Issue #80: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, February 10, 2010!

Powers Coloring/Activity Book (Image) (published in 2001)
Powers Encyclopedia (Icon/Marvel) (published November 25, 2009)
Invincible Presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode (Image)
Action Comics #886 (World Against Superman #27) (DC)

Powers Coloring/Activity Book (Image) (published in 2001) * * * *

I was surprised, when I went to Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida http://acme-superstore.com/ to find this activity book in my subsription file. I had this in Powers: Little Deaths, vol. III of the then Image title, as part of the extras in the back of the volume. It is modeled after actual coloring books real police departments use to give to children brought into their stations or school presentations. This one combines real safety tips with content colored by life in a world where super heroes actually exist. It was a clever presentation of a small slice of a super hero universe. Even though I already had seen this in the trade paperback, I enjoyed getting it in its original form.

Powers Encyclopedia (Icon?Marvel) * * * 1/2

This issue was originally published on November 25, 2009. I didn't get to the comic store the day it was released, and Acme was sold out by the time I got there (I hadn't asked for it to be put on my pull list, and the regular Powers series had not resumed publication). The helpful staff put in a back order for me, but I eventually gave up hoping for a copy. I figured that it sold out. When I went to the store last Saturday, Marc, one of the Acme employees, told me that it had sold out, but one of their subscribers cancelled his store subscriptions. So it was a pleasant surprise to finally get a copy. I haven't yet read the entire book cover to cover, but have read some of the selections. Just about every named character that has appeared in both Powers' Image and Icon/Marvel runs is listed. One minor drawback is that there is no added background information about any of the characters that was not revealed in the stories themselves. It would have been nice to read a brief summary of parts of their lives we did not already know. but that's a minor quibble. It would be an excellent resource for any new readers to the Powers universe, but is full of spoilers, because it summarizes each character's entire history so far in the series. So reader beware. Otherwise, it's a fun look at past stories for each character.

Invincible Presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode #3 (of 3) (Image) * * * *

This issue concludes the mini-series about Rex Splode's origin and the beginning of his partnership and relationship with fellow superhero Atom Eve. This issue shows with Eve and Rex dealing with the afterath of the destruction of the facility that created Rex's powers, and bringing in one of Eve's old nemeses. We also see how Rex got his costume that we were familiar with during his career, and the ultimate fate of his family. this was an enjoyable look at the background of some of Invincible's closest superhero friends. I was glad I read it.

Action Comics #886 (World Against Superman #27) (DC) * * * *

This was a very different issue. We get a glimpse into Kryptonian mythology and the legend of Nightwing and Flamebird, which ties into the story of Chris Kent and Thara, the current Nightwing and Flamebird. Thara also sees the consequences of the recent deal she made. Their story seems to be speeding toward a big climax heading into the upcoming War Of The Supermen mini-series. This was a very dense issue, with a lot to sink my teeth into. The Captain Atom second feature is getting much better, but I will be glad when he gets returned to the normal DC Universe and is over the schizophrenic plots that pretty much derailed the character for a long time. He's fallen a long way since my favorite Captain Atom stories in the 1990's Justice League Europe. Also a pleasant surprise were the Doc Savage and The Spirit black and white previews at the very back of the issue. If I could fit them into my comic book budget I would probably give these two titles a try. But I'll have to pass.

Comic books scheduled for the week of Wednesday, February 17, 2010:

Supergirl #50 (DC)
The Tick: New Series #2 (New England Comics)
Invincible #70 (Image)

Invincible is always one I save for reading last because I know it's going to be an excellent issue.

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 this 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.

My Pull List Preview #2: For The Week Of Wednesday, February 10, 2010:

Action Comics #886 (DC)

Adventure Comics #7 (DC)

Invincible Presents: Atom Eve & Rex Splode #3 (of 3) (Image)

Three titles I'm looking forward to. Which one will I save as best for last? Probably Action Comics #886.
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 this 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 #77: Catch Up Week #15, Part I: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, November 25, 2009 & The Week Of Wednesday, December 2, 2009:

Before the New Year I have some unfinished business on this blog, with about a month's worth of comic books to review. To make this entry easier to read I'm breaking it into two parts, and hope to give detailed, yet to the point reviews so that it won't be too long.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Tick: New Series #1 (New England Comics)
Superman #694 (World Against Superman #17) (DC)
Superman: Secret Origins #3 (of 6) (DC)
Powers #1 (vol. III) (Icon/Marvel)

The Tick: New Series #1 (New England Comics) * * * *

Now this is a Tick story I can enjoy. I dropped the Manga Tick mini-series because I'm not familiar with manga, but someone who is might enjoy it. Since this issue was published during the holiday season Tick and the heroes are going to a Christmas party at the Comet Club. For their gift exchange they play "dirty Santa". If you're not familiar with the game, don't worry, the story explains how to play it. Some familiar sidekicks and villains even make an appearance. And yes, even Barry shows up and learns a very painful lesson about stealing a gift meant for someone else. It was a great issue full of crazy Tick yuletide action, and made me look forward to this ongoing bi-monthly series.

Superman #694 (World Against Superman #17) * * *

The cover features Mon-El in a modified costume, with a small Superman "S" over his heart. Two plot threads tell the story: Mon-El making a very timely return to assist the Science Police against Bizarro, and his earlier return to the Kent farm to talk with Conner Kent and, more importantly, Ma Kent. The issue also contains a surprising reveal. A good combination of action and character moments come together at the end of the issue to tell a very satisfying story.

Superman: Secret Origin #3 (of 6) (DC) * * * *

My favorite issue of this mini-series was the previous one, but this is a close second. It shows a grown Clark on his first day in Metropolis and on the job at the Daily Planet. This is a different Metropolis and Planet than we have seen before, for reasons I will leave for you to find out for yourself. The familiar Planet staff are appropriately younger and act accordingly. There are many elements in this issue that harken back to Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie. For those who may not know, before he began a career in comic books, writer Geoff Johns worked for Donner. This updated origin does not, for the most part, seem to contradict past Superman continuity (except for the return of the Clark Kent Superboy), but add different details to a familiar origin. Having read a number of Superman origin stories, stretching back to the first full origin told at his 10 year anniversary, this series continues the evolving origin that has developed over the decades. I'm looking forward to the second half by the team of Johns and Franks.

Powers #1 (vol. III) (Icon/Marvel) * * * * *

The last issue of Powers to be published was issue #30 of the previous second volume, over a year ago on September 24, 2008. It's been a long wait but well worth it. This first issue of the third volume continues after the events of the aforementioned issue 30. We see what type of working relationship Walker has with his partner Enki Sunrise, who replaced his first partner of this series, Deena Pilgrim. This issue opens the door to more of her background, which wasn't mentioned much in the later issues of the second volume. Also, there seems to be something going on with Walker's girlfriend Heather. Their first case on this new issue #1 involves the murder of someone Walker knew as "Z". Then we see a little more of his past, this time in the 1950's as part of a superhero Brat Pack. I'll leave it to you to decide which member of the real Brat Pack Walker and the other heroes resemble. By the end of the issue I wonder if the details of this case, and Walker's past, might come to light that he might not want revealed. The long hiatus has not made Powers miss a step in quality. Note: The Powers Encyclopedia has been published but I did not get my copy before Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida sold out. The shop ordered one for me but I have not had a chance to go there and pick it up yet.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Invincible Presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode #2 (of 2) (Image)
Terry Moore's Echo #17 (Abstract Studios)
Superman: World Of New Krypton #10 (of 12) (DC)

Invincible Presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode #2 (of 3) (Image) * * * *


In this middle part of the mini-series we see the first time Rex and Eve meet. Rex also discovers a connection between his benefactor and his family, and the fine print of his deal with Mr. Radcliffe. We learn some of the reasons Rex was sometimes a jerk, especially to Eve, in past issues of Invincible. While they don't excuse his actions we see what could have made him that way. The ending is very shocking and builds the anticipation for the concluding issue. While Robert Kirkman did not write this series, he did serve as an editor, and his influence can be seen in the story, from explosive action and character development.

Terry Moore's Echo #17 (Abstract Studios) * * * * *

This issue finally answers the questions about the project that Annie was working on, and what the ultimate goal of the project is. If anyone hasn't read past issues of this series, the back story in this issue fills a majority of the pages. It serves as a good jumping on point for the series, and should hook a new reader enough to seek past issues or their collected editions. This issue both answered a lot of questions and boosted the threat Julie, her sister, Dillon and Ivy, and everyone else face.

Superman: World Of New Krypton #10 (World Against Superman #18) * * * *

This issue reveals the answers to the mystery of Adam Strange's appearance over a dead Kryptonian on New Krypton. Tensions between the guilds, especially the Labor Guild, continue to build, and there are also growing pains to the environment on the planet. While the murder mystery isn't solved, clues are revealed, as well as some more political intrigue.With only two issues left I wondered how the mini-series would wrap up. IN recent weeks DC Comics has announced that, beginning in March of 2010, a 3 issue mini-series, Superman: Last Stand Of New Krypton will begin. Brainiac will attack New Krypton to reclaim Kandor, while General Zod has devised a defense against their former captor at the expense of Earth. Superman will have to stop both madmen. So the end of this twelve issue mini-series will not be the end of the story.


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 this 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 #75: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, November 4, 2009!

Late comic book for the week of Wednesday, October 14, 2009:

Adventure Comics #3/503 (DC) * * * 1/2

I was very negligent as a Legion fan when I didn't notice this issue came out last month. But I've made amends by getting this issue this week. The first story continued the Superboy feature, The Boy Of Steel, where Conner Kent adjusted to like again, both as a student at Smallville High and as a super hero. There was a humorous scene with Superboy about the problems with playing fetch with a super pet. The rest of the story was Conner reconnecting with Tim Drake / Red Robin. They worked together on their twin searches for Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor. I especially enjoyed the character moments between Tim and Conner as they shared each other's burdens. At the end of this chapter it turns out that Conner and Tim aren't the only ones searching for someone, which bodes ill for future issues. I would give this story 4 (*)'s.

The Legion story was okay. It had some humorous moments between Sun Boy and Polar Boy at Polar Boy's very hot home planet of Tharr. They are there to search for Cryo-King. The rest of the story is a super battle. The best part of the story was the reveal at the end. Overall I would give it 3 (*)'s. It was a good action story but nothing to push it over the top to rate it higher. That's why I split the difference with rating the issue overall.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, October 28, 2009:

Invincible presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode #1 (of 3) (Image)
Superman #693 (World Against Superman #13) (DC)
Superman: World Of New Krypton #9 (World Against Superman #14)

Invincible presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode #1 (of 3) (Image) * * * *

This mini-series, as the title implies, gives the origin story of the relationship between Rex and Eve. This is done by the same creative team that did the previous Atom Eve mini-series. The new one begins with the story of Rex Splode as a boy. I thought Eve had a rough start, but she experienced nothing compared to Rex's childhood. How he came to possess super powers is a long and sad story, but I won't spoil the plot here. The art has improved from the first issue of the previous Eve issues. If you want to learn more about Rex's background, even if you don't read Robert Kirkman's other hero title Invincible, this mini-series won't disappoint. Knowledge about Invincible isn't necessary to enjoy this story, but it may pique your interest. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Superman #693 (World Against Superman #13) (DC) * * * *

This is the most satisfying issue of Superman or Action Comics in the last few issues. As the cover indicates, this issue fills in the story about what happened to Mon-El when he was taken down by Gen. Lane's agents. It is a dark and sinister story of a character who was captured by the enemy and what he endures. This story ties into the time immediately after Brainiac and Luthor escaped Gen. Lane several issues ago. The issue ends with the Guardian and the rest of the Metropolis Science Police facing the latest threat to the city.

Superman: Secret Origins #2 (of 6) (DC) * * * * *

As much as I've enjoyed Superman: World Of New Krypton, Secret Origins has quickly become my favorite comic book series of 2009. This issue combines elements of the original Superboy meeting the Legion stories combined with the early 1990's special issue Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography. We see the beginnings of Superboy's career, which is not as smooth as the silver age indicated. We are introduced to Chief Parker, who appeared in old Legion stories when they traveled back in time to Smallville. As the cover indicates this issue presents an updated introduction of Superboy to the Legion, complete with the location of their original headquarters. It also introduces us to the origin of another familiar member of Superman's, or Superboy's supporting cast. This mini-series is a perfect example of the best Geoff Johns story, taking familiar elements of past continuity and weaving them together to form a new tapestry that will be revealed in future issues and rekindling enthusiasm for the Superman world of comic books.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, November 4, 2009:

Superman: World Of New Krypton #9 (of 12) (World Against Superman #14) * * *

As enthused as I have been with this mini-series, this was the first one that did not move the plot along at a cosmic pace. It wrapped up one conflict and set up the next one. It finished the conflict between the Kryptonian forces and Jemm of Saturn. He has some history with Kal-El as Superman, but I am not that familiar with this character. His past with Superman was an advantage in resolving the conflict, although I won't say how it is wrapped up. There are seeds of discontent of some New Krypton citizens who were allies of Kal-El. The issue ends with the introduction of another classic DC character who has a grudge against New Krypton. The line seems to extend around the block at this point. The ending does pique my interest for the next issue and seems to hint of big things to come. So even though the issue wasn't as action packed as previous issues I am still excited about this series, and what is to come for Superman in 2010.

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 this 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.