Issue #39: Catch Up Week #8 Part I

I'm starting the new year behind. I didn't have a chance to blog during the Christmas and New Year holidays, and I starting this year with a cold, which I've just gotten over this week. So I will break this issue into parts for the last two months of the year. My resolution this year is to stick to my comic buying budget, if I want my wife to remain happy with me. In tight financial times, there isn't any extra finances to blow on extra comics. I've dropped Justice Society of America after the end of the Kingdon Come story, and Noble Causes will end with issue #40. I was thinking of dropping Supergirl as well, but the Superwoman story is intriguing, so that will remain on my pull list. And now let's catch up on the comics I read at the end of the year.

Late comic book for the week of Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Noble Causes #37 (Image) * * * *
This issue came out around the time I was setting up my pull list at Acme Comics (http://www.acme-superstore.com) so this one slipped by me until issue #38 appeared. The excellent staff of Acme back ordered this issue for me. Invincible appears on the cover, and guest stars in this issue, which adds depth to the Image super hero world. Most of the issue was a super hero fight, which would have made it an average story, but the character moments added another * to my rating. The dilemma Slate found himself in, and the exchanges between Slate and Zephyr drew my interest into the story as much if not more than the fight itself. Maybe I'm a more mature comic book reader, or maybe I'm just showing my age. And the ending hooked me for the next issue.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, November 5, 2008:
Sgt. Rock: The Lost Batallion #1 (of 6) (DC)
Top 10: Season 2 #2 (America's Best Comics / Wildstorm / DC)
Justice Society of America #20 (DC)
Adventure Comics Special Featuring The Guardian #1 (One Shot) (DC)

Sgt. Rock: the Lost Batallion #1 (of 6) (DC) * * * * *
This Billy Tucci written and drawn story opens with a nod to Joe Kubert's Rock through the brush of war correspondent Kilroy, who is this story's point of view. The issue begins with the Allied landing on Omaha Beach, showing why Sgt. Rock is Rock. Then Easy Company is assigned to an infantry unit heading into the mountains of Foret De Champ by a general who makes you wonder if he knows what he is doing or if he is an incompetent full of bluster. And Kilroy is tagging along. There is plenty of room for character development, even through the battle scenes, which is a sign to me of an excellent storyteller. This issue made me hang around for the second issue.

Top 10: Season Two #2 (of 4) (America's Best Comics / Wildstorm / DC) * * * *
Irma is dealing with the grief of losing her partner, Girl One, on top of relating to her replacement. The precinct is on the case of a magician giving kids a magic word that turns them into supermen, as well as an unusual hostage situation. I would give this issue another (*), but I'm concerned about the new commissioner. He seems another by the book leader, as in the previous mini-series by Jerry Ordway. I'm concerned that plot is repeating itself, or is it the way things always are at the precinct. But I'm not giving up on the title. There are too many interesting characters and plot threads keeping my interest.

Justice Society of America #20 (DC) * * * * *
The battle between the JSA and Justice League Infinity of Earth-2 breaks out. We get to see the Earth-2 Batcave, much like the golden or silver age Batcave. And Jerry Ordway's art for the Earth-2 scenes, as well as the Alex Ross cover, make this an enjoyable issue. Alternate worlds and heroes, what else could you ask for?

Adventure Comics Special Featuring the Guardian #1 (of 1) (DC) * * * * *
This is issue #3 of the New Krypton saga, and continues the story begun in the Jimmy Olsen special. We learn the origin of this Jim Harper aka Guardain clone, as well as his daughter. We also get an unusual Legion tie-in. His story explores the dark side of Cadmus. This issue isn't necessary to folow the New Krypton story, but it's an excellent story on its own, and it dows add depth to the overall story. I would recommend you pick it up.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, November 12, 2008:
Lost & Found #1 (of 1) (IDW)
Action Comics #871 (New Krypton #4) (DC)
Justice Society of America: Kingdom Come Special: Superman #1 (of 1) (DC)

Lost & Found #1 (of 1) * * * * *
I've read Beau Smith's column Busted Knuckles at the web site http://www.comicsbulletin.com/ for several years, and I enjoyed his previous mini-series Cobb, also from IDW. In this single issue, Lost & Found is a tesxtbook on how to take one issue and establish characters, tell a story, and wrap it up in a satisfying conclusion. It's kind of like the silver age DC stories, silly as they often were. In a five or six page story they told a complete story, tossing a plot point in a line what modern creators would take several issues for. The premise of Lost & Found is that areas around the world like the Bermuda Triangle are actually portals to an island out of time. People from different eras of history pass through these portals and are stranded on this "timeless" island. As people are wont to do, they split up into rival camps. A U. S. helicopter crew find themselves on this island, and become involved in the local conflict, as well as trying to find a way back. Beau shows his writing skills by using the action to explore characterization. We learn more about them as we follow the story, something not every comic book writer can do well. After the end of the story is a text page that fuly explains the premise of the story as it concerns this mysterious island. It's a great action story worth your time.

Action Comics #871 (New Krypton #4) (DC) * * * * *
The Alex Ross cover alone is worth 5 (*), showing Nightwing and Flamebird (for silver age fans like me) and Krypto to boot! We see more of Gen. Lane and Luthor, and get the battle between Doomsday and a gang of Kryptonians. As we watch the Kandorians adjust to life on Earth, we see how important Clark's Kansas upbringing was on how he uses his powers as Superman. We also get to see some of what the modern Nightwing's and Flamebird's powers are.This issue continues Geoff Johns excellent run on Action, and Pete Wood's art is an able substitute to Gary Frank.

Justice Society of America: Kingdom Come Special: Superman #1 (of 1) (DC) * * * * *
Another excellent Alex Ross cover, as well as the interior story and art, made this issue an easy choice to read last, because I knew this would be the best read of my titles for the week. Again, this issue is not necessary to follow the Kingdom Come story in JSA, but adds a depth and a richness to the story that makes it a must read. This time Alex does not paint the art as he usually does. that chore is ably done by Alex Sinclair. We learn the final moments of the Lois Lane of the Kingdom Come mini-series, with another fun cameo from that story as well. The Kingdom Come superman has a conversation with the last person he wants to talk to. And that is what makes this story one of the best individual issues of 2008.

Comic books for the week of November 19, 2008:
The Spirit Special #1 (DC)
Fantastic Four #561 (Marvel)
Justice Society of America: Kingdom Come Special: Magog #1 (of 1)
Supergirl #35 (New Krypton #5) (DC)
Invincible #55 (Image)

The Spirit Special #1 (DC) * * * * *
This issue, an obvious tie-in to The Spirit movie, which unfortunately I can't bring myself to watch from what I've heard, reprints more classic Eisner stories. These stories hold up well, except for the horrible caricature of the black character Ebony. It's easy to see how The Spirit influenced generations of comic book artists who entered the industry afterward. reading Eisner is an excellnt study on how to create a comic book story, and how to tell a complete story with depth in only seven pages.

Fantastic Four #561 (Marvel) * * * * *
Reed, Sue and Ben engage the New Defenders, who are trying to transport the poeple of their future time to safety. The resolution of this conflict has a surprising conclusion. All of the various plot threads come together in this issue to a satisfying conclusion. And the last page has an "Oh, Crap!" moment that needs to be seen to be believed. The team that created Ultimates 1 & 2 have created another satisfying story.

Justice Society of America: Kingdom Come Special: Magog #1 (of 1) (DC) * * * * *
None of these Kingdom Come Specials have been a disappointment. Magog is another excellent story. We see Gog and Magog use their powers to heal the environment of the atrocities of the terrorists, and find unique ways of dispensing justice. We also learn of the background of David Lance, aka Magog, and of his military service in a heatbreaking way. At the back of the issue is a good story outlining the origin of Starman of the Legion.

Supergirl #35 (New Krypton #5) (DC) * * * * *
Another excellent chapter of the New Krypton saga. Kara's Krytonian parents are not happy about her human secret identity, and Lana clashes with Cat Grant over her continuing slant against Supergirl. This issue provides a flashback of Kara being sent to safety from Argo City and why. And is that Superwoman on the cover?

Invincible #55 (Image) * * * * *
Nolan Grayson is on the cover, which can only mean one thing. Anytime a Viltrumite is shown on the cover, rest assured that a lot of blood will flow in the issue. This one is no different. Allen the Alien is a prisoner on the same ship with Nolan, and we learn why. At the end of the issue we learn a secret about the Viltrumites, and Mark's relationship with Atom Eve continues to develop. As usual, Invincible continues to be a title I save for last each month because it's guaranteed to be an excellent read. This issue is just not for squemish or young readers.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, November 26, 2008:
Legion of Super-Heroes #48 (DC)
Justice Society of America: Kingdom Come Special: The Kingdom #1 (of 1) (DC)
Superman #682 (New Krypton #6) (DC)
Umbrella Academy: Dallas #1 (of 6) (Dark Horse)

Legion of Super-Heroes #48 (DC) * * * * *
It was great to see the return of Legion try-outs. while this was happening, delegates from the rogue planet meet with the President of the United Planets. Saturn Girl and Phantom Girl continue their investigation of Princess Projectra. Finally, the diplomatic meeting ends with a shocking ending. I wasn't sure if Shooter's story was leading anywhere, but it is rushing to a heady conclusion in issue #50.

Justice Society of America: Kingdom Come Special: The Kingdom #1 (of 1) (DC) * * * * *
The JSA is split into two camps, those who want to obey Gog's demand that they worship him, and those who think something is not quite right with him. The Kingdom Come Superman has an interesting conversation with this world's version of a fellow hero from his world, Gog's presence creates some interesting conflicts between members of the JSA. Again, this issue is not necessary to follow the Kingdom Come story, but it adds to it and stands on its own as a story. It sets up what should be a great conclusion in JSA #21. Plus the back of the issue has a great Justice Society Infinity portrait drawn by Jerry Ordway.

Superman #682 (New Krypton #6) (DC) * * * * *
Clark and Ma Kent spend some time together at Pa Kent's grave. In Metropolis Jim Harper has a meeting, and Kandorians are rounding up Superman's rogue gallery, sans Luthor, and Superman is not happy. New Krypton continues to be a great story, and I can't wait to see how things set up for the new year in the Superman titles.

The Umbrella Academy: Dallas #1 (of 6) (Dark Horse) * * * * *
The issue begins with a meeting between President Kennedy and Sir Reginal Hargreeves, the adoptive father of the Umbrella Academy orphans. This time a Washington D. C. monument comes alive for the kids to battle. In the present, the adult Umbrella Academy are not faring well after the events of the first mini-series. Each member gets a scene that develops their character as it sets up this new mini-series. It's a bizarre story, which is part of its charm. It's not for young readers, or the squeaminsh, but so far is as good as the original mini-series. Gerard Way is really developing as an excellent comic book talent.

This finishes part one of my catch up issue. Part II will cover the month of December. Send e-mail 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/. After I'm finished catching up with this blog, I will catch up on the expanded show notes blog. Send e-mail about the podcast to supermanfanpodcast@gmail.com.