BLACK LIGHTNING COLD DEAD HANDS #2 DC COMICS
I always like to double back with issue twos to see if the greatness (or cr@ppiness as the case might be) continues. I am glad to say that this title’s issue two keeps up the high standards. Secondary characters are explored and expanded on, Lightning’s powers are expanded and explained, the plot takes an interesting turn (no spoilers but the last two pages really make you think!). All this plus references to a classic Twilight Zone episode, the Silver Age’s Captain Compass and the Golden Age’s Red Bee just added to the enjoyability factor! Plus DC Comics new cover logo. What else can you ask for? I give it a 10 out of 10 Grahams.
DEADMAN #2 DC COMICS
Wow! Neal Adams art is absolute as always! Neal Adams colors are bright and eye catching! But what really seals the deal here is the Neal Adams story! Bizarre, intriguing, touching, and thought provoking all apply here. Something is wrong in the world of Boston Brand and I’ll be danged if I can figure it out! For me that’s a good sign. This is the perfect reason to give Neal Adams more work! I give it a 10 out of 10 Grahams.
AVENGERS #674 MARVEL COMICS
Many years ago, there was a concentrated effort to have as many of the Marvel Universe characters become X-men. Remember when Namor was deemed a mutant cause he had winged feet?! These days, everybody has to be an Avenger. The problem with that idea is that it absolutely ruins a good crossover book. The Avengers meet Doctor Strange’s Defenders, the Avengers meet Alpha Flight, etc. now those were classic team-ups. Having Avengers meet Avengers meet Avengers is nothing spectacular. Storyline wise we have a good world’s colliding plot with the mandatory self-sacrifice but overall we spend too much time in the caverns under the planets instead of dealing with the High-er Evolutionary. His whole appearance seems rushed and not all that thought out. All in all its a nice attempt at a classic story idea that just doesn’t have both hands on the steering wheel. I give it a 5 out of 10 Grahams.
BARBARELLA #1 Dynamite Entertainment
An intriguing property for Dynamite to produce. Definitely a mature title and a bit heavy on the religious/political overtones, this new title is definitely something different. And while the spirit of feminism still plays a part in this version, most of the humor of the movie is not here. And this version is a little more mature than Jean-Claude Forest’s original serialization. Definitely not for everyone but definitely an experiment into a different form of comic. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
MIGHTY CRUSADERS #1 DARK CIRCLE COMICS
It always amazes me how the MLB characters keep reappearing time after time. Whether it be under the Mighty Comics Group logo, or Archie Comics, or Red Circle or even DC Comics for that matter, this group of independent oddball characters just keep coming back and this time is no different. Playing off a large part of the characters’ histories, this title bring a true sense of comic history to our attention. And while not a he fan of Kelsey Shannon’s art, it does work well for this title. And while I disagree with some of the updated characters and powers, its not stopping me from enjoying the story. I give it a 7 out 10 Grahams.
AND THEN THIS LITTLE GEM FROM LAST WEEK, THAT I APPARENTLY MISSED. THANKS TO JIM FOR POINTING IT OUT TO ME.
SUPER SONS ANNUAL #1 DC COMICS
A wonderful take on the animal sidekicks in the DC Universe. While disappointed that Topo, Aquaman’s pet Octopus and Wonder Woman’s pet Kanga couldn’t make the roll call, the addition of Batcow and Flexi the Plastic Bird are magnificent additions. And with a guest appearance by Detective Chimp, there is no back part of this story. And with Peter J. Tomasi’s ability NOT to write words, this is a truly unique story. Plus lets face facts Paul Pelletier really knows how to draw Bat-Cow! I give it a 10 out of 10!