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.

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.

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 #137: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, October 26 & November 2, 2011:

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, October 26, 2011:


All-Star Western #2 (DC)
Legion: Secret Origins #1 (of 6) (DC)
Superman #2 (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, November 2, 2011:


Action Comics #2 (DC)
Invincible #84 (Skybound/Image)

All-Star Western #2 (DC) *  *  *  *


Jonah Hex and Dr. Arkham learn the secret behind the secret evil taking over Gotham City and face off against their forces in typical Jonah Hex style.We learn more about their plot and how they plan to carry it out, but Jonah might have a different opinion about that. Moritat's art is excellent, conveying the dark tone of the story in vivid detail. I don't know who Dr. Arkham is more scared of, Hex or the evil forces they're fighting, but at least he knows to stay close to Jonah.Do't miss the second story at the back of the issue, starring the classic DC western hero El Diablo, who is drawn into a fight against a foe that is popular in movies and TV these days, but no sparkles are involved, if you know what I mean.

Legion: Secret Origin #1 (of 6) (DC) *  *  *  *


I have to agree with the hosts of the Legion Of Substitute Podcasters hosts. As much as I've enjoyed the new Legion title, this may have been a better choice to use as the first issue of that series. While I love the Legion, there are a lot of characters, which may intimidate some comic book readers. But speaking for myself, that doesn't stop me from picking up a new title if I come in during the middle of it. One of my favorite comic book series is Planetary. My first issue was #19. But it was such an interesting story, and so different from the average superhero title, that I picked it up and gradually bought the back issues. Maybe Legion: Secret Origin will still draw in new readers.

It doesn't so much change the classic Legion origin, as it does add some behind the scene details. UP forces investigate an attack on a planet, and and find a strange device. Brainiac 5 is called in to investigate. Meanwhile we are introduced to a few members of a mysterious agency of the United Planets, who are drawn to that case, as well as three teenagers who save R. J. Brande, one of the richest men in the Galaxy, from assassins. And there's more to Brande than meets the eye, or at least than we've seen in past Legion series. The Legion takes its first steps as a few gifted teens join the founding trio.

What I like most about this first issue is that it doesn't try to change anything that is familiar about the Legion's founding to longtime readers like myself, as it does add new details and background to the origin, which make a classic story seem fresh and new. And, with DC's new 52 relaunch, it's appropriate to have a new origin story to hopefully introduce the Legion to new readers.

Superman #2 (DC) *  *  *  *


I'm continuing to enjoy this new Superman, even if he doesn't wear the red underwear on the outside anymore (not that I'm interested in what he wears under his uniform). Superman and General Lane consult about the threat the Man of Steel faced in the first issue. Clark and Lois have a conversation about the changes in their relationship with her new job, and it does a great job of filling in the background of what their relationship has been in the past. I did like this fight better than the first issue. Whoever is behind these attacks has found a way to challenge Superman in a unique way in this issue. What I like most about it is that  Superman is able to think fast on his feet to get a handle on his mysterious opponent. And is that a familiar place the Man of Steel's in at the end of the issue?

Action Comics #3 (DC) *  *  *  *


The issue begins with a flashback to Krypton, drawn by Gene Ha. It takes place in Kandor, as Lara and the infant Kal-El visit family. Clark Kent gets a visit by the police about his campaign against Metropolis corruption and a possible connection with Superman.Clark joins Lois and Jimmy at a diner to discuss the fallout of Glenmorgan's confrontation with Superman, then compete for the same story. Then a military experiment goes awry. This was another solid issue of the new Action Comics. Writer Grant Morrison is crafting a great story about Superman's early years. Morrison has brought some of the Man of Steel's Golden Age origins into modern day and updated them to craft a refreshing story. We get a sense of Clark's isolation as he is in the process of getting his feet under him as he begins his career as a superhero. We haven't yet learned the nature of the alien threat approaching Earth, but long time Superman readers might have a good guess as to who it is. Reading Superman is fun again.

Invincible #84 (Skybound/Image) *  *  *  *


The cover is very simple, but its simplicity catches the eye. It really sums up the issue. Invincible makes some decisions that promise to change the course of his superhero career. He's not turning evil, but thinks he's found a different way of saving lives as a superhero. Not everyone is happy with his decision. This is what I like about Robert Kirkman's writing. The Invincible co-creator is not afraid to do anything with his main characters, which make his comic books a great read.

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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.

From The Comic Shop #44: Saturday, November 5, 2011:

From last week, Wednesday, October 26, 2011:


All-Star Western #2 (DC)
Legion: Secret Origin #1 (of 6) (DC)
Superman #2 (DC)

This week, Wednesday, November 2, 2011:


Action Comics #3 (DC)
Invincible #84 (Skybound/Image)

It looks like I've got a good week of comic book reading ahead of me. I'm looking forward to read what's going to happen to Jonah Hex and Dr. Arkham in the second issue of All-Star Western, and it doesn't look good.

With DC's new 52, I can't wait to read this new origin for the Legion Of Super-Heroes, written by long time Legion scribe Paul Levitz. And speaking of the new 52, it's a joy to look forward to the latest issues of Action Comics and Superman, a feeling I haven't felt for a few years.

Last but not least, Invincible is going through a dark time, and there's no telling what writer and co-creator Robert Kirkman will put Mark Grayson through next.

Going to my local comic shop, Acme Comics, has been more fun than ever, a trip I look forward to each week.

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

Issue #135: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, October 5, 2011:

Invincible #83 (Skybound/Image)
Action Comics #2 (DC)

Invincible #83 (Skybound/Image) *  *  *  *


Invincible learns a shocking secret, then continues to adjust to his changing home life with Atom Eve. Two of Invincible's arch villains go through life altering events, and Robot and Monster Girl struggle to adjust to like back on Earth.

Mark is still going through a period of adjustment in his career as a superhero. I still wonder if the setbacks he suffered in recent issues are consequences from the end of the Viltrumite War. How and when he will emerge from his funk is unknown. It's not looking like it's going to happen any time soon. We still don't know what tragedies Robot and Monster Girl suffered elsewhere. I wonder how Cecil is going to use his new "assets" in future crises.

This storyline after the Viltrumite War seems like it's setting up future plotlines, but in the capable hands of Robert Kirkman and company, it's far from boring. Each issue in this "quiet" story builds more anticipation for when things will heat up again for Invincible. As Robert Kirkman has shown before, it will happen, and sooner rather than later.

Action Comics #2 (DC) *  *  *  *


As the cover shows, superman is now in the hand of Government forces. And it's not hard to guess who the bald guy is in the upper left corner in the background. Superman shows he can dish it out as well as he takes it.We're introduced to Dr. Irons and John Corben, so I wonder how long it will be before we meet their alter egos, as we knew them in their last continuities.

Just like the first issue, this one lives up to the title. There's a lot of action between Superman and Army troops. I like Rags Morales' art, except for one panel each where Superman and Lois look off. Superman seems a little small in one panel, and Lois seems to have a stronger chin in another, resembling a European woman more than the Lois Lane we're familiar with elsewhere in the issue. I'm still pleased with this issue. I like where this story is going, so I guess I'll wait until the second storyline before having a final opinion about this new Man of Steel. So far, so good.

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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.

From The Comic Shop #42: Saturday, October 8, 2011:

On a very rainy Saturday, I didn't get anything extra from my local comic book shop, Acme Comics, in Longwood, Florida. If you read my updated pull list post, you'll see that my list maxes out my comic book budget. So I can't afford to buy any extra titles or back issues. But these two tiles should be some good reading:

Invincible #83 (Skybound/Image)
Action Comics #2 (DC)

Invincible is always a great read, but I'm saving the second issue of Action Comics until last, hoping that it is as good as the first 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 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.

Preview # 53: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, October 5, 2011:

Action Comics #2 (DC)

New we'll see how DC can maintain the excitement garnered from all of the #1 issues. Hopefully, Action will live up to the potential Grant Morrison laid out in the first issue.

Invincible #83 (Skybound/Image)

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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 # 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.

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 #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.

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 #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.

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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 #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.

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 #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.

Issue #124: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, June 15, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Heroes #14 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #5 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
Invincible #80 (Skybound/Image)
Supreme Power #1 ($1.00 Marvel's Greatest Comics)

Legion Of Super-Heroes #14 (DC) *  *  *  *


The main plot of the issue is highlighted on the cover, Ultrra Boy and Wildfire battling Immortus, which ends in a very different and interesting way than the usual hero vs. villain fight. Professor Li has some plans  to battle the threat using Star Boy, although Dream Girl has an ominous premonition. Saturn Queen gets some help in finding the mysterious third world that stands in her way of returning chaos to the galaxy, in a very shocking way. Colu begins rebuilding, and there might be a hint of some connection between two characters on opposing sides of this conflict. As usual, there is a great mix of characterization, action and plot development in the usual Paul Levitz way. This issue has done an excellent job of setting up the characters for the final conflict, with only two issues to go before DC Comics relaunches their superhero universe.

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #5 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *  *


Cinderella is on her way toward what may be her final conflict against her greatest enemy, codenamed Silver Slipper. She gets some unexpected help out of her latest jam, but I never saw that twist ending coming. This has been a great mini-series. I wish I would have picked up the first one, which was subtitled, From Fabletown With Love. What a great way to mix the spy genre into the Vertigo Fables universe. I hope to pick up the trade paperback of the first mini-series, and hope to be able to afford future Cinderella mini-series.Maybe if I click my heels together three times.

Invincible #80 (Skybound/Image) *  *  *  *  *


The cover pretty much sums up the action in this issue, but it's not all fisticuffs. In fact, to sum up this issue in one word: changes. We see how Mark's mother is dealing with her ex-husband's return, Mark and Eve's relationship after last issue's revelation, and what's up with Mark's old college roommate William. Never saw that coming, but I did like William's last comment in that scene. The issue also has a confrontation with a new super villain that probably has never been seen in a superhero comic book. It made me think that, if superheroes were real, we'd probably see situations resolved like this once in a while. And, also typical of writer Robert Kirkman, he has written an ending that makes me want to read the next issue right now!

Supreme Power #1 ($1.00 Marvel's Greatest Comics) *  *  *  *  *

The best way to sum up this Marvel Max title (for mature readers) is a Marvel version of Superman's origin. The DC story this issue most reminded me of was Superman 2001, published in Superman #300, June 1976. In that classic Superman story, baby Kal-El landed in the ocean and was rescued by a Navy diver and raised as the adopted son of a U. S. General. In Supreme Power, an alien humanoid infant is found and raised secretly by the U. S. Government. The story shows just how dangerous it could be for a growing child to learn how to control developing super powers. I never read this series when it was originally published, not enough money to squeeze it into my budget. This is a J. Michael Straczynski "Superman" type comic book story I can enjoy, along with the Gary Frank art. Maybe one day I will pick up the rest of the series. I'll have to put this on my wish list, or maybe click my heels three times. Now, where are my shoes?

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 #32: Saturday, June 18, 2011:

Supreme Power #1 ($1.00 Marvel's Greatest Comics)
One of the special $1.00 reprints I've missed.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #14 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #5 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
Invincible #80 (Image)

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.

Preview #45: Comic Books For Wednesday, June 15, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Heroes #14(DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #5 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
Invincible #80 (Skybound/Image)

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 #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.

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 #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.

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.

Preview #38: Comic Books For Wednesday, April 20, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Heroes #12 (DC)
The Legion face off against the reformed Legion of Super-Villains.

Invincible #79 (Skybound/Image)
I just hope my local comic book shop, Acme Comics, has finally received the rest of their order of issue #78 from Diamond.

Fables #104 (Vertigo/DC)
I think the Fables' superhero team might go into action.

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.