Episode #91: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, June 23, 2010:

Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (DC)
Powers #5 (Icon/Marvel)
Superman #700 (DC) (Note: I had to leave this issue in my file until after payday next Friday.)
Jack Of Fables #1 (What's Next? Great Graphic Novels You Should Be Reading) (Vertigo/DC)

Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (DC) * * * *

The new Legion title continues to be a strong title with this issue. As the cover suggests, Saturn Queen attacks the Legion, in a unique way, when she pays a visit to her now destroyed homeworld. The Legion continues its relief efforts after Titan's destruction, both by clearing debris that threatens the space lanes, and assisting refugees. Saturn Girl continues her quest for her lost children, and her husband Lightning Lad discovers the news about his family. And Earth Man becomes more accustomed with his Green Lantern ring.

Paul Levitz has shown with these first two issues of the new Legion title that no rust has formed on his storytelling talents. He continues to be a master at weaving multipe plots into a seamless narrative, and the many Legion characters all have unique voices so that they don't blend together.

The only question I had was with the teaser to Action Comics #890, published this week. What was Lois Lane doing having dinner with Lex Luthor, after all he did with Brainiac and General Lane? I guess I'll see Saturday, when I pick up the issue from my local comic book store, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida http://acme-superstore.com/.

Powers #5 (Icon/Marvel) * * * * *

This was the most mind bending issue I've read yet of the title. The story was a very personal story about Christian Walker. We see the latest developments in his relationship with his girlfriend Heather, and we learn what some of those visions she's had are aboutThere is also a flashback to his Rat Pack era as a superhero in the 1950's, and a peak into the personal life of Walker's new partner Enki Sunshine. Bendis and Oeming remind me that Robert Kirkman is not the only comic book creator who is not afraid to take his characters in any direction and face any risks. That is why Powers is one of my favorite titles.


Jack Of Fables #1 (What's Next? Great Graphic Novels You Should Be Reading) (Vertigo/DC) * * * *i

This is another of the $1.00 special reprints of some of the top titles in DC's line. I haven't been disappointed yet. Sadly, I don't regularly read Fables and Jack Of Fables because of budget restraints, but I have read the first Fables trade paperback and 1001 Snowy Nights. Both were excellent stories. Jack Of Fables is just as good. I was familiar with his reputation as a rascal from that first Fables story, so it was no surprise to read the trouble he got into in this first issue. What makes this a great story also is that anyone not familiar with the original Fables title will easily become familiar with Jack and the Fables world. If my budget allowed, I would be reading both titles on a monthly basis. DC's special reprints do a great job in that regard.

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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.

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From The Comic Shop Issue #3: Saturday, June 26, 2010:

Superman #700 (DC)
Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (DC)
Powers #5 (Icon/Marvel)
Jack Of Fables (What's Next? Great Graphic Novels You Should Be Reading) (Vertigo/DC)

I had to leave Superman #700 in my file until payday next week. I had looked at this special edition of Jack Of Fables last week but decided to skip it, although I couldn't resist the reprint of the first issue of The Authority. This week I couldn't resist Jack Of Fables. I think that this is about the last of the special reprints from DC I'm interested in, for now.

Also, if you're near the Orlando area, next Saturday, July 3, 2010, my local comic book shop, Acme Comics will have a day long party celebrating their 30th year in business. Also, from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p. m., writer Chuck Dixon and artist Sergio Cariello will be signing autographs. The store is located in Longwood, Florida, on S. R. 436, almost at the intersection of U. S. 17-92. For directions and more information about the store, go to http://acme-superstore.com/.

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.

Episode #90: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, June 16, 2010:

DC Universe: Legacies #2 (of 10) (DC)
The Authority #1 (What's Next? Graphic Novels You Should Be Reading) (Wildstorm/DC)

DC Universe: Legacies #2 (of 10) (DC) * * * *

Paul Lincoln continues to narrate this story about DC Universe history. Costumed vigilantes and superheroes have spread all over the country fighting crime, and some have formed the Justice Society of America. Young Paulie is trying to make an honest living selling newspapers on the corner, and gets a little help from the Newsboy Legion and the Guardian. We see some of the exploits of the JSA. Life has been hard for Paulie's friend Jimmy, as we discover. Paulie grows up, and we learn the reason the JSA disbanded. The second story is about the Seven Soldiers Of Victory. It was a fun yarn showing the members separating to do their separate parts to fight a common threat, before reuniting at the end. The only part I didn't like was seeing the superhero style costume of the Crimson Avenger. I was aware that the Sandman's costume changed to fit the fad of superheros in tights, but in both cases I like the original costumes better. I still like the first story the best.

The Authority #1 (What's Next? Great Graphic Novels You Should Be Reading) (Wildstorm/DC) * * * *

This was another one of those $1.00 special reprints of important first issues of DC's line of titles. I've read The Authority: Revolution, but never the original storyline. What made it attractive, other than only having one of my regular titles come in, not to mention the cover price, was writer Warren Ellis. His series Planetary is one of my favorite titles ever, as well as Ministry Of Space. Authority leader Jenny Sparks was introduced to me in the pages of Planetary. I was surprised with the superhero flavor of the villain, but it has a typical Warren Ellis twisted twist to it. Reading this issue made me want to buy the trade paperback of the first storyline, which is a good thing.

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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.

Episode #89: Catch Up Week #21: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, March 5, 19 & 26, June 3 & 16, 2010:

I finally cleared out my file at my local comic book shop, Acme Comics http://acme-superstore.com/, in Longwood, Florida. For a few weeks there, everything seemed to come in at once each week, more than my budget could keep up with. Hopefully, titles will be published more spread out during the month in the future.

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, May 5, 2010:

Terry Moore's Echo #21 (Abstract Studios)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, May 19, 2010:

DC Universe Legacies #1 (of 10) (DC)
The Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 (DC)

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, May 26, 2010:

Superman: War Of The Supermen #4 (of 4) (DC)

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

Adventure Comics #12/ 515 (DC)
Terry Moore's Echo #22 (Abstract Studios)
Invincible #72 (Image)

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, May 5, 2010:

Terry Moore's Echo #21 (Abstract Studios) * * * * *

With only nine issues left in the series after this issue, the action and tension continues to build toward what promises to be a spectacular climax. The issue begins by following Dillon, who makes a stop before heading back toward Julie and Ivy. The two women have been captured by the severly injured Hong Lu. But Ivy isn't totally defenseless. And as is usually the case, the issue ends in a surprise. There hasn't been a bad issue in the whole series.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, May 19, 2010:

DC Universe: Legacies #1 (of 10) (DC) * * * *

This miniseries is DC's latest look at the golden age of comic books. Since Len Wein is the writer, I figured that the title would be a good read. I wasn't disappointed. Artist Scott Kolins drew the framing sequence, which showed an elderly Paul Lincoln reminiscing about the beginning of the history of superheroes, back in the late 1930's. Andy and Joe Kubert drew the flashback sequence, which covered most of the issue. there was a second story, also written by Wein, which featured Dr. Fate and the Spectre. Their story was covered by golden age character reporter Scott Scanlon.

My favorite part of the issue was the first story, which showed a young Paul Lincoln and his friend, Jimmy, as street urchins in Suicide Slum in Metropolis. They survived on the street as being runners for one of the mobs. They are eyewitnesses to some of the first costumed vigilantes attacking thier bosses' operations. We see first the Crimson Avenger, who was a cross between the Shadow and the Spirit. Then we see Sandman and the Atom. The issue ends with Paulie faced with a decision.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 (DC) * * * * *

The Legion is back, and it's about time! Sharing Adventure Comics with Conner Kent Superboy just didn't cut it. Paul Levitz returns to his most famous title, for the first time in about twenty years. At least in this first issue, he hasn't lost a step as a storyteller. It picks up after the end of Legion Of 3 Worlds and the Superman And The Legion Of Super-Heroes in Action Comics. It's an oversized issue, and the pages are bursting at the seams with the several plot threads that weave together to form the story.

The story begins by showing what happened to Earth Man after he was captured. Saturn Girl revisits her home world of Titan, and Ultra Boy and Cosmic Boy face the Earth politics that entangles the Legion. Saturn Girl faces some personal issues, while the rest of the Legion struggle to cope with the demands EarthGov places on them. The issue ends with the entire Legion facing a crisis, and Pual Levitz writes an essay about returning to the Legion. It was a fitting return for the Legion. Long Live The Legion!

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, May 26, 2010:

Superman: War Of The Supermen #4 (of 4) (DC) * * * *

This final issue wraps up the war between New Krypton and Earth, over several fronts. The action was nonstop up to the end. The conclusion was bittersweet, but it was a satisfying climax. After reading the whole story I thought that it could have been at least two issues longer and still be a great story. But with the New Krypton story extending over two years, it was probably time to wrap up the story. Overall, the whole extended storyline was a good Superman tale.

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

Adventure Comics #12/515 (DC) * * * *

With the Conner Kent Superboy getting his own title, Adventure Comics has renewed its connection to the Legion Of Super-Heroes. It is becoming a title of early Legion stories, sort of a ret-con of Superboy's first Legion adventures, now that Clark Kent once again was Superboy in his youth. In this issue Clark skips school to spend the day in the 30th Century. It seems that Superboys like making lists, and Clark has his own. Part of his time with the Legion is enjoying things that he would not be able to cut loose and enjoy back in Smallville. In between, there are a few emergencies that Superboy proves himself a natural at responding to. Having grown up in the 1960's and 1970's reading Superboy and Legion stories, it's great to see them returning to that younger era of the Legion. This modern look at the early Legion does not stray too far away from the original stories in an attempt to fit in with modern storytelling.

Terry Moore's Echo #22 (Abstract Studios) * * * * *

Dillon's Dad finds out what he is involved with. And, Ivy is the wrong person to get angry with you. Some more facts are coming out about the mysterious alloy, and it is becoming more disturbing with each revelation. The series is setting up to an incredible climax.

Invincible #72 (Image) * * * * *

The Viltrumite War begins with a vengence, and with evey story involving Viltrumites, there is a lot of ketchup on the pages. Once again writer and co-creator Robert Kirkman isn't afraid to do anything to his characters, and this issue is no exception. The war is far from over, but already there are casualties. There is no telling where Kirkman will take the story, but I'm enjoying the ride, as always.

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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.

Preview #13: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, June 23, 2010:

I'm looking forward to going to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics http://acme-superstore.com, in Longwood, Florida on Saturday. Two of my favorite titles will have new issues this week, along with a milestone issue for the Man of Steel.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (DC)
Superman #700 (DC)
Powers #5 (Icon/Marvel)

I still have $10.00 left of my comic book budget from my last payday, which won't cover all three issues, especially with the oversized Superman #700 being priced at $4.99. But payday will be next week, and, as far as I can tell, it will be a light week. So I should be able to pick up the leftover issue next week. Being the Superman fan that I am, I hate to admit it but I think I will have to leave Superman #700 until next week. I just can't wait to read what's next with Legion and Powers.

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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.

From The Comic Shop Issue #2: Saturday, June 19, 2010:

When I went to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, http://acme-superstore.com, I knew that it would be slim pickings this week. But that was fine, since it's been a heavy few weeks lately, as far as the titles I read.

DC Universe: Legacies #2 (of 10) (DC)

I enjoyed the first issue of this mini-series, which took another look at the golden age of DC superheroes. In reading the solicitations at dccomics.com, I saw that issue #4 would advance to the silver age with the Teen Titans, and future issues would advance closer to current DC continuity. I had thought the whole mini-series would focus more on the golden age. So I've decided that after issue #3, I will drop this title, since August is the same month that Superman: Last Family Of Krypton #1 (of 3) is published. I want to make room in my comic book budget for this Elseworlds title. I've always loved "Imagingary Stories", and Elseworlds has always been a great modern version of those old stories.

The Authority #1 (What's Next? Graphic Novels You Should Be Reading ) (Wildstorm/DC)

While I was at the store, I looked around at the other comics, and toys and collectibles, and I was tempted to get the reprint of the first issue of Jack Of Fables under the same banner. But I decided to hold off until I can begin picking up the regular issues, hopefully later in the year, after the Last Family Of Krypton mini-series is over. I'd like to pick up Fables first, and Jack Of Fables if my budget allows.

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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.

Preview #12: Comic Book For The Week Of Wednesday, July 16, 2010:

This week is pretty thin as far as what titles, or title, is coming in, but that's a relief after several weeks of everything coming at once.

DC Universe: Legacies #2 (of 10) (DC)

If it wasn't for this title, I'd have two weeks in a row of no comic books coming in. And we can't have that.

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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.

Preview #11: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, June 9, 2010:

Well, believe it or not, this is a rare week when none of the comic book titles I subscribe to are published this week. There is one title that interested me, however. The first issue of Tom Strong And The Robots Of Doom is published this week from Wildstorm/DC Comics. While co-creator and writer Alan Moore is no longer involved, penciller and co-creator Chris Sprouse returns for art duties, joined by writer Peter Hogan (no relation as far as I know). Unfortunately, after checking my subscription list, I don't have enough room in my comic book buying budget to squeeze it in. I have bought and read the special reprint of Tom Strong #1, part of the After Watchmen ... What's Next? promotion for DC's Wildstorm and more adult Vertigo lines of comic book titles. I enjoyed it very much and hope to buy the entire series in paperback, eventually. Even though I won't be buying this title, I do want to bring this to anyone's attention who is interested in comic books that are different from the usual superhero fare. Tom Strong harkens back to the pulp magazine era which preceded comic books, and were the ancestor of our modern paperback books. Tom Strong is most similar to the pulp character Doc Savage, but is more than a copy of or an homage to. He has received the usual Alan Moore treatment, and lives in his own well developed world.

I'm sure next week won't be a repeat. As far as I know, I have one title that will be published next week. But that is the subject of a future blog.

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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.

Preview #10: Comic Books For The Week Of Thursday, June 3, 2010:

Since the Memorial Day holiday was this past weekend, comic book distribution was delayed a day. And since tomorrow is my payday, I only have one day to wait to buy my titles from my local store, Acme Comics, in Longwood, Florida http://acme-superstore.com.

Adventure Comics #12/515 (DC)
Invincible #72 (Image)
Terry Moore's Echo #22 (Abstract Studis)

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.