INFINITE FRONTIER #1 DC COMICS
While a quick mini-series to introduce some new upcoming concepts can be forgiven sometime, this is not one of those times. A confusing hodge-podge of stories trying to interconnect themselves misses the mark completely. And it doesn’t help that in the House of Heroes, we come literally face to face with that most annoying version of Captain Carrot that DC just seems to love. While I am perhaps being to rough on a first issue, the whole purose of a first issue is to grab my attention and get me hyped up for the second issue. I read through this issue three times and the only thing that came out of it was that the on-line listing description was much more interesting than the actual product. I give it a 4 out of 10 Grahams.
WONDER WOMAN BLACK & GOLD #1 DC COMICS
GIMMICK : “a trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or business”. A new Wonder Woman title that falls directly under that definition. And although, its a bit of an unusual gimmick it is still quite interesting. Give multiple creative teams the challenge of writing short stories focusing in of WW’s Golden Lasso while only using the color pallet of gold and black. And Book 1’s challengers do alright. The stand out here is John Arcudi and Ryan Sook’s look look at Wonder Woman’s “immortality”. A series of pretty good Wonder Woman shorts that’s worth a look. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
BATMAN SUPERMAN #19 DC COMICS
Just when you thought Gene Luen Yang’s story was going to lose it’s footing, he rallies it and starts off in a new direct that is perfect. As Golen Age versions of Superman, Batman, and Robin lose ally Dr. Atom, they end up dimension bouncing and picking up some new friends like Alanna Strange and El Diablo! With jet packs and six shooters, our growing gang of heroes get the 411 on Auteur.10 and sends us into an exciting new aspect of the adventure. And as always, whose that special guest on the last page? That would be telling but will prove to be a whole lot of fun! While new readers will love the intricately detailed plot, old readers will find all sorts of weird easter eggs! I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
BLOOM #2 HERO TOMORROW COMICS
Ted Sikora’s story continues to fascinate and be troubling at the same time. Our main man Ramsey is in some serious trouble and the reader can’t help but feel that you’d be in the same position had it happen to you. With weird things going on with Regina (the bug trick is especially cool and disturbing at the same time), you can’t help but think that we’ve gone beyond a simple case of drugs. Is there something in the forest possessing her? Is it Ramsey’s fault? So many questions that I would like answers to. And that there is the reason this is a great read. Identification with the characters, concern over their circumstances, questions that the reader needs answers to. That’s good story telling! And don’t get me started on Butch Mapa’s art. Forest scenes, close ups, profiles, he’s got them all down pat. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.