Weird Science DC Comics: 2017-02-05

Saturday, February 11, 2017

John Carter: The End #1 Review and Spoilers

Get Carter

Writer: Brian Wood

Art: Hayden Sherman, Chris O’Halloran and Tom Napolitano
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 8, 2017

***NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM***

When I received this review copy, I wasn’t very familiar with John Carter and solely decided to read this based on the cover art. Let’s see what John Carter has to offer a new reader like me.

Welcome to another exciting addition of Top 5 Fr-aturdays! If you're like me, you are all caught up with Legends of Tomorrow. On this week's episode, we watched our heroes had to deal with their former captain, Rip Hunter, going against them, and even trying kill them. While they were able to piece together that the Legion of Doom had brainwashed him, it's still left a painful feeling of being betrayed by one of the closest friends. It actually made me think about all the other heroes and villains that had betrayed their respective teams, so we're going to be talking about that today. These traitors are ranked by the severity of their betrayal, and how it impacts both in the story and emotionally. As always this is not an opinion based list, so if you don't see a character you like, I apologize. Enough talk! Let's dive into this list of turncoats!

Weird Science DC Comics Podcast Spotlight: JLA Rebirth #1

The Spotlight is on...JLA Rebirth #1! See what Jim and Eric thought about Steve Orlando's new series and much more. Maybe too much more! If you liked what you heard here, try out our weekly podcast where we talk at length about every book that DC released this week. It's long, it comes out on Sunday Night and it's fantabulous!

A Mixed Bag of Covers

Boy, was this a heck of a week for DC Comics, huh? They put out like a million-skillion books! And most of those books had open order variants, plus All-Star Batman #7 had two variants! So there was a lot to choose from...though to be frank, I struggled a bit to populate this list. But populate it I have, and so I present to you a definitive look at the five best DC Comics covers this week!

But first: A special nod to the variant cover for Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #14, which is an homage to Green Lantern v. 2 #61 (June, 1968) by Gil Kane. I love dialogue on covers, I love parodies, so I have to give this one its propers

DC DIALOGUE COVER SPECIAL MENTION

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #14 variant

Kevin Nowlan

by way of Green Lantern #61

Gil Kane

Weird Science Pop Culture Podcast Ep 2: Riverdale, Friday the 13th and Cookies

Jim and Eric get together to talk spoiler theories of Riverdale, Friday the 13th cancellation and what cookies they love. They also get into holograms and smelly rappers. Enjoy!

Did you ever, you know, try to REBOOT it?

Superwoman #7

Written By: Phil Jimenez

Art By: Matt Santorelli and Jack Herbert
Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: February 8, 2017

Finally, the conclusion of “Who Killed Superwoman?” is here and 7 issues later, it wasn’t worth it. This title can easily be canceled and I can’t see how DC is still pumping these out. Let’s vote with our wallet and drop this title. Maybe it will finally happen now that this “story” is done. Let’s take a look at the conclusion and see what happened.

‘Justice Ranger’ Batman’s No Good Very Bad Day

Written by:: Tom Taylor

Art by:Steven Byrne

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: February 8, 2017

We’re back for another round of crossover action as the Justice League and Power Rangers continue to mingle in the DC Universe with mixed results for both teams. See Zack was ‘arrested’ by Batman at first who in turn was eventually bird-napped, in his Batmobile, by the Pink Ranger and her DinoZord. So what’s the next step here? Which one of these teams of heroes will blink first? Also, what the hell happened to Lord Zedd? Donate a click to the Jim and Eric fund while you find out these answers and more below.

Back to the Essence

Writer: Gene Luen Yang

Pencils: Billy Tan

Inks: Haining

Colors: Gadson

Letters: Dave Sharpe

Cover: Viktor Bogdanovic and Mike Spicer

Editor: Paul Kaminski

Group Editor: Eddie Berganza

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: February 8, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

I can’t wait to get back to that Academy of the Bat! You think they’d agree to calling it a Batcademy? Does that translate to Mandarin? You know what, Bat Academy is fine. Tales of the Bat Academy. Six-issue miniseries with an open ending to propel future stories. Written by Gene Luen Yang and drawn by…Howard Porter? Could be a lot of people. Let’s talk, Mr. DC, we’ll do lunch. The rest of you can read my review of New Super-Man #8 for a taste of this new Bat Academy-centered series.

Turn On Your Heartlight

Writer: Robert Vendetti

Penciller: Rafa Sandoval

Inker: Jordi Tarragona

Colorist: Tomeu Morey

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Cover: Sandoval, Tarragona, Morey

Editor: Mike Cotton

Assistant Editor: Andrew Marino

Group Editor: Eddie Berganza

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: February 8, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Hey Hal?

Where ya goin’?

With that lantern and domino mask?

You say what’s that light?

Comin’ out of the crown of the ring

You say what’s that light?

Comin’ out of the crown of the ring

You say what’s what light?!

Comin’ out of the crown of the ring…

It’ll beat your ass

George and Lennie

Written by: Scott Lobdell
Art by: Mirko Colak, Tom Derenick, Veronica Gandini and Taylor Esposito
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 8, 2017

I have been a huge supporter of this book and I really do think it is one of the best Rebirth titles out there. However, I did think the first arc went an issue too long and I couldn't wait to get the Dark Trinity together and on the road. Well. that time is now as they are off to find the Bow of Ra and hopefully a ton of adventure as well. So, is this issue the start of what I've been waiting for all along? Let's find out...

Bent On Kent

Written By: Dan Jurgans

Art By: Patrick Zircher, Stephen Segovia, Art Thibert, Rob Leigh

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: February 8, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Now that we can get back to Metropolis, what with the death sentence over Lex's head squashed, we can start looking into the biggest mystery that has rocked this series ever since Rebirth began....... Who the hell is this human Clark Kent? Yeah, we had a ton of mysteries when this series began, but it's the human Clark Kent that's kept me up at night, thinking about whether he's good or bad or just something that's not supposed to be. Like our previous story arc, it looks like this one is going to just keep moving at break neck speeds by giving us a duel story about what's going on with our Man of Steel and what's going on back in Metropolis with Lois Lane finally getting to the bottom of this faux-Clark. Let's jump into this issue and see what's what.

Keep It Symbol, Stupid

Story: Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan & Karl Kerschl

Script: Brenden Fletcher

Pencils: Adam Archer & Msassyk

Inks: Sandra Hope & Msassyk

Colors: Msassyk

Breakdowns: Rob Hayes

Letters: Steve Wands

Cover: Karl Kerschl

Editor: Rebecca Taylor

Group Editor: Mark Doyle

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: February 8, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

If I went to Gotham Academy, I’d definitely call it “Snot-ham Academy.”

I was that kind of student. Check out my review of Gotham Academy Second Semester #6!

This is the End?

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Brian Ching, Michael Atiyeh and Steve Wands
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 8, 2017

It's the end of the Reign of Cyborg Supermen story and I have to admit, Steve Orlando is going to have to work overtime to get me to look back at this beginning arc fondly. I love Cyber Superman, but he has come off as a broken record here and because of that, the whole arc has dragged a bit. So, did he pull it off? Let's find out...

That Rascally Rustam

Writer: Rob Williams

Penciller: John Romita Jr.

Inker: Richard Friend

Colorist: Dean White

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Back-Up Penciller: Eddy Barrows

Back-Up Inker: Eber Ferreira

Back-Up Colorist: Adriano Lucas

Cover: Romita, Friend & White

Editor: Andy Khouri

Associate Editor: Harvey Richards

Group Editor: Brian Cunningham

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: February 8, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

That crazy Justice League vs. Suicide Squad crossover is done with, so now we can get down to the business of Task Force X proper! Which is, namely, being crazy. We’ve got a new penciller on board, though: John Romita Jr.! And still those back-ups…this really might be business-as-usual. Let’s take a look together in my review of Suicide Squad #11, right now!

The Buzz Around Town

Written By: Dan Abnett

Art By: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, Andrew Dalhouse, Corey Breen

Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 8, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Now that the Titans are in New York, they have a whole new state of mind........... Well, I guess they don't, I just really wanted to make that reference. Really though, we've got the Titans in Manhattan, they've got themselves a whole new Titans Tower and it looks like they're going to be staying together as a team for a good long time, you know, now that they're setting up roots and all that. In our previous issue, besides for the Tower being built and the legality of it all, we also saw Mal Duncan taking his wife Karen to a company that specializes in meta-human powers so that they can figure out what's going on with Karen's new abilities, but as the issue ended it looked like Psimon was running the show so you know that can't be good. Let's jump into this issue and see how our Titans deal with Meta Solutions and if Mal and Karen become a part of the team. Let's check it out.

The Heat is On

Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ivan Plascencia and Steve Wands
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 8, 2017

Boy, I love me some Rogues. While I still wonder why this book didn't start off with the Rogues, they have arrived and so has my love of The Flash. Joshua Williamson seems to have gained his footing and I can finally recommend this book to my friends down at the five and dime. So, can I keep doing that between egg creams and malts? Let's find out...

Cyber, Walk With Me

Written by: Greg Rucka
Art by: Bilquis Evely, Mark Morales, Andrew Hennessy, Raul Fernandez, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Jodi Wynne
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 8, 2017

It's time to start the Godwatch story and while I'm hoping that kick starts my interest in this book again, I am more looking forward to seeing Bilquis Evely's art. Evely did a great job with Barbara Minerva's origin story a bunch of issues back and I hope that continues here. Back to Godwatch, I hope this story is gentle with Barbara because I love her so much. Is this start any good? Let's find out...

Blind Justice

Written by: Christopher Priest
Art by: Larry Hama, Joe Bennett, Mark Morales, Jeromy Cox, Willie Shubert
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 8, 2017

I have spent most of my time with this book defending my reviews. It seems that no matter what I think of an issue, there are people who feel differently and really want to tell me. I love hearing from people, but I hate getting yelled at, but I guess that's my lot in life. Oh well, I will continue reading and reviewing this book and I just want all you fans of Slade Wilson to know, I want to love this book! I really do. So, is this the issue that gets me back on the wagon and in everyone's good graces? Let's find out...

Not The End

Written By: Dan Abnett

Art By: Vincente Cifuentes, Rex Lokus, Travis Lanham

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: February 8, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Okay, where I originally thought that this was the last issue to our Earth 2 series, it turns out I was wrong. Yeah, DC's own site has this listed as "FINAL ISSUE", but they've also got another issue solicited after this, bearing that mark as well......... Weird. So yeah, that just means more Earth 2 fun and since this series has actually gotten really good, well I don't mind at all. In our previous issue, we saw our Wonders taking on every Sandman that Ultra-Humanite could throw at them and while they fought off the horde of Dodds', Batman, Steel, Huntress and John plan on storming Central Control now that all the security is preoccupied. Let's jump into this issue and see how well our Wonders fare and if they can actually take down Ultra-Humanite and call this new world their home. Let's check it out.

Home Wrecker

Written By: Julie Benson, Shawna Benson

Art By: Claire Roe, Allan Passalaqua, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: February 8, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score A The Bottom*

While I wasn't the biggest fan of the previous story arc, I found enough to enjoy about the previous issue to get me excited about where we might head going forward with this series because in a world where the Justice League title is one of the worst in the DC lineup, it would be nice to get some decent team books to make up for it. Yeah, I'm just throwing shade left and right here, but I'm being genuine when I say that I really want to like this book and now that we can start fresh and Huntress is fully on board with the Birds of Prey, well it's just another opportunity for everything to turn around. Let's jump into this issue and check out what Barbara, Dinah and Helena are up to during Valentines Day, where hopefully their new Oracle isn't their only date. Let's check it out.

It’s Dark and Love is Forbidden

Writer: Sarah Vaughn

Illustrator: Lan Medina

Color Artist: José Villarubia

Letterer: Janice Chiang

Cover Artist: Stephanie Hans

Cover Price: $5.99

On Sale Date: February 8, 2016

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

We come to the conclusion of this six-part miniseries, told in three parts for some reason. Maybe they figured it wasn’t going to make it beyond three or four issues. It’s no secret that I’ve been kind of down on this title, but I believe that each new issue is another chance to engage the reader. The reader being, in this case, me. I do like a good horror yarn, and I think for this final issue I’m not going to make such a big stink about Deadman being an ancillary character throughout the story. He has been, and it’s annoyed me, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the tale is uniquely bad. What would mean that is a low score from yours truly! Does this issue get one? You’ll have to read my review of Deadman: Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love Book 3 to find out! Or scroll to the bottom, that works too.

Working Backwards To Go Forwards

Written By: Scott Snyder

Art By: Tula Lotay, Steve Wands, Francesco Francavilla

Cover Price: $4.99

Release Date: February 8, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

It's time to get our All-Star on and we're heading into Poison Ivy territory with this issue. In case you might not know, the next couple of issues, while seeming like one-shots because of us getting a new villain each issue, is actually a story arc all about Batman getting help from his enemies in order to stop what happened in the previous issue with Mr. Freeze releasing an ancient bacteria onto the world......... or was it the government? Yeah, we ended the previous issue with Batman looking like he stopped Mr. Freeze's plan by infecting himself with a virus that would go air born and destroy the bacteria, but who knows how well all that worked with the government stepping in and fire bombing the whole damn area. Let's jump into this issue and see what Batman needs Poison Ivy for and what it has to do with that ancient bacteria. Let's check it out.

WWBD?

Written by: James Tynion IV
Art by: Marcio Takara, Alvaro Martinez, Eddy Barrows and various
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 8, 2017

I don't know why this is an anniversary issue, but I guess I'll go with it. If you really want to know, it feels more like a typical Annual than anything else. We get three stories all written by James Tynion that set up the book going forward...Cassandra Cain, the League of Shadows and Azrael are all featured. If you have been reading Detective, then I'm sure you agree that it sounds like a pretty good way to move into the next phase of this book. Sounds good, but is it actually good? Let's find out...

PREVIEW: Action Comics #973

Written By: Dan Jurgans

Art By: Patrick Zircher, Stephen Segovia, Art Thibert, Rob Leigh

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: February 8, 2017

“MILD MANNERED” part one! The road to “Superman: Reborn” starts here! With Superman and Lex Luthor back on Earth, the Man of Steel turns his attention to uncovering the mystery of the human Clark Kent living and working in Metropolis. But there’s something…off about this guy, and Superman better figure out just what that is, before it’s too late!

I've been really loving this title lately and I'm happy as hell that we're finally getting to the mystery about who this human Clark Kent is............. it's been keeping me up at night.

Written By: Dan Abnett

Art By: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, Andrew Dalhouse, Corey Breen

Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 8, 2017

“Made in Manhattan” part one! As Wally West and the Titans adjust to their new lives in New York City and investigate a mysterious new threat, Karen and Mal Duncan visit Meta Solutions to discuss their future. But the meeting takes an unexpected turn when Mal delivers a shocking revelation, and Karen is faced with a difficult choice.

I love that our heroes are setting up roots in New York, but what I don't know about is bringing Mal and Karen back into the story because during Titans Hunt, they were the least interesting characters in the story. Hopefully it all turns out well because I love this book and I want it to become the must read title of DC.

Written By: Dan Abnett

Art By: Vincente Cifuentes, Rex Lokus, Travis Lanham

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: February 8, 2017

The Wonders battle the Sandmen army to free the new Earth 2 from a dystopian fate, but the new world Director has unleashed his terrifying secret weapon. Can Batman, Huntress and John, the weakest of the wonders, shut down the Director’s stronghold? It’s a dangerous, last-minute gamble...and the price may be too great to bear.

FINAL ISSUE

Now, I don't know what this solicit is talking about with its final issue deal because DC also has another issue after this solicited as FINAL ISSUE........ hopefully this is just a misprint so that we can get a proper conclusion to this series............ and then, hopefully a Rebirth announcement.

Written By: Julie Benson, Shawna Benson

Art By: Claire Roe, Allan Passalaqua, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: February 8, 2017

“VALENTINE’S DAY” part one! The new Oracle is now embedded in the Birds of Prey’s lives…and they’re going to have to make it work whether they like it or not! Plus, Huntress has decided to make Gotham her permanent home—but that means venturing into the most dangerous world of all…the Gotham City real-estate market! Perhaps an abandoned amusement park with a murder slide is up her alley?

I'm looking forward to this issue because I really want to like this series and with every issue, there's an opportunity for that to happen. That sounds negative as hell, but I really just want a good Birds book.

Navigation

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Get Carter

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

‘Justice Ranger’ Batman’s No Good Very Bad Day

George and Lennie

Bent On Kent

This is the End?

The Buzz Around Town

The Heat is On

Cyber, Walk With Me

Blind Justice

Not The End

Home Wrecker

Working Backwards To Go Forwards

WWBD?

Tuesday, February 7, 2017