Comic books for the week of Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Tick: New Series #1 (New England Comics)
Superman #694 (World Against Superman #17) (DC)
Superman: Secret Origins #3 (of 6) (DC)
Powers #1 (vol. III) (Icon/Marvel)
The Tick: New Series #1 (New England Comics) * * * *
Now this is a Tick story I can enjoy. I dropped the Manga Tick mini-series because I'm not familiar with manga, but someone who is might enjoy it. Since this issue was published during the holiday season Tick and the heroes are going to a Christmas party at the Comet Club. For their gift exchange they play "dirty Santa". If you're not familiar with the game, don't worry, the story explains how to play it. Some familiar sidekicks and villains even make an appearance. And yes, even Barry shows up and learns a very painful lesson about stealing a gift meant for someone else. It was a great issue full of crazy Tick yuletide action, and made me look forward to this ongoing bi-monthly series.
Superman #694 (World Against Superman #17) * * *
The cover features Mon-El in a modified costume, with a small Superman "S" over his heart. Two plot threads tell the story: Mon-El making a very timely return to assist the Science Police against Bizarro, and his earlier return to the Kent farm to talk with Conner Kent and, more importantly, Ma Kent. The issue also contains a surprising reveal. A good combination of action and character moments come together at the end of the issue to tell a very satisfying story.
Superman: Secret Origin #3 (of 6) (DC) * * * *
My favorite issue of this mini-series was the previous one, but this is a close second. It shows a grown Clark on his first day in Metropolis and on the job at the Daily Planet. This is a different Metropolis and Planet than we have seen before, for reasons I will leave for you to find out for yourself. The familiar Planet staff are appropriately younger and act accordingly. There are many elements in this issue that harken back to Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie. For those who may not know, before he began a career in comic books, writer Geoff Johns worked for Donner. This updated origin does not, for the most part, seem to contradict past Superman continuity (except for the return of the Clark Kent Superboy), but add different details to a familiar origin. Having read a number of Superman origin stories, stretching back to the first full origin told at his 10 year anniversary, this series continues the evolving origin that has developed over the decades. I'm looking forward to the second half by the team of Johns and Franks.
Powers #1 (vol. III) (Icon/Marvel) * * * * *
The last issue of Powers to be published was issue #30 of the previous second volume, over a year ago on September 24, 2008. It's been a long wait but well worth it. This first issue of the third volume continues after the events of the aforementioned issue 30. We see what type of working relationship Walker has with his partner Enki Sunrise, who replaced his first partner of this series, Deena Pilgrim. This issue opens the door to more of her background, which wasn't mentioned much in the later issues of the second volume. Also, there seems to be something going on with Walker's girlfriend Heather. Their first case on this new issue #1 involves the murder of someone Walker knew as "Z". Then we see a little more of his past, this time in the 1950's as part of a superhero Brat Pack. I'll leave it to you to decide which member of the real Brat Pack Walker and the other heroes resemble. By the end of the issue I wonder if the details of this case, and Walker's past, might come to light that he might not want revealed. The long hiatus has not made Powers miss a step in quality. Note: The Powers Encyclopedia has been published but I did not get my copy before Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida sold out. The shop ordered one for me but I have not had a chance to go there and pick it up yet.
Comic books for the week of Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Invincible Presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode #2 (of 2) (Image)
Terry Moore's Echo #17 (Abstract Studios)
Superman: World Of New Krypton #10 (of 12) (DC)
Invincible Presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode #2 (of 3) (Image) * * * *
In this middle part of the mini-series we see the first time Rex and Eve meet. Rex also discovers a connection between his benefactor and his family, and the fine print of his deal with Mr. Radcliffe. We learn some of the reasons Rex was sometimes a jerk, especially to Eve, in past issues of Invincible. While they don't excuse his actions we see what could have made him that way. The ending is very shocking and builds the anticipation for the concluding issue. While Robert Kirkman did not write this series, he did serve as an editor, and his influence can be seen in the story, from explosive action and character development.
Terry Moore's Echo #17 (Abstract Studios) * * * * *
This issue finally answers the questions about the project that Annie was working on, and what the ultimate goal of the project is. If anyone hasn't read past issues of this series, the back story in this issue fills a majority of the pages. It serves as a good jumping on point for the series, and should hook a new reader enough to seek past issues or their collected editions. This issue both answered a lot of questions and boosted the threat Julie, her sister, Dillon and Ivy, and everyone else face.
Superman: World Of New Krypton #10 (World Against Superman #18) * * * *
This issue reveals the answers to the mystery of Adam Strange's appearance over a dead Kryptonian on New Krypton. Tensions between the guilds, especially the Labor Guild, continue to build, and there are also growing pains to the environment on the planet. While the murder mystery isn't solved, clues are revealed, as well as some more political intrigue.With only two issues left I wondered how the mini-series would wrap up. IN recent weeks DC Comics has announced that, beginning in March of 2010, a 3 issue mini-series, Superman: Last Stand Of New Krypton will begin. Brainiac will attack New Krypton to reclaim Kandor, while General Zod has devised a defense against their former captor at the expense of Earth. Superman will have to stop both madmen. So the end of this twelve issue mini-series will not be the end of the story.
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