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.

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.

New 52 Round 2, Week 2

For those keeping up, we are now in the second round for this week. We dropped Resurrection Man and Legion Lost last time, and this time, despite giving us two new series, we will drop two more books from this week's list as well.

Batgirl 2

I really don't have anything that negative or positive to say about Batgirl's sophmore issue. Its honestly 20 pages of Barbara Gordon asking herself if she's really superhero material anymore. The Mirror's identity has been deduced as an Army officer whose family died in a car crash and he was saved from the wreckage so he has survivor's guilt. Batgirl gets a hold of the list long enough to see that she is on the list in both her identities, which is of course upsetting to her. Though I'm not nearly as upset as this character:

I'm still clueless as to what an (old?) cowboy woman is doing in Gotham driving cabs, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at anything anymore. We also get to meet the physical therapist "responsible" for her miraculous recovery, who she is now dating, as well as seeing her roomate, who I'm still praying gets killed very quickly. Overall, pretty basic and boring.

Verdict: C+. Its not bad at all, but its nowhere near great, so that leaves us with something average. I'm going to keep this one on probation for another month

Batman and Robin 2

The perils of raising a dangerous son continue with this issue. We open to Bruce and Alfred discussing how impressive Damien's skills are, and Alfred encouraging Bruce to show some appreciation and tell Damien that he's proud of him, but Bruce just can't get to that point. Some low time hoods are captured when the Dynamic Duo goes on patrol, but the crooks are subsequently killed by NoBody. After the night of crimefighting, Bruce says that Damien's activities were commendable, but nothing more, and goes to bed... and we get this:

Yeah... that kid might need some help. Alred witnesses his cruelty to the bats and just sighs. The next day, Bruce is buying a dog, named Ace appropriately, for "security" but I think it has more to do with giving Damien a friend. A black guy shows up and we are quickly shown that this guy is NoBody, and Bruce already knows him. The guy is an acolyte of Henri Ducard, a former trainer of Bruce's, and he promises the usual, "You'll pay soon enough" kinda thing and disappears.

Verdict: B-. I'm getting tired of the same old kind of thing with Bruce and Damien, so maybe somethign will happen to break that monotony soon enough. And this villain just seems kind of weak honestly.

Batwoman 2

Batwoman is once again, short on content and long on the art. The art in this book is just out of this world, but I feel that it doesn't lose much with story. It might be one of the best books of the week. We open with two page spread of a fight that does a number of things well: There's dialogue, action, x-ray attacks that, as a Mortal Kombat player, appeal to that part of me, and finally we are shown the current members of Batman Inc. Some of these surprised me, especially continuity-wise:

Chief among the surprises- Renee Montoya- the Question, Catwoman, Red Robin (in his original costume), Lady Blackhawk, Azrael, and Huntress. Not sure why some characters are outlined completely in white, but I'm anxious to know more. The issue continues, as Batwoman regrets her decision for turning Batman Inc. down, and there's a lot of focus on the missing children and haunted water thing. The book also features Agent Chase pushing maggie Sawyer to turn Batwoman over to teh government, which doesn't go over well as date conversation for the Captain and her date, Kate Kane. Eventually, Batman shows up to warn Batwoman that Chase is insane and drops a line about taking on sidekicks.

All in all, a pretty decent issue that ends with Batwoman being swallowed by water, which is not as dumb as it sounds, I promise.

Verdict: A-. Another ok book made really good thanks to JH Williams and his art. Certainly worth buying in paper rather than digital, once again, because of how tough it is to see page spreads on a viewer.

Deathstroke 2First off, there is a misleading cover to this issue, where we are promised a "carpocalypse" which never comes. Second off, we are once again shown this suitcase MacGuffin from the last issue and we still don't know what is inside, but apparently its horrible and its related to Slade. Anyway, we have something similar to what we've come to expect from Slade: tracking down the guy who hired him, killing him and at least 30 other people in the process. Seriously, the kill count by page ten is 23. Finally, the giant machine guy from the cover arrives and is subsequently killed a page later. Turns out, he planned for this huge massacre so that the media would film all his rampage, and now Slade will get hired for any job. At least 100 people dead by the end of the issue, and all for what boils down to a video resume.

Verdict: B-. The comic is exactly what you would expect and nothing less. Its liek the Expendables- its not a great film, its not smart, or anything new- but its all action, all the time and if that's what you're into, this is your comic.

Demon Knights 2

Demon Knights continues to surprise me with how fun the story is, despite having a bunch of characters I can't stand in it, and being set in a time that I don't really care about. Honestly, I think I just like it because Vandal Savage is written like Brave and the Bold's Aquaman, who might be my favorite character on that show. Case and point:

So, we last left the newly crafted team (which I will henceforth refer to as the Maleficent Seven) in a tavern as dragons were attacking. Not surprisingly, they kill off all the dragons, and Exoristos makes a dick joke for the 5th time in two issues:

And since the dragons don't work out, the evil king and queen decide to just burn the village to the ground with a meteor. Simple issue overall.

Verdict: B. Its a solid issue, but a bit too action-y for any character development to happen. Hopefully this tem will get fleshed out more in the next issue.

Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE 2

With this issue, we take a complete turn from the kind of adventure we had last time. Well, not completely, but enough that its a very different tone. The Monsters find out that this town has killed a kid and dumped their body into the lake as a sacrifice to the monsters that live through a portal at the bottom. The monsters got tired of waiting and came early and killed the whole town this time. After saving all the kids from the town, the monsters evacuate, except for Frank and Nina who go into the water to get info on this portal. As they fight monsters down there, we get Nina's backstory. Where she was human and tried doing monster experiments before but she accidentally made them insane and they had to be killed after killing a bunch of people. She joined her test subjects this time, and that's how she, and the other creatures, ended up the way they are. The team returns to SHADE and teleports to the other side of the portal where there are literally tens of thousands of these creatures... and the Bride fighting them all by herself.

Verdict: B. Its certainly a step down from the wonder that was the first issue, but its still got a lot of good stuff. Plus, and this is just incidental, but this pairs really nicely with Demon Knights. Like watching Game of Thrones and then watching Fringe/ The Walking Dead.

Green Lantern 2

This issue can be neatly summarized as "Hal Jordan was a terrible choice to get a ring." And if you think that might be too subtextual, you're wrong and the comic reminds you of that every other page as Sinestro just berates him constantly. Sinestro creates a ring out of his own for Hal so taht Hal will go with him to save Sinestro's planet from the Yellow Lanterns. That's pretty much the whole issue, save for a nightmare-ish Yellow Lantern appearing and Sinestro cutting him in half.

Verdict: A-. Johns continues to hit this one out of the park, and I will definitely continue reading this book.

Mister Terrific 2

I have to say that I'm disappointed in this book. The first issue seemed to have a lot going for it, but this thing honestly reads more like a chore. Holt saves himself from the rage disease with one of his T-spheres which apparently got rid of the disease in some deus ex machina way. Karen (Power Girl, still without powers) and the jealous black girl help stop the nuclear reactor that Holt set off in the last issue, and then Brainwave, our big villain arrives and infects a ton of people with the disease and they attack Holt.

Verdict: C-. It's incredibly boring really, and I'm just not in the mood to keep reading a series that bores me and doesn't at least deliver Power Girl. I might read another issue, but this thing might as well be DROPPED.

Suicide Squad 2

Man, am I happy I gave this title another shot... Every character on the team gets fleshed out and they fight zombies, eventually leading to the big bad from the movie Slither, which is so fun that you hardly notice the travesty of their costumes. I still miss Deadshot's facial hair, and most of Harley's clothes, but to be honest, I actually like the blurred makeup look on her. I think it opens her face up to being more emotion-conveying. The pther thing about this series that I always enjoyed- everyone is expendable, and every issue, one more from the team will die. This time, what would arguably be the heaviest hitter for the issue bites it, which just goes to show you that no one is safe, and that's a rare feeling in a comic, outside of a major event.
Verdict: B. While its not perfect, the issues is 1000 times better than its predacessor, and that's something. Its no Secret Six, like DC wants readers to think, but it might get close enough that I don't mind. Only time will tell.

Superboy 2

Superboy, for me, is just kind of a stick in the mud. The story, for me, doesn't go anywhere new. Despite the fact that we were teased a "Superboy going after the Titans" story last month, that never really happens. Sure we get to see Fairchild and Rose Wilson, but its all pretty bland. I've never really liked Superboy that much, and for me, I liked him best when Johns had him as a Titan, and then killed him in Infinite Crisis. He's got a new personality everytime someone new writes him and that gets old fast.

Verdict: C-. A nowhere story with decent artwork should mean a DROP, but if it ties to Titans, I think I should stick, so I'm kinda in the middle here. I'll probably read it next month and my my final decision, but for all intents and purposes, it is DROPPED.

My Greatest Adventure 1

Remember when I talked up Weird Worlds a few months back? No? Well, go look it up and come back to me. Ok, now that everyone is up to date, this book is like a sequel, but with Robotman instead of Lobo. The problem is- I don't care about any of these stories. The Robotman one was ok, but I kinda want to know how he works in the New 52 universe if the Doom Patrol never existed. Plus, his story has zombies. So... B+. Next is Garbageman whose story is told out of sequence, but without any tags to tell us that so its just as much of a mess as he is. C-. And finally, there's Tanga whose story was actually incomprehensible. I feel liek they are trying to make her a sexy Lobo here but that fails because she just seems like a blue skinned valley girl who gets hit a lot and has anger issues. The good art though, moves it up to a D. So, add all those up and you get...

Verdict: C. Its not great and I might read the Robotman story next month but this book is definitely DROPPED, as far as I'm concerned.

The Shade 1

Finally, we have the Shade series that no one asked for. Surprisingly, this reads as one of the better books of the month. We don't get to see him use his powers but one time at the end, and most of the issue focuses on him and the blue Starman hanging out and drinking tea talking about how much the Shade, who is immortal (if you didn't know that, its ok, the comic reminds you at least ten times) hates October, and how the new Starman is a big fruit- and may or may not be in a gay relationship with a gorilla with the mind of a 1930's explorer. Like all comic relationships- its complicated. So, one night the Shade is taking a stroll and Deathstroke shows up and as all meetups go, the two fight. Then Shade gets decapitated. The end. Wait, what? Yeah... I had to double check to see if this was a one shot because I think the whole immortal thing only applies to age-ing, not straight up being murderproof. But this is definitely a series, so I guess I will have no choice but to come back next month.

Verdict: B+. Its another solid issue with a character I never thought I would like, but here we are. Still kinda wondering how his origin makes any sense post New 52, though. Maybe that's why he got killed?

So another week down, just in time for a new batch to arrive. We lost three books, so check the score post for info on what's still in and what's out.