JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #4 DC COMICS
Four issues in and Writer Mark Maid proves he is not willing to bypass characters for the sake of a world ending story. As the plot of terrorist organization, Inferno, is hardly noticeable as Tefe Holland tells the Justice League … No! (Some long time Justice League of America fans will get that reference!) However, while the planet burns, Mr. Terrific comes to terms with the possiblility of failure, Batman tracks down and confronts the Martian Manhunter, Aquaman enters the Green, and Air Wave is still being pointed out as a traitor. Plus, the mystery of just who are Inferno starts getting some clues. Did anyone catch it when the Inferno member in the Green calls Aquaman “My old enemy.” ? I just love classic villain banter! A much more personal story here. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
GODZILLA VS CHICAGO #1 IDW PUBLISHING
It is a sad fact that IDW’s recent Godzilla series have been a little lackluster. So having Godzilla show up in various American cities didn’t jump right out at me. A series of short tales starting with writer Mike Costa’s tale of sports teams and angry fans. The creative teams have the right idea by cramming tons of Chicago (and surrounding suburbs) references into the story. Starting with the Kenzie Street EL showing up on the cover. Another smart move in the initial tale was to have the unbelievabe coincidence of MechaGodzilla being given to the city of Chicago “just in case of a Godzilla attack”. One of the tales is Godzilla chasing after the EL through it’s route through the city with the names of many familiar stops popping up. The unfortunate part is that while Chicagoans might get a kick out of this, no one else will. Now, this is only Godzilla’s first stop in America (Los Angeles is up next.) But again, while the local references are cute, not sure how well these independent one-shots are going to sell. An interesting concept that deserves a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
POWER LORDS #2 NACELLEVERSE
One issue away from the finale of Nacelleverse’s Year One. And while this whole series has been a hoot, the Power Lords isn’t exactly what I would have ended on. Lasting only two years (1983-1985), the original toy line was not exactly selling out at the local Toy R’ Us’s back then. My thought process is that Matt Hotson’s story might end with Adam Power’s power jewel will become some sort of nexus point leading us into Year Two. Will this second year feature new toy lines and characters. I know early ads for a Nacelleverse toy line showed the Cowboys of Moo Mesa. Could an appearance by Majoy Matt Mason or cowboy Johnny West be in the cards? But until that revelation next issue, Adam Power comes off as kind of a jerk. His new and former friends are also rather jerky. And the villains aren’t overly evil. I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
THE HUMAN FLY #3 IPI COMICS
HOLY SPOT-ON GOLD KEY RETRO COVER! The first story arc continues as some questions are answered, more questions are asked. Secrets and deceptions are causing cracks in Team Human Fly. Mercury is getting annoyed And one team member gets to see The Human Fly without his mask! Luckily, for us the readers, we don’t. There is nothing more annoying than when the mysterious character pulls off his mask and reveals his backround tale. Characters like the Phantom Stranger, Black Orchid, Dolphin, and Donna Troy Wonder Girl all suffered because the suits upstairs decided it was time to let everyone in on the big secret. And with a bonus backround look at the real Mercury that is just another rabbit hole that I need to throw myself into, the creative team here once again shows their love of the character. 9 out of 10 Grahams.
