Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Story: 4.5/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Filed under: Blackest Night (Event), Blackest Night: Flash, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: Adam Schlagman, Black Lanterns, Blackest Night, Comic Reviews, comics, DC, DC Comics, Flash, Geoff Johns, Michael Atiyeh, Professor Zoom, Rebirth, Reverse Flash, Scott Kolins, Travis Lanham, Zoom | Leave a comment »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Story: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Filed under: Blackest Night (Event), Blackest Night: Wonder Woman, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: Adam Schlagman, Black Lanterns, Blackest Night, Comic Reviews, comics, DC, DC Comics, Drew Geraci, Eddie Berganza, Greg Horn, Greg Rucka, Jonathan Glapion, Max Lord, Maxwell Lord, Nei Ruffino, Nicola Scott, Prentis Rolins, Travis Lanham, Walden Wong, Wonder Woman | 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 »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
Booster Gold:
Story: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Blue Beetle:
Story: 2.5/5
Art: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Filed under: Booster Gold, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe | Tagged: Black Beetle, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, cxPulp.com, Dan Jurgens, Day of Death, DC, DC Comics, Guy Major, Harvey RIchards, Hi-Fi, Matthew Sturges, Michael Siglain, Mike Norton, Norm Rapmund, Rip Hunter, Second Feature, Travis Lanham | Leave a comment »
Full review posted to comixtreme.com.
The Web
Story: 3/5
Art: 3/5
The Hangman
Story: 4/5
Art: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Filed under: cxPulp.com, DC, DC Universe, The Red Circle, The Web | Tagged: Angel Robinson, Bill Sienkiewicz, Comic Reviews, cxPulp.com, DC, DC Comics, Guy Major, Hilary Barta, John Rozum, Rachel Cluckstern, Red Circle, Roger Robinson, Stanley Lau, The Hangman, The Web, Tom Derenick, Travis Lanham | Leave a comment »
Secret Identities / Second Born: The Secret Origin of Superwoman
Writer: Sterling Gates
Penciller: Fernando Dagnino
Inker: Raul Fernandez
Colorist: Blond
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Asst. Editor: Wil Moss
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Renato Guedes
Publisher: DC Comics
This issue functions much as I would expect of an annual “special” issue. We have a couple of stories by the main series writer–stories that are directly relevant to current ongoing plots, but I wouldn’t necessarily want to see the regular issues slowed by inclusion of these stories in chunks nor taking a whole issue.
Essentially, we finally get to actually see Supergirl in her new civilian guise of Linda Lang (the introduction of the concept having been interrupted by the start of the whole New Krypton affair last spring). We see that she’s not nearly as experienced as her cousin, but it’s her learning curve and differnces that make the character more interesting–she’s not just some “clone” of her cousin–we see some real depth to her here. While we see development of Supergirl sorting out elements of her own secret ID we also see continuation of the anti-Kryptonian sentiment present in the current DCU.
The second story of the issue gives us a background story/origin of Superwoman, and how it was that Lucy Lane wound up in that role. While it technically “fits,” it’s not a story that I particularly “buy,” and it leaves a sour taste for me much like the “Supermen of America” story did in the 90s taking a character that has no business with Superpowers or such being given them as anything more than a one-off situational thing. Within the already-set bounds of belief-suspension, Lucy Lane having any sort of super-powers (provided by a costume or otherwise) doesn’t fit for me. We also see where the character is being further subjected to fantastical elements that just seem really out of place to this reader.
The art throughout the issue–for both stories–is not bad, nor is it anything spectacular. It holds its own, but I could take it or leave it.
If you’re following events in the main Supergirl book, you’ll want to snag this annual–its stories are certain to play into major plot points in the main book in the coming months. This mostly deals with plot threads prevalent in the main book, so I wouldn’t particularly recommend this issue as a jumping-on point.
Story: 6/10
Art: 6.5/10
Whole: 6/10
Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Supergirl, Supergirl Annual | Tagged: Blond, Comic Reviews, DC, DC Comics, Fernando Dagnino, Lana Lang, Linda Lang, Lucy Lane, Matt Idelson, New Krypton, origin, Raul Fernandez, Renato Guedes, Sam Lane, Sterling Gates, Supergirl, Superwoman, Travis Lanham, Who is Superwoman, Wil Moss, Worlds at War | Leave a comment »
Birds of Paradise part one: A Malignant Isolation
Writer: Gail Simone
Penciller: Aaron Lopresti
Inker: Matt Ryan
Colorist: Brad Anderson
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Associate Editor: Sean Ryan
Editor: Elisabeth Gehrlein
Cover: Aaron Lopresti & Hi-Fi
Publisher: DC Comics
After following this title for the Rise of the Olympian arc, I found myself still interested (actually, more interested) in the character of Diana/Wonder Woman. Though I don’t feel I “know” the character all that much, I’ve found that the last eight-some issues have been quite enjoyable and shown me that good, solid stories can be told with the character.
This issue opens in the aftermath of last issue, with Wonder Woman now alone, having turned her back on the Amazons and her gods. Simone provides a touching moment as Morrow informs Diana that Genocide is not dead, and begs her to destroy it. In order to begin tracking down Genocide’s whereabouts, Diana turns to Black Canary for an assist, despite their recent differences. Dinah takes the lead as the two concoct costumes to hide their identities as they seek to infiltrate an underground arena fighting group. The results the two find in going undercover raises some question, as well as introducing us to someone likely to cause both of our heroines plenty of trouble next issue.
The art here continues to be very well done, and I have no real complaint with it. The stor itself for this issue does a good job of following the previous major arc, while setting things up for the current arc. We get forward movement and character development in light of what’s already happened and in what’s coming. Simone continues to demonstrate an excellent understanding of the characters she writes–specifically, in Wonder Woman–portraying her as a strong, realistic person…all the more in Diana’s willingness to seek help when she’s in over her head or otherwise knows someone better-suited for accomplishing a particular task.
Though there’ll be a certain deeper appreciation for things talked about in this issue if one’s already read Rise of the Olympian, this seems to be a decent jumping-on point for readers curious about the ongoing Wonder Woman series. There’s plenty to draw one in, and enough detail to give a general idea of who characters are, what their status quo is now, and a lot of potential in what is to come.
Highly recommended.
Story: 8.5/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 8.5/10
Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Wonder Woman | Tagged: Aaron Lopresti, Birds of Paradise, Brad Anderson, Comic Reviews, DC, DC Comics, Elisabeth Gehrlein, Gail Simone, Genocide, Hi-Fi, Matt Ryan, Rise of the Olympian, Sean Ryan, Travis Lanham, Wonder Woman | Leave a comment »
Rise of the Olympian part 8 (Finale): Monarch of the Dead
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Aaron Lopresti
Inker: Brad Anderson
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Associate Editor: Sean Ryan
Editor: Elisabeth Gehrlein
Cover: Aaron Lopresti & Hi-Fi (variant by Bernard Chang)
Publisher: DC Comics
In a time where the standard story arc wraps in six issues, this arc has taken eight issues. As such, it’s seemed a little long…but at the same time, it’s made up the entirety of my Wonder Woman purchasing of the last few years. It’s also–at 8 issues–made up probably the single longest stretch of my buying a Wonder Woman title, ever. All that being credit to Simone’s writing and grasp of the character, presenting both character and goings-on in an interesting light sufficient to keep me coming back month after month.
This issue opens with the Amazons finding the broken/battered body of their champion and then entering battle with Zeus’ male warriors. Wonder Woman–Diana–enters the fray, and takes on Ares–the god of war–who has long plagued her and her sisters. By her actions, the status quo for Diana as well as her mother and sisters is changed, as we clearly see what gave this arc its title.
The story in this issue is quite good–though some parts seemed a bit forced, and I didn’t enjoy it in and of itself as much as I would have hoped. Nothing seems to come out of nowhere, everything having basis in what’s been established in earlier issues. I do feel almost like I missed an issue, and nearly didn’t even READ this issue, thinking that I really HAD missed an issue. The visuals continue to hold up very well, and I have no complaint on that aspect of the book.
If you’ve not followed this story in single issues, I would definitely recommend the collected volume, as this seems likely be one of THE Wonder Woman stories…and certainly is poised to be integral to the character moving forward in the near future.
Story: 8/10
Art: 8.5/10
Whole: 8/10
Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, DC Universe, Wonder Woman | Tagged: Aaron Lopresti, Comic Reviews, Compound Fracture, DC, DC Comics, Elisabeth Gehrlein, Gail Simone, Genocide, Hi-Fi, Matt Ryan, Rise of the Olympian, Sean Ryan, Travis Lanham, Wonder Woman | Leave a comment »
Rise of the Olympian part 7: Compound Fracture
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Aaron Lopresti
Inker: Matt Ryan
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Associate Editor: Sean Ryan
Editor: Elisabeth Gehrlein
Cover: Aaron Lopresti & Hi-Fi (variant by Francis Manapul & Jeremy Roberts)
Publisher: DC Comics
THere’s a lot going on in this issue, even though much if it is essentially just an extended fight sequence. With six prior issues of build, with fights showing both sides discovering the other’s limits, it comes down to this do-or-die battle as Wonder Woman must overcome Genocide or lose all she holds dear. We also see as other elements come together that will cause plenty of trouble down the road, beyond Genocide.
What initially interested me in this story–the thing that prompted me to see it out from the start–was that Genocide was compared to Doomsday, in terms of the role it would play for Diana. And I must say that the comparison’s a fair one, though obviously with much different characters and story beats and all that.
Simone has a great handle on the character–I’m actually interested in this incarnation of Diana/Wonder Woman; I’m interested in the supporting cast (even though I can’t even remember their names yet), and I’m interested in the Bigger Picture–what’s going on with Zeus and his Olympian(s), and in general find that while Genocide brought me to the table, it’s the writing–the story itself–that has me quite willing to stick around.
The art’s pretty, too–visually, this looks like a comic book, but there’s a quality to the thing that is beyond any “generic” art. One definitely gets a sense from the visuals just how brutal this battle is, and how much of a beating Diana’s already taken. A page toward the end of the battle is particularly gruesome, though due at least in part to not being overly graphic and leaving it to the individual to fill in the extra details.
This both feels like a story ending and yet doesn’t. Elements that have been seen throughout the arc are continuing and probably about to come to far more prominence than we’ve had with ’em so far. But the meat of the story–the battle with Genocide–has a definite ending, while keeping the door open to future stories that’ll certainly reference this.
Though I stuck around for a handful of Rucka’s issues a few years ago and enjoyed them at the time–this current arc is the most I’ve been interested in Wonder Woman and the most I’ve really enjoyed the story overall. If you didn’t follow this arc, I’d recommend considering it in collected volume format, and giving the series a chance with the next issue, whatever story officially kicks off.
Story: 9/10
Art: 8.5/10
Whole: 8.5/10
Filed under: DC, DC Universe, Wonder Woman | Tagged: Aaron Lopresti, Comic Reviews, Compound Fracture, DC, DC Comics, Elisabeth Gehrlein, Gail Simone, Genocide, Hi-Fi, Matt Ryan, Rise of the Olympian, Sean Ryan, Travis Lanham, Wonder Woman | Leave a comment »
Graduation Day, Part 2
Writer: Landry Q. Walker
Artist: Eric Jones
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Coloring: Joey Mason
Asst. Editor: Simona Martore
Editors: Jann Jones & Elisabeth V. Gearlein
Cover: Eric Jones
Publisher: Johnny DC/DC Comics
We open on a battle–Lex Luthor vs. Superman and Supergirl. Supergirl’s opposite/duplicate, Belinda has been taken out of the equation, and Supergirl’s secret identity’s best friend–Luthor’s younger sister–is fighting mad. Amidst the carnage, Streaky the super-cat and Comet the super-horse can be found fulfilling their own roles, as the true menace stands revealed as that 5th-dimensional imp-whose-name-is-hard-to-spell. As Supergirl and her future self attend to Mxy, we even get a couple of great nods toward mainline DC continuity that ought to elicit a knowing smile, at least, from older readers, and yet remain innocent enough that those not “in the know” won’t feel left out as the panels serve the story in and of themselves.
This has been a great series–one that could have come across as overly simplistic, but has a strong balance of complexity with its simplicity. This issue draws on details sprinkled throughout the last 5 issues, building to a resolution that both wraps up the main points introduced without closing the door on the cast of characters.
The art–as it’s been consistently on this book–has a simplicity to it that feels like this could be adapting an animated series, without feeling like there’s been any loss in quality for that. The visuals convey the story very well, and are an integral part of the feel of this book.
The creative team has taken something that could have been a flop and created something much better than it had any right to be. If you passed on this or otherwise missed it as singles, I highly recommend checking out any collected volume that may become available…or track down the single issues, and share them with a younger reader in your life!
Story: 9/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 9.5/10
Filed under: Comic Reviews 2009, DC, Johnny DC, Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade | Tagged: Comic Reviews, DC, DC Comics, Elisabeth V. Gearlein, Eric Jones, Graduation Day, Jann Jones, Joey Mason, Johnny DC, Landry Q. Walker, Simona Martore, Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures, Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade, Travis Lanham | Leave a comment »
Comic Reviews by Walt 