BIRDS OF PREY #1 DC COMICS
I always look forward to a new Birds of Prey title and with a Green Arrow loving Black Canary at the helm, I thought things might be turning in the right direction. But honestly, I’m a bit torn on this one. I was the biggest fan of the 1999 series that went on for 117 issues. And was always amazed at some of the members of the team. Oracle, Thorn, the Kate Spencer Manhunter, and of course, Lady Blackhawk. So after seeing the new lineup, I was a bit disappointed. Cassandra Cain? Harley Quinn? And throw in Zealot so DC can keep copywrite rights to the Wildstorm characters? Sigh, at least we got Big Barda. And while I am not at all a fan of this team, writer Kelly Thompson makes such a good story that I can’t help but turn a partial blind eye to the lineup. Black Canary’s adopted sister, Sin, appears to be in trouble and Dinah has to act. And where Sin is trapped is mind-blowing. Leonardo Romero art talents are up for the job and I can only hope that we’ll be getting more cameos and a rotating roster, just like in the good old days. Giving it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #6 DC COMICS
TOUCHING! That is the proper word as all these brief glimpses of the New Golden Age titles that DC has been teasing us with FINALLY come together. The full page reuniting of Jay & Judy Garrick is enough to bring a tear to your eye. Bruce Wayne’s idea of dealing with his future is so old school comic geeky that you can’t help but smile. But, of course, the tragedy here is all the returning sidekicks who have no one to turn to now that they are back. Cherry Bomb and Ladybug are especially tear-jerking. But even, they get rays of hope. And best of all, (and no I am not referring to the homage recreation of the cover to All-Star Squadron #1) is seeing Alan Scott taking charge and making sure that these legacy heroes are well taken care of. It was like opening up a story from the 1999 JSA title by James Robinson. I hardly ever say this but I am looking forward to see what the creative team has up next. 10 out of 10 Grahams.
SHAZAM! #3 DC COMICS
Goofy! But that’s good. Mark Waid and Dan Mora diving head first into the Old School bag of story ideas! Gorilla City, the Emperor of the Moon, arrogant and childish gods, all getting mixed up in a wonderful, somewhat comical, stew of a story that does remind me on the early days of Captain Marvel Adventures and Whiz Comics. Now if only Mr. Banjo would show up! 8 out of 10 Grahams.
FIRE & ICE WELCOME TO SMALLVILLE #1 DC COMICS
It is amazing what Joanne Starer’s story was able to do with a brief idea from a one-shot special. Welcome to Smallville is a wonderfully inventive look at not only the characters of Fire and Ice but of the universe of Smallville. Martha Kent gives the girls their first taste of small town life. From diners, to homemade apple pie, to introducing some of the locals, Martha proves once again that she needs a lot more credit. Understanding, caring, compassionate, she’s the perfect listener and great for advise. With cameos and guest stars galore, this one is sure to put a smile on your face. With a Terry/Rachel Dodson cover and interiors by Natacha Bustos, this title walks that fine line between a standard comic and one of those young adult books, DC has been putting out. This is some good stuff, I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
STARRING SONYA DEVEREAUX RENEGADE ROAD RIDERS 3 #1
The good folks at American Mythology Productions do it again with another comic movie featuring everyone’s favorite B-movie star, Sonya Devereaux! With no monthly schedule for this title every issue that comes out is a reward for our patience. And since Brendon & Brian Fraim along with Todd Livingston and Nick Capetanakis treat each issue as a self contained movie, every issue is a surprise. And this time around the gang have chosen to give us another Mad Max “homage” (read as rip-off) in the vein of Battletruck, Warriors of the Wasteland, and Metal Storm the Destruction of Jared-Syn. Mutant neanderthal humans, heavily armored vehicles, car chases with violent explosive endings, this one has all of it and came in under budget! And Holy Indiana Jones, careful when you lift that bottle of water off the pressure sensitive alter. And who doesn’t want to see an early 80’s B-movie end with a skinny-dipping scene. However, the best parts of the story are the wraparound story of Sonya attending a no-nothing convention to premier the movie at a tiny hotel side room with about twenty attendees. And with a bonus movie poster featuring a new unseen Sonya movie, I have something to look forward to. This one is for anyone who loves the low-budget work of independant filmmakers and an actress who understands her place in the world of film and revels in it. 10 out of 10 Grahams.