1-23-08

Blue Beetle #23

This is one of those books that are just waiting to be done as a "you should be reading this." A while back I did a personal list for myself of the 10 comics I would buy if I could only buy 10 a month. I decided it would probably be the issues that every month when it comes out, I can't wait to read it. This is one of those titles. Every story is fun and smart, and unlike most other superhero teens like Robin or Wondergirl, Blue Beetle has no experience whatsoever. And that's part of what makes it so great. This comic has great characters, and ropes in an extremely interesting supporting cast of original characters, and also characters from around the DCU (like Guy Gardner and Blue Beetle's girlfriend, Traci 13). Right now the writer, John Rogers, is working up to the end of the second year of Blue Beetle, and the conflict involved with the Reach, which is where the scarab that gives Jaime his powers.

 

Countdown to Mystery #5

Whenever I first picked this up, it was kind of on a whim. I figured why not, Doctor Fate story may be cool, and hey, Matt Sturges of Jack of Fables fame is writing the Eclipso backup. This has probably turned into the best random pickup of the past year. The art changed up on this particular issue, and continued the new adventures of Eclipso and the Spectre. Also, more development regarding the character introduced and killed in the last issue during the Doctor Fate section.

Punisher #54

Punisher has a baby! omg! This may be a reference to early in the series, which I have not read all of yet. And Barracuda may be one of the most frightning, most fucked up villain ever. If this had been the last story arc, it would have been a fitting ending to Ennis' run. It'll be interesting to see what happens next.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #50

Mike Carey has done amazing work on this book, and the underlying storyline that's been running since God War begins coming to a head 

here. There's alot of stuff in this that is not only the classic Jim Starlin cosmic Marvel stuff, but also Kirby's Fourth World (which for you noobs is DC), which as you might imagine, is somewhat of a challenger when working for the competing publisher... 

You should be buying this: Superman?

What? Are you serious? Yes, amazingly enough. I've always thought that the Superman book was outdated, boring, unexciting, etc. The most interesting stuff I had read before these was 2 issues Joe Kelly wrote in the midst of Infinite Crisis (positing things that might have happened to the Earth-1 and Earth-2 Superman if Crisis on Infinite Earths had never happened). What happened was my Grant Morrison obsession lead me to All-Star Superman. Morrison's intention seems to have been to write fun, wacky, Silver Age style Superman stories without seeming stupid. I would definitely say that Morrison succeeded. Arm wrestling with Greek gods, crazy SCIENCE, Bizarro world (including a bizarro Bizarro who calls himself "Zibarro"), among many other things, Morrison has done amazing things with the character, as he is not restrained by pesky continuity.
Geoff Johns run on Action Comics has been a little different. I haven't read "Up, Up, and Away" yet, as I find the co-writer, Kurt Busiek, boring as hell. Most of Johns' run so far has been with Richard Donner (writer and director of Superman and Superman II), though his current storyline is solo. Of the two Donner stories, the first introduces the Superman II villains into regular continuity. Don't be fooled though, it's not just a comic adaptation of the second movie. The story involves a boy who falls to Earth in a spaceship and is surprisingly... Kryptonian. Superman immediately forms an attachment to the child, and tries to find some way to adopt him (while the Department of Superhuman Defense wants to study him). As it turns out, it is the child of General Zod. And he's found out a way to escape the Phantom Zone, as well as... all the other prisoners. Another story they did was too bring the Bizarro World back into normal DC continuity, which was taken out during the original Crisis as it was seen as being "too silly." The story was fantastic, containing the fantastic artwork of Eric Powell (the man from Goon). Johns' current storyline involves bringing the original Legion of Superheroes back into continuity (friends of Superboy back in the day), except, things are so fantastic in the future anymore... in fact, that's a Red Sun orbiting the Earth. That could cause some problems. Sadly, the collections for most of these stories won't be out til May in a collected form (though you could probably still find copies at your local shop) with the exception of the All-Star Superman hardcover, which is out now.

You should be buying this: The Programme

So I went back through and read the full series up to current (the most recent issue being #7). Going back through, there were a number of things I didn't catch, or for some reason didn't piece together the first time I read it. One of the things that struck me was how awesome this series is. Milligan's writing on this is fantastic, and all of the characters are extremely interesting. So what is this book? Well, it turns out that the Nazis had started a program to generate a superhuman. And when Berlin is invaded by the Allied forces, one of those German scientists surrenders over to the Americans... with the fetus that would become that superhuman. The Russians take the technology. And during the cold war, both developed their own superhumans, but neither pulled the trigger... until one of the Russian "dolls" is awakened in the middle of a war similar to the current Iraq situation in the fictional country of Talibstan. The US ends up looking for this superman that they once had... and find out that someone reprogrammed him to be more liberal leaning, and to have no knowledge of what he was created for. All he wants to do is run his bar, and what he ends up doing is slowly become the most reluctant hero of all, the war machine who has been reprogrammed to hate what he was created for. The artwork in this works extremely well for the mood. The pencils are somewhere between sketchy and photo-realistic, and the coloration and shading use flat, bold tones, creating an eerie sort of feel. It affects the mood in all the ways that coloring should in a well told story.

You should be buying this: Black Summer

Warren Ellis is constantly thinking up and churning out new brilliance for you to enjoy. I feel bad that I didn't try this issue out. In fact, I really don't recall my logic behind it, other than it didn't sound like something I would like. Turned out I was wrong. What this story is about is a member of a team of superheroes walks into the White House, kills the president, the cabinet, and others, and then goes on tv covered in blood, and tells the American public they are free to rule themselves, among other things (like that his team aren't involved in his actions). From there, of course, everyone goes crazy, and the members of his team find themselves under the gun. This series contains fantastic artwork, a lot of violence (if you're into that sort of thing), and some of the most interesting concepts involving superhuman abilities I've seen in a while.

1-16-08 Part 2: Electric Boogaloo

This week's issue of The Programme confused me, so I'm gonna go back and read the issues in sequence, and report back regarding it. 

100 Bullets #87

Damn you transitional issue! I'm not sure what the hell is going on in this issue. Otherwise, artwork is awesome, as always. This issue goes by quick, so I hope the next one comes out right on it's heels before I forget what I was trying to figure out.

American Virgin #22

If I wasn't being lazy and trying to catch up, I'd put up an image for this one, since it's definitely on top of this week's list. This series is really awesome, and by the way folks, the trades are cheap. I think this has... one more issue? And then we end the series, and also Adam's adventures here in Cuba. I'm sad to see this series go, and I'll be curious as to what Steven Seagle will be up to after this.  The only downside is the cover art lately has been terrible.

Birds of Prey #114

This issue wasn't bad... apparently Sean McKeever has something rather specific in mind for our dear Birds. However, this issue, like the last one, is rather mediocre at best. It's not bad... but I don't think I can really deal with this title without Gail Simone. I feel like Sean McKeever is destined to sabotage some of my favorite books that they aren't going to cancel anyway.  We'll probably see the full extent of that next week with the newest issue of Teen Titans...

Cable/Deadpool #49

This is the first part of double Deadpool week. This is the one that's good. Deadpool & co. (Bob the Hydra Agent and Weasel as the Penetraitor) mosey on down to the Savage Land and say hello Ka-zaar and his friends. Also, ever wondered what Deadpool would be like if he couldn't hear? No? Then read this issue and curse yourself for not thinking of it first.

Checkmate #22

Pretty good issue, though not as top notch as Checkmate can be. Mademoiselle Marie goes on a solo mission, for France, essentially. And we learn lots of cool stuff about her legacy. And if you forgot that Marie is ruthless as fuck, you are reminded, sir.

Countdown to Final Crisis #15

This was an excellent issue of Countdown. I'm really excited about what might happen here with Mary and the 3 H's. Additionally, RED ROBIN. RED ROBIN. RED ROBIN. The time draws near, I can sense it. 

Fallen Angel #23

I'm glad that JK Woodard has changed his artwork to a more readable, less painted look to his artwork in this book. I'm excited about where this story is going, tying into some stuff from much earlier in the run (and maybe even from the first volume on DC). Sadly though, this issue didn't hit as hard as I hoped.

Flash #236

The changing of artists midway through this arc really destroyed it for me. It was an okay Flash story, and I decided I'd check it out, but I'm not sure if I'll hang around to see what happens. But, I may jump back on when Johns returns to Wally West. The backup stories to this have been surprisingly good. This story started off strong, but quickly lost it. At least with the art change the villains of this story didn't look so obviously like giant vagina monsters.

Incredible Hercules #113

This book is fun. I think that may be it's problem. I like it and all, but it hasn't really delivered like I hoped it might. We'll have to see, as it's really only 2 issues deep, and Greg Pak and Mr. Van Lente may flip it on us at any moment. I think this does its job in the places where you expect: Amadeus Cho is all techno-tricksy, Hercules smashes some stuff, and the coyote pup yips real loud.

Justice League of America #17

Dwayne McDuffie's backup story (wtf, backup for McDuffie? Come on)? Awesome. The main story? Not so good. It seems more like a lame attempt to tie the League into Salvation Run in some form or fashion. McDuffie gets to work on some stuff with Vixen, who has been having some problems with her powers. Which amazingly enough, some people who write the League outside of the actual League book forget. 

New Warriors #8

It's bad when you're reading a book that you have to tell yourself, "Man, I've got to stop downloading this book."

Shadowpact #21

This is another fun book. I love reading this one. Hey, whatchu doin' Detective Chimp? Hittin' on furries online looking for monkey-love, that's what's up. I'm waiting on Zauriel to have some more dialogue sometime soon. In other news, I keep getting confused as to why there are two Nightshades in the DCU right now, one here, and the other on the Suicide Squad. Maybe if I read Suicide Squad...  My conclusion is that this is the real one, and the one working for Amanda Waller is a Skrull.

World War Hulk: Warbound #2

I'm glad Elloe has gotten some more page time in this series, as well as some interesting stuff with our friend the Hiroim. There's lots of neat gamma objects in this one, that may be reminiscent of a recent Ultimate Fantastic Four issue... hey, wait a minute!

Wolverine: Origins #21

I read this for Deadpool. As a long-time Deadpool fan, I thought I'd check it out. And Daniel Way described what happened in a way that made it sound neat. Other than a few moments though, Way rarely hit on what makes Deadpool... well, Deadpool. The piano was definitely one, but Pool-O-Vision? Not. P.S.: Don't buy this book.

1-16-08 Part 1

Angel: After the Fall #3

And the hits keep coming. Illyria rumbles with a dragon. Oh, and I still need to finish season 5, dammit.  Good issue, if you're an Angel fan, of course.

Booster Gold #6

Booster Gold and the (Blue) Beetles head back in time to save Ted Kord! Will they be able to, and can time handle it if they do?? I'm excited to see what happens from here with Booster Gold and Blue Beetle (Ted Kord), and also the mysterious Blue Beetle of the future. Also, Rip Hunter is a ruthless bastard at times, and I think some people forget that... until he shows up and makes you travel through time with him. That really has to be the ultimate cock-block.

Fell #9

Hurrah, the return of Fell! So what's our dear detective Richard Fell up to? It seems there's a hostage situation. So Fell goes to handle it, with his mighty one day of hostage training. The really funny thing is the way he determines the person behind the door (which is drawn as a stick figure with boots on and a gun in his hand. As always, the reality of Snowtown is rather sad, as we find out at end of this issue.

Immortal Iron Fist #12

So while the Heroes for Hire battle the hordes of Hydra, Iron Fist watches the Steel Phoenix get owned by the Prince of Orphans for insubordinance and then later finds out about the army of women training beneath the city 

of K'un L'un. Also, Fat Cobra requests wenches! Obey his command! Also, a bit of new art from Javier Pullido (Human Target) mixed in with the David Aja main art.

Messiah Complex Chapter 12: New X-Men #46

Second to last chapter! Penultimate chapter! Already, things are getting out of hand. So many spoilers, it's hard to really say alot about this issue (other than constantly glee about it all). I do wonder what will happen to Bishop once this series ends. Also, Professor X is badass, and it makes me really look forward to X-Men: Legacy, which will star him, for the most part. 

Wildstorm: Revelations #2

Second issue, much better. I like the art in this two. The team breaks into the Carrier, and steal some files from the Authority. But guess who came home too early? Yes, the Authority. Covered in green gelatin, with little nanobots that should be keeping them from being nearly so badass, but it seems they don't necessarily help. Awesome dialogue, and poor Midnighter nearly looses his junk. 

Queen & Country: Definitive Edition Vol. 1

Every so often, I'll buy a trade on a whim. No real knowledge of the subject matter involved, or very vague if that. Luckily, since I stopped listening to what the crazy comic shop guy was suggesting to me (Evil Ernie was the last straw!), I've mostly been going on my own intuition. This volume was definitely worth it. I've really liked alot of what Greg Rucka has done, and this being some of his less restricted work, it was just excellent. This volume contains issues 1-12, which is 3 story arcs, or operations, and a little section at the back of concept sketches from the various artists that worked on it. The comic was originally in black and white, so don't get to bewildered over that. It follows the British special ops under MI6, and various operations that they undertake. For the most part, we look at Tara Chance, who is Minder Two (there are 3 minders, or agents or whatever you'd like to call them). I really liked the art on the first two stories, but the last artist I was not so much a fan of. The only other downside is that Rucka is not always consistent in writing a British voice, but he does get better as the stories progress.

1-9-08, the last bits

Scalped #13

This comic continues to be completely awesome. This particular issue is a bit tragic, in terms of two deaths here that our hero, Dash Bad Horse, has to deal with. Also, it appears another confrontation with Diesel Engine is coming up. Not sure what I'm talking about? Need to feel the awesome? I mean, it's hard to be a crime/noirish story set on a reservation. But yeah, go to your nearest comic book store, or to instocktrades.com (my preferred place of purchase, I guess you could get it from amazon.com), pick up the first trade, it's 10 dollars. Go ahead and buy this issue, cause you should support your damn struggling comics. Don't read it though, or the next, until you read the second volume, Casino Boogie, which will be out in February. Seriously, this book is excellent and features some really gritty artwork which lends itself excellently to the story.

The Spirit #12

Apparently this is a little late? Regardless, this issue was excellent, and alot of the artwork is just amazing. Darwyn Cooke has been doing such amazing work on this book, it makes me sad that he'll be leaving after the 13th issue (which is a super-delayed holiday issue). 

Bat Lash #2

This issue was alot better than the first, but this story doesn't really grab me as much as Jonah Hex did when I first picked it up. The art really doesn't do it for me either. It looks like this is going to be an origin story, so I guess we'll see what happens from here.

Gen 13 #16

I've never read Gen 13 before. Other than the Armageddon issue, anyway. I read DV8 on the comic shop guy's recommendation, but other than that, never read Gen 13. And something tells me this was not a jump-on issue. I grabbed it solely based on the fact that it was showing Simon Oliver as the writer. Who's Simon Oliver? Why, that would be the good fellow that brings us Exterminators every month. This issue seemed a bit confusing. The artwork threw me off a bit too. I'm looking into getting ahold of copies of Gail Simone's run on it so I can see if this is just something new that Oliver is doing, or what exactly.

Northlanders #2

On the other hand, while this was alot better than the first issue as well, this comic is showing alot of potential, to the point that if the next issue hits as well, I'll end up picking up it and the last 2 (since I just read this, didn't buy). The artwork on this is really nice, and it looks like Brian Wood is setting the stage for something really cool.

1-09-08

52 Aftermath: The Four Horseman #6

This has been the first of the 52 Aftermath/Countdown related minis to wrap up. The ending to this surprised me as it was really good, moreso than I expected. I have to say, Keith Giffen writes my favorite Batman. If you were reading this series and want more of it, you 

need to go check out some back issues of Justice 

League International. 

Exterminators #25

You aren't reading this comic are you? Shame, sir or madam! Shame! This book has been nothing but fantastic, and this issue is no exception. We go back and find out exactly what happened to AJ when he died and how on Earth his body is roaming around Los Angeles as some type of bug god! Lot's of fun romping around the Egyptian afterlife, including a little homage to a cut scene from the original release of Spartacus (which was restored in the Director's Cut released in the 90s). 

Green Lantern Corps #20

More fun with Kyle and Guy! Peter Tomasi's first issue taking over from David Gibbons ended up being really good (which I was pleased about, considering I didn't care much for the Green Lanterns before this and the main series). Lots of interesting stuff with Mongul, especially if you forgot who he was for some reason. Unfortunately, nothing more about the Alpha Lanterns, but I guess they'll cover most of that in the main Green Lantern series. I can't wait for this to really get kicking, cause I feel it'll be more 

than just a bit impressive.

Infinity Inc. #5

The first story arc ends here. I want to go back and read the full arc again, now that I have all the issues. I think the story will flow a bit easier that way, as often I was a little confused in terms of what was going on. The team really comes together well in this issue, and all the characters are rather intriguing. I think Milligan has done some really neat stuff with this idea concerning those who went through Luther's Everyman project in 52.

Messiah Complex Chapter 11: X-Factor #27

It's Cable & Professor X to the rescue! Sorta. Looks like they're on their way to the rescue. Lots of revelations here, some definite progress on Madrox in the feeewwchaaa, and Mystique's got something up her sleeve. The last part I was really excited about, as I am a rather big Mystique fan. Two more issues left of this! I'm excited as hell.

Amazing Spider-man #546

So here we are, Brand New Day. I read this cause I was curious. I don't think I'll make that mistake again. The only reason I've ever liked Spider-man in any former incarnation is the patented Spider-banter. Which was lacking. Though, some of Dan Slott's direction in this was pretty good, some of his dialogue was surprisingly lacking. Oh, and there's 3 backup stories that are crap. But that's what you wanted right? Featuring 2 pages of art from Greg "Jackpot has sex with a bus" Land. 

BPRD: 1946 #1

The beginning of the BPRD! This should prove to be a rather interesting storyline, but it starts off a little slow, so I don't think we'll really be seeing the full frontal awesome til at least next issue. Unfortunately, it appears that there will be much less demon punching than your average BPRD story.

Boys #14

This storyline has been pretty interesting, but the last two issues have had subpar art (fill in artist or something), and story seemed to wrap up a bit too quickly. Regardless, it seems to feed into the next story that will come up, which apparently has something to do with what happened in this world on 9-11, since they have bookoos superheroes here.

Countdown to Final Crisis 16

The battle on the perfect planet continues! We see some interesting stuff in terms of the monitors, as well as some upcoming stuff with Jason Todd! Also, we look in on Jimmy Olsen, who is watching Forager be naked and talk funny. That's pretty much it, but I'm hoping that next week's cover is a sign that it'll be awesome.

Green Arrow/Black Canary #5

Spoiler: Connor Hawke isn't dead. Woooo. However, this is a very sad issue. My friend kept saying "so, is Dragon's Blood in continuity? Cause if it is, Connor should be fine." Once again Judd Winick does very well at portraying emotionally distraught people. I still felt like something was missing from this issue.

Hulk #1

This came very close to being good. It scared me. Seriously, cause lately Jeph Loeb has been cranking out the crap like it was fiber & prune day at the old folk's home. I really like the Leonard Samson/She-Hulk detective team. I would like to see more of this, but of course that would make She-Hulk the new Wolverine, as she's already set to be in The Last Defenders as well. Also, not terribly surprised about the identity of the red Hulk. Also pleased to see Rick Jones isn't dead, but I didn't care much for the character before Peter David's Captain Marvel.

Mighty Avengers #7

Dude, Wonderman is a Skrull. Also, Jessica Drews banters! And therein ends anything interesting about this issue.

Nova #10

This was a pretty okay issue. I love this series, and pretty much anything going on with cosmic Marvel (thank Keith Giffen!). However, this issue lagged a little. It seems like we're taking a pause to reflect on his relationship with Gamora before moving on to more important things. I want more Drax personally. He was such an important character in Annihilation, and has pretty much been sent to the backburner for Conquest. Drax makes an appearance at the end. He has a gun. Next: THE TECHNARCHY. Where everyone better look like Warlock or I'll be pissed.

Punisher War Journal #15

I like the craziness of the new Kraven, but I really think this would have run better as a full on Spider-man/Punisher story. I guess Spider-man was too busy making deals with Mephisto/devil and having sex with people who aren't named Mary Jane Parker.  Sorry to have turned your review into a rant Mr. Fraction, but aside from some amusing Punisher internal monologue and Kraven spouting off about "little monkey," this issue lacked a bit as a conclusion to the first two issues of this story.

Salvation Run #3

The most amusing thing about this particular comic to me, is that Bill Willingham was so busy doing whatever the hell he is doing, that he handed this over to Matt Sturges to finish. A mini-series. Really Bill, what the hell? Regardless, this is pretty okay, though I don't know if I'd buy it. The idea is kinda neat. Joker folk versus Luther folk. The madmen versus the mad scientists. Oh, and apparently Catman is here too. I demand more Catman! ::cough:: At least next issue promises some sweet ape on ape action, as Gorilla Grodd is pummeling Monsieur Mallah with none other than The Brain! 

Simon Dark #4

Simon Dark has a cool cat. But it's dead now. Seriously, other than this book seeming more and more like Steve Niles presents Edward Scissorhands sans-scissors, that's all there is to this issue. 

I wasn't able to get ahold of Bat Lash, Scapled, or The Spirit (much less Northlanders #2), so those will be published in good time. I imagine I'll have something up on the Queen & Country Definite Volume very soon.

The last bits, 1-4-08

Metal Men #5

This comic has been alot of fun so far, and this issue was no exception. There's about 4 different storylines running at the same time from different 

time-frames, so it can be a little bewildering to those not accustomed to that. My favorite story right now involves Gold and Lead having switched properties (and elements, it seems) in the middle of a mission, causing confusion for the rest of the team. Additionally, the appearance of Doc Magus' time-traveling brother (as well as a revelation concerning a distant relative) add many interesting elements to this book.

Midnighter #15

The main character of your book is Midnighter, badass of the Wildstorm universe. He probably figure out a way to kill you 5 times before you make your first move. He's being held captive by an organization called "Anthem" that "protects" and sorta rules a small town that Midnighter may originally be from. How do you end this story arc? Midnighter takes down or kills every single team they throw at them.. until they're forced to call his own team in to do negotiations. This was Keith Giffen's first story arc, so I'm looking forward to what else he has in mind for this comic.

Still waiting on Northlanders #2. But, since new comics are tomorrow, I may lump it with them. Also upcoming is Queen & Country Definitive Edition vol. 1, once I finish it.

week of 1-4-08

I welcome you to yet another internet blog. My name is Simon, and I like to read books with drawings. 

Yes indeed, I read comics. Probably a bit too enthusiastically at that. And on this blog, I'll be rattling on about the comics I bought and read this week. I've never really been one for New Year's resolutions, but I suppose I've made one to write more, and leave my sorry imprint all over the nets. So here goes.

(Additionally, my shop was shorted Midnighter and Metal Men. I'll post those once I get to them.)

Best of the week:

Lord Havok & the Extremists #3

This has probably been the biggest surprise of all the Countdown related comics. It was this little throwback to bad ideas from the early 90s. I was expecting the worst, and surprisingly, this title has been rather decent. The storyline has mostly just been wrapping itself around the 

appearance that this Earth made in the main Countdown storyline a ways back, and and has mostly just been introducing the characters of the series. I guess I shouldn't be terribly surprised though, as Frank 

Tieri has been rather reliable in the past (go 

check out his Weapon X series, found in your local dollar bin).

Messiah Complex, Chapter 10: Uncanny X-Men #494

I have a feeling that this story is going to go much further than just the crossover. Either that or in the last 3 issues this is all going to come to a head real quickly. I have to say though, Brubaker's issues do have a tendency to move much 

quicker than the others. This did have a rather long fight with the 

Marauders. Additionally, I'm really hoping that in the next issue or so we find out what is up with Bishop.

Omega the Unknown #4

I love Farel Dalrymple's artwork. Love it so much. All appearances seem to be implying that this comic is 

moving in the 

same pattern as the original Omega the Unknown written by Steve Gerber. I think I have the same curiosity with Steve Gerber creations as I do those of Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. This particular issue left me with one question I was asking my friend Evan: "how long has he been eating eagles? Did I miss that in a previous issue?" Evan was bewildered as I, and since he's actually been buying all the issues (if I wasn't trying to cut back on my pull already I'd go back and buy all of them), I'm going to assume this is the first on panel eagle we've seen eaten. Most of the issue was from the point of view head statue in the park, so that was extremely interesting. And if the consumption of eagles, giant pondering head statues, and a boy who was home schooled by robot parents doesn't intrigue you, then I suggest you continue watching Dancing with the Stars.

Thunderbolts #118

This is issue is full of people going batshit insane. And every moment of it awesome. I'm relatively new to Thunderbolts in all things, but I have been urged by a certain someone to read some back issues, and it's been pretty good. In that instance, I'm referring to Fabian Nicieza's run. I decided I might as well read the Warren Ellis run on it as well. What's so aw

esome about this book anyway? This scene, let me describe you it. Venom get's hungry and attacks some of the guards (this doesn't happen all the time, by the way). Venom, after enjoying a heart man-sized meal, takes the guard's broken helmet, places it atop his head, and states, "I'm in charge now." And then the artist formerly known as Speedball and his shrink, Leonard Samson, watch rugby. 

Ultimate Human #1

I was kind of sad to find out this was merely a commission job, and not a piece of a larger story that Ellis was brewing in the Ultimateverse again, like the his Ultimate Galactus story. The purpose of this mini is to have a Iron Man vs. Hulk story in trade form by summer movie time. Despite all that, this first is

sue is full of awesome, SCIENCE!, and also the best version of the Leader ever.

And the rest:

All-New Atom #19

This is one of my favorite books... when it's being written by Gail Simone. She's definitely contributed alot of fun and bizarre stuff with this new version of the Atom. I mean, he was almost crucified on the DC equivalent of a George Foreman grill by the entire town last issue. This issue was written by Keith Champagne, who is an inker that's making an attempt at writing. He's not doing a fantastic job in my opinion, and in fact, has been rather irritating me with his guest appearances on some of my favorite books. He tries to do a story about an underground group of what appears to be cannibalistic Amish/Pilgrim people... literally underground. First, there's already a group of Amish people in Ivy town. Second, there's already a group of elvish looking Pilgrims underground, thanks to your friend and mine, Grant Morrison. Boo, Keith Champagne. 

Annihilation: Conquest #3

While I am definitely liking where this story is going, Abnett and Lanning seem to be struggling with getting down the dialogue between Moondragon and Quasar, which was rather integral. Solicitations have shown a different costume for Adam Warlock, which is good considering the current one looks like a Marvel family shirt (as in the DC characters, yes). 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #8

This issue resembled what's usually about episode 8 in the Buffy seasons. A kind of episode that's almost filler, ends up actually contributing to the larger story by the end of the season, but for the most part feels generic. The Buffy and Willow fantasies are rather fun though. Also, we find out more about this thricewise that Dawn may have slept with.

Countdown to Final Crisis Week 17/Countdown to Mystery #4

I lumped these together since they have an intertwining story involving Eclipso. Now, while the artist has looked neat at times, making me think of Leinil Yu, this opens up with awful boob drawings. Now, while some people may say "boobs too big," I would like to mention that Jean Loring has generally been portrayed as rather busty. Saying that, everyone seemed to have huge boobs, so it doesn't really matter. Either way, I think Matt Sturges handled this great, and I'm curious as to where it'll go from here. This also includes the best Crispus Allen/Spectre story so far, which I hope is what the Eclipso backup turns into. Meanwhile, the Steve Gerber Doctor Fate story moves along a bit. I find it extremely amusing that he wears the helmet all the time. Sweeping, drinking, nearly drowning. Helmet. I actually recommend Countdown to Mystery in most instances, though the giant boobs and awful Mary Marvel costume may not be your cup of tea. Countdown was okay, more Ray Palmer, and Monarch showed up. 

Detective Comics #840

A little wrap-up to the Ra's al Ghul story, nothing more. A kinda crap villain (though recognized as such) and we get to see the Demon's Head's new look (pale!). That's really about it though, along with some nice detective/demon's head banter.

Doktor Sleepless #4

I love this book. This week dragged a bit, which is the only reason it's not on the "best of this week" list.  Of note (and notable as my current obsession) is the website grinding.be, mentioned in the backmatter of this issue as a site similar to the one referenced throughout this issue. Also, Illuminatus! references!

Gravel #0

An ongoing of Warren Ellis combat magician, usually found in Strange something or anothers through Avatar Press, who I'm starting to like a fair bit. This was an okay issue, I may have liked it better if I knew much about the character previous to this reading. Also, between reading this and Streets of Glory, it has come to my attention that Mike Wolfer loves teh gore.

Jonah Hex #27

This was a fun little twist of a western version of Starman, though in name only. If you aren't reading this book, it's consistently fun every month.

Lobster Johnson: The Iron Prometheus #5

This book took me by surprise. I say that in the sense that I wasn't aware it was coming out. I had thought that the story was done. I guess not. Anyway, this... kinda wraps up some stuff left over the last issue. Maybe I should read all 5 issues together and see if I just missed something, cause this issue almost felt unnecessary.

Ms. Marvel #23

I read this for the Machine Man.  The storylines aren't particularly interesting, but the dialogue is great. So for this issue we have Machine Man with boobs, Ms. Marvel turns into Binary (probably only for the next issue though), and Wonderman and Agent Sum may be Skrulls. Hurrah! Next comic.

Wildstorm: Revelations #1

This was... okay. Good dialogue, picks up from the two Worldstorm issues and the Armageddon issues. But it really doesn't go anywhere in the first issue.