It’s a big week for Multiversity and it’s a big week for Comics! Like our shiney new banner and background? Yeah. You love it. Keep reading and you’ll find some amazing reviews. This was a HUGE week for good books, so when you go to your comic store, keep some of these books in mind.
MATT’S REVIEWS
Adventure Comics #1
Every week, we pick reviews through a draft system. This week was my week to go first, and I immediately said Adventure Comics. Everyone started making fun of me, saying “How did he miss Blackest Night?!” Well, I didn’t miss it. I just decided that I felt this book was more important. Yeah. You read that right. I felt this book was more important than the Blackest Night. Don’t get me wrong, Blackest Night is one of my top books this week, and I had a total nerd freak out when I read it, but this book? Oh man. I’ve been excited for this for a while now, and when Connor Kent returned to life, I decided “Ok. This is the book I’m reviewing.”
I think a lot of people were iffy on Connor before his death. He had been kind of a brat and towards the end he was definitely pretty whiney. Plus, in his earlier days, he was just kind of a tool. But in the end, when he did the ultimate sacrifice for our universe, he gained a definite following. His return in Legion of 3 Worlds marked the biggest moment of the book (since we already knew about Impulse coming back in Flash: Rebirth) and definitely the most celebrated maneuver (although I was generally confused at the lack of back lash in ressurecting a character so quickly since that seems a popular trend). Now we get his own book, and this was definitely the best “first issue” book this week. Geoff Johns clearly has his own take on the character, and I honestly have to say that this new direction is very exciting. For those that don’t know, Connor is a clone of Superman and Lex Luthor, and this is clearly an important dynamic for him in this book. As I was reading, not only do I let out an “ooooo” at the ending, but I also made note that this book honestly reads as great as Spider-Man used to. I’m not saying Spider-Man isn’t a good book anymore, but some of my favorite Spider-Man stories are when he was younger and just a teenager, and this was one of the primary reasons I loved Ultimate Spider-Man, because it captured the original dynamic of Parker as a kid. Connor himself is just a teenager, and this is an important aspect of his story.
On top of all this, Francis Manapul absolutely knocks the ball out of the park with the artwork. I’m talking home run here. I absolutely love his art style, and he really shows it off right from the beginning with a nice two page spread of Connor relaxing on the front porch. He continues to show off his talent as Connor makes a list of what Superman did and tries to emulate it himself, and it presents a really great opportunity for Manapul to show off his talents in drawing the characters. I honestly have read the book several times over, just looking at all the different panels. They’re truly fantastic.
We’re also treated to a back-up Legion of Super Heroes story. I’m not a huge fan of the Legion because, honest to God, there are too many to follow (Legion of 3 Worlds, people). I do, however, love Starman, who spends all his time in the Justice Society, and having him narrate was a great touch. The story does help people like me who have a hard time following the Legion outside of the main three and it identifies many of the characters. It also shines light on something that happened earlier in Adventure Comics for those who would be confused at a swamp creature, and I thought that was a really great touch.
Continued belowMy only minor, teeny tiny complaint is in continuity – the book features an appearance by Superman, so I just have to ask where does this take place in continuity? The story itself takes place post-Final Crisis obviously, but right now Superman has left Earth for New Krypton. Until the recent Codename Patriot arc, he hasn’t even considered really returning. So does this book coincide with Codename Patriot? This is a dumb complaint, I know, but I can be a continuity stickler sometimes.
Either way, I highly recommend Adventure Comics. As much as Geoff Johns is clearly doing, none of his books faulter in any way and this is still top notch stuff by far.
Final Verdict: Buy, buy, buy with all your heart
Ultimate Comics Avengers #1
Ultimatum is over and it’s time for the Ultimate universe to get back on track in it’s first official reboot. We have Mark Millar, one of the original writers, along with Carlos Pacheo, a brand new artist to the series. The plan with Ultimate Avengers is to tell bigger and better stories with all the great development we were used to in the first runs of Ultimates befor Jeph Loeb came on and ruined everything for everyone.
So how does it stand up?
Well, for a first issue, it definitely packs a huge punch. I thought it was a really entertaining read, if a little bit mindless. When Millar described the book as a big budget Hollywood production, he was right on. Right off the bat we have Hawkeye dangling from a helicopter and Cap busting out of a skycraper on a motorcycle, kicking some AIM ass (with no bee-keeper suits!). The story telling structure is great too, as the book begins with ending and then recaps (which a lot of movies do nowadays). Suffice it to say, Ultimate Comics Avengers definitely reads like a movie, and it’s a highly entertaining one. I love that now we are down to a small cast of characters (Iron Man, Nick Fury, Cap, and Hawkeye) as they continue to fight the good fight. I’d love to have Thor back, but if you look at the back cover, it’s a clear indication of what may be to come, and that’s a pretty exciting teaser. On top of that, the Red Skull has finally joined the Ultimate Marvel U, and it’s about time! Mark Millar spoiled who the Red Skull was a while ago in interviews, but even with that, the twist at the end of this issue holds up pretty well. It should make for a very interesting arc as we dwell more into the history of Cap and Hawkeye.
How does newcomer Pacheo hold up in the series? Very well. He’s clearly honing in Hitch’s old style but not copying it in any direct form or fashion so that it makes it unique to him. His pencils are really great, and the look of the characters are dead on. Hawkeye in his new uniform looks great, and Nick Fury is still clearly Sam Jackson. I’m a little iffy on the Red Skull, but that’s because I’m so used to the frail old Nazi that we’ve had in the past. Reminding myself that this is an alternate universe is an important aspect in appreciating the story. So while I personally don’t like the look of the Red Skull, I’m eager to see where it goes. I also love how in this book, there are less two-page spreads that act as filler. In Millar’s last two Marvel books (Fantastic Four and Old Man Logan) it seemed like a lot of it was just huge action shots in order to move the story due to lack of plot and over use of action. This book clearly has a lot of action, but Pacheo doesn’t cop out in a lot of huge panels to kill page space, and when he does he makes sure not cheap out on the backgrounds. The world surrounding the characters looks amazing and is done in very rich detail.
Essentially, Ultimate Comics Avengers #1 serves as an exact reminder of why I started loving the Ultimate series. It’s fun, it’s furious, and it looks great. I hope that this series brings back to the Ultimate U what Loeb took away, because if anybody can re-ignite that fire, it’s Mark Millar.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: Buy
Utlimate Comics Spider-Man #1
Ultimate Spider-Man, without a doubt, got me buying comics full time again. I loved it, but it definitely went downhill at the end. Bendis got too wrapped up with 616, ignored the Ultimate U, and allowed his book to whimper on it’s hind legs to the end. After Ultimatum, Bendis promised that he’d be giving the book legitimate attention again, and we’d see some of the bigger plans that he had before Ultimatum happened. This included the appearance of some new villains, such as Mysterio, as well as some big changes for the life of Peter Parker.
So how does this issue pan off? Well, it’s ok. Just ok, though. Nothing special. To be honest, as I read this, I felt like I was reading a more childish version of the previous story. We still have teen-Parker, and he’s very clearly a child in this book (as his stature next to an adult shows while he is in costume). The book opens in a very amusing scene with Parker now working at a fast food chain instead of the Daily Bugle. We’re briefly introduced to an intriguing new mysterious hood, and we’re shown the new dynamic of Spider-Man and how his life is too busy now to really sling webs. A full time job instead of a part time job at the Bugle means Parker can only swing late at night, which means he misses being the hero of the day, which is unfortunate considering how big of a popularity boost he’s had since Ultimatum. And on top of that, the Kingpin has returned to New York, as well as a brand new villain, Mysterio, making his first appearance in the Marvel Universe. Peter Parker pretty much has his plate full.
I’m generally unimpressed though. There are enough things to keep me reading as a long time fan, but I feel like anyone who is now coming into the series would probably just put the book back. David Lafuente’s art isn’t anything special, and while costumed characters look great, his regular people look very… I don’t know the word. Awkward, perhaps. To be honest, they all look kind of goofy. Especially the Kingpin. He’s probably the worst drawn character in the book. Instead of looking big menacing, he just looks like the long lost brother of the Tweedles.
It’s still an enjoyable book though. Bendis does do a good job with the dialogue, and it’s definitely an amsuing read. It’s great for the modern day teenager Spider-Man, and if nothing else it’s probably a good read for a younger audience. It doesn’t quite keep up to the expectations of the Ultimate Universe though. I’ll keep on reading, however. I’m interested to find out who the red hooded man is, as well as see how things turn out with this much more violent Mysterio. I can’t recommend it to readers like I can Avengers, however (although, with Avengers, you’ll want to have at least read the previous two Ultimates books).
Final Verdict: Browse
Deadpool #13
Finally, Deadpool is no longer part of Dark Reign! It’s been too long that he’s been mixed up in this world that he really never should have been part of. It’s one thing for Deadpool to guest star in a book, but for his entire adventure to be so central the Main Marvel U? It just didn’t work. I had been highly anticipating the return to normality of a Deadpool series that this would bring. Unfortunately, it doesn’t meet my expectations.
I’ll be honest – I was really excited about the return of Deadpool to his own book. His appearance in Wolverine: Origins was great. The first five issues of his new series were dynamite. Ever since then, it’s just been flustering about. This current issue has such a great premise, yet the whole issue is fairly poorly executed. Deadpool just seems like such an idiotic and lifeless character right now, and it’s really unfortunate. Daniel Way’s revival of the character was so strong, and now he’s flailing about like a child, desperately seeking attention and approval. The book is far gone from the hilarious days of old where Deadpool had a skewed moral compass and wasn’t the richest man in the world. It was a good dynamic when he had a crew, he had a craazy cast of villains, and he would consistently go out on missions. Now, he shoots himself in the brain because he’s bored. I’ll admit I thought the outlook was good at first, but when it comes down to a book that I thought would be a classic Deadpool dynamic revival, I found myself wanting so much more by the end of it.
Continued belowI’m still really looking forward to Deadpool trying to join the X-Men. In all honesty, I think that’s a great premise. But for now, it would appear that whenever I get really excited for a Daniel Way Deadpool book, I end up being let down, and that’s unfortunate.
(“Best book on the market,” my ass.)
Final Verdict: Pass
The Marvels Project #1
Right off the bat, I’m going to let you know: this is awesome. I absolutely loved it. If you were wondering whether or not to buy this, the answer is a definite yes. Created to tie in with the 70th Anniversary of Marvel, Steve Epting and Ed Brubabker team up once again in order to tell the origins of the Marvel Universe as we know it today. The first supers really began in the ’40s, during WWII, and even mutants like Apocalypse existed before, and space entitites like Galactus have been around for eons, our Marvel Universe has never had a definitive collection in which you can see, from beginning to end, how the stories began and where the characters came from/how they came together.
Ed Brubaker is one of my favorite writers, and he loves the old stories. This is obvious in his Captain America run, how he absolutely revitalized characters like Toro to be mainstream, even long after they were dead. Now, in a way that’s almost reminiscent to Kurt Buseik’s Marvels, we have a story that takes place strictly in 1944 and in World War II. In this issue alone, we meet the original Human Torch, Namor, and Nick Fury and Dum Dum Dugan, long before any of them know each other exist in any capability. The tragic origin of the original Human Torch is told, and the grounds are set for the future of the super man, or as the Nazi’s call it, the Neitzsche Project. It’s a tale of intrigue and excitement and told just as only Brubaker can. Brubaker once again has proven in this issue that he is the definitive writer to bring back ’40s characters, because he clearly is very appreciative of them and their original intents and purposes. He treats the setting and the set up with great respect, and it really provides some legitimate insight into the beginning of Marvel’s continuity.
Steve Epting is also on fire in this issue. I love his art. He always does such realistic and gritty pencils, and this issue is no different. The way he brings the story to life is phenomenal. You can easily see why Brubaker loves to work with him, and it makes great sense to pull him in after his Captain America work. Very professional move for a very professional title.
So I highly recommend you pick up Marvels Project. It’s definitely a book any big time Marvel fan should own, and owning individual issues is so much cooler than waiting for the trade. Go out and get it, your store should have MORE than enough.
Final Verdict: Buy
Amazing Spider-Man #602
After reading this title, I sat back and said, “Woah. Ess-Star-Star-Tee just got real.” And I think that one sentence sums up this issue perfectly.
In more of an explained review, this issue was very real. I know the Marvel U takes place in our world, but this is definitely the first issue of Spidey with an over-the-top sense of realism in a while. In the first few pages, our narrator (who, I don’t know if it’s a spoiler who he is, so I won’t say) recalls several terrorist attacks and how no one did anything about them, only to reveal that he is planning another. That’s really dark! I mean, seriously Van Lente, this is where you want to take the series? I’m not totally complaining – I actually really liked this issue. A lot. It brought back a villain we hadn’t seen in a while, and the cliffhanger is to die for. I’m just so surprised. For a book that is mostly light hearted humor and heroism, this issue was just really really dark. You’d figure with MJ back in town, this would be the main point to the new arc, but it appears that all she offers is a plot point to tie issues together. There’s something much bigger going on. The art is also pretty different in this issue, matching the more serious tone of this story. It’s all kinds of new for Spidey. I haven’t seen this much darkness in the book since Spidey revealed his identity and started wearing black again.
Continued belowNeedless to say, while this is the shortest review I’ve written today, I’m on pins and needles for the next issue. I’m really very curious to see where this is all going, and I don’t honestly feel like waiting. Hurry up, next week! Come faster!
Final Verdict: Buy
DAVID’S REVIEWS
Blackest Night #2
Blackest Night has a lot of hype to live up to. With the series building for 2 years after the Sinestro Corps War and the first issue effectively blowing comic fans minds, the buzz for the rest of the series is deafening. With all of that pressure, what would Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis do to live up to the pressure?
More of the same it seems, as this issue was full of more confrontations with the seemingly unstoppable waves of Black Lanterns. You have Aqualad and Mera vs. BL Aquaman and two lady friends, you have Barry Allen and Hal Jordan vs. BL Martian Manhunter, and you have ascending violence on all sides and new Black Lanterns aplenty. The pacing is flawless, the action is expertly staged, and this issue is packed with excitement.
My biggest issue however is it feels like Secret Invasion a bit, in the regard that we’re two issues in and we’ve essentially just had a big fight and a few deaths. Where are all of the other Lantern colors? Where is the battle of light? Where are Scar and the other Guardians? I know I need to look at this as one part of an eight part series, but two issues in I was kind of hoping we were going to have more than fights so far. It’s a rousing read, but one that has me on my heels so far.
Ivan Reis of course is a complete freak who renders everything in as flawless and awesome a way possible. His superhero work is perhaps the best in the industry at this point, as he can make panels as dense as George Perez while maintaining the quality of figure and scene realism of Ethan Van Sciver. He really is the perfect fit for this book.
All in all, this is a wonderful read and a great series so far. I do have to say though, my reservation is there and if they don’t start moving forward a bit, it could suffer from the same problems that Secret Invasion did. Here’s hoping it doesn’t.
Final Verdict: Buy
Walking Dead #64
This is a really tough book to review. The reason why is that for my money there is not a better book on the market month in and month out, and this issue is another great example of that.
This issue continues the “Fear the Hunters” arc that finds the main characters of this story being hunted by a group of cannibals, and this issue packs wall to wall intensity into every page. With the darkly funny and powerful introduction setting the stage, we begin getting closer and closer to a showdown between the more heroic types of the remaining characters and the hunters, as Rick declares that it is time to turn the tables. Amidst the action, series writer Robert Kirkman still finds a way to sneak in important character bits, like the burgeoning honor based relationship between Rick and Abraham and the troubling turns Rick’s young son Carl is taking. Bits like that are why AMC picked this up to turn into a TV series, and are a huge reason as to why this is such a stellar book.
Series artist Charlie Adlard continues to grow on me, almost to the point where I couldn’t imagine anyone else working on this book. While I did not enjoy his work at first, I’ve grown accustomed to his work to the point that his grim pencils and keen eye for character is as well paired with the book as Kirkman’s scripts are.
There is no reason to not purchase this book. If you aren’t, you’re missing out on one of the best 2 or 3 books on the market. Plus, you get the first issue of Image series Viking for free with this issue. That’s an awesome deal if you ask me.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: Buy
Fables #87
Fables is a pretty special book in many ways, but the one that I’d argue is the greatest in Bill Willingham’s opus about real world manifestations of storybook characters is his ability to simultaneously focus on a character or two while maintaining a narrative featuring all of his characters and another main plot point within the same issue. It is a really unique ability, and something very necessary in a book with such a large cast (which is part of the reason why I’m hopeful Willingham can turn around JSA), and it is on full display here.
With this issue, we begin an arc where Willingham is focusing his story on Bufkin the winged monkey and Frau Totenkinder, as the former steels himself to battle all of the previously captured evils that were released after the Dark One destroyed Fabletown (namely Baba Yaga), and the latter character finds herself in a power struggle with the other witches for leadership as they figure out how to deal with the potent new threat. While this arc is just starting, it already feels like the standout arc “the Good Prince,” in which Flycatcher ascended from being a simple supporting character to a powerful key player. Hopefully Willingham does the same with Bufkin and Totenkinder, as without Boy Blue and with Flycatcher leaving the spotlight, Bigby and Snow have a lot of narrative weight on their shoulders.
With the new arc beginning, we also see the return of my boy Bucky, Mark Buckingham. As Willingham’s steadfast partner throughout most of this series, it really just feels wrong when anyone else has the art duties on this book, and we’re blessed this month with more of his stellar work filled with storybook styled borders and colorfully drawn characters. The book sorely missed him.
With the return of the series artist and the start of a fantastic new arc, Fables has returned to full strength after the uninteresting and ultimately unimportant “Great Fables Crossover.” With a full head of steam heading towards issue #100, I really cannot wait to see what Willingham and Bucky have for us in the future.
Final Verdict: Buy
Unwritten #4
As one of the newest releases of Vertigo Comics (the Pixar or Studio Ghibli of comics), The Unwritten finds itself under intense scrutiny by the comic book aficionados of the world. Generally speaking, if you’re a fan of the more literary or adult comics, new Vertigo titles are godsends. More often than not superb and almost always pleasing at the very least (I’m looking at you Greek Street), for a new Vertigo title to be less than that is nothing short of failure.
Such is the plight that The Unwritten’s writer Mike Carey finds himself in, and thankfully he continues to show himself as one of the most talented writers in the industry with this book. The first arc is wrapped up with this issue, and while we do not have any explicit answers as to whether or not the hero from this book is in fact the titular hero from the book series within the comic book or not, we are getting closer to the answers and we are getting the idea that Carey has a lot more up his sleeve than a real world manifestation of some Harry Potter knock off. To end the first arc in such a way while establishing a truly evil (and often disturbing) villain for the story is a tremendous juggling act by Carey, but one that does not come unexpected from him at this point.
Series artist Peter Gross continues to handle both the storybook and real world aspects equally well, and is as well paired with Carey as Mark Buckingham is with Bill Willingham on Fables. Of course, that leads me to the central point you need to understand about this book: while the closest analogue to this title is clearly Vertigo’s own Fables, The Unwritten stands fully as its own book that has a similar concept to Fables but one that is wholly its own. It is another standout title for the most esteemed publisher in the game, and I’m really glad I went back a week after the first issue was released and picked it up.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: Buy
Hellboy: Wild Hunt #5
When I first read that Hellboy: the Wild Hunt was going to have a four month gap between issues, I was incredibly bummed out. This was shaping up to be one of the best Hellboy series yet, and I felt as if it was going to lose all momentum with that huge of a gap. Sure enough, there was a bit of a problem as I honestly had forgotten story beats within that hiatus. As much as I was loving the series before, the disappearance of this series made it so I forgot things which made reading this story a bit of a tough venture at points.
Thankfully, Mike Mignola and Duncan Fegredo are such fantastic storytellers that as a standalone issue, this book is still a ripping yarn. Hellboy as per usual has his funny quips, we have some movement with characters from minis past, and we have a pretty solid fight between Hellboy and the protector of a keep. Great stuff, however, I really just cannot get past the hiatus. Why did Mignola set this up that way? No positive came out of it and the series as a whole suffers for it dearly. Eventually, this will read incredibly well as a trade, but for now the issues suffer. Disappointing for those who read the Hellboy universe in issue form, to say the least.
Final Verdict: Browse
GIL’S REVIEWS
Green Lantern Corps #39
With Blackest night now in full swing, it was a no brainer as to what The Corps’ little corner of the Blackest Night event was going to be. Why, all those members that have died since the return of intergalactic police force resumed duty have…returned! It’s quite bittersweet too. I will more than readily admit that the death of Bzzd affected me on a level I have never before experienced. And he’s a frakking fly! And now he’s back! But enough about old news, onto the actual issue.
Tomasi is crafting a tie-in with real emotional punch, and it’s only amplified by the haunting pencils by Patrick Gleeson, along with the stark shadows in the inks provided by some tracers(Kidding! I love your guys.).
Inking: not just for tracers anymore.
I’m not even going to go into how devesating the final panel is. You should see that for yourself. Any fan of Green Lantern(like most anyone on this site) could see how heartwrenching that would be.
Blackest Night business aside, there pacing is a little off. We have a short vignette into the rebuilding of Daxam. First off, Daxamites are DICKS. Secondly, it was a bit awkward, and there was obvious foreshadowing. all in all, though, this is a worthy companion to the best crossover since The Sinestro Corps War.
Final Verdict: Buy
Incredible Hercules #132
Ever since Hercules took over the title from Hulk, Greg Pak has kept this book one of the most entertaining books on the market. and along with the art provided Fred Van Lente, it stays that way.
We start with a new dynamic that carries over from the last. Amadeus and his wit are notably absent, only to be filled by the precocious voice of the reborn Zeus. Is it really precocious if you’re as as old as he is? I have no idea.
Anyway, as far as kids go, Zeus is one of the more fun ones. He flirts with Athena(his daughter, mind you) comments about hot night elves with Hercules. Ahhh, you truly are god we know. And Herc, you’re definitely your father’s son.
The adventure starts off pretty well. Hercules’ transormation into Thorcules is quick and effortless, and Hercules’ disdain for Thor’s origin is positively hilarious.
Overall, I think this is a winning arc for The God of Might, and it deserves to be on everyone’s list. But since it’s so referential to previous adventures, the newbie will more than likely be lost. I’m giving it a “Buy” but with a reservation for people unfamiliar with the series.
Continued belowFinal Verdict: Buy
Uncanny X-Men #514
I love Matt Fraction’s sense of humor. I love how he introduces characters in every issue to help everyone keep up with the large cast in the X-Universe. And I nearly fell out of my chair(ok, not REALLY) when I read Psylocke’s mini-bio. “Psylocke: Telepathic, Telekinetic Ninja. Long story. It’s something I’ve mentioned before, and it was great seeing confirmation from the current writer.
He’s not perfect though. I enjoy his voice a lot, but the pacing was off. One minute wee see the Dark X-Men gearing up for battle, even hearing Namor’s infamous battle cry, and the next panel on the next page is a completely different scene, back at Greymalkin Industries(The new X-Mansion, if you catch my drift), and then it’s BACK to the battle, already in progress. Unless there was a misprint, it was completely jarring, and I didn’t understand why it was there. There are a few other parts that are rather confusing, but I can forgive it for the art.
Gloriously provided by Terry Dodson, a man who never met a heroine he couldn’t make jaw droppingly gorgeous, it really pops off the page and sucker punches you in the gut. The previously mentioned Psylocke is especially drawn well, seeing as how she’s in a wetsuit. Awesome.
As I also said before, it’s nice to see Fraction rewarding the readers of X-Force, who, Messiah War aside, has been one of the best books on the market. The big bad is from the covert ops team book, and it’s clear it’s lying at the very foundation of current X-Books.
But again, it’s in the middle of ANOTHER crossover, so if you’re looking for a new X-Book to read, this isn’t it. My recommendation is that you look for the books leading up to this and get this one too, if you like it.
Final Verdict: Browse
Blackest Night: Batman #1
WARNING: There are some spoiler-type mentionings.
Another day, another crossover. I’ll admit this is the first time I’ve seen DC make dedicated mini-series’ to an event like Marvel inexplicably does with everything, even crossovers. Luckily this one is being handled by the unsung hero of The Green Lantern mythos, Peter J. Tomasi, who is currently helming the fantastic Green Lantern Corps.
The art, provided byAdrian Syaf, is richly textured and conveys the darkness of Batman book…dealing with superpowered zombies. If the subject matter weren’t dark enough…
It also features one of the more interesting heroes in the DCU proper, Deadman. Deadman is also a great foil for the darkness of Batman, as he brings certain level of levity to the book.He’s a being whose soul is capable of possessing bodies to perform his superheroics, and usually does with heroes like Batman, or in this case, Batman and Robin. It’s also fascinating to see his soul fighting off his body. That in particular is comforting, because one of my main concerns was the damage they might do to the deceased heroes wearing Black Rings, like Ralph and Sue Dibny.
And speaking of holders of the black rings, I had no idea there were so many dead Batman villains, and a personal plane to carry them! How convenient. It would certainly keep people from stealing the bodies, but not Scar and company. It was a nice touch to add Arnold Wesker’s Scarface construct to the reveal. It was darkly funny, and made me simultaneously laugh and cringe. I’m not really sure where it’s going to go from here, but it’s going to be a hell of a ride. Pick this up.
Final Verdict: Buy
Action Comics #880
Finally. The Superman books are finally regaining the cohesiveness they lost(while the cohesiveness was relative. They had Superman, they had Lois, etc.) while Kal-El was on New Krypton keeping an eye on Zod. Action Comics had Chris Kent, Superman had Mon-El, and I had ZZZ’s.
But it’s all finally coming together. Superman is back on Earth, searching for Zod’s would-be assassin. Sticky political issues cloud what could be an easy case, and I couldn’t think of any better way to navigate the arc.
Rucka and Robinson are starting to grow to be more than the sum of their parts, which is something I was concerned with in the last issue. the artwork is still a tad sloppy in spots, but it serves the book adequately, for now. I will give Lopez one thing though. The scene where Superman and Lois see each other is heartbreaking, as you know there’s nothing more they would liketo do than embrace each other right there, but can’t, due to Clark’s secret identity.
As I said, everything is coming together, from the two Reactron’s to the mysterious Kryptonian Bonnie & Clyde to who exactly seems to be pulling the strings with regards to how all this fits together. But since this is the middle of a Superman crossover, I would only pick this up if you’re getting everything, otherwise, I would just leaf through it to see if you like it.
Final Verdict: Browse
