Issue #87: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, April 28, 2010:

Superman #699 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #40) (DC)
Superman: Last Stand Of New Krypton #3 (#41) (of 3) (DC)
Action Comics #889 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #42) (DC)
Invincible #71 (Image)
Image Firsts: Age Of Bronze #1 (Image)

This was a big week for Superman as the battle against Brainiac came to a head. For the most part I've enjoyed the New Krypton story, but I'll be glad when the Man of Steel returns to Metropolis and his own titles.

Superman #699 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #40) (DC) * * * *

The battle onboard Brainiac's ship reaches a fever pitch. The forces of Gen Zod's Brainiac Revenge Squad, the Legion of Super-Heroes Espionage Squad, Supergirl, Mon-El and Conner Kent Superboy each have their own missions aboard Brainiac's ship. Having Matter Eater Lad with you in a fight against robots does have its advantages. We also get a hint at what Mon El's mission is that the Legion is determined to see that he accomplishes.

Superman: Last Stand Of New Krypton #3 (of 3/#41) (DC) * * * *

The headline The Krypton-Shattering Conclusion on the cover is an accurate description of the story in this issue. The battle for New Krypton ends here, an d noone comes through unscated, including Superman and Luthor. There's a lot of action, which still leaves a lot of room for character moments. While the conclusion does lead to new plot threads in the Superman and Legion titles, the ending was very satisfying. This ending was a lot more satisfying than the end of the twelve issue mini-series Superman: World Of New Krypton.

Action Comics #889 (Last Stand Of New Krypton #42) (DC) * * *

This issue concludes the battle on the Earth front of the battle of New Krypton. Chris Kent / Nightwing and Thara / Flamebird defeat Jax-Ur and his re-created Kryptonian god Rao. They are joined by Wonder Woman and the Justice Society. Lois Lane streams live coverage of the battle from the front lines back to the Daily Planet offices through the internet. While I've enjoyed reading about the developing relationship between Chris Kent and Thara, their story as the embodiment of the Kryptonian legends of Nightwing and Flamebird has not been as satisfying. Overall, this has been the weakest storyline of the whole New Krypton story. But I'm looking forward to the continuing development of Chris and Thara's story, so it's not a total loss. This was not a terrible story. It was a good action story, it was just that the spirits of Nightwing andc Flamebird angle didn't grab me. The Captain Atom second feature also concludes in this issue. While it never did interest me, I hope it did serve to clear his muddled and confusing past and return him to being an interesting hero in the DC Universe. His story will continue in Justice League: Generation Lost. You might be interested in this title but I won;t be reading it. Beyond a limited budget, there are other titles I wquld be more interested in first, if I could afford them.

Invincible #71 (Image) * * * * *

It never fails to be worth saving as the last issue I readc every month. As the header says, The Viltrumite War begins here. Invincible is involved in one more supervillain battle, which has an interesting twist for he Guardians of the Globe that will be explored in future issues. Invincible gathers some reinforcements and has some final goodbyes before he leaves Earth, and there is one painful reunion before the journey begins. The interstellar trip begins with a familiar starship crew. At the back of the issue is a short feature with the hero Tech Jacket. I think that the Viltrumite War will begin to heat up next issue. As usual, I'll save it to read last. It's always the best read of the week.

Image Firsts: Age Of Bronze: The Story Of The Trojan War #1 (Image) * * * * *

I was familiar with this title, but had never read any of the issues or trade paperbacks. Since this was a $1.00 reprint I couldn't resist. I wasn't disappointed. Surprisingly, this story doesn't begin with generals or armies, but a farmboy named Paris. We see his family deal with the taxman, teen rebellion against authority, and first love. I Guess the more things change over the centuries the more they stay the same. There is also a family secret hinted at. Paris and his father travel to Troy for the Games. This title was a great bargain, with great art and characterization, thanks to writer and artist Eric Shanower. Age Of Bronze is going on my list of titles I'd like to read.
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