Commic Reviews 9/27/13

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: BUZZKILL
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creators: Mark Reznicek and Donny Cates
Plot: Donny Cates & Mark Reznicek
Writer: Donny Cates
Artist: Geoff Shaw
Colors: Lauren Affe
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
Mature – Comics on the Edge

This is a story of a man with super powers but there is a twist. He only gets
his powers when he drinks alcohol or does drugs. Even one beer will set things
off. We enter his story at a point in his life where he is trying to leave super
heroics behind. Evidently there was a bad experience Ruben does not want to
think about, talk about or let happen again. So, if he stops drinking he can
stop having super powers. To stop drinking he is attending an Alcoholics
Anonymous meeting. From the point of view of the others he is just another
newcomer. When he finally opens up to talk he is sufficiently vague about
certain details so as not to let on about his special ability. In fact he almost
walks out by convincing himself he is not like these people. They need to stop
drinking because they are drunks. That is not his situation. But the old guy
running the meeting convinces Ruben to come back and tell his story. His first
experience was in high school when he and his buddies crashed an upperclassmen
kegger and got wasted. As a result they crashed the car, the other two died
instantly and Ruben was thrown through the windshield but was up and around in a
week. The next time was five years later in college when as a pledge he and the
others were forced to drink lots of beer. That time he blacked out and
eventually left school. We don’t get any scenes of him as a super hero except as
he is standing in the aftermath of a major fight with the buildings around him
in ruins. Cates does a clever twist with the script with Ruben thinking of the
scenes as they happened, with him not getting a scratch, while he is speaking to
the group as if it were a lot different. There are two characters in this first
issue that appear to have lasting significance. The AA meeting chairman is
interesting, saying just the right things to fit that position but toward the
end we see a rather strange thing about him. Something I was not expecting.
After the meeting Ruben is approached by an old comrade in arms. That
conversation is interesting and may be setting up plot threads for later.
Certainly the ending pages forebode bad things to come. You gotta believe Ruben
is going to find himself at some point with no choice but to turn on his powers.
The art is decent and so far there is enough intrigue to pique my interest. I
would give it more issues to see if it delivers a punch.

Title: ZERO
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: War Machines
Publisher: Image
Writer: Ales Kot
Artist: Michael Walsh
Inker: Michael Walsh & Adam Gorham
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Mature – Comics on the Edge

This is one of the most amazing comic books I have seen in a long time. I say
that because there are absolutely no ads, in house or paid for by advertisers,
in the entire book. The indicia and creator credits are on the back cover. Every
other page, including the inside covers, are story pages. That is truly amazing
for a monthly comic. You get 30 pages of story for only $2.99 and no ads – a
real bargain. So all we need to find out is whether the story is worth the
price. Artistically the answer is yes. Walsh, Gorham and Bellaire have a style
that really works well with this story that is mostly told in a conflict in
Palestine sometime in 2018. Edward Zero is a special operative – does
clandestine operations for the “agency” and is the best there is. The problem at
this time is some stolen from the Agency lab that Hamas used to biomodify a
Palestinian terrorist. When the Israelis tried to kill him he wiped out four of
their black ops specialists. The next step, though they deny it, was to send in
their own prototype biomodified soldier. The two have been going at it for hours
in a closed down section of Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip. Zero’s assignment is
to get in there and cut the tech out of the Palestinian so that the Israelis
don’t get it. Zero is not biomodified – he is just very good. This issue covers
the mission as he begins it until the end. This mission is only the background
to a larger story being told from Zero’s point of view twenty years later. The
pace of the action and the narrative keep us involved from start to finish, at
which point you will say, “Okay, what happens next?” I think you will get into
it is you like this genre for its straightforward technique with a look at what
might be coming in the not to distant future.

Title: KISS ME SATAN
Issue Number: 1 (of 5)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Victor Gischler
Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Colors: Eduardo Ferreyra
Letters: Nate Piekos
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
Mature – Comics on the Edge

New Orleans is a werewolf town. That is how this story begins. There is a
narrative from the start that tells us how they are pretty much the mob of the
city. They run all the usual rackets – prostitution, protection, etc. There is a
hierarchy among the pack. Among the elders there is a leader of the pack. He is
Cassian. His wife is pregnant and the time has come for Verona the witch to
probe her womb with the Eye of Fates to see if the child will be a male and heir
to the leadership. It will be a boy but she does not see the mark of the
Lycanthrope. This information will set a number of things in motion. For Cassian
it will mean stepping down from his role once the elders find out. He has now
become a desperate man who will stop that from happening even if it means
silencing the elder who was there as a witness. But the witch, who already left
with her apprentices, needs to be taken care of as well. The man with the power
over all the werewolves has vast resources to track them down. But there is
another who is bound to protect Verona. We met him earlier in the story. He is a
fallen angel, the only one who wants back into heaven. He has a heavenly
handler, a cherub dressed in a white suite and smoking a cigar. He gives
Barnabus his assignments. For the moment he has to rescues four witches from
basically all the werewolves in New Orleans. I will say the characters are
interesting though the characterizations are a bit overdone. The basic plot is
sound as far as it goes but it could lapse into a mostly action comic with good
guys (relatively speaking) fighting bad guys all the time. It has only five
issues so I am guessing there is an end game in mind. I was not too impressed
with the art. It performs the needed visual and action needed for the plot and
some of the close up work is very detailed. But the longer shots seem like they
need more polish – better inking and coloring perhaps. I would say this comic is
average. It is not something for the casual reader to get excited about but fans
of the genre may find it more appealing.

Title: JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK
Issue Number: 23.2 (Eclipso #1)
Title Story: Soul Shadows
Publisher: DC
Writer: Dan Didio
Artist: Philip Tan
Inker: Jason Paz
Colors: Nathan Eyring
Letters: Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Mikel Janin
Price (USD): $2.99/$3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This diversion for villains month takes a look at Eclipso. It does not tie-in
directly to FOREVER EVIL but rather explores the story of Gordon Jacobs and how
he became the character he is now in the NEW 52.  At one time Gordon was a
leader in the field of solar physics. He was recognized as a genius though he
preferred solitude. The only person he would really interact with was his
girlfriend, Mona. His grandest plan was to create a city powered solely by the
sun. Solar city was his lifelong dream. Dr. Jonah Bennett doubted him at every
turn. However, a tragic accident left his dream in ashes literally and he was
blamed for it – cast out by those in his field as a failure. As we enter the
story he has become a recluse in his apartment. It is also at this time that a
packaged he has been waiting for is delivered. It is the famous Black Diamond.
If he is right about it his career and the hopes for a solar future will be
restored. When he Skypes Dr. Bennett to inform him of his impending triumph he
is cut off quickly. Bennett informs him to not bother him or his daughter
anymore. They have both been put to shame for even associating with him. It is a
hard thing for him to bear – the only humans he really cared about spurn him
now. That is when he hears the voice from within the diamond. From here on out
you can see where this is going. The spirit in the diamond wants out and when it
gets out it will possess Gordon and carry out its own agenda. This is the power
of Eclipso. It has been trapped in the diamond and needs someone of the proper
intellect, or so he tells Gordon, to set it free. He is like the Devil offering
power to a weak individual, saying anything to get him to do his bidding. In
return there will be a price to pay.  This is a decent origin story. The art is
very stylistic with some interesting panel structure and coloring. The script
tells Gordon’s story as well as the event happening right now in detailed and
logical fashion. It is a fitting villain for this particular title. Eclipso
after all has the potential to be a major threat if DC uses him as they have in
the past. The 3D cover is one of the best of the month in my opinion and is
worth the extra dollar. Check it out.

Title: ACTION COMICS
Issue Number: 23.2 (Lex Luthor #1)
Title Story: Up, Up and Away!
Publisher: DC
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Raymond Bermudez
Inker: Dan Green
Colors: Ulises Arreola
Letters: Dezi Sienty
Cover Artist: Eddie Berganza
Price (USD): $2.99/$3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This Villains Month entry is about Lex Luthor. We saw in the first issue of
Forever Evil how the events in this big crossover initially affected him. Now in
this story we learn what happened to him right before FOREVER EVIL #1. As it
begins Luthor is just about to leave the Hypermax Detention Center in Utah. It
is not that his sentence has been served but that he has decided he has had
enough time away from his work so he has had his lawyers work their magic. Only
Luthor would view time in a super maximum security prison as peace and quiet
away from the world. But now he needs to stop being selfish – the world needs
Lex Luthor. There is a theme running through this entire issue which is subtle
at first and then builds to a climax that you should see coming. As soon as
Luthor is clear of the building and is about to board his helicopter he ask his
aid Casey where Superman is. He expected that getting out early from a twenty
year stint would have Superman flying to the scene to confront him. It is more
odd that Casey does a quick search and says Superman has not been seen anywhere
this day. To anyone else this probably would not seem so odd but to Luthor it is
significant. The script takes us through the entire day as Luthor gets very busy
resuming activities at his corporation. He has some cosmetic work done on his
scarred face, tests the latest version of his battle suit and orders his techs
to scrap it and start again – it’s not good enough. And he is conducting a
personal vendetta against a business man who will not sell his business to
Luthor. He is also overseeing the launch of an orbital shuttle he has launched
on a secret mission, even to the astronauts. It all ties together by the end of
the issue as he once again boards his helicopter for his meeting with Thomas
Kord, an event we saw as the events of FOREVER EVIL unfolded. It is a very
clever script. Rather than run through another origin story like some of the
other Villain Week stories this one gives us insight into Luthor in a tense
story that ends showing his true ruthlessness. I found this to be the best of
the Villain Month stories so far. The art holds up and adds depth to the plot.
It is a perfect lead-in to what happens in the main Forever Evil story. This one
is worth getting even if you don’t usually read ACTION COMICS.

Title: DOCTOR WHO CLASSICS
Issue Number: SERIES V #4
Reprinted from DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE #155-158, 1989-1990
Publisher: IDW
Colors: Charlie Kirchoff
Cover Artist: Matthew Dow Smith
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/TV Adaptation





These reprints are set during the run of the Seventh Doctor who was played by
Sylvester McCoy on the BBC TV show. The book is set up with three separate
stories taken from DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE. The first is the end of an arc from
issue #155, the second is a stand-alone story from issue 156 and the last is a
two-part story from issues #157 and 158.

“Nemesis of the Daleks” (part 4) by Richard Starkings (as Richard Alan) and John
Tomlinson (as Steve Alan) with art by Lee Sullivan and letters by Zed
This wraps up a story in which the Daleks have created a doomsday machine in the
26th century known as the Dalek Death Wheel. It is orbiting the planet Hell as
they plan to unleash its power to exterminate the inhabitants. Meanwhile Abslom
Daak, Dalek-Killer is smashing his way inside the death star in an attempt to
rescue the Doctor and stop the Daleks.  This is a classic story of selfless
sacrifice in the face of incredible odds. The Doctor is more of a supporting
character in this one.

“Stairway to Heaven” by Paul Cornell and John Freeman with art by Gerry Nolan
and Rex Ward
This story has the Tardis stopping on a planet where the Doctor expected to find
the Chardaz Museum of Modern Art. Instead he found a strange little alien
forming bricks from clay by a river and then taking them up a spiral staircase
leading into the sky. Before the creature starts up the stairs he breaks off a
bone from one of dozens of skeletons scattered around the bottom. The Doctor
naturally follows him up the looming stairs to find an unusual reception at the
top. This is a mysterious short story that reaches a point in the last few pages
that explains it all and has a just resolution.

“Hunger from the Ends of Time” by Dan Abnett with art by John Ridgeway and
letters by Annie Halfacree
This two part story involves the planet Catalog, where the collated knowledge of
the universe is stored. The Librarians abandoned conventional filing centuries
ago and converted the information to a new form of information-energy that can
be stored across time rather than in space. But recently they have tracked an
infection in the system – a subatomic bookworm has been eating away chunks of
information. In their attempt to capture it they accidently trap the Tardis in
mid-journey transporting the Doctor to the planet. It is a good thing for them
for they will need his help once they see what they are facing. The story has a
dramatic cliffhanger at the end of the first half. The second half has the
revelation of the true threat and in typical Doctor Who fashion an
unconventional solution to the problem.

I found each story engaging and entertaining. The writers capture the essence of
the Who genre of stories and the artists translate it all very well. If you are
a fan you will enjoy it all. If you are curious about it this happens to be a
perfect jump-on issue.

                                    *****
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:
What unique cover enhancement was used in the DC/MILESTONE crossover,
"WORLDS COLLIDE"?
The DC/Milestone crossover had a Colorform cover! The winner by the dice is
David McBarron.

Here is your no prize question:
What two countries have capitals named after US presidents?
David McBarron also wins the No Prize. Monrovia is the capital city of the West
African country of Liberia. Founded in 1822, Monrovia is named in honor of U.S.
President James Monroe, a prominent supporter of the colonization of Liberia.
Along with Washington, D.C., it is one of two national capitals to be named
after a U.S. President.

THIS WEEK’S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Which comic book featured the first appearance of Doctor Doom outside of
FANTASTIC FOUR?

Here is your no prize question:
Which celebrity is featured in the very last scene of the classic comedy movie
AIRPLANE?

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 9/20/13

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: X-MEN
Issue Number: 5
Title Story: Part 3
Title Arc: Battle of the Atom
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: David Lopez
Inker: Cam Smith
Colors: Laura Martin
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Art Adams & Marte Gracia
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

Possible Spoilers
This is the third chapter of the X-Men event running through ALL NEW X-MEN,
UNCANNY X-MEN, WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN, this title and the two bookends in X-
MEN: BATTLE OF THE ATOM. These kinds of multi-book stories are often a challenge
to those of us who may read only one or two of those four books. Unlike titles
that just tie-in to a big event without advancing the main story every title in
this case is an integral part of the story. If you just read your regular titles
you miss most of the story, though you probably can get the gist of the setup
and the resolution by reading the bookends. So my challenge here, having read
parts one and two is to see if this part of the story is worth the extra
investment. Time travel has been very prevalent in the Marvel Universe lately
causing all kinds of problems. Within the X-Men books it started with the
original X-Men being brought to the present by the current day Beast hoping to
heal the schisms within the mutant heroes. Well, that was a high hope and soon
the current day X-Men decided the originals would have to go back to there own
time. The problem is the younger X-men have learned things about their own
future and are sure that once back Xavier would wipe their memories of the time
travel so that the future would play out as it already has. (I'm getting a
headache just explaining it!) This is a real problem for young Jean who has
learned of her own death ala the whole Phoenix saga and she does not want to go
back. They have all learned first hand of the problems of staying in the present
when the young Cyclops nearly died causing his older counterpart to disappear
momentarily. The situation became more urgent when future group of X-Men came to
the present insisting the young X-Men return to their own time as well. I find
this group most interesting as it includes older versions of Kitty Pride,
Deadpool, Iceman, and Beast, Xavier's grandson, one of the Runaways and a
mysterious member wearing a mask who last chapter was revealed to be. nope, not
gonna tell you. Last chapter as everyone was debating the whys and why nots Jean
telepathically contacted young Scott who agreed to escape with her. It was easy
enough for her to set some of the assemblage against each other and during that
diversion the two flew off in the Blackbird. So in this chapter a group of ten
current and future X-Men, basically those at the Jean Grey School, head off to
track down the two runaways leaving behind young Bobby and Hank under the care
of Kitty, Rachael and Jubilee but Kitty and Rachael decide that they have better
things to do - after all it is their title book so you need to have them do
something of note. This is a sort of transition issue with a lot of time spent
on Jean and Scott alone together. Wood handles this part really well showing
bits and pieces of the budding romance between these two. The abilities of the
future X-Men are also a highlighted nicely aided visually by the fine art team.
So far for the first three issues it seems the major theme is that most of the
mutants are divided on what the right thing to do is and some are more adamant
than others. As far as the title of the event, there really hasn't been a battle
just some stereotypical fisticuffs amongst fellow heroes. There are some rather
nasty Sentinels though that could take a major part of the story or they just
may be an element of the ongoing story in UNCANNY X-MEN. As I said this is a bit
of a transition point in the story. Things haven't really gotten dicey yet. I
really don't know if I can answer the question I posed at the start - is the
event worth buying the books I don't normally read? I think there is enough here
in the story involving the characters I am more familiar with to stick it out.
Perhaps if you just read this title, X-MEN, it may not be worth it to read the
rest. You will have to decide.

Title: SONS OF ANARCHY
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Writer: Christopher Golden
Artist: Damian Couceiro
Colors: Stephen Downer
Letters: Ed Dukeshire
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: TV show based drama
Mature - Comics on the Edge


Right up front I have never watched the TV show this comic is based on. The
story in this adaptation takes place in the middle of season five, which means
nothing to me. So let's see if I can figure this out. There is this motorcycle
club called the Sons of Anarchy. There are twenty-nine chapters worldwide. The
first was Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original - SAMCRO for short.
The focus of this story is on one of the members, Alex "Tig" Trager. He is in a
bad point in his life just now trying to get his head straight after the loss of
his daughter and apparently other tragedies among the gang. The SAMCRO
president, Jax, is willing to let him cope but when he gets into a bar fight,
defending a battered woman it may indicate he is on the edge of getting into
real trouble. The main plot though revolves around a girl from Los Angeles on
the run. The men after her are desperate because she knows too much about their
operation. While they torture her ex-boyfriend for clues to her whereabouts she
is headed for the place where her dead dad told her she could find help -
SAMCRO. It seems to me that the writer is trying to walk a tightrope. On one
hand he is a fan of the show and knows the characters well. This leads to him
wanting to give other fans of the show a story consistent with the themes and
characterizations from the show. On the other hand the comic has to have enough
of an understandable plot to engage new readers. I am not sure about the first
part but I believe Golden succeeds on the second. He gives us several scenes
that set up the conflict and others that provide new readers insight into some
of the major characters. There is definitely some heavy action on the way and
from the brief introduction to the SAMCO crew I believe they can handle it. The
art is exceptional, with most of the characters pretty close to the real life
actors' likenesses. So far it is a decent comic with a lot of promise.

Title: INFINITY: THE HUNT
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Contest of Champions
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Steven Sanders
Colors: Jim Campbell
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Slava Panarin
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This comic has a unique premise. Most of us are familiar with the young heroes
being trained as future Avengers at Avengers Academy but it turns out there are
similar schools for powered kids around the world. We have Future Foundation,
the Jean Grey School, the Braddock Academy in England, The Wakandan School of
Alternative Studies, The Pan-Asian School for the Unusually Gifted, the
Atlantean School and even the Latverian School of Science. For the first time
the administrators of these schools for super powered kids have agreed to a
competition to try and foster a sense of community among the gifted children.
Hank Pym hosts the opening ceremony from Avengers Academy with some of the
schools students already present and some checking in via satellite
communications. The plan is to take three students from each school and drop
them off on a remote island. There will be various events to test their skills
against each other with bonuses for teams showing exemplary teamwork and
tactical skills. This ceremony is to introduce everyone to each other and tell a
little bit about their school. Most of this first issue is taken up with the
introductions. Some of the players are familiar as they appear or have appeared
in their own titles. Others like the Wakandans and Pan-Asians are mostly new to
us. Throughout a lot of the dialogue is among the other contestants scoping out
the competition or musing to themselves thoughts about their own superiority,
their desire not to be there, sarcasm about some of the competition and a host
of other emotions. Two of the schools fail to check in. The Latverian
transmission does not even come. It is the Atlantean transmission that changes
the tone of the book real quick as the static-filled transmission reveals
devastation and blood in the water - the invasion related to the INFINITY
crossover has begun. So the book begins as a long set up for a major event but
it is clear that there will be no time for such a competition as explosions
begin to rock even the city not far from Avengers Academy. This is truly a tie-
in to the Infinity event. From the looks of it the comic will show involvement
in the conflict on Earth at various places where groups of super humans live. At
least that is the inference I draw. Thanos and his invading forces will be tough
to deal with and it is not a stretch to show even lesser or unknown until know
heroes would get into the act. It could prove to be an interesting story once it
gets going.  I was not that impressed with the art on this one. Jim Campbell
does a fine job coloring but the pencil and ink work is less than flattering at
times to what should be familiar major heroes. This is a slight distraction. I
don't feel compelled to follow this story just because it is a tie-in but I am
curious about those lesser-known schools and how they will be involved in the
big picture. It might be worth sticking around to see if they are emerging stars
or just tragic cannon fodder for the conflict.

Title: MIGHTY AVENGERS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Greg Land
Inker: Jay Leisten
Colors: Frank D'Armata
Letters: Cory Petit
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




What better time to launch yet another Avengers title, by my count this is
number ten, than during a major event. Indeed this book ties in to INFINITY as
we get to the last third of the issue. Luke Cage recently resigned from active
Avenger duty to focus more on his family and restart his old business, "Heroes
for Hire." The lineup of his companions seems to structured on purpose to
resemble the team on the TV show MARVEL UNIVERSE ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN. It
includes both White Tiger and Power Man. If you are sensing a theme here so far
they are all non-white. Later another ethnic female joins in, Monica Rambeau the
former Captain Marvel now known as Spectrum. And to add an element of mystery an
acquaintance of hers shows up but we only see him in the shadows. I am guessing
he may be black also. But he also has some issues about being seen in public so
when the attack on New York by Thanos' minions begins he throws on a Spider-Man
costume to hide his identity. We don't know what his special abilities might be
but the clue is he is carrying nunchucks. The costume actually says on his chest
Spider Hero! The issue has a lot going on and we are not sure if all of the
characters are members of Heroes for Hire or will even remain so. At the start
Cage, Tiger and Power Man are fighting the Plunderer and his thugs to keep them
from stealing a crate from Horizon Labs. This is their latest work for hire
assignment but it seems the Superior Spider-Man has an interest in the crate as
well. His interference ends the conflict but his new snarky attitude, since it
is really Otto Octavius in the body of Peter Parker, sets up conflict among the
others with White Tiger resigning from the group and late Power Man reassessing
his commitment as well. Not a good start for Luke and his business. The scenes
with Monica and her mystery man are more interesting but they only go so far
when the attack begins. It is only Luke, Monica and the new Spider Hero who take
on the invaders as it begins as well as Superior Spider Man. In fact he is the
one prominent on the cover so could he possibly join the group. My guess is no.
And I have a feeling the other two will come back around. Frankly, I am tired of
Marvel over-pushing the Avenger franchise with another title. These characters
are interesting but throwing them together and slapping the Avenger label on
them does not make it must reading. And I think including Spider-Man prominently
in the first issue is just another way to drag in potential readers, I could be
wrong. I saw nothing here that would make it a must read for me. Other fans may
differ in their opinion.

Title: DETECTIVE COMICS
Issue Number: 23.2 (HARLEY QUINN #1)
Title Story: Harley Lives
Publisher: DC
Creators: Paul Dini & Bruce Timm
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Neil Googe
Colors: Wil Quintana
Letters: Taylor Esposito
Cover Artist: Chris Burnham & Nathan Fairbairn
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


As part of DC's villains month the bad guys are "taking over" some of the usual
titles. This provides a break in continuity from the ongoing plots for a month
as well as in some cases a tie-in with the villain of the issue to the FOREVER
EVIL event. In most cases these books offer us insight into the origins of the
particular villain, as is the case with Harley in this issue of DETECTIVE
COMICS. The immediate story follows after the Crime Syndicate opened up all the
super prisons and invited the criminals to join their Secret Society. Harley
attended their conclave at the remains of the Justice League Watchtower but
chose not to join but to return to Gotham. She is free from her indentured duty
in the Suicide Squad and can create her own kind of mischief on her own. One of
two main plots is her immediate actions which include a somewhat comical way she
puts together her new costume and then starts planning a grand event that
involves giving away a great deal of computer tablets that will be used for a
spectacular event. But the main story is really the flashback to her origins.
She succeeded in getting her degree despite the extremely dysfunctional family
she came from and eventually started treating criminals at Arkham Asylum. It was
her failure to get through to the really hard-core criminals that inspired her
to change her approach with the Joker and the rest, as they say, is history.
Harley has always been a fan favorite and no doubt this issue will be very
popular. Both plots are entertaining and the art is up to the task. If you were
planning on picking up a few of the villain titles this month this one would not
be a bad choice.

Title: BRAIN BOY
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Psy vs. Psy
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Fred Van Lente
Artist: R.B. Silva
Inker: Rob Lean
Colors: Ego
Letters: Nate Piekos
Cover Artist: Ariel Olivetti/Juan Doe
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Spy Adventure

Dark Horse is adding to its line up of super hero comics with this title. It
also features a preview of their next title call THE OCCULTIST. This one though
is about Matt Price who is the world's most powerful telepath. After his parents
died their employer, Albright Industries, took care of his upbringing and
education helping him hone his psychic skills. Matt is very important to
national security and is often loaned out to the Secret Service to protect
important political figures by mentally scanning the area for dangers. His
latest assignment takes place as the delegates arrive for the next convening of
the UN General Assembly. He is to protect General Emil Ricorta, the duly elected
president of South America's largest oil producing country. He is the
stereotypical quasi-dictator who oppresses the people and jails dissidents for
speaking up. Before Matt reports for duty he stops to see a CIA agent, Gerard
Bodell who requested a meeting off the books. He actually enticed Matt to come
with a text suggesting Albright Industries has not told him everything. It seems
the CIA wants Matt to read the general's mind regarding some top-secret fuel he
may be developing for the North Korean's. Matt plays by the book and parts of
the rules say that he does not read the client's mind so they will trust him. He
is there to sweep other minds for possible threats. But Bodell says the CIA has
a file on Matt's parents, the contents of which he has purposely not seen, that
will shed a lot of light on who Matt really is. He does not take the bait and is
off to the job. The second part of the book is the real action as Matt settles
in at the General's suite but when he returns from refreshing after a shower all
the guards are in a trance and the general is gone. The psychic trace leads to
the roof and stops at the helipad. Matt will have more troubles as there are
elements of the drug cartels from the general's country looking for the leader
and they think Matt hid him. Things get very intense from this point on until
the climax at the end gives Matt a major surprise.  This is decent spy thriller
action with the added touch of psychic powers. There are manipulations within
manipulations, a possible corporate conspiracy, and international intrigue. I
particularly like the story title's play on the old "Spy vs. Spy" bit. The art
team does a great job bringing it to life and especially depicting the various
psychic powers in unique ways in no small part due to the coloring job by Ego.
This is a thoughtful story that relies more on the script and characters than it
does on violent action.  I would stay with this one for sure.

                                    *****
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:
Rainbow, Tank, Surge. What group did they belong to?
These characters are all members of Mark Evanier's DNAgents. The winner by the
dice is Mauricio Carvalho.

Here was your no prize question
Which New Hampshire town claims to be the home of the first snowmobile?
The answer is Ossipee, NH.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What unique cover enhancement was used in the DC/MILESTONE crossover, "WORLDS
COLLIDE"?

Here is your no prize question:
What two countries have capitals named after US presidents?

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 9/13/13

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: FOREVER EVIL
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: NIGHTFALL
Publisher: DC
Writer: Geoff johns
Artist: David Finch
Inker: Richard Friend
Colors: Sonia Oback
Letters: Rob Leigh
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



There is a new world order in the NEW 52 as DC kicks off its first NEW 52
Universe crossover. As just about everyone knows they are celebrating the event
with special 3D alternate covers for their titles that cost a buck more. I am
not one to say whether it is worth the money - I buy my comics for the stories,
always have. But I will say they are spectacular so check them out, if there are
any left on the rack. The other hook is that a major villain related to that
title is "taking over" the book and is featured on the cover for each of the
major titles. For this opening chapter of the main book there are several
recognizable major villains on the cover. As an extra bonus the center of the
comic features a double fold out with a much larger gathering of bad guys and
gals. The story at the start and the end is told from the perspective of Lex
Luthor, which adds a unique touch to the visuals. This is one of those stories
that begin after a major change has taken place; there is a new status quo. As
in AGE OF ULTRON from Marvel, we do not know the details of how this happened,
presumably right after the events of TRINITY WAR as that story closed with the
villains from Earth 3 showing up on Earth. Whatever it was that we missed the
result is that the Justice League, again presumably all three versions, are
missing and the Earth 3 groups claims they are dead. Well, I am not ready to
believe that just yet but the fact that they are nowhere to be seen does present
a problem for everyone else on the planet. In case you are not familiar with
these characters from the previous DC continuity on Earth 3 there are basically
bad guy versions of the Justice League. They are the Crime Syndicate - Ultraman
for Superman, Owlman for Batman, Superwoman for Wonder Woman, Power Ring for
Green Lantern, Johnny Quick for Flash, Atomica for The Atom, a Cyborg analog
called Grid and newcomer Deathstorm for Firestorm. But they are not just bad
versions of our heroes. They have differences as well. For example Superwoman
has barbs on her lasso and Power Ring is kind of paranoid. The notable big
difference is in Ultraman. I guess since Earth 3 is kinda the reverse of Earth,
the sun actually drains his powers rather than recharges them. He also snorts
kryptonite dust like a drug to give himself more power. In fact his power level
is like the Superman of long ago to point of being able to move the moon in its
orbit. So these guys are amped up in the power department, have somehow gotten
rid of the Justice League and are setting about to pretty much rule the world.
As we enter in mid story they are into the next part of their plan, which is to
break open every super prison in the world and invite the super villains they
release to join the Secret Society - hence the four-page spread in the middle.
It is at their first gathering that Ultraman declares the Justice League is dead
and those that do not join them will face the consequences. There is a lot
jammed into this issue - what appears to be the NEW 52 hint that Ted Kord is
alive but perhaps not yet a hero, a very brief scene among the Teen Titans
indicating they may have a major role to play in this drama, a lot of bickering
among the bad guys we are used to seeing, but the big deal for this issue
involves Nightwing. The Crime Syndicate captures him but I won't reveal what
they do to him. It is a major event, the first of its kind in the NEW 52. In all
it is a good beginning. The art team is up to the task providing great visuals
throughout. I see possibilities for many characters here so I am anxious to see
what happens next. Check it out.

Title: GOD IS DEAD
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Deus. Rex. Terra
Publisher: Avatar
Creator: Jonathan Hickman
Writers: Jonathan Hickman and Mike Costa
Artist: Di Amorim
Colors: Juanmar
Letters: Kurt Hathaway
Main Cover Artist: Jonathan Hickman
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Religious Mythology
MATURE - Comics on the Edge

This story has an interesting premise. What if the gods of mythology were not
just fictional ideals made up by man. What if they actually existed long ago,
and their tales were real. What if they came back? For the purposes of this
story that is exactly what is happening. At the end of this first chapter we
witness a gathering of members of several pantheons - the Norse gods, the
Mayans, Egyptians, the Hindus and the Greeks are all there. But the beginning
reads like omens of a coming apocalypse. Page after page shows scenes of major
disasters around the world - a Greek volcano erupts killing 10,000, in Norway
the temperature drops 89 degrees centigrade freezing 8,000, a sandstorm in Egypt
with winds of 468 kph kills seven thousand and blinds tens of thousands more, in
the Yucatan a major rainstorm drowns fourteen thousand and in New Delhi, India
an earthquake kills millions. The main part of the story takes place two months
after these disasters and understandably the belief systems of many in the world
have been shaken to the core. Many in the affected areas have reverted back to
worshipping the old gods, which in some cases means ancient rituals including
human sacrifice. But as we see there are a few men and women of science who seek
to end the madness while at the same time the remains of the US government and
military are hunkered down in a mountain bunker plotting what to do in a world
where the gods have taken over. It is a tense situation for all of mankind.
Thinking it through logically you wonder if there is anything mankind can do to
straighten this out. It will be interesting to see what comes next. Hickman
gives us a lot to ponder, not the least of which is why there is not a hint of
compassion among any of these gods that have returned. There are some
interesting visuals that are superbly done. And the apparent protagonists of the
story are seen far too little. I think it is worth following to see what comes
next.

Title: THE MOCKING DEAD
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Fred Van Lente
Artist: Max Dunbar
Greytones & Colors: Aikau Olivia
Letters: Simon Bowland
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror/parody





No doubt some comic fans that like parodies of their favorite books will pick
this one up because of the title. But it is not a parody of THE WALKING DEAD.
Instead it kinda pokes fun at the whole zombie apocalypse thing. The set up is a
national security briefing in the Pentagon in the present. Involved are the
National Security Advisor to the President and representatives from the Army,
Air Force and Medical experts from the military and the CDC. They are being
briefed by Vanessa Malik from the Defense Intelligence Agency Directorate for
Analysis and Aaron Bunch who has been out of the government intelligence loop
for five years. Back then he was part of the Entertainment Emulation Subdivision
of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Their directive was to analyze international
entertainment products for the plausibility of real-world threats contained
therein and develop countermeasures against said threats. Current events have
made Malik recruit, by blackmail really, Aaron back into service. Video footage
from the Pittsburgh area reveals that zombies are real and spreading. It is up
to Vanessa and Aaron to come up with a plan to handle the outbreak. Most of the
book involves an introduction to Aaron and his current lifestyle disrupted by
black helicopters and the briefing by Vanessa as they head to DC. But other
scenes show the beginnings of the Zombie problem, with more than one comical
element in each one. At times Aaron seems to drift off into daydreams, even when
he is giving his briefing to the brass, which is just an excuse to play out a
scene from a generic zombie movie he saw as a kid. But of course he has a plan,
something that all those years long ago produced. That is the punchline and end
scene of the first issue. The main thing I like about this title is the art. The
characters are detailed and the action is dynamic as much as any black and white
comic I have read. The concept is a fun one, even if it stretches our belief
that the fate of the country rests in the opinion of people whose job was to
watch movies and then conclude how to handle a problem if it actually happened.
It was fun for one issue and if it maintains the level of humor it should be
entertaining for more to come.

Title: REALITY CHECK
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Writer: Glen Brunswick
Artist: Viktor Bogdanovic
Colors: Paul Little
Letters: Rus Wooton
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero





I believe I have seen this concept used before in a comic. It is a story about a
comic book character actually crossing over into the real world, coming to life
where before it was only an idea. This happens at the very end of the first
issue. So this initial chapter provides us the story of the creator of the comic
book and the point in his life when the character he created shows up at his
door. Our guy is 26 year-old Willard Penn and he writes and draws comics. At
this point in his life he has decided to dedicate his entire effort into
creating a comic and getting it published. He has had a near miss when one comic
was optioned for a movie but the company went under. He hears from editors at
the big two regularly but they have not offered him work. So now he will put
together his comic and sell it to anyone who will publish it. The comic is about
a super hero in the mold of Batman. Thomas Scott is a super rich entrepreneur
but when evil strikes he changes into the vigilante Dark Hour. Since this is an
actual comic we get to see parts of Willard's comic, as it would actually appear
in its own comic. It does not move the main plot forward but those scenes are
entertaining in themselves. And that is what the publishers think when they take
a meeting. They like the fact that the lead character is a hard-hitting crime
fighter but his driving force personally is for companionship. Things are going
well and contract talks are moved to the lawyers involved. But as his hero is
not one-dimensional, neither is Willard. Brunswick brings us back to his
childhood and the special relationship he had with his older brother Tim. Tim
was everything an older brother should be - protector, confidant and mentor.
When Tim died part of Willard died with him. Through it all he has had highs and
lows and is finally on the brink of a breakthrough moment. But as you will see
from the first few pages it could all turn to disaster quickly. If you just
picked this comic from the rack with no knowledge of the "hook" you would still
find it a compelling tale of a young man struggling to realize his dreams while
suffering typical hardships life brings. Then at the very end the whole thing
turns into a science fiction mystery, on top of everything else. It is well
done. The execution of the script by the art team is flawless and the
composition of the script is a good mix with scene shifts that have meaning and
add to our understanding of the main character. I was very impressed and we
haven't even gotten into the problem of a comic book character that has come to
life.  I can't wait!

Title: THE STAR WARS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: George Lucas
Adapted from the original rough draft screenplay for STAR WARS
Script: J.W. Rinzler
Artist: Mike Mayhew
Colors: Rain Beredo
Letters: Michael Heisler
Cover Artist: Nick Runge
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction

Some of the names are the same but the circumstances and relationships are a bit
different.  This is the way George Lucas first envisioned his now famous space
opera before it was fine-tuned to the finished product we are all familiar with.
The background at the beginning tells us of an Imperial Empire that has spread
across the galaxy. The chief architects of the Imperial Space Force were the
centuries old order of the Jedi-Bendu. But now there is a new empire and the
Jedi are all but extinct, hunted down by the ferocious and sinister rival
warrior sect the Knights of Sith. The Emperor addresses his military on the eve
of the next great battle to conquer the Aquilean system. The Aquilaeans have not
consented to the treaty offered by the Empire.  It is here we meet the Emperor
And his great general Darth Vader. But he is not covered in a helmet and life
support system we are familiar with. As they ponder the coming campaign they are
warned by another that the Aquilaeans are lead by the Jedi, in fact by one he
claims actually led the Jedi rebellion long ago - Luke Skywalker. In this
version Luke is and older man and leader of rebellion forces. On the planet
Aquilae he meets with King Kayos and his council. Some plead to accept the
treaty or the system will be destroyed. Skywalker has a different view.  We also
meet the king's daughter, Leia, as she heads off to school on Yuell. To round
out the familiar names and conditions we have another family involved, the
Starkillers.  The issue actually begins with their story and that incident on
the moon of Utapau has led to Kane and his son Annikin returning to Aquilae to
seek a favor. So right away we see Darth is not Annikin in this version. In fact
Kane Starkiller is the one who is more machine than man. I think if all the
names of these characters where different, just names not connected to what is
now STAR WARS cannon, the story would be still be a good one. It has lots of the
elements of the big picture, the background in which the individual stories are
told. It is fascinating to read this first cut and to analyze all the things
that changed between it and the final cut. The art is spectacular as it always
is in these comics from Dark Horse. As an added treat there are some pages in
the back with early art work for the designs seen in this series. Don't buy this
to compare it to the original movies and then complain. Read it to get the story
as it could have been.

Title: BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Cover Artist: Marc Silvestri
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero







This issue marks the return of the award-winning anthology of Batman stories
told by various creators in black & white. For five bucks you get five stories.

"Don't Know Where, Don't Know When" - written by Chip Kidd, Illustrated by
Michael Cho, Lettered by Dezi Sienty
This story features Robin as the star. He is supposed to meet Batman on a
rooftop but when Batman is a no show Robin goes into detective mode on his own.
After looking everywhere and talking to cops and thugs alike he is taking a
break when a friend from Metropolis shows up to aid in the hunt. You would think
with super senses it would be a breeze but Superman fails as well. In the end
Robin comes up with an idea that will combine both their talents that will
rescue Bruce from a clever trap set by the Joker.  It is a fun story with
spectacular art. Cho is a master of the "lost line" technique and this story
alone is worth the price of the comic.

"Batman Zombie" - written and illustrated by Neal Adams, lettered by Erica
Schultz
This is a rather bizarre story. It has Batman coming across several situations
involving problems that are mostly not requiring a super hero.  He sees tenants
being unjustly evicted, a man trying to feed his homeless family, a man in jail
for fifteen years for possession of an ounce of pot and even worse a third
strike offender who last crime was stealing a pair of socks. I say it is bizarre
because in each of these situations Batman is portrayed as a zombie and always
tells the others there is nothing he can do. Your mind will be wondering how
this all came to be until you see how it ends. It is not my favorite though the
hook at the end is a nice touch. Adams work is always fun to see as well.

"Justice Is Served" - written by Maris Wicks, illustrated by Joe Quinones,
lettered by Rob Leigh
This one features two femme fatales of the Batman mythos - Harley Quinn and
Poison Ivy. It seems someone has done something to the burgers at the local
Gotham Burger joint and Harley fed some to her two dogs before she found out
there is this outbreak from the burgers causing extreme bloating and
discoloration. When her pups drastically change she is steaming to get the one
the news stories indicate may be responsible - Poison Ivy. After she confronts
Ivy they realize who actually might be behind it all and they both set out to
get revenge.  It is a lighter story with very detailed black and white work from
Joe Quinones. His use of gray tones really makes it a visual delight.

"Driven" - written by John Arcudi, illustrated by Sean Murphy, lettered by Sal
Cipriano
This one is probably my least favorite story. In parallel story lines we see
Batman in a city-wide car chase against a female in a hot rod equipped with some
dangerous weapons contrasted with scenes in the Batcave afterword as Bruce sets
to work on the minor damage to the fender. To Alfred's surprise he ends up just
about rebuilding the whole thing, even removing the engine. The action scenes
are typical adventure for a comic but the obsessive compulsive mechanic routine,
including Bruce's refusal to explain how the fender got damaged, is tiring and
not that amusing. The art is very acceptable though.

"Head Games" - written by Howard Mackie, illustrated by Chris Samnee, lettered
by Jack Morelli
This one opens at the scene of the third murder in a single night. This is the
third low-level hood from a group known as the Under Bosses that has been
brutally murdered. That group of gangsters each from different mobs has dreams
of unifying to make a move against their bosses. Batman is on the job and needs
to track down the killer before he finishes off the rest. It is a race against
time once he figures out who is responsible to stop the final murder. It is a
clever mystery with an interesting twist that proves these are crimes of passion
rather than survival.

                                    *****
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:
What was Harvey (Two-Face) Dent's original name when he first appeared?
So as not to confuse people with another famous character, Harvey Kent got
changed to Dent. Keith Martin is the winner this time.

Here is your no prize question:
What color is a polar bear's skin?

Surprisingly, the polar bears' skin color is black. The bears' black skin
absorbs heat from the sun. The fur, which appears to be white, is actually made
up of almost colorless, almost transparent hairs. The long, coarse guard hairs
are hollow, letting the warming rays of the sun reach to the dark skin that acts
as a solar heat collector. Reflection of the sunlight from the densely packed,
almost colorless hairs makes polar bears appear to be white in a sort of optical
illusion.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Rainbow, Tank, Surge. what group did they belong to?

Here is your no prize question
Which New Hampshire town claims to be the home of the first snowmobile?

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 9/6/13

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: CAPTAIN MARVEL
Issue Number: 15
Title Story: Kiss Today Goodbye
Title Arc: Infinity Tie-In
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
Artist: Patrick Ollife
Inker: Drew Geraci
Colors: Andy Troy
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Joe Quinones
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This is a true INFINITY tie-in that follows right after the action in that
event's first issue. What is in store for Captain Marvel is no secret from the
cover illustration. As INFINITY #1 showed the beings known as the Builders have
been attacking planets across the galaxy. Many of the Avengers left Earth to
join the Galactic Council in a massive counterstrike making for some unusual
alliances among the Kree, Skrulls, the Brood, the Spartax and the Shi'ar. What
you need to know about Carol Danvers at this point is explained in the opening
text page. She had been fighting a disgraced Kree warrior known as Magnitron.
She managed to escape his telepathic link but as a result her brain sustained
significant injuries erasing a lot of her personal memories. Although she has
joined her fellow Avengers in the quest she is less aware of the personal
relationships she has had with most of them. This is played out through the
issue as Carol keeps her condition secret but struggles with it in her mind. The
collective forces have planned their move by luring the Builders to an asteroid
belt near a black hole called the Corridor. They plan an ambush from the cover
of the asteroids leaving the Builders with the black hole at their back. The
Earth teams are in two Avengers' carriers with Carol leading one with Hawkeye,
Captain Universe, Starbrand, Nightmask, Abyss, Cannonball and Sunspot. The
others are with Captain America. At first the strategy seemed to work well and
they even destroyed the Builder's command vessel. But the tide turned as four
times as many Builder craft uncloaked. The attackers became the attacked. 
Things will get very bad from here on out. The united forces are vastly
outnumbered. Carol desperately tries to help the other Avenger craft after it is
damaged as well as other allied ships.  But they are getting dangerously close
to the black hole. In the end she will need to choose to save her crewmates by
risking a last ditch ploy that could be the end for Captain Marvel. The
unexpected consequences of her action are revealed as the issue closes. This is
a good tie-in issue that I am sure will be touched on in INFINITY #2. It has
elements of personal conflicts, including Carol's secret affecting her
decisions. In a subplot Spider-Woman is forced to work alongside the Skrulls she
has been fighting against sine the Invasion. Her actions provide yet another
problem to deal with at the worst possible time. This is not just a book to
compliment the event but has real consequences for the title character. The art
team does a fantastic job. The change to Captain Marvel may just be what the
alliance needs to turn the tide in the end. That remains to be seen.

Title: STATION TO STATION
Issue Number: 1-Shot
Originally serialized in DARK HORSE PRESENTS #19-#21
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writers: Corinna Bechko & Gabriel Hardman
Artist: Gabriel Hardman
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction

This story is a familiar on as far as Science Fiction stories go. It begins with
a devastating explosion on an island in San Francisco Bay. The source of the
blast appears to have been from a laboratory in a converted warehouse. Through
the course of the story we learn that scientists there were building a machine
to create a window into alternate timelines. They hoped by seeing other
possibilities they could help the world change the course of events in their own
timeline. But something happened and before the machined broke down it opened a
doorway instead letting in a few strange creatures that look more like beings
from a far off planet than anything from an alternate Earth. Some are like
dinosaurs but the big baddy is a floating hulk with multiple tentacles and a
clear dome covering its version of a brain. The protagonist is one of the
scientists, Tim, who awakens far from the blast and discovers some of these
creatures as he tries to make his way back to the lab. Meanwhile the floating
hulk makes small work of several rescue helicopters. Tim is joined by a
colleague who lends a hand as they head for the lab.  But what they discover are
their other friends hurriedly trying to rebuild the machine and it is clear they
are under some form of mind control. Tim realizes the hulk is orchestrating the
effort to rebuild the machine so the portal can be reopened letting in more of
the floating beasts to invade the Earth. It is a race against time and former
allies to find a way to destroy the machine and the floating beast in order to
save mankind. As I said it is a typical sci-fi plot with lots of action and dire
situations along the way. In the end we don't really know if Tim's last
desperate move will succeed. The art is uniquely suited for this type of story.
Though the facial depictions are a bit rough the overall effect is decent,
especially the action sequences. It is not an outstanding story but I found it
entertaining. For a sample of a well-told story of this genre it is worth the
$3.

Title: ITTY BITTY HELLBOY
Issue Number: 1 (of 5)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Mike Mignola
Writers: Art Baltazar & Franco
Artist: Art Baltazar
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Humor - Comic Book Parody

This mini-series shows that any genre of comic book can be turned into a fun parody with the right creators. Art and Frank have been given free reign to use characters from the Hellboy universe for their depiction of those characters as
kids. The art is done in a very cartoon-like style and the characters are
depicted with more child-like attitudes as opposed to the seriousness of a
horror comic. The book is broken up into several short stories, some longer than
others. I am not a follower of Hellboy so except for the main character I really
haven't got a clue what their adult counterparts are like. It seems there are
three characters that are opposed to Hellboy and his friends. One is a monkey,
one is a ghost called Rasputin and the other, the leader Karl, is difficult to
describe because his head is like a globe rather than a human head. Putting
aside the unfamiliarity the story is easy to follow. These three have a "fort"
of their own making in a dishwasher box making them feel invincible. Their first
encounter with Hellboy changes their opinion. From the other point of view we
see Hellboy and his friends - Liz a normal girl, Roger who apparently only wears
a jock strap for clothes and then there is Johann. He is really a vapor cloud
that gets around in a containment suit so that he can do kid stuff with the
others like play baseball. One funny episode involves Johann feeling sick and
the others decide that feeding him soup will help so they pour some into his
suit. The bad kids have another ally named Herman, a head in a jar that gets
around by bouncing on springs attached to the jar. He is their spy and will
discover that Hellboy and company also have a fort, made from a much larger
refrigerator box. This will lead to another conflict with funny results.  I
found this book to be entertaining on a base level. These are simple stories
with some humor and cute characters though nothing is laugh out loud funny. It
should be fun for kids who are used to cartoons these days that feature
characters bearing little if any resemblance to human beings. I have no way of
judging whether fans of Hellboy can get into it as it is so far removed from the
usual. I did not find it as funny as other books of this type from Marvel or DC
but it is still not a bad effort.

Title: ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
Issue Number: 4
Publisher: DC
Creator: Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster
Cover Artist: Bruce Timm & Nick Filardi
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


This book for teens and up features three stories of the Man of Steel.

"A Day in the Life" by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, art by Wes Craig and Craig
Yeung, and colors by Lee Loughridge
Lex Luthor narrates the opening story and indeed it is about a day in his life
as recorded in his journal. As we follow him through the day he does typical
things you would expect from the evil genius. He conducts a hostile takeover of
a rival, deals with government dignitaries, fires a bunch of ineffectual
employees - something he particularly enjoys, works on a powerful new laser,
puts the screws to other villains who presumed he would be fair and even has a
date at the opera. Parallel to his story half the panels show Superman battling
a giant robot in Metropolis. His story is all action in contrast to Luthor's
until the end when the two plots cross. We suspect all along the giant robot was
Luthor's doing but can Superman prove it? In a lighter touch each day Luthor
begins his journal entry with "How to kill Superman idea #." I liked the story
and particularly the panel structure. It is not meant to be an all out battle
between the foes but does highlight their attitudes toward each other.

"The Deniers!" by Tom Defalco with art by Pete Woods
This one takes a look at the goings on in Metropolis from a pair of average
plumbers as they start their day with the normal routine of breakfast at the
local diner. The entire plot is a dialogue the two have about Superman and
powered heroes in general and the vast conspiracy between the government and the
media. Phil is the skeptic who does not believe anything in print, like the
supposed meteor about to strike the city. He believes it is a ploy by the space
agency to get more funding. The topic turns to Superman, which despite all the
press coverage of his feats of strength Phil believes is a big scam done with
special effects, because he has never seen any of it himself. As they dicker
back and forth we see in other panels Superman actually stopping the meteor
before it can impact Earth and stopping bank robbers in a giant robot just
outside in the streets. The two things are a good contrast and the punchline
comes in the final scene when we meet Phil's neighbor. This is a clever story
that has a lot of visuals that disprove Phil's theories though he himself never
sees them. I liked the art as well. These types of stories are usually only
found as fill-in in some annual but they are no less enjoyable.

"Savior" by Rob Williams with art by Chris Weston
Like the other stories in this issue the action visuals of Superman are
contrasted by the narrative by another character. In this case the narrator is
Ma Kent. She muses about her son and her feelings. She knows he is needed
constantly and gets into some pretty tough scrapes. A mother cannot help but
worry but still she has faith in him. But knowing he is constantly helping other
does not completely swage her feelings of wanting to see him more, and longer
than he usually stays. He is always on the go, never stops, but how many people
can he save? She wishes he would see her more often but she also knows she must
share him with the world. He is their son too. In the end there is a heartfelt
moment that wraps things up nicely. The better than average art on this part
takes up the visuals that show Superman on a variety of missions from fighting
Brainiac, to taking guff from Perry White, to teaming with the Justice League
and stopping yet another giant robot. It all compliments the narrative very well
and makes for the best story of the issue.

This is a feel good comic about the premier DC hero and I recommend it to all.

Title: BATMAN INCORPORATED SPECIAL
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This is an anthology featuring the various characters appearing in BATMAN INC.
so far. The framing sequence, "Never the End", is drawn by Declan Shalvey with
colors by Jordie Bellaire. It is the set up as Batman instructs the Batcomputer
to review case files of the various operatives. As the book ends he is given the
option whether or not to archive the files. Each file is a short story and lots
of creators got in on this one.

Batman Japan in "Rending Machine" by Chris Burnham, colored by Nathan Fairbairn
& Dave McCaig and lettered by Dave Sharpe
This Batman of Asia is aided in his efforts by the diminutive female with wings,
Canary and water based female Aquazon. The tale involves the black market trade
of human organs. It begins with the discovery of bagged organs in a vending
machine and some slick detective work. Batman and Canary trace a potential
victim to a capsule hotel that is really a front for the insidious Doctor
Inside-Out to grab victims. In the end they of course prevail.

The Knight in "Without You" by Joe Keatinge, art by Emanuel Simeoni & Brett
Smith and letters by Carlos M. Mangual
This story follows Squire as she goes forward with her life without The Knight.
Knight is gone and with Batman Inc. disbanded she sees no need to carry on crime
fighting though curiously she still wears the Squire mask in public. But when
the Mechanic advises her that Spring-heeled Jack is back to his old ways she has
to take him down. It is a turning point for her career in more ways than one.

Raven Red in "Brave" by Nathan Fairbairn with art by John Paul Leon and letters
by Carlos M. Mangual
This adventure has Red Raven chasing Coyote who has some stolen Leviathan mind
control compound. The chase leads to a skyscraper under construction and as they
go higher and higher Raven recalls an incident with an Indian steel worker in
his past that brings to mind why Raven does what he does, firming his resolve to
get his man. This is a clever mix of plots that makes the point.

Nightrunner, Dark Ranger & El Gaucho in "The Danger of La Muuerte en Vida" by
Mike Raicht, art by John Stanisci, colors by art Lyon and letters by Taylor
Esposito
The trio of heroes in Buenos Aires are up against a city gone mad. Between
saving innocents and fighting off the violent ones they have to figure out the
cause and stop it. It is Dark Ranger who detects a sound frequency evidently at
the source of the problem. He is protected from its effects by his helmet but
what of the other two?  It is a clever couple of plot twists that explain it all
and the team effort at the climax is enough to save the day.  This is tightly
scripted and rushes along to a neat finish with bits of humor thrown in.

Batcow in "Cowardly Lot" with story and art by Dan Didio and Ethan Van Sciver,
color by Hi-Fi and letters by Sal Cipriano
This is unexpected but a welcome addition to the book. There is no dialogue,
save for one Moo! at the end, or narrative but in six pages the bat-bovine stops
a pair of kidnappers running from the police and even has more to offer the
young victim in the end. It is funny and elegantly told with superb art.


Title: AMERICAN VAMPIRE ANTHOLOGY
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Creators: Scott Snyder & Rafael Albuquerque
Cover Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Price (USD): $7.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
Mature - Comics on the Edge

This anthology allows various creators to add their spin to characters and
situations that have come about in the long-running Vertigo series AMERICAN
VAMPIRE. I found it to be a good mix of styles and approaches to the vampire
lore.

"The Man Comes Around" by Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque with colors by
Dave McCaig is the framing story featuring Skinner Sweet in 1967 New Mexico. It
reveals some information for long time readers and it sets the tone for the rest
of the book. Here is a brief look at the rest.

"Lost Colony" by Jason Aaron, Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire
New colonists arrive in 1588 and set up a stockade settlement but the Native
Americans get curious when they see no movement anywhere in broad daylight. This
may be the first encounter in the new world between humans and vampires. The
Indians learn of the horror the vampires bring but will they be able to learn
how to stop it?

"Bleeding Kansas" by Rafael Albuquerque with art by Ivo Milazzo
A young couple has just moved to Topeka Kansas in 1856. Their hopes of a new
start are shattered by the slave trade that has follow civilization here. When
they learn she is pregnant their resolve to make a new life here is renewed. But
what will they do when the border ruffians attack the town and it turns out they
are more interested in blood than land?

"Canadian Vampire" by Jeff Lemire and Ray Fawkes
So why not tell a tale about vampires in Canada? In 1877 Canada a frontiersman
with a reputation is called in to investigate when the new settlers on an island
on the Moose River have not been seen for weeks. Their partner in the fur trade
asked Mr. Hammer to investigate to see if the local Indians inhabiting the
island are the problem. What he finds when he arrives is one little Indian boy
who tells a strange tale of white monsters who promised to trade furs but one by
one his people disappeared never to return. The boy knows enough to only venture
out in the day as he planned his escape from the island but will Hammer
understand the danger before it is too late?

"Greed" by Becky Coonan with colors by Jordie Bellaire
Becky tells this story of how Skinner Sweet made it to Hollywood before he met
Pearl. It is 1924 and he is in Death Valley. It is just his luck to run into a
film company doing a shoot. What Skinner learns from these folks, after a little
mischief of his own, changes his mind about possibly moving to California
permanently.

"The Producers" by Francesco Francavilla
This is the story of the rise to stardom of actor Chase Hamilton in the early
1920's. He was a starving homeless man who is about to give up on his Hollywood
dreams when he stumbles into a situation that will change all that. He follows a
man lurking near where he camps with friends and finds more than he bargained
for in the house he is lead to. In quick thinking he makes a deal with the
vampires that seals his fate. His story is the middle sequence that explains why
he is bringing a promising starlet to meet his producers.

"Essence of Life" by Gail Simone and Tula Lotay
In a similar tale of Hollywood decadence Gail Simone tells the tale of Hattie
Hargrove's tragic past. She is a flower girl who is "discovered" one day leading
to an audition on the casting couch. She suffers the humiliation in hopes of
getting the one break she needs but as more often than not her heart is broken
again. It is after she meets Pearl later in life that she will get her justice.

"Last Night" by Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon with Dave McCaig
This story is set in New York in 1940 as a black nightclub singer relates a tale
of horror to a newspaperman. Her tale of how the entire club, entertainers and
patrons alike were attacked by vampires is too brutal to believe. But maybe this
reporter will make this story public so others do not suffer the same fate.

"Portland, 1940" by Greg Rucka, JP Leon and Dave McCaig
The final segment set in Oregon in 1940 is a lost story of Skinner Sweet in a
seedy part of Portland. Skinner is in bad shape and it is his unfortunate luck
to be found by two ne'er do wells that secretly sell drunks and other scum to
ship captains looking for cheap labor. They will find more than they bargained
for when Skinner finally comes around.

                                    *****
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please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
Jay Endicott was also known as . . .?
Jay was the Mark Evanier and Dan Spiegel created Crossfire who appeared in
DNAgents prior to getting his own title. The winner by the dice is Gary Katzoff.

Here was your no prize question:
What is the longest-running and most-manufactured single design platform of any
car?

With over 21 million manufactured, the Volkswagen Beetle is the longest-running
and most-manufactured car of a single design platform, worldwide.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What was Harvey (Two-Face) Dent's original name when he first appeared?

Here is your no prize question:
What color is a polar bear's skin?

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.