SIDEWAYS #1 DC COMICS
Pros for DC’s newest entry in their line up. Sideways has a sturdy foundation in characterization. Following in the footsteps of Peter Parker and Ronnie Raymond, Derek’s backstory of over protective parents, one good friend, and the problems of school are a good start. And the fact that Derek knows how he got his powers, he just doesn’t know how to use them is Comic Primer 101. Add in his obvious connection to DC’s favorite word “Crisis” and you definitely have potential.
Cons – This is all familiar ground we are covering here and in all honesty, issue one is very slow paced. The art and colors due have a tendency to blend together. And there is no real zing! to catch the readers attention. I’ll give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams due to the potential this character could create once he gets going.
DARK KNIGHT RISING WILD HUNT #1 DC COMICS
Finally, a Dark Knight Metal title with something to move forward with. Even as the dark universe versions of Batman move forward with their plans, heroes continue to exist. And with characters such as Rex the Wonder Dog, Detective Chimp, and Egg Fu around, the feel of the 1960’s version of the DC Universe feels nice. My question is one of perspective. By reintroducing some hope into this storyline, is that why I can tolerate it again? Has this whole plotline been so depressing that it was actually steering people away from reading it? Either way, we are back in the realm of the Multiverse and that is always good news. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
SHADE THE CHANGING GIRL/WONDER WOMAN SPECIAL #1 DC COMICS
The weird grows weirder. Wonder Woman’s Milk induced counterpart Wonder Wife is a bizarre blending of conflicting women traits. Oven mitts in place of bracelets? Home conveniences as children? Stone statues of heroic women with milk pouring from their stone breasts? There is some symbolism here that is making my brain hurt. Thank goodness that Cave Carson’s eye can snap them out of it. And don’t get me started on the Wonder Wife’s line “Oh, I know me place again.” This is a place where men should fear to tread. I give it an 8 Grahams out of 10.
ATHENA VOLTAIRE #1 ACTION LAB
Steve Bryant’s favorite Aviatrix is back in business and Action Lab’s got her! In the vein of Indiana Jones and 1940’s serials, this new adventure has our leather bomber coat wearing femme fatale going after a 3 piece tablet, a bronze head that can predict the future, and the mysteries of a forgotten Pope. And while the internet can censor images of the swastika off the clothes of the Nazis on the cover, they can’t beat the ad campaign, “Nazi-punchin’ 1st Issue! I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
BARBARELLA #3 DYNAMITE PUBLISHING
Barbarella’s first adventure at Dynamite comes to a close. Mike Carey’s script ends more like the Barbarella that most of us know and love. Some innuendo, some humor, and a villain who gets what he deserves. But now I have to wonder if the creative team will be able to capture that flavor with their next storyline? I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.