From The Comic Shop #46: Saturday, December 3, 2011:

Superman #3 (DC)
Legion: Secret Origin #2 (of 6) (DC)
All-Star Western #3 (DC)
Invincible #85 (Skybound/Image)
Fables #111 (Vertigo/DC)
Terry Moore's How To Draw Expressions (Abstract Studios)

I also did a bit of Christmas shopping, buying a collected edition and a graphic novel. I won't say for who:

Strangers In Paradise Pocket Edition vol. 2, written, drawn and lettered by Terry Moore.  (Abstract Studios)

An Elegy For Amelia Johnson written by Andrew Rostan, illustrated by Dave Valeza & Kate Kasenow and lettered by Dave Lanphear (Archaia).

My local comic book shop didn't have a copy of Billy Tucci's A Child Is Born, but was all too happy to order a copy for me.

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Superman Fan Podcast can be found at http://thesupermanfanpodcast.blogspot.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 #57 Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, November 23 & 30, 2011:

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, November 30, 2011:


Fables #111 (Vertigo/DC)
Legion: Secret Origins #2 (of 6) (DC)

Comic books from last week, November 23, 2011:


All-Star Western #3 (DC)
Superman #3 (DC)
Invincible #85 (Skybound/Image)
A Child Is Born #1 (of 1) (Apostle Arts)

I saw some of the pages from A Child Is Born, drawn by Billy Tucci, when he appeared at MegaCon back in March. Needless to say, the art was exquisite as he always does. A Child Is Born is a comic book adaption of the Birth of Christ. It's now released at the perfect time for the Christmas season. To learn more about this comic book, go to the website Apostle Arts.


I wasn't able to go to the comic book shop last week, so I'm going to have a nice little stack to read after I go to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics, this Saturday.

Send e-mail to mypulllist@gmail.com.

Superman Fan Podcast can be found at http://thesupermanfanpodcast.blogspot.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 and pages on facebook. Follow both the podcast and blog on twitter @supermanpodcast.

Issue #136: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, October 12 & 19, 2011:

From the week of Wednesday, October 12, 2011:


Legion Lost #2 (DC)

From the week of Wednesday, October 19, 2011:


Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (DC)
Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 (IDW/DC)
Fables #110 (Vertigo/DC)

Legion Lost #2 (DC) *  *  *

In the aftermath of the destruction that occurred in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota in last month's first issue, we learn in this one what brought the Legionnaires to the 21st Century. They continue the pursuit of their quarry. The creative team didn't drag out the mystery about why the team time traveled to the past. I like the art style, and the creative team is doing a solid job of setting up the storyline of this new title, giving us a second Legion series to look forward to each month.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (DC) *  *  *  *


First of all, I love the Chris Sprouse cover. I've always loved his art. We learn more about the renegades who are sabotaging Watchworld. It makes an interesting story to see the Legion counterattack. Brainiac 5 becomes interested in Glorith's abilities, setting up a future plot line, I'm sure. Meanwhile Earth Man is laid to rest at the Graveyard of Heroes. Shadow Lass's grief will also be part of future plot developments. This new Legion title has lost none of the steam from the last one. Paul Levitz and team are crafting some great Legion issues. It's much appreciated, after the last few years of sputtering relaunches, most of which were good, but the Legion never seemed to build a firm foundation. That's no longer a problem.

Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 (IDW/DC) *  *  *  *


This issue is mostly about setting up the story, but it does build to a satisfying climax and cliffhanger, which left me looking forward to the second issue. We are also introduced to at least one of DC's classic science fiction characters, granted in a new situation. The art is good, but in a few spots is a little uneven, but it's not terrible. This first issue pulls from several threads of original Star Trek mythology to lay down a firm foundation for what promises to be a great mini-series.

Fables #110 (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *


Bufkin and friends continue their quest in Oz, gaining an unexpected ally in this issue. While Snow's and Bigby's children continue to train in order to determine who will inherit their Grandfather's position as the North Wind, the other three Winds discuss how to proceed. Miss Duglas continues her sword training, and we learn a little more about her trainer. Bufkin and the Oz story was the most interesting part of the issue, while the other plot lines advanced their individual stories. This current story line has some interesting balls in the air, and I look forward to each issue to read how they'll develop.

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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 #43: Saturday, October 22, 2011:

From last week, Wednesday, October 12, 2011:


Legion Lost #2 (DC)

And this week:


Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (DC)
Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 (IDW)
Fables #110 (Vertigo/DC)

I'm really looking forward to the Star Trek/Legion crossover, two of my favorite science fiction universes all rolled together into one comic book. Or, to put it another way, two great flavors that go well together.

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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 and pages on facebook. Follow both the podcast and blog on twitter @supermanpodcast.

Issue # 134: After DC's New 52, My Updated Pull List:

Now that DC's relaunch is complete, and their second issues are published this month, here's my updated pull list from my local comic book shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida. Because of my limited comic book buying budget, I wasn't lucky enough to do what some of the podcasters I listen to were able to do, and buy all 52 of DC's new #1 issues. With one exception, I stuck to my favorites from DC, Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes. The other title I sampled also made the list, but I expected it to.

DC Comics:
Action Comics
All-Star Western
Fables (Vertigo/DC)
Legion Of Super-Heroes
Legion Lost
Legion: Secret Origins (Scheduled to be published on Wednesday, October 26, 2011.)
Superman


IDW/DC
Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes (The first issue is scheduled to be published this month, October 2011.)


Icon/Marvel
Powers


Skybound/Image
Invincible


Abstract Studios
Rachel Rising


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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 #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 #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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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 #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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From The Comic Shop #38: Saturday, August 27, 2011:

Yesterday was payday, so I had two weeks' worth of comic books waiting for me at Acme Comics. 


Action Comics #904 (DC)


Legion Of Super-Heroes #16 (DC) This issue wraps up the Legion Of Super-Villains storyline, before next month's DC relaunch. For once, the Legion will be affected the least, supposedly. It would be a nice change from previous reboots, since Paul Levitz and the rest of his team have finally gotten the Legion on a steady course again.


Superman Beyond #0 (DC) I stretched my budget a little bit for this one shot title. I enjoyed the episode of Batman Beyond he appeared in, and couldn't resist this issue when I saw it on the rack.

Fables #108 (Vertigo/DC) Still enjoying this series very much. I only wish I had picked it up earlier.

Next Men #9 (IDW) This issue wraps up the current storyline, but isn't the end of the series. It has been as good as the original run from the early 1990's. John Byrne hasn't lost a step as a writer or artist on this series.

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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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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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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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From The Comic Shop #33: Saturday, June 25, 2011:

I didn't have a lot of time to spend walking around my local comic book shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, but here is what I picked up. Nothing extra from my preview post:


Action Comics #902 (DC)

Reign Of Doomsday part 2.

Superman #712 (DC)

The replacement Krypto story, instead of Superman meeting an Arab-American superhero facing prejudice. I wonder why this Krypto story was originally pulled, unless it was only because Dan Didio didn't like Krypto.

Fables #106 (Vertigo/DC)

Who wins between the North Wind and Mr. Dark?

John Byrne's Next Men #7 (IDW)

 I can't wait to read what will happen next to our time traveling heroes!

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

Action Comics #902 (DC)

The next installment of the Reign Of Doomsday. So far, it's okay. I wonder if this issue will make me more enthusiastic about the storyline.

Superman #712 (DC)

This issue has created some controversy because the original story solicited for this issue was Superman entering a town and meeting an Arab-American superhero facing prejudice. It has been replaced with a Krypto story that may have been bumped itself earlier, but I'm not totally sure about that.

Fables #106 (Vertigo/DC)

The North Wind faces off against Mr. Dark.

John Byrne's Next Men #7 (IDW)

I've always enjoyed John Byrne's art and storytelling abilities, ever since his work on Doomsday +1 for the old Charlton Comics in the 1970's.It's nice to be able to enjoy his work again 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 #121_ Catch Up Week #27 Part II: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, May 18 & 25, 2011:

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, May 18, 2011:


Legion Of Super-Heroes #13 (DC)
Fables #105 (Vertigo/DC)

Legion Of Super-Heroes #13 (DC) *  *  *  *

 Legion teams continue their battle against members of the reformed Legion of Super Villains on Colu, while Dream Girl continues draining the energy from Star Boy which allowed him to travel back in time to the 21st Century. Professor Li is with her, but has ideas of her own. Earth Man receives an offer, but can he refuse it? And we learn what may be the power behind Saturn Queen's quest. No title combines character moments, super hero action and multiple plots like Legion, and no writer is better at it than Paul Levitz.

Fables #105 (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *


Bigby and his father, North Wind face off, and Mr. Dark takes the next step in his plan. The plot twists like a change in the wind, and I'm glad I finally picked up Fables. Great character development, great plots, and each issue moves the story along at a satisfying pace.

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, May 25, 2011:


Action Comics #911 (DC) *  *  *  *


I'm pleasantly surprised at this new Reign Of The Doomsdays story so far. I don't feel lost, not having read the one shot issues of the other members of the Superman Family, when they were captured by Doomsday. I just didn't have the extra cash to pick them up. Plus, as much as I hate to say it, I haven't had a lot of confidence in DC with how they have been handling Superman lately. In this issue we learn that the Doomsday ship threatens more than the Supers. The issue ends with me wondering if their combined power will be enough against the threat they're facing. Compared to the Lex Luthor or Grounded stories this is better, so far.

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From The Comic Shop #30: Saturday, May 28, 2011:

I had a few weeks worth of comic book to catch up on. I haven't been to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics, in Longwood Florida, since Free Comic Book Day. So, I'll list them here in reading order, with the title I'm looking forward to reading the most listed last:

Superman #711 (DC)
While Superman is my favorite comic book character, the current Grounded storyline has been one of my least favorite plots. But Chris Robeson's writing has made recent issues better than Straczynski's original run which began this story.

Action Comics#901 (DC)
The Man of Steel finally makes his return to his original title after an almost two year absence. How DC Editorial has been handling Superman lately has left me with a wait and see attitude for the new Reign Of The Doomsdays story.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #13 (DC)
This title has been my favorite regular DC Comics title. I prefer its stories over the recent Superman stories, sad to say. But the Legion is my second favorite group of characters, after the Man of Steel. So it is one of those titles I'll always read. And Paul Levitz has continued to show that he hasn't lost his storytelling ability.

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #4 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
I missed the original Cinderella  mini-series, sad to say. I'm enjoying this spin off as much as Fables itself.

Fables #105 (Vertigo/DC)
I'm looking forward to this issue. The cover looks very ominous, as the Fables are safe, temporarily, in their refuge.

John Byrne's Next Men #6 (IDW)
John Byrne continues to show, like Paul Levitz, that he is as good of a writer, and artist, as he ever was. With each issue Byrne develops an interesting story with plenty of plot twists. This series is as good as the original Next Men series from the 1990's.

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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 #41: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, May 18, 2011:

Fables #105 (Vertigo/DC)

The Fables Super Team story continues, and the cover seems pretty ominous.


Legion Of Super-Heroes #13 (DC)

The Legion's battle against the Legion Of Super Villains continues.

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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 #118: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, April 20, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Heroes #12 (DC)
Invincible #79 (Skybound/Image)
Fables #104 (Vertigo/DC)

Legion Of Super-Heroes #12 (DC) *  *  *  *


This is the first direct salvo between the Legion and the reformed Legion of Super-Villains.Brainiac 5 continues draining the time travel energy from Star Boy in the hopes of returning him to sanity, while Saturn Queen and the rest of the Super-Villains proceed with their quest to bring chaos to the United Planets. Other Legionnaires investigate Sun Killer in Okinawa, as Green Lantern Mon'El and Dyogene go to the destroyed Rock of Eternity. Paul Levitz and the art team continue to combine action and character development in the classic Legion manner, without rehashing old Legion stories. The Legion title has never been better.

Invincible #79 (Skybound/Image) *  *  *  *


The tone of the issue is summed up with the cover, which shows Mark and Eve visiting the retired Multi-Kate, Immortal and their twin children. There are some scenes of Invincible getting back into the superhero groove, but the emphasis is on Mark settling back into a normal life on Earth. That doesn't make for a boring issue, however. Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley know how to create interesting scenes of characters having conversations. And this issue delivers an emotional impact.

Fables #104 (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *


The Fables' super team continue their training to fight Mr. Dark, while Mrs. Spratt continues her own training. Bigby and Snow come to a personal decision. The situation continues to get darker for the Fables' community as they try to survive. Fables is another title that combines great character development and action. And, looking at the cover teaser for the next issue, things might be getting even darker for the Fables.

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From The Comic Shop #27: Saturday, April 23, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Heroes #12 (DC)

Invincible #79 (Skybound/Image)
It's too bad my local comic shop, Acme Comics, hadn't been able to get their backorder of issue #78 from Diamond Comics Distributor before this issue was published. Their original order of #78 was shorted, and a lot of what they did get was damaged. They have been in contact with Diamond since then, and are more frustrated than me about it. I did go to two other comic shops, but no luck so far finding the lost issue #78. I might have to order it online. I'll keep you posted.

Fables  #104 (Vertigo/DC)
The Fables' super team is revealed.

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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.