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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Preview #5: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, April 28, 2010 & Free Comic Book Day, Saturday, May 1, 2010:

I'll be going to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics, in Longwood Florida http://acme-superstore.com/, for Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 1, 2010. But since my payday will not be until the following Friday, I won't be getting my regular titles that I'll list here until the Saturday after Free Comic Book Day.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, April 28, 2010:

Action Comics #889 (DC)
Superman #699 (DC)
Superman: Last Stand Of New Krypton #3 (of 3) (DC)
Invincible #71 (Image)
Terry Moore's Echo #21 (Abstract Studios)

Free Comic Book Day titles I'll be looking for on Saturday, May 1, 2010:
in no particular order, after the first one, at least:

War Of The Supermen #0 (DC)
Doctor Solar/Magnus (Dark Horse Comics)
Iron Man / Thor (Marvel)
Mouse Guard / Fraggle Rock (Archaia)
Irredeemable #1 (BOOM Studios)
Green Hornet #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)
Library Of American Comics #0 (IDW)
Atomic Robo (Red 5 Comics)
The Sixth Gun #1 (Oni Press)

Next week I will blog about which of these titles I was able to find, and where, because there are usually a limited number of titles you can get at each comic book store. This year, my comic book store, Acme Comics, in Longwood, Florida http://acme-superstore.com/, will have a limit of 3 Free Comic Book Day titles. I also plan to go to the Coliseum Of Comics store in the Sanford Mall. There is another comic book store near the mall I plan to go to for the first time. I look forward to sharing with you what I got and my reviews.

Send e-mail to mypulllist@gmail.com.

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

You can join both the Superman Fan Podcast and My Pull List groups on facebook. Follow both the podcast and blog on twitter @supermanpodcast.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Issue #84: Catch Up Week #19 Part IV: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, April 14 & 21, 2010:

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, April 14, 2010:

Action Comics #888 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #37) (DC)
Adventure Comics #10/513 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #38) (DC)
Powers #4 (Icon/Marvel)

Comic book for the Week of Wednesday, April 21, 2010:

Supergirl #52 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #39) (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, April 14, 2010:

Action Comics #888 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #37) (DC) * * * 1/2

Nightwing, Chris Kent, faces life once again stuck in the Phantom Zone, while Lois has called in the Justice Society and Wonder Woman, as the cover hints at. They join the battle against the recreated Kryptonian god Rao, courtesy of Jax-Ur.Their battle has neared the India-Pakistan border, where the threat of nuclear war has become all too real. Nightwing and Flamebird's battle has intensified to the same level that the war at New Krypton has. While I prefer the New Krypton story a little more, this issue was a very enjoyable read.

Adventure Comics #10 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #38) (DC) * * * *

Superman gets a little help from his friends, while Conner Kent Superboy feels the wrath of Gen. Zod. Zod has a counterattack planned for Brainiac. The rest of the issue contains the conclusion of the three-part story Awake, about Officer Romundi, actually Car-Vex, one of Zod's sleeper agents on Earth. After the end of this second feature is a note that the story will be continued in War Of The Supermen #0, the Free Comic Book Day issue. As a whole it continues the lead-in to the conclusion of Last Stand Of New Krypton. It was still a great issue.

Powers #4 (Icon/Marvel) * * * * *

This issue is mainly the police interrogation of Erika Broglia about her murder of Walker's WWII superhero partner Z. We learn about his connection to the Broglia crime family, and more of a flashback to Walker's relationship with Z as part of a superhero brat pack in the post-war years. More about Billy Mace is revealed as well.Calista has a surprise as well. It doesn't seem to bode well for Walker, but it sure makes some great comic book reading. Better it happen to Walker than me, that's for sure.

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, April 21, 2010:

Supergirl #52 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #39) (DC) * * * * *

Zod takes his battle to Brainiac while Brainiac 5 teams up with Supergirl, as shown on the cover. Luthor starts acting on some plans of his own. And there is a a great ad for the new Legion Of Super-Heroes series beginning next month, May 2010. What I enjoyed most about this issue was the re-introduction of Brainiac 5's romance with Supergirl. Of course since he is in the 21st Century, it hasn't happened yet from her perspective. And you can imagine how their relationship begins. Isn't time travel romance grand? The last few issues of this title have made me glad I picked it up when it began to tie into the World Of New Krypton story that is now rushing to a conclusion. And it reminds me why I love the Legion.

Send e-mail to mypulllist@gmail.com.

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

You can join both the Superman Fan Podcast and My Pull List groups on facebook. Follow both the podcast and blog on twitter @supermanpodcast.

Issue #84: Catch Up Week #19 Part III: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, April 7, 2010:

Superman: Last Stand Of New Krypton #2 (#36) (DC)
Invincible Returns #1 (Image)
Superman: Secret Origin #5 (DC)

Superman: Last Stand Of New Krypton #2 (#36) (DC) * * * *

I really like the George Perez cover. He's one of the can't miss comic book artists. Insidde the issue, the battle for New Krypton reaches a fever pitch. Zod and Allura clash over the Legion Of Super-Heroes, while Superman and Mon-El continue their battle against Brainiac and Luthor aboard Brainiac's ship. Things are setting up to potentially have a great climax in the third and final issue.

Invincible Returns #1 (Image) * * * * *

Invincible meets with Cecil to have a very frank conversation. Conquest faces his superiors to accept the consequences for his failure. Atom Eve talks with the only person she can trust about her condition. Oliver has a short talk with his step-mother. Invincible battles another group of super-villains, then confides in super-tailor Art. The result is a new costume. Mark and Eve have a date, where the events of past issues are summarized for new readers. Everything is in place for the upcoming Viltrumite war. Even though the flashbacks are familiar to longtime readers like myself, this was still a great issue, as usual. While it's not necessary to read between issues 70 & 71, it has its usual excellent characterization by Kirkman, and the seeds of future storylines planted in the tale.

Superman: Secret Origin #5 (DC) * * * * *

Superman begins to make a little progress in making Metropolis accept him. Luthor and Gen. Lane have a lot in common in their contempt for this new superhero. There's a great scene with John Corben and Clark Kent, and Superman faces his first heavy resistance. Some readers may feel disdain to this retconning Superman's origin to fit upcoming stories, and I can understand their point of view, but I can't help enjoying this mini-series. John Corben's origin as Metallo is quite different from the John Byrne version of the Man Of Steel mini-series of 1986. I'm not sure I care for metallo's costume on the cover, especially his mask. That's about the only negative thing I have to say about this issue. I'm looking forward to the final issue.

Send e-mail to mypulllist@gmail.com.

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

You can join both the Superman Fan Podcast and My Pull List groups on facebook. Follow both the podcast and blog on twitter @supermanpodcast.

Issue # 84: Catch Up Week :19 Part II: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, March 17, 24 & 31, 2010:

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, March 17, 2010:

Supergirl #51 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #33) (DC)
Terry Moore's Echo #20 (Abstract Studios)

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, March 24, 2010:

Superman #698 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #34) (DC)

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, March 31, 2010:

Adventure Comics #9/512 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #35) (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, March 17, 2010:

Supergirl #51 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #33) (DC) * * * *

It's an action packed issue as the citizens of New Krypton are in hand to hand combat against Brainiac's robot army, assisted by Conner Kent Superboy and the Legion Of Super-Heroes, mostly. You'll find out what I mean when you read the issue. Gen. Zod seems to have some plans to "deal" with Supergirl's mother, and head of the New Krypton Council, Allura. With Gen. Zod, it can't be good. The story has several twists and turns with good character moments. While it's not necessary to read this title with the Last Stand Of New Krypton mini-series, Supergirl continues to stand on its own as a good title.

Terry Moore's Echo #20 (Abstract Studios) * * * * *

The cover is one of the most chilling I've ever seen, showing Jack and Hong, both from HenRi. Jack is firing a pistol, and Hong is showing the effects of his high-tech gun exploding in his hands from a previous issue. It is also one of the most effective covers I've seen at sumarizing the story inside. It begins with Julie having another memory that belongs to Annie. Her flight on Ivy's plane continues from last issue, as they try to stop HenRi's plans. We also get a brief glimpse into Jack's personal life. In just a few pages we get a look into his relationships and a sense of their history. It's a good lesson in establishing characterization. And Hong shows how his injuries don't slow him down. Another title I save to read last.

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, March 24, 2010:

Superman #698 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #34) (DC) * * * *

The battle rages as the super-powered Kryptonians battle Brainiac's robots, but not without casualties. Gen. Zod is not happy with the fight's progress, because he is trying to anticipate Brainiac's next move. Superman continues his battle aboard Brainiac's ship, with some help from Mon-El, against Brainiac and Luthor. This is an even more menacing Luthor-Brainiac team-up than the original in Superman #167. Luthor is able to use Superman's moral code against him. With each issue of the Last Stand Of New Krypton story, the battle becomes more intense.

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, March 31, 2010:

Adventure Comics #9/512 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #35) (DC) * * * *

My favorite part of the Last Stand Of New Krypton is becoming the participation of the Legion of Super-Heroes. We get a quick lesson in Brainiac's ancestry before he puts his plan to save the 31st Century into motion. The issue continues the use of three creative teams to tell separate chapters of the story. The first two parts are closely tied together, as the Legion Espionage Squad, along with Conner Kent Superboy, ally with New Krypton to battle Brainiac.The third part is the second part of the story about Officer Romundi, secretly Zod's sleeper agent Car-Vex on Earth. She is working closely with Gen. Lane as he hunts fellow sleeper agent Quex-Ul. It is an excellent, and chilling tale in itself. Another great issue. Adventure Comics is a great Legion title that does a great job of tying into the Last Stand story.

Send e-mail to mypulllist@gmail.com.

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

You can join both the Superman Fan Podcast and My Pull List groups on facebook. Follow both the podcast and blog on twitter @supermanpodcast.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Issue #84: Catch Up Week #19 Part I: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, March 3 & March 10, 2010:

Yes, I'm two months behind on this blog. After a great time at MegaCon, I got thrown off my usual schedule and I've been catching up ever since. First I had to decipher my scribblings at the panels I attended at MegaCon so I could write about them on my Superman Fan Podcast blog for Episode #118. Since then I've been scrambling to get back on schedule on that podcast. This past weekend I succeeded on getting back on schedule with the podcast, and now it's time to do the same for this blog. I could just skip the last two months and pick up from here, but I started this blog to review the titles I read each week. Better late than never I guess. Maybe you'll find something that catches your interest. Anyway, I'm not about to review two months of comic books on this one blog post. I will break up this issue into four parts, reviewing two week's worth of titles in each post. That way it will be in more digestible chunks.


Comic books for the week of Wednesday, March 3, 2010:


Marvel's Greatest Comics: The Invincible Iron Man #1 (Marvel)
Jonah Hex #53 (DC)
Adventure Comics #8/511 (DC)

Marvel's Greatest Comics: The Invincible Iron Man #1 (Marvel)

Back a couple of decades ago, Marvel's Greatest Comics reprinted the early Fantastic Four stories, starting with the original Lee/Kirby era. Today, Marvel is uisng that banner to reprint a series of first issues from various series, all for the price of $1.00. This is a great way to introduce a current or recent title comic book readers might have missed, and make them available at an affordable price.

The Invincible Iron Man #1 was originally published with the July 2008 cover date. It began with Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, as head of S.H.I.E.L.D. While a lot has happened to Tony Stark since then, which I won't spoil here, it was fun to see where this title started. It was a great story, written by Matt Fraction and drawn by Salvador Larroca. There was a lot of character development and action in the middle of setting up the first storyline. There were two terrorist attacks, one in Africa, the other in New York, both using Iron Man like technology. We meet Ezekiel Stane, son of one of Tony Stark's top enemies. Both plot threads do not bode well for Iron Man. The issue ends as Iron Man investigates the first terror attack in Africa. Tony Stark is one of the most interesting characters in the Marvel Universe, a complex man who divided the Marvel Heroes during Civil War. If money were no object I would be reading this title, and so I strongly recommend it. And yes, I will be watching Iron Man 2 at the theater when it premieres.


Jonah Hex #53 (May 2010) (DC) * * * * *

I don't normally subscribe to Jonah Hex, only because of my limited comic book budget, but I could not resist picking up this issue thanks to Billy Tucci's art. Since I was soon going to meet Billy at MegaCon I had to buy this issue. (I got it autographed by Palmiotti, Gray and Tucci.) And I was not disappointed. Billy's art is fantastic as usual, and this story by Palmiotti and Gray was great as well. This issue follows the usual pattern on the series in telling a complete story in one issue. Hex hires a chorus girl to help him hunt down some train robbers. The plot takes several twists and turns and is a very satisfying story, ending as only a Jonah Hex story can. If only I could afford to buy this title every month.

Adventure Comics #8/511 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #30) (DC) * * * * *

The issue begins with a look into Brainiac's childhoold and his lineage stretching back to the original Brainiac. Then we learn of the threat facing the 31st Century. And of course, Brainiac 5 has a plan to fight it. Back in our time, Conner Kent and Mon-El learn what's up with the Legion Espionage Squad and why they're in the 21st Century. The issue ends with a third feature about Officer Romundi, who hides a few secrets. We also learn the backstory about Gen. Lane and his motivations for his campaign against Superman. All three parts have different creative teams, but the first two parts go together seamlessly, and the final story with Romundi also ties into the overall plot of the World Against Superman story.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, March 10, 2010:

Marvel's Greatest Comics: The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz #1 (Marvel)
Last Stand Of New Krypton #1 (331) (DC)
Action Comics #887 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #32) (DC)
Powers #3 (Icon/Marvel)

Marvel's Greatest Comics: The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz #1 (Marvel) * * * *

This is another title in the current line of reprints under the Marvel's Greatest Comics banner. The title was originally published beginning in December 2008. This reprint of the title's first issue began Marvel's adaption of the Frank Baum book, in the hands of writer Eric Shanower and artist Skotie Young. If you've seen the classic film, the characters and plot are familiar, but does have its differences. It begins with the tornado on the Kansas farm and ends with Dorothy meeting the Scarecrow. While nothing can take the place of reading the original books, which I have yet to do, if you are a fan of Oz, this is a satisfying adaption.

Last Stand Of New Krypton #1 (of 3) (#31) (DC) * * * 1/2

Andy Kubert drew this cover, a great shot of Superman fighting Brainiac's robot skull ship, with a world of Kryptonians flying toward the battle. The only thing I didn't like about the cover was Andy's depiction of Superman. The face really didn't grab me as belonging to the Man of Steel.

The mini-series begins with the Brainiac robots attacking New Krypton, as they did back on Krypton. While there are casualties, the Kryptonians put up a better fight this time. Zod begins using his defense strategies he created against Brainiac. All I'll say is don't plan on retiring if you're part of the Kryptonian military guild. Superman makes a hard choice, and some welcome allies join him to defend New Krypton. The issue ends with a surprise for the Man of Steel.

While this was a satisfying story, I had to knock half of a point off because this should have been part of the conclusion to World Of New Krypton. A mini-series should not end with the beginning of a new mini-series. World Of New Krypton started strong but dragged along for the last several issues. The plot could have been tightened and this mini-series serve as the conclusion, and it would have been a stronger story. I just hope I won't be saying the same thing when War Of The Supermen begins. Otherwise this issue was a strong story.

Action Comics #887 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #32) (DC) * * * 1/2

Nightwing and Flamebird continue their battle against the god Rao that was re-created by Kryptonian sleeper agent Jax-Ur. We discover the results of his treatments on Chris Kent/Nightwing. And of course, Lois Lane is at ground zero covering the battle. I work at a newspaper, in the pre-press department. While I'm no journalist, it does bug me a little how in comic books reporters insert themselves into the story when we read their story as part of the narration. This issue is no different. While this battle is in its own corner, away from the main battle for New Krypton, it is still a satisfying story. The Captain Atom second feature is still hard for me to be care about.

Powers #3 (vol. III) (Icon/Marvel) * * * * *

The cover indicates both the weather and the mood of the story inside. It's raining as Walker and his partner Sunshine drive Erika Broglia, the daughter of a mob family, to the police station. They have arrested her for the murder of Walker's old WWII superhero partner Z. But Momma doesn't want to let her little girl go, for reasons you might not think.We also get a flashback to Walker's WWII heroics as part of the Screaming Eagles superhero team. There is so much action that the story ends on the inside back cover. Powers continues to be a title I that I save to read last because I know it will be the best comic book of the week. As usual, it didn't disappoint.

Send e-mail to mypulllist@gmail.com.

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

You can join both the Superman Fan Podcast and My Pull List groups on facebook. Follow both the podcast and blog on twitter @supermanpodcast.

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