the Black Lantern has expressiveness…there’s a panel where one would almost feel bad for her, if one doesn’t keep in mind what’s been learned so far about these Black Lanterns.
Probably the largest factor that makes this work so well for me is that it is written by Tomasi, who has been doing plenty of other writing within the Blackest Night event, and presumably he is incorporating enough that even without non-Blackest Night knowledge, there’s some building continuity just within the event’s story.
All in all, a very solid tie-in, and certainly worth getting if you’re following either Blackest Night or the title itself. Then, of course, there’s also that little ring that ought to come with the issue, as well.
Story: 8/10
Art: 8/10
Whole: 8/10
Filed under: Blackest Night (Event), Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Outsiders | Tagged: Blackest Night, Brian Reber, Comic Reviews, comics, DC, DC Comics, Fernando Pasarin, Geoforce, Harvey RIchards, Katana, Matter of Trust, Michael Siglain, Outsiders, Peter J. Tomasi, Prentis ROllins, Scott Hanna, Terra, Tom Mandrake, Travis Lanham | Leave a comment »
And now the ‘ring quest’ is complete. For many others who have also completed this set…it’s a goal poor Larfleeze–“Agent Orange”–will likely never get to do.
As I’ve said before, I think this is just about the coolest promotion for comics I’ve seen.
Of all the rings, of COURSE the coolest wound up being the Green Lantern ring. Because when you come right down to it–whether that first year or so following Kyle’s book, or that brief period after reading the Amalgam “Iron Lantern” issue when I was all the more interested in GL, to more recent years–it’s the “original” of the Corps.
Another thing that I wonder about is what other similar promotions could be done? Including the year it came out (1991), next year (2010) will be 20 years OF The Infinity Gauntlet; 2011 obviously being the 20th “anniversary.” How cool would it be to have something like this ring promotion for a re-issue of the original mini-series (6 gems, 6 issues…nice, no?).
Or sticking with DC: what about a Legion of Super-Heroes ring? As with all these Lantern Corps rings…just change the color of plastic used and the little symbol on the top piece. Such a ring could be tied to a special Legion issue or annual or issue of Adventure Comics or the like.
And what about a Flash ring? Given Barry’s back, and I believe the Flash-costume-in-a-ring-for-easy-access was his thing…so why not use the red plastic again and put the lightning bolt on the top piece? And tie this, say, to the new Flash #1 by Johns.
Filed under: NON-REVIEW CONTENT | Tagged: Adventure Comics, Agent Orange, black lantern, Blackest Night, blue lantern, Booster Gold, DC, DC Comics, doom patrol, Green Lantern, Indigo Tribe, Justice League of America, Lantern Corps, Orange Lantern, Outsiders, plastic rings, R.E.B.E.L.S., Red Lantern, Sinestro, Sinestro Corps, Star Sapphire, violet lantern, yellow lantern | 3 Comments »
Another week, two more rings.
This week’s rings were the blue and violet (or Star Sapphire). They came with Adventure Comics and Outsiders.
Amusingly enough, if you put ’em together, they look more blue and pink, almost as if they are something for kids.
With these rings, we’re left only missing the Green and Red rings…those are due next week, I believe.
Filed under: NON-REVIEW CONTENT | Tagged: Adventure Comics, Agent Orange, black lantern, blue lantern, Booster Gold, DC, DC Comics, doom patrol, Indigo Tribe, Lantern Corps, Orange Lantern, Outsiders, plastic rings, R.E.B.E.L.S., Sinestro Corps, Star Sapphire, violet lantern, yellow lantern | Leave a comment »
I’m finding that I’m more and more dissatisfied with the Superman books. While I’ve not entirely enjoyed the stories (the writing’s been good, though), the art on the various books have really put me off. As such, I haven’t paid much attention to details, as I just try to enjoy what I can of the stories.
This past week’s Action Comics issue presents Flamebird and Nightwing in new costumes, it seems–the duo having given up the “Iron Man meets Sandman” getups for a more super-heroic look. The next sleeper they’re tracking has also been revealed, AND we see Chris age yet again, providing a fairly worrisome cliffhanger.
Though I’m interested in what happens, and find the stories to be well-written (if not likeably-illustrated)…my interest on the whole continues to decline.
Also, while this week’s Booster Gold issue brought Blue Beetle into the main story (foregoing the backup/”Second Feature” status of BB) quite effectively, I doubt this title will do that anywhere near as effectively with Captain Atom, whose “Second Feature” story seems to have brought him into the current status quo.
I have particularly mixed feelings on the Red Robin title–the sole Bat-title I’m continuing with at present. This latest issue has some nice imagery (the cover resembles that Jim Lee cover of Batman on the Gargoyle, overlooking the city, giving Tim Drake a similar “iconic” image).
Yost continues to add a bit of depth to the League of Assassins, and seems to be telling a very capable tale of Tim Drake and his journey to find Bruce Wayne. I also appreciated the acknowledgement of the Blackest Night: Batman mini and Tim’s “break” to go back to Gotham and having faced the Black Lanterns.
Unfortunately–for the title, if a single reader matters–I’ve been losing interest overall. With rumours out there that Bruce will be brought back as early as Summer 2010, I’m hesitant to “invest” in this title not knowing if it can survive long-term…but I’m banking on payoff in the form of this being where any “Return of Bruce Wayne” story might kick off.
Both Action Comics and Red Robin faced stiff competition this week, with 3 Blackest Night issues out, and two Deadpool-related issues. I’m rather disappointed to say that Action Comics actually earned the “Bottom of the Stack” status this week–though I chose to buy it, the issue went straight to the bottom when I was sorting comics by order I planned to read. (Booster Gold #26 was top of the stack).
The fact that both these titles went to the bottom in deference to the Blackest Night and Deadpool issues out of hand rather than winding up there by necessity of SOMETHING being at the bottom gives me something to think about in terms of buying vs. not-buying.
On another note, Radical Comics had a preview book out this week. My local comic shop was giving it away “free” with any $5 purchase. I nearly didn’t grab it, but figured I was already buying at least $5 in product, so might as well take a look-see.
This book is basically a bunch of double-page ads for various upcoming titles Radical is putting out. The art has its merit with all of these, putting a great foot forward. Each title has a premise given with the art as well as the creative/writing talent behind ’em. Most of these seem pretty interesting in concept…but I’m not willing to–at $2.99 or more per issue–invest in these mini-series.
I find that for the most part (Blackest Night stuff being an exception offhand) I have near-zero interest these days in any mini-series. The projects put forth in this preview all read like something I’d be MOST interested in reading in their “graphic novel” or “collected volume” format. That way, even if there’ll be ongoing/serialized minis, I’d be assured a more full story.
On the other hand, an anthology with a few pages of each of these stories per “issue” might be something I’d be interested in giving a try. As-is, I get the impression that Radical‘s output is largely to “sell” the concepts as movies moreso than any ongoing story universe, which adds to my disinterest in any single-issues they might put out, at least while I have no real track record to follow by way of their past output.
Filed under: The Rest of the Stack | Tagged: Action Comics, DC, DC Comics, Radical, Radical Comics, Red Robin, Robin | Leave a comment »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Story: 4.5/5
Art: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Filed under: Blackest Night (Event), Booster Gold, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: black lantern, Black Lanterns, Blackest Night, Booster Gold, cxPulp.com, Dan Jurgens, DC, DC Comics, Dead Ted, Harvey RIchards, Hi-Fi, Michael Siglain, Mike Norton, Norm Rapmund, Rip Hunter, Sal Cipriano, Skeets, Ted Kord | Leave a comment »
Comic Reviews by Walt 