Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Earth 2: World's End #13 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Daniel H. Wilson, Marguerite Bennett, Mike Johnson
Art By: Scott McDaniel, Tyler Kirkham, Jack Herbert, Vincente Cifuentes, Jorge Jimenez, Robson Rocha, Guillermo Ortego, Stephen Segovia, Jason Paz
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 31, 2014


Throwing Things At You....... Just Because


Last issue in World's End we saw that Huntress is a bit beyond reaching in her new persona of Famine............Reaching as in "Hey, talk to me girl" and not in the physical sense.  Even if it was in the physical sense it wouldn't be too much of an issue because man did Huntress go and get real ugly.  Dick Grayson has taken a turn for the worse since Barbara's death and spent last issue beating the hell out of the guys that killed his wife and then waiting for a tidal wave to come and take him to the great beyond.  Hopefully I get what I want and Barbara comes back as the Spectre and saves Dick but I'm not going to hold my breath on that.  Finally we saw Huntress join her Fury sisters in the war with the avatars and on Apokolips we saw that Terry Sloan had set his ship to explode and Mister Miracle and Fury were back on the "I want to save the Earth" front.  Let's see what this issue has in store for us as we continue these stories and see if Flash, Hawkgirl and Jimmy Olsen can get this Earth's survivors to the Project Beyond bunker.  Let's check it out.

The New 52: Futures End #35 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Dan Jurgens, Keith Giffen
Art By: Jesus Merino, Stephen Thompson, Dan Green, Hi-Fi
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 31, 2014


You're Grounded!


Welcome back to Five Years From Now or maybe in a few hours, Four Years From Now...........I really don't know how time works between what I'm living and what my favorite heroes are living.  So while It might not be New Year's Eve in the DC Universe this is our final foray into the future for 2014 and with it our final recap of things you'll need to know this year.  First Madison Payne and Jason Rusch are the new Firestorm and last issue they came in contact with the new Dr. Polaris who's actually Dr. Yamazake, who if you've been reading Futures End know; hates anything Super or Justice Leaguey.  Fifty Sue has been put on a mission with a bunch of King Faraday's other agents to recover some DNA samples from Cadmus Island that broke off the main island and fell into the ocean but before the mission can start Lana Lang freaked out when Sue or Sequel as she's calling herself these days pushed her weight around and disintegrated Ethan Boyer's hand.  Out in space our Stormwatch team have returned and had to confront Father Time and SHADE and after pulling the alien parasite that actually is Father Time out of his host, Ray Palmer has decreed himself the new leader of SHADE but before the letter heads could be changed at the Ant Farm, Frankenstein was shot and right now it looks fatal.  Finally we have Batman Beyond and Plastique getting a little closer than I would of originally suspected and Brother Eye sending his Batman.Joker monster back in time to stop Batman Beyond before he can alter the future................So we've got a Terminator scenario going on.  That's all you should need to know, so let's check out what this issue has in store for us this week.

Batman: Eternal #39 Review

Written by: Ray Fawkes
Art by: Felix Ruiz
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 31, 2014

Keys to the Kingdom


So much has happened in Baternal to lead to this point that it'd be foolish for me to even think I could explain it in a paragraph. This weekly has got to the "you've read it or you haven't" point.  The other problem with giving it a nice and clean synopsis is the book has been far from that.  Plot threads have popped up only to be shoved aside or forgotten completely, while others get more time than they deserve.  Throughout all this mess, the big question has been who the Big Bad is.  Commisioner Bard? Hush? Someone else? Eric Shea of Weird Science? Mike Reno of Loverboy?  Just when you think you know, the book shows all the villains to merely be David from Lost Boys. Who is this book's Max?!?  I want to know, dammit.

WE GET IT, IT'S A BATMAN REFERENCE!: Review for Gotham season 1 part 1 with *SPOILERS*

I'm going to say this right now. I like this show. I really do. But like any other show, this has flaws, big, small and sometimes REALLY FREAKING ANNOYING! It constantly tries to remind you that its a show in the Batman universe. Edward Nygma doesn't need to constantly be spewing riddles right out the gate. You didn't need to rename the creepy girl with the plants Ivy. HOW CAN YOU GET A NAME LIKE CAT FROM SELINA! So why did I keep coming back to the show? The answer is that I believe that one of the most interesting things about Batman's stories isn't about Batman, but of the city he protects. Gotham City is one of, if not, the most iconic comic book cities of all time. If you actually think of the amount of heroes and villains that actually preside in the city, you'd be surprised that there wasn't a series sooner. Despite it being a cesspool of crime, we tend to forget there is some good in a citizen or two, including James Gordon. It seems like a great idea to center a show around the origins of such characters both good and bad, even if it doesn't have a vigilante wearing a bat suit. So does FOX's new crime drama feel like it's a part of the Gotham mythos, or just an attempt to cash out on "bat-fame".  In all honesty, it's  a little of both. Join me as I give my review of the series Gotham so far.

Batman '66 #49 Review

Written By: Jeff Parker
Art By: Richard Case
Cover Price: $1.99
Release Date: December 10, 2014

Bats, Books, and Crazy Crooks


From the time Batman '66 first launched it was clear what this book was meant to be--a forum for writer Jeff Parker to continue the adventures of Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder, that were first started in the 1966 William Dozier TV series, Batman. During that time Batman and Robin fought many criminals played by a variety of guest stars. As the series progressed, it was decided that Batgirl would be featured in some episodes in order to attract more female viewers. Batman '66 #49 continues that tradition, presenting a tale of the Bookworm, originally portrayed by Roddy McDowall, facing off in a library against the one and only, Batgirl.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Injustice: Year Three #14 Review

Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Bruno Redondo, Xermanico and Juan Albarran
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: December 30, 2014

Heart's Desire


Injustice has made it's name for crazy death and destruction.  That's what pushed Year One into the stratosphere and what still keeps the machine moving forward.  Tom Taylor has done so well as the conductor, but now his time is ending.  Yep, this is Tom's last issue and while it still doesn't seem right, this issue (and the first part of the "For the Man Who's Lost Everything" story line) did.  After all the death and dismemberment, Taylor leaves the book with Superman and the World at peace.  Not the tyrant driven peace, either.  I don't know how if these last two issues will change Superman or the story going forward, but I certainly loved them and they serve as a fitting end to Tom Taylor's run.  Thanks for a great book, Tom.

Batman: Eternal #38 Review

Written by: Tim Seeley
Art by: Andrea Mutti
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

Tag Team Back Again


While my relationship with Batman: Eternal has run hot and cold, I'm starting to get really irritated with all the dangling plot threads.  Nanobots, Spoiler, Cluemaster, etc are still out there, but Tim Seeley is giving us a Rogues Gallery team-up that sounds like a fanboy dream come true.  Bane, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Clayface, Mr. Freeze and Joker's Daughter (?!?) are trying to take advantage of the Gotham chaos and only Batman can stop them. It's a little detour that isn't as good as it sounds, but luckily ends fairly quickly.  I just hope the other plot points get resolved soon too.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Catwoman Annual #2 Review

Written by: Genevieve Valentine
Art by: Pat Oliffe, Tom Nguyen and John McCrea
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

Parallels 


I'll give Genevieve Valentine full credit for taking an awful Catwoman book and turning it into an awesome Selina Kyle one.  The direction of the character had been set forth in Batman: Eternal, but Valentine has taken the concept and run with it.  Readers of the regular series have gotten a first person view as Selina has quickly climbed the ranks of the Gotham Underworld and claimed her place as not only the head of the Calabrese Family, but Gotham itself.  A real testament to the power of her storytelling is that this Annual comes after only three issues, but is so good because it adds so much to her young run.  It's the story of Eiko Hasigawa, the Daughter of Gotham's Yakuza Crime Lord.  It's the story of Catwoman.

Red Hood and The Outlaws Annual #2 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Scott Lobdell
Art By: Tom Derenick, Wayne Faucher, Walden Wong
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014



The Night The Reindeer Died


One thing I really hate about Annuals are for the most part I don't have any recap to do in this section of the review and it just seems empty and bare.  So I'll tell you a story about what happened to me the day before Christmas.  I was sitting at my computer writing reviews (watching porn) when I get a knock at my door and to my surprise an eighty year old possibly Russian woman is standing there wanting to know if I could drive her to the hospital to visit her husband.  Now you should know that her accent was so thick in the beginning of the conversation that I had a hard time understanding her and I thought she said that her husband was dead and that she wanted me to call the hospital.  So after hearing the question again and then explaining that I don't drive because I'm legally blind and that my girlfriend was out doing some last minute Christmas shopping, she told me that I could come to her door later to pick her up and then I tried telling her that we were busy with wrapping gifts later and then she told me that tomorrow morning was fine as well.  After explaining Christmas was the next day and that we couldn't give her a ride, she wished me a Happy Christmas and went back home.  I've never seen this lady before or after this and I'm just cynical enough to tell you that I thought that she was gathering information for her Russian criminal son to come back and rob the place and I'm just naive enough to tell you that I also thought that this was some sort of supernatural Christmas test that I failed.  So let's get on to Red Hood and The Outlaws!

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Secret Origins #8 Review

Written by: Tom King, Tim Seeley, Jeff Lemire, Duffy Boudreau and Ann Nocenti
Art by: Stephen Mooney, Travel Foreman and Roger Robinson
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

Prelude to a Recap


In the spirit of Secret Origins, I have a few secrets I want to get off my chest.  George Washington was the first President of the United States, the capital of Rhode Island is Providence and log xy = log x + log y.  What, those aren't secrets?  As Rainier Wolfcastle said, "That's the Joke".  This issue of Secret Origins is a bit different.  We get a prelude to Grayson, a synopsis of the entire New 52 Animal Man run and...Katana.

He-Man: The Eternity War #1 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Dan Abnett
Art By: Pop Mhan, Mark Roberts
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014


Let The War Begin!


Before this Eternity War went and got He-Man and The Masters of The Universe all rebranded and renumbered we were strolling through the past of Eternia and the origins of our Princess of Power and like many stories like to do........ They were all entwined.  Now don't think that I wasn't a fan of this because I loved all the stuff with King Grayskull and seeing how Adora went from her Hordak brainwashed past to her current role of She-Ra.  It was a grand ride that I'm thankful I was apart of.  I hoped everyone read up on those issue because it all leads here boys and girls.  The Evil Horde has been spreading their Fright Zones across Eternia in preparation for their master Hordak's return and we begin this war knowing that our Siblings of Power are now together but we saw that the Horde had gotten their hands on a vial of He-Man's blood............ What will it all mean?  Let's find out here.  Eternity War Ahoy!

DC Comics Best Covers of the Week 12/27/14

I don't want to offend anyone, so I'm going to stick with the generic "Happy Holidays" this week.  I guess I could be like Eric, who says, "Merry Holidays".  He also says things like "Top of the Easter to you" and "Good Afternoon Halloween".  Eric sure is strange. Usually a Holiday week means only a few comics, but not this year.  DC dropped a crap load of comics on us on December 24th (That's the day Eric wishes people a "Winsome Christmas Eve") and it's been a struggle to get all those reviews up while celebrating the Holidays.  While we're still not close to being done, I have at least looked at the covers.  I'm good like that. There are some really good ones, including more Ryan Sook coolness, a bloody Deathstroke, and a Gorilla Grodd sighting.  Next week there is only going to be the three books hitting the shelves, so I won't be doing a best of the week.  Instead, I will undertake the task of bringing you the Covers of the Year.  I'm a glutton for punishment.  Enjoy the covers.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Earth 2: World's End #12 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Daniel H. Wilson, Marguerite Bennett, Mike Johnson
Art By: Scott McDaniel, Robson Rocha, Guillermo Ortego, Eduardo Pansica, Paul Neary, Jack Herbert, Vincente Cifuentes, Jorge Jimenez, Tyler Kirkham, Joe Weems
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014


Earth 2?  More Like Earth Blue..............Get It?...........Because of The Depressing Nature of The Book............Oh Yeah, You Get It


In the last issue of Earth 2: World's End we saw all about how Barda screwed over Mister Miracle and got him to unknowingly release Darkseid from his Apokolips heart eating trap.............. Yeah, I don't really know what that was about but it happened.  The whole issue was Mister Miracle getting tortured and Fury betraying Miracle as well before coming to her senses and realizing that Apokolips and Darkseid kinda suck and then she pulled a double betrayal and saved Mister Miracle and finally the two saw a meeting between Darkseid and Terry Sloan, where we all learned that Highfather has given Earth 2 to Darkseid as a way to negotiate peace........ Dick move Highfather, dick move.  Really I think it was a way to keep Darkseid busy while he did all his GODHEAD shenanigans but now that all of that is over............. It really just leads back to him being a dick.  So that's where we're at and a bunch of other stuff dealing with heroes fighting Apokoliptean monsters.  Let's check it out.

The New 52: Futures End #34 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Dan Jurgens, Keith Giffen
Art By: Patrick Zircher, Scott Kolins, Hi-Fi
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014



Giant Teddy Bears Aren't Soft!


Last week when we were five years into the future a bunch of stuff went down........... but for this week the things you'll need to know are that the new Stormwatch made their way back to Earth only to be confronted by Father Time and his SHADE monsters and robot soldiers.  Atom trying to get on top of the situation shrunk down and entered Father Time and confronted the man behind the curtain....... or the space parasite behind the curtain.  Either way Father Time is gross so let's move on.  After the destruction of Cadmus Island it seems that King Faraday's group he put together to kill Fifty Sue is going to have to reevaluate their situation because it seems that they are Fifty Sue's group now....... only they don't know about it yet.  Speaking of things that people don't know about, let's talk about the new Firestorm Madison Payne and Jason Rusch not knowing about Dr. Yamazake surviving the explosion in his lab and him becoming the new Dr. Polaris.  Okay now we've spoken about it.  Finally you'll need to know that Batman Beyond's search for Brother Eye might have gotten more serious when we saw Brother Eye enter the future Borg version of Plastique in Terrifitech and also the fact that thirty five years from now Brother Eye has created a terminator like figure by combining Batman and Joker together and plans on sending it back to kill Batman Beyond.  Okay now we're all caught up let's check out what this week's foray into the future has in store for us.

Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #20 Review

Written by: Alex De Campi
Art by: Neil Googe
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

Amazon Punch


I have enjoyed Sensation Comics for what it is, a celebration of Wonder Woman.  Writers have told their stories of inspiration and adventure and most of the time. I've walked away with a smile on my face.  Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case lately.  Last week's tale missed it's mark, if you ask me, so I was hoping for a rebound this week.  Alex De Campi and Neil Googe give the reader Wonder Woman in Space and while the setting is awesome, the story comes across as a bit too mean spirited to inspire anything but a frown from me. Please DC, get back to what made this book so good.  I miss smiling.

Batman Annual #3 Review

Written by: James Tynion IV
Art by: Roge Antonio
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

You've Got a Friend In Me


When Batman Annual #2 came out way back in the Summer of '13, it seemed to be a cool little side story involving Arkham Asylum security and a new (old) villain named the Anchoress.  Little did we know that it was also the beginning of the Joker's return.  Yea, in retrospect, that Annual was a pretty big deal.  So, does this Annual contain hidden messages and top secret character returns?  I guess we'll have to wait until next Christmas to be 100% sure, but for now we can enjoy it for what it is...a creepy and captivating story of the Joker and how far he will go to have a best friend.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Superman/Wonder Woman #14 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Doug Mahnke
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

Kingdom Comes Again


Superman/Wonder Woman is one of my favorite books and that's why I have kept an open mind with Tomasi and Mahnke jumping on the book.  I was not a huge fan of their first issue as Tomasi started his run by turning my favorite power couple into two bickering jerks.  Doug Mahnke's art didn't do the book any favors either.  However, the intriguing cliffhanger had me anticipating an issue more on par with the great stuff these two normally give readers and the book that Superman/Wonder Woman are used to getting.  Unfortunately, this is not that issue.

Harley Quinn #13 Review

Written by: Amanda Conner and  Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by: Chad Hardin
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

T and A


Since it's debut, Harley Quinn has been the place to go for potty humor and outrageous. inappropriate outfits and situations.  It's been so much fun, but unfortunately, an ongoing story didn't seem to be a priority...until Power Girl showed up.  And to think that I was worried that PG was only brought in for boob jokes.  While there has been plenty of those (seriously, how could Conner and Palmiotti not), the Harley Quinn/Power Girl team up has taken the book to new heights because of it's hilarious ongoing tale of memory loss and superhero hi-jinx.  While it looks like the dynamic duo are breaking up, they part ways in another hilarious issue that shows why this book is one of the best on the shelves today.

Deathstroke #3 Review

Written and Illustrated by: Tony S. Daniel
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

Cutting Down the Family Tree


I'll admit it, I didn't really like the first issue of this rebooted Deathstroke.  However, I am slowly coming around with each new issue and after this month, I'm in.  Tony S. Daniel's art has been fantastic from the get go, it's the story that has grown on me.  The initial shock of the "young again" Slade Wilson is gone and my fears about a cliched memory loss/memory regained story line have mostly been unfounded.  The mystery of the how, what and why of Deathstroke's past is proving to be enjoyable...and very, very bloody.  That continues this month as we learn more about his past and get a peek at his immediate future.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Superman #37 Review

Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: John Romita Jr.
Cover Price:$3.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

It's Made of (Six Million) People



My enthusiasm for John Romita Jr and Geoff Johns' Men of Tomorrow story has waned a bit since it first began.  I really liked the idea of Ulysses being Superman's parallel and was intrigued with where it was going.  Unfortunately, the story has dragged and I haven't really enjoyed what we've got so far.  My main problem, however,  is with Ulysses.  He keeps crossing the line between friend and villain and in the end he just comes off as a jerk. This issue continues the trend as we get to see Ulysses' true intentions and finally head to The Great World.

Happy Holidays From Weird Science


EVERYONE LIKES TO RECEIVE BUT MAKE SURE YOU RECIPROCATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

-THIS HAS BEEN A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM WEIRD SCIENCE

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

The Flash #37 Review

Written by: Robert Venditti and Van Jensen
Art by: Brett Booth
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

The Land that Time Kind of Captured and Won't Let Escape



So much has happened in the Flash since Robert Venditti, Van Jensen and Brett Booth have taken this book over.  Wally West, Future Flash, a tear in the Speed Force, Futures End...they have been busy and I have been one happy camper.  Instead of just staying with the status quo, they have shaken things up with Barry's world and Barry himself.  This current arc is a prime example. Barry is struggling in the savage land inside the Speed Force battling ancient warriors on dinosaurs while his future self is taking his place while he murders bad guys and tries to make sexy time with his girlfriend.  Sounds awesome, huh?

Robin Rises: Alpha #1 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Peter J. Tomasi
Art By: Andy Kubert, Jonathan Glapion, Brad Anderson
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014


Epilogue


When we last looked at Batman and Robin we saw Bruce go to hell and back to retrieve the body of his son Damian and with an endeavor that big, you'd be crazy to think that others in the Bat Family would let him go it alone.  So we had Red Hood, Red Robin, Batgirl, Cyborg and Titus go to Apokolips to retrieve the boy that was taken from us too soon and after an epic battle with a rejuvenated Darkseid, our heroes made it back home and for whatever reason Bruce took the Chaos Shard that was fused to his Hell Batsuit chest piece and stabbed it into the body of his son............ and somehow this made Bruce's craggy rock skin he had gotten on Apokolips go away, it had stopped his Hell Batsuit from exploding and most importantly, it made Damian come back to life.  When we left that issue we were given a tear jerker moment where father and son were reunited before given us a WTF? cliffhanger where it looked like Bruce had collapsed dead.  So let's see if Robin Rises: Alpha gives me any answers about how or why Bruce stabbing Damian with a Chaos Shard did all the things I mentioned or if they get ignored completely and we just go right in with superpowers.  Let's check it out.

Green Lantern Annual #3 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Robert Venditti
Art By: Billy Tan, Mark Irwin, Marc Deering, Livesay, Alex Sinclair

Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014



GODHEAD FINALE!


It's finally here boys and girls; the epic finale to GODHEAD, so make sure you get your favorite ring on as we dive into the final issue and see how the battle between the New Gods and the Lanterns of the Prime-Universe goes down......... You know, hopefully with our heroes winning.  Let's get everyone caught up in case you've been a slacker and have missed this Act of the story.  The key parts you'll need to know are that Hal Jordan and Black Hand are battling Orion at the Source Wall while John Stewart, Saint Walker, Kyle Rayner, Carol Ferris and The Guardians are working on an attack that will stop Highfather from opening a boom tube to Earth and starting his Life Equation reprogramming of the planet.  Sinestro on the other hand is more direct in that he used himself as a distraction while the biovirus Fear Lantern Despotellis reprogrammed Highfather's boom tube into opening at the Source Wall where Sinestro made his escape to.  All that with a bunch of Lanterns still on New Genesis in cells and Guy Gardner and Simon Baz walking around with a handful of rings trying to find Saint Walker so they can get supercharged for the final battle.  Let's check out this issue and see how our heroes intend on bringing a god to his knees.

Grayson Annual #1 Review

Written by: Tom King and Tim Seeley
Art by: Stephen Mooney
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014

Rock 'Til You Drop


Remind me never to trust solicits again.  Helena Bertinelli's origin?  Bah, Humbug!  Nope, this Annual is a continuation of the normal run of Grayson as well as a story about a story about a story.  I can't say I'm upset because it's a good read filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing...sort of.  This is Grayson, so going in you kind of expect things to be a bit more than they seem.  So, it's off to the Ireland where Helena is in a bit of a bind.

Sinestro #8 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Cullen Bunn
Art By: Martin Cocollo, Scott Hanna, Jason Wright
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014


Arrogance At It's Finest


It's GODHEAD Act 3 Part 5 and that means it's time to see what Sinestro has been up to since he took off in search of a motherbox.  If you haven't been keeping up, most of our Lantern heroes have been transported to New Genesis and they're looking to kick a little New God ass.......... because apparently they don't learn.  John Stewart, Saint Walker, Kyle Rayner, Carol Ferris and The Guardians are all together trying to come up with a plan, while Simon Baz and Guy Gardner have acquired a bunch of rings and are trying to find Saint Walker to get him all hoped up so they can get supercharged for the final battle.  Back in our universe Hal Jordan and Black Hand are battling Orion and Sinestro is supposed to be making his way there........ So let's see if he completes his task or if he gets caught up in being the dick he's known to be.  Let's check it out.

Red Lanterns #37 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Charles Soule
Art By: J. Calafiore, Gabe Eltaeb
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014


Looking For Jewelry


We're coming down to the end and there isn't much left, so all you Lantern lovers better be paying close attention now because we're down to the wire.  Last time we looked in on Guy Gardner and Simon Baz they were being locked into a Miracle Cell when they boom tubed to New Genesis and had the misfortune of ending up in Malhedron's bedroom.  What they don't know is that other Lanterns have been brought to New Genesis and John Stewart and Saint Walker began the counter attack with the help of Malhedron, who now knows that Highfather's way might not be the best.  So Hal and Black Hand are at the Source Wall battling Orion, John and Saint Walker met up with Kyle and Carol but at the end of New Guardians it looked like they all might have met their maker.  Let's see what Guy and Simon have up their sleeves to get out of the Miracle Cell while Sinestro hopefully finds a boom tube and finds Hal and Black Hand.  Man, shit is really starting to happen fast.  Make sure you aren't left behind, let's check out GODHEAD Act 3 Part 4.

Trinity of Sin #3 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: J.M. DeMatteis
Art By: Yvel Guichet, Jason Gorder, Gabe Eltaeb
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014


Becoming A Bird Monster's Sex Slave


When we last stepped into the world of the Trinity of Sin we saw the Earth reshaped and reformed into a darker twisted nightmare of itself and it was done by using a the combined power of the Trinity of Sin's talismans anointed with their blood.  So some big bad dark magic was going on from the last survivor of the world when it was engulfed in darkness; Nimraa.  Let's see if our sinners can work together to take this ancient bird monster down and hopefully put the world right............. and hopefully we can get some definitive answers about who The Question is and what he can do and just for good measure, why he can do it.  Let's check it out.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Batman: Eternal #37 Review

Written by: Tim Seeley
Art by: Andrea Mutti
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014

Band on the Run


I can't say that I'm a fan of Baternal.  Just when I think I have a grip on the overall story, the slew of writers go and throw something else in, take something I like out or just make me scratch my head in confusion.  When last issue ended with a Riddler appearance, I was excited to see how he figured into the story.  After this week, I'm still wondering.  In fact, I'm wondering about a whole mess of things.  Unfortunately, one of those is if I should keep reading a reviewing this book.

Green Lantern: New Guardians #37 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Justin Jordan
Art By: Diogenes Neves, Rodney Buchemi, Marc Deering, Daniel Henriques, Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014


God Willing


Welcome back to GODHEAD with Act 3 Part 3.  Here we'll take a look at how Kyle Rayner and Carol Ferris are faring at ground level of Old Genesis.  But first let's see how we got to this point.  I'm sure if you're reading GODHEAD you know that Kyle was tricked by Highfather into giving up the Life Equation and after the task was complete he let his true intentions of turning everyone into soldier slaves slip and after Carol spent her remaining power trying to fight off the New God, they were simply boom tubed to the surface of the planet.  In the last Part, we saw Malhedron switch sides and save John Stewart, Sinestro and Saint Walker from said soldier slaving and after a little payback to Uggha, John Stewart and Saint Walker were left trying to come up with a rescue plan for the rest of the captured Lanterns.  So let's see where the story takes us this week as we check out the newest installment of GODHEAD.

Injustice: Year Three #13 Review

Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Bruno Redondo, Xermanico and Juan Albarran
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: December 23, 2014

Once Upon a Time


Year Three has been a bit slower than I would have expected with all the magical heavy hitters involved.  Sure, Tom Taylor has given us some crazy deaths and the whole "who is the Spectre?" question has been looming in the background for a while, but the overall narrative hasn't really advanced much.  I'm not saying I don't like it because I have and last issue had some really great moments.  Batman's bond with Etrigan?  Awesome.  Then the issue ended with Batman putting Superman to "sleep" and I was sure this week's issue would be what I've been waiting for.  Well, it was, but not in the way I thought.  The story didn't advance...in fact it went back to the beginning.

The New 52: Futures End #34 Preview

Written by: BRIAN AZZARELLO, JEFF LEMIRE, DAN JURGENS and KEITH GIFFEN
Art by:
 PATRICK ZIRCHER
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014



Thirty-five years from now, Brother Eye continues to prove that he won’t allow himself to be beaten. Five years from now, it’s clear that he may already have won.


Red Hood and The Outlaws #37 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Scott Lobdell
Art By: RB Silva, Wayne Faucher, Richard & Tanya Horie
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014


The Oliver Queen Says..........."Butt Hurt"


When we last stepped into the world of Red Hood and The Outlaws, we saw that Roy had been accidentally set on fire by a drugged up Starfire and as we saw her go off and get herself all alien junked up and kidnapped by some intergalactic opium den driving trucker, Roy was fighting for his life inside of a hospital with Jason Todd and Oliver Queen by his side.  It's a good thing that Essence showed up out of nowhere for no reason and cured Roy of his burns and when Jason saw no more reason to stay by Roy's side, he space shipped up and went out to find Crux, the lizard man-bat looking scientist that knows more about Starfire than anyone...........I just wonder if Crux will help look for Kori or if Jason will have to convince him to lend his services.  Let's see where we are this month with Red Hood and The Outlaws.

Teen Titans #5 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Will Pfeifer
Art By: Scott Hepburn, Dan Brown
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014



I Only Villain Socially


Okay all you Titan fans we're back with another exciting issue of the Teens that take it to the streets....... That's right Doobie Brothers style.  Last issue we saw Red Robin taking on the nanobot Algorithm inside STAR Labs but in the end we saw that the whole bad guy behavior was a put on orchestrated by STAR Labs employee Manchester Black, to see what the Titans were made of.  Everybody got that?  Algorithm was a puppet for Black and after Red Robin saved Black from the nanobot nightmare, Black got to come off all thankful for the superheroics and offers the Teen Titans the chance to work for STAR Labs and with the perks of superheroing under a corporate logo, it looks like our heroes are selling out.  Let's see how the new job title is affecting our Titans.

Monday, December 22, 2014

He-Man: The Eternity War #1 Preview

Written by: Dan Abnett
Art by: Pop Mhan
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014





The war to end all wars has begun in Eternia! Hordak and the villainous Dark Horde have taken over Castle Grayskull and plan to use it as a weapon to terrorize and rule the universe. However, a resistance is building led by She-Ra, The Sorceress Teela and the benevolent warrior He-Man! To what lengths will the Masters of the Universe go to reclaim their kingdom? What sacrifices must He-Man make to salvage his family legacy? Don’t miss a moment of this epic new MOTU series!


Robin Rises: Alpha #1 Preview

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Andy Kubert
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014


It all ends here! Batman’s been to the hells of Apokalips and back just to retrieve his son’s body. But what has he brought back with him? And who is the new Robin?


Star Spangled War Stories Featuring G.I. Zombie #5 Preview

Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray
Art by: Scott Hampton
Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: December 24, 2014

In September we saw a glimpse of a zombie-infected world five years in the future. Now, even as Jared tries to save Carmen’s life, he’s forced to lead his new team against the terrorists, whose actions are making it look less and less like that future can be avoided.

I really enjoyed the G.I. Zombie Futures End issue and I like how the solicit ties this issue (and run) into it.  It's a shame that this book was canceled, but there is still time to check it out.  I am a big Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray fan and give them props for giving us an action packed, mature title that was so unique compared to the rest of the New 52.  Unfortunately, unique usually equals cancelled in this day and age.  I don't think I like this day and age!


Superman #37 Preview

Written by: GEOFF JOHNS
Art by: JOHN ROMITA, JR.
Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 24, 2014


Can there be peace and good will toward people without a price? Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. serve up some holiday shocks as they answer this question and more in this the penultimate chapter of “MEN OF TOMORROW”! And be warned – some significant changes are in store for the Man of Steel to ring in the New Year!


Grayson Annual #1 Preview

Written by: Tom King, Tim Seeley
Art by: Stephen Mooney
Cover Price: $4.99

Release Date: December 24, 2014

At last – it’s the secret origin of Helena Bertinelli!

That is one really short solicit.  Did they have to say "secret origin"?  I mean it worked so well in the other book that's coming out on the same exact day with a Grayson secret origin in it so why not.  Snotty attitude aside, I am really interested in this issue.  Why?  Because I'm a big fan of Grayson.  I want to see what Tom King and Tim Seeley have in store and I am already in love with Mikel Janin's awesome cover.

Secret Origins #8 Preview

Written by: Ann Nocenti, Jeff Lemire, Tom King, Tim Seeley
Art by: Stephen Mooney, Cliff Richards, Travel Foreman
Cover Price: $4.99

Release Date: December 24, 2014


Three more stars of the DC Universe shine as their origin stories are revealed! Don’t miss the DC Comics – The New 52 origins of Grayson by Tim Seeley, Tom King and Stephen Mooney; Animal Man by Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman; and Katana by Ann Nocenti Cliff Richards!

It was recently announced that this book was canceled and it can't be that big of a surprise to anyone.  "Secret" Origins...Really?!?  That said, this one might be my favorite lineup so far.  Grayson is great, but I can't wait for the Lemire/Foreman Animal Man.  What, there's also a Katana origin by Ann Nocenti?  Like Meatloaf sang, two outta three ain't bad.


Sunday, December 21, 2014

Fables: The Wolf Among Us #2 Review

Written by: Dave Justus and Matthew Sturges
Art by: Shawn McManus
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014

Story Time


The first issue of Fables: The Wolf Among Us was my introduction into the Fables Universe.  Even though I had never read a Fables comic or played the video game this series is based on, I really enjoyed it.  Dave Justus and Matthew Sturges did a great job of introducing the  Fables characters and setting that I felt right at home from the get go.  I couldn't wait to read the continuation of Bigby Wolf's story and I'm glad to say that this second issue is just as impressive as the first.  It may feature fairy tale characters, but this is one of the best mature titles in the DC stable right now.

Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #29 Review

Written by: Dan Abnett
Art by: Eduardo Francisco
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: December 14, 2014

The Quest For Peace...Sort Of


Last issue of Infinite Crisis involved an issue long fight between Batman, Superman and Alexander Luthor on the Gaslight Earth. I actually enjoyed it and it ended with Hawkgirl showing up ready to kick some Luthor ass.  Pretty cool.  It hasn't happened much with this book, but I was looking forward to this issue.  I shouldn't have put down my guard because Dan Abnett returned to form and hit me with a right cross.  What I meant by that awful metaphor was that this issue was not good.  Not good at all.

Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #19 Review

Written by: Amy Chu
Art by: Bernard Chang
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: December 18, 2014

Rescue Angel


Sensation Comics has been a consistently good book week after week.  It gives writers a chance to tell their own Wonder Woman stories free of continuity restrictions.  We've gotten stories of inspiration, fun little romps and a trip to Apokolips among others. This week we get a one-shot by Amy Chu that may be a little too "real" for my tastes, but fits well into the pages of this series.

Legends of the Dark Knight #82 Review

Written by: Ron Marz
Art by: Derec Donovan
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: December 19, 2014

(never)More


Before I get into the meat of this review, I'd like to talk a little about reviewing digital comics.  Being a huge fan and supporter of DC's digital line, I try my best to review each chapter as it comes out.  While each chapter is only around ten pages, I usually can give it a score that I'm satisfied with.  However, there are times when not enough happens to give it an accurate score.  Of course, I could just bash it for that, but when that same chapter feels like it will play well when the it is collected with the others for print, I find myself in a bit of a dilemma.  This chapter is one of those situations.

Batwoman #37 Review

Written by: Marc Andreyko
Art by: Georges Jeanty
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014

Rhyme Thyme


I don't like being the Harbinger of Doom, but a month ago I pleaded with people to support this book.  I know that in the whole scheme of things, my effort was to little (even microscopic) and also very late, but I point it out to show you how much I like this book.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'm sorry to tell you that Batwoman has been canceled.  This story arc and the book will end in March.  Andreyko and company better get going because after this month, we don't seem any closer to Batwoman in Space.

Catwoman #37 Review

Written by: Genevieve Valentine
Art by: Gary Brown
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014

Dirty Soul


If you aren't aware, I became a fan of the new Catwoman last month.  Yep, it took me two issues to join in on Genevieve Valentine's vision of pant suit Selina, the Crime Boss.  A couple of things sealed the deal, but mainly it's Selina, herself.  She is smart and savvy and watching her take control of the Gotham Underworld is a joy for any Catwoman fan.  After Valentine's first issue on Catwoman, I explained that I wanted a fun Catwoman book.  Well, this month's issue of Catwoman is not fun at all.  It's awesome.

Supergirl #37 Review

Written by: K. Perkins and Mike Johnson
Art by: Emanuela Lapacchino
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 17, 2014

Does Barry Manilow Know...


This month continues the Crucible story, but really this is the beginning for me.  We get to see what's going on and so far, I love it.  I had high hopes that this would be The Breakfast Club...in space...with superheroes and low and behold, it kind of is.  It's also a bit of Ender's Game, Harry Potter, Facts of Life, Silver Spoons, F-Troop, Laverne and Shirley, Bosom Buddies, Alf...wait, I got a little off track there.  Let's talk a little Supergirl.

DC Comics Best Covers of the Week 12/20/14



It's that time of week again, the time where I look at all the DC comic book covers and figure out which ones tickle my fancy. This week was a bit harder than usual because there were so many great covers, I have been busy buying Christmas presents, I've been sick and we are preparing to record our first podcast.  Actually, this will be our second attempt, but the first one ended up on the cutting room floor due to technical problems.  I'm a big fat liar...it sucked.  It sucked hard.  We are recording the new one tonight and no matter how it turn out, it's going up.  What does this have to do with comic book covers? Nothing at all.  This week's covers have Batman, Shazam, Catwoman, more Batman and even more Shazam.  Enjoy.



Saturday, December 20, 2014

Deathstroke #3 Preview

Written by: Tony S. Daniel
Art by: Tony S. Daniel
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014


Deathstroke’s taking bigger and bolder risks as the hunt for his stolen memories continues. Slade will be pushed to the edge to achieve his goal, but will he ultimately be undone by executing his way to the truth?


Deathstroke's "hotness" may be dying down a bit, but Tony Daniel is still nailing it.  I am a fan of the controversial "change" in Slade and I love Daniel's art.  I was a little nervous with the missing memory angle and thankfully, Daniel never gave us the "stare at gun and/or hands after somehow killing 12 assassins without knowing it" moment that so many stories give us.  My favorite of those is not The Long Kiss Goodnight because it is Total Recall.  Don't f*** with your brain pal, it ain't worth it!  Right you are Harry, right you are.  Enjoy the preview.

Gotham By Midnight #2 Preview

Written By: Ray Fawkes
Art By: Ben Templesmith
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 24, 2014




Internal Affairs Agent Rook is learning the Midnight Shift really does have the hard cases – and Jim Corrigan may not be able to bail him out. At least, not without some divine intervention! But can Corrigan risk letting loose the wrath of God, especially against a departed sister?


Even though I'm normally a naysayer with this type of art............ I just usually don't like it, get off my back.  I have to say that it really suited this book and I can get behind it.  I'm looking forward to this issue to see some of the other characters in this series get fleshed out so that they feel like more than background filler. Also I really want to see what Agent Rook will tell his superiors about what goes down at Precinct 13.