Saturday, September 16, 2017

EARLY PREVIEW: Wildstorm Michael Cray #1




Written by BRYAN HILL
Art by N. STEVEN HARRIS and DEXTER VINES
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: 
October 11, 2017

Warren Ellis’ critically acclaimed relaunch of THE WILD STORM gets its first solo spinoff series! Michael Cray, professional assassin, has been betrayed by International Operations and has an alien life-form in his head that’s either killing him, transforming him, or both. The only thing that can bring sense to his life is for him to do what he does best: kill the wrong people for the right reasons. But Michael needs support and resources to hit back against I.O., and he gets them in exchange for working with Trelane, taking out her targets, his way. First up? A sociopathic Silicon Valley billionaire by the name of Oliver Queen!

Thursday, September 14, 2017

DC Comics Best Covers of the Week 9/13/17

My Covers Runneth Over

It's either feast or famine around here, it seems: I'm either scrambling to pick five from six available covers, or I'm sifting through three dozen of the things to come up with a list that will confuse and annoy the reader. But once again, I've done it! After you're done patting me on the back for the great job I've done, give the list a look and stand in total agreement with me!

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Mister Miracle #2 Review


War of Fannies and Grannies


Written by: Tom King
Art by: Mitch Gerads and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

I liked the first issue of Mister Miracle because of the whole mystery surrounding the story.  Were we seeing reality or a messed up dream world?  Was Mister Miracle in control of his life or was he actually a prisoner in it all?  I'm sure there was even more things that went over my head because it was a pretty deep opener and I'm a big dummy.  So, is this second issue even better than the first and does it shed some light on what the heck is going on? Let's find out...


Justice League of America #14 Review


R-E-S-P-E-C-T


Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Ivan Reis, Julio Ferreira, Marcelo Maiolo and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

I have been looking forward to seeing Ray Palmer ever since we saw him in the DC Universe Rebirth Special...then again in the Atom Rebirth and now in the Justice League of America.  Okay, we haven't seen him yet, but I can't wait to.  So, is this the issue we do?  Let's find out...


The Flash #30 Review


Thicker than Water

Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Neil Googe, Ivan Plascencia and Steve Wands
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

It's time to start up a new arc for the Flash, but all I want to know is what's going on with Barry's (kind of) new Negative Speed Force powers.  Sure, I don't mind seeing Barry working his day job at the CCPD, but I want to know more about his Negative Speed Force powers!  Yea, I want to...screw that!  I want to learn about Barry's Negative Speed Force powers!!!  Do we find out anything new?  Let's find out...


Detective Comics #964 Review


Kissy-Face

Written by: James Tynion IV and Chris Sebela
Art by: Carmen Carnero, Ulises Arreola and Sal Cipriano
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017


I know it's on the cover and it's been set up for a while now, but I just don't want to have Clayface go back to his old, villainous ways.  It's not just that I love him as a good guy, but I'm actually not hip on him as a bad guy.  So, do we get a couple more issues before the big change-up?  Let's find out...


New Super-Man #15 Review and **SPOILERS**



There’s No I-Ching in “Team”

Writer: Gene Luen Yang 
Pencils: Brent Peeples 
Inks: Richard Friend 
Colors: Hi-Fi 
Letters: Dave Sharpe 
Cover: Philip Tan & Rain Beredo 
Cover Price: $3.99 
On Sale Date: September 13, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Now we come to my favorite comic book, New Super-Man! I always save this one for last, because I have faith that it’s going to put a smile on my face. You don’t know that, though, since you don’t necessarily read my reviews in the order that I write them. But maybe you should! You might see the progression of an increasingly curmudgeonly man writing about funny books. You can read this curmudgeonly man’s review of New Super-Man #15 right now!

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #28 Review and **SPOILERS**



My Dad’s a Backseat Driver

Writer: Robert Vendetti 
Penciller: Rafa Sandoval 
Inker: Jordi Tarragona 
Colorist: Tomeu Morey 
Letterer: Dave Sharpe 
Cover: Sandoval, Tarragona and Morey 
Cover Price: $2.99 
On Sale Date: September 13, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Here it is, the race you haven’t been waiting for: Hal Jordan vs. Black Racer in an attempt to catch Lightray! Yes, all of those words mean something, smarty-pants! I want to get a good spot, so let’s muscle up to the front of the crowd and check out my review of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #28, right now!

Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special #1 Review



Harley, You’re the Greatest

Written By: Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Dini, Daniel Kibblesmith, Chip Zdarsky 
Art By: Paul Mounts, Bengal, Dustin Nguyen, Chad Hardin, Alex Sinclair, Babs Tarr, Annie Wu, David Lafuente, John Rauch, Greg Tocchini, Kamome Shirahama, Joe Quinones 
Letters By: Dave Sharpe, Tom Napolitano, Corey Breen 
Cover By: Amanda Conner & Paul Mounts
Cover Price: $4.99 
On Sale Date: September 13, 2017

**SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Wouldja lookit that? Harley Quinn vol. 3 just had its 25th issue, and now we’ve reached the character’s 25th anniversary! What the hell was I doing twenty-five years ago…? Whoa! Yeah, I was on my Harley Quinn shit. Let’s celebrate Harley’s anniversary and my having survived my teenage years by reading my review of Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special #1, right here!

Supergirl #13 Review


Dust in the Wind

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Robson Rocha, Daniel Henriques, Micheal Atiyeh and Steve Wands
Cover Price: 3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

It's time to end the Emerald Eradication arc and while I think there is a story somewhere underneath the convoluted plot and over the top dialogue, it's going to take a whole lot to finish this up strong.  I am still holding out hope that Steve Orlando can do it, but after all we've gotten, I'm not sure why.  Oh well, I am going in with an open mind.  Here we go...


Suicide Squad #25 Review and **SPOILERS**



Waller Takes a Fall

Story: Rob Williams 
Art: Giuseppe Cafaro 
Epilogue Art: Agustin Padilla 
Color: Hi-Fi 
Lettering: Pat Brosseau 
Cover: Juan Ferreyra 
Cover Price: $3.99 
On Sale Date: September 13, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

This is it! The conclusion of the arc…whatever it’s titled. “Kill All Children?” No wait, “Kill Your Darlings,” a delicious double entendre that titillates as much as it excites. Amanda Waller’s been taken over by a Russian techno-ghost and is part of an international conspiracy to trap superheroes! Bomb-brained Suicide Squads around the globe have been activated by secret society The People to do just that! And I think Batman is there? Why am I writing all this nonsense? Let’s hop into my review of Suicide Squad #25 and get cracking!

Superwoman #14 Review and **SPOILERS**



I’m Less Destructive Since I Destroyed Everything

Writer: K. Perkins 
Penciller: Stephen Segovia 
Inker: Art Thibert 
Colorist: Hi-Fi 
Letterer: Josh Reed 
Cover: Ken Lashley & Hi-Fi 
Cover Price: $3.99 
On Sale Date: September 13, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Man, that Lana Lang is sure having some trouble getting a hold on these super powers, huh? Don’t you worry—she’s new to this. She’ll get the hang of it eve…what? It’s the fourteenth issue? You say Superwoman’s got two trades and then some in the can already? Well what the hell is the problem, then? By now, most powered folks would have constructed their second secret lair. Well, last time we left her…cripes, she’d destroyed Smallville with the high school weirdo, right? Maybe this will be the tipping point. Read my review and find out!

Teen Titans #12 Review and **SPOILERS**


The Batman Who Laughs

Teen Titans #12
Gotham Resistance, Pt. 1: The Riddler's Labyrinth
Writer: Benjamin Percy
Artist: Mirka Andolfo
Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letterer: Corey Breen
Cover Artist: Stjepan Sejic
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: September 13, 2017


If you're someone who just buys Teen Titans and have no plans of participating in the Dark Nights: Metal event, I genuinely feel for you here because, (A) You buy Teen Titans and (B) Outside of Damian, they hardly make an appearance.  That having been said, I couldn't help but to enjoy this far more than I have any previous issue of this title.  Wonder if there's any correlation there?



Action Comics #987 Review and *SPOILERS*



Putting A Name To The Face


Written By: Dan Jurgens
Art By: Viktor Bogdanovic, Jonathan Glapion, Jay Leisten, Mike Spicer, Rob Leigh
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

It's time to get to the mystery that's been surrounding DC Comics since before Rebirth began and that's finding out who Mr. Oz actually is.  He's been a weird character who seemed to know that Superman wasn't what he thought he was before Reborn went down, he had captured Mr. Mxyzptlk and still has Doomsday and Prophecy captured.......... and Tim Drake for some reason and he's been manipulating events throughout Rebirth as a way to get Superman ready for something that's coming down the line......... Maybe Doomsday Clock.  Anyway, it's time for all to be revealed.......... well, at least his identity so let's jump into this issue and see what's up.  Let's check it out.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #14 Review and *SPOILERS*



Bizarro: Gotham's Greatest Superhero


Written By: Scott Lobdell
Art By: Joe Bennett, Sean Parsons, Veronica Gandini, Blond, Taylor Esposito
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Who would have guessed that a dying Bizarro would have led to a Smarty-Pants one once he was cured?  Hell, I don't even think that Lex Luthor could have known that using Kryptonite to save Bizarro's life would make this big lump of a clone into a genius that rivals, if not surpasses Lex's intellect.  I'm getting ahead of myself though because we'll look at all the Smarty-Pants-ness  of Bizarro when we get into the issue.  I just wanted to catch all of you fine people up with what's been going on in Red Hood and the Outlaws before I do though.  Okay, let's check it out.

Titans #15 Review and *SPOILERS*



Picking Up The Pace


Written By: Dan Abnett
Art By: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, Andrew Dalhouse, Josh Reed
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Oh man, what are our Titans going to do now that we've seen that Dick Grayson was the one working for HIVE behind their backs?  Not only that, but will they ever find Bumblebee's memories with Nightwing working against them the whole time?  Hopefully, with Herald and Gnarrk going off on their own to hunt for the memories yields some results because it doesn't look like they're going to get much help from the rest of the team anytime soon.  Let's jump into this issue and see what goes down and if the team gets wise of Dick's betrayal.  Let's check it out.

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #14 Review and *SPOILERS*



Little Field Trip of Horrors


Written By: Julie Benson, Shawna Benson
Art By: Marcio Takara, Jordan Boyd, Josh Reed
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Let's head on over to Gotham to see what our Birds of Prey are up to since Gus has left our team as their new Oracle and Calculator has been pretty much shut down for the time being........ Really, there's not a lot to say going into this issue because of it being a one-shot and the only other thing that I can really think of to catch you up on from the previous issue is the fact that Barbara not only wants to be Batgirl, but Oracle as well.  Let's jump into this issue and see if that comes into play as Batgirl is left alone in Gotham, while Huntress and Black Canary chaperone a field trip into Colonial Gotham Village.  Let's check it out.

Wonder Woman #30 Review and *SPOILERS*



Blood of the Amazon


Written By: Shea Fontana
Art By: David Messina, Romulo Fajardo Jr., Saida Temofonte
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Shea Fontana's Heart of the Amazon arc comes to a close with this issue and while I was all about her coming on this book after Greg Rucka's character overhaul of Wonder Woman, this arc hasn't really done too much to get me excited for the Wonder Woman book.  It's been a bit hokey in its delivery of letting us know that the power of the gods runs through Diana's veins and that power can be exploited by others.  Hopefully, everything turns around with this final issue because I want there to be some kind of redemption to this arc that hasn't really grabbed me the way that I hoped it would.  Let's jump into this issue and see what Hamilton Revere has in store for our hero now that she's turned herself over to him with the idea that her DNA may save countless people of disease and sickness.  Let's check it out.

Dark Nights - Metal #2 Review


Baby Daddy

Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion and FCO Plascencia
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

After the first issue of Metal, I couldn't wait to get back to the story.  It may have been a bit confusing, but in that good kind of way, and it also tied together a bunch of stories I loved in the New 52 and before.  Yea, I still don't know what the actual continuity is these days, but that's more of a Universe wide problem than just a Metal one.  I know that around two years ago (during the DC YOU), Dan Didio announced that DC was going with a story over continuity approach, but after the first issue of Metal, I think Scott Snyder and company are going more with a fun over everything else way of storytelling and I realize that's not for everyone, but I also know that's for me.  It's a tough thing to lay on Metal, but I really need some fun right now.  Does the fun continue this issue?  Let's find out...


Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Injustice 2 #23 Review


Injustice 2 #23


Writer: Tom Taylor
Art Team: Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran, Rex Lokus
DC Comics Digital First
Release Date: Sept 12, 2017
Cover Price: $.99

Alfred Knows Best

Well I apologize first and foremost for missing out on Marvel Monday this week, I ran around all day Monday arguing with mortgage people instead, it was a real enjoyable experience all around.  Anyway, I definitely looked forward to this Tuesday, for a much needed day of relaxation and Injustice 2, after work of course, and well Tuesday came through in a big way.  On the heels of last issue's cliffhanger, where Alfred put a stop to Bruce and Damian's fighting, lets see what emotional punch we’re in store for inside the pages this week.

PREVIEW: Titans #15




Written By: Dan Abnett
Art By: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, Andrew Dalhouse, Josh Reed
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

“Double Agent”! The hunt for the team’s traitor takes an impossible turn when Nightwing is revealed as an agent of H.I.V.E.! As the Titans hunt for answers about their leader and friend, loyalties are tested like never before—and the Titans may never recover!

PREVIEW: Wonder Woman #30




Written By: Shea Fontana
Art By: David Messina, Romulo Fajardo Jr., Saida Temofonte
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017


“Heart of the Amazon” finale! Wonder Woman may be a warrior, but she’s nobody’s weapon—as the mysterious cabal that’s been trying to manipulate her is about to learn!

PREVIEW: Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #14




Written By: Julie Benson, Shawna Benson
Art By: Marcio Takara, Jordan Boyd, Josh Reed
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

“Field Trip!” Helena Bertinelli, a.k.a. Huntress, thought it would be a good idea to get her class of students out of Gotham City for a day…unfortunately, trouble follows the Birds of Prey wherever they go! Can the Birds complete a mission without this curiously perceptive bunch of kids catching on?

PREVIEW: Dark Nights Metal #2



Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion and FCO Plascencia
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

As Superman and Wonder Woman hunt for a missing ally, Batman investigates a mystery spanning centuries. When the World’s Greatest Detective discovers a foe even greater than the Justice League could possibly imagine, will Earth’s heroes be ready?


PREVIEW: Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special #1



We're Getting the Band Back Together

Written By: Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Dini, Daniel Kibblesmith, Chip Zdarsky 
Art By: Paul Mounts, Bengal, Dustin Nguyen, Chad Hardin, Alex Sinclair, Babs Tarr, Annie Wu, David Lafuente, John Rauch, Greg Tocchini, Kamome Shirahama, Joe Quinones 
Letters By: Dave Sharpe, Tom Napolitano, Corey Breen 
Cover By: Amanda Conner & Paul Mounts 
Variant Covers By: Jim Lee, Scott Williams & Alex Sinclair and Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson 
Cover Price: $4.99 
On Sale Date: September 13, 2017

Celebrate twenty-five years of Harley Quinn with this collection of stories by some legendary Harley talent and some who’ve never drawn her before! How does Harley manage her insanely jam-packed life on Coney Island? What haven’t we seen from her past with the Joker? And can even Harley’s psychological acumen crack the twisted mind of…Robin, the Boy Wonder?

Hey it's...another Harley Quinn comic book? Oh, some kind of one-off anthology or something. Well, that's cool enough. Have a gander at some preview pages, right here!

PREVIEW: Detective Comics #964



Written by: James Tynion IV and Chris Sebela
Art by: Carmen Carnero, Ulises Arreola and Sal Cipriano
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 13, 2017

“Dystopia”! Anarky has shown Spoiler the world he’s built beneath Gotham City, which he plans to bring into the light…but she needs to know who helped him build it! And what’s more, this alliance has put Steph back on Batman’s radar…and now the two are on a collision course!