Issue #96: Catch Up Week #22 Part II: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, August. 18, 2010:

Dark Horse Comics special $1.00 reprints:
Hellboy #1
Usagi Yojimbo #1

I didn't have any of my regular titles being published this week, but I couldn't resist these two special first issue reprints.
Hellboy #1 *  *  *  *  *

I had already read the trade paperback of the first story, Seeds Of Destruction, but couldn't resist the opportunity to buy the first issue. I've only seen the first movie. While I haven't seen the second movie or the two (I think) animated features, I do enjoy the character Hellboy. I remember when he first appeared on the shelves back in the 1990's. If I could go back in time I'd make sure I bought the title from the beginning, and have a lot more issues to read from my collection. You can't miss with a story combining demons and Nazis.

Usagi Yojimbo #1 *  *  *  *  *

I have heard several interviews with creator/writer/artist Stan Sakai, which were very interesting. In the past I couldn't get into the title, but after reading this reprint of its first issue, I'm hooked. I'll have to scour the area libraries for trade paperbacks of the title to begin catching up. In the first few pages Stan summarizes Usagi's start as a samauri who lost his Lord in battle and began his warrior pilgrimage. He enteres a new town and meets a new friend. He gets involved with the town's crime wave and corruption. This issue introduces various Japanese words, with brief definitions, without breaking the story's flow. It's a great way to learn about life in feudal Japan through anthropomorphic characters. I can't wait to learn more.

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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 the 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 #96: Catch Up Week # 22. Part I: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, August 4 & 11, 2010:

Comic book for the Week of Wednesday, August 4, 2010:
Superman: Last Family Of Krypton #1 (of 3) (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, August 11, 2010:
Adventure Comics #517 (DC)
Superman #702 (DC)

Superman: Last Family Of Krypton #1 (of 3) (Elseworlds/DC) *  *  *  *  *

Growing up during the 1960's I loved the "imaginary stories" that I read in Superman comics. I wasn't going to miss this reintroduction of the Elseworlds imprint, which was DC's modernized version of those imaginary stories from the '60's. This issue was not a disappointment. It also served as the first comic book story from Superman writer Cary Bates, who worked for DC from the 1970's and 1980's. The basic premise of this story is that the entire El family, and not just baby Kal-El,  survived Krypton's destruction to arrive safely on Earth. Not only do we see how such an event would change history, but we see how each member of the El family has different struggles adjusting to a new life on Earth. Superman's familiar supporting castis reintroduced in different and interesting ways. The characters are set up to tell an interesting story in the remaining two issues. Cary Bates hasn't lost his touch with writing a comic book story, and has adjusted to today's more sophisticated storytelling style, when compared to the typical DC comic book from the 1970's, just fine.

Superman #702 (DC) *  *  *  *

While I still do not care for J. Michael Straczynski's basic premise for this current storyline, I was pleasantly surprised with this issue. The previous issue, the first full issue of the current plot, really did not seem to be much of a story, just a series of disconnected scenes of Superman's interactions as a cross-country pedestrian. There was an actual story in this new issue. It was Superman's version of dealing with illegal immigration, of a different kind. Another thing that I enjoyed about this story was how well it showed Superman inspiring others by his example. And the John Cassaday cover is another treat.

Adventure Comics #517 (DC) *  *  *  *  *

While the regular Legion  title features the current Legionnaires, Adventure has settled in as a flashback Legion title, showing its early days. What I enjoy about writer Paul Levitz's approach is that, unlike other writers who explore the past of a title, he does not contradict anything that has happened in past Legion stories. He fills in the blanks of early Legion history, and in an interesting way. In this issue, Levitz shows how Legion founders Imra Ardeen, Rokk Krinn and Garth Ranzz settle in to their new life. The rest of the United Planets, and especially the Science Police, don't expect much of these teens, and they have to prove themselves. And the three Legionnaires are still geting to know each other, which leads to a few surprises which haven;t been revealed before. I'm enjoying how Paul Levitz is making early Legion history new again.

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 the 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 #9: Saturday, August 29, 2010!

After several weeks of few or no comics, this was a big day. Not only did I get quite a number of my regular titles, but the staff of my local comic shop, Acme Comics, added two titles that were spin-offs of one of my regular books. Another example of their fine service!

All-New Wolverine Saga (Marvel) A free comic book that summarizes recent Wolverine storylines. I was going to ask for it, just to read what's going on, but it was already put in my bag. I don't read the Wolverine title, or any of Marvel's books other than Powers.

Guarding The Globe #1 (of 6) (Skybound/Image) This is the first issue of a spin-off of the Robert Kirkman version of the Justice League or Avengers, depending on your preference. I won't be picking up the rest of the mini-series for budgetary reasons, but I couldn't resist checking out this particular issue. A Robert Kirkman comic book is never a waste of time. This week marks the first Robert Kirkman titles to boast his creator imprint Skybound with Image, at least of the ones I follow.

Science Dog Special #1 (One Shot Issue) (Skybound/Image) This is a reprint of the back issue stories that appeared in Invincible. Science Dog is Mark Grayson's favorite comic book superhero. It's nice to have those stories conveniently gathered in one issue to read.

The Goon #1 (Dark Horse Comics) This is another of a series of reprints of first issues that many comic book publishers are distributing as a marketing tool to expose their titles to a wider audience. I've taken advantage of a number of them, as posted in this blog. Even though I can't add all of them to my pull list it's fun to expand my comic book horizons.

And now to our regular comic book pull list:

Action Comics #892 (DC) This Lex Luthor storyline is very interesting, but it's sad that DC seems to be featuring everybody other than Superman, who's only solo feature is in his own title.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #4 (DC) I can't wait to read this issue, especially after the reveal on the last page of the previous issue!

Superman: Secret Origins #6 (of 6) (DC) It's been a few months waiting for this issue. I think it will be worth the wait. My favorite issues were #2, with thr re-introduction of the Clark Kent Smallville Superboy, and especially #3, returning Superboy to membership in the 30th Century Legion of Super-Heroes.

Invincible #74 (Skybound/Image) The Viltumite War, as the banner announces on the top of the cover, continues the story that the entire series has been building toward since the very first issue. Which means that there will be a lot of red on the pages. Not for the weak of stomach.

Terry Moore's Echo #24 (Abstract Studios) Terry Moore is building a big head of steam toward the climax of this title. He's quickly bringing all of the plot threads together to what promises to be a very exciting final issue around #30.

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 the 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 #21: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday: August 25, 2010:

After having a number of weeks with slim or none comic book titles, this is a big week for me. It's nice to know that I've got my pull list trimmed to a managable size financially that I've got it covered even before payday next Friday. Thanks to my local comic book store, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, http://acme-superstore.com/, for listing next week's releases early, for making this post possible before the beginning of next week.

Action Comics #892 (DC)
Invincible #74 (Image)
Legion Of Super-Heroes #4 (DC)
Superman: Secret Origins #6 (of 6) (DC)
Terry Moore's Echo #24 (Abstract Studios)
The Goon #1 (Dark Horse Comics) Another special $1.00 introductory reprint of another hit series, which has become popular with most comic book publisers. It's a nice marketing tool, and a way for budget minded comic book readers like me to sample titles we might not otherwise be able to afford to try.

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 the 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 #20 & From The Comic Shop #9: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, August 18, 2010:

This week, my Wednesday off was a little different. I had some errands to do, so I decided to go to my local comic book store then, instead of waiting until Saturday. Actually, nothing on my pull list was published this week, and normally I wouldn't bother going to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida http://acme-superstore.com/. But this week, two $1.00 reprints of first issues were released that caught my interest. I had some extra spending money to spare, so I decided to try them. I've been aware of them, but have not really read them before.

Hellboy #1 (Dark Horse Comics)
Usagi Yojimbo #1 (Dark Horse Comics)

I have read the first Hellboy trade paperback, Hellboy: Seeds Of Destruction, before. but  I couldn't pass up the chance of owning at least one issue of that title. I've also enjoyed listening to several podcast interviews with Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai, but had never read any issues of his title before. This was a perfect opportunity to familiarize myself with the rabbit samurai.

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 the 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 #8: Saturday, August 14, 2010:

Superman #702 (DC)
Hoping this issue is better than the previous issue, which began the new storyline Grounded. If it actually tells a story that would be an improvement.

Adventure Comics #517 (DC)
It's great to have the Legion back better than ever! And twice a month to boot.

Superman: The Last Family Of Krypton (Elseworlds / DC)
I've loved the Elseworlds stories ever since they were called "Imaginary Stories" when I was a boy during the 1960's. I've been looking forward to this three issue mini-series ever since it was first announced. I even trimmed a few titles from my pull list to make room for this title. I'll be reading this book after the first two titles this week. I like to save the best for last.

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 the 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 #19: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, August 11, 2010:

Adventure Comics #517 (DC)
I am really enjoying the return of the Legion, and of Paul Levitz as Legion writer. So far Adventure and Legion Of Super-Heroes are as good as past Levitz Legion stories.

Superman #702 (DC)
After several years of great to decent Superman stories, this new storyline didn't work for me in its first issue. I'm hoping this second issue of the new plot will be better and give some direction to where the story is going, other than the fact that Superman is walking west across the country.

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 the 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 # 95: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, July 28, 2010:

Action Comics #891 (DC) *  *  *  1/2

This was a clever story about some of Lex Luthor's power fantasies, and the villain Master Mind. I don't want to say anything more about the plot because I'm afraid to give away anthing important. All I'll say is that how Luthor wraps up the story shows why he's one of DC's top villains.

What pulled my rating down a little is, quite honestly, some splashover from my less than enthusiastic reaction to the current Superman story. It's just too bad that Luthor is getting the better stories while the Man of Steel is walking cross country to find himself. Superman follows Forest Gump. Not.

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 the 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 #18: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, August 4, 2010:

Superman: Last Family Of Krypton #1 (of 3) (DC)

This looks like it might be my favorite Superman story of the month, if not for the next three.

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 the 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.