Issue #23: Comic Books For the Week of Thursday, July 10, 2008

New comic books were delayed at Bad Apple Comics (http://bacomics.com) a day because of the Independence Day holiday, which meant one more day I had to wait for the latest issue of Powers, which was already 2 1/2 months late already. So, what was one more day, right? It was worth the wait, as always, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Todd Nauck's Wildguard Insider #3 (of 3) (Image)
Justice Society of America #17 (DC)
Ultimate Origins #2 (Marvel)
Action Comics #867 (DC)
Powers #29 (Icon / Marvel)

Todd Nauck's Wildguard Insider #3 (of 3) (Image) * * * *
This latest ini-series of the Wildguard heroes was a fun read. It was fun reading Todd Nauck create original versions of heroes that we have seen many copycats of over the years. Snapback is the latest in a long line of elastic heroes, but Todd presents him in an original story, and flashbacks to his past. Next are more strips from the http://wildguard.com web comic, and then two more installments of Where Are They Now?, starring Strong-Bot and Running Girl.

Justice Society of America #17 (DC) * * * *
We see Damage dealing with what happened to him at the end of the last issue, the entire DC pantheon almost meeting Gog for themselves, and heroes and religious institutions coming to grips with a god walking the Earth. And we get a lead-in to JSA Annual #1. Gog has cured famine and disease. That leaves what -- war? There might be trouble ahead.

Ultimate Origins #2 (Marvel) * * * * *
This issue is mostly a retelling of Captain America's origin. We enven get to meet the Ultimat's Dum Dum Dugan, although without the derby hat. Instead of being a boring rerun, we get pulled in to Steve Roger's anguish at his frail body keeping him from fulfilling his duty, and see how he becomes Captain America. The beginning of the issue takes place today, and the rest is a flashback, but we are left to wonder how Cap's origin ties into what Dr. Banner mentioned in the first issue.

Action Comics #867 (DC) * * * * *
Geoff Johns, Gary Frank and Jon Sibal continue to excel with Brainiac: Part 2 Hide and Seek. We learn more about Brainiac through the eyes of Kara Zor-El, who lived on Krypton during Brainiac's attack there. Her memories add a sense of terror to Brainiac's menace. After a touching visit to the Kents in Smallville, Superman decides to take the fight to Brainiac, after a funny scene at the Daily Planet. That light moment is a nice break in a very grim issue. And the concluding scene is earth shattering.

Powers #29 (Icon / Marvel) * * * * *
I always save Powers for last because I always know it will be the best read of the week. This week is no different. It's just that once again there was a long wait between issues. On a comic book news web site (I forget which one) artist Michael Avon Oeming talked about the problems with the book, either he or Bendis would get behind as the other got caught up on the book. He also said they hopefully have figured out a way to keep the book on schedule. They've said that before, and I hope this time they can make it stick. Then, again, it's not like these men aren't busy. The issue begins with Calista (Retro Girl) captured by the powers virus villains, and Deena finally in police custody, in the aftermath of the night club attack. Detective Stone of Internal Affairs is circling for the kill, and we find out what exactly Deena has been doing since she went missing from the police force. That's all I can say without spoiling the rest of the story. All I can say is that the police put her information to good use. And Deena has one more shocking development (no pun intended) at the end of the story. I hope issue #30 comes out on time next month, so I can save it until last to read what happens next to Deena and Christian, and Calista as well.

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