Gint's 6-26-13 Pull-List Review

A mind blowing 11 books this week. Lets get to it.

Eleventh Place:
Red Lanterns #21

I gave this book up after 5 or 6 issues when the New 52 launched. I thought it was extraneous. The Green Lantern universe doesn't need a book about the Red Lanterns. But, since I'm such a sucker for the GL Universe, I'm trying it again.

New writer Charles Soule and artist Alessandro Vitti kick off a new chapter of Red Lantern lore. After one issue, I still don't really give much of a shit. Hal asks Guy to infiltrate the Red Lantern Corps as an undercover agent. The premise of the book sounds like it could be really cool, so I'll give it a few issues.

This issue was enough to bring me back for the next one, but barely. All the Guy Gardner stuff is pretty solid, but most of the Red stuff is just boring. I'm pretty sure this book's second run on the Pull-List isn't going to last very long.

Tenth Place:
Justice League of America #5

I really want to like this book. I really do. But I don't think its happening.

5 issues in and I still don't give a shit about anyone on this team. That's probably not a good sign that this book is long for the Pull-List. The story is kind of interesting... but the characters just suck. Vibe and Katana? Yeah, sure, they blow. But even Hawkman and Green Arrow are bor-ing! And holy fuck did the New 52 ruin anything good about Martian Manhunter. Ugh, the more I write the more disgusted I get.

Its looking like I'll follow along until Trinity War is over, then I'm out. Geoff Johns and Brett Booth are doing their best. I'm sure they don't want to make a boring book, but its just not enough for me.

Ninth Place:
Batman Superman #1

Well that was a wacky ride. I don't really understand what the fuck is happening, but that's by design. The story is crazy and interesting enough to definitely bring me back.

I love seeing a "Marvel" guy come over to the Distinguished Competition. Greg Pak has been writing Marvel books for quite a while. His latest foray into the DCU is pretty damn good. Right away he has a good feel for who Clark and Bruce are. Between their dialog and their inner monologues, Pak writes a hopeful Superman and a serious Batman.

Jae Lee is probably the strangest choice for artist on this book as he's known for dark and moody and not super-hero-ey. He brings the blacks and sets the mood and everything looks like a scary horror movie. We don't know who the villain is yet, but they're good n' creepy. I'd prefer Lee to draw the whole book, but he gets an assist on the last 7 pages from Ben Oliver. Solid stuff, but I like a whole work.

Batman Superman, despite Batman getting first billing, is a good book. Greg Pak, welcome to DC.

Eighth Place:
The Flash #21

This wasn't the greatest issue by this team, but it was entertaining. Seeing some of the ideas brought to life made it a fun read, if not an integral read in the story arc.

Barry needs to track down Kid Flash, and Bart is a total prick. By the end of the issue you wish Barry would punch a hole through his face. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato do a great job keeping up the New 52 tradition of making the Teen Titans the most unlikeable bunch of "superheroes." I might write some fan fiction just to kill them all off.

Aside from that, the art is still stellar. I believe Image Matt doesn't like the art on this book, and I'll never understand that. Manapul's art and Buccellato's colors are always stunning to look at as it surpasses "comic book art" and really becomes something more.

Not the most standout issue of The Flash, but a fun read.

Seventh Place:
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #3

I believe this may count as a guilty pleasure, but since I don't believe in guilty pleasures, I really dig this book. I'm sure some of it is sentimental (my much younger brother says, "He-Man is dogshit"), but Keith Giffen and Pop Mhan are telling a pretty cool story.

Updating He-Man for a modern audience is tough. There's a certain tone to the franchise with the mix of technology and magic that Giffen and Mhan seem to have found balance with. Its a solid updated story for an older audience. Its also a fun read. Its not too heavy and dark, and its certainly not joyless.

It took a few issues for Giffen and Mhan to find their groove, but I think they've found it. Looking forward to issue four.

Sixth Place:
Guardians of the Galaxy #4

The best part of this issue is that we get some downtime for our heroes. We get to see them just hanging out at a bar, knocking back some drinks and getting busy... along with starting a giant bar fight.

Sara Pichelli is an amazing artist. Being a DC guy, I haven't really had the pleasure of enjoying her work. She has a clean, expressive style that I really can't get enough of. Though I'm sad to see Steve McNiven has already bailed on this book, she's a MORE than worthwhile back up plan.

Brian Bendis flexes his witty banter and puts together some nice action, but its the quiet moment between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts on a video call that hooked me in this issue. The addition of Tony to the team is pretty natural, even though I know its just done in an effort to support the movies.

Fifth Place:
Justice League Dark #21

A Madame Xanadu-centric issue really gets it done in issue 21. She's the crux of the story for the final part of the Horror City arc before we jump into Trinity War. She's normally a reserved character, but this issue we really get to see her get physical and get her hands dirty.

The creative team of Jeff Lemire, Ray Fawkes and Mikel Janin are really humming on this book. They know these characters inside and out from body language to dialog. Each one is very well defined and the addition of the Flash for this arc really lets you see a different side of them and Barry Allen. Great stuff.

Lets hope through Trinity War this team can keep the great stuff coming without being compromised by having to squeeze their book into a larger crossover. 

Fourth Place:
Nova #5

This is probably the most straight up fun book on the shelves these days. Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness tell an exciting space fantasy that has all the heart of the Original Trilogy. That's high praise.

I don't know if this will ever eclipse my love for the Dan Abnett/Andy Lanning Nova series, but its definitely its own beast with its own merits. McGuinness' big pages and large visuals only add to the way he tells a story. Everything keeps moving at a great pace. Loeb doesn't offer much dialog, but this book doesn't need it. Loeb is capable of bringing these characters to life without being verbose.

If you want to just enjoy a good, entertaining feel-good story, Nova is the book for you.  

Third Place:
Justice League #21

Funny that my favorite issue of Justice League doesn't feature the Justice League.

This issue is a full issue wrapping up the Shazam! back up that Geoff Johns and Gary Frank have been running through this book. Between Johns' writing and Frank's art its been the best part of Justice League.

Though the twist in the story isn't a huge surprise, Johns plays it really well when Billy gives all the foster kids a piece of the Shazam pie. We finally get to see the New 52 versions of Freddie Freeman, and more importantly, the super sexy Mary Marvel. Gimme summa that please.

As cool as this story is, its really Gary Frank's art that is the highlight of this story. His work seems to get better with every issue. If this creative team was to do a Shazam ongoing, I would, without a doubt, add it to the Pull-List.

Second Place:
Aquaman #21

Damn fine issue. Great cover. Great story. The way Geoff Johns writes how Aquaman's responsibilities as King pull him in different directions is both subtle and effective. Paul Pelletier's art also does a great job showcasing just how powerful Arthur is. Makes you want to see a Superman/Aquaman throwdown.

When talk comes up about my favorite current artists, I need to start remembering Paul Pelletier. He really draws the hell out of this book. The way each character carries himself makes them just as real and distinct as Johns' writing. And you can't hate on a super sexy Mera.

As a whole, this issue is one of the best of Johns' run since the New 52 kicked off.

Ps, what a cool cover by Pelletier and co.

First Place:
The Wake #2

This is easily one of my current favorite books. Not only because Ryan Murphy draws Lee Archer super sexy.

Scott Snyder's story is tight. Its very cinematic. Its like reading the best parts of Jaws and The Thing. Our hero, Lee Archer and the crew she's working with is sent to study a monstrous merman at a government facility a mile beneath the surface of the ocean. The tension between the characters is palpable. Its easy to imagine being down there with them.

Ryan Murphy has a gigantic hand in bringing the story, and the emotion is projects to life. The personalities of his characters are spot on and the flow of the storytelling is flawless. I simply can't wait for the next issue.

Page of the Week:

This Aquaman page by Paul Pelletier highlights just how powerful the King of Atlantis is.

-Gint
  

Michael Bay Doesn't Care About You

Over the course of McSoss, Michael Bay has become Gint's arch nemesis. Theoretically, he's been MY arch nemesis since he butchered Transformers. By taking a staple of my youth, throwing it on the ground and taking a big ol' shit on its chest, he declared himself my enemy. BUT, he's been doing this for so long, that by this point, now I'm just amused.

It was announced earlier this week that William Fichtner (who I think is a pretty great actor) will be playing Shredder in Bay's upcoming, live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot. This set the nerd world on fire because Fichtner is white and Shredder (whose real name is Oroku Saki) is Japanese. But can we really be surprised? This is Michael Bay we're talking about. Bay doesn't concern himself with history, tradition, or what's come before. Bay does what Bay wants. (See Transformers 1, 2, 3 and I'm sure the upcoming 4.)

Unlike the blinding fury I felt when he made a mockery of the Transformers franchise, this time I think its kind of funny. I'm sure its part not being as attached to the Turtles as I am Transformers, and part just being amused this time at Bay's over-the-top disinterest in holding to the standards of whats come before.

As stated above, he's clearly sending a message. That message? Michael Bay doesn't give a fuck.

-Gint

Soss' Pull-List Review 6/27/13

Age of Ultron #10

A whimsical take on the origin of Hank Pym and how he eventually came to create Ultron. We what influenced the scientific and creative sides of his mind. I've never been interested in Ant-Man/Goliath/Yellow Jacket but I did enjoy this retelling of his beginnings. 

Andre Lima Araujo's pencils, cartoony and light, were the perfect compliment to Mark Waid's light hearted tale of the young Mr. Pym.

Hawkeye #11

Twenty two pages told through the eyes of Lucky the dog. That's what you get this time out in Hawkeye. It sounds boring  but trust me it's pretty awesome! Fraction and Aja are nothing if not inventive. 

It took me all of two minutes to make it through this book but is was a ton of fun. All the panels were broken down into shapes and symbols as you follow the story of a dog and his quest for pizza. Oh, and there was a murder or something that happened too. 

A fun and brisk book that I'd recommend if only for the novelty. 

Thor: God of Thunder #9

The three Thor's arrive at The Black World of Gorr to do battle with The God Butcher. We learn about where Gorr draws his power from but most of this book is an all out throwdown between Gorr and the Mighty Thor's.

Lot's of dynamic action leads into a major cliffhanger that left me counting down the days until the next issue hits the shelves. -Soss

Panel of the Week: The world through Lucky's eyes.

McSoss Podcast Episode 15: The Originals (Ol' Snap-Crotch)

The McSoss Comic Book Podcast crew doesn't agree on much, however we do agree on the awesomeness of the original Star Wars trilogy. This week we talk about our favorite moments, the scenes we would reenact as kids and the toys we would recklessly destroy. We also have an interactive segment where we answer questions from our adoring fans.

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Represent!

Doing a Superman-themed podcast? Soss wears a Daredevil shirt. Going to see Man of Steel? Soss wears an Avengers shirt. At least he's brand-loyal.

Man of Steel has come and gone. It came out of the gate to mixed reviews, which, considering DC's track record with movies that don't star Batman (or at least a facsimile of Batman that quits for 8 years) is good enough for me. The sequel has been put on the fast track and I'm damn excited. Maybe now DC and Warner Bros. can really get their ball rolling and give their great characters some big-time screen time.

I know its a big wish, but a guy can dream, right?

-Gint

Gint's 6-19-13 Pull-List Review

When I looked at what was going to be in the Pull-List this week was pretty underwhelmed. When I finished reading I was pleasantly surprised.

Fourth Place:
Batman and Batgirl #21

I still think this book should be called Batman and Robin. I know there isn't a "Robin" for the title right now, but this shit isn't clever, its confusing.

And it sucks. Man do I hate saying that about a Pete Tomasi joint. Easily one of my favorite writers over the last ten years, but this book is garbage right now. Its just Bruce being super psycho. That's why I dropped Batman when Grant Morrison was writing it. It wasn't enjoyable. I know he's grieving over the loss of his son, but you can only read so many pages of someone being a superdouche before you wish the badguys would kill him.

Cliff Richards does a solid job filling in on pencils for Pat Gleason, but even solid art can't save a story that's just played out.

Third Place:
Wonder Woman #21

Earlier in the day before I read this book I saw that the book's writer, Brian Azzarello, would be reintroducing the New Gods to the New 52. I have NEVER been interested in the New Gods and pretty much rolled my eyes when I read that headline.

Skip to actually reading this issue... and I might be a little interested. Azzarello's Wonder Woman CLEARLY takes place in its own universe, not the New 52. After 21 issues I've given up seeing a cameo from another DCU denizen. But what "Azz" has done for the first time is make me like the New Gods' Orion. He's kind of a badass. If Azzarello can make the rest of the New Gods as credible as he has Orion, I'll stick around a while.

Cliff Chiang is back on art. Its really Russian Roulette when it comes to what artist is going to be on this book. Chiang's linework this issue feels a little rushed, but even rushed Chiang is better than a lot of stuff out there.

Second Place:
Animal Man #21

I'm comfortable proclaiming that Animal Man is back. The book took a little dip through the Rotworld storyline, but Jeff Lemire, joined by Steve Pugh has this title humming just as satisfyingly as he did when the New 52 launched.

Buddy is in dire straights. He's lost his son and his family, and in the meantime, he's been nominated for an Oscar. Ellen is trying to keep what's left of the family together, but Maxine is sneaking off at night to visit the Red to try to get Cliff back. There's some crazy shit and some big action, but its the quiet moments and real-life settings and dialog that really give this book heart.

Lemire isn't afraid to introduce unique ways of setting the mood and telling the story, and Steve Pugh isn't afraid to draw some fucked up shit. Animal Man is really a horror book, and its really awesome.

First Place:
Green Lantern: New Guardians #21

This issue was awesome. I don't know anything about writer Justin Jordan, and I've seen very little from artist Brad Walker, but they both put together an hell of an issue.

Each new Green Lantern title has been a roll of the dice since DC changed all the creative teams. Essentially, each title now has an unknown (or at least not well-known) writer on it. Justin Jordan's first issue didn't disappoint. For the first time since this title was created, I'm excited to read the next issue. Jordan's quiet moments between Hal and Kyle, and then Kyle and Carol Ferris are just as interesting as the giant fight with the space sharks. Jordan does a really nice job giving you a sense of who these characters are as people. Cause if you don't care about them as people, you're not going to care about them as superheroes.

Brad Walker's art really impressed me. Some of his faces seem a little... wobbly?... to me, but overall his work is really solid. His panel layout and storytelling really hooked me and made for a smooth issue. I had a feeling what the surprise ending would be, but I was still excited to see it due to the way it was delivered.

Jordan and Walker set a high bar for their first issue. Lets hope they can keep it up.

Panel of the Week:

Brad Walker's subtle touch of Kyle's ring under his work glove is an appreciated detail.

-Gint
  

Metrosexuals of the Universe

If I were a superhero I would fall into the category of vying for "Best Hair In The Universe." Some days aren't as good as others, but most days its pretty spectacular.

If you haven't seen Man of Steel yet, I suggest going and doing so. Its a "theater movie." HUGE action that you're not going to appreciate at home no matter how sweet your home theater setup is. Henry Cavill is a pretty great Superman even if the movie as a whole could have been a little less dark. But these are the days we live in, huh?

Also, if you like or dislike the Star Wars Prequels, do we have the Podcast for you. Episode 14 of the McSoss Comic Book Podcast is available for your listening pleasure at mcsoss.podomatic.com, in the iTunes store and on Stitcher Radio. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. Unless you like the Prequels, then keep that dumb shit to yourself.

-Gint
 

Soss' Pull-List Reviews 6/20/13

Captain America #7

Cap continues his assault on Zola’s fortress in an attempt to save Ian (help me!). There are some nice flashback’s between Ian and Cap where we learn more about the dark past of Steve Roger’s father. I wish there was more of this emotional stuff throughout this arc. It’s been all big fights for the past three issues.

While the Dimension Z storyline was a welcome change of pace for Captain America I’m ready to head back to more familiar turf.

Savage Wolverine #6

I really enjoyed this book up until the point were I realized that I hate the current Marvel Universe. Zeb Wells and Joe Madureira have taken over for Frank Cho on this title. I loved what this creative team delivered on last year’s Avenging Spider-Man so I was thrilled to see Logan would be teaming up with the ol’ webhead.

Madureira is excellent when it comes to delivering striking and energetic panels. While the majority of these 22 pages are dialogue heavy Joe Mad somehow manages to make the conversation flow in an engaging manner. He could have Wolverine and various characters sitting on a couch delivering lines of dialogue. Instead, he spiced things up with interesting panel layout and a variety of different angles. That’s called “dynamic storytelling” folks.

Ironically the part that I hated was the best part of this book, Spider-Man’s interactions with Wolverine.  Spidey was funny, playful, and a little bit annoying...you know...like he has been since the 1960’s.  Then I remembered the he is supposed to have Doctor Octopus’ brain and this characterizing is completely off. It made me want to track Dan Slott down and savagely beat him for ruining my favorite character. -Soss

Panel of the Week: Hot ass Elektra.

McSoss Podcast Episode 14: The Prequels (Courtesy Laugh)

This week we travel to a galaxy far, far away to discuss Episodes 1, 2 and 3 of the Star Wars saga. Tempers flare, the cops are called and in the end nothing is solved. Listen to this struggle between the forces of good and evil and decide for yourself McSossCasters.

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Uggo

Benedict Cumberbatch has been getting a lot of play lately. I'm not really sure why. Chicks are falling all over this dude. I even had some chick correct my pronunciation of his name. What makes me really not understand it is that he's fucking ugly. Granted, I'm not Bradley Cooper, but I can tell when a dude is attractive. Cumberbatch is not. Take away his fame and he's just another strange looking cat.

What made me laugh when I was looking up reference pics for this strip is when I accidentally stumbled across this article.

-Gint

Gint's 6-12-13 Pull-List Review

We're all over the board this week with some Dark Horse, DC and Marvel getting the ol' Pull-List treatment.

Fifth Place:
Star Wars #6

I don't know how many issues this story is supposed to be, but we haven't gotten very far in six issues. I keep waiting for something big to happen, but it consistently doesn't. The coolest part about this issue is the six panel spread on a couple of the last pages that subtly nods to where each of our main characters are at in the story.

Carlos D'Anda's art is still pretty great. Its very polished and professional. I think he'd do a great job on a book like Green Lantern Corps.

I'm still enjoying this book, and it does feel like its building to something huge... but I'm getting impatient waiting for that something huge.

Fourth Place:
Green Lantern Corps #21

Following in the footsteps of its lead title, Green Lantern, we also get a new creative team on Corps. Credited as Van Jensen on the script and Robert Venditti on the plot, we get our first post-Peter Tomasi issue of the title. Surprisingly, it felt very much like a Tomasi-written issue. And that's not a bad thing.

Green Lantern Corps now stars John Stewart, everyone's (Soss') favorite African-American Lantern. Along the way we'll also see other familiar Lanterns like Salaak and Soranik Natu along with a bunch of newbies as the Corps has to rebuild its ranks. Jensen and Venditti do a nice job subtly setting up these new characters' backstories without letting on that's what they're doing. Now, would I rather see the book filled with Lanterns I AM familiar with like Isamot Kol, Vath Sarn, Hannu and Arisia? Yes, I would. But a Green Lantern book is a title that can more easily insert new characters and have them be accepted.

As for art, I welcome Bernard Chang to the book. He's bounced around from a handful of DC titles over the last few years and its nice to see him on a book I buy on the regular. He's got a really sharp semi-stylized style that really speaks to me as a fan and an artist.

One issue in and I'm pretty happy about the change. Stay tuned to see how it plays out.

Third Place:
Superman Unchained #1

After all the hype, the first issue by superstar writer Scott Snyder and superstar artist Jim Lee is finally here. And it was okay.

I attribute its okayness to the fact that its the first issue and we're just getting things started. Lots of setup, lots of putting the pieces on the board. I love that we get to see Lex Luthor, and I love that he sounds like the Lex from the Animated Series. The New 52 hasn't done him justice yet, so I'm hoping Snyer corrects all of that.

Jim Lee's art is great. There's not one panel that pulled me out of the story. Each panel is drawn expertly and adds to Snyder's storytelling.

Solid start to a new book. We could get a great story here. Looking forward to it all unfolding.

Second Place:
Guardians of the Galaxy #3

Brian Bendis, Steve McNiven and Sara Pichelli make one entertaining book. High action space adventure with some natural comedy thrown in. Can't beat that.

Bendis knows how to write likeable characters. Except Rocket Raccoon. I hate this new one. Seems our heroes shouldn't go around getting off on murdering anyone. But whatevs. The other Guardians don't seem to get much play either. For as good as Bendis has been writing team books, we don't really know anything about Gamora or Drax. They're just kind of the green aliens in the background. Maybe he's got a plan for them later.

I can't tell the difference between McNiven's pencils and Pichelli's. It's terribly amateur for a comic vet like myself. Regardless, its an amazing looking book. Even down to the sets that look like they'd easily fit in a Star Wars movie.

First Place:
Batman #21

Well, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo do it again. My initial expectation for Zero Year was, "eh, should be cool." But after reading Part 1, damn that was a good issue. Snyder wrote a pretty good Superman in Unchained, but he REALLY knows how to write the Batman U. Its what he was born to do.

Zero Year picks up the year Bruce comes back to Gotham after his trek around the world to become the world's greatest detective. Legally, Bruce Wayne has been pronounced dead, and that's how Bruce wants it. We see a lot of where Gotham is at at this point and parts of what makes Bruce who he is. We also get treated to another aspect of Bruce's family, his Uncle Philip. Snyder has been pretty great about introducing parts of Bruce's family that we've never seen before in a totally natural manner.

Capullo's art shines as always. Never a misstep in any panel. Unlike Superman Unchained that has potential, this issue has already delivered on the potential that Zero Year has to offer.

Panel of the Week:

Steve McNiven or Sara Pichelli drew this panel. I liked it's "Stormtrooper-ness."

-Gint

Side Splitting Humor

Iron Man 3 was hilarious. I'm still not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. Five minutes into the flick you were reminded that Shane Black had also directed the Lethal Weapon movies, because this felt like an unofficial sequel. 

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the wacky adventures of Tony and Rhodey. I still feel like there was some bait and switch going on since the trailers were so dark and grim. That said Ben Kingsley's take on The Mandarin is worth the price of admission. -Soss 

Soss' Pull-List Reviews 6/13/14

Action Comics #858-863

In anticipation of Man of Steel this week I read some classic Superman tales. I wanted to refresh myself on a character that I general don't find interesting. I read classic moments from Superman's history as well as some newer stories that might not get as much hype but are equally great. This brings me the Geoff Johns and Gary Frank Legion of Superhero's arc. 

Sups receives a message from Brainaic 5 of the future that Earth is in grave danger and teleports the Man of Steel to 3008 A.D. When he arrives he is greeted by members of the Legion of Superheroes who seemed pretty worried that Superman is there. What's to worry about? Dude is invincible right? Well....it looks like Earth's sun turned red which means no superpowers for you Kal-El, who is then promptly shot in the hand. I laughed my ass off. 

We also find out that Superman's history has been altered. No, we aren't talking about the New 52. The public now believes that Superman was from Earth and had a crazy hate-boner for aliens. Armed with a flight ring and his dashing good looks The Man of Steel sets off to try and get this shit straightened out.

Geoff Johns doesn't play around. He throws Superman into the deep end with no powers and only a few goofballs like Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl to aid him. This story has a great main theme. Superman stands for equality yet in this future his legacy has been twisted into the polar opposite.  His mission to restore his good name is equally as important as saving the universe from all out war. 

Gary Frank has officially jumped into the superstar artist category. His likeness of the iconic Christopher Reeve as The Last Son of Kyrpton is striking and feels natural. The amount of detail that is packed into each panel makes him a modern day George Perez.....without the over crowding. 

Superman fans and Superman haters alike will have a great time with this arc. -Soss

Panel of the Week: Preach ON brotha Kal-El!!!!!!

McSoss Podcast Episode 13: Superman Loves McSoss.com!

It’s a bird, it’s a plane! No, it’s the McSoss Superman Podcast. This week we discuss what we love and what we loathe about The Last Son of Krypton.

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With Essential Vitamins and Minerals

It's always horrifying to read the labels of your favorite foods. The only thing that I ever gain from it is the knowledge that 95 percent of my diet is pure sugar. Or eye of newt -Soss

Gint's 6-5-13 Pull-List Review

Sometimes a nice, quick week of books is a welcome change. I know my wallet appreciate it. It also prepares me for next week in which the flood gates should open. So this week? Just one book:

Green Lantern #21

A new era begins. Robert Venditti becomes the first writer of this title since 2004 with Billy Tan on artwork. Being a big Geoff Johns fan, the idea of him not writing this book anymore took some mental adjusting on my part. Johns had, arguably, the best run on the book... ever. But I was excited to see what a brand new voice could bring to my beloved Hal Jordan. I'm happy to say, Robert Venditti didn't disappoint.

With art by Billy Tan, inks by Richard Friend and colors by Alex Sinclair and Tony Avina, #21 is a smooth step from Johns' epic #20 into this new era. With the old Guardians dead, the Corps and the new Templar Guardians appoint Hal the Corps new leader, a role he accepts with more ease than I expected. What I also didn't expect, but was happy to see, was a quiet couple pages of Hal and Carol catching up on what their relationship (or lack thereof) status is. For as good as Johns' run was, the further he got into it, it really lacked some of the personal moments that made his early issues shine.

As far as the artwork is concerned, I'm not the biggest fan of Tan's pencils (his Hal needs some work) but he draws the hell out of some aliens and his storytelling is pretty smooth.

Overall this issue feels like a smooth continuation of where Johns left things. Venditti has a great voice this issue for Hal and Kilowog. So much so that you can hear Josh Keaton and Kevin Michael Richardson's shining perfomances of those characters from the Animated Series. (RIP)

Its early, and one issue does not a successful run make, but I thought it was a pretty great start for the new team.

Spread of the Week:

Billy Tan and Co.'s first spread give you a taste of what the art team will be capable of.

-Gint

It Don't Take Much

I'd love to announce to the world that it takes more than nudity and a little bout of scissor fighting to get me interested in a project... but I'd be lying. Sometimes, that's all it takes. In the case of an indie book, it better be damn good nudity and girl on girl. At least that's what we learned on the latest episode of the McSoss Comic Book Podcast.

Our good friends Dylan and Darcy (seen above) Mahaffey joined us this week to enrich our conversation about non-superhero comics. Being Sandman experts, we discuss the works of Neil Gaiman, Maus, Fables, Lost Girls and much more. Oh, and the indie darling, Love and Rockets.

Yours truly takes some heat for being a hater on the episode. As I'll freely admit, most really good storytelling takes place in the indies... or so I hear from fans. True, Geoff Johns can bring a tear to my eye with Green Lantern, but a lot of real meat and potatoes storytelling takes place in the indies. It just doesn't interest me.

However, in an effort to broaden said horizons, two books are on my upcoming reading list: Li'l Depressed Boy and Love and Rockets, Vol. 1. After taking a beating in our latest podcast its been agreed I should dip my toes into the indie lake and see if I like the swim before proclaiming that I don't. I can't promise I'll like them, but I can promise to go in with a completely open mind.

If you like what Dylan and Darcy have to say on the podcast, please check out their own work, an indie book called The Dark Museum at www.sordidfairytales.com and you can also find their work at www.comicmonkey.com.

-Gint