Issue #55: Catch Up Week #11!

I finally made it back to my comic book store, Acme Comics http://acme-superstore.com on Saturday, May 23, 2009. So I have a few weeks to catch up on. Let's not waste any time and get to work.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, May 6, 2009:

Superman: World Of New Krypton #3 (of 12) (New Krypton #24) (DC) * * * * *

Last issue ended with the potential of civil war breaking out on New Krypton. General Zod has a choice to make: either solve it by force or give Kal-El a chance to negotiate a settlement. Later, Superman shows that having super powers is not the end-all of being a good soldier. What makes me give this title 5 * 's continues to be how Superman's unique character shines through the plot. This title continues to make me say, "Thank goodness Superman was raised by Kansas farmers." This story cotinues to show that what makes Superman unique is as much his midwestern ethics as it is his super powers. What makes Superman Superman comes from Earth, specifically the midwestern farm belt, as it does from Krypton. And Pete Wood's art is excellent as usual, and puts him on my list of great Superman artists, along woth cover artist Gary Franks.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, May 13, 2009:

Terry Moore's Echo #12 (Abstract Studios) * * * * *

Ivy follows the trail of destruction after Julie's clash with the crazy old man with the metal hand, and the aftermath with Julie and Dillon. We also return to Julie's sister Pam in the mental institution. These issues are quick reads, but in this case it's not a bad thing. The action is quick and to the point,yet still able to pack in plenty of character development. Plus, there is always at least one scene that adds another layer to the mystery as it resolves a plot point from the last issue. This developing story is greater than the sum of its pages.

Action Comics #877 (New Krypton #25 / World Without Superman) * * * *

We see Lois' reaction when she realizes her "stepson" Chris Kent is back. And we also learn that there is more to Lois Lane than we realize. We also see more machinations of General Kent. Let's not forget Ursa, not to mention a new version of Bonnie and Clyde. The World Without Krypton story, especially in Action, is developing into a very complex story that more than makes up for the absence of Superman from Earth. I'll be glad when Superman returns to Earth, but until then World Without Krypton in Action Comics will fill his boots.

The Umbrella Academy: Dallas #6 (of 6) (Dark Horse) * * * * *
My Chemical Romance is not my style of music, but lead singer Gerard Way does write a great non-super hero comic book. This title might be too bizarre for some, but it's not as explicit as some, even thought there is some blood and gore. The adult Umbrella Academy try to save President Kennedy from being assassinated by an alternate version of one of their own. The character development and interaction is the foundation around which the action revolves. And, like the original mini-series, the story concludes in a melancholy fashion for them. Gabriel Ba's art is excellent as always, and fits the unusual story being presented. The back cover was a great imitation of a yellowing back cover of a '50's or '60's cheap paperback action novel. After reading this, I'm looking forward to the next mini-series. And that's what a comic book is supposed to do, make me want to read the next issue.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, May 20, 2009:

Fantastic Four #566 (Marvel) * * * * *

What kind of person would be a mentor to Dr. Doom? Why, a very frightening creature. His new pupil is still a mystery, as well as his mentor, but his interaction with Doom is unforgetable. Val's blog which serves as the introductory page sumarizing the last issue is a very clever plot device. Doom meeting his master is not the only shocker. The issue opens with another shocker. And there is an interesting scene with Ben and his fiance Debbie. Who would have thought that there would be a menace to the Fantastic Four greater than Dr. Doom himself? Continued next issue (the greatest phrase in comics).

Supergirl #41 (New Krypton #26) (DC) * * * *

This issue concludes the Who Is Superwoman? storyline running in recent issues of this title. The previous issue ended in a shocker with the revelation of Superwoman's identity, but this issue ends in an even greter shocker. Also, Lana's health crisis leads her to the emergency room. The name of the hospital was a cool "easter egg" as the name of a past DC Comics editor. I was left wondering if Cat Grant was drawn too uncomfortably to Lana's real relationship with her "neice" Linda Lane (who Cat doesn't know is secretly Supergirl). I'm left wondering what the repercussions will be for not only Supergirl, but for Gen. Lane as well. I had originally thought about dropping Supergirl after this story's conclusion, but I think I will continue to collect this title until the end of the New Krypton title. This is the way to do a crossover. While Supergirl, Action and Superman are not necessary to enjoy the World Of New Krypton mini-series, they have separate stories that are related to NK but all of them tie together to tell a great multi-layered story. While I am obviously collecting all of these titles, the stories in each title can be enjoyed separate from each other for those who are not interested in all of the titles, or can only afford certain titles.

Invincible #62 (Invincible War: Aftermath: Conquest Part Two) (Image) * * * * *

Invincible gets no rest for the weary, as an old and grizzled Viltrumite has come to Earth to test him on the heels of the war against alternate Invincibles. Judging from the next issue teaser it does not promise to go well for Invincible. The tension builds even more, pointing to an even more brutal next issue. We also discover what happened to the bodies of the dead alternate Invincibles. Robert Kirkman is not afraid to put his main characters through the grinder. Playing it safe is not in Kirkman's style of plotting. That's what keeps Invincible one of the titles I save to read last every month to savor it even more.

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