comic reviews 9/30/11

My View
David LeBlanc
ComicBkNet@aol.com

David LeBlanc was the Editor of the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine for
over ten years. He is a life-long fan of comics and moderated online comic book
forums long before the Internet became the place to be. David works part-time at
That's Entertainment, the Eisner-winning comic store in Worcester, MA.


REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: NEAR DEATH
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Writer: Jay Faerber
Artist: Simone Guglielmini
Colors: Ron Riley
Letters: Charles Pritchett
Cover Artist: Tom Coker & Daniel Freedman
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime Drama




With all the new DC #1 issues this month some other comics may be overlooked I
decided to squeeze a couple in this week for your consideration. This crime
drama is about a hit man who has near death experience. What he sees convinces
him to change his life. He sees all the people he killed in his life, a lot of
them, and he is told it is not to late to change his fate. And so, after
recovering from his wounds his first task is to find out if the job he was on
when he was shot is still open. The target was a witness under federal
protection. When his contact/agent Max tells him another hit man has already
been hired to take his place he sets out to stop the hit and save the girl. This
will be his first good deed toward balancing the scales of his life. This is a
solid story with an interesting supporting cast. Markham is the protagonist and
narrator of the story. His good friend Sutton is a vet and it is her he turns to
when he is wounded. The story gets a little complicated when another character
figures out what he is trying to do and begins steps to stop him. This is not
just about a change of heart. Markham is a professional and will still kill left
no other choice, he is just not going to do it for money anymore. It looks like
he will have a whole other problem soon. The art is well suited for the script.
It is all set in the Seattle area and Guglielmini does a good job with the
setting and the various characters. This is a fun comic to read as Faerber has a
mystery writer style with good pacing. He also affords the reader some insight
into his major influence, Robert B. Parker, in the text piece in the back. It is
a solid first issue.

Title: SUPERGIRL
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Last Daughter of Krypton
Publisher: DC
Writers: Michael Green & Mike Johnson
Artist: Mahmud Asrar
Inker: Dan Green with Asrar
Colors: Dave McCaig
Letters: John J. Hill
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



I lost count as to who has more origin stories - Supergirl or Superboy. No
matter, with a new start to the DC Universe the writers are taking the
opportunity to start from scratch and re-introduce Kara as she crashes to Earth
somewhere in the Midwest US. But this time her "craft" has such velocity that it
travels through the planet and emerges in Siberia. The entire first issue
involves her first encounter with people of Earth - they just happen to be
Russians in huge body armor suits. It also is her first experience with super
powers as the sun rises and her Kryptonian physiology starts kicking in. The
language barrier is a big problem and the results could have been disastrous if
not for the intervention of someone else who also speaks Kryptonian. The obvious
difference in Supergirl is the costume. The skirt is gone and the cape and "S"
are different. But more importantly her attitude is different as well. This will
be coming to the forefront no doubt when she gets to talk with her cousin next
issue. The advanced material on this subject indicates that will be a big part
of this new Supergirl. For now we just met her and I am looking forward to
seeing if this new direction will make the character more interesting than in
the past. The art is, well, super with the final splash setting us up for the
next issue. It may be worth trying for a while to see what develops.

Title: BATMAN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Knife Trick
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Inker: Jonathan Glapion
Colors: FCO Plascencia
Letters: Richard Starkings & Jimmy Betancourt
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


This is an interesting script for the debut of the new #1 issue. Batman narrates
on a theme carried in the Gotham Gazette in their Saturday editions. It poses a
phrase for the readers to complete in three words or less, "Gotham is .". He
explains this has been a feature for years and as he opines on the variety of
answers posed over the years the visual is of Batman opposing a group of
villains including Killer Croc, Two Face, Mr. Freeze and a few others, all of
whom have been the answer at some point in time. It is devise that is done well
and leads into the real plot - a massive break out from Arkham Asylum.
Incredibly the action sequence has Joker joining the fray on the side of Batman
but all is not what it seems. The middle sequence has a family gathering of all
the troops - Bruce, Dick, Tim and Damian - all dressed up for a fund raising
event. It is cool to see them all together like this. But as always Bruce is
called away to investigate a murder scene and the shocking revelation he finds
provides another answer to the opening dialogue, Gotham is a mystery! The
mystery is a pretty good one and serves a good segue to the next issue. The art
in this issue has a more classic design of the Batman in costume. And the
villains all are given distinct and recognizable interpretations. The layouts
are mixed nicely and the inking and coloring is superb. There are some
interesting dialogues among the Bat family; particularly between Bruce and Dick
but the others have their fair share of dialogue if not action. It is a solid
story worth following.

Title: CATWOMAN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: . And Most of the Costumes Stay On.
Publisher: DC
Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Guillem March
Colors: Tomeu Morey
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Villain




If you following critical comic discussions on the Internet you will know that
this comic, along with RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS, has stirred up a lot of
discussion on the direction DC is taking with some of its female characters.
This comic unashamedly plays up the sexy nature of Catwoman starting right from
the ample cleavage and arching back shown on the cover. Page after page plays to
the adolescent fantasies of the male fan boys. The first page has Selena in full
bra shot putting on her costume in a hurry to leave her apartment. Three goons
in skull masks finally breakdown the door and she only has time to grab her
kittens and exit out the window. She never fully got her costume on so we see
one of the twins is still hanging out as she exits. Soon after she sees her
apartment explode. This is a set up for some things to come and an encounter at
the end of the issue. But getting back to the sex - she next takes an undercover
job as a bartender at a Russian mob orgy of sorts to learn about something worth
stealing. For personal reasons she follows one mobster into the men's room and
again we get to see her underwear as she uses her charms to get close. The final
scene is the one that has everyone talking. As she crashes at a penthouse -
squatting really while the owners are away, who shows up but Batman. I don't
really want to say too much about what happens but you might be able to infer
the rest from the story title. The scenes go right to the detail of the current
relation between Selena and the Caped crusader. So, as far as the story goes it
is for the most part interesting with the new danger of someone hunting her
down, an action sequence where she has the upper hand on some bad people and the
ending which by itself helps define the character in this new reboot version.
The art on the other hand, which is exceptionally well done, is interpreted by
many as pandering to the male audience in one of the few titles featuring a
strong female lead. Some would even say it takes away from the controlled
character of Batman as portrayed in his own titles. I have always seen CATWOMAN
as a bad girl comic and you should expect her to behave and be drawn that way.
She is not a role model like Wonder Woman after all. I guess it is up to the
individual reader to decide if this is the kind of book they like. I think it
will be a hit.

Title: WONDER WOMAN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Visitation
Publisher: DC
Creator: William Moulton Marston
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Cliff Chiang
Colors: Matthew Wilson
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Speaking of Wonder Woman, this title is in sharp contrast, at least in the
visual depictions of the female lead, from the CATWOMAN comic. Wonder Woman does
not even appear until half way through the issue. Granted she is naked in bed
but we only have a tasteful indication that that is the case with no gratuitous
visual stimulation as she dons her costume. This one is all about character and
plot from start to finish. It does involve the gods so familiar in the past with
this title. In contrast, this book highlights one of the other things people
have been noticing about these new DC comics - a lot of them are using more
graphic violence than we were used to. In two separate scenes a horse is
beheaded and Wonder Woman hurls a sword that severs an opponents arm.
Interesting that a book with a woman strutting around in her underwear is rated
Teen+ while an issue like this with gory violence is a milder Teen rated. But I
digress. The story is solid. Agents of the gods are after a woman who is saved
from immediate death by the intervention of Hermes. She is put in the care of
Diana but they soon find themselves back at the danger location through a quirk
of magic. The bookend sequence is on the roof of the tallest building in
Singapore as another god consults three females who are taken in by his money
and power. He will use them to find out what Zeus is planning and it does
involve the girl with Diana. The story is structured well, has plot development
with some mystery and revelation and shows Diana in the role she is meant to
play - taking up arms to do what is right. The shock at the end is realistic and
will interest the reader enough to come back for more. The art compliments the
story very well. This is a fitting first issue for the premier female character
in the DC Universe.


Title: GEORGE R.R. MARTIN'S A GAME OF THRONES
Issue Number: 1
Title Arc: Book One of A Song of Ice and Fire
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Creator: George R.R. Martin
Writer: Daniel Abraham
Artist: Tommy Patterson
Colors: Ivan Nunes
Letters: Marshall Dillon
Cover Artist: Alex Ross - Variant by Mike S. Miller
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fantasy/Novel adaptation


I have no prior exposure to this story either with the novels or the HBO series.
So I am approaching this one as a comic book reader looking at a new comic.
Those who know the characters and the story will likely react differently.
Knowing who is who and what will happen makes a big difference when reading a
comic adaptation. Some things in the condensed form of a comic book are left out
or left for later. For the record I did read the WILD CARDS comic series and
enjoyed them. The story takes place in a land with a medieval technology level.
There are kings and a feudal system but there are also forms of magic and
mythical beasts. Our first introduction is a party hunting for a band of Wilding
raiders. The three have a mix of experience on excursions such as this outside
the wilderness. Gared has the most experience while Will about four years and
Ser was on his first. Will had seen a camp and now he and Ser dismount to look
on it by foot. The raiders are no longer there and after Will climbs a tree to
look for signs of another camp Ser Waymar is attacked from all sides by what
appear to be ice people, maybe ghosts - I don't know because this is one of
those details not spelled out explicitly. Whatever they are he is no match for
them. This is just one scene of many that serves to show us the kind of world we
are watching. In another we witness a public execution of a deserter by the Lord
of Winterfell, Eddard Stark. It serves to educate us and Eddard's youngest son
on the justice the Lord must carry out as his duty to the king. As the family
and their entourage ride back they encounter an animal that has died leaving her
newborn behind. This is clearly an omen as each of the five children of the Lord
is given a cub to raise. The bastard son takes none but finds a sixth, and
albino cub that he takes in. Later there is much drama at their castle as they
learn of the death of a relative and an impending visit by the king. And
elsewhere a brother and sister argue over the fact that she is to be given in
marriage to a man she has never met. The two have a back-story that is mostly
revealed in flashback to help us out. There is a lot here to digest - a lot of
characters and situations that are only beginning to unfold. It is as if the
adaptors try to get as much in as possible so as not to make the series overlong
in total. It appears in several issues it will all gel more and make more sense.
The art is certainly fantastic enough to please any reader. This issue has some
interesting developments but more than one issue is needed to judge the overall
quality of the series.


***** TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!
If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only. Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
"Bah! Everywhere it is the same! I live in a world too small for me!"
What character said that in his first time in a comic book?
Many knew it was Ben Grimm, the Thing, from FANTASTIC FOUR #1. But the dice
chose Scott Devarney.

Here was your no prize question:
James Naismith invented what popular game in 1891?
James A. Naismith invented the sport of basketball in 1891 and is often credited
with introducing the first football helmet. He wrote the original basketball
rulebook, founded the University of Kansas basketball program, and lived to see
basketball adopted as an official event at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.
David Mc Barron is our no prize winner this time.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
The Chief first gathered his team in what magazine?

Here is your no prize question:
What is the world's biggest single structure made from living organisms?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

comic reviews 9/22/11

My View
David LeBlanc
ComicBkNet@aol.com

David LeBlanc was the Editor of the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine for
over ten years. He is a life-long fan of comics and moderated online comic book
forums long before the Internet became the place to be. David works part-time at
That's Entertainment, the Eisner-winning comic store in Worcester, MA.


REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: BATMAN AND ROBIN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Born to Kill
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Patrick Gleason
Inker: Mick Gray
Colors: John Kalisz
Letters: Patrick Brosseau
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


I followed the original run of this title from the beginning. I enjoyed the
interaction between Dick Grayson and Damian as they forged a partnership. Damian
is purposely an abrasive character that added a new dimension to the character
of Robin. Now he is working with his father, Bruce Wayne. As we see from this
first chapter it is a different dynamic. As Bruce puts it at one point, "you are
not my partner, you are my son." As always, Damian impulsively tries to do
things his own way without thinking of all the consequences. Bruce is quick to
point out the flaws in his thinking and the expectations he has from his son and
his Robin. So far it works well and is good reading. Tomasi takes the occasion
of this relaunch to change a long-standing tradition with Bruce, commemorating
the anniversary of his parents' death. He has decided it is time to stop
remembering how they died but instead remember how they lived. In a well-written
scene they visit the alley but this time from the sewer below. Bruce uses a
fitting memento of that fated night to let the memory of the pain drift out of
sight. But it is not all a stroll down memory lane as the get the call to the
scene of a high-tech robbery going on. It is that confrontation that forces
Batman to put Robin in his place. And there is a particularly brutal villain in
town that will provide some intense action in the issues to come. I think this
is a good kick off and a good jump on point for those new readers joining in on
the new DC Universe. The execution is terrific in every aspect. The art is clean
and the coloring accents it well. This one is worth picking up.

Title: BATWOMAN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Leaching
Title Arc: Hydrology
Publisher: DC
Writers: J.H. Williams & W. Haden
Artist: J.H. Williams
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Todd Klein
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



As in BATMAN AND ROBIN there are family issues being dealt with in this premiere
of the new volume of BATWOMAN. She is still Kate Kane and is still a lesbian.
That aspect of her life is touched on as she runs into Detective Sawyer at the
precinct while visiting the picture on the wall in memory of Renee Montoya. With
that out of the way there are three main plots to the story. One is a series of
killings and kidnappings of children at the hands of what appears to be a female
ghost. She is an urban legend but the crimes are very real. Batwoman has first
hand experience with the Weeping Woman in the opening scene. Then there is the
beginning of training of Bette, her niece and formerly Flamebird of the Teen
Titans. To Kate she is still in need of training and while they patrol together
Kate points out her mistakes, calling her a plebe not taking the job seriously
enough. The session ends with a surprise visit from Kate's father enabling
Williams to fill us in on their estranged relationship. Finally, we have a two-
page scene at the New York headquarters of the Department of Extranormal
Operations. The director is assigning agent Chase to a new case in Gotham
involving both Colonel Kane and the mysterious Batwoman. It all is groundwork
for things moving forward. The guys keep all the plots going at a steady pace
with everything making sense and nothing superfluous. William's art is as good
as ever with Stewart doing a great job on the colors. The characters are
interesting and we even get cameos from the commissioner and another caped
crusader. Great first issue right out of the box.

Title: SUICIDE SQUAD
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Kicked in the Teeth
Publisher: DC
Writer: Adam Glass
Artists: Federico Dallocchio & Ransom Getty & Scott Hanna
Colors: Val Staples
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Villains



The premise of the Suicide Squad hasn't changed through the relaunch. Lifers in
Belle Reeve prison are given the chance to see daylight and breath fresh air if
they volunteer to join Task Force X, what the guards call the Suicide Squad.
They are given intensive training and injected with micro bombs, which can be
exploded at, will if they try to welsh on their duties. The line up has some
familiar faces from the DC villain list. We start with Deadshot, El Diablo,
Harley Quinn (with a more sexy look these days), Voltaic, King Shark, and
Savant. One of them won't be on the team by the end of the issue. Through a plot
devise we get a closer look at the recent background of some of these players as
well as a flashback to their first mission, which did not end well for the team.
It is all orchestrated to get to the point of the last panel when the next
assignment is revealed, and it is a doozy. I do not want to reveal any more as
it is scripted to throw the reader off as to what is really going on. I think
old fans of the Squad will enjoy it. It has always been a premise that has a
harder edge to it - having hardened criminals as the major characters who are
themselves willing to do anything to complete their mission and maybe someday
earn their freedom. This chapter has some graphic torturing involved and the art
team handles it with ease. Every panel is well thought-out and finished well
with the capable Val Staples giving it the right coloring to suit the mood. This
one should be a hit. One caveat to dedicated fans - you may not like the new
look given to Amanda Waller!

Title: DEATHSTROKE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Back to Basic
Publisher: DC
Creator: Marv Wolfman & George Perez
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artist: Joe Bennett
Inker: Art Thibert
Colors: Jason Wright
Letters: Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Simon Bisley
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Villain


Here is what you need to know about Deathstroke as you jump into his story in
the rebooted DC Universe. He is a metahumans mercenary who goes after the
toughest targets. He has enhanced speed, strength, higher brain functions and is
a master strategist. He is ruthless and calculating. The first few pages show
that graphically. So it is odd that he would be willing to work with a bunch of
kids when his agent, Christoph, tells him they are his backup team. The plan is
to board a jet while it is flying. It will contain a German scientist supposedly
on his way to deliver nuclear secrets to Iran. He is a known arms trader with
international connections. The three young associates are trying to gain a name
for themselves. April is the ammo expert, Quinn handles communications and
Hughes is the pilot and sharpshooter. The fun in the first part of the story is
the banter between the all-business Deathstroke and the over anxious newbee kid
mercenaries. The fun in the second part is the actual mission itself, some
interesting revelations and the conclusion that reinforces the fact that
Deathstroke is a cold and calculating as ever. Saying anymore would be giving
too much away. I like this story because it really plays with you. Not only is
the situation in the target plane a lot different than we expect but also the
expectation of where the series is heading is totally wrong. It is a clever plot
that is translated well in the art making this a decent first issue.

Title: FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E.
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Monster Town, USA
Title Arc: War of the Monsters
Publisher: DC
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Alberto Ponticelli
Colors: Jose Villarubia
Letters: Pat Brosseau
Cover Artist: J.G. Jones w/Hi-Fi
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Monster/Horror


I did not follow the Frankenstein character in the FLASHPOINT mini-series so
this is a first look for me. It starts out interestingly enough like a scene out
of a horror movie. A boy and his grandfather are fishing at a peaceful lake in
Washington State. After some introductory panels the boy's dog runs off and when
the old man investigates he is confronted by some huge monsters and joins the
dog's fate. This is the set up for the main plot. Bone Lake, Washington is being
overrun by monsters that seem to be multiplying and spreading. The Super Human
Advanced Defense Executive, S.H.A.D.E., has surrounded the town to contain the
situation and sent in their top agent, the Bride of Frankenstein, to find the
source of the invasion. They have since lost contact with her and now
Frankenstein has been summoned to get briefed and head up a task force to
retrieve her and continue the mission. His troops include a werewolf, an
amphibian lady, a mummy, and a vampire. The difference is that these are for the
most part members of the organization that volunteered to be genetically
enhanced into this transformation. These are the Creature Commandoes. The boss
is someone whom Frankenstein refers to as "father" but he changes bodies every
few decades and has recently taken the form of a little girl. It would be funny
if it was being played for humor but this is seriously the premise of the comic.
By the way, nearly everyone who uses Frankenstein as a character because he is
in the public domain gets it wrong. The creature is not Frankenstein; he is
Frankenstein's monster. His creator was Frankenstein. The only cool thing about
this book is that the SHADE headquarters is in the Ant Farm, which is a three-
inch indestructible globe that houses an entire city through the use of
teleportation and shrink technology designed by their science liaison Dr. Ray
Palmer. So this is the first appearance in the new DCU of Ray Palmer. Whether or
not he is also the Atom at this point is not revealed. He is here to make sure
SHADE does nothing untoward with his technology. As for the attack on the
monster invasion and all that ensues - ho, hum. It really is a ridiculous
premise to me and I find it comical that DC would put out a comic with these
characters as agents of a high tech secret organization. It seems a waste of Ray
Palmer at the very least. Maybe I am wrong and the majority of comic fans will
love a book about battling monsters working for the good guys. I'll pass.

Title: RESURRECTION MAN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Pronounced Dead
Publisher: DC
Creators: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Artist: Fernando Dagnino
Colors: Santi Arcas
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover Artist: Ivan Reis, Joe Prodo & Rod Reis
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


Of the new 52 this is one title I have been waiting to read. I was a fan of the
series when it ran before. In case you don't already know Mitch Shelley can't
die or rather he doesn't stay dead. Like Xombi he has nanites in his blood that
repair any damage done and essentially bring him back to life. The twist is that
he is reborn each time with a different ability. One time it might be flight and
the next might be telekinesis. It is not a controlled thing so he has to find
out what his ability is each time. This first issue starts off appropriately in
a morgue with our hero on a slab as the day shift is ending. Fortunately no one
witnesses the sudden jolt that marks his resurrection. He soon learns he has
control over magnetism. He also has a compulsion to take a flight to Portland,
Oregon. This is part of his character. There is always something drawing him
somewhere. There is something he feels he has to do. The original creators are
on the book and they haven't skipped a beat in making Mitch a compelling
character. We see him pondering his life and the people around him helping new
readers to better understand what his life is like when he has to keep coming
back for some purpose. They have added some interesting antagonists this time
around. It seems there are angels and demons out to claim his soul once and for
all. They appear as humans with large teardrop tattoos on their faces but can
change into their true nature when needed. The first run in Mitch has with one
of them does not end well. It is all build up as the plot moves into the next
issue. But before it does we find out there are a couple of familiar females
also looking for Mitch. They will be very familiar to fans of the previous
series. The art is very good for this demanding script. Everyone does a great
job bringing it all to life, no pun intended. This is certainly worth your time
and deserves to succeed.

Title: LEGION LOST
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Present Tense
Title Arc: Run From Tomorrow
Publisher: DC
Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Artist: Pete Woods
Colors: Brad Anderson
Letters: Travis Lanham
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



If you've read my past reviews you know I am a fan of the Legion of Super Heroes
in all its incarnations. This title compliments the main title by taking a group
of Legionnaires into our time to stop something that will affect here future
world. The team consists of Dawnstar, Timberwolf, Tellus, Gates, Yera the
Chameleon girl, Tyroc, and Wildfire. They are following Alastor who has also
come back to our time to try to wipe out the human race with a deadly pathogen.
The first issue introduces the main characters and some of the difficulties they
have operating in our time. For example the pollutants in the air affect
Dawnstar's tracking abilities. The group has their work cut out for them and
with Tyroc as the leader the work well together. In alternate scenes we follow
Alastor and his initial contact with humans. The premise is good enough to begin
with an ending that will leave them down two members and the fate of Alastor
hanging out there. They are abandoned in our time as the story closes for now.
It is not the slam-bang beginning I was hoping for but I will keep following it
to see it develop more. I do not care as much for the art on this one. While it
has good composition and layout the finishes are not clean. It is a different
look that takes some getting used to. It is not bad - just not as appealing as I
like. Give it a try.

Title: ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Sara Pichelli
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Letters: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Kaare Andrews
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




The new Ultimate Spider-Man made his debut in ULTIMATE FALLOUT. In his own first
issue he does not appear in costume. It is the origin story and it begins about
a year ago. If you are unfamiliar with the Ultimate Universe this will be an
easy place to begin reading. The whole Ultimate experience began with the
previous first issue starring Peter Parker, now deceased. The beginning of the
new one starts as it did before in the labs of Norman Osborn. Norman is telling
his latest hire why he was chosen and hired away at great expense. Norman
relates how an irradiated spider from his experiments had bitten Peter Parker
and gave him the proportionate strength and ability of a spider. He wants to
recreate that episode but the data and spider are gone. He hopes his new hire
can work from a sample of Peter's blood. So it is not a stretch to see one of
the new spiders gets loose and of course it will be the magic spider that will
bite Miles Morales, unknown to Norman. How the spider eventually ends up in
Miles' vicinity is a subplot that involves Miles' uncle. That subplot will also
prove interesting in the future. Miles is with his parents attending a lottery
drawing for three spots in a charter school, the Brooklyn Visions Academy. A
glimpse of our hero's character emerges as rather that elation at getting picked
he is saddened by the looks on those who did not make it. There is a question
whether his parents can even afford the school and the strained relation between
his father and his uncle does not help. All that drama is secondary to Miles
after he gets the bite. This is only the beginning but the tease panel reveals
an interesting new power Peter Parker did not have. Aside from all the
controversy of a half-black half-Hispanic Spider-Man has raised this is a solid
beginning. The art is very good, as you would expect. Bendis is getting back to
the premise of a young boy transformed through a quirk of fate into something
that will change his life. Whether we get to the point of a "great power/great
responsibility" moment this time remains to be seen. For now it is an
entertaining comic.

***** TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only. Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
Who killed Leanna Creel?
That was Riptide, the victim in Alan Moore's JUDGEMENT DAY.
The killer was Marcus Langston, Sentinel. David Lizewski wins by the dice roll.

Here was your no prize question:
How many laps does it take to win the Indianapolis 500?
The answer is 200. David Mc Barron got it first.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
"Bah! Everywhere it is the same! I live in a world too small for me!"

What character said that in his first time in a comic book?
Here is your no prize question:
James Naismith invented what popular game in 1891?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

comic reviews 9/16/11

My View
David LeBlanc
ComicBkNet@aol.com

David LeBlanc was the Editor of the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine for
over ten years. He is a life-long fan of comics and moderated online comic book
forums long before the Internet became the place to be. David works part-time at
That's Entertainment, the Eisner-winning comic store in Worcester, MA.

REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: DETECTIVE COMICS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer/Artist: Tony Daniel
Inker: Ryan Winn
Colors: Tomeu Morey
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




DETECTIVE COMICS begins anew with Batman chasing down his arch nemesis the
Joker. There have been a series of grisly murders and the victims are all known
suspected associates of the Joker. Through his technical investigations he
learns they have a phone number in common and Batman races to the location to
investigate. Little does he know it will be the scene of the next murder. We get
a hint of what is going on as a man with a rather unusual mask is at the
apartment with the Joker. Like most of the better stories we see Joker is
staying a step ahead of Batman. As part of the introduction to the new status
quo we look in on a rooftop meeting between the Caped Crusader and Commissioner
Gordon. This and other scenes reveal that, as in JUSTICE LEAGUE, the cops are
not on Batman's side though Jim certainly is. As you might suspect Joker is
setting traps for Batman and the Gotham PD but his master plan is a lot more
devious and subtle. The final scene comes as a real shocker and will change
everything from here on. It is too good to give away. If you turn to that one
last page you will definitely want to read the whole issue to find out how the
story got to this point. The plot is well thought out and executed superbly by
Tony with strong coloring support by Morey. I was not too keen on getting into
the various Batman books but this one is excellent. You may have to wait for a
reprint edition though, it was an immediate sell-out.

Title: GREEN ARROW
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Living a Life of Privilege
Publisher: DC
Writer: J.T. Krul
Artist: Dan Jurgens
Inker: George Perez
Colors: David Baron
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover Artist: Dave Wilkins
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


As a character with a lot of baggage from the events of the last year or so,
Green Arrow was another character that needed a new start. Little is mentioned
about CRY FOR JUSTICE or the whole BRIGHTEST DAY tie in as this title
relaunched. Oliver is sporting a new look with a new costume, which includes a
short haircut and an unshaven face, as opposed to the old beard. He has a
support staff that he communicates with while he is in the field. Naomi is his
tech wizard doing all the computer investigation and much more as shown in this
episode when Oliver needs her help using a special arrow that allows her to take
control of one situation. Adrien is his liaison to the board of Queen Industries
helping to keep his CEO at arms length from his Q-Core operation, the cover for
his super hero activities. He also has Jax, an M.I.T. graduate that helps design
his weapons keeping them non-lethal. The protagonists this time are a trio of
powered villains who take a luxury yacht hostage on whim. By the end of the
story we see they are connected to a larger group who have the stated goal of
killing Green Arrow. Not being an avid reader of GREEN ARROW I am unfamiliar
with any of these dozen or so bad guys but that was not a detriment in reading
the story. Likewise, perhaps the CEO, Mr. Emerson, with a robotic right hand may
be a carry over character but that is not a problem and his presence adds some
tension to the story. I liked the comic because it gets right into the current
situation and the new look compliments a better attitude for our hero. The art
team does a great job from start to finish. It is a very readable issue and may
get you hooked if you are not already a fan.

Title: OMAC
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Office Management Amidst Chaos
Publisher: DC
Creator: Jack Kirby
Story and art: Keith Giffen & Dan Didio
Inker: Scott Koblish
Colors: Hi-Fi
Letters: Travis Lanham
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



OK. Did anyone catch the first letters of the words in the story title? Does
this mean each issue will have to use O-M-A-C to form a story title? Just
asking. At this point it is hard to say which titles of the new DC 52 will
continue in popularity because they are almost all selling out. People are
jumping on late but is that due to buzz about how good they are or not wanting
to miss out on the few real gems among them? I think the latter. I am not sure
if this one will have wide appeal after people sample it. It draws from previous
incarnations of the OMAC appearances in the recent past but starts fresh with a
new approach. Ground zero is the Cadmus labs. Now known as the world leader in
bioengineering and mapping the human genome it still hides more clandestine
operations a mile underground. Ninety percent of the workers above have no idea
their business is a cover for what is below. So when a being calling himself
OMAC starts tearing into the building there is panic. The subplot involves one
of the female workers looking for her boyfriend who stood her up. Now where
could he be? The action continues into the lower levels and Dubbilex is there
with lots of other Kirbyesque beings to defend their ground. I really like the
art, which indeed does justice to the King for the most part. Basically we have
an unwitting participant in a major plot for reasons that are not yet entirely
revealed. Of course you know wherever OMAC is can Brother Eye be far behind? We
will have to wait for future issues to see what the master plan is. I am not
sure this first issue has enough of a hook to get new readers involved.

Title: SWAMP THING
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Raise Dem Bones
Publisher: DC
Creator: Len Wein & Bernie Wrightson
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Yanick Paquette
Colors: Nathan Fairbairn
Letters: John J. Hill
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Hero/Horror



I have not been a big fan of Swamp Thing but I must admit the opening scenes of
this comic are very intriguing. The narration is by Alec Holland. He is relating
a story from his childhood working for his father in a flower shop. Later, in
narration, he retells the story of how he once became Swamp Thing but has no
memory of what happened after that. Six weeks ago he woke up in a swamp and was
himself again. That takes care of the history for us. The rest is the story at
hand. As I said the beginning is interesting. While he is telling his story the
visuals show Superman, Batman and Aquaman in their usual settings. Clark and his
colleagues witness hundreds of birds falling from the skies. For Batman it is
the bats in his cave. And for the King of the Sea it is fish. This clearly
brings concerns. It also brings Superman to Louisiana to speak to Alec.
Elsewhere, at an archeological dig, even stranger things are happening and
before the end they will be very disturbing omens of things to come. So this
first issue is our introduction to Alec Holland as the former Swamp Thing. He
has issues with his vaguely recalled past and what he should be doing with his
future. Meanwhile it seems like the green may not let him let go. And what about
the events of THE SEARCH FOR SWAMP THING? Do they matter in this new version?
You will have to judge as we go along. The art is incredible for this script,
which calls for a lot of different settings, images and characters. It really is
a good-looking book. And for a nice touch as they give a tip of the hat to John
Totleben in one panel. I have mixed feelings overall. There is a lot in the plot
coming from different directions. Most of it appears to relate to something
coming down the road. What that means for Alec is the big mystery.

Title: THINGS TO COME
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Blue Water Comics
Creator: Walter Koenig
Writer: Walter Koenig
Artist: Juan Baez
Colors: Jon Lyons
Letters: Bernie Lee
Cover Artist: GMB Chomichuk
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Horror



Well, I think this comic will sell a certain amount of copies from the celebrity
writer curiosity factor. He may not be so lucky on the second issue. He is
trying to tell two stories in a post apocalyptic future. It involves two groups
of people. Each was driven to live away from the surface of the earth due to the
toxic air. One group is well underground in caves eking their living from
fishing in the stream. The unique touch to this story is they have been down
here for generations and are now building a pyramid of stone to reach to opening
in the roof so they can live on the surface once more. The other group where
forced into cliff caves and were slowly dying until a child came in being
carried by a large bat-like creature. This child saved them from extinction by
turning them into vampires. When the air is clear they can leave their caves but
where do they go? Is there anywhere worth going to anymore? A lot of time is
spent with the underground group. They are a tribal society with strict rules
necessary for the survival of the whole. The only child born in the last nine
years is a cripple. The final fate relies on their ability to escape their self-
imposed prison while they can and re-establish civilization on the surface. On
the surface it is an interesting premise but the execution is too slow. There is
some mystery involved and brutality with the old and weak. It is just not an
appealing story. Likewise the vampire clan has too many panels to establish what
they are and how they set off to find their fate. Only at the end does it show
promise for something more interesting. The art is not inspiring either. I would
call it adequate. It is not enough to lift the entire work to something better.
I do not think it is worth reading a second issue.

Title: WOLVERINE: DEBT OF DEATH
Issue Number: 1-SHOT
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: David Lapham
Artist: David Aja
Colors: Bettie Breitweiser
Letters: Dave Lanphear
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero





Wolverine is one of those characters that any good writer can use to tell a
decent story. Like Batman he has become iconic in that many stories can be told
without necessarily any ties to current or past continuity. When I saw that
David Lapham was the writer I figured it would be above average on that count.
The main plot involves a debt Logan owes to a friend. As the story opens we
witness a Yakuza hit on a family. A police superintendent and his wife are
killed but their two children escape by hiding. Logan, who was supposed to help
protect the witnesses in a case but he came to late to save his friend. But it
seems the Yakuza boss is still out for the son and Logan vows to protect him.
There is a secondary intersecting plot involving SHIELD. A bunch of large robots
attacked a US base on Okinawa and Nick Fury is all over finding them and
destroying them. It turns out they are from a secret WWII project and the dead
superintendent was involved with the project. The two stories intersect nicely
as Logan and Fury find the boy at the same time. Why he is a target and how all
the threads are resolved is nicely done. This is not a happily ever after story
but it is still satisfying. The art a different style with muted coloring and
good use of shadow. As a one shot story it stands out.

***** TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only. Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
The term "Rising Spirit" is said to be the explanation/translation of which comic book logo?
The logo was a combination of a stylized RAI (pronounced rye) and a Japanese
symbol meaning Spirit. The book was Valiant's RAI. The winner is Gregory Goding.

Here was your no prize question:
Who fist coined the word, NERD?
It was Theodor S. Geisel (Dr. Seuss) in 1950, in his book "If I Ran the Zoo," in
which appears a creature called a "nerd" -- "I'll sail to Ka-Troo And Bring Back
an It-Kutch, a Preep and a Proo, A Nerkle, a Nerd, and a Seersucker, too!"

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Who killed Leanna Creel?

Here is your no prize question:
How many laps does it take to win the Indianapolis 500?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

comic reviews 9/9/11

My View
David LeBlanc
ComicBkNet@aol.com

David LeBlanc was the Editor of the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine for
over ten years. He is a life-long fan of comics and moderated online comic book
forums long before the Internet became the place to be. David works part-time at
That's Entertainment, the Eisner-winning comic store in Worcester, MA.


REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: JUSTICE LEAGUE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Justice League
Publisher: DC
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Jim Lee
Inker: Scott Williams
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Patrick Brosseau
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



The start of the post-Flashpoint DC Universe with all new #1 issues of their
ongoing comics began with this title, JUSTICE LEAGUE. DC chose super stars Geoff
Johns and Jim Lee to usher their premier super hero team into the future. But
the story starts five years in the past. The renumbering will hopefully capture
newcomers to comics and bring back lapsed readers with the chance of jumping on
with a new beginning. And so this title begins with the new forming of the
Justice League and a first look at some characters that will star in their own
comics later this month. Rather than throw us into a story mid-plot featuring a
dozen or so characters, or even the seven on the cover, John's shows us how this
"new" Batman first met the Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). Rather than compress the
entire founding of the League into one issue he is taking his time so we get to
know the characters better and see how they play off each other. It may be
different in the present but in this setting the super heroes are not as well
known and the public and the government distrust those that are. The beginning
of the issue starts with Batman chasing down an alien being while both are being
pursued by Gotham Police. Batman is doing the right thing even if the cops don't
like it. Green Lantern steps in as the GL of this space sector investigating the
sighting and arrives in the nick of time to save Batman from the beast. As they
chase down the alien we get some great dialogue - Batman wondering at Green
Lantern's power and GL wondering at the fact that Batman has no powers. Still
Bats gains some credit by disarming Hal without him realizing it. As they
discover a clue to what the alien was up to - I won't spoil just what the alien
is as that would reveal who the first enemy the League will face - they decide
to seek out that other alien hanging around Metropolis. So a third future member
will make the scene in a terrific finale to the chapter. Also included in this
issue is a sequence featuring Vic Stone in his high school days before becoming
Cyborg. That will come later but now we learn more about the strained
relationship he has with his dad. This lays the groundwork for his story to be
told later. One last thing of note, if you have not been reading about it
online, this issue also marks the second appearance of a mystery woman who first
appeared in FLASHPOINT #5 in a two-page splash as Flash raced to set the world
right. She talked about the combination of three Universes and in the art we see
they are the DC, Vertigo and Wildstorm Universes. Who she is and how she figures
into the new DCU is a mystery. If you look close in the football scene she is
sitting in the bleachers with a purple hooded cloak on. She will show up in some
of the other books this month similarly in the background - observing or
something else? JUSTICE LEAGUE is off to a good start though current avid DC
fans have had mixed reactions. I like the slow pace and the characterization so
far and Jim Lee does a great job with a lot of action in most of the book. This
is the best-selling book of the year so get one and see what the commotion is
all about.

Title: ACTION COMICS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Superman Versus the City of Tomorrow
Publisher: DC
Creator: Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Rags Morales
Inker: Rick Bryant
Colors: Brad Anderson
Letters: Patrick Brosseau
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


This is the title that started it all back in the 30's. The action here takes
place in Metropolis today as Superman makes an appearance to expose a powerful
businessman who has been using bribes, illegal labor and lax safety standards to
profit his company. It is not the powerful bad guy we are used to seeing the man
of steel take care of but it serves to show this reimagined Superman with a
different attitude. As in JUSTICE LEAGUE, the cops know little about him and
make feeble attempts to capture him. Speaking of big bad guys, there are two
featured in this opening issue - Lex Luthor and General Lane who are in league
with each other. Frankly, I am disappointed that these same characters are the
antagonists of the first issue. I would have preferred someone more original or
at least not as overused. Since they are operating in a remade universe here
these two can be introduced this way without a lot of the baggage from past
continuity. So for the rest of the issue we have the army with Lex technology
going after Superman as part of a deal Lex made to hand him over to Lane this
day. Along the way Superman saves innocents and checks in at his apartment and
has conversations on the phone with Jimmy and Lois. They are tailing an ex-
enforcer for the guy Superman just exposed and soon they will be right in the
middle of the next conflict. It ends with a bang as Luthor apparently keeps his
promise. I like the new look for now with Superman wearing jeans and work boots
to go with his signature shirt and cape. He has been on the job for six months
and is still a mystery to many. The relationships with the familiar supporting
characters are just developing. In all it is a good point for new readers as
well as those returning to see what the fuss is about. The art is also top notch
and we get a full-length story with no filler. Thumbs up on this one. And yes,
the mystery woman appears in this comic too on page 32 in the bottom panel in
the subway car.

Title: BATGIRL
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Shattered
Publisher: DC
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Ardian Syaf
Inker: Vicente Cifuentes
Colors: Ulises Arreola
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Cover Artist: Adam Hughes
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

The story begins with a man dressed in black carrying a list of names. One is
already crossed off and we witness the purpose of the list when the next name is
crossed off. We also see the name at the bottom of the list - Barbara Gordon. In
this restarted title Barbara is once again Batgirl. She is back doing the thing
she does so well after recovering from the years in a wheel chair. They have not
taken away the crippling shot by the Joker in this continuity but Simone has her
recovered and back fighting crime. There are two scenes of her in action. The
first serves to show us how she is handling her return to costumed crime
fighting. The second shows her first meeting with the mystery hit man from the
opening scene. Along the way we see her move into her own apartment with a
roommate who works nights. It is not in the best neighborhood but she chose it
for location to suit her own nighttime pursuits. We see she still dreams of the
day she was crippled and it also still affects her response in a very dangerous
situation. Gail is a good writer that gives her characters dimension from the
leads to the supporting cast and antagonists. This story sets the stage for the
new Barbara and then leads us into the heart of her first hurdle to overcome as
Batgirl. It is a gripping story with superb art. This was an anticipated fan
favorite before it even hit the stands. It is worth a look. Oh, the DC mystery
woman appears on page 27 on the bottom panel in the window reflection.

Title: STORMWATCH
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Dark Side
Publisher: DC
Creator: Jim Lee and Brandon Choi
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Miguel Sepulveda
Colors: Allen Passalaqua
Letters: Rob Leigh
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Now that the Wildstorm characters are integrated into the main DC Universe this
title was on my list to be sure to get. I have not followed every incarnation of
the team but have enjoyed all of the previous versions I have read. Hard core
fans of the Ellis STORMWATCH make not like this one very much - the edge is not
there. The characters are not even entirely unique. Most notably, two
characters, Apollo and Midnighter are pretty close analogues of Superman and
Batman in powers at least. In the former Wildstorm incarnation they are also
lovers so it remains to be seen if that will again be true. The scenario is that
Stormwatch is a group of very powerful people that operate out of a massive ship
in hyperspace, what they formerly called the Bleed. The super heroes of Earth
are unaware of their existence, as they have been protecting the Earth from
alien threats for years (in this version). Currently Angie, the Engineer, is
monitoring something - a giant horn that will also appear in SUPERMAN #1. The
team is off in two directions. In Moscow Jack Hawksmoor, the Projectionist and
J'onn J'onzz are attempting to recruit Apollo. Meanwhile Harry Tanner is on the
moon where the ground is forming golem beings that are attacking him. As he
explores further we see the intelligence behind it all proclaiming itself the
first response to the sounding of the horn. In that meeting we see glimpses of
the history of Stormwatch and perhaps a secret or two. Finally Jenny Quantum,
Spirit of the Twenty-First Century and Adam go off to the Himalayas looking for
that horn it seems. There are a few things going on that lay the groundwork for
the plot to develop. It is cool to see the Martian Manhunter involved in this
group and he even gives a logical explanation during this chapter. The art is ok
but nothing special, except for the Martian Manhunter transformation. Topping it
off is the appearance of Midnighter, also not yet a member, in spectacular
fashion. Promotional material for this title hinted that it is a linchpin book
for this DC Universe. Just why necessarily remains a secret for now so the title
may be under-ordered initially. You might want to jump on while you can. And
yes, the mystery lady is on page 22 in the alley in the first panel!

Title: ANIMAL MAN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Warning from the Red
Title Arc: The Hunt
Publisher: DC
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Travel Foreman
Inker: Travel Foreman & Dan Green
Colors: Lovern Kindzierski
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


Ok, right up front - the DC mystery woman is on page 18 in the bottom panel.
This is sort of like a Where's Waldo. Buddy Baker has been a super hero, an
actor and an animal rights activist. Through all this he is a family man and
that is where this story starts. While he ponders if a recent magazine interview
showed his true nature his daughter Maxine bugs him to get a pet dog and the
wife opines that he was happier when he did the super hero thing. When son Buddy
runs in to tell of a hostage situation at a hospital he can't resist taking to
the air again as Animal Man. The next sequence serves to show us the versatility
of his power as he manages to diffuse the situation. But it also illustrates
something new and foreboding. In fact the basic underlying plot is a foreboding
both in a very graphic dream that Buddy has right up to the final scene where
little Maxine exhibits a connection to the red herself. The art in this book is
very different. In places it is stark, almost flat. In others it is super
detailed with sharp contrasts of color and gray. Something very strange is going
on with Buddy and his family. The story so far gives a hint that this is more
involved than we suspect. It certainly is not a standard hero book. I think this
will gain a following and grow as we get deeper into it. Sometimes you have to
sample a book before making a commitment. This one deserves your time.

Title: ULTIMATE HAWKEYE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Rafa Sandoval
Inker: Jordi Tarragona
Colors: Brad Anderson
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Kaare Andrews
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



This title features Hawkeye who is tasked this time with heading up an operation
in Bangkok, The Southeast Asian Republic or SEAR. The city is in the midst of
civil war as rebels are gaining sections of the city and the Sear government
wants the US team on standby to help repel them. What our hero doesn't know but
will soon find out is that the SEAR government has been secretly working on a
two-pronged program. The first part was to spread a virus they developed around
the world that would inhibit the x-gene for all time - that means no new
mutants. The other part was to develop a serum that would give their own
soldiers super powers and thus make them the strongest power in the world. This
Entire plot is fleshed out in flashbacks behind the scenes and the first
revelation of the new super humans, dubbed The People, is in an attack on the
S.H.I.E.L.D. base in Bangkok. Since this is the Ultimate Universe anything goes.
No more mutants could play out in stories and other titles in the future. We
will have to see. But for now it is fun to watch Clint go into action reminding
us he is a deadly aim with anything, not just an arrow. The art keeps up the
pace in fine fashion and excellent detail. It is a good beginning.

***** TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!
If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only. Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
By what name is Martin A. Bursten better known?
This was a bit of a trick question. He was better known, incorrectly, as Jack
Kirby based on a mistaken assumption when he got writing credits on a political
comic book drawn by Joe Simon. The Winner by the dice is Stu Cathell.

Here was your no prize question:
Consider the United States "Major League" sports of NFL football, NBA Basketball, NHL hockey and MLB baseball and tell me what two days of the year are there no scheduled games?

First fact - Major League sports do not take holidays off.

Second fact - most of the year more than one sport, sometimes three, have
scheduled games.

Third fact - the only time when only one sport is "in season" is in the summer
when only MLB baseball is played.

The answer was evident when the baseball All Star Game was played. They ALWAYS
take off the day before and the day after.

Stu Cathell was the first to get it right for the no prize.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
The term "Rising Spirit" is said to be the explanation/translation of which comic book logo?

Here is your no prize question:
Who fist coined the word, NERD?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

comic review 9/4/11

My View
David LeBlanc
ComicBkNet@aol.com

David LeBlanc was the Editor of the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine for
over ten years. He is a life-long fan of comics and moderated online comic book
forums long before the Internet became the place to be. David works part-time at
That's Entertainment, the Eisner-winning comic store in Worcester, MA.


REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: BIONIC MAN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Flight of the Daedalus
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Creator: Based on the Universal TV series "The Six Million Dollar Man"
Story: Kevin Smith
Writers: Kevin Smith & Phil Hester
Artist: Jonathan Lau
Colors: Ivan Nunes
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Alex Ross et. al.
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Adaptation
Teen+ (language)

This comic is based on an unused screenplay for a SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN movie.
As such it has the elements that you would expect. It is a necessity to
introduce the major characters and retell the origin of the star character. It
has been a very long time since I have seen the pilot or first episode of the
old television series starring Lee Majors. I know the basic story though as
nearly everyone does. Steve Austin is a test pilot. Today he is going on his
last flight in that capacity to show the capability of the latest stealth
bomber, the Daedalus. He is to take it up to 80,000 feet achieving Mach 8, shut
it down and glide for six minutes, and then restart and make a smooth landing.
As we all know that will go horribly wrong. This opening issue is the build up
to the crash. We get a lot of character development showing the relation between
Steve and Jamie as he prepares to retire from government service and marry her.
Of Course Oscar Goldman is here to aggravate the general in charge of the
project and support Steve. The second plot involves some theft of government
robotics secrets at three locations. The M.O. is always the same. The opening
scene shows us a clandestine entrance and the slaughter of personnel with a
sword by a cloaked figure with a robotic arm. This will obviously be the main
conflict of the story after Steve goes through some changes. I enjoyed this
comic as an interesting comic and as a remembrance of the show I was always sure
to watch, even if the effects were cheesy. The art is very good and the dialogue
is decent, if peppered with the usual schoolyard humor Smith likes to use. I say
it is a worthy effort and good reading for fans of the show and new readers
alike.

Title: SERVANT OF THE BONES
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Scribe
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Ann Rice
Adapted by: Mariah McCourt
Artist: Renae DeLiz & Ray Dillon
Letters: Shawn Lee
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror/Supernatural




This is the latest comic to adapt a work by Ann Rice. The protagonist in this
case is not a vampire but a ghost. It begins with a professor who went off to an
isolated cabin in the woods to write a book. He is the character named in the
story title, the Scribe, for he will be the narrator who wrote Azriel's story.
Jonathan was moved by the death of a student, a pretty young girl with a famous
stepfather. She was brutally murdered. So he removed himself from the cruel
world to work on his book and had it not been for Azriel showing up at his door
he would have died from a sudden illness that had overtaken him. Maybe Azriel
knew his plight or maybe it was fortuitous coincidence but the ghost who appears
as a man nursed him back to health. There is a bit of exposition as to Azriel's
current state and even his connection to Esther's death. He has taken on a real
flesh form and may live forever that way. He had his foot on the ladder to
heaven but he made a different choice. He is still a bit of a mystery and as
this chapter closes he is just about to narrate his story to Jonathan from the
beginning. In typical Rice fashion it will go back to ancient times as is hinted
by the very last panel. There is just enough mystery and hint of supernatural
things to intrigue me into wondering how he became what he is. The art is very
good in relating some of the emotion and mystical nature of the plot while
staying grounded in the present, at least in this chapter. I think this will be
worthwhile for new readers to stay with. Thos who have read the novel will have
to judge it from a different viewpoint.

Title: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Eastman & Laird
Writers: Kevin Eastman & Tom Waltz
Layouts: Kevin Eastman
Artist: Dan Duncan
Colors: Ronda Pattison
Letters: Robbie Robbins
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



The Ninja Turtles is a property that keeps coming back. In their first
incarnation they were an unexpected hit that blossomed into a multi-million
dollar franchise. They rose to even greater exposure in motion pictures as
another generation of fans joined the bandwagon. Now we have this new full color
series from IDW and I suspect it will find yet another group of new fans as well
as the return of many longtime fans who delight in their exploits. All the
familiar characters are here - Old Hob, Master Splinter and of course
Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo and Raphael. It starts with a clash of the
good versus the bad in an alley ending without a winner per se. Then it drifts
into the origin story for the benefit of those unfamiliar with the history of
the TMNT. It starts eighteen months earlier in a lab at Stock Gen Research. Four
small turtles are part of a secret research project. The young intern, April
O'Neil takes a liking to the turtles, though they are not part of her duties at
the lab. She is the one who gives them their names. She is not so keen on the
rat, Splinter that runs around freely though he is harmless. It is clear her
immediate supervisor knows more about the nature of the test on these five
animals than he is revealing. We also see a behind the scenes conversation that
is a foreboding of clandestine motives. The entire transition to the human sized
mutants of our heroes is left for another time. And just to add another plot
element one of the TMNT crew ends the chapter in a solo encounter with a human
that is not very nice. The art is well executed with dramatic points of view and
varied layouts. It is a good start to an old favorite.

Title: THE ULTIMATE 7
Issue Number: 1 (of 12)
Title Story: Playing God
Publisher: Zyo Comics
Creator: Robert Wawrzyniak
Writer: Robert Wawrzyniak
Artist: Shawn Surface
Inker: Scott Shoemaker
Colors: Scott Shoemaker & Frank Diaz
Letters: Anna Wawrzyniak
Cover Artist: Greg Horn (front) & Steve Sanchez (back)
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction

This is a different introduction to a maxi-series wherein the title characters,
The Ultimate 7, apparently do not appear at all. The next issue blurb alludes to
the birth of a legend on a remote outpost orbiting Mars in the year 3020. But
for now the action takes place on Earth in the late cretaceous period. We
witness an invasion by a mix of alien species although this is not the first
time they have visited our planet. It seems they are here to harvest the
dinosaurs from both the land and seas. They are stripping the planet of its
resources. They had sown the seeds on Earth long ago in a continuing program
among the galaxies. Now they are taking what they want, decimating the rest and
will next refertilize the planet with human life. The dinosaurs will be turned
into cyborg slaves for uses elsewhere. The whole chapter serves to introduce us
to the ruthless culture with far advanced technology doing, as they will on a
cosmic scale. This is where it all begins and perhaps the next time these cosmic
experimenters return will be in our far future. But will man be advanced enough
to not share the fate of the dinosaurs? That is the question we are left with at
the end of the issue. There is some really detailed art with spectacular
coloring. Coming from a new entry in a crowded market the book shows good
production value with a story that has promise if handled properly. It is worth
a look for a few issues to see where it goes.

Title: DRIVER: CROSSING THE LINE
Issue Number: 1-SHOT
Publisher: DC
Creator: Video Game Adaptation
Writer: David Lapham
Artist: Greg Scott
Colors: Val Staples
Letters: Saida Temofonte
Cover Artist: Jock
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime Drama



This another comic adapted from a video game. As in the past I have no
experience with the game so I am looking at this purely for its entertainment
value as a comic book. In this case I had confidence that David Lapham would
deliver and he did. This is the story of an undercover cop named Tanner. Two
years ago a psychotic mob boss named Jericho shot him. He had a near death
moment. Well, he was clinically dead for five minutes. After that experience he
vowed he would get Jericho. The story follows him after he has infiltrated the
mob. He is a driver - that is his specialty. The opening scene shows how skilled
he is as cops are chasing him. He and his passenger had to pick up a metal case
to deliver for a meeting. When they got pulled over Viktor panicked and shot at
the cop and so Tanner had no choice but to drive off. His skills manage to get
them away and he meets his contact for the final slip. The conversation drifts
to the fact that Tanner may be going too deep into character. He put police in
danger rather than blow his cover. His partner is worried he may cross the line
and by the end of the story he is put to that test. There are chase scenes and
action throughout the book. While they are rendered well I did not care for the
inking that puts everything in shadow most of the time. Still it is an
interesting look into the mind of a man obsessed and how his obsession could get
the better of him. As I said, Lapham did well to give us an interesting story.

Title: BATMAN INCORPORATED
Issue Number: 8
Title Story: Nightmares in Numberland
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Scott Clark with Dave Beaty
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




This is one of the most different Batman comics visually I have seen in a long
time. The concept is the introduction of a new virtual reality dubbed Internet
3.0 and the real time demonstration has the potential investors spellbound. Bear
in mind as you read this comic all the characters you see are the avatars of the
real people. The world around them is a construct like something out of TRON or
INCEPTION. A virus in the form of zombie looking commandoes crashes the meeting,
literally. Bruce and his potential business partners quickly learn that they
cannot even leave the simulation for fear of their lives. But Mr. Wayne and his
actual partner, Oracle, have planned the software for every contingency. To
fight the "virus" avatars they introduce Batman and Batgirl into the reality. No
one realizes that Bruce is actually controlling two avatars now and of course
Barbara is off site handling Batgirl while also working her techno magic to find
out how this was done and who is behind it. Morrison has provided a nice done-
in-one plot with a good concept and some good twists. Clark and Beaty provide a
really unique visual that perfects the feeling Morrison was going for with his
script. As an added bonus we get Barbara Gordon as Batgirl before the new DC
Universe has her back in the role officially. It is a fitting end to this
version of BATMAN INCORPORATED and they even give a one-panel preview of what is
to come in the new Number 1 issue coming this fall.

***** TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only. Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
In which comic, name and number, did Batman investigate the supposed death of Paul McCartney?
Batman investigated Paul's "death" in BATMAN #222. The winner by the dice is
Erin O'Connor. The prize is EDGAR ALLAN POE'S TALES OF MYSTERY: GRAPHIC
CLASSICS.

Here was your no prize question:
For which branch of the armed services did Hillary Clinton once apply?
She once tried to join the Marines.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
By what name is Martin A. Bursten better known?

Here is your no prize question: Consider the United States "Major League" sports of NFL football, NBA Basketball, NHL hockey and MLB baseball and tell me what two days of the year are there no scheduled games?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.