Gint's Pull-List Review 7-27-11

I can't tell you the last time I had 9 books in my pull-list in one week. But fear not faithful reader, I read each one, just for you.

Action Comics #903 

Doomsday is still reigning. This is one of those, "has this storyline been going on for decades," types stories. But this issue was at least somewhat entertaining. I'm not sure why. It just was.

My excitement for Kenneth Rocafort drawing this book was really short lived. He did about 3 panels before new artist took over. This month's artist is Axel Giménez. His work is solid and certain angles even hint of Rocafort's work. BUT he has no inker. No matter how dark your pencils are, when you don't have inks it just looks in complete.

What stood out about this issue was when Superboy, Supergirl and Steel are each out fighting a Doomsday, Superman is in S.T.A.R. Labs waiting for Dr. Light to give her some info he can, "take into the fight." I can't believe Superman would just sit around while others are fighting no matter what the reason.

One more issue of Reign of the Doomsdays to go and then we can set our sights on better things to come (hopefully) from Grant Morrison and George Pérez.

Wonder Woman #613 

Well we finally get some answers and to what the hell happened in the beginning of this long long arc to give Wonder Woman a new timeline. And its kind of cool. Its just a shame it took so damn long to get here because now, I don't really care. AND there's still one more issue to go. Had we had this resolution 3 issues ago, it may still have been a salvageable story. Oh well.

Don Kramer is again helped out on art. This time by Travis Moore, whose style I really liked. Wouldn't mind seeing more of this guy.

 I haven't read anything about it in all of the DC press about The New 52. But I'd like to hear someone say DC is really going to work on trying to eliminate fill-in artists and writers.

Nice crisp work on the cover by Lee Garbett, Dave Meikis & Paul Mounts. 

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #2 

This issue wins for quick, streamlined storytelling if not for art. I feel like I blew through this book in about 30 seconds. What's strange about it is that for being so quick, it covers what seems to be about a week in Flashpoint-time.

 The Amazons have taken to using dragons in their fight for terrorism and Hal and Carol fend one off of Coast City in apparently what became known as The Battle for Coast City. But you don't get the feeling the fight was a battle for a city. It was more, "fuck, there's a dragon at Ferris, we better get rid of it.

The more I think about it, this was a weird issue.

And ANOTHER issue without INKS! And probably the most questionable of the art this week too. Sorry, Cliff Richards (the artist in question). Sometimes he draws Hal as Ryan Reynolds... sometimes he's Luke Perry. His Obama is pretty spot-on though.

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #2

 In spite of its moments of exposition, this issue really moved along at a good pace while being more entertaining than #1. Part of that was the art of Gianluca Gugliotta. If there were inks, I couldn't tell. Some soft lines surrounded the art, but it was still good art. He draws a really creepy Etrigan. Kind of slimmer with a neck. Good stuff.

This was the first time I ever read a story with Grifter in it. And I'm unimpressed. He seems like, "insert standard hero here" to me. But he's a Jim Lee creation and Jim Lee does whatever the fuck Jim Lee wants now so I guess we're stuck with him.

Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning are writing a solid story, but unless issue #3 blows my mind that's all this tie-in is going to be: solid.

Flashpoint: Project Superman #2 

I'm not particularly crazy about Lowell Francis' artwork, but he does a great job telling the story. His characters' "acting" sells some emotions that may be lost by another artist.

This is the only work I've read by Snyder and I like it. Superman has crashed to Earth and has been picked up by the US government. The only person that truly cares for him is Sam Lane. Its a cool change up to see Sam Lane depicted as somewhat of a good father since in the regular DCU, he's always a bad guy.

This story, unlike Kid Flash Lost is bitter and sad. But in a good way. Snyder has made the readers connect with the characters. Looking forward to #3.

Green Lantern Corps #62 

This issue loses points on page 3 with the asterisk, "This takes place after War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath #2," a book that isn't even out yet. This kind of thing drives me nuts, but I guess sometimes I can't be avoided.

As for the issue, it felt like a fill-in issue which it essentially is until the reboot. Star Sapphire Miri puts together a plan to save Kyle and Soranik Natu's love. The art was good and the color was great, but it was really a story that could have been summed up in an explanation from Kyle in another book.

Regardless of that, it was an entertaining story and Tony Bedard does a good job writing the characters in the book. Maybe its been Tyler Kirkham's art that's been off-putting on this book because with Daniel HDR on pencils, I like Tony Bedard just fine.

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #2 

I'm almost tempted to get Sterling Gates New 52 Hawk & Dove book. Almost.

Sterling Gates' handling of Kid Flash makes me long for the character. He writes him as he should be written: young and impetuous but also determined to prove himself.

This has been one of the more fun books out of the Flashpoint tie ins. Bart gets send into a dystopian future ruled by Brainiac and has to save it before he himself disappears because he's a time anomaly. It's great superhero action adventure and Oliver Nome is handling the art beautifully.

This has been a nice surprise out of the Flashpoint books.

Green Arrow #14 

Fast paced action. No ties to other stories. Just a good solid comic book. The first issue by James Patrick and Agustin Padilla went the same way and I'm grateful for it. With so many events and crossovers going on now, its refreshing to just get a good superhero story. This is what a Green Arrow book is supposed to be. Shame they only get one more issue to keep up the good work. 

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #12 

Well if we're getting anything good out of the wind-down to the reboot, its some good, quick comic books. Some books like Action Comics and Wonder Woman are still bad. But other books like Green Arrow and Emerald Warriors have allowed good stories to be told without a tether to something else.

Emerald Warriors #12 is another good example. I read a review somewhere that was hating on Pete Tomasi's writing of Guy Gardner and wondering why he's the lead in a book. The reason is because Tomasi writes him well. Guy Gardner is fairly one dimensional, but its an entertaining one dimension.

The art of Chris Batista also fits into the GL Universe like a glove. There's a certain way the Green Lantern Universe should be drawn. I can't really explain it, I just know it to see it. And Batista does it well. 

Panel of the Week: 

The entire art team on Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors did an amazing job making this thing creepy as hell. That's a Green Lantern sticking out of its mouth by the way. Eeuugh.

-Gint

Form of

In reality I think the Wonder Twins are awful characters with a very narrow skill set. So Zan can shift into any state of water he chooses? Someone lost big time in the super powers lottery.

-$

$oss' Pull-List Review 7-27-11

The Boys #56

Its been quite a dismal feeling picking up this book over the past year. A revolving door of artists and plots with little pay off has derailed this series. I just don't care anymore. I'm numb to the violence and the sexual depravity of The Seven. The character arc for Wee Hughie has stalled. All the secrets that we were promised at the start of the series have turned out to be predictable and lame. It's just sad.

I'm not sure what has happened to Garth Ennis, but his writing feels lost. It's like he is not sure how to get this story across the finish line. The Boys has the feel of a veteran athlete who stayed one season too long and now is a shadow of what he once was. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'll be happy when this title ends at #60.

The Walking Dead Vol.14

Damn was this good! Robert Kirkman's tale of the zombie apocalypse is now in a class with Preacher and Y The Last Man. It's that great. 

I think my favorite thing about The Walking Dead is how emotional I get when I read it. In this world noone is safe. The zombies are used as a backdrop and less as the main threat. It's the unpredictability of the normal people that is the true danger. Even if things seem nice and peaceful you know that something truly awful or surprising is just around the corner. It's like watching a great movie that has 13 equally great sequels.

Much like other volumes of this series there came a point where I literally yelled out loud, stood up and walked around. I get pulled into these stories that deep. I won't ruin it for you but I'd like to recommend to anyone who likes well thought out story telling to pick this series up. It truly is the best thing going in comics.

-$

Panel of the Week: Rick Grimes shares his thoughts on "your children".

Are You Effing Kidding Me?

When DC announced their redesigns of a lot of their characters, I thought the underwear-on-the-inside thing was silly looking. But apparently, that's just familiarity talking. The more I've looked at this new Superman design, the more it doesn't bother me that he's not wearing the old strong-man outfit. As far as costume updates go, this one might not be so bad.

Now, if you really want to update the characters, stop having George Perez draw them. I know Perez is a comic book legend. But his style SCREAMS 1980s. You can't expect new readers to pick up a new, refreshed, modern comic when the art looks like its from 30 years ago.

-Gint

Gint's 7-20-11 Pull-List Review

The theme of this week's books was questionable artwork. We almost didn't have a Panel of the Week.

Third Place:

Supergirl #66

Last month I was particularly harsh reviewing this book. And rightfully so. It wasn't very good. This issue was... better. I still prefer the sweet jams of Kris Kross over the artwork of Chriscross in this issue but Kelly Sue DeConnick's writing and story flowed way better.

One of the biggest problems of last issue was the poor characterizations of Lois and Supergirl. That's been corrected this issue and Supergirl's posse, or the Silk Pajama Society, is much less over the top and aggravating. Though now that I think about it, that might not be to far off of how college kids really act.

One more issue of Supergirl before the big reboot. Bring it on home Kelly Sue DeConnick! Make it count!

Second Place:

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #2

Wonder Woman and the Furies continues to be the class of my Flashpoint experience outside the main title.

Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning are writing a good story. Conspirators behind the scenes are guiding Aquaman and Wonder Woman into war with each other using the ones they care for as pawns. The only problem is that I have a hard time seeing Aquaman and Wonder Woman jumping to war as quickly as they do even though these characters are much darker in the Flashpoint Universe. Other than that, this is a tightly written book.

The artwork takes a back seat this issue. After issue #1, I was expecting Scott Clark to draw the entire thing. It was beautiful work. Agustin Padilla takes over the art this issue. His storytelling and panel placement are sound, but its the execution that doesn't live up to Scott Clark's.

First Place:

War of the Green Lanterns: Aftermath #1

This was a cool book. It gave me just the kind of story I've been looking for. It was a nice quiet book with little action but a lot of talking. Very meaningful talking however about the future of the Corps after Hal Jordan killed a rogue Guardian. (Safeguards in the rings are supposed to prevent that kind of thing.)

John Stewart killed Mogo so everyone hates him. Kilowog refuses to be a GL as long as Sinestro has a green ring (which he got at the end of War of the Green Lanters). Ganthet is questioning everything and misses his lady Sayd and Soranik has been recruited for a team of rogue GLs to finally execute Sinestro. Sounds like a lot of stuff to cover, but Tony Bedard did a GREAT job covering everything. Nothing felt too light or that anything was left out.

The art is where there were some hiccups. Miguel Sepulveda does the first half and there are a few panels that are honestly hard to look at. I was never so happy to see Tyler Kirkham's art in the second half. And that's saying something since Kirkham usually takes a beating in this space.

So I guess we'll have one more month of Green Lantern books before everything gets set up for the reboot. I can't express how relieved I am that the GL stories will be staying pretty much untouched for the reboot.

-Gint

Panel of the Week:

A fantastic, bad-ass image of John by Tyler Kirkham.

$oss' Pull-List Review 7-21-11

X-Men: Schism #1

Another summer, another X-Men event that will “shake the status quo to the core.” Right. I've heard that one before. When word of this story hit the internet a few months ago I had no intention of picking it up. I figured I’d already be knee deep in the disappointment that is Fear Itself. Why should I add another event book to my pull-list? But once I realized that Jason Aaron would be in charge of this story I had a change of heart. I’m a big fan of Scalped and his work on the Punisher series has been stellar so far.

The premise of this book is thin. Wolverine and Cyclops don’t like each other. Logan is an undependable drunk and Scott has a stick up his ass. We get it. Apparently this is the moment they finally have had enough of each others shit and break the X-Men into two teams. If that's what takes to clean up the overlapping stories of the past few months I’m all for it.

While the story covers familiar ground, Aaron does a good job of not making either character a caricature of themselves. I feel the animosity between these two will gradually build as the story unfolds. A lesser writer could have lost the subtlety needed here.

I’d like to throw some praise Carlos Pacheco's way. Having spent the majority of his career toiling on mediocre books like Superman and The Flash he finally gets to step up to the major leagues. He has a trait that I value in an artist: his ability to make the simple moments seem exciting. There’s a lot of talking in this one but Pacheco executes each panel with grace. His action scenes are just as good. My Panel of the Week is a prime example.

Schism #1 was what I expect from my event books. Excellent writing combined with a superstar artist to tell a story that will have long lasting effects. -$

Panel of the Week: Pacheco displaying his mastery of the splash page.

Strengths and Weaknesses

While I don't believe I ever scored 29 goals in one game (while asleep), we have had some epic Playstation match-ups. Enough to incite raised voices and cocked fists. Few things can threaten friendships like a friendly rivalry.

-Gint

Gint's 7-13-11 Pull-List Review

A weekend trip to the wilds of northern Michigan has delayed my reviewing capabilities. With all apologies, I present 7-13-11's reviews... a couple days late.

Fourth Place. (Only because I couldn't go lower, or I would have):

Superman #713

This is one of the worst comics I've ever read. After I write this, its going right into the Flaming Trashcan. I am so fucking sick of Superman doubting himself and having Clark Kent write stories called, "Must There Be A Superman." Sack the fuck up, Superman! Grounded as a whole has pretty much been an abomination. No wonder fans don't like Superman.

I can't believe I'm saying this... Grant Morrison, please save Superman! He's dying and you're his only hope!

Oh, and I get the distinct impression that John Cassaday has been mailing in these covers.

In Third Place (Only because Superman #713 was so abysmal):

Green Lantern Corps #61

Here's a simple comic book equation for you: fill-in story + new writer-created Green Lantern = snoozefest. Some new rookie Corps member thinks she can handle the new Green Lantern ring. She can't but John Stewart shows her how complete with a "and knowing is half the battle, yo Joe!" moment. 20 pages of uninspiring GL story. Lets get back to the main feature please.

The art however was pretty cool. Daniel HDR is on pencils and does a fine job in place if Tyler Kirkham whose work I haven't been feeling. It was more Fernando Pasarin and that's right up my alley.

While I hate to ever say, "don't buy a Green Lantern book," you really don't need to buy this one no matter how much you like that John Stewart cover.

A Fine Second Place Finish:

Red Robin #25

So the long march to the end of everything we know (DCnU Reboot) continues.

While Fabian Nicieza and Marcus To haven't yet disappointed, this issue felt like it took the toll of the reboot. Issue after issue Nicieza and To have woven an elaborate story around Tim and his mission to check bad guys off his "checklist." This issue was a quick couple steps to the end. A forced hand to get things wrapped up for reboot time. We have one more issue apparently dedicated to Tim and Captain Boomerang, but its obvious there's more to Tim Drake's story that we won't get to see.

Since Tim will only be appearing post-reboot in Teen Titans, let's hope Scott Lobdell's story is better than the Moutain Dew drenched Brett Booth art for the new series.

First Place:

Green Lantern #67

It took a while, but we finally got the finale to War of the Green Lanterns. This story took some heat from a few nerds that I've talked to, but I thought it was a fine Green Lantern story. It stayed close to home and only interfered with the Green Lantern books. It was a tight, cohesive story.

The only problem was, just like most story arcs these days, all it did was set up ANOTHER story. Just like Sinestro Corps War set up Blackest Night, and that set up Brightest Day which set up War of the Green Lanterns, now we've set up the September relaunch. Its set up with an interesting enough premise: Hal gets kicked out of the Corps, and Sinestro becomes a Green Lantern once again; but I'd like to be able to pick up a story and finish it with a sense of satisfactory completion instead of, "gotta get the next thing to find out what happens."

I hate questioning Geoff Johns. And he's still writing good Green Lantern stories, but I'd really like him to sit back and take a breather for a moment. Just slow down the story and relax. The fans are ready for it.

Panel of the Week:

Major kudos to the entire art team for putting this splash page together. DC has been getting the Green Lantern titles right by putting such top notch coloring talent on these books. This spread looks even better in the actual book.

-Gint

He Who Must Not Be Named

Even if you have never read any of Alan Moore’s written works you no doubt are familiar with the properties he created. Watchmen, V for Vendetta, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and From Hell are all films based on his projects. In addition to his original creations he has been a major influence on mainstream comic character’s such as Batman, Superman, Green Lantern and even Swamp Thing. To say he is one of the most influential comic creators of all time might be an understatement.

A weird thing happened to Moore in the early 2000’s. He started to distance himself from the comic industry. His displeasure with how DC was handling his past works prompted him to demand his name removed from all future animated and silver screen features. I understand if he feels that his work is being misrepresented, I’ve seen The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Not a pretty site. It still feels like a giant temper tantrum to me.-$

The Lonely Man

Despite Christina Aguilera butchering the National Anthem and no doubt jinxing the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, I still think she’s pretty hot. -$

$oss' Pull-List Review 7-14-11

More lackluster event books and a surprisingly good newcomer.

Fear Itself #4

All the good will and excitement built up from last issue disappeared right before my eyes. The abrupt killing of the current Captain America (Bucky Barnes) had me counting the days til this issue hit the stands. Much to my disappointment, Matt Fraction raced right past the fall out of this event. I know Marvel is desperate to get Steve Rogers back in uniform but this transition could have been handled with more tact. The rest of the issue focused on getting the pieces in place for the grand final battle. But with little attention given to any of the featured villains I'm left not caring at all about what happens. Out of four total issues only one was worth reading so far. 1 for 4 is respectable in baseball, not very impressive in crafting comics. Was this event necessary to promote this summers Marvel movies?

Witch Doctor #0

I got to talking comics with a co-worker this week. I came to find out that he has similar tastes in books. Marvel, Image, sprinkle in some DC for laughs. He mentioned a number of books that I had heard of but one in particular caught my interest, Image's Witch Doctor. 

Billed as House meets Fringe writer-creator Brandon Seifert aims to explore classic monsters in ways never seen before. Vampires are traditional portrayed as parasites but Witch Doctor takes that concept literately. This twist has me intrigued as to what other "things that go bump in the night" really are. Artist-creator Lukas Ketner's art is decent, but it took awhile to adjust to the color pencil-esque style. I favor the traditional look of inked comics, but I do appreciate the style presented here. It seems to fit the tone of the story, so I won't bitch too much. Every new Image book is billed as "the next Walking Dead". It finally looks like the heir to the thrown has arrived wearing a stethoscope and carrying a stained glass syringe. -$

Panel of The Week: Not quite like those dudes in Twilight.

Dead Pool

I can honestly say I've never read a comic featuring Deadpool (Ultimate Deadpool doesn't count). All I know about Deadpool I've learned from my friends and the various comic book sites I visit. I know enough to know I'm tired of hearing about how awesome he is.

-Gint

Gint's Pull-List Review 7-6-11

It was a bittersweet week for comics as I found out, definitively, that this week's Secret Six is the second to last issue of the series. On to the reviews... sadly...

In Fourth Place:

Flashpoint: Abin Sur: The Green Lantern #2

Geoff Johns did such a great job in rebirthing Sinestro in Green Lantern: Rebirth, that I've seen more stories since that are supposed to be about another character, and wind up being about Sinestro. This book is an example of that. While its titled ABIN SUR, its just as much about Sinestro. And that's not a knock on the book at all because Sinestro is fucking cool.

A lot is learned about the Flashpoint world in this issue. Like how Atrocitus has forseen the timeline jump and warns Sinestro about it, not Abin Sur. As Sinestro sees an opportunity to take control of the universe, it sets up a climactic finish between he and Abin.

As far as the artwork goes, this issue doesn't have the smoothest transition between Robson Rocha, Felipe Massafera and Joe Prado, though DC probably hoped it would. Each artist does a fine job with his pages, but they're clearly different from each other. This is something I'd like to see DC get cleaned up for the reboot.

Our Third Place Finish:

Superboy #9
 

I really like the cover for this issue. I prefer Superman and Superboy to have more lean than bulky body structures. Very cool cover.
 

As for the story on the inside, its some crazy, wacky sci-fi, but its some pretty cool stuff. Superboy and Co. find a whole city of zombies living beneath Smallville along with a factory producing hundreds of clones of Conner himself. Its a pretty quick paced issue that doesn't drag you down with dialogue or anything unnecessary.
 

Pier Gallo's art continues to get the job done while not being flashy. I'd like to see his work with a different colorist. Someone who uses harder edges to see if I'd like it any different.
 

I really like Connor Kent. He's been handled really well and has been a pleasure to read since Geoff Johns' run on Teen Titans. Its a shame the only sneak peek at him from the reboot looks like they'll absolutely ruin the character. Were Tim Drake, Connor and Cassie Sandsmark really in such a bad spot that they needed reinvented? I guess we'll find out, but from that 90s-ass art by Brett Booth, I'm not hopeful.

A Heartbreaking Second Place Finish:

Secret Six #35

This issue breaks my heart. Next issue, Secret Six comes to a close. Its not being picked up in the September reboot. DC has been nice enough to let Gail Simone end this series on her own terms though. And she's doing just that.

Unfortunately, its doesn't feel like its entirely on her own terms. Reading these characters this issue is like seeing someone begin to lose all sense of who they are. Forgetting their names and everything they've become for the last 36 issues and regressing into the one dimensional shells that they were before Gail Simone made them characters who mattered; not characters who were just plot devices for A-listers. Reading this issue reminds me of a lyric from the Death Cab For Cutie song, "What Sarah Said": "love is watching someone die."

This issue sets up the final run of the Secret Six: Bane's grand assault on Batman. The feeling of "the end" has been written into the issue. Simone makes it so the characters feel it as well as the reader. Its very entertaining and well-written just like this whole series has been. But its also sad.

And I can't help shaking the feeling part of this story is because someone higher than Gail Simone said, "um, yeah, we're going to need Bane for when The Dark Knight Rises opens, so uh... write him out of your story." Its a shame because I can guarantee you Bane will never be written with as much honor, depth and humanity as he's been written by Simone. That goes for all of the Secret Six to different extents.

In First Place:

Flashpoint #3
 

The only thing that detracted from how good this issue was... was the registration. The color registration is off on enough pages to be a distraction throughout the entire issue. But other than that, this issue is sharp.
 

You get a real sense of what Cyborg is all about and where his loyalty to mankind lies. He's the same Vic Stone DC fans have been reading for years, but a little more reserved and stoic. Thomas Wayne also feels a hair different from Bruce. But I can't tell if that's Geoff Johns' writing or my knowing he's not Bruce.
 

Barry, starting to lose his memories of the old DCU, is racing to find members of his regular DCU Justice League to stop Reverse-Flash before its too late. Its a pretty cool premise that give us a good look at what's become of our heroes in the world of Flashpoint as Barry tracks them down. I'd like to see it continue for another issue.
 

Andy Kubert's art is amazing the whole way through. The Panel of the Week in particular. The only thing wrong with the art is the color registration and that's to no fault of the creators. And I'm sure not EVERY issue is like that. Just the one I got. Nice.
 

For as much as I've liked these first 3 issues, I can't seem to fully invest myself. I think that's because I know what Flashpoint is heralding toward us. Flashpoint is the catalyst for the DCnU reboot that I'm less that thrilled about. For as myopic as it is, if this was a regular event, and the DCU would be restored as-was at the end, I'd have a much bigger boner for this story. 

The Panel of the Week:

This page is gruesome and so well done that I can't stop looking at it.

-Gint

The Convincing Impostor

Dom's dedication to his Tony Stark Halloween costume ended with him gluing a tap light to his chest. Painful, but I'm sure it was worth it. -$

$oss' Pull-List Review 7-6-11

Marvel has been spacing out it's releases the past few weeks. Looks like only one comic worth picking up this week:

FF #5
I am enjoying the new dynamic of the FF. Even with the added cast Jonathan Hickman has been successful in highlighting the personalities of Reed, Sue and Ben. I'm still unsure how Spider-Man fits into the group but I have faith it will all fall in line sometime during this first arc.

Barry Kitson's pencils shine in this issue. It takes a special talent to handle all the various weirdos in this book. His fight scenes are bursting with action and aliens.  However my favorite panels were the quiet moments between Ben Grimm and Alicia as they discuss the Thing's feelings of guilt over Johnny Storm's death. Another quality offering from this creative team. -$

Panel of the Week: I really dig the subtlety of this page.

06-15-11 Us and Them

I can't watch a trailer for this movie without a tune from Pink Floyd's classic album playing in my head.

-$

Gint's Pull-List Review 6-29-11

Overall, a pretty good week on the pull-list.

The Fourth Place Finisher:

Wonder Woman #612

This story isn't interesting. That makes it really really long. It just keeps going. But I think there's an end in sight. I'm almost ready to welcome the Wonder Woman reboot just to get a different story.

This issue is light on action, heavy on monologues. Allow me to break it down: Way back when JMS' gave a shit about this book it was the Gods who put Wonder Woman on this journey because only a woman can defeat rogue God Nemesis. Diana travels to Nemesis' zombie world and finds that Nemisis... is herself. Or at least looks like the Wonder Woman Jim Lee left behind when he redesigned her last year. Even if she's the bad guy, I want the old Wonder Woman to win.

If I can take one positive from this drawn out story arc its Galenthias the cat. I'm well aware a talking black cat takes us all back to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, but Phil Hester and JMS before him really do a good job giving it it's own voice. I'd like Galenthias to stick around in some capacity.

Good art this time around. Maybe because the whole issue is Don Kramer. Its a nice looking book. Cool cover too. There's the credit where its due.

The Third Place Finisher:
Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #1

This book starts off really strong though it's essentially just a retelling of Hal Jordan's origin. Adam Schlagman hits all the right points and emotions until we get about halfway though the book when the characters become one dimensional caricatures of themselves. Hal saves Carol and she just bitches about him wrecking the planes. Instead of asking if she's OK, Hal just makes a joke. The depth of these characters was lost.

The art of Ben Oliver was solid despite some faces that look a little too photo referenced. The sharpest part of his art is his King Shark which can only be referenced to a point.

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #1 was a solid, if not stellar book and has potential to grow through the next couple issues.

The Second Place Finisher:
Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #11

Its such a disappointment when a hero falls for the seduction from a beautiful woman who only to tries to kill them. Probably because I know I would fall for the same trick. This is what happens to Guy Gardner this issue. THIS issue isn't part of the currently running War of the Green Lanterns, so I guess the other books are running late and they shipped this one-off story. Regardless it was a good story as most Peter Tomasi Green Lantern stories are.

We're also treated to the art of Bernard Chang who I'm a huge fan of. Fortunately he's been filling in on a lot of the books in the pull-list, so its great to see his work. And he draws a damn fine seductress of Guy Gardner. I'd also like to credit Gabe Eltaeb for a great job on colors.

So... here's the only problem with this issue: Guy Gardner dies, loses his ring, is brought back to life and has to go find his ring. The whole time he never loses the GL uniform. I'm sure the reason for this continuity mix-up is because DC doesn't want the main character running around in a Michigan hoodie for 18 pages. But still, this is the kind of misuse of the ring that burns my ass.

And The First Place Finisher:
Flashpoint: Project Superman #1

Pretty good stuff right there. I dont know anything about Scott Snyder and Lowell Francis (writers), but they really took this book in a much different direction than I anticipated. And it was better for it.

Roughly 27 years before Kal-El's rocket crashes on earth, the US Government has been trying to create their own "Captain America" if you will. Its been going poorly until Army Ranger Neil Sinclair signs up for the project and things go well... until some side affects start. They reference something called Project 6 but I didn't read Booster Gold #45 so I have no idea what that is. It looks like Neil Sinclair has something to do with Kal-El arriving.

From what I've heard Scott Snyder is a pretty capable writer. After reading Project Superman, I agree. Though I couldn't tell you how much impact was Francis' or Snyders.

I'm also not too familiar with Gene Ha's art, but I really liked it. He adds a few subtle character nuances that really make an emotional impact.

In short, I'm looking forward to issue #2.




Our Panel of the Week:

Killer King Shark. Photo referenced or not, that's a cool man-shark.


-Gint