PLAN 59 FROM OUTER SPACE #2 DREN PRODUCTIONS
Not wasting any time, Dren gives us the second issue the week after we got the first. And I am glad for one. As Michael Dolce and James Mascia’s story develops, it continues to show how clever it really is. The actual Plan 59 is a modern take on Plan 9. And while the initial plot point is a classic of science fiction tropes being used in everything from Star Trek to Doctor Who, it still proves to be interesting. With secondary characters from the original film popping up, this title is a whole mess of fun. My only problem is that while mankind is being controlled by the aliens through their cell phones, by the end of part two, the controlled humans are starting to resemble real zombies which is rather odd based on the control methods and stated intent of the aliens. But much like Plan 9 the movie, things don’t have to make sense to be fun. 8 out of 10 Grahams.
GREEN ARROW #1 DC COMICS
New creative team, new series, new issue number one. I’ve seen this one over and over again. Ironically, Some of Oliver Queen’s first words are “Oh Hell No. Not Again!” Which proves that writer Joshua Williamson gets it. Green Arrow is one of those characters that has always been hard to spin off into his own series no matter how much the fan’s demand it. Whether it was back ups in 1970’s Action Comics or the multitude of mini-series from the 1980’s, But the truth is that whether he was road tripping with Hal Jordan or making chili with Barry Allen, Green Arrow was always one of my favorites and I’m always willing to give him a chance. My main concern here is that the crew here seems to have multidimensional plans for the Green Arrow family and the only time that ever worked is when the Stargirl Spring Break Special revealed that the Golden Age Green Arrow and Speedy were a time lost Oliver and Roy. Hopefully, Williamson has a plan but for now, I’ll just sit back and enjoy Sean Izaakse’s art (especially in the flashback scenes!). I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
UNSTOPPABLE DOOM PATROL #2 DC COMICS
Flex Mentallo is back! That’s all you need to know! But this second issue is crammed full of nostagia and touching moments. From Cliff visiting Dorothy’s grave to his reaching out trying to find Danny the Street. By the look of it, the new Chief has managed to gather 80% of the Doom Patrol revolving cast including the old Chief and I couldn’t be more happy. Unfortunately, Peacemaker is still a jerk and someone is not happy that the band is getting back together. Plus, I couldn’t help but notice that this is a limited series (I got the variant cover for issue one which doesn’t tell you that!) And while I was willing to suffer through another reboot (Dawn of DC indeed!) it makes me nervious when the powers that be aren’t willing to give the new titles a chance to prove themselves. The whole “You’ve got six issues to make it or break it!” doesn’t cut it with me. Don’t believe enough in your new titles, restart up the Showcase title and do it that way. It doesn’t seem fair to Dennis Culver, Chris Burnham, Brian Reber, and the rest of the creative team. With a real feel for the subject matter, this one could be a contender if it is allowed to be. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
