Weird War Tales Returns!

Straight from The Source, Weird War Tales is returning for a one-shot this Sepetember, along with several other classic DC War titles.  Check out this cover by Darwyn Cooke!

How cool is this?!

What Looks Good?

Things are going crazy all around me, but some things remain constant... like comics on Wednesday.

Justice League: The Rise of Arsenal #3 -- Roy's journey to hell continues...

The Mighty Crusaders Special -- Well, the two Red Circle books are ending after their respective issue 10s, but we get this Special and then the Mighty Crusaders miniseries to enjoy... and then... ?

Superman: War Of the Supermen #4 -- This is it!  The final battle of the war is about to be fought!

The Web #9 -- See what I said for the Crusaders above.

Secret Avengers #1 -- I think I am getting this from Marvel... not sure if they have updated my mail order sub or not.  We'll see!  In any event, this looks like a bizarre team!

Futurama Comics #49 -- What zany hijinks await the Planet Express crew this time?

Phantom: Generations #11 -- Sadly, this may be the last issue of this always fun "illustrated prose" series.

Robocop #4 -- The future looks even more bleak now that OCP's miltary bots are in Old Detroit!

So, what looks good to YOU?

What I Read This Week

Creepy #3 -- Whatever Happened To Adolph Hitler?  Plus the conclusion of The Curse, a history of lycanthropy, and a man who invents a disintegrator.  Plenty of gruesome horror for Creepyheads... I just wish this would come out more regularly!

Brightest Day #2 -- The Martian Manhunter investigates the strange history of Dr. Erdel, the man who brought him to Earth, while Professor Stein and The Atom try to figure out how to seperate Ronnie and Jason from the Firestorm matrix.  Strong comics all the way through, with a heck of a cliffhanger.  The biggest flaw is the villain reveal which is surprisingly similar to the Black Manta teaser reveal from last issue!  Still, that aside, I really dig this series so far.

DC Universe: Legacies #1 -- In the days leading up to World War II, so-called "mystery men" begin to appear and multiply throughout the US, ushering a new era of heroism.  Len Wein and Andy & Joe Kubert handle these two tales of the old school Justice League (Sandman and Atom in the first story, and the Spectre and Dr. Fate in the second) in strong fashion, but something about this book fell flat to me.  I can't quite put my finger on it, but this was disappointing.

Tiny Titans #28 -- It's the Super Pet Club!  Any comic which makes Titano amusing gets my vote.  Look out for cameos by two intrepid reporters from the Daily Planet!

Avengers #1 -- Steve Rogers, "Top Cop Of The World" is organizing his Avengers teams, and the heavy-hitters are assembled in New York... just in time for Kang the Conqueror to arrive!  Is it bad that my main complaint of this issue is that Kang's electronic screen would have stopped Thor's hammer cold, just like it has for years?  Then again, if that is my main complaint then maybe F'n Bendis! is on the right track?  His dialogue still has it's annoying quirks, but this is a good Avengers story and a solid team.  I dig John Romita Jr's art but evidently I am in the minority on that one.  

Rescue #1 -- Pepper Potts has some down time in that basement in Oklahoma, and remembers a mission as Rescue which did not go well... as told by her deceased husband.  I would definitely read a Pepper Potts/Rescue book by Kelly Sue DeConnick, although Andrea Mutti's armor work needs improvement (her other stuff looks fine, but the armor just looks awkward).  Strong one-shot for a longtime supporting character, with a very nice little interview with DeConnick inside as well.

Re-Read Pile: Brightest Day, Avengers, Rescue.

The Pick Of The Pile is Avengers, followed closely by Brightest Day.  I thought F'n Bendis! and JRJr did a good job of re-launching the Avengers in a manner more like the Avengers I know and love.  Brightest Day was very strong as well, but I wanted more Hawks!

What Looks Good?

It's been alternating between super-hot and raining here in South Carolina... so take precautions when you head to the shop today!

Creepy #3 -- It's about time.  I was wondering if we'd ever get another installment of this horror anthology!

Brightest Day #2 -- Looks things are going to get a lot worse for our resurrected heroes before they get any better.

DC Universe: Legacies #1 -- We look back to the days of hallowed antiquity and the original Justice Society of America!

Justice Society of America: Bad Seed -- And now we can check out the new Justice Society!

Tiny Titans #28 -- The only Titans book worth reading.

ShadowHawk Chronicles v.1 -- Well, this is certainly neat, but I think I own everything collected herein!

Avengers #1 -- Can F'n Bendis! truly write the "real" Avengers?  We'll find out.

Invincible Iron Man #26 -- Tony's new "free energy" initiative might be a bold new idea, but what about Detroit Steel?

Rescue #1 -- Cmon, it's a Pepper Potts one-shot, what's not to like?

So, what looks good to YOU?

What I Read This Week

Flash #2 -- Flash faces down the Renegades, who have arrived from the future to arrest Flash for a murder he is going to commit!  Johns continues to build up how Barry's adventures are going to work, showcasing how he can (very) temporarily hold onto a lot of knowledge, and giving some time to the Crime Lab and the Rogues.  Manupal's art continues to impress.  One quibble: the Renegade Top's name is... Top?  Solid second chapter.

Human Target #4 -- Christopher Chance has his charges in Switzerland to retrieve another set of ledgers and avoid another set of assassians.  Then, he explains the origin of another scar.  The main story is a riff on the opening of The Spy Who Loved Me, but if you are going to rip something off, ripping off the best is the way to go.  I wish this book was monthly, or at least monthly until the show comes back in the Fall.

The Shield #9 -- Lt. Huggins and his team are in Happy Harbor to stop a Black Seven weapons deal, but things come off the rails!  Then, the Fox continues his war against the Yakuza!  The lead is pretty strong, with Shield working with the JSA (great bit: Shield's suit initially cannot "see" Mr. Terrific at all, but starts to break down his defenses after a while) to run a sort of black op against Black Seven.  It's a nice change of pace from the usual run-and-gun stuff.  The backup feature is sort of suffering from being scattered.  Fox gets his true costume here, which is nice, but this seems more like a series of vignettes than a true story.  Still, good issue, and with one last one to tie up these loose ends before the Mighty Crusaders stuff we should get some satisfying conclusions.

Superman: War Of The Supermen #2 -- New Krypton has been destroyed, and Zod wants to return the favor to Earth!  Continues at much the same pace as the previous issue, with Zod's troops taking out Lane's Mars base (does Martian Manhunter know about this?) while Superman and Supergirl try to break up the fight.  Lane's next line of defense making for another insane cliffhanger!  Great comics all around!

Iron Man 2: Public Identity -- Tony has to go into the political hotspot of The Congo to rescue the pilot of Justin Hammer's junky warmech!  I am very eager to sit down and re-read this whole series as it makes for a very strong installment in the Shellhead film continuity as well as being a pretty nifty Iron Man story in it's own right.

Iron Man: Legacy #2 -- Tony's campaign in Transia continues, much to the chagrin of the American government.  This issue is a lot less blatantly 90s than the last one but this is still clearly set during the Heroes Return era.  And its the kind of adventure Shellhead would have had during that peroid.  Fun, fast-paced armored action, this issue makes for a nice counterpoint to the more quasi-political, "heavier" stuff over in Invincible Iron Man.

New Avengers: Luke Cage #2 -- Cage continues to run down the made men in Philly, including his old foe Lion Fang!  Canete's artwork remains an intensely good fit for Cage, especially as he tangles with Lion Fang's trio of big cats.  The flashback to the original tussle between these two is a nice touch for those of us who have read (and own...) that particular issue.  This issue did a good job of scratching the old school Hero For Hire itch which Bendis doesn't seem to really "get;" at least not in the way I am looking for.

Re-Read Pile: Flash, War Of The Supermen, Iron Man 2: Public Identity, Iron Man: Legacy, New Avengers: Luke Cage.

The Pick Of The Pile is War Of The Supermen, which was just as high-octane as the first issue.  Overall a great week!

Amigurumi Iron Man!

In honor of my upcoming Iron Man 2 review, check out this awesome amigurumi Shellhead!  Amigurumi is a japanese crotchet/knit toy deal and this is utterly adorable.  You can check out this page here to see more of them by Lady Lindsay.  How awesome are these?

(Thanks to rob! over at The Aquaman Shrine for putting me onto this link!)

What Looks Good?

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting hotter, which means two things: It's summer, and it's new comics day.

Flash #2 -- The future Rogues are here in Central City and accusing the Flash of a murder to happen later!  What the?!

Human Target #4 -- Where will Chance find himself next as he tries to fulfill his contract?

The Shield #9 -- Operation: Gunslinger continues!

Superman: War Of The Supermen #2 -- What shape will Zod's counterattack against Earth take?

Daredevil: Cage Match -- Daredevil versus Luke Cage!

Iron Man 2: Public Identity -- Can Tony save the victims of Hammer's crummy tech?

Iron Man: Legacy #2 -- Iron Man and Doctor Doom face off once more!

New Avengers: Luke Cage #2 -- Cage stalks the mean streets of the City Of Brotherly Love!

Polticial Power: Rush Limbaugh -- Live from the EIB Network!

So, what looks good to YOU?

What I Read This Week

Brightest Day #1 -- The resurrected heroes are beginning to re-adjust to their lives amongst the living, with some working out better than others.  What is wrong with Aquaman's powers?  Why can't Ronnie and Jason seperate out of the Firestorm matrix?  Who is after the remains of Prince Khufu and Princess Chay-era?  All these questions and more are addressed in the first proper issue of the maxi-series, and if this is what we can expect from Brightest Day it's going to be one heck of a ride.  

Doom Patrol #10 -- Reeling after the arrival of Danny the, uh, Bungalow, the team seems hardly prepared for the arrival of the Porcelain Assassin!  Interesting little issue, with a great villain and some behind the scenes manipulation, but I have to ask: what the heck happened to Ambush Bug?  I am still enjoying this series but Giffen has come down off the highs of the launch, methinks.

Red Robin #12 -- It's Tim Drake vs Ra's al Ghul in Gotham City!  That pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?  Yost and To turn in a very strong wrap-up to the arc as well as the first year of the title, and with a change coming in the creative team and direction of the book, it's very appreciated to see the story wrapped up so nicely.  Still deciding on whether to stick on the title or let it lapse, but this issue was very good.

Superman: War Of The Supermen #1 -- While Zod's forces are on their way to Earth, General Lane strikes back using his agent Reactron in a way no one could have predicted!  I really liked the #0 issue from FCBD and this one built on that very strongly, delivering a surprising turn of events which further fuels the agression on both sides.  I have been on a Superman kick lately and this is not helping matters by being so well done.  I am really jazzed that this is a weekly series which means I only have to wait a few days to get the next installment!

The Warlord #14 -- The new Warlord and his adventuring party are staring down the eye of a beast which can vaporize anything it looks at!  It's disappointing that this series is ending, because Grell is establishing Joshua as the Warlord very deftly in these pages, including giving him a new set of weapons and defining his look.  The teaser says "everything changes" but how much change can you pull out with so few issues remaining?

ShadowHawk #1 -- Paul Johnstone, the violent, backbreaking vigilante known as ShadowHawk, has returned to life and continues to bring justice to the streets of New York.  But has New York moved beyond his justice?  This debut is hampered by the delays in Image United (what the heck happened to Eddie to bring Paul back?) but taken on it's own merits it's enjoyable.  Wickline and Rodriguez are game, and while their feature has a few stiff portions in it, it's nicely put together.  The backup, by Steve Niles with art by Valentino is a nice addition, although Valentino is using a lighter style than he did on the original run of the character.

Invincible Iron Man #25 -- With his mind rebooted (with old data), Tony Stark is set to reconquer the world -- but this time he's going to do it differently.  Meanwhile, Justine Hammer has plans of her own, and you can bet they aren't good for Tony.  Fraction is finally out of the woods on World's Most Wanted and Stark: Disassembled, but that doesn't mean that we're done with the Stark bashing.  Fraction really doesn't like Tony Stark and will not rest until he has been completed gutted.  The fact that Fraction is not a fan of the character is only amplified when Tony has to talk to Reed Richards (and get bashed) and Thor (and get bashed).  Furthermore, Fraction's "new direction" is not all that new considering that similar paths have been taken before, dating back to the early 70s.  The more I look at La Rocca's art the less I like it -- the fact that Tony looks like a giant goober all the time being a main turn-off.  The new armor is nice, though.  I like the subplots and the main story has some promise, but Fraction needs to get over himself.

Iron Man 2: Public Identity #2 -- Justin Hammer's new mobile combat vehicle is launched, forcing Tony Stark to take matters in his own hands.  My main complaint about this series is that they couldn't get all three parts before Iron Man 2 debuted, because if you are a fan of the movie(s) like I am, then this series is right up your alley.

glamourpuss #13 -- I did not get a chance to read this yet, unfortunately.

Re-Read Pile: Brightest Day, WotS, ShadowHawk, IM2: Public Identity, Invincible Iron Man.

The Pick of the Pile is Brightest Day, although War of the Supermen and IM2 were both really, really good as well!

What Looks Good?

It's May, so I guess it's summer now, huh?  It's certainly hot enough to stay in and read comics, that's for sure.

Brightest Day #1 -- After the zero issue, I can't wait to check this out!

Doom Patrol #10 -- The wackiest superteam in the West!

Red Robin #12 -- Will Tim survive Ra's Al Ghul's revenge?

Superman: War Of The Supermen #1 -- Zod declares war on Earth!  That... is bad.

The Warlord #14 -- Joshua's first adventure may also be his last!

ShadowHawk #1 -- The backbreaker is back, baby!

Iron Man 2: Public Identity #2 -- The in-between-quel rolls on.

glamourpuss #13 -- It's time for the glamourpuss Magazine Club!

So, what looks good to YOU?

What I Read This Week

Outsiders #29 -- We take a break from the main story to catch up with the Outsiders resident vampire supermodel, Looker!  When a vampire hunter comes calling, Looker has her hands full, especially when her assailant continually ruins her outfits.  This is the sort of issue where, in the old days, the rest of the cast would pop up on the first page and complain that they were not in the issue, but that probably would not fit in with the crew now, would it?  (To be fair, Katana and Owlman make a small apperance herein.)  DiDio is still on stride here, setting up a possible future storyline while bringing Looker into the main storyline.  Don Kramer's art is straightforward but suits the characters appropriately.  Good issue.

The Web #8 -- The Web is finding himself embroiled in a mystery involving a giant insurance company, the murderous Stunner, and the shadowy "Global Concern."  And now they know his identity!  Plus, who is the second Hangman murdering people in plain daylight?  The lead story is fun, with Web using his secret identity and a game of racquetball (!) to gather intel.  Matt Sturges is game but its hard to get worked up for a series which is a lame duck.  Same goes for the Hangman backup, which is pretty neat.

Iron Man 2: Public Identity #1 -- After Tony Stark utters the words "I am Iron Man," the world has changed... and gotten substantially more dangerous.  The official "in-between-quel" bridging the gap between Iron Man and Iron Man 2 does a good job of setting itself in and expanding the movie universe.  Joe Casey nails the voices of the characters, including a slightly goofy Tony right in line with Robert Downey's performance.  There's also a great tie-in with The Incredible Hulk which is very much welcomed.  Excellent book which I cannot wait to read the rest of.

Invincible Iron Man #25, Mighty Avengers #36 -- Waiting on these from Marvel!

Justice League: The Rise Of Arsenal #2 -- Forgot to pick it up!  Can you believe it?!

Re-Read Pile: Outsiders, Iron Man 2: Public Identity.

The Pick Of The Pile is Iron Man 2: PI, which has gotten me even more jazzed about seeing the new movie, something I didn't think was physically possible.