Issue #19: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Invincible #50 (Image)
Action Comics #866 (DC)

This was a small week for comic books, but definitely not a disappointing one. The long anticipated issue fifty of Invincible came out, and Action Comics looks like it is continuing its string of excellent storylines.

Invincible #50 (Image) * * * * *
Issue fifty finally came out. Invincible's confrontation with Cecil Steadman, set up at the conclusion of issue 49, takes place. Invincible's career will be very different from now on, as well as Mark's personal life, especially in regards to Eve. In the back are two short stories, At Long Last -- The Secret Origin of Cecil Steadman! and Science Dog. The latter is Mark's favorite comic book super hero. All three stories are great reads. In Cecil's origin story we see how he got the motivation for his actions in defence of the USA. Even though the immediate confrontation between Invincible and Cecil is resolved, I'm sure this is not the last word between the two. And the back cover is the cover to issue 51, drawn by Jim Lee, showing Invincible and his half-brother Oliver. I can't wait until the next issue is published. Creator and writer Robert Kirkman always leaves me wanting more.

Action Comics #866 (DC) * * * * *
This issue is the first part of a story involving Brainiac, hence the title, Brainiac part I. It begins on Krypton, with Zod and Ursa leading the defense of Krypton against an attack by Krypton. Does that sound familiar, silver age Superman readers? The Krypton part of the issue brings aspects of the silver age Brainiac continuity to modern readers with a little updating. It combines elements of the green skinned villain and the "living metal" version. Cat Grant returns to the Daily Planet staff. It's great to see plot elements involving some of the supporting cast. I've thought lately that had been missing in recent years. That was one aspect of Superman comics I enjoyed in the '90's, during the numbered triangle days, when the Superman titles each month advanced threads of a common story. Gary Frank's fantastic art rejoins Geoff Johns excellent writing and characterization. It looks like Superman is facing another threat that will challenge his powers.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, June 25, 2008:
Fantastic Four #558 (Marvel)
Superman #677 (DC)

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