Issue #115: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, March 23, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Heroes #11 (DC)
Fables #103 (Vertigo/DC)
The Wellkeeper #'s 2 - 4 (Half Moose Press)

Legion Of Super-Heroes #11 (DC) *  *  *  *


As the editor's note mentions, this issue picks up after the special issue, The Legion Of Super-Villains. The Legion of Super-Heroes help the Science Police round up the escaped prisoners of the prison planet Takron-Galtos. On top of everything else, Brainiac 5 has to deal with the condition of one of the Legionnaires. The issue ends with a mystery about one of the member worlds of the United Planets. With every issue, Paul Levitz and the rest of the creative team have returned the Legion to a firm foundation and have steered the title in a definite direction. I hope it sells enough copies so that we won't see another reboot for a long time.

Fables #102 (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *

The issue begins the morning after Bigby and Snow had a happy reunion after being apart because of the previous storyline. Geppetto sets some plans in motion while others do the same at Darkland and at the fortress of the North Wind. The Fables in Haven are solidifying their superhero team in preparation for the dangers looming in the near future. this is an interesting storyline to jump into, with Fables incorporating the modern myths of superhero comic books. In the middle of some dark scenes, it's funny to see the Fables deciding on iconic members for their team. It doesn't matter who publishes superhero comic books, they all have the same iconic her types. This is a very enjoyable story.

The Wellkeeper #'s 2 - 4 (Half Moon Press) *  *  *  *


I picked up issues #0 and #1 at last year's MegaCon, and I got the next three issues from creator Derrick Fish at this year's Con. This is the story of Zoe, a young girl who has inherited the powers of the Wellkeeper from her grandmother. It is the ability to tap into and manipulate the life force of Earth, in order to protect it. Dark forces try to kill her, and her friend Sebastian gets caught in the middle. Derrick has fleshed out a very well thought out world in this fantasy story. The black and white art is worth more than the cover price. The line work fills the panel with incredible details that add richness to the story. He has an excellent sense of panel layout that moves the eye along and flows the story smoothly. This title is as good as anything else you can find at your local comic book shop. Copies of all of issues are available at the website http://www.thewellkeeper.com, as well as http://indyplanet.com.

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From The Comic Shop #25: Saturday, March 23, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Heroes #11 (DC)
Fables #103 (Vertigo/DC)

Note: Invincible #78 (Skybound/Image) was published this week, but my local comic shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, was shorted, which means that they did not receive all of the copies they ordered. Some issues they did get were damaged. To be fair to their customers, they filled their orders alphebetically. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't close enough to the front of the alphabet to get a copy this week. But I;m not angry, because Acme always has great customer service. They will get more copies next week.

This weekend was MegaCon 2011 in Orlando, Florida. On Friday, I went to Artist's Alley and looked up Derek Fish, who I met at Acme. He was selling copies of his self published comics book series The Wellkeeper. At last year's MegaCon I bought issues #0 and #1. This year he had issues 2 - 4, which I picked up. Check out the link to learn more about the story and read a sample of the story. You can purchase issues there or at Indyplanet.com.

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Issue #114: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, March 16, 2011:

Superman #709 (DC)


Adventure Comics #524 (DC)

Superman #709 (DC) *  *  *  *


The great John Cassaday cover was the latest in the long line of Superman / Flash covers. I won't spoil whether or not this is another Superman vs. Flash race, but it does tease the Superboy vs. Kid Flash race over in Superboy #5. The beginning of this story seemed out of the silver age, but once again, I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this issue. The Flash does bring a positive influence on Superman, as they discuss their growing awareness of their legacies. Barry was a breath of fresh air for the Man of Steel, encouraging a friend who's going through a tough time. I hope Roberson gets to stick around after Grounded finishes, and gets his chance to shine as a writer of Superman stories.

Adventure Comics #524 (DC) *  *  *  *


The cadets face the consequences for their actions at the end of last issue, and the wrath of Duplicate Girl. I don't think I want to get on her bad side. So, do they stay grounded? Of course not. They take a Legion practice cruiser to Chemical Kid's home planet of Phlon, where they quickly get over their heads. The Legion Academy storyline is a great companion to the regular Legion title. Any Legion title with Bouncing Boy in it can't be bad. Now if only Paul Levitz would bring back Matter Eater Lad. Maybe he could be the head cook for the Academy.

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Preview #37: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, March 16, 2011:

Adventure Comics #524 (DC)

This issue continues the Legion Academy storyline. I wonder how the cadets will get out of  the hot water they're in this time?

Superman #709 (DC)

While the Grounded storyline is underwhelming, the last few issues by mew writer Chris Roberson have been better. Whether that's because I like this part of J. Michael Straczynski's plot, or Roberson is improving the story, I don't know. I don't think it'll be enough to consider Grounded a good story, but it will be over soon.

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Issue #113: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, March 9, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Villains #1 (One Shot) (DC)

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #2 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)

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


This issue picks up the plot involving Saturn Queen in recent Legion issues. It's not too much of a spoiler to say she escaped, and reformed the Legion of Super-Villains, with some old and new members. This time she establishes that she is in charge very quickly. Her quest is to destroy three key locations in the universe to return it to a stat of chaos. Reading this issue I got the feeling that there is an unseen presence behind everything. This story will probably come to the forefront very quickly in the pages of Legion Of Super-Heroes. It doesn't bode well for the Legionnaires, but it promises to be great reading for us.

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #2 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *


We learn more about the background of Cinderella's enemy Silver Slipper and their past battles. Cinderella and Ivan Durak travel across the world to one of her past contacts to get more information on her greatest enemy and what she may be doing. She finds out the hard way. This mini-series matches the best James Bond movies for intrigue and action. If you're looking for smart female comic book characters, Cinderella will not disappoint you.

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From The Comic Shop #24: Saturday, March 12, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Villains #1 (One Shot) (DC)


Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #2 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)

This is all I got from my local comic book shop. Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida today. I've stopped getting back issues to fill in the hole in my Superman collection for the time being. After this Legion special issue, there's another Jimmy Olsen one-shot issue coming up. It will wrap up Jimmy's second feature story which was in Action Comics before DC's price reduction to $2.99. Plus, I'm getting this Cinderella mini-series as well. Back issues will have to wait for awhile.

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Previews #36: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, March 9, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Villains #1 (One Shot) (DC)

Things are about to heat up for the legion of Super-Heroes!

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #2 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)

Cinderella continues her fight against her greatest enemy, Silver Slipper!

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Issue #112: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, March 2, 2011:

John Byrne's Next Men #4 (IDW)
Powers #7 (Icon/Marvel)

John Byrne's Next Men #4 (IDW) *  *  *  *  *

In this issue, we finally learn a little bit about what happened to Bethany. The story starts with a flashback, which happens shortly after the conclusion of the original Next Men series. The story mostly revolves around Bethany, and we seem to learn the identity of the mysterious person clad in the black spacesuit. We begin to get some answers to some of the mysteries that were presented in the first three issues. They seem to raise more questions, which makes for a good comic book, as far as I'm concerned, and is keeping me looking forward to next issue. John Byrne is moving the story along nicely, even if we don't have a lot of answers to this time-spanning story. I'm enjoying this title very much.

Powers #7 (Icon/Marvel) *  *  *  *


first of all, we learn a little bit about Deena Pilgrim's new career path. The rest of the issue involves Christian and his partner Enki interviewing other dieties who knew the murder victim, Damocles. To be honest, it was a little hard reading these fellow gods talk about the nature of man and gods. But it ddin't get in the way of my enjoyment of the story. Through the interviews with Damocles' former teammates, we learn a little more about the character. We also get a hint to a future sotryline, and the ending is guaranteed to wake you up if you're about to fall asleep after reading characters talk about the nature of diety.

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From The Comic Shop #23: Wednesday, March 2, 2011:

I had just made the 45 minute drive to my local comic shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, on Sunday, but when I saw on Monday Diamond's release list, I had to go back first thing today to get two of my favorite titles

John Byrne's Next Men #4 (IDW)

This new series is as good as Byrne's original Next Men series published by Dark Horse Comics back in the 1990's. It has been well worth the wait.

Powers #7 (Icon/Marvel)

This series hasn't been on a regular, monthly publication schedule for a while. Right now it's looking like it will be bi-monthly, with creators Bendis and Oeming's other creator owned work, but, like Planetary, I'll be sure to buy the latest issue when it is published. This series is definitely for adult readers who aren't squeamish, but the plot and characters are well crafted, and each issue contains an excellent story.

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Issue #111: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, February 23, 2011:

Action Comics #898 (DC)
Terry Moore's Echo #28 (Abstract Studios)

Finally, I'm caught up with my reviews of my comic book purchases for the month of February from Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida. And now for our regularly scheduled post of My Pull List.

Action Comics #898 (DC) *  *  *

In his quest for control of the Black Lantern globes, Lex Luthor runs up against the Orange Lantern Larfleeze, who is after the same prize. While their conflict is intersting, and Luthor shows his lack of concern for the safety of his employees, the most interesting part of the issue is the revelation on the final page of the story. This epilogue to the Black Lantern  story is an ill fit for Action Comics, no matter how interesting the conclusion to this story proves to be. Plus, this storyline has served as a type of "team-up" between Luthor and other members of DC's rogues gallery. Superman can't return to the title that made him famous quick enough for me.

Terry Moore's Echo #28 (Abstract Studios) *  *  *  *  *


This issue opens with some familiar characters not previously in this series. This may not make sense, but fans of Terry Moore will know what I mean when they read this issue. Dylan and Julie/Annie deal with the events that concluded the previous issue. Our band of heroes learn how tight their deadline is, and we get our first look at their target. With only two issues left there is a lot of story to wrap up. But if anyone can do it, Terry Moore can. I also look forward to meeting him at MegaCon at the end of the month.

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Issue #110: Catch Up Week #26, Part III: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, February 23, 2011:

This is the final installment of my catch up week for the comic book titles I bought during the month of February, 2011, from my local comic book shop, Acme Comics, in Longwood, Florida.

Legion Of Super-Heroes  #10 (DC)
Fables #102 (Vertigo/DC)

Legion Of Super-Heroes #10 (DC) *  *  *  *  


While some Legionnaires pull guard duty on the traveling UP Council, Cosmic Boy informs the Legion's new leader of his election victory. The current incarnation of the Legion Espionage Squad goes on a mission while Brainiac 5 discharges his duties as Deputy Leader. And it seems that the mystery behind the Durlan attacks on the United Planets Council is finally solved. This was another excellent Legion title. While the mystery that began this series has been solved, there are some other plots that have been slowly working their way into the forefront, and filling me with anticipation for what will happen to the Legion next.

Fables #102 (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *  *


This issue begins the next chapter of the former residents of Fabletown. Writer Bill Willingham does a good job of bringing new readers like me quickly up to speed about how the Fables got in their current situation. We are introduced to their next threat and the Fables' plans to meet that threat. Part of their plans include the use of some modern Fables. This was a great setup of the next storyline. Having not read Fables since the second trade paperback, I did not feel lost. I got just enough information to be able to jump into the new story.

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Issue #110: Catch Up Week #26, Part II: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, February 9, 2011:

 Superman #708 (DC)
Adventure Comics #523 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #1 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
John Byrne's Next Men #3 (IDW)

Superman #708 (DC) *  *  *  *


Only four more issues before we can ground the Grounded storyline. However, this issue is the first one, other than the one that featured Perry White and the Daily Planet, that I really enjoyed. We get a peak into Superman's influence in the far flung future. I don't know if it's J. Michael Straczunski's plot, or Chris Roberson's script. This issue ties in the repercussions  from the end of the New Krypton storyline, about eight issues late, but at least it's part of the motivation of Superman's quest. This peak into Superman's future was my favorite part of the issue, but the guest appearance of Wonder Woman, in her current continuity, wasn't bad. We're beginning to get closer to learning the truth behind the mysterious woman who has been following Superman, and it doesn't bode well for the Man of Steel.

Adventure Comics #523 (DC) *  *  *  *


This issue begins the Legion Academy storyline. We're introduced to Glorith, a familiar name to longtime Legion fans, but in a new guise. She leaves Sorcerers' World to attend Legion Academy. We are introduced to her fellow cadets, who have a wide range of personalities. Former members of the Legion of Substitute Heroes are also part of the supporting cast, which is a nice touch. This issue does a good job of introducing the cadets and their instructors, and setting up the storyline. Older Legion readers like me wonder how the new Glorith's character will develop, and how it will compare to past incarnations. This is equally as interesting as the Legion title proper. Levitz and crew are batting 1,000.

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #1 (of 6) *  *  *  *  *


I missed the first Cinderella mini-series, From Fabletown, With Love, but I began reading this first issue of her second mini-series without feeling lost. It begins in a similar fashion to a classic James Bond film, with Cinderella, Fabletown's resident spy, deep in action. In this issue she learns that her greatest enemy, the Silver Slipper is still alive. We are also introduced to new fables from a different part of the world. There's a lot of action and intrigue, and this new crisis for Cinderella is set up very well. I'm looking forward to reading how this story unfolds.

Next Men #3 (IDW) *  *  *  *  *


In this issue we are finally introduced to the final member of the Next Men's first series who had yet to make an appearance in this new title, the invulnerable Bethany. Unlike the other members of the group, she has not aged or been bounced through time. She has a conversation to the black space suited figure who had rescued the Next Men from the apocalyptic ending of the original series. We also see the other members, in various eras of time, face different crises. It doesn't feel like we are any closer to solving the mystery that was introduced in the first issue, but the story is moving along in an interesting way. This series has quickly joined that short list of my favorite titles.

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Issue #110: Catch Up Week #26, Part I: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, February 2, 2011:

Covering for a co-worker's vacation put me a month behind on my reviews, so I will be breaking this post into parts in order to avoid  writing a War And Peace length post. I wouldn't want to read that. I've learned from past blog posts. I begin with the comics I bought just about a month ago, which were released on Wednesday, February 2, 2011:

Superman: 80-Page Giant 2011 #1 (One Shot) (DC)
Legion Of Super-Heroes Annual #1 (One Shot) (DC)
Invincible #77 (Skybound/Image)

Superman: 80-Page Giant 2011 #1 (One Shot) (DC) *  *  *  *


Sometimes, these 80-Page Giants can be inconsistent, but I was pleasantly surprised about this one. I enjoyed most of the stories. The first one was about how Jor-El discovered Krypton was doomed, another about Perry White and Wildcat sitting in a bar reminiscing about old times, a Jimmy Olsen story about an army of Olsen clones, a Supergirl story about how being a superhero crimps your dating life, a Lois Lane/Lana Land team up about how returning someone's lost credit card can have unexpected consequences, and a Conner Kent Superboy story about how to blow off steam. The only one that didn't grab me was the Bizarro Superman story. It had too much Bizarro speak. It was worth the cost.

Legion Of Super-Heroes Annual  #1 (One Shot) (DC) *  *  *  *


Writer Paul Levitz and artist Keith Giffen reunited for this annual. I missed their classic Baxter series run, although I do have a few issues of that run. My first consistent run of the Legion was the 5 Year Later Legion of the early 1990's, co-written and drawn by Giffen. This Annual introduces the new Empress of the Emerald Eye. The main Legionnaires of the story were Lightning Lass and Shrinking Violet. Other Legionnaires came to assist them in their fight against the Empress and the Emerald Eye. For the most part I enjoyed Giffen's art, but Lightning Lass and Shrinking Violet did seem a little too stocky and imitative of Kirby's style. But the story
was great, and the conclusion promises to lead to future consequences, i. e. story lines.The end of the issue has a clever review of Legion history told in the form of a game board.

Invincible #77 (Skybound/Image) *  *  *  *  *


Without spoiling the story, I'll just say that I didn't like the ending, but it was one of the best superhero stories I've ever read. That may sound like it doesn't make sense, but if you read this issue you might understand. I wanted the Viltrumite War to end in the typical superhero comic book fashion. But the way Kirkman and Ottley ended the issue seemed more true to life. Because I don't like it, I'm coming back to see how this twist ending will steer future issues. Well done, Mr. Kirkman and company.

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Preview #35: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, March 2, 2011:

Wow, time flies when you're having fun with comic books!

John Byrne's Next Men #4 (IDW)
Powers #7 (Icon/Marvel)

Two great titles. Also, Powers has been green lit for a series pilot on the FX cable channel. No details yet, as far as I know, about when it will air.

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From The Comic Shop #22: Sunday, February 28, 2011:

Action Comics #898 (DC)
Terry Moore's Echo #28 (Abstract Studios)

I also got 300 bags and boards from Acme Comics, since I finally had some extra spending money to get them. Now I have to find the time to bag and board the box full of comics that I haven't properly filed away yet.

I know I'm behind in reviewing my comics; I'm still catching up from the week I covered for a co--worker's vacation. I've missed a few Preview and From The Comic Shop posts.But don't worry. Soon, I will catch up on my reviews. Stay tuned.

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