Issue #101: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, October 27 & November 3, 2010:

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, October 27, 2010:

Superman #704 (DC)
Action Comics #894 (DC)

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

Adventure Comics #520 (DC)
Invincible #75 (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, October 27, 2010:

Superman #704 (DC) *  *  * 1/2

This issue highlights Lois Lane as Superman walks through her old home town. The title on the cover explains it all, The Road Not Taken. Lois meets her old high school flame. Not only do we get a peak at what might have been, but another lesson in why it's not always a good idea for the wife to meet an old girlfriend. There aren't any fireworks but there are a few uncomfortable moments, although things go well overall. I continue to like these stories better than I think I will, but I can't help but think that the questions Lois faced in this issue were ones she would have resolved a long time ago. It's the same feeling I fall back to with each issue of Superman's quest, which pulls my opinion of the issue down a bit.

Action Comics #894 (DC) *  *  * 1/2

This issue has generated a lot of buzz, as Luthor meets Death from the Sandman series. They have quite a philosophical conversation that, surprisingly, kept my interest. It was a good exploration of Lex's character. The issue ends on an interesting note, leading into who the villain Luthor will face next. But one of my problems with this storyline is that there are a few questions about Luthor's quest that really haven't been answered, yet. Is Lex making any progress in his search? How close is he to his final goal? Individually these have been okay stories, but as parts of an extended story it isn't it hasn't shown any progress. That makes it harder to enjoy this storyline, beyond the fact that Superman still isn't appearing in the title that first introudced the Man of Steel to the public. The Jimmy Olsen "co-feature" or backup story was more enjoyable, showing off his ability to think on his feet, as he introduces some extraterrestrial partiers to Metropolis' night life. I have to say that I enjoyed this story better than the main one in this issue.

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

Adventure Comics #520 (DC) *  *  *  *

This issue revisits a story long time Legion fans like me are familiar with, the first Legionnaire to die. At first I thought of Ferro Lad, who had the most memorable death in Legion history, but then I remembered there was an earlier one. If you're not familiar with Legion history I won't spoil the story for you. We also learn the source of the phantom voice in Legion HQ. I didn't see it coming, but I should have, after I read the issue. What I liked about the story was that it was not just rehashing an early Legion story, but adding details to it that made it fresh again. And the Atom second feature is getting better and better, as Ray Palmer faces bigger challenges with each installment of his story.

Invincible #75 (Image) *  *  *  *  *

This milestone issue contained a milestone story worthy of a 75th issue, especially for an independent title. The Viltrumite War becomes a pitched battle, with casualties on both sides. The war takes another turn with a monumental event that changes the status quo in a big way. And the cover for the next issue which is previewed on the inside back cover promises more of the same. Writer and co-creator Robert Kirkman is unafraid to challenge his characters in any way imaginable. That's why I enjoy reading Invincible so much.

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