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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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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Issue #121_ Catch Up Week #27 Part I: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, May 11, 2011:

Superman #711 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #4 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
John Byrne's Next Men #6 (IDW)

Superman #711 (DC) *  *  *

The issue begins with Superman reaching Provo, Utah and receiving the key to the city from the Mayor. But he hears Jimmy's signal watch in Las Vegas and faces off against Livewire. Once again I'm pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this title more than what I thought I would. Chris Roberson continues to make a terrible story idea begun by J. Michael Stracyznski more palatable. How the Man of Steel eventually defeats Livewire is very clever and hearkens back to earlier continuity. I also enjoyed Superman using his mind to overcome his adversary. Brains beat brawn, every time. He also got to meet his inspiration for being a hero, and gave a great definition for "Truth, Justice and the American Way" after revoking his U. S. citizenship in Action Comics #900. The only downer of the issue was the Man of Steel's conjecture about the reasons Livewire turned to a life of crime after she became an electromagnetic being, possible fixating her hate on him. I wanted to tell Superman, "It's not always about you, Superman. When someone becomes a criminal, the responsibility is all theirs, and they need to face the consequences." Otherwise I would have given it 4 (*'s) instead of 3.

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #4 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *  *


Cinderella continues her quest against her greatest enemy, the Silver Slipper. With each issue of this mini-series we learn more of their tangled history. Cinderella had allowed herself to be captured last issue, and in this issue she comes closer to reaching her adversary. As Bigby taught her, "It's not a trap if you're aware of it  first." Chris Roberson is quickly becoming one of those comic book writers I want to read more from, as money allows. I can't wait to read how this mini-series ends with the final two issues.

John Byrne's Next Men #6 (IDW) *  *  *  *  *


With the end of the Civil War, Antonia begins her quest to reach Washington, D. C., and she won;t be making her trip alone. It's fun to watch her use her 21st Century training to avoid being captured several times. The end of the issue has a surprise twist, which is common to this series. It leaves me wanting more, but that's the idea isn't it? And the next issue cover teaser helps also. It appears the story will highlight other Next Men in another era.
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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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Preview #40: Comic Books For Wednesday, May 11, 2011:

Superman  #711 (DC)
Even though I've liked the latter issues of this storyline since Chris Roberson took over for J. Michael Straczynski, I'll be glad when Grounded is over. Plus another cool John Cassaday cover.

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #4 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)

John Byrne's Next Men (IDW)

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Issue #117: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, April 13, 2011:

Superman #710 (DC)
Adventure Comics #525 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever (Vertigo/DC)
John Byrne's Next Men #5 (IDW)

Superman #710 (DC) *  *  *


In this issue Superman has his second encounter with Batman during this Grounded storyline, but this time he encounters the original, Bruce Wayne. Half of this issue is a flashback to a previously untold story of when they first met, before their costumed superhero days. Batman gave the Man of Steel some heat felt advice. It was a touching scene. The only thing that bothers me is that it shows how faulty the Grounded storyline is. The less the issue is involved with that plot the better it is. Thank goodness it's almost over.

Adventure Comics#525 (DC) *  *  *  *


Chemical Kid gets a rude awakening, and the senior class of Legion Academy take their final exam. It's a great issue of action and character development, which writer Paul Levitz delivers with each issue. At the end of the issue is a second feature about the Black Witch and Blok, and her struggle to contain the evil wizard Mordru. It was a very touching story. I'll be sad to see this Legion Academy storyline come to an end.

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever (Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *  *


Cinderella continues her quest to hunt down her deadliest enemy, the Silver Slipper. What I like about this series is that intercut with the action are flashbacks which reveal their past encounters, as they relate to Cinderella's present situation. They add depth to the story as Cinderella makes her way through the underbelly of the Fables' world.

John Byrne's Next Men #5 (IDW) *  *  *  *  *


We learn more about Bethany's role in the future, as well as more about the brutal lives of the other Next Men  in their various eras of time. Just when I thought Toni couldn't have been mutilated any more in the Confederacy, she suffers more. But eventually, there's no holding her down. Nathan goes from prisoner of one army to another, and Jasmine suffers from the plague. The next issue teaser features a scene that was mentioned in an earlier issue of this new series. John Byrne is doing a great job of slowly unveiling the story while keeping my interest high.

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From The Comic Shop #26: Saturday, April 16, 2011:

Superman #710 (DC)
A very cool John Cassaday cover.

 Adventure Comics #525 (DC)
The Legion Academy story continues.

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #3 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
Fables' top spy continues her conflict against her greatest enemy, the Silver Slipper.

John Byrne's Next Men #5 (IDW)
The Next Men continue their individual travels through different eras of time.

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Issue #112: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, March 2, 2011:

John Byrne's Next Men #4 (IDW)
Powers #7 (Icon/Marvel)

John Byrne's Next Men #4 (IDW) *  *  *  *  *

In this issue, we finally learn a little bit about what happened to Bethany. The story starts with a flashback, which happens shortly after the conclusion of the original Next Men series. The story mostly revolves around Bethany, and we seem to learn the identity of the mysterious person clad in the black spacesuit. We begin to get some answers to some of the mysteries that were presented in the first three issues. They seem to raise more questions, which makes for a good comic book, as far as I'm concerned, and is keeping me looking forward to next issue. John Byrne is moving the story along nicely, even if we don't have a lot of answers to this time-spanning story. I'm enjoying this title very much.

Powers #7 (Icon/Marvel) *  *  *  *


first of all, we learn a little bit about Deena Pilgrim's new career path. The rest of the issue involves Christian and his partner Enki interviewing other dieties who knew the murder victim, Damocles. To be honest, it was a little hard reading these fellow gods talk about the nature of man and gods. But it ddin't get in the way of my enjoyment of the story. Through the interviews with Damocles' former teammates, we learn a little more about the character. We also get a hint to a future sotryline, and the ending is guaranteed to wake you up if you're about to fall asleep after reading characters talk about the nature of diety.

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From The Comic Shop #23: Wednesday, March 2, 2011:

I had just made the 45 minute drive to my local comic shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, on Sunday, but when I saw on Monday Diamond's release list, I had to go back first thing today to get two of my favorite titles

John Byrne's Next Men #4 (IDW)

This new series is as good as Byrne's original Next Men series published by Dark Horse Comics back in the 1990's. It has been well worth the wait.

Powers #7 (Icon/Marvel)

This series hasn't been on a regular, monthly publication schedule for a while. Right now it's looking like it will be bi-monthly, with creators Bendis and Oeming's other creator owned work, but, like Planetary, I'll be sure to buy the latest issue when it is published. This series is definitely for adult readers who aren't squeamish, but the plot and characters are well crafted, and each issue contains an excellent 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 #110: Catch Up Week #26, Part II: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, February 9, 2011:

 Superman #708 (DC)
Adventure Comics #523 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #1 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
John Byrne's Next Men #3 (IDW)

Superman #708 (DC) *  *  *  *


Only four more issues before we can ground the Grounded storyline. However, this issue is the first one, other than the one that featured Perry White and the Daily Planet, that I really enjoyed. We get a peak into Superman's influence in the far flung future. I don't know if it's J. Michael Straczunski's plot, or Chris Roberson's script. This issue ties in the repercussions  from the end of the New Krypton storyline, about eight issues late, but at least it's part of the motivation of Superman's quest. This peak into Superman's future was my favorite part of the issue, but the guest appearance of Wonder Woman, in her current continuity, wasn't bad. We're beginning to get closer to learning the truth behind the mysterious woman who has been following Superman, and it doesn't bode well for the Man of Steel.

Adventure Comics #523 (DC) *  *  *  *


This issue begins the Legion Academy storyline. We're introduced to Glorith, a familiar name to longtime Legion fans, but in a new guise. She leaves Sorcerers' World to attend Legion Academy. We are introduced to her fellow cadets, who have a wide range of personalities. Former members of the Legion of Substitute Heroes are also part of the supporting cast, which is a nice touch. This issue does a good job of introducing the cadets and their instructors, and setting up the storyline. Older Legion readers like me wonder how the new Glorith's character will develop, and how it will compare to past incarnations. This is equally as interesting as the Legion title proper. Levitz and crew are batting 1,000.

Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #1 (of 6) *  *  *  *  *


I missed the first Cinderella mini-series, From Fabletown, With Love, but I began reading this first issue of her second mini-series without feeling lost. It begins in a similar fashion to a classic James Bond film, with Cinderella, Fabletown's resident spy, deep in action. In this issue she learns that her greatest enemy, the Silver Slipper is still alive. We are also introduced to new fables from a different part of the world. There's a lot of action and intrigue, and this new crisis for Cinderella is set up very well. I'm looking forward to reading how this story unfolds.

Next Men #3 (IDW) *  *  *  *  *


In this issue we are finally introduced to the final member of the Next Men's first series who had yet to make an appearance in this new title, the invulnerable Bethany. Unlike the other members of the group, she has not aged or been bounced through time. She has a conversation to the black space suited figure who had rescued the Next Men from the apocalyptic ending of the original series. We also see the other members, in various eras of time, face different crises. It doesn't feel like we are any closer to solving the mystery that was introduced in the first issue, but the story is moving along in an interesting way. This series has quickly joined that short list of my favorite titles.

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 #35: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, March 2, 2011:

Wow, time flies when you're having fun with comic books!

John Byrne's Next Men #4 (IDW)
Powers #7 (Icon/Marvel)

Two great titles. Also, Powers has been green lit for a series pilot on the FX cable channel. No details yet, as far as I know, about when it will air.

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 #21: Thursday, February 17, 2011:

Two weeks ago I worked all week to help cover for someone's vacation, so I was unable to go to the comic shop until then, on the third day of three well earned days off in a row. So I had a big stack in my file from Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida.

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


Legion Of Super-Heroes Annual #1 (DC)
Superman 80 Page Giant #1 (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, February 9, 2011:


Adventure Comics #523 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #1 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)

This title wasn't on my pull list at Acme, but I couldn't resist it. I never picked up an issue of the first Cinderella mini-series or the trade paperback collection, and I found it irresistible to turn down this first issue of the second mini-series about the Fables version of Cinderella as super spy. I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as any other issue of Fables I've read.

Superman #708 (DC)
Next Men #3 (IDW)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, February 16, 2011:

Fables #102 (Vertigo/DC)
Legion Of Super-Heroes #10 (DC)

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 #108: Catch Up Week #25: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, January 5 & 12, 2011:

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, January 5, 2011:

Adventure Comics #522 (DC)
Next Men #2 (IDW) (DC)
Terry Moore's Echo #27 (Abstract Studios)

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, January 12, 2011:

Superman #707 (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, January 5, 2011:


Adventure Comics #522 (DC) * * * *

Mon-El, the new Green Lantern of the 31st Centurey, responds an attack on a Science Police cruiser, and an attempt to free its prisoner, Saturn Queen. Legionnaire Tellus and Science Police Chief Cusimano are at Dawnstar's side, as she recuperates from her injuries in a mysterious attack in a previous issue. And the mystery about Professor Li's past becomes more intriguing. This was another solid Legion story. Even though it's clearly setting up a future Saturn Queen story, Levitz and crew combined a lot of action and character moments for a solid read.

Next Men #2 (IDW) * * * *

Federal Agent Antonia Murcheson came out of a portal in the Civil War era South, and is treated as the escaped slave she is assumed to be. Nathan comes out of his portal in the middle of a European battlefield during WWII. Jasmine has appeared in Great Britain several centuries in the past. The issue ends with a surprise discovery by one of them. The next issue teaser features Bethany. I asusme we''ll pick up her story next month. While we're no closer to solving the mystery that was set up in last month's issue, we are learning what happened to our heroes at the conclusion of the Dark Horse Comics Next Men series from the 1990's. Writer and artist John Byrne is doing a good job of advancing the story in this title in these first two issues, better than he did on his run on Doom Patrol a few years ago.

Terry Moore's Echo #27 (Abstract Studios) *  *  *  *  *


Julie/Annie, Dillon and Ivy have a new sense of urgency on their mission to stop the  supercollider. HenRi's agent is busy tying up loose ends, permanently, and is on the trail of our heroes. The issue ends on a very touching moment as Julie/Annie, Dillon and Ivy take care of some personal matters before they embark on their mission, while there's still time. Even though this is the second issue of our team traveling to the site of the supercollider, to risk their lives in an attempt to stop its activation, the story does not feel like it's spinning its wheels. The personal progression of all of the characters advances the plot along just as if it was full of non stop action. Terry Moore knows how to write for his characters, and is a good example of how to write comic books.

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, January 12, 2011:


Superman #707 (DC) *  *


Superman is caught in a small town's situation, with a factory that is the town's main employer, but is also a major polluter. Lois Lane is also on the story, covering the factory's lack of compliance with environmental regulation. The Man of Steel is caught in a quandary, the need to hold the company responsible for its actions and the citizens' need for a place to work. The situation brings Superman and Lois into the conflict in a surprising way. But the Man of Steel's doubts begin to eat at himself, and are getting worse, not better. I find it rather pathetic. If the foundation to this story that was begun by J. Michael Straczynski were more solid, it would be a better story. But i couldn't buy into the premise as he set it up, and the issues of the Grounded storyline have not changed my opinion so far. Note to DC's editors: file away the doubting Superman plot, and don't pull it out for a very long, long time. On second thought, just put it in the shredder.

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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 #19: Friday, January 14, 2011:

This weekend my schedule was turned around a little bit. Saturday my wife and I had a church meeting to go to, then I worked on what is usually my day off. One of my co-workers is a Green Bay Packers fan, so I traded days off so she could enjoy the game. I'm taking Sunday off so I can watch one day of the NFL playoffs (which I am doing as I type this). So I decided to get up a little early Friday morning to go to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics, in Longwood, Florida, before I went to work.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, January 5, 2011:

Adventure Comics #522 (DC)
The Legion titles really have become some of the best comics I'm reading right now.

Next Men #2 (IDW)
I'm liking what John Byrne is doing with his series which he's bringing back for the first time since it was published by Dark Horse Comics in the 1990's.

Terry Moore's Echo #27 (Abstract Studios)
The anticipation is rising as the series approaches its conclusion in three issues.

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, January 12, 2011:

Superman#707 (DC)
Even though some individual issues of the current Grounded storyline have been good, it has been hard to get excited about this title so far, despite the excellent John Cassaday covers.

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 #30: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, January 5, 2011:

Adventure Comics #522 (DC)
Next Men #2 (IDW)
Terry Moore's Echo #27 (Abstract Studios)

I'll have to wait until after payday next Friday to pick up these books. But these have been some of the best title's I'm reading. I will be glad when I can add the Superman books to this short list again.

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.