Comics! Wonder Woman #0

Wonder Woman #0

Story & Art by Brian Azzarello & Cliff Chiang

The Solicitation
• A facet of the past is revealed – and a foe is introduced! • How did Wonder Woman become a star pupil of Ares?

Preview

Why I Bought It
This is my final issue I'll be buying of this book. I've just been hoping for something that could deliver more zing to it and Azzarello's style just isn't doing it for me at the moment.

What I Liked
Holy shit, this thing rocked. Seriously.

This story focuses on a teenage Diana as she is growing up Amazon while being trained in the art of war by War. The comic itself features thought balloons and a first page that reminds you of old Golden Age books.

This is just like the perfect set-up comic for Wonder Woman. Granted, you do need to know what has been going on with some of the comic before this, which the story does point out at times, but outside of that it is just a fun read. If there ever is an example for when word balloons need to make a comeback, this comic could prove it.

Its not as if the art doesn't tell the story, but the word balloons are just a nice way to get a few more details into the character's heads. I wonder if using this technique would help with the earlier issues of Wonder Woman in sorta "filling the gap" a little with what is happening. I just had so much fun reading this comic that I would love to see the approach happen to the earlier issues.

What I Didn't Like
That this might be the only time we get to see a teenage Diana and thought balloons in a DC/Marvel book. I realize that it may sound like I am gushing up a storm about this book, but I've never seen Azzarello use this technique before and it really changes a lot from what I got from the comic. This would be such a shame if it were to go away.

Panel to Remember
The opening page. It set everything up between the lettering, the pictures, and the thought balloon. You knew you had something different from the first page.

Quotable
"what is it that I see in its eyes now? Is that...respect?" - Wonder Woman after sparring the Minotaur. I certainly hope that it is.

Grades
Words: 10/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: If all the rest of the issues were like it, then yes. Unfortunately, this series is going into the wait a while and then come back to it pile.

Comics! Nightwing #0

Nightwing #0

Tom DeFalco with Kyle Higgins: plot
Kyle Higgins: Dialogue
Eddy Barrows: pencils

The Solicitation
• It’s the origin of Dick Grayson in The New 52! • From orphan to super hero – it’s all here!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I bought issue #1, and being a fan of all things Batman, decided to pick this up to see how Dick Grayson became Robin in this new 52 universe.

What I Liked
Something caught my eye at first glance with this book, and that was seeing Tom DeFalco's name on the cover and involved with the plot. I find that very interesting that DeFalco is there, because Higgins has been on this book as far as I can remember and he was doing OK with it. Why all of a sudden bring someone else in to help with the origin story? Especially the plot part of it? Interesting.

so they have given Dick a couple of tweaks to his origin from the old universe to this one. First, he has the ability to read body language, sorta in a similar way that Cassandra Cain Batgirl could. The second was that because he has this ability, it helped him to deduce who Batman is, which was something that Tim Drake did in the old universe.

This book also greatly showed how Dick reacts very differently to his parent's death than Bruce does. They each have their own way of dealing with grief, with Dick more of the moving forward type and not holding vigil the way Bruce does almost obsessively.

The art was consistent throughout the book. I liked especially that Dick as Robin was portrayed in a way that made sense age wise and not some hulked up monster. My one moment with the art that wasn't that great was the surprised look on Batman's face when Dick calls him Mr. Wayne, and it happens two pages after Bruce admits that Dick probably knows his identity already.

What I Didn't Like
I get and understand why they make certain changes from the old universe to the new one. Dick being able to read a person's body language makes sense since he is a part of the circus. I can do with the little additions like the Robin bracelet and Dick's nickname being Robin before he was actually Robin, but there are certain aspects that I just thought would be unchangeable. The fact that Tim doesn't discover Bruce's identity but Dick does in a far less investigative manner. Dick just happened upon the knowledge, where as the Tim of pre-52 was able to deduce after searching it out.

Panel to Remember
I liked Dick's entrance as Robin. Him floating above Batman in the background telegraphs a lot about his character and how he can do great on his own away from Batman. But alas, he has been stuck in the Batman world since the whole reboot. Get him out of there already.

The one thing I would change about the panel would be to have Dick smiling a little. A little knowing smile would have fit in perfect and shown more about his character in the same way that him floating above Batman did.

Quotable
"I see much more for you, beyond his shadow." - That's right Lady Shiva, now let's just make it happen.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: I'll be around when these books get included into the upcoming Joker story line, but I don't see anything that begs for my money beyond that.

Comics! Justice League #0

Justice League #0

Geoff Johns: writer
Gary Frank: artist
Ethan Van Sciver: artist

The Solicitation
• Billy Batson takes center stage in this issue as he unleashes the awesome power of Shazam in a special origin story! • Also featuring the not-to-be-missed origin of Pandora and the next seeds of TRINITY WAR!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I checked out the first arc of the Justice League. Since that was essentially their origin story, I wanted to know what they would do with a zero issue. Let's see.

What I Liked
This was a pretty good origin story for Shazam. Or Captain Marvel, however you prefer it. We got drawn into his story and dipped a little bit into the magic side of DC.

Probably the best part was knowing that this is exactly how a kid who suddenly gained superpowers would act. That is a bit of a different take on the character from what I know about in the pre-52 universe. The hoodie to his cape reminds me of Damian's Robin suit a little. Maybe hoodies are just more fashionable in this universe.

The Question appears! Now, is this the male version or female version of The Question? I don't know, but it will be interesting to find out. Unfortunately, we only get one page of The Question and that's it. Considering that not much was done in the way to convey the character, it did leave me with more questions than answers, which I guess may be the way they want to play the character in this universe.

I also enjoyed the art in this book. Frank was a great artist that showed a lot of child-like emotion coming from Shazam after his transformation. That really sold the art for me.

What I Didn't Like
The price. Seriously, this was a $3.00 book that didn't feel like it needed to be. He'll, it could have left out the Pandora story and Question story since it didn't tell me anything that won't be recapped several times later on in their next story.

Oh, and I just remembered, this is the Justice League book. A zero issue. Where the fuck is the Justice League?

I have no knowledge about the past couple of issues and what has been going on. This comic, being a Zero issue, should tell me more about that. Instead I got suckered into an origin story for Shazam. Oh wait, Trinity War and Pandora are something to do with the next story arc, right? Well, why wasn't a little bit more of an explanation given about them? This mysterious character interests me not.

Panel to Remember
Anytime time that powered up Shazam smiled after doing something with the powers. Really, it sold me more on the moments in the story than the words did.

Quotable
"She gave me twenty bucks." - Only a kid would be enamored with $20 with that much excitement and glee.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: Nah. I was hoping for some team action in this book to get me back into the spirits of getting this book. I didn't find it here, so I'm out for now.

Comics! Revival #2

Revival #2

Story by Tim Seeley
Art by Mike Norton

The Solicitation
Meet Blaine Abel ,snowmobile mechanic, and part time demonologist. Blaine isn't too pleased to have the dead walking around his town and he's about to do something about it. Dana deals with the aftermath of what went down at the farm, as citywide cabin fever escalates. And Em justs wants someone to hit her. Art by Eisner nominated creator, MIKE NORTON!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I had to wait for the second print to come out and get it. Gee, I wonder why that is, could it be because this comic is pretty spectacular? Hee hee hee.

What I Liked
Wow, rural noir is the perfect way to describe this book.

Simply from beginning to end we get a nice set up of story, some minor things to make you get a little creeped out, and we get some advancement on the story. I can see why this book has been doing great and if it keeps up this pace then it is bound to stick around for awhile.

One thing surprised me in the opening scene. One would think that if a revival is staying down, why try to put it back together? I think it explained perfectly how out of their depth this town is when the doctor decides that putting the revival back together was a good idea.

We also get a nice character introduction for the "stranger from out of town" character. Abel  seems to be able to play on the ignorance of a rural town, and I'm hoping that will come back to get him later on. Ibrahaim also makes a pretty nice entrance in this issue as well as the outsider that is more here for professional reasons, although we seem him in a very unprofessional manner. Yea, that may cause a little conflict on down the road.

Second issues can really make or break a story. Introducing new characters shows that this story will be around for a bit and helps to push the plot forward while setting up some good conflicts. Overall, including art wise, this was a stand up second issue.

What I Didn't Like
More of an outside the comic book narrative complaint, but the center pages of my book came out from the staples. I didn't read this faster than normal speed and I don't tug on the pages enough to have ever pulled them out (save for some old, 60's era comics already in bad shape). I don't know if others have experienced this, but it was kinda annoying to have happened.

Within the book...nope, nothing here that I really didn't like.

Panel to Remember
The creepy look in the rear view mirror on the second to last panel is another one of those moments where things just click and get scary. you know someone is going to be going down the crazy path, and it started right here.

Quotable
"Fake fake fake fake fake!" - Even the "possessed" girl knew that Abel was not who he said he was. Who seriously knows of any exorcist guy who drinks Miller or Bud Light?

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: I bought it when I got this issue, so yea.....

Comics! Batman & Robin #0

Batman & Robin #0 

Peter J. Tomasi: writer
Patrick Gleason: penciller
Mick Gray: inker

The Solicitation

• Damian’s complicated relationship with his mother, Talia al Ghul, takes center stage.

• Bred to kill and not to care, this is the birth of an assassin!


Preview

Why I Bought It
This will be Damian in a Zero issue, so let's hope something about the Bat-timeline is made apparently clear.

What I Liked
Take this book on its own, and man does it do some justice. You get to see the kind of insane lifestyle grew up in, and you get the idea behind why he is the way he is. I am thankful that this was his back-story issue and not some look at the first time Batman and Robin teamed up. It was better to focus on the eventual meeting of the current Batman and Robin.

And that line at the end of the book says it all. It is the same one that Morrison used oh so long ago but it gives a definitely different impact. There is more build up to it and has more of an understanding with why he said it. Sure, it was meant to be snarky as can be, but it seems to be played on a different level when it is used here.

The art continues to be consistent from issue to issue. And the two page spread of Damian's birthdays through the years was great little slices of action. And the one that stole the show was when Damian put on the Bat-mask and said he was a bat. At first glance that panel was just great. I enjoyed it on a couple of different levels and it just worked on a couple of them.

What I Didn't Like
Ouch, the continuity.

The first thing I want to point out is that this works great as a Zero issue in getting you to know Damian. But, just like in Batgirl, it ends on a cliffhanger for a new reader that they will not get a conclusion to in the next issue. In fact, how many new readers would understand the relationship between Damian and Batman on the cover and the relationship on the last panel? They would need to go elsewhere, or into Pre-New 52 territory to get an answer, so this comics works better for those in the know about the characters.

But oh my, the continuity. This comic does give any evidence of a genetically altered Damian whose growth rate was accelerated, and that presents the biggest problem of them all. Over in Batman, which being the lead title should be the yardstick that we measure all other Bat-titles to, Bruce only got the idea for Batman about 6 years ago. Damian is 10 at the end of this comic. So how did Talia get the cowl from Bruce 10 years ago?

This is the point when my brain hurts trying to fit everything into the same timeline with the New 52 and Batman. This book would hit better for me if it was firmly planted in the old DC. Or, I could just ignore anything involving math and continuity. I did that before pretty well with the titles before the New 52, and I thought I wouldn't have to do that for a while with the new relaunch. One Year Later, and I'm forced back into the same headaches as before.

Seriously, some of the biggest shackles for the New 52 to shake off involve getting continuity straight. Kinda hard to do when not every title gets an equal reboot, and you try to cram too much bat-history into too little a space.

I mean really, if you are going to get rid of Wally West because he would make Barry seem to old, what would be wrong with forgetting a Robin or two in the timeline?

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the Damian in the Bat-mask. It was just fun and I'm sure it was just meant to give a laugh.

Quotable
"Father. I imagined you taller." - I just appreciate the fact that the same line is set up and delivered entirely different then when it originally appeared. Good job to Tomasi for doing that.

Grades
Words: 9/10 - and that is strictly thinking this book is outside the New 52.
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: I'll be down for the next arc from this great, consistent creative team.

Comics! Creator-Owned Heroes #4

Creator-Owned Heroes #4

Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Phil Noto, Steve Niles, and Kevin Mellon

The Solicitation

"TRIGGERGIRL 6," Part Four
by JIMMY PALMIOTTI, JUSTIN GRAY & PHIL NOTO
The whopping final chapter in this sci-fi thriller, Triggergirl 6 has discovered who created her and why, and the President of the United States finally understands his place in the world in ways he never expected.

"AMERICAN MUSCLE," Part Four
by STEVE NILES & KEVIN MELLON
Chloe and Gil have reached the end of the road. Now faced with an impossible choice the team must escape Mutant America and attempt to find civilization or die trying.

PLUS! An interview with superstar artist and trickster creator, SCOTT MORSE, a KEVIN MELLON art gallery, con photos, and original articles all celebrating the creator owned spirit!


Preview

Why I Bought It
I've been enjoying Creator-Owned Heroes a lot. Time to see how the first couple of "series" end.

What I Liked
There is just a sheer enjoyment of all the material in this book. It delivers some good comics, and the interviews and editorials are just great. That's what sells the book. And it is pretty cheap for all that too. I couldn't tell you what a collected edition of this could be, because if it is just the comics then you are missing out on a huge draw of this book.

You know one thing that this book could really use? Letter columns. It has the space. Sure there are fan pictures, but let's see some of the letters, just to really show support for this series.

What I Didn't Like
Be they what they are- creator owned - the stories can go in any direction that the writer/artist so chooses. I was a little taken aback that Trigger Girl 6 went the route that it did, even though it still finished with a pretty decent ending. American Muscle felt much in the same vein. The stories just can't end that way, there has to be more to them.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the art of Kevin Mellon section. There is something there that I just enjoyed. Maybe it was the fact that the characters he drew were familiar yet could be strangers, and some story ideas that popped into my head will keep my brain occupied with some creative glee. That is something you just can't beat when looking at some good art.

Quotable
"Writer's block is a myth" - Justin Gray. He is 100% correct on this matter.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: I'll keep digging into it as long as everything keeps coming together nicely.

Comics! Batgirl #0

Batgirl #0

Gail Simone: writer
Ed Benes: pencils and inks

The Solicitation
How did Barbara first become Batgirl? What led to her to don the cape and cowl? Witness Barbara Gordon's shocking injury and her inspiring drive to recover and walk again!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I have been trying to buy all the Zero issues from DC that I bought a #1 from. Seems only fair to balance it and see where stories could have gone and which Zero issues do better than the #1s. It will be interesting to see how Batgirl fares, only because I haven't really enjoyed much from the book.

What I Liked
I think this was one of the better Batgirl comics I read since the relaunch. Seriously.

Now let's look at that first half of the solicitation, because that is what the focus of the book was about. Quite frankly, aside from a few lines of dialogue, this was a Barbara Gordon I could get behind. This was the reason to make her Batgirl again. There is a sense of confidence and fun to the book that really take you in. The fact that the main villain was some guy who recruited girls into his cult (thus we get the typical "victim" card with the villain, but at least the villain himself isn't the victim), made some sense as for why he went for Barbara.

I'll give Simone this, she likes to name check in her writing. It is an important thing to include, especially for first time readers. But damn, there is a name check on every page. Slight overkill, but if i were a new reader then I would be very thankful.

What I Didn't Like
I can't tell you which was the cheesier line, James Jr. calling himself a Sphinx, or Barbara saying that Batman is like her, smart. Still, it was a better overall story outside of the cheesy dialogue.

From what I hear about Ed Benes, he is supposed to sexualize every female character he draws. Out of his New 52 work, that was kinda evident with Red Lanterns, but I wrote it off to alien anatomy being different and more flexible that human anatomy. So with this book, I was looking to see if there was anything weird about the art. For the most part, it is all fine and dandy. The only parts that rub me was the slight upskirt shots of Barbara as she gets knocked around with her skirt of ever changing length. And how she is sitting on the first page makes her look like she doesn't have any hips or has some weird anatomy problem with her pelvis.

If we now look at the second half of that solicitation, you will see what my other big problem with this issue is. We get the first half of the solicitation, but then the second half makes barely a page or two. We get a quick two page recap of her time as Batgirl and then flash to the Joker knocking on her door. For longtime fans of the character, you know what happens next. But if this is your first issue of the series that you pick up, nada. Sure, it is scary because Joker is there, but then you realize that there must be more. But you know what? Not next issue. Next issue will wrap up the previous issue's cliffhanger. You'll probably only get hints of what happened before from here on out.

But when that first panel showing her costume and time as Batgirl, that's when it hit me as to what this series should be about. From the word go, this should have been a "back in the day" type of comic. The stories should have been set during Barbara's first time as Batgirl and her adventures with Dick Grayson when he was first Robin.  Let it be the flashback title for awhile showing us a little bit of the new Batworld history. If anything, it would have given us a Batgirl that was confident and could have easily side stepped the whole "how did she recover?" question that has been hanging over this title for me. Then this issue could have brought us a little bit into the present after a quick re-telling of Killer Joke.

But it didn't. So I will keep that idea in fantasy land.

Panel to Remember
The one page spread of Bagirl through her career is nice. A couple of standouts need to be mentioned though. As a first look at the "classic" Batgirl costume - eh. It is a nice style, but there is no way that the daughter of the police commissioner would go out in public to fight alongside Batman without covering up her head a little more. That ponytail look would have to go.

Also, I'm reading that ninja lady at the bottom of the page as a carbon copy of Psylocke from the X-men books. That costume is just a little too close for my comfort for it to be anyone else but that.

Quotable
I'm going with the title of this comic - something I don't really point out or pay much attention to unless it grabs me in some way. "A Fire in the Heavens." I seriously have no idea how that relates to this story.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 6/10 - Remember, those upskirts shots are supposed to be of a high school girl.
Buy Next Issue: Nah. I'll probably do what I have been doing and just buy the random next issue that is part of a crossover or something.

Comics! Superboy #0

Superboy #0 

Tom Defalco: writer
R.B. Silva: penciller
Rob Lean: inker

The Solicitation
• Mysteries are revealed as we learn Harvest’s reasons for creating Kryptonian clones! • This bloody chapter of Superboy’s history ties directly into issue #1 of the series – and the future of the entire DC Universe!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I bought issue #1 of the series and i wanted to see what has been happening with the book and see how it is handling what is essentially a second start.

What I Liked
Silva's art. It has been awhile since I last saw it, and it seems to have changed a bit to match the violent story. But it was nice to see again.

I also appreciated the clone uprising story. Not because it was any good, but because I've recently started re-watching the Planet of the Apes movie series. I will gladly appreciate that movie series more when I see how badly done a planetary uprising story can go.

What I Didn't Like
The story of Superboy itself clearly started hemorrhaging around the time that each issue had a new person "in control" of how Superboy interacted with the world. This whole business of making him a clone and not the hybrid that you originally thought, and these hidden V.R. programs and secret training and texts of ancient uprisings on Krypton and the whole lot of it just stink.

To retcon a comic - retroactive continuity - on a book that is only a year old and being done by a different writer than who was there the first time around takes a lot of talent and really has to have the skill to pull it off. This just comes across as forced and trying to develop something into a conflict and possible story line that just doesn't need to be there.

Panel to Remember
The possibly coolest one was when Superman attacked Superboy. It was in a V.R. program being run in Superboy's head, either when he was training or when he was stuck in a glass tube and already under another V.R. training program (layers upon layers mean story, right?).

I will also give a mini shout out to Supergirl magically appearing in the first couple of pages for some reason. Who cares, she was ignored. I also question if it was her since this story of the clone uprising was supposed to happen in her lifetime, because... oh fuck it. I'm just done trying to read this comic and take it seriously anymore and try to justify its craziness.

Quotable
"Monster! Abomination!" - The perfect way to describe this book.

Grades
Words: 2/10
Pictures: 6/10
Buy Next Issue: That's a big fat no if this is the direction it is heading into. I'm not even going to be putting this book in my long box with the other comics, it is going straight into the donate to charity pile.

Comics! Punk Rock Jesus #3

Punk Rock Jesus #3 

Sean Murphy: story and art

The Solicitation
As Chris grows up to be a teenager, he starts to question his existence, rebelling against his “captors” in front of the whole world. Meanwhile, Gwen’s depression has Thomas and Epstein worried, but all Slate sees is increasing ratings...

Preview

Why I Bought It
Everything about this series has been spectacular to read and view. We are issue #3 of 6, so I'm going to be in it for the long haul.

What I Liked
Well, that was an interesting turn.

This book hurls the series in big leaps forward. For one thing, Chris ages. A lot. But for all the build up he is getting, we are seeing the tear down of Gwen. You just see a character that is desperate for anything in her life besides the situation that she is in. She has her entire life under someone else's control, under the eye of the camera, and forced to follow dogma that I bet she doesn't 100% believe in. Chris is then reflecting that in his own change, as if he is the inner voice of Gwen.

And then Chris goes and tries to actually do a miracle. Then we get the big jump forward in time. It does speed along at a quick pace, but there are a few panels that tell you everything you need to know about what happened during those years. The one in particular is Chris in a public school going to the bathroom and his bodyguard standing right there intimidating all the kids around him.

Slate is the controlling father figure in all this. You know he is always going down the road that involves exploiting Chris and everything around him. I am kinda surprised that he threatens and then actually does fire Gwen. How can you fire the mother? The end gives a slight nod to what may have happened, and if you are thinking like I'm thinking then you know that "angel" at the end was probably a hallucination meant to finally bring her in line once Chris started going haywire.

And Chris going that insane? Looks like we finally met our title character of the series.

What I Didn't Like
I like the cover design. I think it looks great. But what it really points out is how much adding color to these characters changes how the character can be perceived. That Gwen on the cover, even though she is being drawn by the same artist inside the book, doesn't really look like the feel for the character inside. So I don't like that one aspect of the cover, but I am thankful that the interior is black and white.

The NAC suddenly appearing friendly has to be a ruse of some sort. They just seemed to turn into such a friendly crowd overnight that it makes them appear fishy to me. If they continue to be friendly I think it will be a bad turn for them and out of character. But we shall see on that.

It just seems like Slate is playing such a villain at this point in the story that I'm surprised more people aren't calling him out on it. I can't see one thing he has done good in the comic that can be reflected back to the rest of the world that he has good intentions. But it reminds me again that if he has the power to turn off the cameras, when does this show actually air? Is it Truman Show? Or some sort of nightly TV show?

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the bathroom panel. Seriously, that one panel showed so much and told a story in and of itself. Perfectly done.

Quotable
"So until I get my mother back, the show's over!" Love this quote. Unleash the Jesus!

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: I'm down.

Comics! Batman #0

Batman #0

Scott Snyder: writer
Greg Capullo: penciller
Jonathan Glapion: inker

Backup by:
James Tynion IV: writer
Andy Clarke: Artist

The Solicitation
• Bruce Wayne has returned from his worldwide quest to take the law into his own hands! • This issue reveals the early steps of building everything that surrounds Batman – the costume, the cave, the car, the gadgets!

Preview

Why I Bought It
Batman!

What I Liked
Ah, Batman. The early years.

Two thoughts occurred to me after reading this, and they both focus on the identity of the Red Hood. Initially, especially after the line "That's Wayne's nest," made me think that the Red hood actually was a member of the Court of Owls. After the second reading, I really thought that Red hood was Joker before he was the Joker. Poisoning, bank robbery, somewhat a master manipulator, all these characteristics seem to scream it. And that's all fine and interesting. I just don't want an identity. joker has always worked best as a big mystery, and I hope it stays that way. Unless a really good story comes into play....

Knowing that Batman has the public identity to the average person, I'm glad the focus isn't entirely on how he became Batman and his parents death. Detective managed to focus on his training, and this comic managed to focus more on the batarang, the bat-symbol, and the relationship with Jim Gordon.

The art is consistent Capullo. Either you are liking the style and it works, or this is something that just won't suite you. It is a big turn from the art in the backup story, which wasn't too bad, but effective. The two different styles are very contrasting, but tell their stories very effectively. My one concern with the art in the backup is that it almost looks like All three future Robins are about the same age, when there should be something of a difference there.

What I Didn't Like
Looking at this "year one" type of stuff with the New 52 Batman is difficult. I went into in previous entries, but the timeline thing and trying to fit everything Batman into a 5 or 6 year time span is just not going to work without some very much clearer explanation. Your best bet is just to ignore it and keep on rolling.

Tynion manages to get one of the better stories together that I've seen him do this issue. My one problem is that if you don't know how these characters are important, the moment kinda gets lost on you. The general public may recognize Barabara, Jim, and Dick. Timothy maybe, but Jason is almost a no. So if this was the backup of any other issue besides a zero issue, which you think is meant to introduce new readers to Batman lore, then it was a nicely done job. But for new readers, kinda a fail on that part.

The end of this issue says that it is continued in 2013. What the hell? That's weird. Maybe Red Hood isn't Joker. But that does seem odd to have that in this issue. Interesting.

Panel to Remember
Out of all the panels, I'm going with the one with the poisoned bank employees. If that isn't a possible reference to Joker, and if that doesn't give you an idea for how the victims of Joker gas will be drawn by Capullo, then this panel is just meaningless. But with that potential there for this to be expanded upon and played out in future issues, it just leaves me wanting to see more.

Quotable
"Bruce Wayne isn't important, anymore, Alfred. He's a mask." -I'm of two minds with this. First, it is great to see Bruce actually say that in the comic and acknowledge it early in his career. However, that just means that he hasn't properly learned how to use that persona.

Grades
Words: 8/10 - And that's based on including the back up in this book. Otherwise, it gets split 9/10 for the main, 7/10 for the backup.
Pictures: 8/10 - See above for the words. Although, I really would think about going to a 9/10 for either of these categories.
Buy Next Issue: It is the start of the Joker story. Let's see how this pans out for everyone involved.

Comics! Batwing #0

Batwing #0 

Written by Judd Winick
Pencils: Marcus To
Inks: Ryan Winn & Richard Zajac

The Solicitation

• Batwing has been chosen as one of Batman’s main allies…but is he worthy?

• Guest-starring Batman!


Preview

Why I Bought It
I was a surprised by the first arc and grew to like it. There was something about it that just connected. Then it became a team up book. Already having a good knowledge of Batwing's origin, I am kinda surprised that this book has more to tell. It is also Winick's last issue, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

What I Liked
Again, there is just something about this book that I feel drawn to. To is a good artist, and Winick knows how to tell the story without getting too crazy. It is a good issue that would be fine alongside the first issue, but I would prefer the first issue to this one.

This was a nicely done set up/intro to the character. Really hit spot on with what the Zero issue should be about - introducing the main character.

What I Didn't Like
Seriously, that is Batwing's first costumed look? With the fighting sticks? It looks like a bare bones Talon costume in the eyes and Nightwing/Daredevil for the rest of it. And then the rest of the issue he just seems to have either a full mask or half mask going on. I would say that he evolved the costume over time to cover his face more, but it flips back and forth. Not a good look. And speaking of consistency, does anyone else notice that Death Jack's horns tend to be in or out depending on nothing at all?

And was that Alfred at the end of the comic? He looked rather young and had white hair. I don't know if that is supposed to be him or someone else, there was no introduction given. One would assume Alfred, but again the look shows nothing.

You know who looked great? Batman. Seriously, that was a well drawn Batman. But this is Batwing's book, and he just didn't seem to have that same presence on the page that Batman had.

Panel to Remember
It is sad to say, but when Batman makes his entrance. Hands down was one of the best panels in the book, and it really shouldn't have been. It should have been a warm up to the reveal of Batwing's costume. There really should have been a panel with Batwing in costume. I wonder why that wasn't in the book.

Quotable
"It's a start." - David's line when the Batwing costume is revealed to him. Kinda underwhelming, but I don't know what else you would say in his situation that wouldn't come off sounding cliche.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 7/10 - Would have been 8 or 9, but it just seemed like Batwing wasn't who the artist was interested in drawing.
Buy Next Issue: Nah. I don't see this title lasting for too long, but I hope for the character's sake that it does. Batwing has the potential to be more than a C-list Bat-character under the right direction.

Comics! The Quick & The Read Mini Reviews

The Quick & The Read:

Creator-Owned Heroes #3

Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Phil Noto, Steve Niles, and Kevin Mellon

Preview

What I Liked
The nuttiness that is American Muscle. Seriously, the story just seems to be going places just to say it went there and had a good time.

Trigger Girl got more interesting, and it is going to make the conclusion for the next issue needing to make some big payoff.

BTW, a Mark Waid interview will always be an entertaining read!

What I Didn't Like
Unfortunately I had to purchase this one digitally, so the art appreciate wasn't the same on my 7" screen. Getting it digitally also showed me that the articles outside of the comic stories are much better to view in hand then on a screen. Even paying half price for the comic compared to cover price wasn't worth it if you have to really scroll in to read it, Guided View or no.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: Bought!


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Color Classics #4

Eastman and Laird

Preview


What I Liked
Travel back to crazy 80's goodness via the Turtles. The craziness of the language is getting to me. Who is the 80's said "Kreegah bundolo" anyway? April got a new hairdo and the Turtles get sucked into an alien world. Just let's you know how crazy those early comics really were.

What I Didn't Like
Why would the Turtles need to wear a towel after getting out of the shower? aren't they already naked to begin with? Its just like any old Disney cartoon with Donald realizing he is naked. You run around without pants already!


Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 8/10 - The coloring is starting to get to me a little. We will see how next issue goes and if I keep picking it up after that. This book is getting expensive!
Buy Next Issue: Sure.

Comics! Animal Man #0

Animal Man #0

Writer: Jeff Lemeire
Art & Cover: Steve Pugh

The Solicitation

• What is the secret history of Animal Man?

• Learn how Buddy got his powers!

• Plus: A terrible secret is revealed as “Rotworld” draws closer!


Preview

Why I Bought It
I've been on the Animal bandwagon since the start of the New 52 waiting patiently for Rotworld to start. And then DC had to go and do these Zero issues. So I continue to wait, hoping to be entertained in the meantime.

What I Liked
Animal Man in a chicken suit. Seriously, how can you not like that moment?

Actually, if you have waited until now to start to get into Animal Man and see what the hype is all about, this issue does a pretty good job of getting you into the game. Seriously, I think this is the first zero issue that I've read where it could have traded spots with issue #1 and I would still be along for the ride.

That two page spread after Animal Man goes public is about has full of story as the very first page of Animal Man #1. There is a lot to look at and a lot to take in, but thankfully after viewing either you are caught up to speed and into the story.

The art is as great as any previous issue done by Pugh. I have no complaints in the art department.

What I Didn't Like
Can we please move on into the main story now? Please? This book as a good feel to it, but it just seems like everything about it is dragging its feet now. I'm beginning to feel like everything that is involved in Animal and Swamp Thing history has been told, focused on, and retold from other viewpoints so much now that when it comes to the actual story, there better be a world of payoff.

And what was the terrible secret? That Animal Man's daughter was bred faster than what the Avatars wanted? That Arcane could have killed her years ago but is waiting for some reason? Again, not really anything I don't think is new to the story that wasn't established previously.

Panel to Remember
Animal Man running in a chicken suit. Seriously, that's when we first see Buddy Baker in this book and it is just funny.

Quotable
"You'll never take me alive, coppers!" - You guess when this line was said.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: It claims to be the start of Rotworld. Let's see if that holds true.

Comics! TMNT Micro-Series: Fugitoid

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro-Series: Fugitoid

Script by Paul Allor
Art by Paul McCaffrey

The Solicitation
Professor Honeycutt was instrumental in developing General Krang's technology. But when he realized just how insanely tyrannical his boss was, he decided to defect. One doesn't betray Krang without consequences, though, and Honeycutt’s only chance for survival was to transport his mind into a fugitive robot body! The resulting adventure leads the new 'Fugitoid' to Earth, and stands to affect the Turtles’ future in an unexpected and crucial way!

Preview

Why I Bought It
This one was most interesting to pick up, because it deals with a character we haven't seen in the main books yet. But I love the name and I love the look, so I got busy with the buying and the reading.

What I Liked
Well, this I didn't see the end coming. If you are like me at the end of the issue then you want to go back and read past Turtles issues in a new context, and I'm talking about it in a good way. To put it in a minor, minor spoilery way, it is revealed that Fugitoid is actually a minor Turtles character. How is that so? Well, it has to deal with the main Fugitoid story.

Essentially, Fugitoid is an alien whose brain has been transported into a robot. While the name itself is a little cheesy (he's a fugitive android, thus the name Fugitoid), the origin story for him isn't. The story itself is set at a nice pace. There are many books in the DC New 52 that could have learned from this book about how to introduce characters and get ting your audience to like them.

The art is pretty nice. One yardstick that I'm going to start having for these micro-series is how the artist draws the Turtles. I'm going with the idea that if they can draw the Turtles well enough ,then this book "fits" more into the main series. Judging then from the one panel that we get some Turtle action, it isn't too bad.

I think what I like best about this story is that you are beginning to see a much larger plan for the series as a whole with the reveal in this issue. This reveal of who Fugitoid is does come from slightly out of left field, but it isn't one that makes me fall into a "oh, fuck that" response. Instead I have a moment of "whoa, really?" and I want to look back and see how this happened.

What I Didn't Like
When I sit and really try to think of what was bad about the issue, there isn't much I can come up with. Sure, the story at times feels like its falling into cliche territory, but there is enough of non-cliche writing and turns that break that. The art is consistent and when Fugitoid gets his turn on the page, he looks great.

There really isn't anything bad I could say here, outside of the fact that if you are new to the Turtles game and never read them before now, then you would be reading past the reveal as if nothing happened in the story. But with so many words in the title of the book, you would think that people at least a little familiar with any of those words would be picking it up and would be able to catch some of what is happening at the end.

Panel to Remember
The panel that I remember from the issue is the second time Fugitoid shape shifts in the story. Just the way the spaghetti string look of his hair and the formation of his face and clothes all come together is something that I know would look creepy to see in real life but looks awesome on the comics page.

Quotable
"So if these people can help me take Krang down...then it's the right thing to do."

"...isn't it?"

Nah, I'm going to saw that this team up with Shredder will have some unforeseen consequences, but I can understand why you think it is a good thing to team up with him to bring Krang down.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: This seems to be the last Micro-series issue for a bit. Interesting. Will need to see if it picks up again.

Comics! Detective Comics #0

Detective Comics #0

Written by Greg Hurwitz
Pencilled by Tony S. Daniel
Inks by Richard Friend
Additional Art by Pere Perez

Backup:
James Tynion IV: writer
Henrick Jonsson: pencils
Sandu Florea: inks

The Solicitation
Discover how young Bruce Wayne learned to wield the martial arts, and how a major villain was introduced into his life.

Preview

Why I Bought It
So part of the idea behind the zero issue, or at least what I am reading into it, is to give an origin tale of the title character, as well as make it accessible to new readers. At least, that is what I would do with an issue #0, and that is probably what some readers are hoping to find when they pick it up. Knowing that this is Batman and he has a much more public profile than most superheroes, what kind of origin story do you tell? His parents can only be shot so many times.

What I Liked
So I've been missing the past couple of Detective issues, so I am really lost with what Tony Daniel is doing. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the writing of this book. It wasn't until I saw the credits at the end that I realized Daniel did not write this book. That was surprising to me, but hey, a good story is still a good story.

This book does re-affirm an opinion of mine that I've had for a while, Tony Daniel can draw, and needs someone with a good script behind him. When it is just him, he can have a couple of good ideas, but the execution, at least in writing terms, is something to be desired.

The backup in this issue was nice. It was a tale focused on Alfred and where his place is in the New 52. WE also get a shot at bearded Bruce, which sounds like a wrestler's name form the 80s.

All in all, a surprisingly good issue of Detective, the first in a while for me, and one that is well worth the price of admission.

What I Didn't Like
The one thing I was down about Green Lantern's zero issue, that they didn't explain what the hell the green ring meant and if it was your first issue of Green Lantern ever than you would be lost, kinda holds the same thing here. While the Alfred back up does portray Alfred nicely, if you don't know that Bruce is Batman, then this book doesn't quite make sense. However, given that Batman is more in the public eye than Green Lantern, I would assume that more people know about Batman's origin.

That aside, I hate DC trying to put a timeline on everything with their books. I've been on the message boards and the back and forth with the fans debating things and trying to fit everything that has been presented in the New 52 into a timeline just begins to fall apart here and there. Especially when you start taking in all the books, you really get a feel that a lot wasn't taken into consideration when they made the New 52. They should have just started fresh in some regards, but saying that a lot of the Batman and Green Lantern stories still happened kinda puts a dent into things. Either have a definite timeline that makes sense, or don't be specific when you say 7 years ago, or five years ago, just use a generic date like "Before the dawn of Heroes."

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the obvious death page. Nice reflection to the idea that Bruce Wayne is best when he doesn't have parents, which is key to him being Batman.

Quotable
"She is not your mother. And I am not your father." A very important lesson that Bruce needs to learn, and essentially what I thought this issue was all about. Bruce Wayne simply isn't Bruce Wayne when he believes he has parents around. He loses his guard and thus sleeps when an attacker enters the home. Another lesson learned.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: Next issue begins Layman's writing take on Batman, and being a big fan of Layman since I first picked up Chew, I am looking forward to what he does with Batman. It will be very interesting indeed.

Compare this to issue #1!

Comics! Green Lantern #0

Green Lantern #0

Geoff Johns: writer
Doug Mahnke: penciller
Christian Alamy, Keith Champagne & Mark Irwin: inkers

The Solicitation

PROLOGUE TO THE THIRD ARMY!
• The introduction and origin of a surprising new Green Lantern!
• Where are Hal Jordan and Sinestro?


Preview

Why I Bought It
Well, let's get Zero Month started off right now. When last I remember a Green Lantern #0, we got our first insight into Kyle Rayner. This zero issue also introduces a new Green Lantern, so how does it do?

What I Liked
So part of the idea behind the zero issue, or at least what I am reading into it, is to give an origin tale of the title character, as well as make it accessible to new readers. At least, that is what I would do with an issue #0, and that is probably what some readers are hoping to find when they pick it up.

So this book does OK in that regard. This is an origin story, although rather cliche at times, but it definitely gives a beginning to the character.

The art is consistent as is always expected from this team. I have just about zero complaints about the art at all, although I did get a somewhat feel like this was done by Gleason, the regular artist for Batman & Robin, at certain times when the ink was a little on the heavy side.

What I Didn't Like
If the idea is that you would walk into this comic for the first time and then walk away fully understanding what is happening, then you would be disappointed. Regular reader of the book? Familiar with the concept behind the Green Lanterns? Then this book is just focusing on introducing the new character and having a small preview of what is happening with the "recently deceased."

Does this book explain what a Green Lantern is? No. Does this book explain what is going on with the ring? No. Instead, the focus is on introducing a new male character to the Green Lantern mythos, Which already has four of them from earth.

I have no problem with the race of the Green Lantern. Hell, there have been lanterns of all colors and races so that doesn't matter to me. What I find strange is that there are only males from earth represented. If Johns decided instead to introduce a female Muslim, I think that would have more implications and story potential for her becoming a Green Lantern and having willpower than would a car thief. But that idea is for another post.

The last few pages are a way for Johns to place this story within the larger context of the DC and give us a glimpse into what happened with Sinestro and Jordan, which obviously was not death. And this is absolutely fine for the experienced reader, but again, not focusing on explaining what a Green Lantern is and getting into those details made this comic miss the boat a little for me.

But seriously, what kind of car thief steals a van? And then expects to beat the police in a high speed chase? Fuck that nonsense.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the one where the ring hovers around him before making him a Lantern. There wasn't really any panel in here that flew out at me and etched itself into my brain, but that seems like an honorary one to take.

Quotable
"Error." - The ring, right in the middle of selecting Baz for membership to the corps. I'm sure there is a bigger connotation to it than what you expect, but hell, as a first time reader, you are wondering what the hell is going on. Error just makes you think that the ring did something wrong.

Grades
Words: 7/10 - Really generic feel to this story.
Pictures: 7/10 - nothing exciting, but very consistent from previous issues.
Buy Next Issue: Apparently it will take three issues to explain why this Green Lantern is carrying a gun. It better be a damn good explanation to sell it, otherwise this is just something that is treading downhill for me.

Compare it to issue #1

Comics! The Flash Annual #1

The Flash Annual #1

Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato, Marcus To, Scott Kolins, Diogenes Neves, Oclair Albert, Marcio Takara, and Wes Craig

The Solicitation

• The Rogues – victorious? If THE FLASH had trouble with them individually, together they’ll kill him!

• Something worse than The Rogues is just waiting for the right moment to attack....


Preview

Why I Bought It
Flash. Let's see how an extra-sized issue, which is basically what this annual is, brings about a story in you.

What I Liked
I was actually surprised that I really enjoyed the first chapter. This had the touch of Wally West to it, meaning that I feel like I got to know a bit of Barry Allen for the first time in a long time. We get some perspective and what really feels to me like his character was explained a little more. And it all comes from a memory that feels very real to him.

Chapter two brings back Scott Kolins to Flash and focuses on the Rogues. And it looks great. We don't need any development for the Flash, but the one line he has in here sums everything up for the Rogues: No matter how high tech the weapons, they are all just toys to the Flash. Instead the story focuses on developing the Rogues, and Cold in particular.

The very end of the comic got me a little excited for the next issue. It will be interesting to see how this gets played out with the zero issue next month and then back to the regularly scheduled issue.

Overall, I would say the first half of the book made for some strong stuff. Introduced characters, set things up for a resolution, and even spotlighted the Flash a bit for some of the best characterization work for the character since the New 52 began.

And really, if this comic would break out of this format and was shown in the main series some time before this issue, it would make the regular series writing that much better. Seriously.

What I Didn't Like
Let's just start off right off by saying I am disappointed that Manapul handled the breakdowns for each story. I really thought we hadn't seen him that much in the regular book so he could catch up and finish off things with the annual. Which he did, in a way, but there were certain artist that could pull off what he wanted and there were some that just couldn't. And it makes me wonder what "breakdowns" implies.

Dr. Elias. He just wants to see what would happen. Bullshit. He's played both the Flash and the Rogues. If he isn't going to be the next Zoom, I don't know who will be. But if you don't know Flash history, you don't see this happening. You just see a throw away character who is very one dimensional right now. Bah to that.

I don't like it when science is infused into the story, much like how I don't like magic infused into the story. I get that comics are a bit of wonder and things gone awry, but if you are going to try to give a scientific explanation for things, try to have it make logical sense. Doing something like having a Gene encoder and then making it work by having the bad guy place his weapon on it to infuse the power of the machine into the person doesn't quite make sense when you break it down. Even if you were to just run with the idea that it worked, how then does Glider make any sense if she was just holding a compact case when the blast hit her? I don't have an idea for another way for the Rogues to suddenly gain these powers, but I just wouldn't go there myself in the first place. And if i did, I might not show it to this extent, but maybe have the villains tell it in some sort of flashback.

Chapter four is simply a small section that should have been called "Let's not forget about Patty!" The art is pretty good though.

Chapter five is just where everything seems to break down for me. The art just is inconsistent to me throughout the chapter. It really has a different feel from all the art before it. And it has so much late additions to the game that you are left wondering what is going on. The part with Pied Piper seems to come from no where other than to name check someone from a previous issue, just like in chapter four.  And while the ending did thrill me, if this is your first time picking up Flash, you're lost. And it felt like the story was actually there and going somewhere, until a bunch of Gorillas and the end of the comic was near and they had to try and wrap everything up quickly.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the cover on this one. There are a couple of good ones on the inside of the book that I could spotlight, but that cover is just fantastic. The only thing I could see improving on is getting Turbine out of there since he is already hidden and not really in the book and that would free up some room to spread the characters out a little more.

Quotable
"No Matter how high tech your weaponry is...they're all just toys to me." Really is the line that this issue is defined by, and I really wish we could have seen something like it in the main comic sometime before now.

Grades
Words: 7/10 - Better than the regular series, but it didn't hold up in the end. Up until then, awesome stuff.
Pictures: 8/10 - Everything but the last story. Really, it was all great, and if I could take away the last artist, i would. Manapul needed to upgrade from breakdowns to doing it himself there.
Buy Next Issue: It will be interesting to see how the Zero issue will work within the context of how this issue ended. It will be interesting.

Comics! TMNT Micro-Series: April

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro-Series: April

Script by Barbara Randall Kesel
Art by Marley Zarcone

The Solicitation
April O'Neil's life has been turned upside down in the aftermath of meeting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Rather than running from the choas, April decides to meet it head-on. Determined to make a difference, April starts to investigate suspicious circumstances at Stockgen Labs. What she finds will have serious repercussions for herself... and the Turtles!

Preview

Why I Bought It
Keeping things going with the Turtles Micro-Series. Its been fun so far, some ups, some downs. When you come to think about it, April hasn't really been seen much in the main book, so this is a perfect time to catch up with her and get into her head.

What I Liked
This is what Batgirl should be.

I really don't care about the sex of the creative team. Male/female/transgender, it doesn't matter to me. What matters is a good story and some strong character work. Kesel took this character of April, which we didn't have much to go on before, and fleshed her out completely. When you think about it, it is the same character traits you would expect from April. Calm, collective, let's her mind and reason explain the world around her. Not afraid to take chances, and keeps her cool despite being in a world that is obviously radically changing around her.

Again, this is what Batgirl should be. And if you have read my Batgirl reviews before, you would know where I am coming from. In case you haven't, let's just say that Batgirl tends to play the victim card to move the story forward and develop the characters. April could easily have been playing that card, but you don't get that sense about her. She knows she isn't really in control of the world around her, and instead of having an internal dialogue that involves her questioning herself repeatedly, April finds reason and uses her intelligence to get out of some sticky situations.

Damn, I really liked this book.

The Turtles and their personality was clearly shown, especially between Don and Mike.

What I Didn't Like
The art was tremendous. I really did enjoy it. My one complaint that I didn't like about it was that it felt kinda stiff. The art had an easy flow to the eye and was good whenever there wasn't action in the panels.

I did catch one minor error with the art though. One panel has a sign talking about Stockgen. The words "scientific" and "innovation" were next to each other, not on top of one another like it shows in the following panel. Minor nitpick, but the look of the spider as maybe a homage to Spiderman was distracting enough not to notice at first.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the last panel. It showed April running from the scene of the crime brimming with confidence. It was just note perfect to go with the rest of the book.

Quotable
"But I could...be a spy." - And with that, April cements where her new place in the Turtle lure will be. Nicely put, and nicely executed.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Next up is Fugitoid, and it is already purchased. Review time will be in later.

Comics! Green Lantern Annual #1

Green Lantern Annual #1

Geoff Johns: writer
Ethan Van Sciver: Artist
Peter Woods: Penciller
Cam Smith: Inker

The Solicitation

• The conclusion of “THE REVENGE OF BLACK HAND”!

• Everything changes here! EVERYTHING!


Preview

Why I Bought It
The end of the first year of the new Green Lantern book. It started out with the idea that Sinestro would be the focus, how will it end? Death? Destruction? Cereal? (Johns loves him some cereal, you know it could happen!)

What I Liked
Yap yap yap is all the Guardians seem to do. Now they finally get down to doing something that will drive the story along and start the next big crossover. I know that they are always portrayed as being big asses, but now they get to actually do something.

Geoff Johns. Need i say more? The man is consistent with his story telling, always moving forward, always favoring to develop the antagonists instead of the protagonists, depending on how you define either. And hey, let's see some hippie inspired Guardians! That was a nice little treat that was surprising, yet expected in some regard. kinda like I was flipping through it and thought - oh yea, of course there would be some of them. If Johns' intent is to develop all the characters around Hal Jordan, he decides that now is the time to look at the Guardians and see if they have a family, or history, or anything resembling a back story. It has some intrigue, but I think I may want to wait for the cliff notes version.

One thing I did catch was the look of Black hand's costume. Anyone else notice its slight resemblance to the Stephanie Brown Batgirl costume? The most noticeable area involves the sides of the costumes that have tat lined look to them.

What I Didn't Like
No cereal! Boo!

As with most of the Green Lantern books, if you look at the story, you can begin to see some cracks that don't make sense in the long run, and might not even be acknowledged later on. When the Guardian slit the throat of the Bearded Guardian Hippie, why wasn't the beard cut?

A big thing that irked me when Hal and Sinestro "died" was the rings. Jordan's ring is supposed to be cut off from the Guardians and just a small spawn of Sinestro's. Then the Indigo Tribe severed that connection. Did that automatically make Hal Jordan's ring his own again? I ask this because how did the ring know that Jordan was the Lantern of 2814? Shouldn't Jordan be wearing a green ring that is autonomous? And then why did they merge back up? Anything after "error" can be explained as "error," but before that needs some answers that we hopefully get to at some point. Right now that story idea has me irked.

So this Chamber of Shadows thing, can it now be teleported into? Does having the power of the First Lantern allow that now?

And this third army thing. Are we really going for an Agent Smith knock off? I laughed and laughed and laughed when I saw that. Seriously, let the Guardians shout out "Me, me, me" and it will make my day.

I will state that Johns is trying to put as many Batman references in Green Lantern as he can right now. I'm going with the crawl out of your own grave moment as a Batman one. Taken from the Grant Morrison run in Batman. It is stretching it a bit, but I'm going there.

Panel to Remember
I think the one panel that really stuck out for me was when Black hand said that "Death comes for everyone." Just the way his smashed out eye looks and the rest of his face is just gruesome and awesome at once.

Quotable
"The first lantern will never escape." - Yea, right. I just found the next plot point where things take a "surprising" turn.

Grades
Words: 7/10 - like the eventual cracks in the first lantern's cage, sometimes plot points get that closer look and they just collapse.
Pictures: 8/10 - It was enjoyable in the art department.
Buy Next Issue: It is Zero Month, it will be done.

Comics! Li'l Homer #1

Li'l Homer #1

Carol Lay, Mary Trainor, Mike Kazaleh, Tony Digerolamo, James Lloyd, Dan Davis, Scott Shaw!, Mike Rote, and Jason Ho.

The Solicitation
Long before Bart Simpson appeared on the scene, Springfield had its own original 'bad boy' - the dim but adorable Li'l Homer. And you can be sure wherever Li'l Homer goes, trouble follows. Whether he's just trying to fly a kite, searching for a lost donut, or matching wits with a real mean genie, Li'l Homer always comes out on top!

No Preview

Why I Bought It
I've been picking up these one shots from Bongo for awhile now. This one sort of snuck up on me during a busy week of superhero stuff, so here it is.

What I Liked
It's fun. Having been a Simpsons fan since I can remember, it has little nods here and there throughout the book to other people/places/events.

Knowing that this is pretty much an anthology, I've always admired the different kind of takes that each artist has on the Simpsons. I know that some of these artists have probably worked on a Simpsons book before, but it would be nice to see their own style outside of the context of the Simpsons.

What I Didn't Like
All the kiddie versions of the Simpsons were called Li'l - insertnamehere. Minor nuisance really, but it dragged out a few times.

Minor nitpick though - on the cover it shows Moe and Barney but they make a one panel appearance at best. Homer's mom makes a few panels as well. It is only Abe that we see in more than one story. Kinda weird to have the term "cohorts" on the cover and his friends don't even bother to show in the comic.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the special "Time-wasting Bonus" that was in the center of the comic. What is it? You'll have to get the comic to see and waste time yourself.

Quotable
"If you should give away or lose the lamp, however, I will destroy you." "WHAT?!?" "I have abandonment issues." - The Genie and Homer.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Maggie's special is next. I will be game for that one, should be fun!

Comics! Planetoid #3

Planetoid #3 

Story&Art&Lettering: Ken Garing

The Solicitation
Having made a stand against the cyborg militia, Silas must now lead the tribes in building a settlement.

Preview

Why I Bought It
This comic has just been kicking so much kinds of ass. The story for me has gotten better and the art is just phenomenal  Will it continue for another issue?

What I Liked
There are several things to like about this issue. It is a spot on way to have a third issue in a limited series. We take the previously established qua, run the characters through some fast track development, and then finish with a cliffhanger that leads towards the conclusion of the series.

Yes, this issue does go through time rather quickly. Really quickly. But within the story we find out two paths that the comic could have taken. If it didn't establish the city and its people, it would have been Silas hopping around the planet for five issues before finding a way off or dying. Instead, it let one character, Ozender, take that path and provide us with the direction for the next chapter in the book.

The moment that sticks in my mind is the one page of the kite. That just signifies the kind of lifestyle that the people could have always had if they banded together. And they get their moment of happiness before the eventual reminder of the war.

In thinking about how this character is working, it reminds of what Cable from the X-men could have been when he was first introduced. Having not read much of his own books, I'm going with that characterization just from his initial introduction.

And that cover. how could you not look at it and just think about how cool it is? The Frogman just sitting there, all blue against the charcoal colored machines behind him. Just perfect, and really stands out on the shelf.

What I Didn't Like
I'm going with the idea that Ozender left all by himself. Not even another comrade in arms? Sure, he could have been the only one to come back, but really there should have been one or two with him. The pace of the book would have felt off if more went and he was the only one to return though.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the one page spread of the kite. It was right on, and had its moment. it really showed the apex of the story for me.

Quotable
"Nothing, huh? That sounds really boring." I don't know why, but that one sticks out for me. It happens when Silas walks up to a group of kids and he immediately builds them the kite. Not the greatest quote ever, but just nice.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: I'm sold for the rest of the series. Let's see where this goes from here.

Comics! Flash #12

Flash #12

Script & Cover by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art by Francis Manapul

The Solicitation

Setting up The Rogues as a team as the next major storyline for the series begins!

Glider takes center stage!


Preview

Why I Bought It
I just keep buying the Flash to torture myself.

What I Liked
Two big things excited me for this book. The first was that Manapul was back on art duties. And Manpul rocks on art. I liked seeing his rendition on each of the Rogues and how they "should" be appearing in the new 52. I say "should" because you realistically hoped that Manapul would have done the art for each issue until now and we would have gotten how he would have drawn each character compared to the artist who did fill in issues previously.

The second thing I liked about this book was that it appealed to the old school Flash fan in me and had a huge Rogue fight going on. I knew the characters, knew what was happening, and it felt like I was right in the middle of Rogue War or something. This is the excitement level that the Flash book should have been carrying from the word "go."

What I Didn't Like
I can only imagine how a new reader to this comic would feel. Granted, if you have been following since issue one, you know a couple of the players involved. But there is so much missing back story that I'm just left wondering how you would read it.

First thing that would throw me off would be Flash standing up in a car. Check it out at the beginning of the book. I'll wait. You back? Did you see it in the panel below the credits? How does that happen?

Next, you get a demonstration of Piper's abilities, to some degree. And he has some back story. But why is he with the Flash? Why did he turn against the Rogues?

Coincidently enough , if you check out the audience that is listening to Elias speak, it turns out to be the cast from the TV show Lost. Kinda funny, like half your audience right now. (See, I made an obvious funny, totally Azzarello-minimum style too!)

Apparently Glider's power is to glide between being tangible and not? And Barry has apparently never seen her before in the past. Kinda odd, but I'll roll with it a bit. Trickster gets his intro on the next page and its yet another villain your left wondering who/what his powers are.

Flash has been shown to vibrate through stuff, what is stopping him from vibrating through a person? And with his new ability to sometimes see all outcomes of a situation, why didn't that kick in at any point in this fight?

Then we get an intro to Mirror Master that leaves you wondering about more villains. Then the end of the book. We do get a good look at Cold at the end, but it is nothing that his gun would have done itself. Again, I am left wondering why change up the Rogues and their powers like this. I'll leave the Annual up to explaining that.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the one that included the Lost characters. That stuck out in my mind as being a pretty memorable one.

Quotable
"It can only get better from here, right?" I certainly hope so. you know, like actually starting a story and finishing it up. Or introducing characters instead of giving characters a great entrance.

Grades
Words: 5/10 - Two uses of the word "whoa" in the book. If that doesn't tick it down a notch or two, I don't know what would.
Pictures: 9/10 - Again, fantastic in the art department for me.
Buy Next Issue: I'm like a Pavlov dog when it comes to Flash books, I just keep on buying them!