MERA, QUEEN OF ATLANTIS #1 DC COMICS
Mera has always been one of those fascinating characters in the DC lineup that had potential but no one ever seemed to know what to do with. I think I can speak for many of my own age that fell in love with Aquaman’s bride back in the 60’s. However, she is one of the few characters to get a successful upgrade to today’s standards. And Dan Abnett’s story seems to want to explore those facets of the Queen of Atlantis. Alone and injured, this Mera shows off her talents wonderfully. Whether dealing diplomacy with the US or defeating Aqua-villain, The Eel, she does it with grace, charm, and some serious butt-kicking. With all this talk of strong women characters, it’s nice to see Mera getting added to that list. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
THE TERRIFICS #1 DC COMICS
I must admit to have been under-impressed with the previews of this title. But now that I’ve got the first installment in my hands, I’m impressed with what the creative team of Reis and Lemire have come up with. While it is impossible not to notice a certain similarity between this group and another Marvelous group currently not in print, it is interesting the blending of a current JSA legacy hero, a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, and DC’s 1960’s Malleable Misfits. The storyline is effective, the last minute appearance of Tom Strong, and the return of Not-Egg Plastic Man working well. Stagg and Java are still jerks and Sapphire is back to be the worrying girlfriend. The title needs a little work but all in all a good addition to DC’s new line up. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
DOCTOR STAR AND THE KINGDOM OF LOST TOMORROWS #1 DARK HORSE COMICS
All right, I fully admit it, this book made me cry. Damn you, Jeff Lemire! Hitting me where I live right on the first page is a low blow. In all honesty, I have never read the Black Hammer series but if this is a part of it, I may have to check it out. This gut-wrenching tale of a super-hero past his prime and having to face the consequences of what he gave up to return to a world of dust covered memories and fond memories of a life long since over. Nice touch having the name of our hero be Jim Robinson. Reminds me of another comic writer that deals with the heroes of the Golden Age. I give it a full blown 10 out of 10 Grahams!
DOOM PATROL/JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA SPECIAL #1 DC COMICS
Well, the whole gang at Milk Wars gives us the big blow out we were all hoping for. Epic battle filled pages are everywhere! The end of Milkman Man! The mystery buyer revealed! Oh, and the end of everything thanks to some weaselly bureaucrat! And everybody goes out looking like Bouncing Boy! And Holy Moley, is that Elasti-Girl?! Hang on as the beginning of the new chapter of the Young Animal titles starts. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
MARVEL’S AVENGERS INFINITY WAR PRELUDE #2 MARVEL COMICS
Missed a Marvel movie lately? Confused as to which Infinity Stone is which or where they showed up in the cinematic universe? Doctor Strange and Wong will set you straight! And while not really telling you anything new, it is interesting to see Jorge Fornes’ take at the stars who play our favorite heroes and heroines. I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
BONUS BOOK!
Z-PEOPLE #1 SITCOMICS
Another new series from the boys and girls at SitComics. Answering the question of what if the Walking Dead were a sitcom on the Comedy Channel? This book does exactly what it’s blurb says it is “TV that you read”. Somewhat corny and formulaic, its still fun to read and the commercials between chapters help add to the illusion. Plus Al Milgrom channels his best Mad Magazine skills to bring this title a nostalgic feel. I give it a 7 of 10 Grahams.
