Saturday, July 18, 2015

Justice League 3001 #2 Preview

Written by: J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen
Art by: Howard Porter and Hi-Fi
Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: July 22, 2015

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s...Supergirl? Aww, for crying out loud, we were promised that someone would rein these guys in. Supergirl? Really? Trust us...it’s actually pretty cool.

This book is like a Mad Magazine parody of the Justice League and yes, that is an awesome thing.  It almost seems unfair to add another great character to the mix, but I can't wait to see what Giffen and DeMatteis do with Supergirl.  I just hope that she doesn't get turned into a man!  The Internet might explode and implode at the same time and then explode again!  Please Guys, don't do it.  With so much controversy going on, I'm already losing track of what I care about.  It's a good thing I have Twitter and Tumblr to remind me.  One thing I do know...Everybody should be reading this book so grab a copy on Wednesday!

Justice League: Gods and Monsters #2 Review

Written by: J.M. DeMatteis and Bruce Timm
Art by: Thony Silas and Tony Avina
Cover price: $0.99
Release Date: July 11, 2015

Extra! Extra!


The first issue of Justice League: Gods and Monsters was a great setup for what's to come.  We got a peek at the awesome Forever People and their eccentric creator, Jackson Alpert and caught up with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.  Some time had passed since the individual origin stories that preceded this bit of the story, but J.M. DeMatteis did a great job of catching everyone up quickly and seamlessly.  These aren't the Trinity we are used to and the world they live in treat them accordingly.  We are still a ways from the formation of the Justice League and I'm intrigued with how DeMatteis is going to bring such diverse characters together and how he will make us even like such a dark collection.  This issue begins the process as we see more of this interesting world and it's flawed heroes.  Does that make it good?  Let's find out...

Friday, July 17, 2015

Batman: Arkham Knight #22 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Ig Guara, Juan Ferreira and Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: July 17, 2016

Fill Er Up


I don't know how many times I can tell anyone who will listen that I love this book.  Well. this is the twenty second chapter so for now we will go with twenty two.  Peter J. Tomasi's story has been great throughout and the art of Viktor Bogdanovic and Ig Guara has been really good as well.  A true testament to the quality of this book is how compelling it has been even after the game it's a prequel to was released.  That's right, even with ninety-nine percent of fans knowing the who, what and how of the Arkham Knight, this book is still a great read.  It's all about the characters and the last couple of issues have had the Suicide Squad and it's been awesome.  Does that continue this week...the Squad and the awesomeness?  Let's find out...

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Justice League: Gods and Monsters - Wonder Woman #3 Review

Written by: J.M. DeMatteis and Bruce Timm
Art by: Rick Leonardi
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: July 9, 2015

Try and Love One Another Right Now


If you've been reading my reviews of all the Gods and Monsters books, you'll know that I am a big fan.  It's been a lot of fun seeing these alternate origins of the Trinity as they make their way from humble beginnings to the Justice League.  For Wonder Woman, J.M. DeMatteis has given us a trek through time with Bekka, a New God, in search of herself in a world she is still trying to understand. Along the way, she has met some good people and some villains (including Doctor Pyscho last issue) and I've enjoyed seeing it all.  Now we are here at the finale of Wonder Woman's origin story and then it's off to the main book.  Is it another great issue or just a speed bump on the road to the formation of the Justice League?  Let's find out...

Martian Manhunter #2 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Rob Williams
Art By: Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Gabe Eltaeb
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015


"C" Is For Cookie, It's Also For Courageous


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

You know what the first issue of Martian Manhunter was?  It was solid.  Now I'm not going to lie to you and say that is was amazing, spectacular or you'll pay for the seat, but you'll only need the edge.  What I will tell you is that it really set up an interesting story that got me really interested in a Martian Manhunter solo book that I've been a naysayer about whenever the subject was brought up.  So yeah, I'm interested and Rob Williams is definitely someone I trust to rock this title, especially after he set up a world wide terrorist attack being perpetrated by disguised White Martians and speculating that J'onn J'onzz has one of hell of a Secret Origin.  We've always known J'onn as the last Martian, but in the pages of this book we find out that he's more than that, he's also a weapon.  Let's get into this story and find out more about the White Martian attack and the strange character of Mr. Biscuits.  Let's check it out.

Doomed #2 Review

Written by: Scott Lobdell
Art by: Javier Fernandez
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015

Banana in the Tailpipe


While I am still settling in with this whole "DC You" thing, there are already a couple of books that have been pleasant surprises...Black Canary, Omega Men, Section Eight and this book, Doomed.  In fact, Doomed may be the biggest surprise of them all.  Coming out of an event many didn't care for and introducing a brand new character does not seem like a recipe for success, but hey, weirder things have happened.  It doesn't hurt that Scott Lobdell is giving us a book that is fresh, fun and the closest thing to a Spiderman book that DC fans may ever get.  I have been hooked since the sneak peek and while last month's premier issue was a small step backward, I still have hope for this book going forward.  Does this issue start the good times engine up and race down kick ass street?  Let's find out...

Doctor Fate #2 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Paul Levitz
Art By: Sonny Liew, Lee Loughridge
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015


Worst Hero Ever?


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Is it our fate to read this?  Well, is it my fate?  There I was, all excited when the books for June were announced and wasting no time, I quickly pounced on the Doctor Fate title to review because I thought it would be a solo book of the Earth-2 Doctor Fate and from where we left that character at the end of the Earth-2 series, I was dying to find out more.......... Maybe I should have stayed my hand a little.  First off, this wasn't going to be a book about that Doctor Fate and secondly, it was going to be written by Paul Levitz.  Yeah, I hate to come down on creators because they're my own personal rock stars, but nothing that Paul Levitz gave us during the New 52 was worthwhile and for the most part, all he did was ruin the characters that I love.  In the previous issue of Doctor Fate, we saw young Med School student Khalid Nelson....... named Khalid Nassour for this issue, get all Fated up when he was chosen to protect the world from Anubis by the Goddess Bastet.  Well, all that happened was Khalid flew on top of a monument and got stuck and Anubis took his frustrations out on Bastet choosing a vessel for Fate by dropping a tree on Khalid's father's taxi.  Hopefully we get more from this issue and I can stop being such a Negative Nancy and get on board the Doctor Fate trolley.  Let's check it out.

Happy Birthday Weird Science!



That's right, we're two years old today and we'd like to thank all of you out there that have enjoyed and supported what we've been doing here.  We've had a bunch of ups and downs since we started with Jim and Eric's Comic Book Blog, where we posted things like "Eric's Shirt of The Day" and "Mixed Drinks or Rob Liefeld Characters", but for all of it we've had a great time in growing and perfecting our ridiculous style that I can't even consider calling a craft.  We just hope that we're bringing all of you out there in interwebs land something different than what you're used to in Reviews, News, Articles and Podcasts.  We hope to continue growing and evolving as we look forward to many more birthdays and we hope all of you Weirdos out there are along for the ride.  Thank you all for taking the time to check out some nonsense!

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Green Lantern: Lost Army #2 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Cullen Bunn
Art By: Jesus Saiz
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015

Light It Up


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

As we've all seen in our regular Green Lantern title, The Green Lantern Corps has been wiped out, but apparently a few of our ring slingers have survived....... or possibly all of them.  All I know at this point is that John Stewart, Arisia, Kilowog, Two-Six, Xrill-Vrek and Guy Gardner woke up in a strange world where they were confronted by energy blobs that hated their jerk off faces and they found a young Krona who hasn't yet become a tiny man who is hell bent on the destruction of the Universe.  Not a bad plot, but the execution wasn't for me because the majority of that issue was just the GL's fighting floating blobs in panels devoid of backgrounds.  The coolest part of the book was seeing that Guy Gardner for some reason woke up in this strange place rocking a Green Lantern ring and a Red Lantern ring, giving him a Christmas theme to his outfit.  As our story ended, Krona led our GL's to a energy source he believed could replenish their rings, but when we finally saw it, it was a big red pyramid and I don't care who you are, you never trust a big red pyramid.  Let's check out this issue and see if we get anymore info on what this series wants to be, except cryptic.

Robin: Son of Batman #2 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Patrick Gleason
Art By: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, John Kalisz, Jeremy Cox
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015


Nobody Will Help You


Damian is on a mission to redeem himself from his Year of Blood that his mother and grandfather put him through before his time with Batman.......... and apparently that includes a big ass bat monster named Goliath.  Yeah, that's right.  Damian has a big ass bat monster, deal with it.  In our previous issue, Damian was dealing with what he once was and trying to find a way to put his past where it belongs and after facing his trophy room from that year of his life, he sets out to make things right........well, as much as he can.  There was a lot of murder involved in that year and I don't think that Damian has a bunch of Chaos Shards laying around to bring them back the way he was.  If that wasn't enough story for you, we also had the daughter of Nobody find the remains of her father in the Gotham Harbor and swear vengeance against the Boy Wonder who killed him.  Let's get into this issue and see Damian's Quest For Peace......... Well, inner-peace at least.

Superman/Wonder Woman #19 Review

Written by: Peter Tomasi
Art by: Doug Mahnke
Cover price: $3.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015

Every Step You Take


I have not been a fan of the "Truth" story so far.  The main reason is that it is a crossover event that doesn't feel like a crossover event.  While I thought that I'd like that each book is telling it's own story, the reality of it has me confused at times.  I keep asking the when, where and how questions when it comes to Clark's identity and powers and while I  usually sort things out eventually, I really shouldn't have too.  My guess is that when the whole story is done and collected in trade, things will make more sense and thus be a better experience.  That being said, I have to review these issues individually and Superman/Wonder Woman is my favorite book of the bunch.  Last issue ended with Clark and Diana face-to-face with the Suicide Squad and while it felt a little silly, at least it promised some crazy action.  Was that promise fulfilled?  Is this issue a step in the right direction for the entire Truth story?  Will I stop asking questions and get on with my review?  Yes, Yes and Yes.

Justice League #42 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Jason Fabok, Brad Anderson

Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015


Dibs On The Chair!


*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

It's time to get back into the Darkseid War as we find out what our heroes are going to have to go up against.  In the last issue we saw Grail turn Flash into a Motherbox and literally crawl out of Barry's mouth........which I'm still having nightmares about and then Grail proceeded in kicking the ever lovin' shit out of the rest of our heroes.  Too bad we didn't have Superman handy there, he might have shown Grail a thing or two, but ole Supes was too busy getting boom tubed to Apokolips by Lex's crazy ass wheelchaired sister Lena.  Yeah, it turns out that Lena was the one who put the hit out on Lex and after not getting any satisfaction, she just went and shot him herself.  If that wasn't enough for you, Mister Miracle was getting his ass handed to him left and right before accidentally coming across Grail's mother Myrina Black and The Anti-Monitor has finally come to Earth and you know that can't be good for anyone.  Yes, it was a jam packed issue and hopefully we'll get some breathing room in between having our minds blown in this second part to the Darkseid War.  Let's check it out.

Star Trek/Green Lantern: The Spectrum War #1 Review

Written by: Mike Johnson
Art by: Angel Hernandez
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 8, 2015 
Publisher: IDW Publishing 


The Crossover Event of 2015!



Being a geek is great sometimes.  The amount of worlds and characters that have been created and expanded upon by many great minds over the years is mind-boggling.  Having a strong imagination often leads to crossovers you'd love to see happen. Most of the time, they don't (see Chucky vs. Leprechaun). Sometimes, however, the geek gods smile down on us and grant us a true gift...I'd say Star Trek/Green Lantern: The Spectrum War is indeed a gift. 

The Flash: Season Zero #12 Review

Written by: Kai Wu & Lauren Certo
Art by: Phil Hester
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: February 9, 2015

Shark Bait (...Ooh ah ah)

Living in the universe of DC Comics has to be fun and being a member of any of their police forces has to be even more fun. The variations and randomness of the criminals who pop up can be daunting, but at the end of the day it really keeps you on your toes.

Take for instance Coast City PD. Most of the time, they're out catching your regular Joe Chill's and and maybe the occasional Trickster...but now and again a Metahuman pops up, and that really ruins your day. But what do you do when you find yourself faced with a Meta-animal?

Make Jaws jokes, of course!

There's no way that you can have a story starring King Shark and not get at least one Jaws reference in there at some point. In that regard, Kai Wu and Lauren Certo don't disappoint. They also show off a surprising amount of humor in this issue as well, and that surprised me. Up to this point, The Flash: Season Zero has felt like a more serious title, attempting to stay true to the TV universe. Last issue, I pointed out that the book was feeling more campy and comic-booky; this week it's a straight up laugh riot and I'm okay with that.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Black Canary #2 Review

Written by: Brenden Fletcher
Art by: Annie Wu and Lee Loughridge
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015

On a Mission from God


Last month's premier issue of Black Canary was one of the most pleasant surprises I've had in a long time.  It may seem like I am being over dramatic, but I do live a very boring life and Black Canary #1 kicked ass.  Who would have thought that putting Dinah in a touring rock band would result in the best Black Canary book in years?  Brenden Fletcher, that's who.  I can only imagine the looks and snickers he got when pitching the book, but thank the gods DC listened because after one issue, I'm one of the converted.  Throw in Annie Wu's excellent punk rock poster come to life art and this book is climbing the charts that I used to call my pull list.  Of course, one issue does not a series make, so after reading this issue am I still as high on Canary as last month?  Let's find out.

Injustice: Year Four #11 Review

Written by: Brian Buccellato
Art by: Mike S. Miller
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: July 14, 2015

Ultimatums 


I enjoyed last issue of Injustice and that is as rousing a review you'll get from me since I really haven't enjoyed much from this series lately.  The "Year of the Gods" has been far from inspirational and has left me praying for something good to happen.  It finally did last week with an all out battle royal between heroes and deities and ended with a pretty cool lineup of Olympian all-stars showing up to stop Superman's reign dead in it's tracks.  Was the promise of finally getting some kick ass "Year of the Gods" action fulfilled, or is it another example of wrong pew, wrong church...wrong everything.  Let's find out.

Martian Manhunter #2 Preview

Written By: Rob Williams
Art By: Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira
Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: July 15, 2015


It’s the Man of Steel versus the Martian Manhunter as Superman demands to know what J’onn J’onnz knew about the Martians’ terrible plans for Earth.

The first issue of this series really got me interested and now with J'onn going up against Superman........ who is terribly outmatched due to him being depowered, this should be an awesome issue.......... Plus, I need more Mr. Biscuits in my life.

Justice League #42 Preview

Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Jason Fabok
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015


The epic “Darkseid War” event storyline continues with the critically acclaimed team of Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok! As Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor maneuver toward inevitable war, Wonder Woman leads the Justice League against a force that holds the answers on how to stop it – but the price might be Batman’s soul! Meanwhile, Mister Miracle faces off against a mysterious hero who has been fighting in the shadows for decades!

It's Darkseid Vs. The Anti-Monitor....... nuff said.  We're still getting started with this epic story, but after watching the entire Justice League get their asses kicked by Grail in the previous issue, I can't wait to see our favorite heroes get some payback...........if they can.  Can't wait to read this issue.

Black Canary #2 Preview

Written by: Brenden Fletcher
Art by: Annie Wu and Lee Loughridge
Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: July 14, 2015

In the wake of their first major fight, Dinah’s realized that her new bandmates are completely unprepared to keep themselves alive in a scrap…so it’s time for a training montage! (Cue the squealing guitars!) Plus: Who is Bo Maeve, and why does she hate Black Canary so much?

I don't know about you, but I loved the first issue of Black Canary.  The alt-rock vibe was so good and while I thought it was a crazy way to get Canary back on the scene, I stand corrected.  This preview has a High Plains Drifter meets Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas kind of feel and that's just fine with me.  I can't wait to read the issue!

Justice League: Gods and Monsters - Wonder Woman #2 Review

Written by: J.M. DeMatteis and Bruce Timm
Art by: Rick Leonardi and Allen Passalaqua
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: July 8, 2015


The Doors of Perception


Before I get going, I have to blow off some steam on this series' daily release schedule.  You're killing me guys!  Sure, you all have to put out a little bit of effort with the writing a drawing part, but damn, you are making me work like a dog and for what?  Actually, what I've been getting for my efforts is reading and reviewing one of the better, if not most fun, digital titles I've read in a long time.  If you've followed our little site then you know that I am big on the DC Digital First line, so that is one of the biggest compliments I can give out.  Enough about me and my workload, let's get on with the review of Gods and Monsters - Wonder Woman #2.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Puppet Master #2 Review and *SPOILERS*


Alright, let's get back to the book that is based on one of my favorite horror series of all time....... Puppet Master!  Woo!  Yeah!  You bastards better be as excited about this as I am...... how about a little excited?  Don't worry you'll get there eventually.  Anyway, it's Just For The Hell of It Mondays, where I've become obsessed with looking at horror comics new and old because as much as we love DC Comics, it's okay to love other things as well....... and this is the only time where I would be able to review a horror comic on this site.  You're right, this totally needs to become a horror site.  Maybe with a little proddin' and a pushin' we'll be able to get Jim on board.  Okay, let's check out Puppet Master #2.

Green Lantern: Lost Army #2 Preview

Written By: Cullen Bunn
Art By: Jesus Saiz
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015


John Stewart and a small group of Green Lanterns find themselves lost and far from home! Now, they’re going to have to team up with one of their greatest enemies to find a way back where they belong.

Unless the GL's are teaming up with another of their greatest enemies, this really should have been the solicit for the first issue.  Hopefully though, we get some serious information in this issue because after reading last month's first issue, I can't say that I'm looking forward to this.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Justice League: Gods and Monsters - Superman #3 Review

Written by: J.M. DeMatteis and Bruce Timm
Art by: Moritat
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: July 6, 2015

Dark Beginning


I knew it would happen and it did, the daily release of Justice League: Gods and Monsters got to me and I now find myself way behind in my reviews.  That has nothing to do with the quality of the series which has been so good.  No, it's all about my pile of books to review, a podcast to record and edit (that you can listen to HERE) and my eternal struggle with extreme laziness.  That ends now.  I am going to try to catch up with the series this week, starting with this issue...Justice League: Gods and Monsters - Superman #3.  The first two issues of this alt Superman origin story haven't been as dark as the preceding Batman story, but they are making up ground quick and I have liked this story even more than the first.  Does this finale continue the trend?  Let's find out...

Weird Science DC Comics Podcast Episode 27: San Diego Comic Con, Batman and Superman


Jim and Eric hunker down with a slew of San Diego Comic Con news and announcements, read listener mail and review most of this week's DC Comic releases.  They also talk about Axel Rose and sucker MC's and are joined, as usual, by Ryan Clark and Dan Stransky.