Issue #25: Comic Books For The Week of Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Legion of Super-Heroes #44 (DC)
Superman #678 (DC)
Invincible #51 (Image)
Dan Dare #7 (of 7) (Virgin)

Last week I watched The Dark Knight at the theater. This Wednesday, before I went to my local comic book shop, Bad Apple Comics (http://bacomics.com/), my sister and I went to see Wall-E. While The Incredibles is still my favorite Pixar movie, Wall-E is a close second. It's clear with each movie that Pixar Studios makes a quantum jump in their technological ability with computer animation, yet they have never fallen into the trap so many other studios have done with their CGI movies. Pixar has never forgotten the importance of story quality and well developed characters. The first part of Wall-E has very sparse dialogue, yet the visuals tell the story flawlessly, and develop emotion in the characters that draws us in. Add Wall-E to your list of must see summer movies.

Legion of Super-Heroes #44 (DC) * * * *
Everything comes to a head for the Legion on all fronts, HQ, Rimbor and Velmar V. The UP is about to close down the Legion and their various teams are inder fire from either space pirates of the Science Police. The cover is a cool design, with the logo diagonally with the figures in the foreground. Ultra-Boy is reaching to save a woman who is falling off a tall building. The art inside is different, a little cartoony. It's not my favorite but doesn't detract me from enjoying the story. And how the remaining Legionaires at HQ come up with an original and humorous way to solve their problems. But there is no time to catch their breath, as a new threat appears requiring the Legion's help. This was another fun issue, with lots of Legion action, and I enjoyed watching the Legion find a way out of impossible situations. The next issue looks like it will start a new storyline.

Superman #678 (DC) * * * *
This issue begins's Superman's fight with Atlas, but it's not the end of their battle. The story was more than just two capes tarding fists like I expected. We see a flashback of Clark and Lois at breakfast,a s well as the origin of Atlas himself, drawn in a Kirbyesque style. We also meet someone else who has plans for Superman's destruciton. It's a better than average issue, but Action Comics still feels like it has the best Superman stories, after the yet to be published last issue of All-Star Superman.

Invincible #50 (Image) * * * *
This latest issue of Invincible begins to set up the next storyline, after the life-changing events of the previous issue. Invincible's friends set up shop in the old Teen Team HQ, and the Guardians of the Globe regroup after their split. Things change for Mark also on the home front. Invincible and his half brother Oliver team up for the first time as super hero partners with mixed results. Atom Eve moves back to America and a surprising character makes an appearance at the end of the issue. This issue had some fun super hero action, but nothing really "big" happens. After the big 50th issue that's okay. After big issues like that an issue like this is just fine. It's important to have issues that are a little quieter to catch our breath as readers. The new plotlines started in this issue promise some great stories in future issues. The very back has a preview of the new FireBreather title, and the next issue teaser is a surprise.

Dan Dare #7 (of 7) (Virgin) * * * * *
This first mini-series of the Virgin Comics' edition of Dan Dare ends with all guns blazing, literally. Lt. Christian continues to show she has the starch in her back to command over the Admiral that Dare jumped her over to command the task force. We learn from Peabody, the Home Secretary and acting Prime Minister, why Dare lived in seclusion on an asteroid at the beginning of this mini-series, after the last great battle against the Mekon. Victory is not painless nor without casualties, especially deaths that hit close to home. Apparently the next Dan Dare mini-series will be published this fall, according to a teaser on the inside back cover. Dan Dare is among the best comics, lots of action that uses the action to advance character development as well as plot. I will definitely be picking up the next Dan Dare story this fall, and I fully expect it to remain among my favorites.

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