Issue #105: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, December 15, 2010:

Superman #706 (DC)
John Byrne's Next Men #1 (IDW)

and from the back issue bins:

Superman #154 (March 2000) (Triangle # 2000: 10)

Superman #706 (DC) *  *  *  *

During these months of the Grounded storyline, I've almost dreaded reading Superman because I've almost come to expect being disappointed. Seveal of the issues have been pleasant surprises, but they haven't changed my opinion of the Grounded storylne. It hasn't worked for me. This issue was my favorite Superman issue, mostly because it had little to do with the current storylilne. The issue focuses on the Daily Planet, which is facing tough times, with declining revenues and declining circulation. To add insult to injury, a new hip blog seems to have uncovered evidence that Superman and the Planet have an under the table agreement, and maybe another under the sheets. Lois might have an inside track for all of the Superman scoops she's written over the years. Perry uses all of his years of journalism experience to handle the crisis. superman makes a cameo, but it's the supporting cast that carries the issue. Too bad the creative team haven't given the Man of Steel a worthy story for him to carry on his broad shoulders.

John Byrne's Next Men #1 (IDW) *  *  *  *

I still have every issue of the original run of this series, published by Dark Horse Comics in the early 1990's. When this new series was announced I re-read that first series,and it still holds up well today. This new series by IDW begins the next chapter, and it does not disappoint. The only way I can describe this first issue, without spoilers, is as a maze, within a maze, within a maze. And the last panel begins a mystery that will being me back for the second issue. the last series by John Byrne I read was hisrun on Doom Patrol a few years ago. It was slow to get going, and seemed to go around in circles for the first few issues before telling a good story. If he doesn't fall into the same trap with this new Next Men series, it will be a fun series to read.

and from the back issue bins:

Superman #154, March 2000 (Triangle # 2000:12) *  *  *  *

This issue wa part two of 5 of the Y2K story. Brainiac13 has begun to transform Metropolis into a literal City of Tomorrow. Superman also fought a juiced up Metallo. Jimmy found a vital clue that might help Superman defeat his foe. And Lex Luthor got a surprise from her toddler daughter Lena. At the end of the issue Superman may have found a way to beat Brainiac and Metallo. This issue also marked the artistic debut of Ed McGuinness.

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