Reviews for books shipping Feb. 8, 2017, including:
• ALL STAR BATMAN #7
• BLACK HISTORY IN ITS OWN WORDS
• DIVINITY III: SHADOWMAN & THE BATTLE OF NEW STALINGRAD #1
• EARTH 2: SOCIETY #21
• EMPOWERED AND THE SOLDIER OF LOVE #1
• HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #14
• JOHN CARTER: THE END #1
• JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA REBIRTH #1
• MOBY DICK
• RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #7
• RED SONJA #2
• SUICIDE SQUAD #11
• TITANS #8
• WEIRD DETECTIVE VOL 1
• WONDER WOMAN #16
Some 
involved. You are warned!
ALL STAR BATMAN #7
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by TULA LOTAY
Variant cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Variant cover by TULA LOTAY
32 pg • FC • $4.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with three covers.
“Poison Promises”! Step aside, gentlemen — Poison Ivy is about to steal the spotlight in Batman’s continuing rogues gallery road trip. Scott Snyder teams up with mega-talent Tula Lotay to re-imagine the Dark Knight’s most seductive villain.
I couldn't tell at the end of last issue if it was a done-in-one or just a standalone segment of a larger story. This issue answers the question, as Batman takes on a different character from his rogue's gallery for Part 2. Evidently, as mentioned in the solicitation, each chapter will feature a different villain.
I'm not crazy about Lotay's art -- it's a bit experimental and art-school-y -- but it could grow on me. And I liked the story well enough, as it falls in the range of Poison Ivy characterization I find acceptable. (You never really know what you're going to get with a Poison Ivy story, but I don't care for the extremes -- either misunderstood damsel or stone-cold killer.)
Nothing to write home about, but a solid entry into this story, whatever it will eventually be.
BLACK HISTORY IN ITS OWN WORDS (HC)
Publisher: IMAGE COMICS
Story / Art / Cover: RONALD WIMBERLY
Image Comics is pleased to announce BLACK HISTORY IN ITS OWN WORDS by Ronald Wimberly (PRINCE OF CATS) which will hit stores this February 2017 — just in time to celebrate Black History Month.
A look at Black History framed by those who made it, BLACK HISTORY IN ITS OWN WORDS presents quotes of dozens of black luminaries with portraits & illustrations by Ronald Wimberly. Featuring the memorable words and depictions of Angela Davis, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kanye West, Zadie Smith, Ice Cube, Dave Chappelle, James Baldwin, Spike Lee and more.
The book has been a long time coming with Wimberly’s mission for the project aimed at shining a light on black people’s stories and their woeful underrepresentation.
“In January 2014, Matt Bors asked me to pick some quotes and illustrate eight of them for the Nib for Black History Month. I chose quotes ranging from the casual to the profound from luminaries both past and present. I had so much fun I did 4 extra (12 in total) and continued to do 12 more the subsequent year. This book collects those first 24 works as well as 14 new works,” said Wimberly.
Wimberly took a unique approach to the project and opted for people based not only on historical precedence but on their punk spirit and existential bravery; people whose words and lives spoke to him personally.
Wimberly added: “I was inspired by the aesthetic discipline of Emory Douglas and Bruno Paul to work in graphic reduction and a limited palette inspired by national colors of the black diaspora. I hope that these images of black luminaries and their words will inspire readers to further research and be emboldened to live life as they have.”
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN ITS OWN WORDS, 8 x 8 inch trim size hardcover for $16.99 hits stores on Wednesday, February 8th.
This book is a collection of stylized portraits of various black Americans, from historical to pop culture, paired with quotes from their respective efforts. A brief biography -- usually no more than a sentence or two -- precedes each portrait.
It was interesting to me for the figures I didn't know -- which I will not name, for fear of being called out for my whiteness. I will say that I recognized the historical figures (Sojourner Truth, Angela Davis, et al) and current pop culture figures I couldn't possible not know (Kanye West, Prince, Spike Lee, etc.).
But even so, this book seems a bit skimpy for $17. I read it in less than 10 minutes. Maybe I'm supposed to spend more time pondering universal imponderables or something. I'm sure not going to take very long to ponder anything Kanye West has to say. (Seriously, how did he get famous? Why does he have a rep for being deep? Everything that comes out of his mouth is juvenile and/or trite.)
Regardless, it will make you look cultured if you leave it on a coffee table.
DIVINITY III: SHADOWMAN & THE BATTLE OF NEW STALINGRAD #1
Publisher: VALIANT COMICS
Written by SCOTT BRYAN WILSON with MATT KINDT
Art by ROBERT GILL with JUAN JOSE RYP
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover B by MARCO RUDY
Cover C by DIEGO BERNARD
Character Design Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Variant Cover by KANO
$3.99 U.S. • 32 pgs. • T+ • ONE-SHOT
Welcome to the world of today. Welcome to the Stalinverse! The visionary, event-level epic of the winter continues here in an all-new, all-star special introducing the secret weapon of the Soviet Union: Shadowman, agent of the USSR!
To save the devastated and oppressed island of New York, Jack Boniface might just have to annihilate it first – by leading an army of Deadside-spawned monstrosities onto the streets to fight the Soviets’ super-powered shock troops wherever they stand. But freedom fighters like the one they call Shadowman seldom get the happy ending they deserve …
Out of the pages of DIVINITY III: STALINVERSE, discover the haunting origin of Amerika’s last resistance when magic clashes with military might in a must-read tale of the Valiant Universe as we now know it from red-hot new talent Scott Bryan Wilson (Batman Annual) and acclaimed artist Robert Gill (Book of Death)!
Another fine entry into Valiant's "Stalinverse" event, with a Shadowman a lot more powerful than I remember him being. Not that it does him any good; this is the story of how he was captured and turned into an agent of a Soviet Union that straddles the globe. That's no spoiler, because we've seen his sad fate in other Stalinverse books.
There's also another origin story, this one for Baba Yaga, a character from Russian folklore I didn't know a thing about until Mike Mignola started using her in his Hellboy universe. Thanks, Mike! Anyway, as you can see from the preview below, both stories have superior art, and Baba Yaga is just super-creepy.
EARTH 2: SOCIETY #21
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by DAN ABNETT
Art by VICENTE CIFUENTES
Cover by BRUNO REDONDO
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE
The Wonders battle the Sandmen army to free the new Earth 2 from a dystopian fate, but the new world Director has unleashed his terrifying secret weapon. Can Batman, Huntress and John, the weakest of the wonders, shut down the Director’s stronghold? It’s a dangerous, last-minute gamble ... and the price may be too great to bear.
I haven't been reading this book, but I figured I'd check in on the final issue to see how it leaves the status quo.
I hadn't given any thought to why I wasn't reading this book, despite my fondness for the Justice Society. And I realized why almost immediately: It's because of my fondness for the Justice Society. This isn't the Justice Society, but it's got enough familiar names to remind me of what I'm missing. That depresses me, so I don't read the book.
There have been hints of a JSA revival coming to the Rebirth DCU, and that would be welcome -- if, as I say, it has more of the flavor and history of the actual JSA and isn't the funhouse mirror version found in this book. Yes, Earth 2: Society starred characters named Jay Garrick and Alan Scott, but without the history. And without the history, the Justice Society is just another ersatz Justice League.
Anyway, I came away doubly disappointed, because this book didn't feel like a final issue. In fact, it ended on a semi-cliffhanger. It COULD end here, and evidently will, but it's unsatisfying. I'm guessing the cancellation came too suddenly to be planned for. And if the story is given a more definitive end elsewhere, that's kind of a kick in the teeth to those who did follow it, innit?
Oh, well. At least it clears the decks for what will, fingers crossed, be a more recognizable Justice Society.
EMPOWERED AND THE SOLDIER OF LOVE #1 (OF 3)
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer: ADAM WARREN
Art/Cover: KARLA DIAZ
FC • 36 pages • $3.99 • Miniseries
Love is tearing apart costumed crimefighter Empowered’s city, as the unearthly powers of an embittered “International Magical Girl of Mystery” covertly inflame the superheroic community’s burning passions. But even if a befuddled Emp can puzzle out her shadowy foe’s schemes, can she hope to prevail against the Soldier of Love?
• 2017 marks the tenth anniversary of Empowered!
• Story by series creator Adam Warren!
• Art by web comic superstar Karla Diaz!
• 26 full-color story pages!
• Over 150,000 Empowered graphic novels in print!
“Empowered stands as one of the great modern superhero comics.” —View From the Gutters
I will make my usual remark here that I regard Empowered as soft-core pornography. That's not a complaint; I just think you ought to know what you're getting into if you choose to buy the book.
That observation is underscored by this story, which features a character that can engender sexual attraction in other characters, resulting in a great variety of hook-ups. People are humping in all sorts of configurations in this issue. It's comic book safe -- no "R" material shown -- but it's certainly meant to be naughty for naughty's sake.
I kinda like Emp herself, an underdog who never wins yet never gives up. If you're not familiar with the book, her powers come from an alien costume that is fragile and easily torn -- so, naturally, bad guys routinely rip her suit off and tie her up. Again, it's comic book safe but meant to be naughty. And again, I don't mind the naughtiness. But I do think she'd figure out pretty quick she should wear something durable OVER the skin-tight outfit to prevent it from being torn or removed so easily. But then she wouldn't get naked quite as much, would she?
Anyway, she's likeable, and the manga-inspired art is attractive. The stories are actually good enough that the faux-porn aspect isn't really necessary. But whatever sells, I guess.
P.S. Tell me the final panel in the preview below isn't a deliberate double entendre, meant for further life in memes and on T-shirts. Go ahead, tell me. I won't believe you.
HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #14
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA
Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“QUEST FOR THE BLUE LANTERN” part one! Hal teams with Kyle Rayner, the White Lantern, for a harrowing quest to bring hope back to the cosmos. Tasked with finding the Blue Lantern Corps and restoring it to full power, the two quickly find neither may have the power to accomplish this mission.
The main reason I posted this is for the homage cover by Kevin Nowlan. It lifts from Green Lantern #61 in the Silver Age, one of my favorites, with a cover by Gil Kane and Sid Greene. In the original, the smaller figure was Alan Scott, who had wished away all evil on Earth-2 -- and the ring complied by removing all the people! Be careful what you wish for ...
Stray thoughts:
* I'm glad they worked Space Cabbie into this story, a dopey Silver Age character worth an Easter egg or two. I don't like how they did it, though, hitting every single item under "snitch" in the Great Book of Comics Cliches. "That information is gonna cost ya" is the sort of thing that's only said in 70-year-old movies.
* I loved the exchange between John Stewart and Hal Jordan, included in the preview below. Super-organized Stewart really will be a much better Corps leader than seat-of-his-pants Jordan. And Jordan, being Jordan, will always intend to follow orders, but somehow always not. That's good characterization.
* I like that Mogo projects a Green Lantern badge. But why in only one direction? He could (and would) arrange it that no matter what direction you're coming from, you would see the badge full on. C'mon, people, let's think about this stuff.
JOHN CARTER: THE END #1
Publisher: DYNAMITE
Writers: BRIAN WOOD, ALEX COX
Art: HAYDEN SHERMAN
Cover A: GARRY BROWN
Cover B: JUAN DOE
Cover C: MEL RUBI
Cover D: GABRIEL HARDMAN
Cover E Subscription: PHILIP TAN
32 Pages • Teen + • $3.99
THE DEATH OF MARS! Centuries have passed and time has taken its toll. Conflict burns across the landscape of Barsoom. A war of supremacy and genocide at the hands of a brutal despot has brought the planet to the edge of collapse. A search party has finally located an aged John Carter and Dejah Thoris, living in quiet seclusion on a desert moon, in perpetual mourning for a lost son. How could they be Mars' last hope?
Introducing a John Carter story like you've never seen before, from writers Brian Wood (Star Wars, DMZ, Northlanders) and Alex Cox (Adventure Time), and artist Hayden Sherman (Civil War II: Kingpin).
I really want to like Dynamite's "Princess of Mars" books, but sometimes they make it hard. Like with this one.
I know that "Old Man Logan" has made it fashionable to show adventure characters at the end of their lives, but honestly, it's really depressing. I'm certainly not getting any younger myself, and I don't need the reminder of how much of the things that make you, you is stolen by aging. Seeing my heroes in their decrepitude isn't cool realism, it's just unpleasant. And I look to adventure fiction to give me escapism from my mortality, not a reminder of it.
Also, this takes place on the Martian moon Titan. Does that sound wrong? It is. Mars only has two moons, and their names are Deimos and Phobos ("fear" and "panic" in Greek -- they're the sons of Ares/Mars). I'm going to go with the explanation that "Titan" -- a moon of Saturn -- is a Barsoomian name for one of the Martian moons. But secretly I'm thinking that the writer didn't do his homework.
And the art, as you can see from the preview below, isn't very attractive. Simplistic, angular and harsh, it needs a lot more polish before it's ready for prime time. I had to read the opening sequence (previewed below) three times to make sense of it.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA REBIRTH #1
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by STEVE ORLANDO
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
Variant cover by RYAN OTTLEY
One-shot • 32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
Batman, Black Canary, Killer Frost, the Ray, Vixen, the Atom and … Lobo?! Spinning directly out of the events of JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. SUICIDE SQUAD, join the sensational team of writer Steve Orlando and artists Ivan Reis and Joe Prado and discover how Batman assembled the roughest, toughest Justice League of all time!
This is a standard bringing-the-team-together story, only partly eased by the audience being familiar with most of the characters. Or, at least, familiar-adjacent, as these are Rebirth/New 52 versions of longtime characters. Some of it is interesting for that alone; we get to see what Batman thinks of these versions of the characters as he explains why each has to be on the team.
All of this is greatly helped by the Jim Lee-adjacent art of Ivan Reis. He's just as precise and skilled as Lee, but without as much of the "look at me!" quality. No pin-ups here, just straightforward, and good-looking, storytelling.
The downside is that this story reminds me a lot of Batman gathering the Outsiders back in the day. We were then told (constantly) that Batman assembled the Outsiders to do the black ops that the more public JLA could not do, but we weren't ever given a convincing in-story demonstration as to why the team was necessary, nor did the team try very hard to keep a low profile. Did they ever do a single thing the JLA couldn't have done? To a jaded consumer such as myself, Batman and the Outsiders seemed like just an excuse to do another Bat-book when there were already plenty. I enjoyed the early issues anyway, thanks to the Mike Barr scripts and Jim Aparo/Alan Davis art, but when the A-list creators (and Batman) left, it became difficult for me to avoid noticing how superfluous (and C-list) The Outsiders was.
That arises here because, once again, Batman is pulling together a junior varsity team whose stated raison d'etre is a head-scratcher. He says something terrible is coming, so he needs this team, which he emphasizes is less powerful than the League. Um, that's a good thing why?
And it's called Justice League of America why? Lobo's not even from this planet, and I'm not sure what citizenship Vixen and Atom hold. And how does Batman know all these people? And doesn't he already have an entire Bat-family for this sort of thing? And how does he know something terrible is coming?
I'll give him a pass on that last one -- he's Batman, after all. And he was recently in the Mobius Chair, so we can go with that until we get another explanation. But as pretty as this new JLA is, it's got the same fundamental problems as Batman and the Outsiders, and it will take some good writing to avoid the same fate as that concept.
Some random thoughts:
* I have no idea why Batman thinks having a homicidal loose cannon like Lobo on the team is a good idea, nor why Lobo is going along with it so passively. Yes, he agreed to do Batman a favor, and the Main Man is a man of his word, but he could follow the letter of the law and not the intent and make everyone's life miserable until he was freed from his obligation. He isn't doing that, which is either bad writing or a plot point. We'll see.
* At least it's the real Lobo, and not Lipstick Lobo. Whoever thought that revamp was a good idea should be forced to read the entire Lobo back catalog over and over until he begins to worship Simon Bisley as his new god.
* The new Vixen is just like the old one.
* The new Ray is just like the old one, except gay.
* The new Black Canary is the young version who sings in a band. I'm kinda fuzzy on her back story. And Batman gives a little speech about why her uncompromising attitude is needed on the team. Is that what her attitude is? I thought she was just contrary and rebellious. Live and learn.
* The new JLA is using the original Happy Harbor cave from the early days of the Silver Age JLA as their HQ. I appreciate that. But who's going to clean it up and get the lights/computers running? None of these guys seem disposed to do that sort of thing. Where's Snapper Carr when you actually need him?
KINGPIN #1
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Writer: MATTHEW ROSENBERG
Art: BEN TORRES
Cover; JEFF DEKAL
Teen+ • $3.99
WILSON FISK BUILDS A BRAND-NEW EMPIRE!
The KINGPIN has done bad things. Deplorable things. He has cheated the law. He has blackmailed rivals. He has killed. But that's all in the past. The Kingpin is back in the city that he loves and ready to make his mark as a titan of legitimate industry, but needs to rekindle his public image. When Wilson Fisk makes disgraced journalist SARAH DEWEY an offer she can't refuse, the spiraling saga of crime and betrayal begins anew. Don't miss the start of Kingpin's ongoing series, written by breakout writer MATTHEW ROSENBERG and illustrated in the heavy noir stylings of BEN TORRES, as Manhattan's criminal mastermind returns to the Big Apple with honorable intentions, but no one in his circle remains pure on his climb back to the top.
I don't get review copies from Marvel, so I haven't read this. But it's a first issue some may find interesting, so I include it here. (If anyone wants to add a review, feel free).
I will share that while scanning the preview below, it occurred to me Torres seems to be heavily influenced by both Frank Miller and Paul Smith. That's not a commonplace combo.
One other thing: Matt Murdock isn't usually that rude to an attractive woman. Is this a development in his characterization?
MOBY DICK (HC)
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writers: HERMAN MELVILLE, CHRISTOPHE CHABOUTÉ
Art/Cover: CHRISTOPHE CHABOUTÉ
B&W • 256 pages • $24.99 • HC • 8” x 11”
The great American novel -- now a graphic novel!
A masterful adaptation of the timeless literary classic, faithfully and beautifully rendered by an award-winning artist. In striking black-and-white illustrations, Chabouté retells the story of the great American novel in which Captain Ahab strikes out on a voyage, obsessively seeking revenge on the great white whale that took his leg.
• Foreword by John Arcudi.
• A literary classic, adapted by award-winning artist Christophe Chabouté.
In the foreword, John Arcudi says that Melville wrote Moby Dick like a sea voyage, not as an adventure narrative. The story "... takes a good while even to get started, and then unfurls its sails and heads out. There are storms, and there are whale hunts, but there are long lulls on glassy waters when the characters have time to sink into themselves and muse or contemplate. If you’ve ever been on the sea for any length of time, you know that’s how it is." And he says Chaboute's adaptation does the same, which he says is the coolest thing ever.
God, I hope not.
What Arcudi calls the strength of Moby Dick is what bored me to death the one time I managed to force my way through it for a high school English class. (Arcudi says he's read it 20 times. Obviously, he is made of sterner stuff than I.) The "long lulls" and such Arcudi loves I remember as a meandering and disjointed narrative weighted down by blocks of quotidian detail and easily diverted into lengthy, pointless digression. I remember discovering, to my dismay, that the first chapter devoted to the intricacies of 19th century sailboats or whaling or some other long-obsolete practice wasn't a one-off; no, Melville alternated chapters between his poorly structured narrative and "how to tie a sailor's hitch" or something. I can only assume he was being paid by the word, but regardless, I very quickly began skipping those chapters. And I do not feel in the least deprived. Perhaps I will if I ever travel back in time 300 years and decide to go whaling.
So I confess I haven't gotten very far into this adaptation, which -- while not as long as its source material -- is still too big for Dropbox to open (I have to download it to a hard drive that has Adobe Acrobat). I confess I absolutely love Chaboute's art -- rough where it needs to be, and always a comfortable ride in the hands of a master.
Now, if I can just force my way past all that claptrap in the front of the book ...
NEW SUPER-MAN #8
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
Art by BILLY TAN
Cover by VIKTOR BOGDANOVIC
Variant cover by BERNARD CHANG
On sale FEBRUARY 8 • 32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“TRAINING DAY” part two! The Academy of the Bat descends into chaos — and the Chinese Joker, Grass Mud Horse, is to blame! As the new Bat-Man of China defends his cowl against a horde of challengers, Wonder-Woman battles the new villain to a standstill! This sounds like a job for Super-Man … but will Kong Kenan master his abilities and training with I-Ching in time to help his friends?
I read this one because I saw I-Ching in the preview and thought, "Whoa! I need to see who he is now!' Despite the dopey name and the cliche of inscrutability, I liked him in pre-Crisis Wonder Woman for his knack of taking smug people down several pegs. He does so here to Kenan with great verve, and for a change it's all for a purpose: To force the new Super-Man to embrace his better angels and become ... well, better.
I liked the story, and I liked how comfortably and unhurriedly it unfolded. I also liked the art, which as you can see from the preview, isn't fussy or slick -- it just does the job without pretension.
End of review. Now for the fun part: The final page had a stunning reveal, which The Baron has already begun to address. I refuse to steal his thunder, so go HERE to find out more.
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #7
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by guest artist MIRKO CLARK
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI and CAM SMITH
Variant cover by MATTEO SCALERA
On sale FEBRUARY 8 • 32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“how do you solve a problem like Bizarro?”! Now that Black Mask is defeated, Artemis continues her quest for the Bow of Ra — a weapon of immense power. Meanwhile, Jason is dealing with an immense power of his own — Bizarro. What’s to be done about such a volatile creature … and is he too dangerous to be kept alive?
I posted this one because of the oblique visual reference to The Walking Dead. See that first cover? My first thought when I saw it was to flash to the episode where Carol has to execute the child Lizzie, who has gone insane and murdered her own sister. "Look at the flowers," Carol instructs the girl, as she raises the pistol to the back of her head ...
Oh, a review, right. Well, it was a touching story. Pretty predictable, but nicely executed. (Heh. "Executed." You'll see what I did there if you read the book.) Art is decent -- not flashy, but well done. I don't know what this title is normally like, but this seemed like a nice breather from whatever that is.
RED SONJA #2
Publisher: DYNAMITE
Writer: AMY CHU
Art: CARLOS GOMEZ
Cover A: MIKE MCKONE
Cover B: J. SCOTT CAMPBELL
Cover C: Cosplay Cover
Cover D Subscription: MEL RUBI
Cover E Incentive: CARLOS GOMEZ
32 pages • Teen + • $3.99
Red Sonja is on the loose in the Big Apple-and the followers of Kulan Gath are determined to track her down. But they underestimate the She-Devil; she's adapting quickly to her new surroundings with the help of some new allies that include Max, a New York City cop with a secret past...
Good news and bad news, at least for me.
The good news is that the first issue wasn't a dodge; this series will feature Sonja in the present, dealing with our civilization. As the issue opens she's moved into Central Park in Manhattan and is eating ducks; by the end of it she's figuring out television. Something tells me she'll handle this better than Conan would.
The bad news is I was hoping that the new character who speaks Sonja's language would give us some idea of what the writer thinks is modern-day Hyrkania. But this issue establishes that he's an orphan who's not really sure of his ethnic background. Chances are that his parents or grandparents -- whoever taught him the lingo -- were time travelers, too. That keeps intact REH's central conceit that nothing from the Hyborian Age survived to the present, which I kinda like. But it means that we don't know what Sonja's accent sounds like, which is disappointing (for me). I guess I'll continue to make up an accent for her when I hear the dialogue in my head. (I'm guessing Slavic.)
Anyhow, I like the art and I like the premise. It's too soon to see how well Amy Chu handles this fish-out-of-water tale, but I have high hopes.
SUICIDE SQUAD #11
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by ROB WILLIAMS
Art by RILEY ROSSMO
Cover by PHILIP TAN
Variant cover by LEE BERMEJO
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T+
This issue will ship with two covers.
“BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE” part one! Spinning directly out of the events of JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. SUICIDE SQUAD! Hidden somewhere deep within, the world is a burning flame. Its light is blinding. Its heat is deadly. It’s a fire fueled by hatred, by rage and by vengeance. Used, abused and left for dead, the greatest foe the Suicide Squad has ever faced returns, more powerful than ever, to burn down the world Amanda Waller has given everything to protect.
Teaming up a popular feature with a less popular feature is a time-honored comic book device to get more readers for the lesser property. In this case, Justice League vs. Suicide Squad worked -- because I've started reading Suicide Squad.
This issue focuses on Amanda Waller, who I guess is the real star of this book. And I like what they've done with Rustam, formerly a boring character, but now a vengeful mystery guy. There's a twist ending -- does every issue of Suicide Squad have a twist ending? -- so it's got me hooked.
Interestingly, John Romita Jr. draws the first story (of two). Since DC evidently thinks he's a superstar, that indicates the importance they're placing on this franchise.
TITANS #8
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by DAN ABNETT
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
Variant cover by NICK BRADSHAW
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“Made in Manhattan” part one! As Wally West and the Titans adjust to their new lives in New York City and investigate a mysterious new threat, Karen and Mal Duncan visit Meta Solutions to discuss their future. But the meeting takes an unexpected turn when Mal delivers a shocking revelation, and Karen is faced with a difficult choice.
Legionnaires praised Titans #7 so much -- with its Superman-Wally West race -- that I decided to catch up on this series. Abnett's writing is solid, as ever, and the occasional Watchmen references promise developments in that mega-meta-story, which I trust Abnett to deliver on.
But, oh, the art! If anything, Booth's '90s pastiche has gotten even more '90s-er and awful-er. Look at the Bumblebee intro panel -- where is all that hair coming from that's growing out in front of her face? Look at any set of legs, and you'll see all sorts of muscles not found in nature. Look at any character, and how ridiculously over-built they are, especially the women, who look like body-builders, with flat chests and gigantic, muscular butts. And I don't mean to be crass, but look at Wonder Girl (if that's still her name) in the middle of the first page of the preview. The center line of her torso is facing 1/4 to the left, but the midpoint between her legs -- which is where that line should end -- is off-right. Worse, her pudenda (again, not trying to be crass), which is unnecessarily exaggerated, isn't between her legs where it ought to be, but somehow growing out of her left thigh.
Now, I never liked Rob Liefeld's work, which is the obvious inspiration here, so maybe I'm biased. But can anybody look at this dreck and sincerely tell me it's good art?
P.S. Does anyone know what Aqualad's power set is here? (He's shooting Cyclops beams out of his eyes at one point.) Is his name still "Aqualad," or is it one of the others he used post-Crisis? And, lastly, does anyone really care?
WEIRD DETECTIVE (TPB)
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer: FRED VAN LENTE
Art/Cover: GUIU VILANOVA
Colors: MAURÍCIO WALLACE, JOSAN GONZALEZ
FC • 152 pages • $17.99 • TPB • 7” x 10”
The streets of New York have been plagued by a pattern of crimes too weird and bizarre for the average detective. Lurking in the evidence are shadows of loathsome horrors from beyond space and time, seeking to usher in the unimaginable evil of the Old Ones. And the only man capable of fighting against the unspeakable terrors isn’t a man at all. Detective Sebastian Greene is one of them. Collects Weird Detective #1-5.
Fred Van Lente’s newest original comic series!
The release of this collection gives me another opportunity to repeat my original observation about this series, which is that it's actually a Martian Manhunter story.
Alien comes to earth, replaces cop -- check. Alien has powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal man -- check. Those abilities can mimic some of Superman's, but many are just odd -- check. He's paired with a female officer -- check. He wants to go home, but does what he can to be a good egg while he's here -- check.
Was this originally written to be a Martian Manhunter story, set in his early days as Det. John Jones of Middleton, Colo., in the back of Detective Comics? Or is Van Lente deliberately pulling DC's leg? I don't know, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. If nothing else, it was a shout-out to the days when J'onn J'onzz would pull a new, ridiculous super-power out of his Martian behind seemingly every issue, like "See-Around-Corners Vision." That is not a thing I made up, I swear.
WONDER WOMAN #16
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by GREG RUCKA
Art and cover by BILQUIS EVELY
Variant cover by JENNY FRISON
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“GODWATCH” part one! Since the moment Wonder Woman arrived in our world, Godwatch has been waiting. But who are they, and what do they want? Diana’s journey to the truth continues with the origin of what may prove to be her greatest enemies.
Try as I might, I get a little confused now and then with the two stories being told in Wonder Woman in alternating issues (and different time periods). With the advent of a new artist, I actually lost track here, and didn't realize that I was reading something that happened in the past until mid-way through, and then had to start over. Some mention at the beginning ("One year ago ..." or whatever) would be helpful.
What makes this a story from the past is that it begins the story of how Veronica Cale became part of Godwatch, and began her career to destroy Wonder Woman. (She already hates her, although I was a bit unclear on the "why".) I think we're also getting the origin of Dr. Poison, although I could be wrong.
And speaking of the new artist, I guess Evely's OK (see preview below). I can't really give it a fair shake, though, because I so loved the work of his predecessor. Nicola Scott's soft, organic rendering and effortlessly beautiful people was so gorgeous that no artist could really fill those shoes. I feel sorry for Evely that he has to try, but I'm afraid that I still think his work is a little boring. I can't tell if I'd feel that way if Scott had never graced these pages, but regardless, I do.
I also, for the first time, feel that Rucka's story is a bit perfunctory. Maybe it always was, and the art distracted me. Again, it's hard to trust my own perceptions.
Replies
Jessica Jones #5 - Jessica talks to the husband of her dead client, and finds out why he killed her.
Eh. I'm not terribly excited by anything happening here. This is close to a jumping off point for me. It's just more Bendis-speak, and I've had my fill of that.
Ms. Marvel #15 - Kamala faces the person that's threatening to expose her secrets.
Unsurprisingly, this is pretty good. The new villain is fairly compelling and attacking from an angle that's not been overused. Not to mention it's nice to see Kamala actually fighting a villain raither than another hero.
Power Man and Iron Fist #13 - Luke and Danny continue to pursue Alex Wilder.
This is good. There's some nice character moments in this issue, and more happens than in my brief summary.
Definitely a fun title.
Totally Awesome Hulk #16 - The Asian-American heroes and a number of civilians are transported across space to become a food colony for aliens.
This is fun, but thre's just something lacking. There are some cool moments--particularly the last page--bu there just seems to be a lack of tension, as if there's little at stake.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #17 - Doreen gets a new mentor and fights the Rhino.
As always, this is cute and fun. I particularly enjoyed the cover.
The Unworthy Thor #4 (of 5) - The Odinson battles for possession of the Ultimate Thor's hammer.
It's a mini-series. stuff happens, but at the end of the day it doesn't really seem to matter. We all know the Odinson will eventually get his hammer back, and all of the fighting is just stuff and nonsense. The best thing about this comic is Thori, who's always fun.
On Empowered Cap, I read the series and she's stated that she can't wear anything under or over the suit; if she does then it stops working completely. Aside from her character though Adam Warren has populated Emp's world with a wild and numerous cast of hero and heroines like the one shown that are just fun to read.
I stand corrected, Mark. Does the suit self-heal?
Yes, even when ripped to shreds the suit heals. Just takes a while and it only works for her. I wouldn't call it pornagraphic though, a mix of a satire and bondage comic is more accurate.
I’ve been pining for a “real” JSA book but I have to say Abnett’s run on Earth 2 Society was starting to grow on me a little bit.
I thought the Kingpin book was pretty decent. It seemed to me they were going for the feel of the Netflix show. I agree that the writer doesn’t seem to have a complete handle on Murdock. I guess he didn’t like the woman because she was working for the Kingpin but his behavior was still a little off. That said, I don’t think I’ll stick with this one. The only “villain” book that has totally grabbed me is the Dr Doom/Iron Man title and he’s actually trying to be a hero in that one.
Still boycotting Titans until Roy loses the baseball cap.
I like the Stalinverse Valiant comics. But I almost wish they would just stick with it for a few years or something rather than do the same old predictable reboot back to normal at the end.
I've been hating every take on Speedy since ... well, since "Snowbirds Don't Fly," I guess. The bad boy shtick doesn't resonate with me at all.
Marvel is definitely revisiting Frank Miller's run on Daredevil as the Kingpin and Elektra are getting their own books and Bullseye getting a mini!
One thing I'm puzzled about, wasn't one of Batman's objections to the Suicide Squad because of his feelings that the bad guys should be in jail? Isn't he creating his own version of the squad? I mean Lobo isn't exactly a good guy.
ALL STAR BATMAN #7
(You never really know what you're going to get with a Poison Ivy story, but I don't care for the extremes -- either misunderstood damsel or stone-cold killer.)
I really "got" Poison Ivy in a particular story awhile back. She was in Arkham and they were mowing the grass outside. She couldn't stand it because the grass was screaming in pain! I can't remember the issue or the writer, but I thought that really fit her character.
Mark S. Ogilvie said:
It's OK, 'cause Batman is doing it.
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