Issue #73: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, October 7, 2009!

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, September 30, 2009:

Superman #692 (World Against Superman #9) (DC) * * * *

Metropolis utilities are still in shambles as the Metropolis heroes and the Metropolis Science Police try to keep order. Zatara hasa a cameo appearance, and the Guardian deals with the disappearance of Mon-El. The end of the issue contains a cameo of a surprising character. Other than an early batlle against some villains who were trying to take advantage of the situation for their own gain, this issue was full of character moments. Some might find it boring but I enjoy them, especially when they advance the story; or maybe I'm just showing my age.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, October 7, 2009:

Superman: World Of New Krypton #8 (of 12) (World Against Superman #10) * * * * *

The conflict between the Thanagarians and New Krypton continues, with Kal-El thinking of a unique attempt to resolve the situation. This series has showcsed Superman and allowed the character to stretch in some unexpected ways. It shows why Superman stands out among a world of "grim and gritty" characters. This mini-series continues to be among the best Superman stories of the year, eclipsed only by the very promising first issue of Superman: Secret Origins.

Planetary #27 (Wildstorm / DC) * * * * *

This final issue of one of my favorite comic book series of all time is really an epilogue issue to the series. The climax of the story was contained in the previous issue, released almost two years ago. This does not take away from this issue at all. I really cn't say there was a disappointing issue in the entire series, and this one is no different. While there were several minor plot threads that were not wrapped up, the one obvious one that seemed to be leading to this issue was Elijah Snow's attempt to save his previously thought dead teammate Ambrose Chase. John Cassaday's artwork, beginning with the fold-out cover, has not lost anything during the hiatus. Writer Warren Ellis continues his excellent job of explaining esoteric scientific theories simply and weaving them into the story. Several supporting characters from earlier issues make appearances, advising Snow while he tries to resolve one last mystery from the old century. If you have not read this series before, there are three trade paperbacks collecting the first eighteen issues. With this last issue now published, look for the remaining nine issues to be collected in various editions. It will be well worth it Plus you'll have the advantage of being able to read these stories in one sitting, instead of waiting over ten years like most of us.

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

Issue #72: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, September 23, 2009!

Work and a new project I'm orking on has crowded my time so I have fallen behind on this blog. I'm spending my Saturday morning, October 17, 2009, trying to catch up on my blogs. So let's get to it.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, September 16, 2009:

Action Comics #881 (World Against Superman #7, The Hunt For Reactron: part I) (DC) * * *

This was the most disappointing issue of the whole World Without Superman storyline. Twice in this issue Supergirl and Flamebird come to blows over Kara's bitterness over Thara's supposed role in her father's death. Both times they draw the attention of the Earth's defense forces. I could understand the first time, but it seemed neither heroine learned the lesson the first time. I wished Greg Rucka would have found another way to explore the conflict between the two women than having them come to blows and then under attack by Earth forces, twice. It seemed to be just a typical super hero fight, seen too many times in comic books. I hope future issues don't repeat this same routine. The art is great and there were some interesting moments in this issue. Gen. Lane's plans continue to develop, and Jimmy Olsen's absence is being felt at the Daily Planet. Lois' conflict with Cat Grant is also heating up. These plot threads bumped my rating from 2 ( * ) to 3 ( *).

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, September 23, 2009:

Supergirl #45 (World Against Superman #8, The Hunt For Reactron, part II) (DC) * * *

This issue was better than Action Comics #881. After the battle between Supergirl, Nightwing and Flamebird against Earth forces in Paris, Lois Lane's conflict with Cat Grant continues to escalate. The mystery continues about Lana's illness, but Thara senses something is wong with her. Gen. Lane continues his machinations. The plot thread of the conflict between Kara and Thara was advanced in a more satisfying way than Action #881, less fisticuffs and more character development.

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

The issue opens with a scene portraying the reason Julie's sister Pam had a mental breakdown. Trouble comes to Julies front door, literally, and Ivy shows why she is not someone you'd want to get on her bad side. Character introductions are over, and the plot is developing at breakneck speed. The ending of this issue can only be called unusual. Terry Moore has shown he is one of the best comic book creators working today. He is one of those comic book professionals that anyone interested in the craft of comic book storytelling can learn from studying each issue of their titles.

Invincible #66 (Image) * * * * *

In this issue, subtitled A Viltrumite War Prelude, begins with Nolan Grayson revealing more Viltrumite history to his new partner Allen the Alien, explaining why the Viltrumites are actually weaker than anyone could believe. After a brief meeting with the leader of the Coalition of Planets, the pair begin their search of space for the things they will need against the Viltrumite empire. And is there a hint of who the Viltrumite spy in the Coalition is? Robert Kirkman does his usual excellent job of comibining action and character development, setting the stage for what promises to be a very exciting storyline about the ultimate battle against the Viltrumite Empire. This issue was also a nice reunion with Invincible co-creator and original artist Cory Walker.

Superman: Secret Origins #1 (of 6) (DC) * * * * *

This first issue of Geoff Johns' and Gary Franks' highly anticipated mini-series, revising Superman's origins for today lived up to the hype, and more. Clark's special abilities are shown developing, in ways that were not always convenient for young Clark. His relationship with Lana and Pete is established early in the issue, as well as the reason why Lana is aware of his developing powers. The struggles that Ma and Pa Kent experience while raising a "special" son are also explored. How Clark discovers his true origins is similar to how it is shown in John Byrne's Man Of Steel mini-series but given its own spin. Lex Luthor's origins harken back to his silver age past while incorporating elements from his youth as portrayed in the one issue story Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography. This first issue is a perfect example of Geoff Jons best knack for taking elements of a character's past and weaving them together with the story he wants to tell, acknowledging the past while taking the story in his direction, at the same time. And the next issue plug, for Superboy and the Legion Of Super-Heroes, made me look forward to reading his version of that classic team-up.

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

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