HEROES IN CRISIS #9 DC COMICS
I can hear the arguing already. Doc, we all know you hate this mini-series, why review another issue? As this is the finally, I wanted to see just how they would end it. And after reading this issue, I am even more confused then ever. However, the high point here is not the story which appears to leave us with two Wally Wests and no real closure. The treat here is the cameos and what they are telling us. Dozens of heroes from the DC Universe (past and present) let us into their part of the DC Universe. Dove complaining about Hawk, various Robins trying to figure out their place in the Batman world, Will Magnus admitting his love for Platinum, here is the brilliance of the tale. Had the story focused more on this, I believe the story would have been much more interesting. I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
DOOMSDAY CLOCK #10 DC COMICS
It’s about d@mn time! I really don’t even care that the JSA is back only in flashbacks! All I care about is seeing them in action again! Gary Frank’s interpretation is really a joy to see and Brad Anderson’s colors really help spotlight these classic characters. As the story starts to reach it’s end, the clever way that Geoff Johns integrates the Nathaniel Dusk movie really is a treat. With all the reimagining of the first Superman adventure, this issue is the love letter to old fans that DC promised us all that time ago. Now lets hope we keep proceeding forward and issue 11 shows up on schedule. I give it a 10 out of 10 Grahams.
DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #2 DC COMICS
While I am not the biggest fan of Batman, this little visit to the Black Casebook is enough to get me interested again. With the return of the Reaper and a new version of this deadly foe for the future, Peter J. Tomasi weaves a great tale that shows that the future of DC Comics lays in the decades of history it has created. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER #1 DC COMICS
Some good natured fun from the minds at DC. Multiple creative teams working with such heroic pets as Krypto, Bat-Cow, and Captain Carrot. The nice part about working with a theme is the different directions the creative teams can take. From a cute tale of (Super) Man’s best friend to a visit to the Multiverse for another Crisis laden adventure, this is 80 pages of easy going humor and good natured reading enjoyment. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
EXCITING COMICS #2 ANTARCTIC PRESS
The good folks at Antarctica Press continue their clever revamping of the Golden Age! With the second half of the Crimson Scorpion story and the next installment of the Blackjaq saga, the real winner is the accepting of the mantle of Miss Masque. The beginnings of a full blown origin story of Miss Masque and her successor Madam Mask. All the key elements of Golden Age storytelling is here. And it is obvious that the creative teams are really passionate about their characters. But truth be told, I am most excited about the house ads at the back of the book which not only spotlight two new characters to Issue #3 but also give the promise of an upcoming 100 page special! Again, house ads and multiple hero formatting are straight out of the Golden Age handbook. Well done, people! I give it a 10 out of 10 Grahams.