TALES FROM THE DARK MULTIVERSE BLACKEST NIGHT #1 DC COMICS
Wow! Dark and Blackest do not convey the depression in this book! This one is truly a Bummer with a capitol B. The universe is all but dead after one of the more confusing times in DC’s history. One of the most interesting characterizations here is that of 1/2 White Lantern, 1/2 Black Lantern Sinestro. Like a hyped up version of Two-Face, he shifts back and forth between regret and giving up and trying to save the universe. Which is the perfect way to highlight the effects of the dual powers he welds. With some twists and turns, this does keep one’s interest but the truth is that even at the end of the story, there is no happiness. This is one bleak story. Plus if you were expecting to see your favorite heroes as their Black Lantern undead selves don’t blink. They are definately not the focus here. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
FLASH #82 DC COMICS
I feel like the voice over movie trailer guy as I type this. In a world where evil has won and no hope is left, one man controls his destiny… But the truth is that while you can dress up the Rogues Gallery in a bunch of high tech costumes and give them ultimate power, deep down they are still the loveable group of ne’er-do-wells that charmed us back in the 1960s and 70s. King Cold actually seems to be doing well as ultimate leader and his white beard is actually quite fitting. (And yes I do admit that his new dudes are waaaay better then that New 52 hoodie.) Joshua Williamson and Rafa Sandoval really make use of this crossover event. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
FOR REAL #1 UNCIVILIZED COMICS
This is an amazing tribute to the man that was Jack Kirby. It does not show him cranking out page after page of comics or fighting against the real world of comics. We get to see an older Jack Kirby flashing back to his war experiences while waiting for a CAT scan. Follow up with some wonderful reminising from James Romberger and this is an excellent look back at Kirby the Man. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
DC SUPER HERO GIRLS GIANT #1 DC COMICS
What I can only hope is a new trend, DC brings us another 100 Page Super Spectacular (I refuse to call them Giants. They were Super Spectacular back in the 70’s no reason to change now.) After a Scooby Doo and a Teen Titans Go! issue, this third entry brings me hope that DC Comics kids titles may return in this new format. With 5 action-packed stories, this is a lot of bang for your buck. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.