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Action Comics #873 [Review]

Posted on January 18, 2009 by Walt

New Krypton part ten: Birth of a Nation

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Pete Woods, Renato Guedes & Wilson Magalhaes
Colorist: Brad Anderson & David Curiel
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Ladronn
Publisher: DC Comics

New Krypton the crossover/mega-arc concludes here, but the story is far from over.

The issue opens with the world reacting to Supergirl’s punch at Superman in the previous chapter, with General Lane and Luthor politicking over Doomsday’s for-now dead body. Some Kandorians are fighting the Justice Society and Green Lanterns (with a few other heroes), before a Superman Returns style solution is implemented that then takes on a Counter-Earth feel. We’re then treated to several prologue scenes to close out the issue.

The art on this issue isn’t bad, but for the most part is not all that appealing to me. It gets across what’s going on visually, but leaves me missing Gary Frank’s art, particularly at the way Superman himself looks.

The story is a definite let-down. While this is supposedly the “conclusion” to this epic, I’m left at the end feeling like we’ve had a whole bunch of filler leading to this issue, just to kick off some outside mini-series. There’s been a lot of potential built up that doesn’t get resolved and seems to fizzle out, and just results in a hearty disappointment. As a Faces of Evil issue, supposedly we get a story from Luthor’s point of view. However, Luthor is really only on the first two pages as a pawn to General Lane. This isn’t the writer’s fault–this issue has no business being included in the Faces of Evil stunt.

All in all, what began as a very interesting premise with loads of potential comes down to this issue and a completely anti-climactic conclusion. Recommended only if you’ve been following the story thus far; otherwise, you’ll be just as well served finding spoilers online and spending your money elsewhere. If you want a story from Luthor’s point of view and how he interacts with Superman, I’ll recommend the Lex Luthor: Man of Steel mini-series from several years back.

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

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

Faces of Evil: Solomon Grundy #1 [Review]

Posted on January 18, 2009 by Walt

The Curse!

Writer: Geoff Johns & Scott Kolins
Artist: Scott Kolins
Colorist: Hi-FI
Letterer: John J. Hill
Editors: Adam Schlagman & Eddie Berganza
Cover: Shane Davis, Sandra Hope & Alex Sinclair
Publisher: DC Comics

This one shot focuses on the longtime DC character Solomon Grundy. After a bit of a flashback to the character’s in-continuity history, we come to the present where Grundy’s awoken once more after his latest death, but with a change. We follow him through a week of death and rebirth (and a fight with Killer Croc) until he’s confronted finally by a couple of faces familiar to him (and to us as readers) who propose fighting this curse he’s under while in a small window of opportunity to do so.

This is another well done one-shot worthy of the Faces of Evil “hype” and “event.” This is all about Grundy, offering us a look at the world from the character’s point of view while acknowledging the fact that he’s had a number of different incarnations in the last couple of decades at least, and building on that. As this is essentially set-up for a mini-series, one might be able to look at this as the tv-movie pilot for a special series coming soon.

The art fits the character and the story both quite well, and I enjoyed it. Kolins’ art seems to fit well with villain-centric stories, assuming I’m correct in recalling him as the artist on the Rogues’ Revenge mini from several months back.

This is a fairly decent one-shot; though as it is largely set-up for the upcoming mini-series, doesn’t feel complete: it feels more like a proglogue than a self-standing story.

If you’re interested in or curious about the character, it’s worthwhile–just be aware that it has a cliffhanger going toward the mini series.

Story: 8/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 8.5/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Faces of Evil (Event), Faces of Evil (One Shots) | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Green Lantern #36 [Review]

Posted on January 11, 2009 by Walt

Full review posted to comixtreme.com.

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe, Green Lantern | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Justice Society of America #22 [Review]

Posted on January 4, 2009 by Walt

One World, Under Gog part VII: Thy Will Be Done

Story: Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencilers: Dale Eaglesham
Painted pages by: Alex Ross
Inker: Nathan Massengill
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Michael Siglain
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Eaglesham & Hi-Fi)
Very special Thanks to: Mark Waid
Publisher: DC Comics

This issue wraps up the ongoing “Thy Kingdom Come” saga in this title. This issue jumps a lot, beginning with the JSA doing their thing with Gog while Superman and Starman have a few moments together before the former is sent “home.” The rest of the team deals with the effects of the loss of the “gifts” that Gog had bestowed, and the issue ends with a slight twist on the signature Johns end-of-saga look-ahead.

The art on this story was just what I’ve come to expect for the book. It’s high quality and yet looks like a comic book. There are also painted panels/sequences interspersed done by Ross that as usual are top-notch. While it’s a bit jarring to go from one style to the other, I for one would not trade it–it’s great to see the “Kingdom Come” world done by Ross–it lends a certain authenticity to the world, as well as a bit of a notion of things coming full-circle.

The story aspect of this issue is also quite good. There’s not a lot of “conflict-action” in the issue, as it seems largely about tying up loose ends and capping off this huge saga. A number of characters get “moments” that kinda set their status quo post-saga, showing us where they are at right now, moving forward.

After just over a year–12 prior issues, 1 annual and 3 specials–the saga concludes in this single standard-sized issue for $2.99. No extra-sized, extra-priced issue; no spinning off to another title or special for the actual conclusion; no weaseling in a virtual “to-be-continued” to get one buying even more books.

We have high quality art, solid high quality story, and a fitting conclusion to all the events. The story is capped here, though it by no means slams the door or leaves stuff closed. The scenes of Earth-22 prompted me to grab the original Kingdom Come story–I was curious if there was “recycled art,” but no–the words were the same, but the angles different…and something about the way it was done, I thought it was fantastic. (It was also quite classy that Mark Waid is thanked in the credits, as so much has been built upon his original story).

This really is not an issue for new readers–new readers can probably pick this up and appreciate it in general, but this issue is very much for the long-term readers who have followed this story, and is quite the reward for doing so. Of the comics I picked up this week, this was by far my favorite.

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

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Justice Society of America | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Action Comics #872 [Review]

Posted on December 14, 2008 by Walt

New Krypton part seven: Brainiac Lives

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Pete Woods
Colorist: Brad Anderson
Letterer: Steve Wands
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Gary Frank & Brad Anderson (variant by Chris Sprouse, Karl Story & Guy Major)
Publisher: DC Comics

Superman continues to interact with his cousin, aunt, and uncle over the recent strikes launched against his various enemies, which resulted in the death of a number of humans and the banishment of numerous bad seeds to the phantom zone. Plans are revealed to restore the other “bottle cities” as well that had been captured by Brainiac. While Luthor continues attempting to tap the knowledge/repository that is Brainiac, some militant Kryptonians continue pushing their agenda. As things spring into motion, some “Creature Commandos” are woken in a time new to them (as they were last seen during World War II, it seems). Finally, a strike by Reactron and Metallo shows that not even Kryptonians are safe on Earth.

This is probably my least-favorite chapter of this story so far. I think stuff is starting to wear a bit thin, or is just developing too slowly, somehow. I was particularly turned off by the “startling return of the Creature Commandos”–I don’t mind a “back-door pilot” here and there, but I cared nothing for these characters going in, and care nothing for them now–they seem very out of place and more suited for a period piece set in World War II, not waking up during this arc and taking some of the focus away from the Kryptonians dealing with life on Earth.

The art–while not confusing characters or anything and clearly showing what’s going on–seems also like a letdown after being spoiled with Gary Frank’s art the last number of months. It’s a real change, and the style doesn’t work all that well for me, at least not in this particular outing.

This is the seventh chapter of however many will make up the New Krypton arc. I find myself ready to see things wind down if this is how my attention’s going to be. Whatever it’s lacking, though, this is still quality stuff…just not as high as earlier chapters to the story.

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

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

Justice Society of America #21 [Review]

Posted on December 7, 2008 by Walt

One World, Under Gog part VI: Saints and Sinners

Story: Geoff Johns & Alex Ross
Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencillers: Dale Eaglesham & Jerry Ordway
Inkers: Nathan Massengill & Bob Wiacek
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Michael Siglain
Cover: Alex Ross (variant by Dale Eaglesham and Nathan Massengill)
Publisher: DC Comics

Coming off of the Kingdom Come Specials, the story picks up with Gog having asked those he’s helped to worship him. While some are ready to kneel immediately, others are less than comfortable at this proposition–that you don’t ask worship for helping, you help TO help and nothing more. The JSA is divided and fighting amongst itself, and we see the older members who have either not been helped or who have refused help confronting those swayed by Gog’s “persuasion”…and things begin to unravel as Gog starts to show a side previously unseen by our heroes.

The art on this issue surprised me a bit–something about it seems slightly “off.” It is far from being bad, but just doesn’t seem quite what I expected. However, the characters are all plenty recognizeable and look like they (mostly) should (I feel like they have a “90s look” to them somehow). It’s interesting to see several characters (Alan Scott, Jay Garrick, Hawkman) taking on a Kingdom Come appearance–it’s a nice nod, but for me forces a comparison to the original–visually–which might be part of what seems “off” about the art…this hardly compares to Alex Ross’s painted imagery.

The story is quite solid–after however many issues it’s been of building, things are coming to a head, with the JSA split and fighting within its own ranks and Gog finally showing what’s been hinted at: an actual menace/threat to the JSA…and the world as a whole. I would assume Green Lantern creating the green armor around himself, and what happens to the Flash to be an intentional story element and not just the art team giving us an homage to Kingdom Come. While it at first doesn’t make much sense, upon further reflection, it does, as Superman gets to see these people becoming more and more like those he knew on his world, which really ups the ante a bit, so to speak.

I was a bit disappointed, somehow convincing myself that this issue would be the resolution of the story, that the specials all led to this. At the same time, I’m actually anticipating the next issue–it will be something I’m looking forward to, actively interested in reading, and not something to be read just because it’s something I bought “last month” and so buy “this month.”

All in all, if you’re following the JSA, this issue’s well worth while. I’m not sure it’d be the best read if you’re coming in cold. Quality wise, this is a title that has held my attention for the last half-year, and I’m interested enough in the backstory to want to track down the earlier issues I’ve missed.

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

Please note: Credits for this issue acquired from a pdf preview found at DC’s website…it appears that they were to have printed on a black bar, but the colors have zero contrast, effectively nixing creator credits for the issue. Preview found here

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, DC Universe, Justice Society of America | 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 »

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 »

Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns [Review]

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Walt

Rage of the Red Lanterns Prologue: Blood Feud
Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Shane Davis
Inks: Sandra Hopoe
Colors: Nei Ruffino
Letters: Rob Leigh
Associate Editor: Adam Schlagman
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Covers: Davis, Hope, Ruffino

This one-shot opens with the “birth”–an origin of sorts–of the first of the Red Lanterns, in a sequence taking place between the first two issues of Final Crisis. We then cut to Hal Jordan reeling from the deicide, spending time with family…when he receives word that Sinestro’s execution orders have been handed down. Feeling unable to share thoughts on this with a new friend, Hal seeks out his old friend–Carol–who was actually part of his life when he first met Sinestro (as particularly revealed in the recently-concluded Secret Origin arc in the main GL title). While this is going on, we see Green Lantern Ash finding the upper husk of the Anti-Monitor, relaying the info to the scarred Guardian, and pursuing the trail. The Red Lanterns rise, recruited by Atrocitus, to feed their hatred and rage. As several Green Lanterns ‘escort’ Sinestro to his homeworld for execution, the group is ambushed…just before the Red Lanterns debut, ambushing the ambushers and ambushees alike. Finally, yet another player arrives in the thick of things, revealing to Hal a key ingredient to the survival of the Blackest Night.

Other than an editorial note indicating this issue’s timing in the Final Crisis series, and the references to events within that series that involved Hal (but nothing of his detention by the Alpha Lanterns?), this issue would have been perfectly titled had it been titled Green Lantern: Rage of the Red Lanterns or Rise of the Red Lanterns or some such–aside from whatever interaction crops up regarding Final Crisis and ties to the Blackest Night, this seems to deal a whole lot more with Green Lantern than Final Crisis itself.

The art is quite good here…I rather enjoyed it, and it has a certain tone that made it perfectly believable as something fitting into the current Green Lantern series. Aside from some questionable-looking blood placement, I have no particular complaint visually.

The writing being by Geoff Johns is certainly why this feels so much like a special issue of Green Lantern, as he is the writer of that book, and writes this with plenty of purpose and eye toward the ongoing title and how it plays in the greater DC Universe. This story picks up on certain seeds sown throughout the last couple years, and moves key points along as if it were anything but a one-shot tied to an event. We get some good moments between various characters, and I found it especially interesting the exploration of Hal’s feelings regarding the impending execution of his old friend and mentor.

While I fail at present to see what bearing this issue will actually have on Final Crisis, it very much is important to what’s been unfolding in Green Lantern and setting things along the course to the Blackest Night. As such, I don’t recommend this as a tie-in to Final Crisis…I recommend it to anyone keeping up with the GL books and reading with an eye toward next summer’s event.

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

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Final Crisis (Event), Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

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