Issue #30: Catch Up Week #6

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, August 27, 2008:
Justice Society of America #18 (DC)
Comic books for the week of Thursday, September 4, 2008:
Noble Causes #36 (Image)
Tor #5 (of 6) (DC)
Comic books for the week of Wednesday, September 10, 2008:
Ultimate Origins #4 (of 5) (Marvel)
Invincible #52 (Image)

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, August 27, 2008:
Justice Society of America #18 (DC) * * * * *
Somehow I missed seeing this issue on the rack that week, not having bothered to add it to my pull list, but better late than never. Like the cover suggests, we see the origin of Magog. First we see Gog continuing his quest against war in Africa, and in coming up with creative ways of dealing with the terrorists who have been committing atrocities in Congolese villiages. We also are given a window into the thoughts of Hawkman, as well as Power Girl's struggles on Earth-2. I wonder if this storyline is reaching its final phase. It seems to be setting up for quite a conclusion. I don;t see a way that Geoff Johns will disappoint.

Comic books for the week of Thursday, September 4, 2008:
Noble Causes #36 (Image) * * * * *
The fight against the imposter Amy Wells, girlfriend of Surge, reaches its apparent conclusion. The Nobles use some guile in their strategy, and Surge shows a different side of his otherwise impulsive personality to the still incapacitated Frost. The issue ends with Doc asking one member of the team a very pointed question. Even though the story has advanced five years from its original run, the family intrigues contine, and keep my interest in what happens in the next issue. The new relationships and new characters on the team also hold my interest, and my anticipation of how they will develop.
Tor #5 (of 6) * * * * *
Joe Kubert continues his textbook on how to create an excellent comic book story in this next to last issue. It is a bittersweet issue, as, like previous issues, Tor faces peril after peril with brief moments of peace. This issue is Tor's ultimate confrontation with the hairy tribe, and ends with what may be the most serious peril of all. The test is told through narration, without word balloons, ala Prince Valient. When the concluding issue is published next month, I'll have to read the story all together with an eye toward learning storytelling tips from its pages. Tor joins Watchmen on my very short list of comic books that also serve as textbooks on comic book storytelling.
Comic books for the week of Wednesday, September 10, 2008:
Ultimate Origins #4 (of 5) (Marvel) * * * * *
This issue continues the origin of Nick Fury and how he came to head the secret government organization that gave birth to the Ultimates team of heroes. We also see the origin of another Marvel Ultimate hero, and by the end of the issue we learn what the strange obelisks that are appearing everywhere. We even meet the Ultimate Gen. "Thunderbolt" Ross, which is a nice treat, and brought me back to some issues of the 1970's Incredible Hulk series. This series will probably conclude with a plot that leads into a March On Ultimatum mini series of some kind. It promises to be an ominous story. While I don't know if I will pick up the next mini series, but however this one ends I don't think I will be disappointed. Seeing Fury's origin as well as the other hero is a satisfying enough reason to read this mini series. Brian Michael Bendis is another comic book writer, along with Geoff Johns and Robert Kirkman, who usually do not disappoint with their comic book scripts.
Invincible #52 (Image) * * * * *
The siezure of the missle silo plot reaches its apparent conclusion, and we learn the reasoning behind it.The Mauler Twins have defeated the Guardians of the Globe, but now face Invincible, with unwanted help from his brother Kid Omni-Man. The battle is particularly bloody as sometimes happens in Invincible. At the end of the issue Invincible makes a shocking admission to himself. I really can't say more than this without spoiling part of the plot. Even though there were not any short transition scenes that Kirkman usually puts in each issue, but the events in this issue will drive the plot for issues to come. The story of Invincible seems to be heading to a point from which there may be no return for him, depending on the decisions he makes ahead. Invincible is definitely a title to keep on your pull list.
Some Upcoming comic books for the week of Wednesday, September 17, 2008:
Action Comics #869 (DC) Continues the creepy and excellent Brainiac story, which is probably one of the best stories in Action along with the Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes story.
All-Star Superman #12 (of 12) (DC) This is the final issue of one of the best Superman stories I have ever read. Sometime in October I plan to do a wrap-up episode on this mini series on Superman Fan Podcast.

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