Saturday, June 6, 2015

Lobo #7 Review

Written by: Cullen Bunn
Art by: Cliff Richards and Mike Atiyeh
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015

Same Old Song and Dance


I know that a bunch of you guys out there reading this review were pissed off when the Convergence event interrupted your regularly scheduled books.  I know because I'm right there with you and while I am not a small town pizza lawyer (yet!), I am a man of the people.  As such, I also think I understand a bit of what's up DC's sleeve.  Now that Convergence is over, everyone is salivating for their books with a fervor the likes of which I haven't seen since that New Coke/Coke Classic fiasco in the 80's.  The "vacation" also setup a great opportunity to release some new books, but also change and retool the returning ones.  Seriously, it's pretty damn exciting for fans of this new "DC You". And then there was Lobo.  Cullen Bunn's revamped version of the Main Man has only been around a half a year, but after six issues. it had already become pretty stale.  So, did Bunn use this two month Convergence vacation to come back with a bang or is it business as usual for the Last Czarnian?  Let's find out...


Green Arrow #41 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Ben Percy
Art By: Patrick Zircher, Gabe Eltaeb
Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: June 3, 2015


Night Moves


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

We saw in the Green Arrow sneak peek that after Oliver Queen took down John King in the last story arc, he decided that he needed to find himself and after traveling to Alaska, where he drank booze that a dead man was floating in, which personally sounds like quite a wake up call that the life you're living isn't exactly the best one and thankfully, Oliver decided that too and returned to Seattle to help his sister take on the threats to the city.  So now it's a whole new creative team taking on the Emerald Archer, let's see what they have in store for us with this all new direction and look for our hero.  Let's check it out.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Batman: Arkham Knight #16 Review

Written by: Peter Tomasi
Art by: Ig Guara, Julio Ferreira and Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: June 5, 2015

A(rkham) K(night) A(ction)


I have really enjoyed Batman: Arkham Knight from the first issue on.  While we haven't gotten much of the character the book is named for, we have seen a bunch of cool guest stars jump in and out of the story.  Barbara Gordon, Tim Drake and Harley Quinn are a few that come to mind right away, but there have been more...like Bane.  If you are a fan of the big brute, this current arc should be a dream come true.  I am and it is.  We've watched Bane go from a mysterious prisoner to beating the crap out of the Bat and it's all just getting started.  I don't want to spoil too much in this introduction, but we get even more Bane this week, but we also get another cool villain entering the fray and get this...we get some major Arkham Knight action.  That's right, Arkham. Knight. Action.

Top 5 Fridays: Best Convergence Tie Ins


After a long two months, Convergence is over and we finally get back on track to the regular and new comics. The event itself was kind of 'meh', especially with the tie ins. A good chunk of them had all the potential in the world, but kind of fell flat due to the time constraints of two issues. That being said, on today's Top 5 Fridays, I'm going over what I think were the best tie ins to the event. Keep in mind, this is my opinion, so if you saw one you didn't like, don't yell at me in the comments. ENOUGH RAMBLING LETS BEGIN!

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Bat-Mite #1 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Dan Jurgens
Art By: Corin Howell, Andres Ponce, Mike Atiyeh
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015


The Might of Mite


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

The new DC You is underway and with it one of the first rounds of our out of continuity six issue minis and it looks like we're in for a treat............even though I'm usually a stickler for continuity, but what the hey, I'll go with it and dive into one of those funny books the kids are all talking about and read the adventure of Bat-Mite.  You know, that little imp from the 5th Dimension, who's Batman's biggest fan and makes our Dark Knight's life a living hell because of it.  Yeah, that Bat-Mite and here we'll explore what this little annoyance is doing in the DC You.......... Man, I hate that.  It's like when Sci-Fi became Syfy.......... Nonsense.  Anyway, let's check out Bat-Mite!

Omega Men #1 Review

Written by: Tom King
Art by: Barnaby Bagenda and Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015

Revelations 


The Omega Men may not be new, but the hype for them is.  I am a fan of Tom King, but I have to admit, if DC didn't release the sneak peek for this book, it would have probably been off my radar completely.  Of course, that's not here nor there because the preview was released and I'm sure my interest wasn't the only one it grabbed.  For those who didn't read it, the Omega Men killed Kyle Rayner in it.  You heard me right...killed Kyle Rayner.  While it was a little too Isis for me when I first read it, seeing and then thinking about it had me intrigued and excited for this book.  Was the wait worth it and did it live up to the hype?  Let's find out.

Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles Trailer

About a year ago, DC announced that there would be a newer, darker Justice League animated series would be premiering on Machinima. This would later be revealed as being a build up to the next DC Animated Movie; Justice League: Gods and Monsters. This miniseries, along with comics coming in July, will help build the setting to this new world that spawned from the creative mind of Bruce Timm.A few hours ago, Machinima has released the trailer for the series, showing us glimpses of the action and characters to come. ENOUGH RAMBLING, lets check it out!

Wonder Woman Annual #1 Review

Written by: Meredith Finch
Art by: David Finch and Goran Sudzuka
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: June 4, 2015

Two for None


This Annual serves as the end to the War-Torn story and I hate to say it, but it's been just "meh".  Meredith Finch has worked hard at making the book her own by opening Wonder Woman's world to include the Justice League while continuing her ties to Themyscira and Olympus.  I appreciate the effort, I just haven't always been able to recommend the results.  Like I said, this ends her (and David Finch's) first major arc, but also ends my reviewing of this book.  Yep, after twenty some reviews, I am handing Wonder Woman over to Eric to review.  So, with a (kind of) heavy heart, here is my last review for Wonder Woman...

Green Lantern #41 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Robert Venditti
Art By: Billy Tan, Mark Irwin, Alex Sinclair, Tony Avina
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015


Careless Whisper


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

It's time for the all new, all different Green Lantern!........ Well, maybe that's overstating, but Hal Jordan has certainly gone through some changes since the last time we saw him.  After taking on the role of "bad guy" so that the Corps could save face in the Universe, Hal Jordan has decided that he really dug Guy Gardner's long hair look and apparently took it on himself........ Yeah, there's cooler things to talk about besides his hair, but man did seeing Hal with these long flowing locks really make me do a double-take.  Anyway, Hal's now a renegade and one of the most wanted men in the Universe and with him sporting Krona's Gauntlet, it doesn't seem like anyone's going to be bringing him into custody anytime soon.  This is the new status quo for Green Lantern, let's see what Venditti has going on with it and if it will live up to that bad ass Sneak Peek we saw a few weeks ago.  Let's check it out.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Fanboy Theories: The Strongest Hero In The New 52 Continuity


The Ultimate Hero

The New 52 has officially ended with the conclusion of the Convergence Event. During the 4 years we've had this continuity, we have gone through many different story lines that have essentially changed the status quo of the heroes and villains of the DC Universe.  Story lines of the Bat Family traveling to Apokolips to save Damian, Superman becoming a Doomsday/Superman hybrid, Wonder Woman becoming the God of War, Lanterns fighting the New Gods themselves, etc.  This has effectively either given rise to certain powers of superheroes, but also weakening others. After reading the first preview of the Superman: Truth story line for the new DC YOU line, it made me think, "Who was the strongest hero in the New 52 years?"  I thought on it, and looked back at different issues and collected editions. I looked I've come to the conclusion that the Strongest Hero of the New 52 is...


Batman Beyond #1 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Dan Jurgens
Art By: Bernard Chang, Marcelo Maiolo
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015


Back To The Future


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

We've seen it all and done it all.  We've traveled to Five Years From Now and even Thirty Five Years From Now, We've crossed the bleed and watched a world die, only to see it be reborn from a Convergence and you know what?  It's all led to this.  That's right, Batman Beyond in all it's former glory is presented anew as Tim Drake was hurtled into a future that shouldn't have been and here we see what he's going to do to change it.  Man, that was pretty serious, wasn't it?  We continue our tale from where Futures End left off and for all my bitching and complaining, this is the future we get and now we get to see what actual changes Tim made by preventing the Earth-2 refugees from coming to Earth-0.  It's a brave new world and hopefully, it's one we'll enjoy.  Let's check it out.

Justice League #41 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Jason Fabok, Brad Anderson
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015


Bad Times Ahead 


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Convergence is over and that means that it's time to get into the Darkseid War!  That's right a big ass battle is ahead, in one corner our favorite ruler of Apokolips: Darkseid and in the other that destroyer of worlds himself: The Anti-Monitor........ Yeah, all of creation is screwed.  In case you didn't read the Free Comic Book Day story Divergence, let me just que you in on what's been going down in DC.  We've got a great big.....big bad, calling herself Darkseid's Daughter aka Grail and it seems like she has some "daddy" issues going on because she's allied herself with the Anti-Monitor.......... Oh and her mother was an Amazon..... that might be helpful to know later in the series..........Maybe.  Anyway, all the terrible things that could lead to a war of this magnitude have come together and now it's up to our heroes to hopefully catch up and stop these threats before all is lost.  Okay, let's check out the beginning of The Darkseid War and see what's in store for us.  

Midnighter #1 Review

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: ACO, Hugo Petrus and Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015

After Midnight(er)


After reading this issue, I wish I could tell you all that I have a long and storied past with Midnighter. As it turns out, his brief (but awesome) guest spot in Grayson and my brief foray into Stormwatch are all I've got, but in the end, that's just fine.  In fact, Steve Orlando makes sure that everyone gets up to speed (after a few readings perhaps) with a story that's action packed and intriguing with enough in-jokes and name drops that old hats can enjoy it on their own lucky level.  In fact, I'm sure there are some things that I missed, but that's no problem because what I "got" was all good.  I know that doting on a book in the introduction paragraph kind of spoils the review a bit, but who cares...it's my site and I'll dote if I want too.

Bizarro #1 Review

Written by: Heath Corson
Art by: Gustavo Duarte, Bill Sienkiewicz and Pete Pantazis
Cover Price: $2,99
Release Date: June 3, 2015

Road to Canada


If you have been reading my reviews or listening to our podcast (lastest episode Here!!!), then you should know that I am a huge Bizarro fan.  However, I think I should clarify that a bit.  I am not a fan of Bizarro as a villain as much as a fan of the misunderstood, bighearted galoot that we get now and again and are getting here.  After reading the sneak peek for this book (read it now if you haven't), I was pretty sure I was going to enjoy this six issue mini.  Was I right on...or as Bizarro would say, "Wrong Off"?  Let's find out (and I promise no more Bizarro talk)...

Action Comics #41 Review

Written by: Gre Pak
Art by: Aaron Kuder, Tomeu Morey and Hi-Fi
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015

The Truth is Out There


Convergence is over, the New 52 is dead and buried and Dan Didio, Geoff Johns and the gang at DC have unpacked the U-Hauls in California.  The DC You is upon on us and while I'll admit that I'm still not sure what that really means, things are certainly different.  While the Batman books may take the prize for biggest shakeup, the Superman side of things is running a close second.  When his new "costume" was first announced, the internet cried out, but little did anyone know that was just the tip of the iceberg.  Superman has been losing his powers since he dabbled with that damn Solar Flare power and then the Free Comic Book Day Superman story set up the change that rocked the world...well, at least the world of Superman's fans.  Superman's identity has been revealed.  Since then, the sneak peeks have shown the Fortress of Solitude not recognize his DNA,  Mecha Batman fight him and Wonder Woman and him have a falling out.  Cha Cha Cha Changes!  If that's The Truth, I might want The Lie instead.  It's been a crazy couple of months leading to this, but now that it's here, has it been worth the wait?  Let's find out.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Injustice: Year Four #5 Review

Written by: Brian Buccellato
Art by: Bruno Redondo, Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: June 2, 2015

Get Up, Stand Up


Last week's Injustice got back to the old ultra violence and while that usually gets me going, it fell flat.  Maybe it was because Renee Montoya's crazy actions led to her own death or the characterizations throughout the book felt off, but most of the issue just left a bad taste in my mouth.  In fact, it was my least favorite issue of Injustice since Brian Buccellato took this book over.  However, it ended with Batman gathering his troops and Barbara Gordon reaching out to one of my favorite characters, Lex Luthor.  So, while I was disappointed, I was excited about this week's issue.  Did it turn my frown upside down?  Let's see...

Weird Thoughts: Week Four of DC Comics June Sneak Peeks

Convergence is over and it's now time to get back to what is now the DC You.  Or is it the DC Ewe?  I'm not sure, but I can't wait to jump headfirst into it and a big part of that is because of these sneak peeks.  I'd say these previews have been an emotional roller coaster of awesomeness, but I don't say things like that.  Instead, I will quote Dr. Emmett L. Brown and say, "Who do you think?  The Libyans!"  Right you are, Doc...right you are.  On with our thoughts on the Week Four Sneak Peeks...




Green Lantern #41 Preview

Written By: Robert Venditti
Art By: Billy Tan, Mark Irwin
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015


“Renegade”! Beginning a new chapter in Hal Jordan’s life as he becomes the universe’s most wanted outlaw! And wait till you meet Hal’s new partner, Darlene – she’s definitely not what you’re expecting!


Just when you thought it was safe to go back into space, BAM!  Lorenzo Lamas....... What?  It's not that Renegade?...... Okay...... BAM!  We're hit with a brand new and exciting take on the greatest Green Lantern of all time........ Yeah, I'm more of a Kyle fan, but I'll go with it because man does this story look interesting.  I can't wait to read this.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Action Comics #41 Preview

Written by: Greg Pak
Art by: Aaron Kuder
Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: June 3, 2015

The epic new storyline “TRUTH” begins! For Superman, there’s no more holding back!

I can't wait for this book to come out.  The Truth is out there and I want to read it now!  I have been a huge fan of Action Comics since Greg Pak took over and this preview tells me that the awesomeness ain't stopping any time soon.  Now that's the Truth!


Green Arrow #41 Preview

Written By: Ben Percy
Art By: Patrick Zircher
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015


Green Arrow returns to Seattle to find the city in chaos! What’s causing this destruction, and can Ollie stop it before it spreads beyond the city?


Since reading the Green Arrow Sneak Peek, I'd have to say that it looks like Ninjas have been causing the destruction of your city Ollie........ that's right Ninjas.  What kind of big brother are you, leaving your younger sister to fight off a city full of Ninjas?  So yeah, I expect we'll see Green Arrow fight some Ninjas....... Ninjas anyone?  

I was on the fence with the sneak peek because of Oliver's new look but I'm still looking forward to this title returning and am hoping for the best..............Ninjas.

Convergence: Plastic Man and The Freedom Fighters #2 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Simon Oliver
Art By: John McCrea, John Kalisz
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 27, 2015


Necessary Evil


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

In the first issue of this two-parter, we saw that our Freedom Fighters didn't really have that great of a time under the dome........ you know since their city is a Nazi occupied New York and our heroes were public enemy #1.  So yeah,  a year under Nazi rule and the Freedom Fighters had to stay underground, that is until Woozy Winks went and sold them out, forcing our heroes to face the gallows.  Luckily, right before they were to hang from their necks, the dome disappeared and it was time to kick a little Nazi ass........ That is before Future's End showed up and started wrecking up the joint.  Let's check this out and see if our heroes and their Nazi oppressors can work together for the greater good. 

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Gotham Academy #6 Review

Written by: Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher
Art by: Karl Kershl, Mingue Helen Chen, Msassyk and Serge Lapointe
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 25, 2015

A Croc of...Love


I'm not going to pretend that this review is anywhere near being on time.  Nope, no backdating going on here.  Not on my watch (which may or may not look like a Cylon...oh wait, not that kind of watch).  This review is over two months past due and for that, I apologize.  It started out as a protest, morphed into extreme laziness and then got buried under the avalanche that was the  Convergence Event.  With Convergence over, however, the excuses have to stop.  So without further ado, I present my review for Gotham Academy #6 and may God have mercy on your soul.


Batwoman Annual #2 Review

Written by: Marc Andreyko
Art by: Georges Jeanty, Yishan Li, Roberto Viacava and Ronan Cliquet, Karl Story, Dexter Vines and Guy Major
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: April 1, 2015

Sign of the Tymes


I am a big fan of both Marc Andreyko and Batwoman.  I know that for a bunch of people, those two don't go hand in hand, but seriously, Andreyko walked into a pretty sticky situation.  Like the Duke of Wellington once said, "Write and be damned", but what fans have to remember, if he didn't jump on this book, who knows what would have happened.  As it stands, I enjoyed his run and while this last arc hasn't been perfect, I applaud him for taking the book in a different direction.  This is of course the last issue of the series and with a sad heart I give you my review...

(note: I know this review is really late, but I hope you still enjoy it and don't give me too much crap for being lazy)




Weird Science DC Comics Podcast Episode 21: Small Wonder, Convergence and Kung Fury

After Eric sabotages the intro, the two get down to brass tacks and that involves talking about Kung
Fury and why Eric is a jerk, but he's Jim's jerk.  Of course, they talk about the Convergence finale and all the tie-ins that came out this week as well.  Dan adds his Geek News and Ryan talk about Fight Club 2 #1 (Electric Boogaloo). Come and enjoy the madness and check us out on iTunes, Stitcher, BeyondPod and all those podcast downloading thingees.