issue #93: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, July 14, 2010:

Superman #701 (DC)
Adventure Comics #516 (DC)
Terry Moore's Echo #23 (Abstract Studios)

Superman #701 (DC) *  *  *

I can't remember the last time, if ever, when I rated a Superman issue only 3 *'s, but that's all I can give it. I liked it better than I thought I would, but writer Straczynski's basic premise still isn't grabbing me. My favorite moments were when Superman does what he always does, help those in need. That doesn't sound like a Superman who is out of touch with humanity. What didn't seem like the Man of Steel were the cryptic comments he gave everyone and the quotes by Thoreau he cited to one bystander. This issue seemed less of a story than a series of vignettes. After reading the issue I don't have an idea where the story is heading, unless it's just going to wander along like Superman. Lois Lane makes a brief appearance, and I have to say that woman has the patience of a saint. After her husband has been off planet, now he's walking cross country. She is more tilerant of him than my wife would be with me. the best thing about this issue was the John Cassaday cover. For some more detailed thoughts about this new storyline, Grounded, go to My Pull List Special Issue #1: Superman: Grounded - Early Thoughts! at http://mypulllist.blogspot.com/2010/07/special-issue-1-superman-grounded-early.html.

Adventure Comics #516 (DC) *  *  *  *  *

This issue contained the last will and testament of R. J. Brande. It's kind of a re-telling of the Legion origin, but with the truth behind the legends angle to it. That's an original approach that we shouldn't be surprised came from writer Paul Levitz. R. J. comes across as more human, complete with his own foibles.We learn the real purpose behind his founding of the Legion, and his thoughts about the small group of Legionnaires who were called to witness the reading of his will. This was a great character issue from a great character writer. There's enough Legion stories for two titles, and Paul Levitz is handling both of them well.

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

Julie and Ivy continue their quest, while Dillon becomes interested in one of the HeNRI engineers. And we discover another way that the alloy is affecting Julie. This was kind of an in between issue, setting up the plot for future issues, but that's not a bad thing. Their interactions develop the characters well, and the story has a lot of depth as a result. And the awesome cover doesn't hurt either. I think Terry Moore doesn't know how to create a bad issue of a comic book. He does for a comic book story what Pixar does for films, develop a strong, character driven story. Whatever the story, the basic question is: How does this change the characters?

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