Issue #128: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, July 27, 2011:

Action Comics #903 (DC)
Flashpoint: Project Superman #2 (of 3) (DC)
Invincible #81 (Skybound/Image)
Fables #107 (Vertigo/DC)
John Byrne's Next Men #8 (IDW)
The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century: 1969 (Top Shelf)

This was one of the best weeks for excellent comic books in a while. There were some pleasant surprises, even from a title that I haven't been as enthusiastic about lately.

Action Comics #903 (DC) *  *  *  *


The cover for this issue pretty much sums up the main part of the story this issue, and the how provided the plot twist that raised my interest in this story. This is the best issue of the Reign Of The Doomsdays storyline. Superman as usual takes point against the Doomslayer, and the end of this issue sets up what I hope will be an exciting end to this story, before the September relaunch.

Flashpoint: Project Superman #2 (of 3) (DC) *  *  *  *


This issue makes me glad I picked up this Flashpoint spin off mini-series. We learn what was in the rocket that crash landed in Metropolis during the meteor shower at the end of the first issue. Young Kal-El is subjected to the same tests as the first subject of the super weapon project. There are two conflicting philosophies among the staff of the project: treat Kal-El as a human being, or merely as an impersonal test subject. Familiar names such as General Lane, his daughter Lois, as well as Lex Luthor, are recast in different ways. It reads a lot like the classic imaginary stories that were a part of the silver age of comic books during my childhood in the 1960's. They were always fun reads for me, and this mini-series is no different. I can't wait to see how this story ends.

Invincible #81 (Skybound/Image) *  *  *  *  *


Invincible has to come to terms with the destruction of Las Vegas at the end of last issue. He also faces a villain who has found some familiar weapons. The main point of the issue which grabbed my attention was the dark side a superhero has to deal with, the emotional toll of collateral damage and the death and injuries of innocent victims. In real life it's something faced by police, firemen and emergency responders, as well as soldiers. Writer Robert Kirkman has done a great job of incorporating that to a superhero, which is one of the reasons he is one of my favorite comic book superhero writers.

Fables #107 (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *  *


This issue, drawn by guest artist Terry Moore, is about a general who uses Sleeping Beauty as part of a plan to restart the old empire. There is a force working against him, however. This issue sets up the next storyline in Fables. It seems to take place in the past of the current Fables storyline, and I'm not sure how the story will develop from here. That's one reason I'm looking forward to the next issue. I'm glad I picked up Fables beginning with issue #101. I only wish I would have started reading the series sooner. At least there are the trade paperbacks of past volumes I can catch up on.

John Byrne's Next Men #8 (IDW) *  *  *  *  *


In this issue we learn the history of one of the characters, which is a very different life story than what I would normally expect. Then the story leads to a mission for the main Next Men characters. The conclusion of this issue reads like the story is leading to an ultimate end for the series, but I was under the impression that it was a continuing series. Regardless, this is a consistently excellent series. I did a quick search on the internet and learned that the next issue, #9, will be the final issue. Then, Next Men: Aftermath will begin, starting with issue #40, which will be the 40th issue in total of the Next Men series.

The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century: 1969 (Top Shelf Productions) *  *  *  *  *


This is the second issue of the three issue Century mini-series, the latest story of the League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen series. This issue occurs in 1969, as the title suggests. The three surviving League members, Mina, Allan and Orlando, are on the trail again of the occultists attempting to create the birth of a Moonchild. The story takes many twists and turns, and lives up to the psychedelic 1960's in Britain. Being the middle chapter of a three issue mini-series, it does have a dark ending. It was worth the wait of about a year. I can't wait to read the concluding issue. Hopefully it won't take a year for the last part of the story to be published.

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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.

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Issue #127: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, July 13 & 20, 2011:

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, July 13, 2011:


Superman #713 (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, July 20, 2011:


Legion Of Super-Heroes #15 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #6 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
Terry Moore's How To Draw Women (Abstract Studios)

Superman #713 (DC) *  *


This is the next to last issue of the Grounded storyline (thank goodness). As the cover suggests, Clark/Superman has a talk with Conner Kent/Superboy and Supergirl about his future, and a stranger has a conversation with Clark about his own views on the Man of Steel. As an individual story, it's not that bad, but it doesn't make sense that Superman would have such a crisis of confidence at this point of his career. If it was caused directly from the events of the New Krypton story, maybe, but not because a woman criticized Superman because he wasn't on Earth to stop a tumor from killing her husband. At least Superman's evil stalker has finally revealed part of her plan. I just hope with the relaunch that DC can find the right people to tell good Superman stories again.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #15 (DC) *  *  *  *


The Legionnaires continue their battle against the new Legion of Super-Villains, to Professor Li, which is a very unusual place indeed. As this is the next to last issue before the relaunch, it's mostly cover to cover action, interspersed with brief character moments. The pieces of the plot are in place for quite a climax in the final chapter of this story. Will the mystery of Professor Li be solved? What about Dream Girl's premonition about the death of a Legionnaire? I can't wait for this story's final issue to be published.

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


The issue begins with Cinderella tied up, and she has her greatest enemy, Dorothy of the Silver Slippers, right where she wants her; or at least if you consider their past encounters as told by flashback in this mini-series. Or does she? This issue lived up to the build up of the first five issues and told the penultimate confrontation between Cinderella and Dorothy.

Terry Moore's How To Draw Women #1 (of 1) (Abstract Studios) *  *  *  *  *


This is the first of a series of comic books by Terry Moore on the How To of comic books. Instead of being a normal how to book, full of drawing tips, the majority of the issue deals with the why of drawing women. Moore explains his thinking behind drawing women the way he does. Terry is known for drawing natural women, and men for that matter, instead of the cliched superhero style of woman prevalent in superhero comic books. This book is as important of a reference as any book detailing how to draw women, or the use of various drawing tools. His plan is to publish other issues on different aspects of drawing comic books, eventually to be  collected in one volume. I plan on buying future issues of this series as he publishes them. Learning the why behind drawing something is as important as the how.

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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.

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From The Comic Shop #36: Friday, July 29, 2011:

I'm on vacation from work this week, so I enjoyed going to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, on a Friday, when I usually have to work.

Action Comics #903 (DC)

I wonder if this issue will make me more excited about the Reign Of The Doomsdays storyline, which will wrap up next month before the September DC relaunch. Maybe it will go from an okay story to a great story. I hope so. There haven't been that many great Superman stories of late

Flashpoint: Project Superman #2 (of 3) (DC)

I'm anxious to learn what was in the rocket that crashed landed in Metropolis in the first issue. The cover of this second issue certainly piques my interest.

Invincible #81 (Skybound/Image)

The most consistently excellent superhero comic book I've read.

Fables #107 (Vertigo/DC)

Terry Moore is guest artist in this issue. As if this title needed another reason for me to want to read this issue.

John Byrne's Next Men #8 (IDW)

Just as good, if not better than the original series in the 1990's so far.

The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century: 1969 (Top Shelf Productions)

This is the first League mini-series that I'm picking up as it is originally published. I've anxiously awaited this Century story.

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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 #126: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, March 23, 2011 & July 6, 2011:

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, March 23, 2011:


Invincible #78 (Skybound/Image)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, July 6, 2011:


Flashpoint: Project Superman #1 (of 3) (DC)
Adventure Comics #528 (DC)

Invincible #78 (Skybound/Image) *  *  *  *  *


This issue was published near the end of March, but my local comic book shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, was shorted their order. Much of what they did receive of their order of this issue was damaged, so that only around ten of their customers were able to get a copy. It became apparent that Diamond Comics Distributor would not be filling the rest of their order. I was finally able to afford to get a copy from mycomicshop.com. It was worth the wait. This issue deals with the aftermath of the Viltrumite War, with our heroes returning to Earth. Robert Kirkman is one of those writers who can make these issues, which come after a major fight, be just as interesting as the battle itself. The characters begin to come to terms with the war, and we find that some things have changed at home. We'll find out more about these changes in future issues, as Kirkman and company begin the next major storyline.

Flashpoint: Project Superman #1 (of 3) (DC) *  *  *  *


I wasn't going to get this title because I'm not reading the Flashpoint series, but, when Acme put it in my subscription file with no obligation, I couldn't say no. I like stories that are like the classic 1960's imaginary stories, and I was glad I did. This issue details the development of a secret government project to develop their own superhero, and no, he doesn't carry a shield. We see the reaction to someone who has powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men, but I won't spoil it here. As for what happened to our Superman, we may learn in the next issue.

Adventure Comics #528 (DC) *  *  *  *


Graduation Day comes for the next class of Legion Academy graduates, but not everyone gets the assignment they hoped for most. We learn who goes where, and the Legion Headquarters has an intruder. This issue ties into the battle with the new Legion Of Super-Villains in the main Legion title, as this current storyline will wrap up next month for the September relaunch. It was a good action packed issue with the usual share of great character moments, a Legion staple. I'm looking forward to reading how this battle will end.

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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.

From The Comic Shop #35: Saturday, July 23, 2011:

Superman #713 (DC)
Legion Of Super-Heroes #15 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #6 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
Terry Moore's How To Draw Women (Abstract Studios)

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 #34: Saturday, July 9, 2011:

Adventure Comics #528 (DC)

The next to last issue before the DC relaunch.

Flashpoint: Project Superman #1 (of 3) (DC)

This was put in my subscription file just at Acme Comics with no obligation, in case I was interested. While I wasn't going to buy this Flashpoint tie-in, I just couldn't say no. It has the feel of the classic "imaginary stories" of the 1960's, which I'm a sucker for.

Plus I picked up some much needed bags and boards.

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 #125: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, June 22, 2011:

Action Comics #902 (DC)
Superman #712 (DC)
Fables #106 (Vertigo/DC)
John Byrne's Next Men #7 (IDW)

Action Comics #902 (DC) *  *  *


After what happened to the Eradicator last issue, the remaining Superman Family heroes have to deal with the plunging Doomsday ship that threatens Metropolis. There are some nice character moments between Lois and Jimmy, and they were my favorite parts of the issue. This storyline is okay, but that's about it. W.hile I like it better than the previous Lex Luthor story, this is not shaping up to be a story I'm very excited about. I'm not sure if I can put a finger on it. Maybe there's not enough Clark Kent. I hope DC doesn't forget about him after the September relaunch.

Superman #712 (DC) *  *  *  *, DC Comics 0


This may be my favorite Superman issue this year, and the Man of Steel is barely in the story. The problem is, this story takes place after the end of the mini-series Infinite Crisis, and deals with the aftermath of Conner Kent Superboy's death through the eyes of Krypto. It is a very emotional and touching story. Too bad it didn't get published back then, when it would have had more impact. I'm not sure, but I seem to remember hearing that Dan Didio had pulled this story because he wasn't crazy about Krypto. But I'm not positive on that point so don't take it as fact. This story replaced the previously solicited story about Superman meeting an Arab-American superhero facing prejudice during the Man Of Steel's Grounded story. That was pulled, and there have been various reasons rumored to be behind the decision, from avoiding controversy with an Arab character, to a problem with a scene where Superman rescues a cat (too similar to Superman The Movie), to the artist being late. Who knows. This isn't the first fill in story during the Grounded plot, which makes it easier for me to look forward to the Superman relaunch. It can't happen fast enough.

Fables #106 (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *


The Super Team story wraps up in an unexpected fashion. To some extent the resolution of the conflict is a little anti-climatic, but I'm relieved for the surviving Fables. There are several scenes as various characters come to terms with what happens, and leaves plot threads for the next Fables story. I don't mind how the fight between the North Wind and Mr. Dark ended. That's all I'll say without spoiling the story. The character moments that fill the issue kept my interest in this issue just fine, and I'm looking forward to the next story. The Fables aren't out of trouble just yet.

John Byrne's Next Men #7 (IDW) *  *  *  *  *


The mystery of Jasmine's disappearance is solved in this issue, and Toni's confrontation with John Wilkes Booth is also resolved. We also learn what happens to Nathan in Roman times. The Next Men's powers cut out again for some reason, and I'm sure that's a mystery that will be dealt with in the future, I'm sure. There is some more time travel, as well as alternate history, which make this a deeper story. We also learn a little bit more about the time travelers who have rescued the Next Men, or at least one of them. This series is living up the hopes I had for it when I first read the announcement.

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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.

Preview #46: Comic Book For The Week Of Wednesday, July 6, 2011:

Adventure Comics #528 (DC)

This is the next to last issue of this title before the September relaunch, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this Legion Academy story wraps up. I won't be getting this title after the August issue, because it will feature different characters. In its place I'll be getting the new Legion Lost  title. I missed the original Legion Lost series. I had to drop comics for financial reasons for a few years before it was published. I hope to be able to catch up sometime. I know DC published a DC Comics Presents oversized reprint earlier this year.

To make my trip to the Acme Comics more worthwhile, I'll be picking up much needed bags and boards.

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.