Issue #37: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Project SuperPowers #7 (of 7) (Dynamite Entertainment)
Legion Of Super-Heroes #47 (DC)
Superman #681 (DC)

Project Superpowers #7 (of 7) * * * *
This issue wraps up the first mini-series of obscure golden age super heroes. This issue, and the series it concludes, was a satisfying story. It did something other mini-series that lead into another mini-series don't always do, lead its story to a satisfying conclusion. All of the plot threads come together in this issue and are wrapped up in an action packed climax. The Fighting Yank finally faces the difficult choice that his life wasleading to. The heroes are trapped and the odds are not good for them. The ending leaves the door open for these characters, as in "What's Next?" but the questions asked in this story were answered. At the end are two more hero features, including The Owl, which caught my attention with the upcoming Watchmen movie. There will be a volume two of Project Superpowers, as well as spin-offs for Black Terror and The Death-Defying Devil. I'll be checking them out.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #47 (DC) * * * *
As the cover indicates, Brainiac 5 has a lot more than super science on his mind. And there is a suprising twist to the Princess Projectra plotline. The art is a little loose for my taste but it does remind me a little of Jon Bogdanove, so it's not bad. There are some action scenes in this issue, but the strong point is the character interaction and development in this issue, a Legion strength. I just read on some comic book news web sites that this series will end with issue #50, and Jim Shooter will not be writing any future Legion title. I would guess that the Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds mini-series will impact what a future Legion title continuity will be, but I hope that will be the last Legion "reboot" for a while. My only criticism of Legion stories of recent years are the frequent reboots, which seems to have the Legion spinning its wheels, so to speak. The stories have been good, but with the reboots the stories haven't been leading anywhere. That's what I hope the Legion Final Crisis tie-in will solve.

Superman #681 (New Krypton #2) (DC) * * * * *
The triangle numbers from the 1990's have returned. Superman introduces the Kandorians to the world. Some of Superman's friends have a few worlds of caution for him, and the issue concludes with a big surprise. And Ma Kent gets some surprising help in dealing with her grief. And another Alex Ross cover can't hurt, either! This has been the best Superman issue this year. James Robinson has written an excellent chapter, and Renato Guedes pencils and Wilson Margalhres inks make excellent art. The New Krypton story looks to take its place next to other excellent DC stories this year, like Green Lantern's Sinestro Corps War (which I didn't read but heard great things about it; plus it was written by Geoff Johns). It feels great to say that it's fun to read Superman again.

Send e-mail about this blog to mypulllist@gmail.com.

Superman Fan Podcast can be found at http://supermanfanpodcast.mypodcast.com. Expanded show notes can be found at http://supermanfanpodcast.blogspot.com. Send e-mail about this podcast to supermanfanpodcast@gmail.com.