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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