Red Lanterns #24 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Charles Soule
Art By: Alessandro Vitti
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 23. 2013

Red Means Go!

Lights Out Part 4!  Oh yeah.  being a little sketchy on the story line when it first started, New Guardians #24 really got me amped up, so here we are for the next installment.  Lets see red.

Explain It:

So now that Bleeze knows Guy Gardner was sent to spy on the Red Lanterns, she intends to tell the rest of the Reds his secret.  But Guy isn't worried, he calls a meeting and tells the rest of the group what he was supposed to do, but now that the Corps. has betrayed him, he's all red.

The Green Lantern Corps. shows up during this meeting, and it's a stop and go fight, between unparalleled rage, and a diminished power corps.  Now DC had a chance to continue a great running gag here, and sadly they missed the opportunity.  The "One Punch" gag.  This is a gag that always made me laugh, and may be thought of as "done to death", but for once in his entire career, we could of seen Guy have the upper hand on Hal Jordan.  Guy sucker punches Hal, and we could of had Zillious Zox in the background say "One Punch!"  Maybe it's because this is a pivotal point in the Lights Out story arc, that the creators decided (if they talked about it at all) we have to much going on to throw in a joke right now.  But I think it would of been great.  Oh well.

After the fight calms down a little we find out that since the Red energy is part science and magic, that Relic can't affect it like the rest of the emotional spectrums.  Guy agrees to help the Corps. save the universe, but he wants something in return.  Hal agrees to his conditions, and we find that the Reds are getting their own sector of the universe that will be under their policing

Out in space Atrocitus and Dex Starr are making their way back to Ysmault.  Atrocitus, now imbued with the rage entity Butcher, plots what he is going to do to Guy Gardner when he finds him.  This scene is almost like Dr. Claw talking to Mad Cat from Inspector Gadget.  So there they are plotting evisceration, and playing with eye balls, when Kyle Rayner shows up with his body full of entities, and The Butcher jumps ship and takes off with Kyle.  So there floating through space is a naked Atrocitus begging his kitty cat to help him. (So good)  So much for evisceration.  Dex Starr does save Atrocitus, and their space road trip continues.

We stop by the edge of the known universe, and find Relic trying to break through the source wall to the universe's light resevoir.  But he's getting a bit irritable because he's tried a bunch of times and hasn't been able to achieve his goal.  Relic is about to use the spectrum energy he's collected through the story arc, when Kyle shows up with the Templar Guardians.  The two sides banter back and forth about power, and futility.  But in the end, Kyle tells Relic that he is here to help him take down the source wall.  Boosh.

Bits and Pieces:

Since the creative change after issue #20, this title has been a complete joy to read.  Guy Gardner is so much fun when being an asshole, that in his role as leader of the assholes of the universe, we're finally seeing him shine.  I can't wait to see this title step out on it's own, after crisis of infinite cross overs is well, over.  Sadly I feel I started enjoying this story arc to late since all we have left is Green Lantern Annual.#2, out next week. But anyway, this is a great book, and I'd suggest Red Lanterns to any Lantern fan still on the fence about it.  Check it out.

9/10

Aquaman #24 Review

Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Paul Pelletier
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 23, 2013

Seven Seas, Swimming Them So Well

Aquaman has had it tough recently.  He may not be the King he thought, his wife was supposed to marry his enemy, his brother's followers want to kill him and he's been in a coma for months.  Thankfully for the reader, all of this has lead to one kick butt comic.  Geoff Johns gives us one of the best issues of the series and an issue that longtime readers and newcomers can enjoy alike.

Aquaman #24 is a great issue and a lesson on how to do a comic right.  Geoff Johns gives us a sprawling history of Atlantis, it's first King and Aquaman himself.  He gets everyone up to speed while giving hints and clues to the mysteries the book has been exploring.  Arthur has been reluctant to take the Throne of Atlantis, but we see he may not have a right to it in the first place.  Johns uses the history of Atlantis to explore themes such as racism, betrayal and family without shoving it down the readers throats.  We learn everything we need to make the battle coming in the next issue meaningful and mighty.

Paul Pelletier's art is fantastic.  It has such an immense scope with detail that brings everything to life.  I can't talk about the art without mentioning the best part, Arthur's beard.  We have waited the whole New 52 Aquaman run for the beard and it is finally here.  Let's hope it stays.  Geoff needs to tell future writer, Jeff Parker, "Don't fear the beard!"

Aquaman #24 is such a good comic.  It brings any newcomers up to speed while providing long time fans with the answers they have been waiting for.  The best part is Geoff Johns does it subtly and effortlessly.  Everything is now in place for the finale next month and I can not wait.  

9.7/10

Batman: The Dark Knight #24 Review

Written by: Gregg Hurwitz
Art by: Alex Maleev
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 23, 2013

Villain's Month Part Deux

Villain's Month has come and gone and while the Clayface issue was good fun, I found it a unnecessary Forever Evil tie-in.  However, Dark Knight #24 is what I was looking for last month...a Clayface origin story that is really good and looks great.

This issue should have spelled disaster for me.  I am not a Clayface or Hurwitz's Dark Knight fan.  I may have been won over on both fronts.  The issue is a Clayface issue through and through.  Batman doesn't appear in it and is barely even mentioned.  What we get is a heartbreaking story of how Basil Karlo became Clayface.

The issue jumps between present day and Basil's childhood.  Following last issue, Clayface is in a containment cell and has found a new BFF in the next cell.  He is a big fan of Karlo's movie career and the two delight each other day after day with Clayface's performances.  It is nice to see Clayface so happy to get the attention of his prison neighbor.  His childhood scenes are just as touching.

After Villain's Month, I'm sure everyone is sick of the troubled kid who had a horrible upbringing becoming a supervillain story.  Well, this is a little different and a whole lot more touching.  Young Basil has loving parents who try their best to give him a good life.  He is a good kid who just wants to fit in and be noticed.  This story shows that even the best intentions can lead to a dark path if they turn to obsessions and you get involved with the wrong people who feed the fire.

Alex Maleev's art is great as usual.  I'm surprised he hasn't gotten more attention from this book.  The present day Clayface looks unstable, as if he could just melt into a puddle at any minute.  The flashbacks were the highlight for me.  Young Basil didn't stick out of the crowd and the way Maleev draws him it is so believable.  The world is going on without him and you can see the pain this causes the kid.

Bits and Pieces:

Batman: Dark Knight #24 is really good.  In fact, this is the Villain's Month issue I wanted.  We get the promised Clayface origin and the touching story was worth the wait.  I haven't been the biggest fan of either Clayface or this book, but if Hurwitz and Maleev keep up this momentum, they may win me over yet.

8.0/10

Justice League Dark #24 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: J.M. DeMatteis
Art By: Mikel Janin
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: October 23, 2013

Smoke 'Em If Ya Got 'Em

Well this is less of a Justice League Dark, and more of a "It's a Horrible Life With Constantine".  Well I guess there isn't much to bring you up to speed, if you haven't been reading the rest of the Justice League titles, and haven't read Trinity War, you should't be here.

Explain It!:

Well what's there to explain really?  Constantine wakes up in House of Mystery, after the Crime Syndicate appears at the end of the Trinity War.  Before he knows what's happening, he's attacked by miniature versions of himself, I guess these are his personal demons.  He banishes them away, and continues to ponder what happened.  He realizes that the House of Mystery must have pulled him out of the attack, and brought him home. 

For most of the issue we have Constantine transported to different places seeing people with small bits of smoke coming out their heads, with eyes, and teeth.  Finally we find out that these are the sins of the world, creating more sin, and then feeding off the people that create it.  This goes on for awhile, until The JLD shows up and starts attacking Constantine.  He realizes that these are just manifestations of his guilt.  He banishes them all away, except for Zatanna, who tells Constantine that she is there to help him, and that all the things he is seeing are still the effect of Pandora's Box.  Zatanna's manifestation reaches into Constantine's chest, and pulls out the evil that was placed there by the box.

Constantine awakes now in his bedroom, next to Zatanna.  He's now free from the virus from Pandora's Box, but Zatanna is still just a manifestation (which is really creepy, and you get the impression, that this happens all the time.), and Constantine vows to find the rest of the Justice League Dark, and especially Zatanna.  The two kiss, and then Constantine zaps her across the room.  We find out that this isn't the normal Zatanna manifestation/sex toy, it's really Nightmare Nurse.  Apparently after the boning she was going to tell him, that she was there to help.  She was the one to pull the evil out of Constantine, and she's also brought some help.  Since she couldn't get the real Swamp Thing, she grew her own.

Bits and Pieces:

This was a very odd issue.  Really the weakest of all the Forever Evil tie-ins I've read.  Most of the issue was a LSD like trip for Constantine to understand the nature of evil, and how sin spreads from the apathetic, to the hate mongers, to the everyday person.  But it was really boring.  For what the issue was, it should of just been a filler issue of Constantine.  All in all the story falls short to impress, especially put next to the superb issue of Justice League, out this week as well.

5.7/10

The Flash #24 Review

Written by: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Art by: Francis Manapul
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 23, 2013

The End Came too Fast

The Flash and Reverse Flash face each other one last time and Barry and company try to pick up the pieces and get on with their lives.  Can The Flash actually slow down enough to smell the roses?

Manapul and Buccellato give us what is essentially their swan song. Yes, they are returning for a Zero Year issue and another one-shot, but this is the true finale of their run.  Oh what a run it's been. Everything has led to this issue which pains me in multiple ways. That the story is ending and that it ended so quick and easy.  There is no big fight, just talking and pleading.  It all seems a little too rushed.  It is a satisfying end to the Speed Force Killer story, but I just wanted more.

What comes after the final Flash/Reverse Flash confrontation is great, though.  We see the aftermath of everything that came before.  Barry has grown since issue #1 and it shows.  He has learned the responsibility of being a hero and is now going to use it for what is important.  This sets up the future of the series and I can't wait.

The art is worth the price of admission alone.  It is stunning.  The multiple splash pages, the unorthodox panel positions all add up to THE best looking book in the New 52 and in my opinion, comics as a whole.  It is that good.

Bits and Pieces:

Manapul and Buccellato's Flash has been a highlight of the New 52 since the beginning.  While this story seems a bit rushed, the aftermath and art are awesome.  They set up the future of Barry and hopefully the next team will take it and continue the greatness.  

8.0/10

Justice League #24 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Ivan Reis
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: October 23, 2013

Ultra Man's Pal, Jimmy Olsen.  Don't Be Ultra Man's Pal

Alright we can get this story going.  Even thought there are a million tie-ins, this issue finally feels like we're getting things going.  It really should feel like Forever Evil's doing that, but I don't know.  This issue is just Boom, take that.  Anyway lets get to it.

Explain It!:

We start this issue, with a dying Krypton.  But wait this isn't the Krypton we're used to.  People are rushing escape pods like the doors of a Best Buy on Black Friday.  Until Jor-Il starts blasting away to make sure that his son get's to escape.  Lara and Jor-Il place their little Kal-Il in the pod, and tell their little baby what every son wants to hear.  "You're a disappointment, and you're weak."  

So we find out in this crazy not so bizarro universe, that they loaded the pod with Kryptonite that will make their son strong, and be able to easily rule over Earth, but that the yellow sun, will hinder the effects of the Kryptonite.  So lil' Kal travels through space, getting the education that we've seen before, with some more loving comments from his father wrapped around it. 

On Earth the Kent's are having a family discussion about Johnny Kent being a poor excuse for a man, and Martha snorting all the farm's income.  Breaking Bad: Smallville.  Pretty much the space ship lands, lil' Kal exits and proclaims after burning Johnny Kent's hand off, that they will be his parents.  Fast forward a bit, and we see that Ultra Man killed his foster parents, killed the president, and started the Crime Syndicate.

Now in the present, back to the present, forward to the present?  Grid's being all Grid about it, telling Ultra Man all about what's going on in the world, and telling him what the rest of the Crime Syndicate's up to, and we are told about a group of superheroes causing a ruckus.  Oooooo, it's about time.  The Doom Patrol.  Now that the name has been said, I expect to see their title soon.  I don't care if it isn't planned, or isn't ready, I expect it now, or next month.  I just want it.  DC you started this, now make it happen.  Alright so Ultra Man's is supposed to go to Kahndaq, but wants to check out somethings in this world, to see how much of a difference there is between his world, and ours.  So lets go to the Daily Planet.  Everyone at the planet are scrambling to get out, except Lois of course.  But they didn't get out in time.  Dun Dun Duuuun!  Ultra Man comes busting in.  

MAKE IT GO AWAY!

So they don't come right out and say exactly what Ultra Man's pal Jim Olsen was in Earth 3, but it sounds like he took pictures, and blackmailed you.  Now our sweet Jimmy isn't like this at all so, Ultra Man breaks his hand.  After that he's going to do some awful things to Lois, but before he can, Grid lets him know that his target in Kahndaq is coming to him.  Black Adam busts in and takes Ultra Man down.  But when Black Adam tries to rip him limb from limb, he finds out that his is going to be a tough job.  In the end Black Adam is batted away like a annoying fly, or like that StarVista China Beach Season 1 commercial that plays nonstop On Demand.  Please Ultra Man please make those commercials stop.  PLEASE!

Bits and Pieces:

This issue shows us how good we have it with Ma and Pa Kent, man did we get spoiled. We are finally shown the origin for Ultra Man, and the idea of Superman as a bad guy is a terrifying notion.  That's why it works so effectively in Injustice, and here with Ultra Man.  Seeing the parallel between our hero, and him is really effective story telling, and makes you glad we happen to live our fantasy lives here in Earth 1.  Geoff Johns is really taking this event to the extremes and giving us things that I didn't even know I wanted.  If Geoff is whispering terror in our ear, then Ivan Reis is punching us in the gut and hammering the story home, with this beautifully drawn book.  Wow.  I need the next issue now.  So go get this book, so you can go through withdrawal like me.

9.5/10

All-Star Western #24 Review

Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Art by: Moritat
Cover Price:$3.99
Release Date: October 23, 2013

Weirdo Sex Festival

Jonah is innocent of murder, digs up some gold, buys some guns and heads to a weirdo sex festival.  Oh yea, he runs into a familiar face (for most readers) that will likely make things very interesting for Mr. Hex in the near future...Or maybe his past?

Ever since Jonah Hex has traveled to present day Gotham, All-Star Western has been so much fun. However, Palmiotti and Gray made the right choice by getting Hex out of Gotham and on the road. Yes, Bruce Wayne makes an appearance, but like Jonah himself, the writers don't need to rely on him to make the book a winner.  Mr. Hex and his gal pal, Gina, are the stars and Palmiotti and Gray make them fun to just hang out with.  They drink beer, tell stories and head to a weirdo sex festival.  That actually seems to be the official name.  There they run into a stranger who readers will know will spark trouble and adventure for the duo.

This is a transition issue, but I can't call it filler when I had so much fun reading it.  Seeing Jonah interact and react to modern day happenings just never gets old. The only misstep for me was when Hex tells Gina the true definition of "cowboys".  Just let me tell you, I don't want to be a cowboy no more.

Moritat's art is good, but unlike other issues, I would have liked to see more detail in the panels.  Maybe it's the fact that Jonah is back on the dusty trail, but I was really enjoying Moritat's rendering of the big city.  However, the last panel was a real winner for me.

Palmiotti and Gray continue to write one of the funnest books in the New 52.  Jonah is no longer in Gotham and that seems like a good thing so far.  Moritat's art is good, but I was hoping the detail he brought to the cityscapes would continue into the wide open plains.  The issue ends with a reveal of a guest star that is sure to make the book even more fun.  Highly recommended.

8.8/10

Batman 66 #16 Review

Written by: Tom Peyer
Art by: Ty Templeton
Cover Price:$0.99
Release Date: October 16, 2013

I Guess You Can Judge a Book by It's Cover

Anyone who thinks that DC Comics has forgotten what fun is just needs to look no further than the digital Batman '66 releases.  Fans of the Batman TV show will surely get plenty of inside jokes, but as issue #16 proves, campy Batman is fun for everyone.

The issue opens as Billionaire, Bruce Wayne and Robin, the Boy Wonder are dedicating a $4999.99 oversized check to the Gotham literacy program when Bookworm and his gang bust in.  Yes, Bookworm, played by Roddy McDowall in the original TV series is in the House.  You see, he is after the oversized checkbook kept by the Gotham Chamber of Currency.  It is as goofy and fun as it sounds.
However, Bookworm has more in mind than writing himself some big checks.

Jeff Peyer takes over writing duties and doesn't lose any steam.  The jokes and dialogue are spot on and you can't help but have a smile on your face throughout.  Seriously, the punches, kicks, bad puns and zany explanations fly at you at breakneck speed.  Ty Templeton's art is more of a realistic rendering of the dynamic duo and it fits the story.  My only complaint is that the Bookworm's plan seems a bit under developed, but this is the first issue of the arc so I'm sure it will be worked on in the next issue.

Side note: In the TV series, the Bookworm was the featured villain in the episode that featured the first "window cameo" with Jerry Lewis.  I hope that Peyer can mix one in during this arc.

Bits and Pieces:

If you are a fan of laughing and smiling, pick up Batman '66.  If you are a fan of scowling and frowning, pick up Batman '66.  This book is so much fun and #16 is the start of what already is another fun filled arc.

9.0/10

Wonder Woman #24 Review

Written by: Brian Azzarello
Art by: Goran Sudzuka
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 16. 2013

Gods of Bickering

Apollo has taken his place as ruler of the gods and has declared Wonder Woman the new God of War.  Unfortunately, Wonder Woman isn't really interested in the position.  The gods bicker, the gods yell, the gods cry.  The gods ask, how can one prepare for War without a God of War?

Brian Azzarello's Wonder Woman has been one of the best titles in the New 52.  The books mythology and characters have been thoroughly thought out and realized.  Coming off of Issue #23 and Villain's Month (especially the First Born issue) I couldn't wait to get back into the main series.  However, this issue lacked one important aspect for me, Wonder Woman.  She seems to on the outside looking in.  I'm a big fan of Apollo, but Diana should not be the least interesting person in her own book.  Plus, this issue is so dialogue heavy.  I don't need nonstop action, but I like a little.  This is a setup issue from start to finish.

Goran Sudzuka's art was pretty good, though it's hard to replace Cliff Chiang.  Everything looked good and proper.  Again, with so little action taking place it's hard for me to get a full grasp of what he is capable of.

Wonder Woman #24 was an average issue.  It seemed like a filler issue preparing for greater things down the line.  Wonder Woman spends most of the issue on the sidelines which is a pity.  If you like gods bickering with each other and decent art, you may enjoy this issue.  I will wait and hope for better next month.

6.5/10

Supergirl #24 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Michael Alan Nelson
Art By: Diogenes Neves
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 16, 2013

So If Brainiac Made Zor-El Look Like A Cybernetic Jor-El, And Cyborg Superman Took Supergirl's Body To Make Himself Look Like Zor-El, Does That Make Me Confused?

So back before Villain's Month Cyborg Superman wanted to change his mind and body to what it was before he became cybernetic perfection.  So he used Supergirl's body to reconstitute himself and we found out that he was Zor-El.

Explain It!:

So now that Zor-El has his mind, and body back, he is horrified that he destroyed his daughter to do it.  Now Brainiac is waiting above I'noxia, and demanding that Cyborg Superman turn over Supergirl to him, so he can study the effect of Kryptonite poisoning on a Kryptonian.  

Zor-El has a plan.  He wants to be turned back into Cyborg Superman, there by remaking Supergirl's body.  He tells his I'noxian assistant to tell Cyborg Superman that Brainiac interrupted the surgery, and it's his fault he did not achieve perfection in the knowledge of who he was.  To get his I'noxian assistant to go through with this, he tells him of a plan to shrink down the collective minds of the planet so they can move on away from the terror of Brainiac.  The I'noxians open fire on Brainiac's ship.  But they are no match.

Within the collective Supergirl fights her way out, seeking revenge against Cyborg Superman.  She frees herself and is now the power of pure imagination.  She can now do anything that she can think of and all she can think of is doing terrible terrible things to Cyborg Superman.  But before she can, her consciousness is sucked away.  Zor-El's plan worked the surgery changed him back, and Kara's body was reconstituted.  Cyborg Superman goes after Brainiac, for stealing his past, and Supergirl is told to escape while she can.  Revenge isn't worth the trouble she realizes, and takes off on a rocket bike, as the shrunken collective of I'noxia leaves the planet.  In the end Kara flies her rocket bike through space, until Dun Dun Duuun.  A giant monster monolith appears.  No idea what this is, but weird right?

Bits and Pieces:

This was a suspenseful issue.  It played a lot like a thriller, where time is running out and the good guys have a chance of getting killed.  Keeps you on the edge of your seat most of the issue.  This was a fun story arc, and I'm sad to see it end.  But hopefully the stories continue to entertain in the future.  Only thing that I wish could be different is, being a big fan of Cyborg Superman, I wish he was in the issue more.  Can't wait till we see him again.

8/10

Red Hood and the Outlaws #24 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: James Tynion IV

Art By: Julius Gopez

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: October 16, 2013

War Games: Untitled Assassin Warfare

The battle for 'Eth Alth'Eban is on!  Last we saw the battle was getting started and Red Hood sent Roy and Starfire to the dungeons, so he could have his battle without them getting hurt.  Oh and for some reason Red Hood had magical swords appear in his hands.  Apparently stuff like that happens.  So get on with it!

Explain It!:

Alright so battlins are going on.  Jason, and Bronze Tiger are kicking some ghostly untitled ass.  Some more battlins.  Yeah lots of battlins that don't really lead to anything to talk about.

Down in the dungeon Arsenal's feeling sorry for himself for being an asshole.  Cheshire's sitting there listening feeling sorry for herself, because no one loves her.  Yeah that goes on a while.

Back to the battle. Yeah!  Jason realizes that the well the Untitled are trying to destroy, is the way to beat them.  Jason and the leader of the Untitled fall from ledge (while battlin), Jason steers their fall so that they fall in the Lazarus well.  The Untitled leader falls in, having all his power drained away into the well.  The rest of the untitled are ready for round two, when the army of Man Bats shows up and whoops them into the well.  The end the fight is over, and now Jason will lead the League of Assassins.  Oh wait there's more!  Turns out that this was all the plans of the now returned; Ra's Al Ghul.  He wanted the Untitled's power to be absorbed into the well, so that he could claim it for himself.  Now Jason has to do something.  What is that thing you might ask?  Apparently we'll find out in the Zero Year cross over next month. Gonna go back in time.

Bits and Pieces:

Recently this title has become The Outlaws and Red Hood, and that's not really the title I'm looking to read.  But now we have Red Hood in the forefront.  But it's not really Red Hood, it's a blank slate that looks like Jason Todd.  Really it's just disappointing.  But maybe next month in the Zero Year tie in we'll see a Jason Todd that is closer to the one we know and love.  All in all we had the conclusion to a supposed big battle, that's not really interesting in the end.  

5/10

Awesome Superman Print

This is by Invasione Creativa entitled Happy Birthday Superman.  Awesome.

Check them out at invasionecreativa.it and invasionecreativa.tumblr.com

Vibe #8 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Sterling Gates
Art By: Andres Guinaldo
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 16, 2013

Sword and Sorcery and Vibe

When last we saw Vibe he went through a dimensional tunnel chasing his brother Armando (Rupture), who had kidnapped Gypsy.  So let's continue down the rabbit hole.

Explain It!:

So Vibe's explaining to someone what happened to him.  Apparently Rupture pieced his chest, and what absorbing all of Vibe's dimensional energy.  When there was barely any left, Vibe fell through the multiverse.

When he came out he found himself on Gemworld.  Now I did not read any of Sword and Sorcery, all the knowledge I have of this world was when Amethyst became a member of Justice League Dark for like two seconds.  But that's where Vibe showed up.  He touched Amethyst and she screamed, a big light show happened, and when Amethyst's army was about to stab the shit out of Vibe, Breacher shows up, and puts a arc reactor in Vibe's chest to keep him from blowing up.  The two disappear leaving Gemworld.

We find out that Vibe has been telling his story to Breacher, and a few armed mercenaries.  Breacher tells Vibe that he has just been recruited into his army.  Vibe protests until Breacher shows him the outside of this world.  Turns out that Armando came to this world, and with his new found power destroyed it.  Vibe freaks out, and is about to burst.  Breacher tells him to calm down, and control himself, otherwise the dimensional forces will "take him".  Vibe doesn't understand, so Breacher shows him.  Breacher takes off his helmet and shows that his body is just coursing with energy, and looks like his armor is the only thing keeping him together.  

In the end we find out that Gypsy is Breacher's daughter, and they must find her before Rupture takes her to his wife, and they use Gypsy to help them destroy Earth.

Bits and Pieces:

This book started out real strong, but over the last few months it has taken a down turn.  This issue sadly isn't helping.  The entire issue is a uninteresting recap of falling, and almost fighting, and then a dimensional temper tantrum.  The art was alright, but nothing spectacular.  Now that Vibe is confirmed cancelled, it won't have the time to find it's legs again, and that is sad, because this in the beginning was one of my more fun titles.  Should of just added Hawkman, and everyone would of been happy.

4.5/10

Justice League of America #8 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Matt Kindt
Art By: Doug Mahnke
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: October 16, 2013

Justice League Matrix

So the Crime Syndicate came to our Earth, and took over, and also blocked out the sun.  Somehow Stargirl remembers all this, No idea.  

Explain It:

Stargirl and Martian Manhunter wake up in a sunny field, when they see Jason Rusch.  Jason informs them that they are all being held within a holographic prison.  

Martian Manhunter and Jason descend into another chamber of the prison, and see Wonder Woman.  She's battling for her life, and believes that Superman is already dead.  She runs away from the two crying, ashamed at not being the warrior she was meant to be.  The two continue to descend and find a prison for Shazam, who's prison is made to let the child in him run rampant.  He's in a city and just wants to destroy things, and see them be remade, so he can do it all over again.  Further down the Flash is sitting in an apartment and tells the two all he has done that day.  Martian Manhunter realizes that all of these things were only done in his mind.  Each of the prisons seem to be built to break down the occupant, or at least keep them occupied.

Further down Martian Manhunter finds Superman trying to fly around the earth backwards to turn back time, in order to prevent himself from killing Dr. Light.  Moving on we find Simon Baz, sitting in a crater.  He let the small minds of the people around him get the better of him.  Everyone saw him as a terrorist, so that's what he gave them.

In the end Stargirl who was left behind in case of a trap, simply finds a way out ( really?  really?), and sees what the world has become on the outside.

Bits and Pieces:

This book is beautiful.  Doug Mahnke never disappoints.  But as for the story?  Just a lot of seeing heroes at their weakest.  It was a very tame Dante's Inferno where we went down the levels of hell.  But just each individuals hell.  Nothing really happened, and the ending was ridiculous.  Per usual Stargirl had nothing to do, and instead of trying to help the rest of the heroes, and maybe working together, Martian Manhunter just wants to go exploring.  But again beautiful issue.

6/10

Batman and Two-Face #24 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 16, 2013

There's going to be a McKillin if I don't Flip My Shilling

Batman has gone through the stages of grief following his son Damian's death.  You would think that the Caped Crusader would get a little downtime, but not when Two-Face and a mysterious lady linked to Dent's past are causing trouble in Gotham.

Gotham isn't a place for rest and relaxation.  The cities crime families have gathered to discuss how to take Gotham back from the "Crazies" and the Bat. Among them is the prodigal daughter, Erin McKillin, the head of the McKillin Clan. She has been in hiding, but the families demand she get involved in the daily crap that is Gotham City. Erin who, you say?

It seems that Erin has a history in Gotham.  A history that involves the retconned origin of Two-Face.  Yes, this issue serves mainly as the introduction of Erin and the origin of the coin flipping psycho. I for one am not very pleased with this new origin.  It seemed forced and one part in particular felt unnecessary.

Everyone wants a piece of McKillin and when the GCPD close in on her, she runs, drives and swims to escape.  Unfortunately for her, Batman and Two-Face are both hot on her tail.  The issue ends with her and Batman fist-to-fist and face-to-face.

I like plenty of what Peter J. Tomasi gives us here.  The beginning of the book does a great job of tying up loose ends from Batman Inc. #13 and Damian's death that alone were worth the price of admission for me.  I suspect I won't be the only one that has a problem with Two-Face's New 52 Origin and I'm not sure how to take this Erin McKillin (I also must add, I hate that name), but this is part one of an arc so I will reserve some judgement.  What I can tell you is I am not on the edge of my seat waiting for the next issue.

I was hoping for more from Batman and  Two-Face #24.  We get a forced new origin to one of Gotham's best Villains and an introduction to one I don't care about...yet.  I hope that the introductory nature of this issue pays off with better ones to follow.  As it stands, though, I can't give this a glowing recommendation.

6.5/10

Green Lantern: New Guardians #24 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Justin Jordan
Art By: Brad Walker
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 16, 2013

Lights Out?  Nope, Lights In

Lights Out Pt 3 Oh yeah!  We start this story off with the destruction of Oa.  I miss Oa.

Explain It!:

Well as it seems to be happening in every other title, Hal Jordan is losing his shit.  Hal wants to send the Corps. after Relic, which everyone there knows is a suicide run, and you can tell he's going crazy because he calls Kyle, John.  Nuts.  So after everyone beats some sense into Hal, he decides that their going to go get the Red Lanterns and see how they effect Relic.  

When Suddenly all the entities except Red, and Yellow come out of nowhere, and invade Kyle.  Gross.  What's with Kyle constantly getting invaded by different entities?  I guess he just has that rape face.  So now Kyle is a Uber White Lantern, and is taken over by the entities consciousness, and flies away.  Hal, Carol, The Templar Guardians, and the Corps. try to stop him, but come on even I would know better.  They send the Corps. to Ysmault, because that's where they wanted to go, and Kyle flies off in search of the other entities, to become whole.

But the Templar Guardians showed some power of they're own, and withstood the teleportation attack, and commands the entities to stand down, and release Lantern Rayner.  They fight, and while they do, Kyle fights on the inside until finally he is able to subdue the entities, and take control of his body.

In the end Kyle showboats a little, and talks smack on the Templar Guardians about how he could control all the entities, but they couldn't.  But after that he tells the Templar Guardians that he understands what the entities were trying to do, and that they don't need to defeat Relic they need to help him.

Bits and Pieces:

Oh New Guardians never fails to be a great book.  With so many Lantern titles you might just be asking yourself "What book should I get into?"  Well the answer of course is this one.  I was a little iffy on the whole Lights Out storyline, but after reading this issue, I'm firmly back on board.  Excellent art, and story telling, nothing really at all to say bad about this book.  But since it's a Kyle-centric book you might not feel the size of the other Lantern titles here, but what you do get is a great character that continues to delight.

9/10