The New 52 Plus Some: 9 Months In

You know, I said I was done with this New 52 business, but I just keep getting pulled back in. Usually it takes a baby 9 months to be born, so I thought I would check back in on storylines and see where everything is now. Before I do that though, I wanna talka bout a few other things.

First up, Adventure Time. I have always been a fan of the series, but the comic, which has only had 4 issues so far, has just been stellar. There is a real focus on keeping the comic on the same level of the show, and it really shines through. Like this panel:

What makes things even better is the fact that the comic has a running commentary at the bottom of every page- either little cartoons, editor's notes, or even notes from Pen Ward himself.

I strongly suggest checking this series out if you are a fan of the show, though it is probably not the best starting point for those unfamilar with the series. I'd put it right there with Atomic Robo, which is probably the most under rated book out there right now.

Next up, I have to give credit to Mark Millar to give us another fantastic book with Super Crooks. It is definitely not as realistic as Kick Ass, or as uplifting as Superior, or as dark as Nemesis... but I'd put it on the level with Wanted- just an awesome book that flows really well.

I will not be covering AvX for a bit because I'm way behind, but I have every intention of doing a whole blog on the series soon.

The same goes for the Night of the Owls- its a big crossover event and I think it deserves its own blog, so my Batfamily coverage may be a bit lax in some places.

Finally, I have to talk about what DC put out on FCBD, where they teased a number of events. I've talked a bit about Pandora, the Hooded Woman who appeared just after Flashpoint, but since her mass appearance, she really hasn't been mentioned since. She was given a few pages in the free comic, as she was punished by a council, along with two other "crimnals." She was punished for opening the box, as the myth atests, and her punishment isn't really clear, unlike the other two. Number one gets the following punishment for being vain: "You will now walk the earth as a phantom, appearing as a stranger to all that knew you in your former life." Pretty obvious, and it makes sense because Phantom Stranger is a huge part of the DCU, but the other guy who was punished for looking too for answers... very different story.

Oh yeah... they seem to be presenting the Question as being on the same ultra level as some of the other mystical and mysterious characters. I'm worried and excited for this all at the same time.

Ok, now that we got all the introductory stuff out of the way, let's look at the scoreboard from the last time I discussed my adds and drops:

Sticking (21): Batman, Justice League, Action Comics, Animal Man, O.M.A.C., Swamp Thing, Justice League International, Batman and Robin, Batwoman, Deathstroke, Demon Knights, Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E., Green Lantern, Superman, DC Universe Presents, Green Lantern Corps, Nightwing, Wonder Woman, All-Star Western, The Shade, and Aquaman.

Probation (12): Batgirl, Catwoman, Red Lanterns, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Batwing, Detective Comics, Justice League: Dark, Suicide Squad, Blue Beetle, Fury of Firestorms, Green Lantern: The New Guardians, and Teen Titans.

Dropped (23): Batman: The Dark Knight, Men of War, Hawk and Dove, Green Arrow, Resurrection Man, Birds of Prey, Mister Terrific, I, Vampire, Supergirl, Legion Lost, Static Shock, Superboy, Penguin, Huntress, Voodoo, Legion of Super-Heroes, Flash, Stormwatch, Blackhawks, Grifter, My Greatest Adventure, Savage Hawkman, and Captain Atom

I can definitely say that there have been some changes to this list, including some cancellations and endings in italics

ACTION COMICS - Last time I talked about how Morrison was being really deep and complex in his execution of this series, but honestly, the series has been kinda dead in the water plot wise for a few weeks. There hasn't been a consistant story for a couple weeks, and even gave us a Superman story from another universe, where the Superman was black. A lot of flack was given, but I loved the issue, and the issues of a supervillain like Lex Luthor who hated Superman for being different, in this universe, everyone things Lex is a racist, when its everything but his race that bother Luthor. Really interesting spin.

ANIMAL MAN- This book is seriously creepifying and has shown little sign that its going to have a happy ending anytime soon. It is a fantastic book, but its definitely not one for the squeamish.

BATWING- I was happy to see that the whole Invisible Children/African Superheroes storyline has come to an end, and Batwing is currently in Night of the Owls, so we will talk more about it later. I might be dropping this book aft the next issue if it doesn't really blow me away.

DETECTIVE COMICS- As previously stated, this book definitely exists in the shadow of Batman. It isn't bad by any counts, but its just not as good. The book has spent the last couple issues with the Owls storyline, but before that we had a bit of filler that tried to make us care more about the Penguin than we should.

GREEN ARROW-DROPPED. I haven't given this book a second thought until recently when he appeared in Justice League. He was actually kinda cool there, so I think I might catch onto the next storyline. Very low expectations though.

HAWK AND DOVE -DROPPED AND CANCELLED. Liefeld drove this book into the ground, so of course DC gave him three more books to start work on- Deathstroke, Grifter, and Hawkman. Good riddance to the series.

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL- This book is a lot of fun, no doubt about it, and although there was a major blow to the book when one of my favorite characters died, I am still really enjoying the series. My one big thing is how the book is starting to treat August General in Iron- he's a great character, but he is starting to fall into this role as "philiosophical version of The Thing."

Its not blatant, but its a growing issue. Batman has left the book and has given us Batwing instead, which is nice, but I worry that its a death knell for the book. Lucky for us however, a cancelled book is now merging with this series, so we have a new member.

MEN OF WAR-DROPPED AND CANCELLED because it was the most boring book of the new 52.

O.M.A.C.- CANCELLED - It was one of my favorites and I was sad to see it go, knowing the character would flot for a year or so without a stable home, and I was wrong. OMAC joined the JLI which made me very happy and it certainly makes me happy. Almost as happy as seeing this little easter egg dealing with people who he could find to help him control the OMAC:

In case the pic isn't clear enough, the name Ted Kord is on that list.

RED LANTERNS- This book just barely keeps me reading. It isn't great, but it stays afloat somehow. I keep thinking it will tie into another book, but so far, nothing.

STATIC SHOCK- DROPPED AND CANCELLED- Sucked to see one of Mr. McDuffies finest characters disapear into the void, but I feel like he will re-emerge on a team sometime soon. Either on the Teen Titans, or with the Ravagers.

STORMWATCH- Much like Red Lanterns, I'm constantly wondering what's keeping me tethered to this book. It offers me next to nothing on answers or any form of enjoyment, but yet, I keep coming back to it. Lately, there has been an issue with finding a leader for the team. This panel needs no explanation:

Call it morbid curiosity, but I keep coming back to Stormwatch.

SWAMP THING- Everything I said about Animal Man goes with this series as well. Its very dark, and ominous, and evil. The title character has finally started taking some action which is nice. Where the series goes now will be very interesting. 

BATGIRL- I nearly gave up on Batgirl, and I'm really happy a friend of mine talked me out of it. The series has gotten a lot better, and I think I can chalk up my unhappiness with a really crappy villain, which we luckily haven't dealt with for a few issues. 

BATMAN AND ROBIN- This book had a really intense storyline in it that finally got wrapped up a few weeks ago. Damian kills again, and has apparently been thinking about killing for a while, based on some drawings we find.

In case those aren't clear, basically, its how he would murder each member of Batman's rogue's gallery, including cutting Two-Face's face in half with a chainsaw and cooking the Penguin and serving him like a turkey. The next panel isn't from Batman and Robin, but from the premiere issue of the new Batman Inc series:

And yes, that is my desktop background currently.

BATWOMAN- Remember when I was just reading this book for the phenomenal art? Well, that hasn't really shown up much in the last few issues, and the storyline of trying to hunt down fairy tale creatures is just beyong weird. It's a definite DROPPED.

DEATHSTROKE- We had a really great MacGuffin going for a while with the mysterious briefcase, but once that mystery was gone, the book itself seemed to begin to crash. The last issue was almost too much for my eyes since Liefeld took over the art. I will give it one more issue before dropping it completely.

DEMON KNIGHTS- This book is just strange in so many ways... the first major storyline wrapped in the last issue, and now that the Knights are off on a new mission, we can really see the teamwork building. The book reads like there's another part to every issue that readers should be aware of, but there isn't anything else. There's just a weird feeling about it.

FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E.- Speaking of strange books, this book is just an oddity. The art is maybe some of the ugliest I have ever seen, but that is the point. The storylines rival Stormwatch for pure insanity.The series recently lost a couple characters, so we shall see how their exit affects the comic.

GREEN LANTERN- This story has taken a completely different turn than what I expected, and that's not a bad thing I never imagined the Sinestro as a GL storyline sticking, but it seems that this is something that is here to stay. Recently, the Indigo Lanterns have been explored, and I've been very pleased with what's going on there.

GRIFTER -DROPPED because it was maybe the worst overall series of the new 52.

THE HUNTRESS -DROPPED AND ENDED. I am just not interested in the character and I tried to give it another chance but it just didn't keep me interested. Now the book has joined with a character from Mister Terrific for World's Finest which, one issue in, I'm pretty happy with.

LEGION LOST -DROPPED because its a Legion book so it needs a 50 volume encyclopedia to follow effectively. I almost went into a deep depression when I found out it was part of the Culling crossover.

MISTER TERRIFIC- DROPPED AND CANCELLED because it totally messed up Power Girl and it just became really boring and trite. Now that PG is in a new series, I think it will be very interesting

PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE- DROPPED AND ENDED I decided to give this title a shot and see it through as a miniseries, and I was right the first time. It sucks and it went nowhere.

RESURRECTION MAN -DROPPED. Much like Huntress, I gave it a chance but the character does nothing for me. Recently, this book had the dumbest crossover with Suicide Squad, which really drug that book down.

SUICIDE SQUAD- This book got off to a rough start, but its been pretty consistent since issue 2, and I have been pleased with the direction of stories, and I hope it maintains this feeling for a while.

SUPERBOY -DROPPED because it has the most boring protagonist of the reboot. If it wasn't for the crossover with Teen Titans, I still would be avoiding this series.

BATMAN - I can't say enough about how great Snyder's Batman is. It is fun, but I can't really say much since it has been neck deep in Owls from the beginning. With zero context, though, I have to share this picture:

BIRDS OF PREY-DROPPED because I hate the characterizations of the entire team. Its just a huge letdown.

BLUE BEETLE- This book is always a struggle to get through. Originally I thought it was because of the Mexican Spider-Man similarities, but honestly, I think it is much more than that. The story makes no logical sense, and it is such a huge difference from the original series that its painful to read. Family was vital to the storylines, and now it is just him on his own with no escape or hope of seeing his family again.

CAPTAIN ATOM -DROPPED because I've read Watchmen and know enough about Dr. Manhattan already. How this avoided cancellation is a mystery to me.

CATWOMAN- The rooftop sex has been kept to a real minimum since the first issue, and I'm not if I'm happy with that. It seemed like an important part of the character, and it just kind of fizzled out for a bit, and then she started doing it with a new guy who I have no doubt will become evil, so we shall see how that turns out.

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS- Just as I said I would, I dropped the book when it switched to the Challengers, but now there is a new series based on Vandal Savage, which treats the lovable brute from Demon Knights as if he's Hannibal Lecter. Very interesting take on the character and I look forward to more of it.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS- This book should just be called Those Blue Assholes from Green Lantern. Seriously, these guys are awful and they show no sign of stopping the ridiculousness which has made zero sense from the start. I like Guy and John's ok, but this definitely the weakest of the GL titles.

JUSTICE LEAGUE- I was a little annoyed that the fight against Darkseid took up exactly four pages. It just feels really cheap, but I guess they can save the bigger and badder fights for other issues. Character interaction is still the star here, and it works really well, especially with Hal and Batman:

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES -DROPPED. See Legion Lost, but at least this one's well written.

MY GREATEST ADVENTURE -DROPPED AND ENDED because I didn't care about any of the three stories they are trying to tell.

NIGHTWING- Nightwing has really tied closely to Owls for the last few issues, but I was not crazy about the circus storyline it had going. Glad that's over for sure.

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS- This book got a really bad rep when it started but it has since become one of my favorite titles, especially here lately with Jason Todd getting more of a spotlight as an antihero.

THE SHADE- This book just exists on a whole other level where it doesn't fit in with the rest of the DCU, but it sometimes works really well and serves both a supernatural and a noirish role.

SUPERGIRL-DROPPED because I don't care too much about the character. I liked her character before the retcon, but this just isn't working for me. Maybe sometime later, I will pick it up and check it out again if I hear its good.

WONDER WOMAN- This book just exists for me. In the same realm as Red Lanterns, I have no idea why I'm reading it, but every week I try and get through it. Its almost a drop.

ALL-STAR WESTERN- The book had me highly involved for the first few issues, but somewhere around issue 8, the story just went off the rails, and I lost a lot of interest. I'm going to stick with it in hopes it will recapture what I liked at first, but its a few issues from dropping.

AQUAMAN- Let me sum up with this: Aquaman murdered Black Manta's father. Its too soon for me to say if that is the best twist or the worst, but I have really been enjoing this title.

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT- This book makes absolutely no sense. I can't drop it because I keep thinking the next issue will answer all the Lost-level weirdness that goes down every issue.

BLACKHAWKS -DROPPED AND CANCELLED because I could not care less about any of these characters and the insanity that's going on with them. Its like Team America, if it had no humor.

THE FLASH -DROPPED... I read the Captain Cold issue finally, and while I wasn't crazy about the character rewrite, I didn't hate it, and I want to give it as much of a chance as I can.

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MEN- Nine issues in and we are still on an origin story. I'm done with the book. DROPPED.

GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS- This book is really great at showing the different sides of each Corps and how they can all interact together. I'm really enjoying it, but I look forward to where the title goes next.

I, VAMPIRE-DROPPED because it just stopped being interesting. It had a lot of promise, but then let me down in the execution of the first three issues.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK- This comic is having a really tough time with the "Where do we go from her?" issue, and its only a couple issues from being dropped.

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN -DROPPED because beautiful artwork is not everything in a comic.

SUPERMAN-  This book had so much potential but it was all wasted. It did not go anywhere, and I lost all care or interest. Everything is vague in it and the Lois/Clark dynamic is the only thing I find appealing. Another casualty for the DROP.

TEEN TITANS- I have no problem admitting that I had my doubts but this is a really solid series, and I'm a huge fan of how the story is progressing. This book is way better than it should be.

VOODOO -DROPPED- because like Hawkman, 22 pages of softcore boobs are not enough to keep my attention. Its just ridiculous.

Out for a while...

Obviously, I've been out of it for a while. Once I stopped forcing myself to write about the New 52, I just lost all interest in trying to blog about stuff, so I think I'm going to try and blog about storylines when I can. Throw in the occasional top # lists when the situation dictates. Promise I'm coming back soon. Its just taking a lot of energy and time to get there.

New 52: Month 4

After this, I feel like I will be done with the whole new 52 deal. I’ve covered, with this post, the first four issues of each book that remains on my keep list. Many of the first storylines will be wrapped up and unless an issue is extremely good or bad, as the case may be, I won’t be discussing it. I feel like that I haven’t written much about comics outside of the new 52 in a long time, and I don’t want to be pigeonholed into just reviewing those. This will give me more time to do Retrospectives, Countdowns, and actual reviews of non DC books. With that out of the way, away we go…

Action Comics
Morrison continues to hit this book out of the park, and our first big bad is finally revealed, and while his identity is not shocking, his appearance certainly is.
Brainiac looks like some sort of centipede like thing which is certainly something new. This book also re-introduced us to one of the more underrated heroes to come from the previous DC universe: Steel. Like Brainiac, his new appearance is a bit off, but since this does take place 5 years before now, it can be said that the costume could change. Its very Cyborg-y so that could be an interesting connection. Very anxious to see where this book goes next.

All Star Western
After an ending that gave us a break up of our two protagonists, Hex and Arkham are right back together on a completely different and strange quest. It plays out much liek the first issue, with the two learning to work together, and while I don't feel the same sense of urgency or danger as the last story arc, this one isn't too bad. The real problem with this issue is the backup story. We had a great story last time that had a dumb ending that seemed rushed. This story just seems boring and the art leaves a lot to be desired.

Animal Man
I actually don’t have words for this issue. I write stuff about this title every month, but nothing I say seems to really grasp what is actually happening on the pages. This book is just amazing. It’s funny, scary, heartwarming, disgusting, brutal, and philosophical. All in the same issue. Many times on the same page or two. For example:
The following page is not for the easily disturbed.
This is the very next page:
Next issue will end this story arc, but I can already say that this is in the top five comic series of the new 52.

Aquaman
This is one of those books that has surprised me in the New 52 as one of my favorites. This issue, like a lot of final issues in a story arc seems rushed in a lot of ways. We get a better understanding of the Trench, which is nice, but we also pretty much end them at the same time, which honestly seems realyl sad. Almost like an Old Yeller scenario. We save almost all the people that were taken, and have a happy ending, where Aquaman gets a little respect, and a dog. I hate when heroes get pets, because I know its just a matter of time before they will lose them... and I'm a wuss when it comes to animals dying. Even rushed, I still think this book is great and I'd certainly put it as one of the best of the relaunch.

Batgirl
Well, they can’t all be perfect. I’ve tried to be as patient and forgiving as I can with this title, but I think the wrap up of the Mirror storyline was just too weak. It also didn’t help that we got stuck with her roommate (who I hate, in case you missed those blogs) 1/3 of the issue. And the reveal at the end was just weak and does nothing for me to keep reading. DROPPED- case closed.

Batman
Another fantastic issue by Snyder. We resolve the cliffhanger from the previous issue in a style reminiscent of the Sherlock Holmes movies fight scenes, step-by-step explanation for events and how to get out of this particular threat. We also get some history and show why these Owls are such a big deal to Bruce. Its both a fascinating look at the character as well as heartbreaking to see and experience what Bruce did. I rank this title with Animal Man as one of the top titles around.

Batman: The Dark Knight
I just don't get the point of this book other than to bank on the names Batman and Dark Knight. Its the worst book featuring Batman it is always either wildly ridiculous and dumb, or incredibly predictable. For four full issues, we've been searching for who could be behind the serum that removes all fear, and I thought, from the beginning, it was Scarecrow. But the book kept saying "It's not Scarecrow... he's not smart enough for this... he wouldn't want to remove fear..." and then SUPRISE! its the Scarecrow. The book does do a few things well enough. It seems set on making Batman completely alone. In this issue, he is ignored by the Justice League, Gordon is pissed off with both Bruce and Batman, and all his Batfamily is busy cleaning up the escaped prisoner mess. Alfred's the only one left and he seems to be written like an old horndog. He tries though.
And I'm sure the questions being raised now... what's with the ice cream? I don't know. But I had to take a break after reading this scene with them...
They talk about ice cream for way too long. I literally thought for a moment that Freeze was behind this, the way Alfred pushes the ice cream. I have to keep reading just to see how much more ridiculous this book can be.

Batman and Robin
While not as good as the previous book, this title does a really good job of examining the relationship between a father and son. Opening with a slideshow of Batman’s “failures”- his rogue’s gallery, the whole concept revolves around convincing Damian that his father made a mistake by not killing these villains, and its hard to say whether the message is going through. The storyline wraps up, but we still face the concept that Bruce won’t ever truly trust Damien. Certainly not the best storyline, but still good regardless.

Batwing
I never really know how to take this book. Some things I love; some things I hate, and it all just comes out to Average. This storyline doesn’t show a sign of ending and I don’t really know how it could, but it spent this issue giving us a back story on our hero, and given his past, I am very surprised that Batman would back him, but who knows. Truth is, this thing is one bad issue from being dropped, and one great issue from being a part of my Keep list. For now, it just floats.

Batwoman
As always I have to comment on the beauty of this book. Williams just nails the art perfectly, and we barely notice a weak story. For example, we open on a character I have no interest in fighting what appears to be a Solomon Grundy-esque villain who calls her a bitch and a whore and guts her in a very gory way. As the fight progresses over the course of 6 pages, we are given random shots of lesbian sex featuring the title character. And the weird thing is… its completely tasteful in this comic. It really blows my mind what this thing can do. Just click and take a look:
I’m also a huge fan of the shadowy government character that’s been in the background of previous issues. Still cannot believe that Director Bones survived the 52 reboot.
Blue Beetle
Another month, another issue of Mexican Spider-man… I have to say that this title is growing on me, if only because I can see that it is something different from other books in the reboot. This book has been limping along on my keep list, but this issue featured a fight with a robot gorilla named Silverback and Plasmus, as well as a final page that shocked me. I’m hooked for another issue, at least.

Catwoman
Bad issue. Not much to say about it, except that it seems to be a filler issue and I’m not a huge fan of those. I’m going to have to read the next issue to be sure, but this might be getting dropped very soon.

DCU Presents
I have really enjoyed this comic, after the first issue, so far and this issue does not disappoint. But a comic about riding a roller coaster with the devil while pondering existence is hard to make suck. This storyline will be ending soon, and I will certainly miss this Deadman story.

Deathstroke
The biggest badass in comics continues his violent rampage through the mercenary world, but this issue had some key moments. Namely, we finally found out what was inside that mysterious case that’s been all the talk. And a character dies that I did not expect to die. This thing is balls to the wall action, and I don’t think its going to slow down anytime soon. Good stuff.

Demon Knights
Team books are tricky, especially when most of the team is virtually unknown, but somehow this book makes everything work. We get the back story on the most… unique member of the team, the Shining Knight. An explanation of his/her character really answered some questions, plus we finally got the name for this team, though we the readers have had it for some time now. For those who are not comic fans but love fantasy, I could not suggest a book more highly than this one.

Detective Comics
I have to say, this has been a really interesting story arc. The Dollmaker is certainly an odd villain and while I don’t expect him to live very long, he is certainly a great villain for this particular time and place. And of course the storyline wraps up with the image that everyone was discussing from week one- the Joker’s face, now framed in the evidence room

Firestorm
You ever read Iron Man in the late 80's... around the time of the Demon in a Bottle stories? All these different countries came out with their own Iron Man type suits and at the end of it all, only a couple, including Tony Stark's, were still around. That's a lot like this issue. Last issue, we met the All American Firestorm, and this issue we are introduced to the Russian one and the Arab terrorist (of course there's a Middle Eastern one...) version. This book has remained on probation for a while now. I feel liek I should drop it but I just can't yet.

Frankenstein
Another wrapped up storyline that is 1000x more insane than I ever thought it would be. What started as a lake that had monsters attacking has ended with giant war wheels and blowing up an entire planet full of monsters with the team escaping in a giant metal egg flown by a dry-witted mummy. Like I have said before about this book- shit happens, insanity ensues, world is saved. Another of my top picks of the new 52, but the art keeps it from being truly fantastic.

Green Lantern
Johns really does his level best to make this look like a story of Sinestro’s redemption, but for some reason, the characters in this issue seem really cardboard. Maybe this is another filler issue, but this is really disappointing. I do, however, have to admit that the awesomeness of Sinestro with a green ring does little to prove why Hal Jordan is the “best” Green Lantern.

Green Lantern Corps
I think this book is really getting in step finally. We know who/what these villains are and why they hate the Green Lanterns, but it’s the same kind of story we have heard before with the Guardians using a race as their slaves. I think Tomasi is getting the feel that John works well with a team and Guy Gardner should just be cut loose to do his own thing. Also, the surprise cameo from the DCU version of the Men in Black, Stormwatch, was great and answered the vital question about what everyone knows about a former Justice League staple. This book was definitely better than I expected and I look forward to more of this story.

Green Lantern: The New Guardians
Remember when Larleeze was a legitimate threat to everything because he was crazy, and while humorous, he was very dangerous and cruel? Well, this writer certainly does and he paints Agent Orange as the big bad we all saw before Blackest Night.

Kyle Rayner finally grows a pair and steps up in this comic which is something he's been needing to do for a while. First act as a real man:
Bitch-slapping the most revered Guardian. A few more Corps specific powers pop up and I thoroughly enjoy seeing the variation. Indigos can teleport, and Blues can tap into your mind and heal you, as well as boost any ring and not just Green ones as we previously saw. This book was hands down the best GL title of the month.

Justice League
Speaking of team books that know exactly what to do with their characters, this book definitely nails it. Our cast finally comes together and Aquaman gets a spotlight for being awesome, since Johns loves him.
Definitely puts a middle on all those “What can you do?” questions he gets. We also get our first look at the big villain for the story arc, and while its no surprise, it is nice to see a decent costume change.
And yes, I threw the reaction bit in there for a laugh. Overall, this is a fantastic series and is definitely in my top books with Animal Man and Batman.

Justice League Dark
This all brings me back to the horrors of reading Flashpoint's Secret Seven. All the same characters and I could not care less about any of them... except John Constantine and Deadman. I'm reading this still, only because I think this book will be the key to the previous DC Universe which may or may not be making an appearance now that the Hooded Lady, named Pandora, has been fleshed out a bit more.

Justice League International
This issue serves as a villain spotlight that shows the reader the intentions and power of Peraxxis. Honestly, it seems kinda dumb. Plus, this story has done NOTHING to make readers believe in the competency of the team. They keep losing. Issue one, they lost to giant robots. Issue two, they lost to four giant robots. Issue three, they lost to mud creatures. And now they are 0-4. Maybe the final issue of the arc will ease this concern when they win, but it’s been a hard road so far. The only highlight is getting really great characterizations of the team. A fun book, but it really doesn’t do much for me right now.

Nightwing
There’s a shapeshifter fight. There really isn’t much more I can say about it than that. Batgirl shows up and basically apologizes for being a bitch back in the last issue of Batgirl, and then cockblocks Dick with his current girlfriend. And all this happens around Miami. I’m trying so hard to like this book, but it is really losing my patience.

OMAC
This book seems like its entire existence is to remind us that Jack Kirby is not only dead, but also irreplaceable. It’s not a terrible book by any means, but I do feel like it’s trying too hard, but maybe that’s just Didio’s style. But this book is fun and I think that’s what matters. Also this book has Technogators. I will repeat that… Techno-gators.
This book also surprised me as one of the first to crossover into another series, as the next issue of each book will be a battle between OMAC and Frankenstein. So, fun book that links to another favorite book of mine- good enough for me. Before I forget, does anyone have any idea where I can get this shirt?
Red Hood and the Outlaws
Given the bashing this book got in week one, I have been very impressed with what they have done with it thus far. Starfire finally is getting humanized, and Jason Todd is getting to showcase his abilities outside of the Bat’s shadow. And Roy? Well, here’s the thing:
That “Waylon,” I’m pretty sure is Killer Croc, who, as we learned from the last issue, told Roy to get his shit together (feel free to check last month’s issue review). Still hate that kid though. Anyway, Starfire fights a huge reptile creature and the boys fight a ladycop who is immortal. So, you can safely assume all those stops have indeed pulled out.

Once again, we have a pretty fun book, with weak art, that is highly entertaining.

Red Lantern
This book was kinda boring honestly. We get some backstory on a couple of the Red Lanterns, but neither story is really interesting and I’m certainly not captivated by the story of the angry humans on Earth which have no bearing on the story so far. This is another probable drop for me.

Stormwatch
I have no idea what happens in this comic. Seriously. There’s a fight. Then the big bad monster gets destroyed. Nothing is explained. Martian Manhunter’s cameo in GLC made more sense than the entirety of this comic. And surprisingly, I’m a big fan still. I’m complicated.

Suicide Squad
Another knockout issue but it kinda sucked to see Capt. Boomerang leave after only half an issue, but besides that, its pretty nice. I think I have said time after time after time about Harley’s look and Deadshot’s missing ‘stache, so there isn’t much left to complain about. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it is easily one of the biggest surprises of the new 52.

Superman
This issue was so bad, I may drop it. The art looks really rushed, the characters are incredibly cardboard, and the plot is so convoluted that its almost unreadable. One more issue like this, and this book sinks to the DROP list.

Swamp Thing
The partner book to Animal Man just didn’t match up this issue. Maybe it’s the fact that we get another back story/filler issue after getting another issue with a lot of the same information back in the second issue. Just not a winner this time.

Teen Titans
This book never ceases to surprise me with how good it is with such horrible art. I hate Superboy in his series, but even as a quasi-villain, he is really likeable in this book. The only character who isn't fleshed out yet is Solstice, but I feel like it will come soon. The team really works here and I am a big fan. The art holds it back from being in the top five, but its close.

Darkwing Duck/ DuckTales Finale

"Dangerous Currency"

So, the day has come that Disney's BOOM titles have come to an end, and to be honest, I'm pretty heartbroken over the situation. BUT there are rumors running that Marvel is considering continuing Disney titles which makes my life a bit better. But enough on that- that's get to what is important- the 4 part crossover event.

The story begins by pointing out that Quackwerks, the primary business in St. Canard and office of Launchpad McQuack is owned by a little known guy in Duckburg by the name of Scrooge McDuck. We begin two hors before things get insane, as McDuck and his three nephews and niece head to see Launchpad. Meanwhile, a lone duck, who looks haggard and worn down is runnign through the darkness, trying to reach Launchpad before its too late. As both of these events take place, Scrooge explains that the reason everyone is in danger is because Fenton Crackshell, the best accountant in the world, cannot be found. No surprise that the mysterious and desperate duck running is indeed Fenton, now arriving at the home of Drake Mallard, aka Darkwing. As Fenton is raving about what "lies below," Scrooge arrives at the house to attack Launchpad for screwing up his company, but stops short when he sees Fenton. It gets dark very fast putside and everything begins to become evil and inky- just like the substance that they have been dealign with for the past few issues. Fenton screams out that no matter what, don't let the slime touch you, just as the floor swallows him whole. Scrooge and Launchpad go back and forth about what will they do now that Gizmoduck is gone. Also, Drake learns that Fenton is Gizmoduck. A fact that apparently everyone but him was aware of. Scrooge then harps on the fact that Drake is useless for about five minutes before he finally comes out that he is really Darkwing Duck, which takes Scrooge another 5 minutes to get over. Meanwhile, the League of Eve-il (Yeah, dumb name, I know), comprised of Magica Despell, Amonia Pine, Cinnamon Teal, and Camille Chameleon, is putting plans into motion destroy both Duck cities. Back in St. Canard, Gyro Gearloose, Scrooge's inventions guy, is working on a way to beat the evil substance. Gosalyn reveals to everyone what she's been hiding- the Gizmoduck armor, and while Scrooge is annoyed that Fenton lost the armor to a little girl, he quickly bonds with Gos. Gyro and Honker fix the suit up for Fenton, so that instead of him saying his catchphrase and the armor coming to him, he will be teleported to the armor now. Before the process can go through, the Beagle Boys and Megavolt arrive to steal the armor. Gyro and Honker get taken out while Darkwing goes up against Megavolt. The Beagle Boys however, forgot the first rule of the shows- watch the kids. Scrooge's kids and Gos take out most of the Beagle Boys with grappling hooks and assorted rope. Darkwing and Megavolt continue fighting, and just as Darkwing gets the upper hand, the villains all get a call to "get dirty," which is code for "Put the ink on you." The heroes are mystified why there are covering themselves with the stuff until the changes happen. Megavolt turns into a complete powerhouse, who makes his own energy instead of having to steal voltage, and the Beagle Boys turn into one giant body with five heads and four arms. With these changes the villains easily steal the Gizmo suit and head to the hideout where a trap is being set for the heroes who follow. As the heroes look onward, they see that St. Canard itself has turned into a monster. While the ramifications of a whole city turning evil are discussed, Scrooge sneaks off to contact "Agent 44," who is a mystery to us currently, to tell him "This is worse than we thought." End of Part 1.

Part 2 picks up exactly where the last left off. Scrooge forms a plan on how they will take on Magica, who is holed up in the Quackwerks building. He, Darkwing, and Gyro will sneak in, while Launchpad and the kids are told to stay there and research the slime as much as possible. Darkwing is annoyed that he's being pushed around in his own city, but goes along with Scrooge's plan, but he knows how they will sneak in. A panel later, after the three of them have crashed though the penthouse window, Scrooge and Darkwing fight over the meaning of subtlety. Finding a box labeled "SECRET PLANS," Darkwing opens it to find this:

A moment later, the sprinklers activate and cover the room with the slime, just as the three heroes duck under a table for cover. Once it stops, they look out to see that Quackerjack is not only alive again, but is now a jack-in-the-box tank creature. Its pretty nightmarish really. Liquidator shows up as well, and he looks the same except being bigger and having cannon arms that shoot scalding hot water and freezing cold water. Also, Megavolt's there. As this fight ensues, we follow Launchpad and the kids as they walked the transformed streets, being attacked by all sorts of things, including a lamp post which Gos makes quick work of:

All the boys comment on how cool and cute Gos is. It gets a little awkward, but that's quickly cut away from as we catch up with Scrooge, Gyro, and Darkwing as they escape the building to the vine covered outer walls and windows. Although they try and climb, they are tangled in the vines by Bushroot who is apparently more powerful, but its never really explained. Darkwing shoots him in the face with a gas gun and the three manage to escape. Meanwhile, the kids are in a cave, following the slime and find a whole lake of it. The four boys, in a n effort to impress Gos try and reach in to get a sample, but they all accidentally fall in, leaving Webby and Gos with Launchpad. Scrooge, Gyro and Darkwing hide out in the most boring un-evil place in the Quackwerks building: Darkwing's old office before he started crimefighting again. Darkwing and Scrooge argue the cost and benefit of working a job to support your loved ones, and I really enjoyed how real this gets for a second. Scrooge gets a bad rap at times for his stinginess, but he shows some genuine care, and honestly some humility as he acknowledges that he won't be around for much longer. Its kinda sad. The moment is killed quickly as they hear someone calling for help. They find Gizmoduck chained up, but before they can free him, all the villians- The Big Beagle Boy, Quackerjack, Bushroot, Megavolt, Liquidator, the League of Eve-il, and the Phantom Blot- arrive and cover the floor with slime. The three heroes quickly jump to safety on some furniture, but they can't save Gizmoduck... so this nightmare is shown:

The heroes are almost taken out and Gyro nearly falls in, but is saved by Darkwing, as Scrooge calls the mysterious Agent 44 to initiate Operation: Motherlode. While they fend off the crazed Gizmoduck, the four Darkwing villains are annoyed that they can't be the ones to take on Darkwing and that the Blot is only out for himself, despite using other people's power, which reminds them of someone else they know... (foreshadowing). The Eve-il group is also annoyed that a man is taking the lead. Darkwing is grabbed and about to be eaten by Gizmoduck, when something falls out of the sky landing on Gizmo's head: a grumpy woman, on a couch, in curlers and watching television. Its Mrs. Crackshell, Fenton's mother. She berates him for a couple pages and he snaps out of the evil mode, and apologizes. The Blot gets pissed and goes to plan B: Sending in the supervillains:

Gizmoduck manages to fight them off and get Scrooge, Darkwing, Gyro, and his mother out to safety, only to find that the city is being terrorized by giant monster versions of the boys. End of Part two.

Part three picks right up, as Darkwing rescues the girls from the now evil monster boys and finds Launchpad and they all escape to Duckburg. Magica plans on taking the fight to Scrooge so that she can get a hold of his number 1 dime, which is apparently magic, and the Phantom Blot questions his purpose in this story as well as in life, a piece of foreshadowing again. Gyro manages to whip up an antidote to the slime just as the Duckburg police report sightings of "giant monsters that look strangely like Scrooge McDuck's nephews, and another bespectacled boy that we are, as yet, unfamilar with." Gotta love over analytic news reports... So the police are no match for the creatues, which I just figured out why they took these forms. Huey is the dragon from Sleeping Beauty, Dewey is teh whale from Pinnochio, Louie is the devil creature from Fantasia, and Honker is the Giant from Footloose and Fancy Free.

The boys are quickly dispatched with the antidote given from each of the adult heroes, including Scrooge and his classic Pogo stick cane that make the NES game awesome. The boys apologize profusely to everyone except Gizmoduck who they go off on because he wasn't around and could have prevented all this. Valid point I suppose. So, Gizmo recounts how he, Fenton Crackshell ended up trapped with Magica for a year, projecting the scenes without even realizing it. The suit, still slime enhanced has gotten a lot more weapons and presents a slideshow of Magica's plans, including her noting that she hates Negaduck, wants women to rule the world, is using some evil to control Phantom Blot, and plans to cover the world witht he slime. Everyone ponders if this is truly the end of the world while Scrooge once again calls Agent 44 to explain Magica's plans. Everyone turns to Darkwing for guidance, and for the firt time since the first story arc we get the signature catchphrase:

As much as I enjoy that line, the story takes a quick turn towards kind of sad and foreshadowing as Scrooge and Darkwing debate the issues of having kids around for these kinds of adventures.

The team begins to argue over where all these villains will strike first, and for Scrooge the answer is obvious- the money bin. Gyro takes Darkwing's gun to try and do some upgrades, while we check in on the villains. Magica drops Darkwing's rogues off in the city to wreck havoc, but they are quickly taken out with Darkwing's new antitdote gun that Gyro built. Darkwing is hailed by the radio as the greatest hero that Duckburg has ever seen, which is a storyline I'd like to see happen- kinda of a trading places type gig. Scrooge gets a tingle in his hands and knows that his money bin is in danger and gets there just in time to see the bin come to life and go on a rampage. Gyro hits the bin with a beam that will reveal the origins of the slime, and a portal opens in the sky, turning everything to black, and revealing the true culprit behind the whole thing: Negaduck... with Morgana, Darkwing's missing girlfriend, who looks liek she's been beat up pretty bad. Part 3 end.

Think the Gizmoduck/Christ imagery is too heavy handed here? Well, its ok... he doesn't really factor in to this story much. Negaduck tries to take down Darkwing and Launchpad's plane, but nobody crashes Launchpad's planes, but Launchpad, so he does a force crash, saving everyone inside. Negaduck uses his slime on Darkwing to show how all of this came to be. After being split into so many parts at the end of the Crisis on Infinite Darkwings storyline, his parts decsended so deep into the earth that, if this was anything but Disney, would be called Hell. After Morgana gave her life to save the world from Duckthulu, she was sent to the same place, where Negaduck siphoned her magic to bring himself back, piece by piece, which is what the slime is. Morgana however put a failsafe on her magic, that for Negaduck to come back fully, he would need Darkwing's permission. No surprise that Negaduck is dangling Morgana in front of Darkwing, that for her to come back, Negaduck would have to come with. Like all great heroes, Darkwing only has one choice:

Negaduck attempts to leave, but the slime takes his body over and he becomes an enormous prison, full of ink cells, holding Webby and Gos, Phantom Blot, The Big Beagle Boy, Gizmoduck, Huey, Duey, Louie, and Honker, and Scrooge, and the League of Eve-il, and Magica herself- each in their own cells. Negaduck's first order of business is to tell the Phantom Blot what Magica did to him, which does not go over well. While the Phantom Blot is going nuts, Scrooge calls Agent 44 one last time, tellign him that he knows what to do now, and we finally find out who he is:

Honestly, I was surprised. Did not expect him to show up. But what can Donald do? Tell people to fight back. Cue this "Who's that?" of DuckTales:

Back to our heroes, all of the citizens fighting back is making Negaduck weak so the Phantom Blot proposes a team-up, and includes Magica in the plan. All the villains join together to form something truly evil, use the reference of your choice for how this works... anything works really.

Scrooge realizes though, as the new ultra ink creature attacks, that the ink isn't as pure anymore, so its no longer transforming people when it touches them. Darkwing and the gang begin attacking all the different villains inhabiting the slime, and Morgana tells Darkwing about her trump card: She put a spell on Negaduck, so that if he ever feels sorrowful or that he's made a mistake, his powers will cease and he will return to the other dimension. Darkwing realizes this quickly and gives Negaduck the friendship speech, stating that because Negaduck never lets himself have friends, his life doesn't really matter. The realization causes him to doubt his evil plans for just long enough for the portal to reopen, taking with him those that had bonded with him- the Beagle Boys, The League of Eve-il, Magica, and the Phantom Blot- and the portal closes behind them. Later, the heroes all gather for a meal, to be served in Duckburg and then dessert will be served in St. Canard. Everyone comments on the teamwork that made this all possible and there is an implication that Scrooge will retire now that his only real villains are no more. And the two shake hands and the story ends. Its a bit anticlimatic, but I think its fitting. I don't think it ended the way Brill planned, since the series had to come to an early end, but I think it works well enough overall.
VERDICT: A. Like this is going to come as a surprise... The storyline was strong in all the ways it needed to be as a final storyline. I would have wanted a bit more, but honestly, I'm happy with what we ended up with, and I can only hope that Darkwing finds a home with Marvel. I know if you aren't reading it already, you probably won't now... but I implore you to get the first trade at least... it is fantastic.

New 52 Round 2, Week 3-4

I'm not sure how this happened again and I got way behind again, but I'm trying to catch up. Last time I looked at these two weeks, I dropped Birds of Prey, Captain Atom, Legion of Superheroes, Supergirl, and Blackhawks. I actually gave Supergirl a second look based on the idea that her vs. Superman might be interesting... it wasn't. I also said that The Dark Knight was dropped and I gave it a second look... While it wasn't good in the least, I feel its the train wreck book that I'm going to follow. This week, I drop several books so let's see who makes the cut...

Batman 2

For me, this continues to be a standout book and it comes as no surprise since Snyder is at the helm. I'm not sure how this connects to Nightwing's storyline, but it seems to feature him pretty prominently. The interaction between Bruce and Dick is really great. Like old friends more than estranged family. When Dick is accused of murder, he takes Dick’s explanation at face value, which makes it seem like a trust moment where he’s cool because they’re family… only we find out that Bruce is a bit of a cock (calling him a dick in presence of Dick doesn’t sound right) and didn’t trust him all that much after all. Dick, used to all of this, plays it off like it’s the usual Bruce thing, but even Bruce seems a little disappointed in himself:
Anxious to see where this whole Court of Owls bit is going, but I'm hooked.

Verdict: A. Solid book that I can easily say is in my top 5 books of the reboot.

Blue Beetle 2

Really, there isn't much to say about this book in a good or bad sense. It gets the "guy with brand new powers" gig down really well, but it also should come with some Spanish to English translations. I get the concept of having a level of diversity in the new DCU, but I know maybe 10 Spanish words, and although I see 5 of them used and I can use context clues... I'm still lost for bits of this.

Verdict: C+. Just being average is fine sometimes, but this series needs to pick itself up if it wants to keep me reading. Series is still on probation.

Catwoman 2

For me, this is really a mixed book as well. I really hated the post-coital conversation between Batman and her, but when the two run into each other as Bruce and Selina at a party later, I loved their rapport. The series is really strong, playing Selina as a mastermind who has gang members kill each other so she doesn't get her hands dirty, and there is swashbuckling abound. The problem comes at the end, when Selina's friend and confidant- a strong, non Bat-family supporting character, gets executed so that we can meet the villain of this arc- an Outsider knockoff known as Bone.

Verdict: B-. I almost dropped this thing after that ending, but I honestly think that I need to ride this story out a little longer, so it will maintain probationary status.

DCU Presents 2

Probably the biggest jump in styles from the last issue to now, this book is infinitely better this issue. Its no longer about the mere possession of people and helping them, and more about demon nightclubs and fighting monsters. We left Boston in the body of an amputee war vet who is playing a game of chicken with a servant of Rama Kushna. She helps Boston get some understanding of his role, but its not enough, so after getting the guy hooked up with a pretty girl in a bar, Boston ditches the body and heads to the Moonstone Club, which is guarded by some serious anti-magic security. After bodyhopping, we find out that the Librarian is the one that he's looking for, but getting to her will be hard since most of the creatures in the club can sense his presence. Cue this scene:
If I ever fight a blind person, I will use that line. You have my word. Going deeper into the building he ends up in the actual nightclub area filled with all sorts of monsters and since they can all see him, he does what comes naturally:
As they say, dying is easy- comedy is hard. Boston possesses a big zombie type monster and goes to see the Librarian- an old woman who is actually a lesser fallen angel charged with keeping tabs on every living and some dead creatures. Boston finally forces her to find his book, and as much as he wants to read it, he cant for a few reasons: its in braille AND Aramaic, and the book is one in a thousand volumes, all linked to other people's stories. And you probably shouldn't ask this woman how anything ends... she kinda sucks about revealing spoilers:
Verdict: B+. This is a really solid book that I am eager to keep reading. Despite having a major downer cliffhanger, its all good because I got to see a ghost do standup.

Green Lantern Corps 2

Last issue, we saw an entire planet and two GL's get decimated by some mysterious and invisible assassins. This one picks up with our team finding the bodies. There are seven Corps members: Guy, John, Isamot Kol, Hannu, Sherrif, Vandor,and a female Lantern. I tried to their name, but I couldn't find much. Isamot is very caring about the Lanterns who were killed as the three of them went through training together, and demands that they take the bodies to Oa for proper burial. We jump to another planet where the trees are being sucked up by the same force. Luckily, the Corps is in the area and our team goes to help the planet. Isamot loses it when he catches sight of the attacking force, and blows up their power core, and while he saves the planet, he then disapears into this black void where he gets attacked. Back on the planet, the team interrogates the enemy and they claim that now that they have everything they need, the real plan can begin. A portal opens up above and Isamots body, without arms or legs falls to the ground. Luckily, he's still alive because he put his rin on his long reptile tongue and we are assured he will grow his limbs back... if they can survive the onslaught of hundreds of soldiers pouring out of the same portal.

Verdict: B-. While I love this series, this was not one of the better issues. I still can't really wrap my mind around the bad guys here, so I will hope it gets better with time and give this issue a pass.

Justice League 2

It doesn't feel like its been almost two months since this first issue came out, but here we are. This thing is really a far stronger issue than the first one, giving us a hero vs. hero fight between a Superman too raw in the game to show restraint and a Green Lantern too stubborn to know when to fall back. I kind of want to see Green Lantern try to take another shot at Superman somewhere down the line. I love the idea that he’s pissy over not being king shit in the DCU. The makeshift team feels pretty organic so far, so it’s going to be interesting to see how Wonder Woman and Aquaman round things out. The very discussion between Vic Stone and his father about how worthless human sports are in the coming days of supermen has me very curious on how Johns is going to define this version of Cyborg, now that Vic Stone has been virtually destroyed by the coming Parademons. I have a feeling he’s going to be very similar to Captain America, tethered to his humanity despite his heightened status. We also get a look at the Flash here, and I have to say that this Flash is above and beyond better written here than his title role book. And I like that Barry and Hal already have a connection as heroes and friends, so that Hal can just hit Barry up on the cell, and he'll come running. I'm not a huge fan of how Batman tries to referee this fight, but it makes sense that he would be more sensible than the three warring heroes. Fun interaction:
Verdict: A. Another solid week for this series helmed by two of the most powerful people in the DC company. This is the New 52's spearhead for a reason and this book is just fantastic. Also in my top five books of the relaunch.

Nightwing 2

So the title of this issue is "Saiko Killer" and naming your book and antagonist after the catchiest of Talking Heads songs is a good way to get into my graces. While not very developed yet, I do like Saiko’s design and he has the makings of a strong rogue. The comic is pretty much split into two things. Nightwing vs. Saiko acts as the bread of the sandwich and it’s pretty damn cool. The middle half of it is exposition development that appears to be for shaping the series’ status quo. That is, if Dick Grayson owning the Haley circus, adn the circus itself, lasts longer than six issues. It could be a good way to differ this series from Bruce’s books and give it its own identity outside of the smug street fighting and acrobatics. It still hasn’t hit its stride as much as I’d like, but I’m confident in what’s been given to us so far.

Red Hood and the Outlaws 2

Two issues in and I still don't know how to feel about this issue. On one hand, its getting a lot of undeserved bad press for the way the series has treated Starfire, but I feel that its a new take on a character and I'm trying to keep my mind open about the series as best I can. On the other hand, this thing is really doing Jason Todd justice, but it makes the tagalong couple of Roy and Starfire look really unnecessary. And unnecessary in this comic translates as annoying. I like the Ra's al Ghul backstory and the fact that Jason, while he has no problem killing, has a certain honor and code about what he's doing and what was done to him.

Verdict: C. I can't drop this thing, but I rarely look forward to reading it, so I gues that keeps it on probation for a bit longer.

Wonder Woman 2
There really isn't much to say on this book. Its very fast paced and we don't spend hardly anytime with our title character, but that's true of all the characters. Everything seems to be going too fast and no one gets much of an inspection. We have always gotten the origin that Diana was formed in the sand and clay by her mother, and then given life, but the way this comic is going, it looks like Zeus is going to turn out to be her father. Certainly an intersting possibility.

Verdict: C+. Its not great or all that enticing, but I feel like there's a good story here. I will keep reading with the hopes it gets better.

All Star Western 2

While this entry is certainly a lot more action packed than the first issue, it kinda feels flat overall. We spend a lot more time with action shots than getting some of the Hex/Arkham buddy cop moments. The biggest problem for me is the art here makes almost everyone look the same. No one looks normal in the whole issue. I'm all for gritty, but I think there's a limit to everything.

Verdict: C+. Its not a bad comic, but I don't think its even remotely as good as the first issue. I'm sticking for a while.

Aquaman 2

Again, we have an issue that just doesn't match up to its predecessor. We have some pirahna creatures that are new to everyone in the story and go on a murder spree, but at no point do you ever feel a level of danger or concern for any of the characters. We get a little time with Arthur and Mera as they talk about his childhood and how his father never wanted him to be around water. The fun character moments are killed quickly so that Arthur can fight the evil and hungry sea creatures.

Verdict: C. Another issue that's weaker and gets a lower grade. This just isn't a good week, to be honest, and we are just gettign started.

Batman: The Dark Knight 2

Oh Lord... where can I begin with this book? A bunch of villains have gotten hopped up on some Venom mixed with something that reduces fear (wink, wink towards the probable villain here). Despite the cover seeming very serious about this Two Face fight, its over in the first few pages, because Dent's eyes just begin to bleed like crazy. Batman is far more focused on tracking down who this White Rabbit is and puts Alfred on the case:
Apparently, all over town there are reports of hopped up villains destroying Gotham. Batgirl tries to stop Zsasz, the Birds of Prey are attacked by Clock King, Batwoman faces off with the Cavalier, and Robin and Nightwing team up to take on...
Yes, the Ventriloquist (who is apparently back from the dead in the reboot). This all seems kind of fun overall, but the dialogue is so choppy that its a pain to read. Naturally, our Rabbit shows up again and Batman chases her onto a subway car where he has to deal with some Joker thugs, and discovers someone killed some of the thugs before he got there. Bruce continues to chase the rabbit until he reaches the last car and we are treated to something that almost made me burn the issue on the spot.
Oh cool, I also played Arkham Asylum. This is just awful. One of the most famous lines from one of the best superheroes of all time and this is how it gets used. Its an absolute abomination.

Verdict: D-. Much like a train wreck or car accident, you can't really look away from this book, and as enraged as I am by how bad this thing is, its at least eliciting an emotion and this was a tough week to accomplish that goal. Against my own better judgement, I'm going to keep going.

The Flash 2

This kinda leads right into this issue of Flash for a reason. This thing is beyond boring. Like... I was so bored by it as I reread it for the review, I actually left halfway to get a soda so I wouldn't fall asleep. We get one great page where Barry can see and feel everything in the city at once, using his brain at Flash speeds, but its instantly killed so we can get some backstory on a friend of Barry's that was in the military... cloning... power outage. Damn, almost went to sleep again. This thing is beyond slow and betrays the title in a pretty atrocious way.

Verdict: D-. I really tried to give this comic a chance but I'm not going to waste time on a comic that is this uninteresting. I was going to put this one on probation because I don't want to abandon the character, but I think Justice League has this guy covered. DROPPED.

The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men 2

To be honest, I don't even remember much of this issue. There's a big fight between Fury and the assassins, and finally the two guys seperate themselves back out and talk with Tonya about how they can't ever go back home. Sure enough, cops and government agents are each going to their respective houses looking for them and tellign their parents that they all were involved in some deep cover terrorist plot that involved killing teachers, students, and blowing up the school. Meanwhile, the teens are stirred awake by some mercenaries known as the Hyena team, and they might be the single most annoying team I have ever had the displeasure of reading. They are apparently tweakers of Joker venom and constantly giggle at the end of every sentence. The two Firestorms are so uncoordinated since they just got their powers that they just trip over themselves and get guns to their heads. End of issue.

Verdict: C. I've said this a few times- its fine as an issue, but it just ends up as a flash-in-the-pan. I like the Firestorm system we had coming from Brightest Day, but this reboot version just doesn't compare. It's still on probtion because I don't want to give up on Gail Simone, but my patience is running out.

Green Lantern: New Guardians 2

Times Square gets a free-for-all from members from 5 of the seven Corps. Kyle Rayner has rings of the other six lights wanting to be on his fingers, something he doesn't want, but Munk of the Indigos, Fatility of the Star Sapphires, Bleez of the Red Lanterns, and Arkillo of the Sinestro Corps think he's stolen the rings. Arkillo and Kyle fight in the subway while Fatality fights and imprisons Bleez above ground. Munk just watches and tries to take out Fatality when the moment arises. Just as Kyle is about to fight Fatality, his ring begins to power up far beyond normal which can only mean that a Blue Lantern is nearby. Saint Walker arrives to get Kyle out of there and take him to Ganthet on Oa. Walker brings up a very intersting point on the way- that there is only one Orange ring, and if it is with Kyle now, where is Larfleeze? Walker doesn't travel to Oa, as he is banned from the planet, but wishes Kyle well, as he heads to the Guardian's council hall. To his dismay, gantet has been lobotomized and his emotions have been removed. The Guardians see the rings and lose it trying to capture them and imprison Kyle. The rings sense danger and go onto Kyle's fingers, transforming him into the Gray Lantern.

Verdict: B-. I was a big fan of the Blackest Night and Brightest Day books becuase it gave us a steady look at the various Corps and their members,a dn I feel like this book is trying to keep that feeling intact. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of this group as I was the last set of Guardians, but I think this book has potential.

I, Vampire 2

This was somehow more boring than the Flash... the previous issue had so much potential. It was a story about two vampire characters that have different viewpoints on humans and how they used to be friends and lovers with each other. The issue ends with Mary, the antagonist telling that she had sent vampires out to kill all the humans they could. This issue is a story about the same two characters that have the same different viewpoints on humans and how they used to be friends and incredible lovers together. This issue ends with Mary, the antagonist telling the audience herself, that she had sent vampires out to kill all the humans they could. You see my problem? Its the same freakin' book, just from her perspective. Which is actually the same perspective she had when she spoke in the last isssue... this thing was just bad.

Verdict: D-. Shame on you Fialkov for making me reread the same issue twice with only some action scenes thrown in. I thought about putting this on probation, but I would rather not- DROPPED.

Justice League Dark

This issue should have been titled: Deadman Needs to get Laid. Why, you ask? I'll explain in a moment. We open on Zatanna getting attacked by shadow creatures, and barely survives by encasing herself in a protection bubble. Meanwhile Constantine gets the crap beat out of him so he can use the pain to get stronger and use magic. The focus of the issue however is on Deadman and Dove. Boston keeps taking people's bodies over so he can physically be with Dove. She gets mad at him and tells him she won't sleep with a man that's not him. The possessed guy's wife comes in and assaults her husband for macking on Dove and Deadman tries to fix the situation while Dove goes home. He leaves the body and follows her home, just in time for a blonde woman- June Moone- to arrive. She's an avatar of the Enchantress, and she's come to Deadman for help. By possessing her, she wants Enchantress out of her mind. Deadman goes to work, while Dove goes outside and cries. Still possessing the girl's body, Boston goes to comfort Dawn and attempts to hit on her. Dove slaps him/her and leaves. Now free of Deadman, June warns Deadman that he's in danger because he helped her. That's pretty much it.

Verdict: B-. I know there's a lot of story to try and get through here, but man... this thing just seems kinda dead in the water. Like Deadman's sex life. OOOOOhhhhh!!!!!! But seriously, I'm kinda getting bored and I need more Constantine soon. Probationary status.

The Savage Hawkman 2

Art is important to a comic, but it shouldn't be all that a comic is. This comic has a story where a bird/Egyptian/alien based hero fights the demon from A Night on Terror Mountain, and for some reason, its seriously the worst written thing. The art is beautiful and there are some shots here that I honestly would put above my bed as a poster, but the writing is so awful and carboard that I'm bored to death. Teh bad guy escapes and joins with other evil aliens, and as much as I'd like learn more about them and what the plan is, I can't read anymore of this. I may pick up the next issue and look at the pictures, but the writings just not worth it.

Verdict: D. It doesn't fail because of how beautiful this thing is, but seriously, this writing is garbage. No question that its DROPPED.

Superman 2

This issue feels more like an episode of the aniamted series, rather than a comic. Maybe its because of teh one-shot villain status, but it feels good for the same reason it feels bad. Superman can't see a creature that is attacking him so he is getting beat down, but Lois manages to resuce him by keeping her video cameras pointed towards the creature so that Superman can use those images to fight the creature. Naturally, the cover lied and he was actually beatable. Its an action focused issue and doesn't offer much more than that, besides Lois further cementing Clark into the friend zone he desperately wants to escape.

Verdict: B. Its not good, but its nowhere near bad and that's good enough for me really. This week has kinda sucked overall, and its weird to say that this was actually one of the stronger issues this week.

Teen Titans 2

So, its not the "Tim Drake is a badass" story like we got last month, but its a pretty solid issue. We open on Kid Flash talking to a person named Donny through a cell wall, while Bart thinks over what he should call himself now that Kid Flash has so much stigma. From there, we go to Cassie and Tim who try and have dinner, but Cassie is constantly going off on Tim for no viable reason. He seems to dig it since he openly checks her out, and after she gives him her couch to sleep on, we get this.

Much of the focus is on tracking down a bug creature in LA that is attacking people in the sewer. Tim figures out what she is and tracks down the thing's human sister. Turns out, NOWHERE is also looking for the creature and has sent someone to catch it. The merc here is kinda cool because he constantly refers to himself as we, which made me think we might see a teen Two-Face type thing, but the actual thing was kinda cool too.
Tim fights these guys off and apparently the third brother gets attacked by the bug creature, Skitter. After taking out the teleporting mercs, the bug turns on Tim, but Cassie flies in and saves him, then leaves, leaving Tim to carry Skitter out to safety. Meanwhile, Bart has gotten a chance to escape, and although this Donny he was talking to has disapeared, he find's a door marked Solstice with this inside:

Not really sure what or who that is... but its kinda creepifying.

Verdict: B+. Solid issue and I look forward to reading more, but I kinda feel that I will lose interest once Superboy enters the picture. Good ride til' then I suppose.

Voodoo 2

Softcore Porn: the Comic (like the cover didn't say enough already) just put me off really. We open on Voodoo, still in the body of the FBI agent she killed, having sex with the guy's female partner. Eventually, she finds out that her partner died in the strip club and tries to take down Voodoo, but is unable to, and instead of killing the agent, Voodoo just leaves her be and leaves for a diner where she starts freaking out because a Green Lantern (Kyle) is nearby. And to answer the horndog question- yes, the straight/lesbian/alien sex takes up more than half of the issue. Its just beyond bad.

Verdict: D. I gave this thing a pass last time. I can't in all good conscience do that this go round. Its a hot mess, and as much as I love a half naked attractive woman, I don't see the point in what's happening with this comic. DROPPED.

Well, that does it for the month of October. Round 3 is coming up and if you're wondering about the score, check in with the Keeping Score post.