Issue #9: My Pull List for the Week of 2/27/08

This is another catch up week as I review my pull list for the weeks of February 20 and 27.



My pull list for the week of 2/20/08:



Invincible #48 (Image)

The Umbrella Academy #6 (of 6)



My pull list for the week of 2/27/08:



Nexus #100 (Rude Dude Productions)

Dan Dare #4 (Virgin)

Legion of Super-Heroes #39 (DC)

Project Superpowers #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)

Justice Society of America #13 (DC)

Action Comics #862 (DC)



My pull list for the week of 2/20/08:



Invincible #48 (Image) * * * *



Robert Kirkman, the writer of Invincible, is quickly approaching issue #50, and the action is picking up as the title approaches that milestone. I'm looking forward to the story in that issue, as Kirkman promises a big story involving Invincible confronting Cecil Stedman, his boss. Issue #48 has a scene where Cecil visits Invincible's mom, discussing the emerging super powers of Invincible's half-brother, Oliver. The way Kirkman writes, he usually has a page or two dedicated to a scene that develops a story point that will emerge as a major plot point in a future issue. This first scene has that feeling to it, and it promises to be a very interesting story in an upcoming issue. Dr. Seismic escapes from the super secret prison overseen by Stedman, and sends his minions agains every super hero in the Image universe. It draws the attention of Invincible, and the issue ends in a cliff-hanger.

I gave this issue four (*)'s instead of the usual five for Invincible. The last half of the issue is a super battle, and it was interesting, but it didn't grab my as much as the early scenes of character development.



The Umbrella Academy #6 (of 6) (Dark Horse) * * * *



This issue concludes the first mini-series of this title. The big battle that was set up during the first five issues takes place in this issue. It was definitely not a disappointment, but I didn't find the battle itself as interesting as the character development of the first five issues. The ending, however, was up to par with the other five issues, and it brought to a conclusion the story that began this series. Later in the year, Dark Horse will publish a second mini-series, and will come out with a trade paperback of this first mini-series which will include the Free Comic Book Day issue that I missed. I'll look out for that, if I can't find a copy of that free issue in the back issue bin at Bad Apple Comics (http://www.bacomics.com/).



My pull list for the week of 2/27/08:



Nexus #100 (Rude Dude Productions)

Dan Dare #4 (Virgin)

Legion of Super-Heroes #39 (DC)

Justice Society of America #13 (DC)

Action Comics #862 (DC)



Nexus #100 (Rude Dude Productions) * * * *



This landmark issue of Nexus was too tempting to pass up. I've always enjoyed Steve Rude's retro art style, especiall on the World's Finest three-issue miniseries from the 1990's. I've heard of Nexus, but have only read a few issues. It is an over-sized issue containing two stories and a text article detailing the history of the character of Nexus. The first story continues the plot of unrest on Ylum, and Nexus helping take care of his newborn child. The second story is a hilarious story about a page in Washington, D. C. in the year 2480. It contains two caricatures of politicians, a lecherous senator resembling Sen. Ted Kennedy, and another senator resembling Sen. Hillary Clinton.

I've picked up the recent issues, which have been published by Rude Dude, bringing the character of Nexus back onto comic book racks. I always enjoy a dcience fiction comic book. But because of my tight comic book budget I'll have to drop it. I still read another si-fi title, Dan Dare, which I will review next.



Dan Dare #4 (Virgin) * * * * *



In this issue, the plot that the Prime Minister is involved in, as well as the fates of Dan Dare and Digby and the Marines on the colony world. At the end of the issue we see, for the first time in this Virgin Comics series, something not not work out in Dare's favor.

This title continues to hold my interest. I guess my enjoyment of military si-fi, especially the Honor Harrington novels by David Weber, is showing. Each issue wraps up the story from the previous issue, introduces a new part of the story, and sets up for the next issue very nicely. Every time I finish an issue I can't wait until next month for the next issue. I recommend this title to anyone.

Legion of Super-Heroes #39 (DC) * * * *

Princess Projectra continues to deal with the consequences of being a princess without a planet, a mysterious figure is on the "bridge" at Legion HQ, the Legion team on Neptune's moon wrap up their mission, and another Legion team is involved in an interesting case of pest control in New Beijing on Earth.

Jim Shooter's return to the Legion is starting to get more interesting. At first I wasn't sure if it would, or if it would start to get a little boring. It's becoming more than just Legion battles in each issue. There are some intrigues in the plot that promise some great issues in the near future.

Project Superpowers #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) * * * * *

Issue #1 opens with a scene that reminded me, intended or not, of the trade paperback Watchmen, even containing a mention of a "Dr. Moore". We are introduced to two more public domain golden age superheroes, Black Terror and Dynamic Man. The Green Lama and Fighting Yank, introduced in issue #0, continue their quest for the magical urn. We are also shown how one of the heroes has changed, in a shocking way, in this moderm world.

This title continues to get better, and issue #0 was fantastic. The Alex Ross covers don't hurt either. If anyone is interested in comic book history, pick up this title, as well as the Image and Marvel titles that are doing the same thing: bringing back golden age heroes that have fallen into obscurity. I'm not picking up the other two, only because of budgetary reasons, but I'll keep getting this title from Dynamite. It certainly is.

Justice Society of America #13 (DC) * * * * *

Another title with a great Alex Ross cover. The Kingdom Come superman teams up with "our" Superman, and in an Alex Ross painted flashback, we see the Kingdom Come Superman discover the murder victims at the Daily Planet, including Lois Lane, at the hands of the Joker. And the JSA begin their search for Gog.

This Kingdom Come prequel story is getting better and better. As long as JSA continues this storyline, I'll be getting this title.

Action Comics #862 (DC) * * * * *

Part five of six of the Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes story is even better than the previous four. With each successive issue I say the same thing. I have no doubt that issue #863, the sixth and final chapter of this story, promises to be the best of all of them. We discover Brainiac 5's involvement with the Legion/Justice League plot really was, and the best part of the issue, the re-introduction of the Legion of Substitute-Heroes. Also, we discover the real reason for the Legion "tryouts", and why the present members of the Justice League in the 31st century were rejected as Legion candidates. The means by which Earth's Sun has been converted into a red star is revealed. The U. P. is about to invade Earth, and a powerless Superman shows the real source of his "power" by taking the fight with Earth Man "outside".

This Legion story is my second favorite story of current Superman comics, after All-Star Superman. Geoff John's script and Gary Frank and Jon Sibal's art are fantastic. If you can't find back issues of this story, be sure to pick up the trade paperback whenever it is published.

Check out my podcast: Superman Fan Podcast, at www.supermanfanpodcast.com, and send e-mail about the podcast to: supermanfanpodcast@gmail.com.

To send e-mail about my pull list, write to: mypulllist@gmail.com, and I look forward to reading about your pull list.

Issue #8: My Pull List for the week of 2/20/08

Comics for the week of 2/20/08:



Invincible #48 (Image)

Umbrella Academy #6 (of 6) (Dark Horse)



This is a between-week (between paychecks), and so I will review these comics in the next issue of this blog. For this issue I thought I would begin sharing some of the titles that are my favorite, and that I pull out of my comic boxes and read through again, from time to time. The first title I want to share is Planetary, published by Wildstorm Comics, a DC Comics imprint.



Planetary was created by writer Warren Ellis and artist John Cassaday. It began publication in 1999, and the story wrapped up with issue #26, cover date December 2006. There was a two year hiatus from 2001 to 2003 because of illnes on the part of Ellis, and the schedule of Cassaday.

There was a preview story published in Gen13#33 and C-23 #6 (both titles carried the same story). This preview story was collected with the first six issues of Planetary in the title's first trade paperback.

The first issue begins with Jakita Wagner entering a diner in the middle of nowhere to recruit an old man who wears a white suit, by the name of Elijah Snow. She works for an organization called Planetary. The organization is run by a mysterious man called only "The Fourth Man". Her other partner is called The Drummer. He always carries a pair of drumsticks that he taps on anything within reach. He has the ability to sense any electronic information flow, including broadcast signals, computers, or any other electronic device. Jakita seems to be invulnerable and can move at super speed. It turns out that Elijah Snow had a power linked to his name, heat extraction.

Planetary the organization styles itself as "mystery archaelogists" who "excavate" the secret history of the world. Eventually we find out the purpose for this "excavation".

Throughout the series we meet a number of characters who are homages to various characters from popular culture throughout the decades. We become familiar with a group of people who share the same birthday, January 1, 1900. Because of their birth at the first moments of the new year, these people have unique abilities which they use to influence society in the background.

Issue #6 introduces the main villains of Planetary. Called simply "The Four", they resemble another famous quartet in comics. they have a similar purpose as Planetary, but to a more sinister end. Subsequent issues flesh out their back story, as well as that of the Planetary team.

Issue #26 contains the penultimate conflict between Planetary and The Four, and while this issue does not wrap up every single plot thread introduced in the series, elements from earlier stories play a part in this final issue.

Warren Ellis has written a script to issue #27, which will be an epilogue issue. he has said that John Cassaday is drawing it right now, but I have not found anything online saying when this issue will be published. It might be later this year or early next year.

The first issue of Planetary I read was issue #19, titled Planetary: Mystery In Space. It reminded me of the cover of the DVD 2001: A Space Odyssey. It involved Planetary finding an alien spaceship traveling thorugh our solar system, which also draws the attention of The Four.

The first new issue I bought was issue #20, titled Rendezvous, which was the conclusion to the story begun in issue #19.

I was hooked. Eventually I got all of the back issues, some in individual issues, and the rest in trade paperback.

Here are the trade paperback collections of Planetary:

Planetary Book 1: All Over the Workd and Other Stories

Planetary Book 2: The Fourth Man

Planetary Book 3: Leaving the 20th Century. This trade collects issue #'s 13-18. I have yet to see a collection of issue #'s 19-26.

Planetary: Crossing Worlds collects the following one shot issues:

Planetary/The Authority: Ruling The World

Planetary/Batman: Night On Earth

Planetary/JLA: Terra Occulta

DC Comics has published a special edition of Planetary: Absolute Planetary. It contains the first twelve issues of Planetary, as well as the script for issue #1.

If you are looking for something completely different in comics, as Monty Python used to say, then try Planetary. It's original, it's different, and it has a depth that goes beyond the 22 pages of a comic book. That makes it a title that you can reread many times and never get tired of it, and enjoy it as much the last time you read it as you did the first time you read it.

In fact, I've talked about it so much I think I'm going to have to dig it out and re-read it for myself again.

The titles on my pull list for the week of 2/27/08 will be:
Action Comics #862 (DC)
Justice Society of America #13 (DC)
Legion of Super-Heroes #39 (DC)

On my next blog I will review the comics for the weeks of February 20 and 27.

To send e-mail about this blog, write to: mypulllist@gmail.com.

I also have a podcast. Superman Fan Podcast can be found at http://www.supermanfanpodcast.mypodcast.com/.
Expanded show notes can be found at: http://www.supermanfanpodcast.blogspot.com/.
E-mail about the podcast can be sent to: supermanfanpodcast@gmail.com.

Issue #7: Catch Up Month

Well, it's not catch up week, it's catch up month. It's worked out that I go to Bad Apple Comics (http://www.bacomics.com/) every other week on payday. The last several weeks have been busy, and I've fallen behind, but I'll catch up here and hopefully keep up from here on. One of my goals for this year is to blog about the comics I buy every week (without spoilers), even if it late. On the weeks between paychecks, unless there is a topic that I want to give an opinion on, like in issue #7, I will feature a comic book title that I still enjoy reading. After all, this blog is about sharing the comic books I enjoy with others, not necessarily critiquing comic book titles I don't like. While most of the comics I enjoy are mainstream superhero comics, there are some titles that I read from smaller publishers. My hope is that some readers of this blog may find a title(s) that they may have not have had any thought of picking up, but this blog may pique their interest. So let's get to it:

Comic books on sale for the week of January 23, 2008:

Countdown #14 (DC)
Legion of Super-Heroes #38 (DC)
Superman Confidential #11 (DC)

Countdown #14 (DC) * * * * *

Superman Prime attacks a Monitor on the perfect Earth-51. Ion protects Ray Palmer, while Red Robin appears, the same Red Robin, at least the costume, from Kingdom Come. A scene also occurs reminiscent from the Infinite Crisis mini-series. And an attack on Monarch's forces comes from an unexpected source. The back-up feature is a short origin of Gorilla Grod.
What makes this a better read than a lot of super hero fights are the moments of character development in the midst of the conflict. This issue, as well as the previous issues on Earth 51 have not been just a bunch of long pajama parties beating each other up. That's why I rate it so high. It's not just the super hero fights; it's the character development through conflict that interest me.

Legion of Super-Heroes #38 (DC) * * * *

The stranded Legionairres on Triton finish their fight against strange alien destroyers, and Lightning Lad is caught in the mire of United Planet bureaucracy. The issue feels like set up for future issues, but it's still interesting with character interaction. I would have to say that Jim Shooter's return to LSH holds promise.

Superman Confidential #11 (DC) * * * * *
This is the conclusion to the opening storyline that started the title, done by Darwyn Cooke and Tim Sale. Why this issue was delayed so long, while other storylines were published, I don't know. The secret of the "sentient" kryptonite is revealed, as well as the reasons for its ties with evil tycoon Tony Gallo.
Again it's character development, and this issue is full of it. There is even a reprise of the final moments of the planet Krypton. With all of the flashbacks of Krypton over the years in the pages of Superman comics, it was an original look at Krypton. Superman gets in touch with his Kryotonian heritage.
In short, it was worth the wait. Now I'll have to read the whole storyline once again to refresh my memory on the earlier issues.

Comic books on sale for the week of January 30, 2008:

Countdown #13 (DC)
Action Comics #861 (DC)
Dan Dare #3 (Virgin Comics)
Fantastic Four #553 (Marvel)
Project Superpowers #0 (Dynamite Entertainment)

Countdown #13 (DC) * * * * *

Superman Prime and Monarch finish their battle on Earth 51, and elements of this story are similar to Kingdom Come, without just rehashing plot devices. Darkseid makes an appearance, and promises to have a major influence on the conclusion to Countdown. Without gettng into spoilers, this was a tragic issue. It didn't have as much of character development as previous issues, but this issue was one where all of the events on Earth 51 come to a head, so there isn't room for as much of it. But when character development takes place in the issues leading up to this one, an issue of mostly battles has more punch, pardon the pun, and significance in the story.
As much as I've enjoyed these last issues of Countdown, I have to say that this will be my last issue of that title that I will read and review. Because I'm trying to keep my comic book reading hobby within a reasonable budget that my family finances can handle (one of my new year resolutions, along with this blog and my podcast). Not buying a $2.99 comic every week will make taht easier. I have read about the next weekly comic book that DC will publish, Trinity, starring Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. As interesting as that sounds, I won't be picking it up. I've added as many titles as my budget can handle at the moment, and I like to leave room for variety as much as I can. I've come to realize that a weekly comic book, on a limited budget, won't allow me to do that.

Action Comics #861 (DC) * * * * *

This issue is part four of the Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes storyline. Superman and a group of underground Legionairres land on the planet Colu, now ruled by former Legionairre Brainiac 5. The UP is planning an attack on now isolationist Earth. This issue starts to reveal some of the dark secrets of the zenophobic Justice League of Earth. And a Legion spy is revealed on Earth. Next to All-Star Superman, this title is my second favorite Superman title at the moment. If you aren't a Superman fan, I think you will still like this storyline. It has all of the story elements that any comic book reader, even non-super hero comic readers, would enjoy.

Dan Dare #3 (Virgin Comics) * * * * *

Being a science fiction fan, I have to admit that it will be very hard for me not to like this title. Not having read Dan Dare's original stories, I find this series respects those original stories by not trying to "retell" the story for a new generation, or "ret-con", but to start the story after the end of the original run of the character. It picks up with Dare and Digby, the troops and the last of colony survivors being tracked by indiginous creatures, and the young captain of the Achilles who faces a decision of obeying orders to return to Earth and strand Dare and his party. Meanwhile Peabody, as Home Secretary, discovers strange goings on by the Prime Minister. And true to the first two issues, this issue ends in another cliff-hanger. I'll certainly be back for next issue.

Fantastic Four #553 (Marvel) * * * * *

The Fantastic Four were the first Marvel characters I can remember reading about, and they remain my favorite Marvel characters, with Spider-Man a close second. I picked up this title again, after dropping it at the end of the Civil War mini-series. I decided to pick up the FF with this issue, and not the first Mark Millar and Brian Hitch issue with #554, because this issue resolves the previous storyline done by Dwayne McDuffie and Paul Pelletier. It involves time travel and the "present" FF meeting their future selves and a future Doctor Doom. That's all it took to hook me into reading this issue. Time travel and alternate versions of characters is certain to grab me. Even having not read any of the previous issues in this storyline, between the introduction page and the dialogue between the alternate versions of the FF caught me up quickly so that I could get into the issue on its own merits. Credit goes to the creative team for this. "Our" FF are faced with a tough choice, believe the future Doom's claim that the future FF have gone mad and become dictators of Earth, or side with their future selves against Doom. The solution is both creative and totally in character for the FF. After this issue, and the coming Millar / Hitch run on the title, I've added the FF to my pull list.

Project Superpowers #0 (Dynamite Entertainment)

Any project involving Alex Ross gets my attention. I don't have an understanding with my comic store, Bad Apple Comics, to pull anything by Ross for me, but if I can afford it, I will check out any book he is involved with. This title introduces, at a great price, a group of public domain super heroes from the Golden Age. We are first introduced to the Fighting Yank, and a dark secret he has lived with into old age. A flag cloaked spirit reminds him of a "final mission" with fellow super heroes, all of whom are obscure characters from long-cancelled comic book titles, including the original Dardevil and the original Blue Beetle, with their names slightly changed to not conflict with present copyrights. Marvel and Image are also coming out with similar projects, and I'm glad to see it, to add to our familiarity with comic book history. This is the only title of the three I will add to my pull list, because the others are priced too high for my budget.

Comic Books on sale February 6, 2008

Justice Society of America #11 (DC) (Published the week of December 5, 2007)
Justice Society of America #12 (DC)

Justice Society of America #11 (DC) * * * * *

I missed JSA #11 the week it was released in December. I had not officially added it to my pull list, but was relying on my ability to catch it on the shelf when it was released, and I should have known how unreliable that is. Sydney at Bad Apple Comics (www.bacomics.com) was able to order a back issue for it. As much as I enjoy these Golden Age characters, I am only temporarily adding this title because of the Kingdom Come storyline. It begins with the Jay Garrick and Wally West Flashes on the cosmic treadmill, trying to reach the dimension of the "Kingdom Come" Earth, only to find black nothingness. Power Girl is still grieving in the aftermath of the conclusion of the Infinite Crisis mini-series. The Kingdom Come Superman tries to adjust to a new life on this new, less tortured Earth, for now. He begins by meeting with Power Girl, two lost souls seeking comfort with someone sharing a common grief. It ends with the super hero Mr. America being called to a bizarre murder scene. This pre-Kingdom Come storyline has my interest, as well as the Alex Ross covers.

Justice Society of America #12 (DC) * * * * *

This issue starts with the modern Thunderbolt joining the JSA in the gym with Wildcat sparring with Judomaster, brought into the fold in the last issue. Alan Scott Green Latern, Jay Garrett Flash and Carter Hall Hawkman go over potential candidates to join the JSA, and the scene moves to a scene involving the Amazing-Man, an early African-American super hero who became involved with the civil rights movement. He is recruited by Power Girl and the Kingdom Come Superman in New Orleans. Mr. America finds the culprit of the bizarre murders, which seems to tie into a possible Kingdom Come prequel. I'm definitely on board through the end of this storyline.

Comic books on sale for the week of February 13, 2008:

Fantastic Four #554 (Marvel)
Superman #673 (DC)

This was a great week for reading comic books, even though I only had two titles on my pull list for this week.

Fantastic Four #554 (Marvel) * * * * *

This issue is the first of the Mark Millar / Brian Hitch storyline, the next project for the creative team responsible for Marvel's Civil War event series. Even the cover looks different, like a celebrity magazine cover. The FF look a little older, like they have been around almost forty years, but look far from being over the hill. They still look in their prime. Their costumes are similar the the Ultimate FF design. The issue opens with another time travel scene. Someone must have told Marvel how much I enjoy time travel stories. It reminded me of the Back to the Future movies. There are no super villain battles, just the FF having a normal day. The four have some down time to allow each membe to follow individual interests. Johnny leaves to follow some entertainment interests, Reed and Ben make an appearance at Ben's old school, and Sue starts a new super team. Don't worry, the FF aren't breaking up. You'll have to read this issue to find out what she's up to. Someone from Reed's past comes back into his life, with a fantastic proposal, and that's no pun.

Superman #673 (DC) * * * * *

This is the third and final part of the Insect Queen storyline. I wasn't sure how I would like this story, but this third part did not disappoint. Superman and Lana have a titanic struggle with the Insect Queen, and there is a resolution of sorts with the Chris Kent relationship. Lana reaches a turning point running LexCorp. And next issue promises to be equally great with a teaser blurb for Mon-El and Daxam, a planet of super-powered beings similar to Krypton in a way. Superman comics have really improved in recent months, starting with All-Star Superman and continuing with Action Comics and now Superman. And being the host of Superman Fan Podcast, for me, that's a good thing!

To send e-mail about this blog: mypulllist@gmail.com.
Find my podcast at http://www.supermanfanpodcast.mypodcast.com.
Expanded podcast show notes can be found at: www.supermanfanpodcast.blogspot.com.
e-mail my podcast at: supermanfanpodcast@gmail.com.

Next week will be another betweeen paychecks weeks, so I will not be buying any comics. To begin my "off week" blogs, I will look at comic book titles that I still enjoy re-reading, beginning with Planetary, by Warren Ellis, John Cassady and Laura Martin.

Until then, I look forward to reading what's on your pull list.

Issue #6: Brand New Controversy

This week is between paychecks, and since I spent my comic budget last week (and a few dollars more) I'll have to wait until payday next week to get my titles at Bad Apple Comics www.bacomics.com.

Comics for the week of January 23, 2008:
Countdown #14 (DC)
Dan Dare #3 (Virgin)
Legion of Super-Heroes (DC)
Superman Confidential #11 (DC) (This issue finishes the original storyline begun by Darwyn Cook and Tim Sale. I don't know why this concluding issue took so long.)

Since I don't have any comic books to review this week, I thought now would be a perfect time to comment on recent developments in Amazing Spider-Man, specifically the recently released first issue of the "Brand New Day" storyline.
I dropped Amazing Spider-Man in the middle of Civil War, not because I didn't like Peter Parker revealing his secret identity, but because I needed to drop a few titles to make room for a few that interested me more. I'm not picking up the title again, not because I don't like the developments in the book, but I need to make room for the upcoming Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch run of Fantastic Four, which interests me a little more. If I had a few extra dollars to budget into comics, I would pick up Amazing because I love the art of John Romita, Jr.
What I want to comment on really doesn't involve the issue itself, namely the undoing of Peter and MJ's marriage. It involves Joe Quesada's comments in previous years about his feelings on Peter Parker being married. He has made it clear that he's never liked it. He hasn't gone on a fanboy rant constantly about it, but he has made his views known enough that, when I heard what the changes were, it seemed anti-climatic; no surprise here.
Joe Quesada is welcome to his opinion, after all what comic book reader doesn't have them. I'm not necessrily saying he's wrong. I look forward to seeing how this story plays out. If I understand his opinion correctly, he feels that the marriage has taken Peter Parker from his roots as a struggling hero. To me, he seems to suggest that there can't be any good married Spider-Man stories, and that readers can't relate to a married Spider-Man.
To me, there isn't a life situation that Peter Parker can be put into that can't hold the potential for a good Spider-Man story, or any super-hero story for that matter. Do I have any ideas for a good married Peter Parker / Spider-Man story? No. If I did, maybe I'd be writing them from the inside instead of writing about them from the outside. And what comic book reader doesn't know of at least a few close friends or family who are married? If they can relate to them in real life, why not in their super-hero stories.
The essence of Peter Parker / Spider-Man has nothing to do with being married or single, to me. To sum up Peter Parker and Spider-Man in one statement is this: However many times Spider-Man beats the bad guys, there will always be something going wrong in his life to pour rain on his parade. That is true whether he is married or single.

According to the various comic book publisher web sites, the comics on my pull list for the week of January 30, 2008 are:
Action Comics #861 (DC)
Countdown #13 (DC) (lucky number?)
And as I mentioned earlier, I am putting Fantastic Four on my pull list, starting with issue #553, which wraps up the current storyline before Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch take over with issue #554. Reading that the FF will meet their future selves in issue 553 is too much to pass up. I may have to drop Countdown to make room.

To e-mail me about your pull list, write to: mypulllist@gmail.com.

Issue #5: Catch Up Week: Comics For the Week of 1/16/08

This week is a catch up week, as I empty my subscription file at my comic book store, Bad Apple Comics, http://www.bacomics.com/.
From the week of December 19, 2007, I finally bought Infinite Power #9 of 9 (Marvel).
From the week of January 9, 2008, I got Countdown #16 and Superman #672 (both DC).
For the week of January 16, 2008, I bought Countdown #15 (DC), The Sword #4 (Image) and The Umbrella Academy #5 0f 6 (Dark Horse).
with that I'm caught up until next week, when I'll have to wait another week until payday.

Infinite Power #9 of 9 (Marvel) * * * *
The conclusion to the battle between the Ultimate Marvel Heroes and the Squdron Supreme, we get the Hulk vs. the Hulk, the Hulk vs. everyone, and the Hulk vs. the Thing, just like during the 1960's. Several manipulators get theirs in the end, an dboth sides come to an interesting truce. It ends where it began, Reed Richards and Ben Grimm, in a very touching scene. this miniseries was definitely above average, with a good combination of action combined with plot twists.

Countdown #16 and #15 (DC) both: * * * *
In issue #16, Monarch attacks and the Monitors are in dissary. Ray Palmer is found by some of the other heroes of Earth-51. Donna Troy fights - Donna Troy, Jason makes an interesting aquaintance, Superman Pime (superboy Prime from Infinite Crisis) and Jimmy Olsen and Forager recuperate in Metropolis. The back-up feature is the origin of Sinestro.
In issue #15, Mary Marvel gets to know Queen Hippolyta more, Hal Jordan is on the run, Monacrch's battle continues, and the fate of the Bruce Wayne/Batman of Earth-51 is revealed, Donna Troy finishes her battle with Donna Troy, and more is revealed of Hal Jordan's work on Earth-51.
Contdown seems to be done with plot setup and seems to have begun the final stretch. The pace has definitely picked up and the issues are more interesting. Now it seems to be rushing to its grand climax, or the next event series.

Superman #672 (DC) * * * *
In "Insect Queen, part two", we learn the origin of Insect Queen, and her insect minions find an interesting way of challenging Superman, and something changes with Chris Kent. This story is shaping up to be better than the Arion story, but I still think that Action and All-Star Superman are still better titles at the moment. This storyline seems to have a better balance of character development and action than the Arion story.

The Sword #4 (DC) * * * *
Dara continues her run from the police as a fugitive, and her mysterious adversaries discover that Dara and her sword have become national news. The Luna brothers have another winner. they are building a great story and revealing a little more of the sword's mystery with every issue. Unfortunately, I've dropped this title because Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch are going to begin their run on Marvel's Fantastic Four, and I need to fit it into my budget somehow. I may have to drop Countdown as well whenever Dynamite Entertainment's Superpowers begins.

The Umbrella Academy #5 of 6 (Dark Horse) * * * * *
Issue 5 begins with the aftermath of the attack on Dr. Pogo and #5 in the diner. Space Boy and Allison have some time to catch up, and the Orchestra Verdammten begin their ultimate attack on the Umbrella Academy with the help of #7. I can't wait to read the climax of issue 6. This miniseries has been one of the best titles I've read lately. If you haven't read this title yet, look for any back issues, or you can wait for the inevitable trade paperback. You won't be disappointed.

Coming up for the week of January 23, 2008:
Countdown #14 (DC)
Superman Confidential #11 (DC)
Legion of Super-Heroes #38 (DC)
Dan Dare #3 (Virgin)

To share what is on your pull list e-mail me at: mypulllist@gmail.com.

Issue #4 Countdown to Infinite Civil Identity Crisis War - 52 Skidoo

The only comic book title on my pull list for the week of Wednesday, January 9, 2008 is:
Countdown #16 (DC)
I'll have to wait until payday a week from Friday to pick it up.
Diamond Distributors did not have a list on their website for the week of Wednesday, January 16, 2008, but a search of the various comic publisher websites gave the following comics tentatively scheduled to be published next week:
Countdown #15 (DC)
The Sword #4 (Image)
The Umbrella Academy #5 (of 6) (Dark Horse)
Powers #28 (Icon / Marvel), which was originally scheduled to appear on shelves on the 16th, is now scheduled to be published on Wednesday, February 6, 2008.

Since I will not be reading and reviewing any new comics this week I thought I would use this blog to review some of the comics on my pull list, and "event" comics in general.
Superman mostly improved in 2007. All-Star Superman continued to be the best of the Superman titles. It's only drawback is the wait between issues. Kurt Busiek's Arion story in Superman was only mediocre. Arion's challenge that Superman's powers actually held back humanity's ability to ultimately defend itself dragged on too long. The highlight of the story was the alternate future of Earth. I always enjoy "what if"stories. Otherwise it was nothing special. Action Comics I would rate the highest of the Superman titles if not for All-Star Superman. The director Richard Donner joined writer Geoff Johns to script Action Comics. It had two great stories last year. The first story was the reprise of the General Zod character from the first two Superman movies. It gave an unexpected twist to Zod's descent into evil. Unfortunately, Action Comics #851 ended in a cliff-hanger, with a teaser stating, "to be continued in Action Comics Annual #11!" Action Comics #860 has recently been published, and it is in the middle of the second storyline since the General Zod story. According to the DC Comics website, Action Comics Annual #11 will finally appear the week of February 13. Superman Confidential, with a first storyline by Darwyn Cooke and Tim Sale, was also great, detailing the origin of kryptonite on Earth. Unfortunately, the conclusion to that story has yet to be published. Dc has gone ahead with the next storylines and creative teams. Fortunately we won't have to wait as long for the conclusion to the Cooke / Sale story. Superman Confidential #11 will finally contain the conclusion to their Kryptonite story on January 23, 2008. I've since dropped Superman Confidential. The subsequent storylines did not appeal to me as much, and there were other titles I wanted to fit into my budget.
Titles like The Umbrella Academy mini-series by Dark Horse Comics. I wish this title was a continuing series. The creative team of Gerard Way and Garbriel Ba have promised more mini-series after this six-issue one concludes two issues from now.
Powers never disappoints, except for the time between issues. It's now settled down to about six weeks between issues.
Legion of Super-Heroes was okay. The reboots of recent years have sapped the legacy of the title a little; how many times can you start over in a decade? I'm looking forward to seeing what Jim Shooter can do with his return to the title that began his comic book career.
Invincible is another title that never disappoints. Issue 50 will be published in the early part of this new year, and co-creator and writer Robert Kirkman has promised a big turning point in Invincible's career. His talent at setting up plot threads in stories to develop issues in the future promise an issue that won't disappoint.

For 2008, one of the things I'm looking forward to is some relief from "event" comics. Starting with Identity Crisis in 2004, every year has led to new "big events" from both Marvel and DC. It has been hit and miss. House of M was a bit of a bust. Infinite Crisis didn't quite live up to the standard set by Crisis of Infinite Earths from the 1980's. Part of what made the original Crisis work was that after its conclusion the individual titles were given time to develop. There was a definite ending. One event series did not lead to another the following year. As much as I liked most of the conclusion to 52, Renee Montoya and Ralph Dibney's stories, WW III and the return of the multiverse not so much, these successive events seem more watered down as their conclusions don't so much resolve any conflicts as they do lead into the "event" for the following year.

After 52 I was not planning on picking up Countdown. But when I read that DC would begin to weave elements from Kingdom Come into this new weekly event, like Red Robin, I couldn't help myself. I haven't seen that so much yet in Countdown, but I have picked up Justice Society of America for as long as the Kingdom Come Superman will appear in that title. I'm not sure that I will pick up Final Crisis (any hope the title will mean final?). It depends on how Countdown concludes in the coming months. I might just to see where al of these events will lead to. Even if I do, Final Crisis will be final for me.

There were several storylines that, if not for Countdown, would have been the highlight of the year for DC, like the Sinestro Corps and the Sinestro War (even though I didn't have enough in my comics budget to buy them). They seem to have been stuck in the shadow of DC's "event" comic for 2007.

Event comics seem to have sucked the effort away from improving each character in their individual titles and forcing them into the publisher's pot to conform to the pattern set by the writers of the event series of this year. The marketing departments of both Marvel and DC seem to have concentrated their efforts to squeezing as much money out of fanboys' pockets with tie-in mini-series, outside their characters' regular titles. To me, this doesn't expand the market beyond the "fanboy" base.

My resolution for this year as a comic book reader is that, once the Final Crisis event is over, to pool my comic buying budget into the titles I really enjoy, and look for other titles that don't fit into the cape and cowl crowd, even though I still enjoy superheroes.

What's yours?

e-mail comments to: mypulllist@gmail.com

Issue #3 Comics for the weeks of 12/28/07 & 1/4/08

Comics came out Friday, January 4th because of the New Year's holiday, and it was also my payday. I went to Bad Apple Comics (bacomics.com) on Saturday to pull my file.



My comics from the week of December 28, 2007:



Action Comics # 860 (DC)

Atom Eve #1 (of 2) (Image)

Countdown #18 (DC)

Dan Dare #2 (Virgin)

Legion of Super Heroes #37 (DC)

Ultimate Power #9 (of 9) (Marvel) *left in pull file until next payday*

I only had one comic book for the week of Friday, January 4, 2008:

Countdown #17 (DC)

The holidays are finally over. As much as I enjoy Christmas and New Year's Day, I'm always glad when they're over. As a kid, there was a little bit of letdown after the presents were all opened, not because I wasn't grateful for the gifts I got (and I never had a disappointing Christmas, even though there were a few things I would have liked that I never got). The month of January, and the beginning of February, is like that to me because it means the end of football season. Super Bowl Sunday is like Christmas morning, it's exciting when it starts, but there's a letdown when it's over because it means no more football to watch, except for the Pro Bowl. At least there's Arena football to tide me over until the preseason games in August.

Enough about the holidays. Here's my reviews of my pile in the oreder I read them:

Countdown #18 (DC) * * * * *

Finally! Countdown has been months of setup and brief scenes that advance the plotlines in baby steps each week. This issue contained the first major reveal, not counting the revelation of who's really behind the Amazon boot camp on Paradise Island within the last few issues. The rogue Monitor and our vagabond heroes have been bouncing around the multiverse looking for Ray Palmer. We find out why Ray Palmer was so important, and it actually makes some sense. But more important, we find out what Ray Palmer has been doing since the end of Identity Crisis several years ago. It opens at the closing scene of the mini-series, with Ray's ex-wife Jean being committed to Arkham Asylum, and he donning his Atom costume and shrinking to microscopic size. We follow him on his journey as he attempts to deal with his grief and rebuild his life. Issue 18 contains some interesting versions of familiar characters, and the bittersweet tone of the story makes for the most compelling issue yet. There is a brief scene of Mary Marvel and Jean Loring/Eclipso continuing their cosmic battle. The rest of the issue is all Ray Palmer and his world, and we're welcome to it.

The backup feature is a two-page origin of Dr. Light, who's actions loomed large in Identity Crisis.

Countdown #17 (DC) * * * *

This issue is split evenly between the Mary Marvel vs Jean Loring/Eclipso battle, which reaches a climax, and the Ray Palmer story. Ray learns that you can't run from your problems. The Paradise Island story might continue with issue sixteen. Monarch appears, starting what might be the endgame (there are only sixteen issues left, after all). Monarch's origin is the back up feature. I read his appearance in the Armageddon 2001 miniseries from 1991 (I checked my comic boxes and saw that it was published in '91, not the mid-90's as I previously posted. Note to self: check the comic boxes before I post something.), but was not familiar with his connection with Captain Atom. In a previous post I reviewed it. Monarch didn't impress me, but the summer annual tie-ins did. They reminded me of the '60's "imaginary stories", and were the most fun thing about the Armageddon event. If you can pick them up in the back issue bin, you'll find some treats. In 1994, DC published a series of Elseworlds annuals that summer. I wonder if the alternate stories in Armageddon were so popular that DC decided to update their "imaginary stories" three years later?

This issue was non-stop action, but not mindless fisticuffs. The only reason I didn't give it 5 * like issue #18 was because I'm not as interested in the Mary Marvel story as I was in the Ray Palmer story these past two issues. Of all of the issues of Countdown published so far, the Ray Palmer story is my favorite. With 52, my favorite story was Ralph Dibny, expecially the ending, followed by the Rene Montoya/Question story. I wonder if the Palmer story will be the highlight of Countdown and the rest will be a letdown? Only four more months to find out.

Dan Dare #2 (Virgin) * * * *

Dan Dare is a british comics character first published in the comic magazine Eagle and later 2000 AD. Warren Ellis listed him as an inspiration in his trade paperback Ministry of Space (* * * * *), so when I heard that Virgin Comics was bringing him back I had to check it out. I'm not at all familiar with british comics, so I like to read some british characters when I can (Albion * * * * * (DC) ). After being recruited back into the International Space Fleet in issue one, Dare reports for duty aboard the HMS Achilles, commanded by a junior female officer, the highest ranking surviving officer after the events of the first issue. Dare is that stiff upper lip british character, but to me seems more than a cardboard cliche'. Everyone is very aware of his reputation. They almost fawn over him while he wants to get on with it. The plot sets up for action in the third issue, but taking time for character development makes issue two worth reading.

Legion of Super-Heroes #37 (DC) * * * +

This issue marks Jim Shooter's return to the title that began his comic book career in the 1960's as a 13 - 14 year-old writer (Adventure Comics #346). He did his earliest scripts in picture form, using stick figures for the characters. Curt Swan drew those earliest Shooter stories. Jim was quoted in Eddy Zeno's book Curt Swan: A Life in Comics, speaking fondly of one of the first artists to illustrate his stories. Shooter's career as editor and publisher has been filled with controversy, but I was intrigued when DC announced he was returning to script the title that began his career. After Superman, the Legion is a title I think of most fondly from my childhood, when I read the book very irregularly. The reboots of recent years have taken a little luster off of the title, but Mark Waid's beginning premise was the most interesting of them.

Jom Shooter begins his story with a group of Legionnaires in the middle of a mission fighting alien creatures. Lightning Lad regrets what he wished for as Legion leader, overwhelmed by the minutiae of leadership. The Legion is picking up the pieces from the storyline from the previous creative team. Princess Projectra faces the diplomatic consequences of being a princess of a world that no longer exists. It's basically a set up issue, and if readers aren't steeped in Legion lore they mey not be as intrigued as Legion fans. New readers are aided in learning who the many Legionnaires are by text boxes that give the hero name and power of each Legion hero. The story has a nice balance of super-hero action and character development. It's as good an issue as any for new readers to jump in.

Action # 860 (DC) * * * * *

Director Richard Donner is no longer listed as co-plotter or writer with Geoff Johns, but Geoff continues his typically excellent storytelling. This is the third issue of the story Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes. This story is "ret-coning" Superman and Legion continuity. In the original stories the Legion was inspired by Superboy. Since Clark Kent never became Superboy in post-crisis continuity, Johns revises the Legion origin by showing them visiting a young Clark Kent in Smallville. The small group of time travelers comfort a teen-ager struggling with what he is becoming, since Clark's powers only appear gradually in new continuity.

The Legion have brought Superman to a 31st century that is a far darker place than the utopia of silver age stories. A 31st century Justice League have driven the Legion underground, using the legend of Superman as propganda for their zenophopic campaign to drive aliens off Earth. To make matters worse, Earth's sun has been changed to a red star, leaving Superman without powers. But Kal-El shows that powers don't make the hero as he battles alongside his fellow Legionnaires. The 31st century Justice League has several members who began as 1960's Legion of Super-Villain members Spider-Girl (decades before May Parker at Marvel), Radiation Roy, and Nemesis Kid (starting with Adventure Comics #320). This story does what the best Superman stories do, find a way to really challenge him and show him overcome the threat. With a character as powerful as Superman that's not an easy thing to do, which is why Superman comics have been up and down so many times over the years. Even readers who don't care for the "big blue boy scout" should find this story compelling. It has a very dark tone for readers who like "dark" characters like Batman or Wolverine.

Atom Eve #1 (of 2) (Image) * * * +

Atom Eve is one of the main supporting characters of Invincible, especially after recent issues. The creators, Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker, aren't on this issue as writer and artist, respectively. Cory Walker no longer draws Invincible, and Robert Kirkman only serves as editor of Atom Eve. The layout of the story feels just like a Robet Kirkman written issue of Invincible. Atom Eve's origin was first published as a backup feature in Invincible #25, along with some other characters. This issue expands on that original three page origin, from Atom Eve's mysterious birth to the beginning of her super-hero career. We see another dark side to the Global Defense Agency underneath the Pentagon. Robert Kirkman's strength is weaving plot lines into issues that will develop in future issues. I can't help but wonder how events shown in this issue, and #2, will fit into the upcoming issue 50 in three months. Kirkman has promised #50 will be a big issue in Invincible's life. He has yet to disappoint. I would have given this issue 4 *'s, but the art in the beginning was a little rough. Heads in several panels were too big for thier bodies, but the art improved and the rest of the issue was as enjoyable as any story written by Kirkman. Issue 2 promises more of the same.

Next week, on Wednesday January 9, 2008 I only have one title I'm scheduled to pick up:

Countdown #16 (DC)

I will have to wait until payday on Friday, January 18th to pick it up and see if anything else interests me. I've noticed while searching DC Comics website that I missed December's Justice Society of America #11, so I'll have to see if Bad Apple Comics has any copies left over, or have them order one.

Meanwhile, I'll take the opportunity to fill the next blog with a year in review, concentrating on the "event" comics that have been so prevalent in recent years.

I look forward to reading your comments, and what's on your pull list.

e-mail comments to: mypulllist@gmail.com