Green Lantern #41

Another month, another darn good issue of Green Lantern.

I'm not sure a new reader could follow the story that continues to focus on the different hues of emotion and the Lantern Corps that has built up around each one, but for the readers who have been following along, writer Geoff Johns is building up another epic conflict along the lines of last year's Sinestro Corps.

This issue tells the story behind the origin of the Orange Lanterns - which are apparently an army of one. At its heart is Larfleeze (who also goes by Agent Orange), and this issue should probably be titled "My Dinner with Larfleeze," as Hal Jordan has an interesting (and somewhat disgusting) dinner conversation with his host.

The art by Philip Tan and Eddy Barrows is good, although a bit dark and murky in places (of course, given the topic, one assumes it's intentional).

The story builds up to a rather shocking ending, which we won't give away here - but it'll be interesting to see what happens next, and how it all leads in to the upcoming Darkest Night story.

Grade: B+

Trinity #52

This issue of Trinity brings an end to the third of DC's recent weekly series.

I have to admit that I only read a few issues of 52, which the critics seemed to enjoy. I did follow Countdown, which was quite a letdown. The only reason I picked up Trinity was because of the creative team - I've been a fan of Kurt Busiek's writing and Mark Bagley's art for a long time. But could they handle a weekly comic? Thankfully, the answer ends up being: yes.

Still, this series has been a bit up-and-down. It featured a big, sprawling story, but at times it seemed to spin out of control, as there were just too many characters (heroes and villains) crowding into the scene.

It also suffered from "Alternate Reality-itis," a story device that has been worn out lately.

But the biggest sin was that, for too many issues, it didn't feature the title characters. They spent most of the run either absent or transformed into godlike versions of themselves. It comes down to expectations - I was looking forward to stories with the real McCoys.

On the upside, the story was clear and made sense (almost) every step of the way (which is more than you can say about Countdown). It also provided an interesting examination of DC's "Big Three" and what makes them special.

But the biggest plus for the series is Mark Bagley's art. Not only did he turn in 12 pages of excellent art for each issue, he also managed to do it once a week for a year! Not many artists could match that feat, and most would shoot themselves before trying. Kudos to Bagley and the other artists who filled out each issue on time.

This issue wraps things up rather neatly - in fact, the issue is almost too calm. But Lois' final words are almost funny, considering what's going on with Superman now. Not to mention Batman, who's dead, and Wonder Woman, who's also going through something serious (sorry, I haven't been reading that one).

So, a decent series, a serious achievement - and now we can look forward to the tantalizing Wednesday's Comics, which promises to be a lot of fun.

Grade: B+

The New Avengers #53

Writer Brian Bendis usually gets criticized for two things: too many scenes with characters standing around talking, and drawn-out stories that run for several issues without really getting anywhere.

Neither of those gripes fits this issue of The New Avengers.

Here we have a story that's loaded with surprising events, lots of action, and a story that's short and to the point.

This is the third part of (presumably) a four-part story that follows Dr. Strange as he searches the world for a new Sorcerer Supreme to take his place (basically, he's no longer worthy).

Luckily for him, the Avengers are along to help fight the demonic bad guy who's out to steal the title and the power that goes with it.

The issue features a guest star: Daimon Hellstrom, the Son of Satan, and he's used to great effect here.

The art by Billy Tan and Matt Banning is also excellent, with some stunning images (including one using the Amulet of Agamotto), some great action sequences (although the fight in the fog seems like cheating) and some grisly demonic battles.

And, oh, that last panel - it'll bring a smile to many long-time readers.

This is Bendis at his best - furious fights, funny dialogue, and surprising twists. Good stuff.

Grade: A-

New Comics for a Thursday

Here's what your pal Chuck picked up today:

- New Avengers #53 - Always nice when the Son of Satan drops by.

- Avengers / Invaders #11 - Almost over.

- Dark Reign: Elektra #3 (of 5) - This has been surprisingly good so far.

- Green Lantern #41 - The origin of Agent Orange - and a shocking finale. What more could anyone want?

- The Incredible Hercules #129 - What a fun concept of the afterlife!

- Justice League of America #33 - More Milestone crossover fun!

- Justice Society of America #27 - Some guest stars, including the original Infinity, Inc.

- Amazing Spider-Man #595 - Severe Norman Osborn overload kicking in.

- The Spirit #28 - According to rumors, this book is being cancelled soon. A shame that it wasn't better.

- Trinity #52 - At last, the finale!

Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #3 (of 5)

New Comic Day falls on Thursday this week, so here's one more review from last week's comics, and it's sort of a preview of what we can expect in the near future for the Fantastic Four.

That's because this issue is written by Jonathan Hickman, who's taking over the scripting chores on the regular title when Mark Millar moves on in a few months.

This comic, drawn ably by Sean Chen, has three stories running at the same time.

First we have Reed Richards exploring alternate realities to see how the creation of the Illuminati, the Civil War and the Secret Invasion might have played out if events had been different.

The second story follows Sue, Ben and Johnny as they also tumble through alternate realities, meeting their doubles on those worlds.

The third story focuses on the children, Franklin and Valeria, who find themselves alone in the Baxter Building and facing an invasion that relates directly to the Dark Reign.

So far, the first storyline is quite good, the second one is mostly silly, and the third one pretty entertaining.

So it's a fair mix so far, and reasonably encouraging for the future FF. But we'll reserve judgment until we see how it all plays out.

Grade: B

The Classics - Detective Comics #301

The Battle for the Cowl tells about a world without Batman - but that's nothing new.

One of the earliest issues of Detective Comics I can remember reading was this one from March 1962, and it was all about the end of Batman's career.

The lead story, credited only to "Bob Kane" (wink, wink), is titled "The Condemned Batman." While chasing some criminals through a factory that creates artificial gems, Batman is knocked out and left beneath the glow of mysterious rays.

He awakens to find his body is glowing red and radiating incredible heat. A quick examination shows he must spend the rest of his time in a capsule, breathing methane gas (which seems an odd choice since he's radiating intense heat, but let's not let science get in the way, kids).

Rather than ending his career, Batman devises a flying capsule that allows him to continue fighting crime until fate resolves the whole problem in a tidy and dramatic way.

The second part of the issue is devoted to John Jones, Manhunter From Mars. In a particularly delightful story, he finds himself facing several other Martians, and discovers they have teleported from Mars. He follows them back to his home planet, where we see a sweet family reunion with his parents, including wrinkly dad and white-haired mom.

Then he has to face the ultimate menace to Mars - a human with a box of matches! (Martians, of course, become powerless when confronted with fire. Yes, it's lame. What can I tell you - it was the '60s!)

So both stories in this issue are mostly silly - but I have nothing but fond memories of reading this comic over and over as a kid, and I maintain that any young reader would enjoy it just as much today.

The art is professional and clearly tells the story. The writing is crisp and efficient. Your mileage may vary, but for me - it's a classic!

Grade: B

The Amazing Spider-Man #594

So, the short version of this is: Spider-Man clashes with the latest version of The Vulture, discovers who has been looking after his apartment, and Aunt May makes a big decision.

In other words, it's just another issue of The Amazing Spider-Man: not bad at all, but nothing particularly memorable. The art by Barry Kitson and Mike McKone is good - professional, if not terribly flashy. Writer Mark Waid has a good touch for Spidey's dialogue, but this issue doesn't do much to advance the story. If anything, it feels like they're marking time until issue #600.

And as long as I'm griping, boy do I not understand the cover of this issue (or the one before it, for that matter). Both are by the talented Joe Quesada, but here he seems to be trying to obscure who the hero of the book is and which comic you're looking at. Last issue the logo was almost completely obscured, and this one stars Mr. Mattress, a billboard that an incredibly tiny Spider-Man s swinging past. Covers should catch your eye and urge you to buy that comic. Both of these covers fail in that job.

But is change in the wind for Spidey? It's interesting to note that the newspaper strip changed to match the "new" Spidey (namely, it moved to an earlier time period and put Peter Parker back in college, dating Mary Jane. But this Sunday, the strip reverted back to the "present," and has Peter once again married. According to the strip, the return was made in response to "hundreds of letters." Is it a preview of what's coming in the comic book?

We can only hope!

Grade: B-

Hulk #12

I haven't been a fan of the whole Red Hulk storyline, and this issue is a great example of why.

It picks up where the last issue left off - with the (Green) Hulk dead at the hands of the Red Hulk. Never mind that he died in a way that has failed to kill the Hulk dozens of times in the past.

Marvel continuity has no place in this story, which is a complete mish-mash of time traveling flummery, multiple murders, cosmic acts that seem to have no consequences, and a story that casts the Red Hulk as Bugs Bunny, a character for whom reality has no meaning.

As always, the art by Ed McGuinness is tremendous, powerful and larger than life. But the story is just way over the top and beyond silly. If we were just grading the art, this issue would get an "A."

We actually get a couple of tiny hints about the Red Hulk's true identity - but at this point, a year into his first appearance, I'm not sure if anyone actually cares. I don't.

Apparently the Hulk is getting ready to migrate back to his home in the Incredible Hulk comic, which sounds good to me.

The sooner we put this series behind us, the better.

Grade: D

Captain America #50

I'm afraid our pal Captain America is suffering from a "special issue" overload.

This month we have issue #50, and next month, in Marvel's latest math-challenged move, Cap celebrates issue #600! (The idea, of course, is to get the comic back to its original numbering. I have no idea if the number is accurate or not, since there have been several first issues in recent years - but I'll take their word for it.)

In the battle of which issue is the most special (50 or 600), I suspect the next issue will be the winner. But that's not to say that this issue is a slouch.

Here the focus is on Bucky, and we flash back and forth from the present to his memories of working with the original Captain America during World War II.

It's a nice issue, it's a solid issue, the story by Ed Brubaker is fine, the art by Luke Ross is quite good, there are some touching moments, and a couple of good back-up features - but it's still a "quiet" issue.

But judging by the hints we're getting, we can expect all hell to break loose next time around.

Now, if I could just figure out how to file these issues with all the crazy numbers...

Grade: B

Fantastic Four #566

It's been a rough year for Dr. Doom, who is Marvel's greatest villain.

He's been captured by the New Defenders, defeated by the Avengers, imprisoned for some time, nearly killed by Morgaine Le Fay, and now finds himself embroiled in the Dark Reign.

Now, he's back where he belongs - in the pages of the Fantastic Four. But his troubles may just be beginning.

The latest story arc brings with it the never-before-mentioned instructor who taught Doom how to be... what he is. In previous issues, we've seen Doom's master and his (her? its?) new apprentice laying waste to alternate Earths - and now it looks like it's our turn.

It's funny that Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch, who have enjoyed so much success on other books (most recently The Ultimates), have struggled with this book.

Perhaps it's the general fun family atmosphere that's so much a part of the FF. Millar seems more at hope with more reprehensible characters.

Hitch's art has been excellent as always - incredibly detailed and bigger than life. But his covers have been odd - he definitely seems to be experimenting with them, but they just don't grab the eye like a good cover should.

This story is almost entirely set-up for the conflict to come, and it looks promising. While the FF will certainly play a key role, I can't help but hope that Doom takes center stage here and reasserts himself as Marvel's ultimate baddie.

It's the role he was born to play.

Grade: B+

Uncanny X-Men #510

It's been interesting to read the Uncanny X-Men over the past several months.

Under writer Matt Fraction, there's been a move to bring the team back to its glory days, with a (somewhat) leaner cast, solid characterization, some unexpected plot twists and lots of big battles.

For the most part, he's been successful - the comic is a much better read than it's been in a long time, and a new reader probably wouldn't have much trouble picking up the general storyline - although he or she would probably struggle to keep all the villains straight. Long-time readers would probably struggle, too.

The bad guys this time around are all female - the Sisterhood of Evil Mutants, apparently. Thanks to a sneak attack on the X-Men, they have the advantage as they seek a very special prize.

The biggest controversy around this comic centers on the art of Greg Land. He draws in a realistic style, and his specialty is drawing beautiful women. With this story, he gets plenty of room to work his craft.

Yet for all its realism, the art feels stiff - we're getting a series of great-looking still shots, but comic art is all about storytelling - and that's what is in short supply.

For example, there are several panels showing Wolverine swinging into action - but we never get a sense of the actual fight. We see him posed to strike the enemy - and then the story cuts away to a different scene. When we return, he's again posed for the strike, and then we're gone again.

He's not the only artist to struggle with this problem. Perhaps he should do finishes over someone else's layouts?

At any rate, the comic continues its slow road to improvement, and big events are in the offing for next issue.

And just in time - we haven't had a good comic book resurrection in months!

Grade: B+

Batman: Battle for the Cowl #3 (of 3)

And with a final burst of brutality, bloodletting, death and destruction, we finally bring the Battle for the Cowl to a close, and a new Batman is rolled out.

And not a moment too soon, as far as I'm concerned. Tony Daniel provided both art and story for this mini-series, and while his pencils are solid, the plot leaves a lot to be desired.

The main problem is the massive cast on the stage here. There are so many players, including every member of the Batman family (except for Batman, of course) and virtually every Bat-villain, that there's not much room left for actual story advancement.

We just see lots of characters running around, getting into fights, being shot, stabbed, and blown up - it just makes it difficult to care.

Of course, the whole story just feels like it's treading water - marking time until the "real" Batman returns.

The Bat-books have been feeling very disjointed lately, and perhaps the long-range plan is to shake things up and establish a new status quo - and certainly something needs to be done, because right now Gotham City is crawling with super-heroes.

Rather than spark interest in the Batman line of comics, this series has left a bad taste. Hopefully the new Batman and Robin comic by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely will get things back on track.

Grade: C

New Comics Today!

Here's what your man Chuck picked up today at the comics shop:

- Agents of Atlas #5 - It's practically a weekly!

- Batman: Battle for the Cowl #3 (of 3) - Who will be the new Batman (for a few months at least)? I'm guessing Bucky. I mean, Robin. Nightwing?

- The Brave and the Bold #23 - Now there's an unusual team-up: Booster Gold and Magog.

- Captain America #50 - A special day for Bucky - uh, Cap!

- Fantastic Four #566 - Dr. Doom had a super-villain instructor?

- Fantastic Four: Dark Reign #3 (of 5) - The last page is priceless.

- Hulk #12 - There's over the top, and then there's this comic, which takes the Red Hulk to Looney Toon levels.

- Marvel Mystery Comics 70th Anniversary Special #1 - The Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner, together again!

- Amazing Spider-Man #594 - There's a new Vulture? How many is that now, three?

- Supergirl #41 - The final showdown with Superwoman.

- Trinity #51 - What happens after the Earth gets torn apart? The next issue, of course.

- Uncanny X-Men #510 - Building up to a big event. Maybe.

The Classics - Strange Tales #167

After more than 45 years of reading comics, it would be nearly impossible to pick a favorite single issue. But this one would be mighty close to the top of the list.

Strange Tales #167 carries a cover date of April 1967, but reading it again, it's still at the cutting edge of comic book art, and features writer / artist Jim Steranko schooling the rest of the industry.

Steranko exploded on the comics scene as one of the first artists to write his own comic. He took over the Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD half of Strange Tales (Dr. Strange was featured in the second half) and transformed it with his dynamic, complex writing. Each issue ended on a powerful cliffhanger, leaving you desperate to see the next installment.

Then there's the art - simply the best of its time, he spawned an army of imitators. Steranko combined the power of Jack Kirby, the energy and craft of Wally Wood, used cutting-edge design and printing techniques, and created an amazing body of work in the relatively short time he worked in comics.

This issue would be a legend just for its iconic cover, but the interiors are even more amazing. What other comic featured a four-page splash, as the armies of SHIELD fought the minions of the evil Yellow Claw? (Yep, you had to buy two comics to get the full effect.)

This issue was the final showdown between Fury and the Claw - a dramatic event with a shocking final page - and then an even more shocking revelation on the next page (the other final page), as the true depth of the story was finally revealed.

What can I tell you - it blew my 11-year-old mind!

The second half of the comic, with Dr. Strange, only suffers by comparison. With a story by Denny O'Neil and art by the vastly-underrated Dan Adkins, it was the next-to-the-last chapter in Strange's battle with the super-scientist Yandroth.

The story was just ok, but I loved Adkins' art during his short run in this comic. The only thing about it I didn't like was his use of swipes - they were obvious even to my young eyes.

Still, all together, this was a terrific comic, and it makes me wish again (for the zillionth time) that Steranko would do more comics.

Or at least finish his third volume of The History of Comics.

Grade: A+

The Unwritten #1

Here's a book that is both incredibly clever and annoyingly obvious in its "inspiration."

The Unwritten tells the story of a young man, Tommy Taylor, whose father wrote a series of wildly popular fantasy books. The hero of the books was apparently based on the writer's son, who is now grown and dealing with the price of fame.

There's a dark mystery swirling around his life, and several mysterious figures who may be friends... or lifelong enemies.

That's the good part - the writing is crisp, engrossing and deep. It's very well done. Except...

...it's also obvious that it's leaning on the Harry Potter series for inspiration - it even mentions it in the copy, as though that exonerates the author from any wrongdoing. It would have been better to develop a somewhat more original concept for the "story-within-a-story" - one can almost sense J.K. Rowling's attorneys sharpening their knives.

(Perhaps this is DC's way of getting back at that series for its resemblance to the Tim Hunter / Books of Magic series?)

But despite that glaring problem, this is otherwise an excellent series. Peter Gross' art is perfectly matched to the story - an excellent balance between the realistic and the fantastic.

I'd recommend giving this series a try - especially since the first issue is only a dollar. Your level of outrage may vary. (I'd give this book an "A" if not for the swipes.)

Grade: B

Sgt. Fury & His Howling Commandos #1 (One Shot)

I really had high hopes for this comic.

I'm a huge fan of the original Sgt. Fury & His Howling Commandos, which was labeled "the war comic for people who hate war comics."

It earned the title because it was a peculiar mix of wartime heroics, colorful characters and comedy. It was about as realistic as an episode of the TV show Hogan's Heroes, but under the skillful hands of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers and John Severin (among many others), the original comic was tremendously entertaining and often surprisingly moving.

I picked up this new issue not knowing what to expect. Would it be realistic? Would it try to recapture the original feel of the comic? Would it be good?

The answers are: no, sorta, and sorta.

There's no doubt that John Paul Leon's art is excellent. It's dark, detailed and does a great job of showcasing the action and the Howlers, all of whom are easily identifiable.

It's the story by Jesse Alexander that stands on somewhat shaky ground. The story veers from (somewhat) realistic action to over-the-top stunts, raw violence to cartoon stunts, and even a brief sex romp for the Howlers! (Uh, not with each other - they apparently visit a brothel. Wait'll Dum-Dum's wife hears about this!)

That could all be forgiven, but the dialogue is where the issue really stumbles. Instead of the trademark give-and-take banter, Fury and the Howlers speak in terse statements - it just doesn't "sound" like Fury's men.

I'd be curious to hear if this book was written "Marvel" style - where the artist draws the book, and then the script is written to the art. That's what this feels like, with the writer trying to recapture the feel of the original book.

Sadly, it falls short - but I can't bring myself to be too harsh in judging this comic. I'm just so happy to see the Commandos back on the stands after so many years in comic book limbo, I can forgive the stumbles.

This team just needs more practice - that's the ticket! The answer is more Howlers, not less! Please?

Grade: B-

The Umbrella Academy: Dallas #6

Sadly, here we reach the end of the second series of stories about The Umbrella Academy - but at least it's a snapping good ending.

However, if you haven't been reading it up to now, don't start here - you'll be hopelessly confused. Instead, wait for the collected edition coming out in October.

This mini-series was titled "Dallas," which is the main setting for this final issue - the Dallas, Texas of 1963, as the time-traveling assassin known as Number Five must find a way to stop himself from preventing the assassination of President John Kennedy. Yep, you read that right.

Shocks, violence, mind-bending twists, saving the world - it's all part of the Umbrella Academy arsenal, and it's all used to good effect here.

Once again, a terrific story by Gerard Way and fantastic art by Gabriel Ba make this one of the best and freshest books around.

Who would have thought?

Grade: A-

Secret Warriors #4

The Secret Warriors comic, without coming right out and saying so, has been asking its readers for one thing: patience.

This is a story that has been developing slowly. Spinning out of the Secret Invasion and the Secret Wars before it, this has been the story of what Nick Fury has done to get ready for the ultimate menace.

Once again, the creative team turns in a solid effort - from the story by Brian Bendis and Jonathan Hickman to the dark moody art by Stefano Caselli.

Fury has discovered that Hydra has been in control of SHIELD all along, and we've seen the true leaders of Hydra emerge - and a fearsome bunch they are.

Fury has assembled his own team of super-powered Secret Warriors, and in this issue he meets up with two of his oldest friends and we learn about other preparations for the upcoming war. (And how good it is to see those friends again!)

The good news is, all hell is about to break loose. The bad news is, this issue is more of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, so there's no real action on display. But be patient, readers - next issue is the payoff, and should tell the tale about this series - whether or not it lives up to the build-up.

Here's hoping!

Grade: B

Green Lantern Corps #36

This issue features three different stories that have all come to a boil at the same time, while continuing to lay hints about the upcoming Blackest Night series.

The first story features a not-so-tender reunion between Sinestro and his long-lost daughter, who just happens to be a Green Lantern. In some ways this is the most interesting part of the comic, as it lays the foundation for future stories.

The second story is an all-out battle between an army of Green Lantern Corps members and the countless prisoners who have escaped from the Guardian's prison cells (which are about as secure as Arkham Asylum). This part of the story is just a mess, with a series of panels depicting the chaotic battle, but delivering no clear idea of what's going on or who's winning.

The final part of the story takes us to the planet Daxam, where Mongul has taken control of the Yellow Lantern Corps and is establishing a home base. Can two Green Lanterns stand against Mongul?

This issue is a bit of a miss for me - both the art and story are pretty erratic. Artist Patrick Gleason provides some stunning images, but most of the battle scenes are too difficult to decipher.

And if you're buying it because it's a prelude to Blackest Night, you should know that a grand total of two panels hint at that series.

This has been a strong series up to now, and a great companion to Green Lantern, but this one never pulls it together long enough to matter. Hopefully the next issue will provide some resolution to one of the many stories running through the title.

Grade: C+

Ultimate Spider-Man #132

As Marvel's Ultimate Universe continues its slow stagger toward oblivion (or whatever happens to it after the Ultimatum series is finished), it's nice to know there's one bright spot in the proceedings.

Ultimate Spider-Man has been the class act of the bunch since the beginning - consistently very good and often the best comic of the month.

Under the hand of writer Brian Bendis and a few different artists - most recently the excellent Stuart Immonen - this comic has explored the joys and pains of adolescence, the heroism of a young man driven to do the right thing, a sweet love affair (or two), fun and interesting characters and some amazing adventures. In other words, it's been everything a Spider-Man comic should be.

The latest (and next-to-the-last) issue finds Spider-Man trying to save lives in a New York City devastated by a massive flood. He's "teaming up" (and I use the phrase loosely) with the Hulk, which is kind of a hit-and-miss proposition.

Together they're trying to stem the tide of monsters pouring out of Dr. Strange's home, which was also smashed in the disaster.

It's yet another excellent story in the series, with a bit of a horror twist that works really well.

If only the Ultimatum series were half as good as this one...

Grade: A-