Issue #132: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, August 24,September 14 & 21, 2011:

From the week of Wednesday, August 24, 2011:


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


From the week of Wednesday, September 14, 2011:


Legion Lost #1 (DC)

From the week of Wednesday, September 21, 2011:


Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 (DC)
Fables #108 (Vertigo/DC)


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


In this final issue, the young Kryptonian Kal-El and Subject Zero have their final showdown. We see Lois as part of the Resistance. Most of the issue shows their final battle, but it is not devoid of emotion, as too many superhero battles are.The adversaries were evenly matched, and the ending was very touching. It was a good imaginary story. Of any of the event series from DC or Marvel, I wish I could have afforded to buy all if not most of the tie-in mini-series. I've loved imaginary stories since reading those classic Superman tales from the 1960's.


Legion Lost #1 (DC) *  *  *  *


Someone goes berserk in a town or city, and a group of Legionnaires travel back in time to pursue him. Things go horribly wrong, this setting up the crisis (no DC Comics pun intended) that they face. This issue throws us right in the middle of the action, and doesn't give us a chance to catch our breath. The only thing I wish had been included, for new readers unfamiliar with the Legion of Super-Heroes, were text boxes for each Legionnaire showing their name and powers. But the story is interesting enough, and the characterizations well defined, that new readers may be interested enough to continue reading this title and learn as they go along. It looks like this group of Legionnaires is in for a wild ride.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 *  *  *  *


Just as in Legion Lost #1, the regular Legion title opens with a team of Legionnaires on a mission to a border world. It appears an old enemy is menacing the United Planets again. Meanwhile the rest of the Legion deal with the repercussions of the battle that concluded the previous Legion series, complete with a statue for the latest dead Legionnaire. And some recent graduates of the Legion Academy fill the ranks of a depleted Legion. This title is among those least affected by DC's relaunch. This new series picks up where the old one left off, but it is still an excellent title.

Fables #109 (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *


Snow's and Bigby's children are tested to determine who will be the new North Wind. Bufkin and his friends continue their quest in Oz while Mrs. Sprat continues her training. Red continues scouting the abandoned farm. The children are the main focus of this issue, if not this storyline. As the plot advances, my concern for their welfare increases, especially since I'm a father myself. The other plot lines advance a little more, but I enjoy this weaving of multiple plot threads in the issue. I know more excellent stories will be coming in the future.

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From The Comic Shop #41: Wednesday, September 28, 2011:

All-Star Western  #1 (DC)

I had to drop the previous Jonah Hex series, written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, and drawn by various guest artists, because of budgetary reasons. I now have a little room for another title in my comic book buying budget, so I made sure not to miss this opportunity to read Palmiotti's and Gray's Jonah Hex stories again. If I enjoy the issue (which I expect to) I will be adding this title to my pull list.

Superman #1 (DC)

This title has been uneven in recent years, especially for the past 12 issues or so. I'm hoping that DC can get my enthused about new Superman stories again, something that hasn't been the case this year, sadly. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Rachel Rising #2 (Abstract Studios)

I have no doubts about this title. I've read the last dozen issues of Terry Moore's Strangers In Paradise and all of his just concluded Echo series, and there hasn't been a bad issue in the bunch. Each issue has had good characterization and development, strong plots and great art, especially a realistic portrayal of women. The first issue of this new series was no different. I will always make room for a Terry Moore comic book in my comic book buying budget.

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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 #40: Saturday, September 24, 2011:

From the week of Wednesday, August 24, 2011:

Flashpoint: Project Superman #3 (OF 3) (DC) (originally published August 24, 2011.)

I missed this issue when it was published exactly a month ago today. The fine staff of Acme Comics were able to find a copy of this final issue. I enjoyed the first two issues of this Flashpoint tie-in mini-series, and would have hated to miss the conclusion. This was the only Flashpoint series I read, but in retrospect, I would have checked out more, if not all, of the Flashpoint event titles. I grew up on DC's Imaginary Stories with Superman, and Flashpoint seems like it was right up that alley. Unfortunately, my budget wouldn't have been able to handle it. So, I'll just have to settle for this title.

From last week, Wednesday, September 14, 2011:

Legion Lost #1 (DC)

All I know about this title is that some members of the Legion of Super-Heroes get stuck in the past in "our" time. Since the Legion is my second favorite DC title after Superman, I have to check it out. I would be very surprised and disappointed if I don't like it.

This week I got two titles, Legion Of Super-Heroes #1, and Fables #109, both published bu DC.

Of all of DC's relaunches, Legion is supposed to be one of the titles least affected by the relaunch. Superman has been one of the characters who has been most affected by this relaunch, at least in Action Comics. Paul Levitz remains as the writer of this title. Based on his track record since he once again took over the writing chores of Legion, I feel the most confidence that the quality of stories will remain high after DC's relaunch.

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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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Preview #52: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, September 21, 2011:

Fables #108 (Vertigo/DC)
Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 (DC)

Since Friday is payday, I will be going to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, on Saturday. Since I wasn't able to go last week, I'll be picking up Legion Lost #1 as well. I look forward to reading both Legion titles. While the main Legion title, from what little internet publicity I've read so far, will change the least when compared to other DC series, like Superman, Legion Lost will be about a group of Legionnaires stuck in the 21st Century. Since writer Paul Levitz returned to write the Legion, it has been a stronger title than it has been for years. There's a sense of continuity instead of constant reboots as a series of creative teams did good but completely different versions of the Legion. Now it's on a firm foundation and adding to a rich history of Legion Lore. With Legion Lost, I don't know what to expect, which is half the fun of reading a great comic book series. While the Superman and Legion titles are the only titles of DC's New 52 that I'll be getting, not knowing what's coming is part of the fun of going to the comic shop. And, of course, while Fables won't be affected by DC's relaunch, it has always been an excellent title to read each month.

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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 #131: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, August 31 & September 7, 2011:

Invincible  #82 (Skybound/Image)
Action Comics #1 (DC)

How I read my new comic book issues each week is to shuffle the ones I look forward to reading most to the bottom of the stack, so that I save the best for last. For at least a year, a Superman issue hasn't made it to the bottom of the stack, unfortunately, until this week. I've purposefully avoided reading the internet publicity of the Superman relaunch, beyond the cover art of the new uniforms. It feels good to look forward to new Superman stories again. That's a feeling that's been missing for a while.

Invincible #82 (Skybound/Image) *  *  *  *  *


Invincible continues to have a crisis of confidence after recent events, and is reexamining his role in the world. He does think of a unique way to handle a villain he captured recently. As usual for this title, it's something you don't see in the average superhero title. Atom Eve is going through her own issues, and the world is not as admiring of Invincible after the recent destruction of a major American city. I can't help but wonder if this is another ramification from the aftermath of the Viltrumite War. I wonder what the world will think of Invincible if and when they discover that he allowed the Viltrumites to live on Earth. Also, a character returns after a long absence, setting up another future plot thread. There's not a lot of superhero action in this issue, but Robert Kirkman's knack for character development makes this as interesting of an issue as you could hope.

Action Comics #1 (DC) *  *  *  *


 Grant Morrison has been hit and miss for me, I was pleasantly surprised by this issue. Morrison can be incomprehensible at times with his stories, but there's none of that here. It's more in the vein of All-Star Superman than Superman Beyond 3-D, thank goodness. First of all, despite the changes with this relaunch, the basic characteristics of Superman's personality are recognizable. Morrison does a good job of incorporating bits of the golden age Superman into this new version of the Man of Steel. If I wasn't familiar with the original Superman and his rough and tumble crime fighting style, I might have found this new Superman a little disturbing. But he does harken back to his golden age roots. Most of the traditional supporting cast is introduced, and there is even a tiny reference to his connection to the Legion of Super-Heroes. There's a lot of action and plot development in this first issue, plenty for the reader to sink his teeth into. I do like this "primitive" look for his uniform, which I would call with no disrespect the "." Superman look. This new Superman shows that Truth and Justice aren't always the same as Law and Order. It's still early, but, so far, I dig this new Superman. I look forward to reading George Pérez's version of the Man of Steel in Superman #1 later this month.

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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 #51: Comic Book For The Week Of Wednesday, September 14, 2011:

Legion Lost #1 (DC)

This title is my second of four series I'm picking up from DC's New 52.The Legion of Super-Heroes are second only to Superman as my favorite character(s). So I wasn't going to miss either of the two Legion titles. I'll be picking up this title next Saturday after payday, so it'll be another week before I'll get to read it.

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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 #39: Saturday, September 10, 2011:

Invincible #82 (Skybound/Image)
Action Comics #1 (DC)

Each week, after I return home with the titles I bought from my local comic book shop, Acme Comics, I arrange that week's titles in ascending order of my favorite titles, saving my favorite title of the week for last. Sadly for a Superman fan like myself, it's been a while since I've placed a Superman title at the bottom of the stack, especially on week's I've bought Invincible. This week, I'm saving Action Comics #1 for last. I've kept from most of the internet coverage and speculation about the relaunched Man of Steel, wanting to read this new #1 issue of Action without the distractions of preconceptions influenced from anything I've read about it. I did read a little bit about this first storyline by writer Grant Morrison, and saw the cover art online. It piqued my interest, with what I'll call the "Jethro" Superman look, with a short sleeved Superman t-shirt, short cape, blue jeans and work shoes.(Jethro was a character in The Beverly Hillbillies TV show from the 1960's.)

Another think that intrigues me about this new Superman relaunch is the fact that I don't know what to expect. thanks to the less than stellar Grounded and Lex Luthor stories in the Superman titles, I'm looking forward to this relaunch, where the Man of Steel is concerned, more than I otherwise would have. I'm going into this DC relaunch with an open mind. If I decide I don't like the Superman titles, as much as I would hate to, I'll drop them and pick something else to read. It won't drive me out of reading comic books. I like the art form too much, and I'll just try out other titles that have interested me but I haven't been able to fit into my budget.

I hope this next year of reading Superman comic books is more interesting than this year has been.

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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 #50: Comic Book For The Week of September 7, 2011:

Action Comics #1 (DC)

Well, I can finally say that I can afford to buy a mint copy of Action Comics #1. I'm looking forward to Sueprman getting a fresh start, after about a year of less than fantastic stories. And with Grant Morrison writing this series, I hope that he does as good of a job as he did on All-Star Superman, and not the almost incomprehensible Superman Beyond, the two issue Final Crisis tie-in (even though I did enjoy it).

This is going to be an interesting time to be a comic book fan in general, and a Sueprman fan in particular. I don't know what to expect, which makes me look forward to reading Superman comic books in a way I haven't felt in too long.

My hope is that the relaunched DC Comics, and Sueprman in particular, can reach a new generation, as the Man of Steel has done for the past seven decades. While I am happy with what has become the traditional Superman costume, I'm okay with the new, redesigned Superman costume. I agree with the thought I've heard other comic book podcasters express, that every generation has a right to their version of super heroes, and Superman in particular. Maybe this relaunch can present super heroes in a way that appeals to this modern, younger generation.

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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 #49: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, August 31, 2011:

Invincible #82 (Skybound/Image)

This week is between paydays, so I'll have to wait until next week to go to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida. It's a shame, because Invincible is one of my favorite comic book titles.

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 #130: Catch Up Week #28: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, August 17 & 24, 2011:

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, August 17, 2011:


Legion Of Super-Heroes #16 (DC)
Fables #108 (Vertigo/DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, August 24, 2011:


Action Comics #904 (DC)
Superman Beyond #0 (DC)
Next Men #9 (IDW)

Legion Of Super-Heroes #16 (DC) *  *  *  *


First of all, I'll only say that I wasn't surprised at who was killed at the end of the issue, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the issue. The battle lived up to the build up of previous issues, and showed the Legion doing what it does best, work together despite internal differences against anyone who threatens the galaxy. There were enough pages left at the end to have some character moments, which set up the upcoming relaunched Legion #1 next month.

Fables #108 (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *


The main part of the story involves figuring out who among Bigby's and Snow's children will take their Grandfather's place as the North Wind. Red travels back to the farm to check it out. We also see the characters who we haven't heard from since issue #101, and we learn a little more about Mrs. Spratt's plans. There are several future plot lines developing here, which are tickling my interest. I look forward to read how they develop. I enjoy titles like Fables, Invincible and Legion which know how to juggle several plot lines in the same issue.

Action Comics #904 (DC) *  *  *  *


Well, this storyline ended in a satisfactory fashion after all. Superman showed why he is the world's greatest heroes. Without spoiling anything, I'll just say that it's not about his super powers, but his heart. He will do whatever it takes to defend Earth, or any other planet for that matter, from anyone who threatens it. And he doesn't know how to handle it when he is on the receiving end of someone watching his back with the same dedication he shows. My favorite part of the issue was the end, where Clark and Lois having a rare dinner out (how many years has it been?). Lois sums up what makes Superman so unique, and worthy of being the first, and greatest superhero. I only wish that the powers that be at DC had taken her words to heart since New Krypton. Maybe issues of Superman and Action would have been better if they had. But that last page was a fitting wrap up of 25 years of various Superman continuities. Let's hope the relaunch will keep Superman on course to keep flying for another 75 years.

Superman Beyond #0 (One Shot) (DC) *  *  *  *


The appearances of the elderly, black clad Superman with gray temples in the animated series Batman Beyond were among my favorite of that series, so I couldn't resist this issue when I saw it on the rack, despite the higher price. I wasn't disappointed. Superman found that retirement as a galactic tourist wasn't what he thought it was, so he returned to Earth. A super villain is driven over the edge because of some family matters, and their paths cross. The battle is full of great action, and I love the banter between the elderly Bruce and Clark. It reminds me of their give and take in Kingdom Come. The artists aren't my favorite, but they did do a great job of storytelling, which is the point, after all.

Next Men #9 (IDW) *  *  *  *  *


Who knew that time travel stories could make sense. When John Byrne brought back this series from the 1990's, and picked up where he left off, I was pleasantly surprised that this new series was as great as the original. It picked up where it left off, and I remembered enough from the original series to be able to understand. The remaining members embark on one last mission, and there are enough twists and turns in the plot, not to mention great character moments, to make this issue very interesting. After the last story page, there was a teaser page with only the words, Next Men: Aftermath #40 2012. So I guess we'll have to wait until next year for the next chapter of the Next Men saga. I'll be waiting.

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Issue #129: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, August 3, 2011:

Superman #714 (DC)
Adventure Comics #529 (DC)
Y The Last Man #1 (After Watchmen ... What's Next $1.00 reprint Vertigo/DC)
Rachel Rising #1 (Abstract Studios)

Superman #714 (DC) *  *  *  *


I'm surprised that I liked this issue so much, thanks to writer Chris Roberson, who was able to make this storyline bearable. We finally get to the bottom of Superman's mystery stalker and her motivations. This issue did a great job of tying up the various plot threads in a satisfying way, including the disagreement between Superman and Lois Lane. I also liked how the ending  wrapped up with the various heroes that the Man of Steel met on his journey, including the Fortress of Solidarity, my favorite part of this series. It reminded me of the Fortress of Solitude of the Superman of 2965 during the silver age. Chris Roberson did a fantastic job of taking a bad story and making it bearable. It makes me wonder what he could have done if he hadn't been saddled with someone else's bad plot. I'll be sure to be first in line whenever Chris writes another Superman story.

Adventure Comics #529 (DC) *  *  *  *


In this final issue before the new DC relaunch, the Legion Academy graduates face their biggest challenge yet when they have to fight Cosmic King to save Legion headquarters. The action is fast, furious and violent. I won't give any hints about whether or not everyone survives, but it is a battle worthy of Legionnaires. The ending leaves a little time for a little character development, and seems to set up the new Legion Of Super-Heroes #1, scheduled to be published on September 21, according to the teaser blurb at the bottom of the final page. The Legion Academy graduates showed a progression of maturity, going from immature cadets to mature heroes by the end of this issue. This storyline didn't let me down, and left me looking forward to the new series relaunch. It's good to see the Legion back on a solid foundation again, heading on a steady course.

Y The Last Man #1 (After Watchmen ... What's Next? $1.00 reprint Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *


I had heard of the series and its general plot, but had never read it, yet. I had a few extra dollars, so I decided to try this reprint of the first issue. We are introduced to various characters around the world, involved in various situations. By the end of the issue, the whole world is affected by something, and we see each character's reaction. I enjoy character driven stories, and this issue was a joy to read, and it left me interested in the rest of the series, which is the idea of these special priced reprints, after all. It worked for me.

Rachel Rising #1 (Abstract Studios) *  *  *  *  *


First of all, the cover stands out from anything else on the shelf. The story begins with a walk in the woods, and there's no dialogue for the first seven pages, and I was instantly drawn into the story. All I'll say is that something traumatic has happened to Rachel, and she has to figure out what it was. We are introduced to a few supporting characters, and the ending leaves my wanting to read more, which is what a Terry Moore comic book always manages to do.

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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.