Issue #138: Comic Books For The Weeks Of November 9 & 16, 2011:

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


Legion Lost #3 (DC)
Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (of 6) (IDW/DC)
Rachel Rising #3 (Abstract Studios)

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, November 16, 2011:


Legion Of Super-Heroes #3 (DC)

Legion Lost #3 (DC) *  *  *


The lost Legionnaires search for signs if Alastor is still alive in order to find a cure for the pathogen spreading among 21st Century humans. While the other Legionnaires try to cobble together some equipment that will work in this more primitive era, Timber Wolf follows a trail on his own and makes a shocking discovery.

Unlike other reviews of some of DC's new 52 titles which are critical of what they feel is a lack of story, Legion Lost tells a solid story. It continues to develop the mystery of the pathogen from the 31st Century, and the Legion's struggles to survive in a more primitive time, and solve a problem they feel partly responsible for. After the revelation in this issue, I can't wait to read the next issue.

Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (of 6) (IDW/DC) *  *  *  *


After some quick scenes of life on various worlds of the Empire, both the Legionnaire's and Captain Kirk's landing party try to escape from angry crowds and find good hiding places. Spock is able to discover how this Earth's history, and this issue ends with one question: How will both marooned groups react to each other when they meet. We're given tantalizing glimpses to the identity to this Empire's Emperor. Is it Vandal Savage?

While it's taking a few issues to almost get both groups together, it doesn't feel like the plot is thin or the story padded. This issue has built story tension  as our heroes have to escape danger, find a safe hideout, and figure out a way to get to their own universe. Now that the stage is set, almost, I can't wait to read how the two groups interact to solve their common threat.

Rachel Rising #3 (Abstract Studios) *  *  *  *  *


Rachel goes to a nightclub, and has a strange interaction with another woman that hints at another way Rachel's trauma has affected her. The mysterious blonde woman from the previous issue is also there, and another person is driven to extreme behavior after meeting her, just as in last issue. That story is also continued in this issue as well.

Terry Moore continues to develop an excellent horror story, revealing a little more of the mystery with each issue, giving us a satisfying chunk of story and drawing us into the plot, bringing us back for next issue. He knows how to craft an excellent horror story without the gore.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #3 (DC) *  *  *  *


One team of Legionnaires fight the Dominion fleet and the Daxamite Res-Vir, while Brainiac 5 learns more about Glorith's powers, while Cosmic Boy leads another group to Daxam to learn more about Res-Vir.

First of all, I love the Chris Sprouse pencilled and Karl Story inked cover. This story had the usual touches I enjoy in a Legion story, action, character development and a touch of humor to break the tension in the right places. When I think of the Dominion, I'm reminded of the plot line from the "5 years later" Legion series, which was the first monthly Legion series I collected. I'm looking forward to reading this new 52 version of the Dominion. My only criticism of this story is that I prefer the egg like design of the Dominion from the 5 years later Legion title than this sereis. It reminds me of a Klingon ship, but this is only a very minor quibble.

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.

From The Comic Shop #45: Saturday, November 19, 2011:

Legion Of Super-Heroes #3 (DC)

and from last week:

Legion Lost #3 (DC)
Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (of 6) (IDW/DC)
Rachel Rising #3 (Abstract Studios)

I guess I should call it Legion Week as far as my comic book reading goes. As much as I like the Legion, I'm still saving Rachel Rising for last, because it's such an excellent series (as is anything Terry Moore does).

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 #55: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, November 9, 2011:

Legion Lost #3 (DC)
Star Trek/Legion Of Super-Heroes #2 (of 6) (IDW)
Rachel Rising #3 (Abstract Studios)

I've got a lot going on this Saturday, so I won't be going to my local comic book shop, Acme Comics, until next week.

So far, I'm enjoying reading about the Legionnaires marooned in the 21st Century, and, now that the players have been introduced in the Star Trek/Legion crossover, I'm anxious to read what's going to happen next to both casts of characters. Chris Roberson's writing was the only thing that made the Grounded storyline bearable, after he took over for original Grounded writer J. Michael Straczynski, so I have faith that he has created a well-crafted story for this mini-series.

Of the three titles I'm getting this week, I'm going to save Rachel Rising for last. I've enjoyed Terry Moore's writing and art so much that his new series promises to be the best read each week it's published. He just doesn't know who to create a bad comic book.

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 # 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


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 #133: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, September 28, 2011:

All-Star Western #1 (DC)
Rachel Rising #2 (Abstract Studios)
Superman #1 (DC)

When I get home after visiting my local comic book shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, I read them in the reverse order of what I anticipate to be the best issue that week, based on my experiences with previous issues, except for first issues of course. In other words, I save what I think will be the best issue for last. For at least the past year, sadly, Superman hasn't made it to the bottom of my stack. With DC Comics' new 52 I decided to save it for last, since I enjoyed Action Comics #1 so much.

All-Star Western #1 (DC) *  *  *  *  *


I'm not a big fan of the western genre in comics per say, but I did enjoy Gray and Palmiotti's recently cancelled Jonah Hex series. Sadly, I had to drop it for budgetary reasons, but I had a little room in my comic book buying allowance, and this was an easy choice. I haven't read a lot of their comic book titles, but what I have read I enjoy because of their knack for unique characterizations and development. This issue did not disappoint. Jonah Hex arrived in the Gotham City of the late 1800's, at the invitation of Dr. Arkham,  to investigate a rash of murdered prostitutes. Hex quickly placed his stamp on the town, and we visit a good cross section of the city, from high society to the slums. By the end of the issue there appears to be more going on than meets the eye. Because of a clue on the back page, I couldn't help but wonder if a younger Ra's Al Ghul is involved. I'm not giving away any spoilers, just sharing a guess just on the slim chance that I may be right. I have already added this title to my pull list.

Rachel Rising #2 (Abstract Studios) *  *  *  *  *


In this issue we are introduced to a member of Rachel;s supporting cast, and a little girl finds a stranger in her house. What stood out for me the most about this issue was Terry Moore's ability to craft dialogue in a way to reveal a character's history in such a natural conversational way, without feeling like necessary but clunky info dump via word balloons in your average comic book. It draws us into Rachel's world and the mystery she is attempting to solve. The final scene made me realize that something deeper was going on under the surface of the main story, and left me wishing the third issue would hurry up and get here.

Superman #1 (DC) *  *  *  *  *


Out with the old and in with the new, and that's how this issue begins (although I'll leave it up to you to discover how). As much as I enjoyed Action Comics #1, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this issue. George Pérez wrote and laid out this issue, which was drawn by Jesús Merino. Surprisingly, I liked it a little bit better than Action #1. This was a much denser story, meaning no criticism of Action, with up to twelve panels per page. I found that I didn't mind Superman's new costume. There were elements of the Julius Schwartz era of Superman continuity brought into this new continuity, but changed and updated in a refreshing way. We're introduced to the supporting cast in the middle of covering a breaking story, which is a great way to get a feel for the characters, under pressure. It will be interesting to watch the Clark/Lois/Superman relationship unfold in this new continuity. After reading this issue I had the urge to read it again, which hasn't happened for an issue of Superman in a long time. I hope DC keeps up the good work. So far, I'm on board with this new Man of Steel.

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 #41: Wednesday, September 28, 2011:

All-Star Western  #1 (DC)

I had to drop the previous Jonah Hex series, written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, and drawn by various guest artists, because of budgetary reasons. I now have a little room for another title in my comic book buying budget, so I made sure not to miss this opportunity to read Palmiotti's and Gray's Jonah Hex stories again. If I enjoy the issue (which I expect to) I will be adding this title to my pull list.

Superman #1 (DC)

This title has been uneven in recent years, especially for the past 12 issues or so. I'm hoping that DC can get my enthused about new Superman stories again, something that hasn't been the case this year, sadly. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Rachel Rising #2 (Abstract Studios)

I have no doubts about this title. I've read the last dozen issues of Terry Moore's Strangers In Paradise and all of his just concluded Echo series, and there hasn't been a bad issue in the bunch. Each issue has had good characterization and development, strong plots and great art, especially a realistic portrayal of women. The first issue of this new series was no different. I will always make room for a Terry Moore comic book in my comic book buying budget.

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 #129: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, August 3, 2011:

Superman #714 (DC)
Adventure Comics #529 (DC)
Y The Last Man #1 (After Watchmen ... What's Next $1.00 reprint Vertigo/DC)
Rachel Rising #1 (Abstract Studios)

Superman #714 (DC) *  *  *  *


I'm surprised that I liked this issue so much, thanks to writer Chris Roberson, who was able to make this storyline bearable. We finally get to the bottom of Superman's mystery stalker and her motivations. This issue did a great job of tying up the various plot threads in a satisfying way, including the disagreement between Superman and Lois Lane. I also liked how the ending  wrapped up with the various heroes that the Man of Steel met on his journey, including the Fortress of Solidarity, my favorite part of this series. It reminded me of the Fortress of Solitude of the Superman of 2965 during the silver age. Chris Roberson did a fantastic job of taking a bad story and making it bearable. It makes me wonder what he could have done if he hadn't been saddled with someone else's bad plot. I'll be sure to be first in line whenever Chris writes another Superman story.

Adventure Comics #529 (DC) *  *  *  *


In this final issue before the new DC relaunch, the Legion Academy graduates face their biggest challenge yet when they have to fight Cosmic King to save Legion headquarters. The action is fast, furious and violent. I won't give any hints about whether or not everyone survives, but it is a battle worthy of Legionnaires. The ending leaves a little time for a little character development, and seems to set up the new Legion Of Super-Heroes #1, scheduled to be published on September 21, according to the teaser blurb at the bottom of the final page. The Legion Academy graduates showed a progression of maturity, going from immature cadets to mature heroes by the end of this issue. This storyline didn't let me down, and left me looking forward to the new series relaunch. It's good to see the Legion back on a solid foundation again, heading on a steady course.

Y The Last Man #1 (After Watchmen ... What's Next? $1.00 reprint Vertigo/DC) *  *  *  *


I had heard of the series and its general plot, but had never read it, yet. I had a few extra dollars, so I decided to try this reprint of the first issue. We are introduced to various characters around the world, involved in various situations. By the end of the issue, the whole world is affected by something, and we see each character's reaction. I enjoy character driven stories, and this issue was a joy to read, and it left me interested in the rest of the series, which is the idea of these special priced reprints, after all. It worked for me.

Rachel Rising #1 (Abstract Studios) *  *  *  *  *


First of all, the cover stands out from anything else on the shelf. The story begins with a walk in the woods, and there's no dialogue for the first seven pages, and I was instantly drawn into the story. All I'll say is that something traumatic has happened to Rachel, and she has to figure out what it was. We are introduced to a few supporting characters, and the ending leaves my wanting to read more, which is what a Terry Moore comic book always manages to do.

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 #37: Saturday, August 13, 2011:

None of the titles I read came out on Wednesday, August 10, but I had to wait until payday this past Friday to go to my comic shop, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida.

Superman #714 (DC)

It feels odd to realize this is the last issue of the old numbering, although I'd be surprised if DC didn't return to the old numbering when this title hits issue #800, or Action Comics hits issue #1,000. I'm just glad we've finally hit the end of the Grounded storyline. This story, pardon the pun, never got off the ground for me, although Chris Roberson raised my interest in it by introducing some neat plot twists in an otherwise uninspiring story.

Adventure Comics #529 (DC)

This issue wraps up the Legion Academy story. I won't be getting this title after the new relaunch, since the Legion isn't involved, but I will be getting the new Legion Lost series.

Rachel Rising #1 (Abstract Studios)

I began reading Strangers In Paradise around issue #74, so I was late for the party. But I've been on board since then. I've yet to read a bad issue done by Terry Moore, and I expect his new series to be as great as SIP and Echo.

Y The Last Man #1 (Vertigo/DC After Watchmen ... What's Next $1.00 reprint)

I've heard of this series, which has ended, but is still available in collected editions.I saw a few of these special $1.00 reprint titles that I hadn't seen on the rack before, so I decided to pick up this one to check it out.

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 #48: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, August 3, 2011:

This week two titles come to an end, before next month's DC Comics relaunch, and one new title begins:

Superman #714 (DC)

Grounded finally comes to an end. FINALLY! Chris Roberson has done a great job of making me even care about this story, injecting it with some human interest and characterization that lifted it far above J. Michael Straczynski's original premise. I hope DC can get back on track with Superman with the relaunch. Of late they have seemed to lose their handle on the character. Whatever version of the Man of Steel they have created, there is a timeless core to the character that has survived over 70 years, yet is flexible enough to adapt to the times without losing who he really is. Let's hope DC has figured it out. All I care about is a good story and a hero I can care about. And, before I forget, it'll be great to see Clark Kent back. I've missed him the last couple of years. DC has seemed to have forgotten the guy who wears the shirt and tie over his tights.

Adventure Comics #529 (DC)

This issue wraps up the Legion Academy storyline as it finishes up its part of the current Legion of Super-Villains story. What intrigues me about this issue is how it sets up the Legion's part of the upcoming DC relaunch. I'm interesting in this as much as I am how this issue sets up the conclusion of the battle with the Super Villains coming up in Legion Of Super-Heroes #16.


Rachel Rising #1 (Abstract Studios)

This is the first issue of Terry Moore's latest series. After two excellent series, Strangers In Paradise, about the twists and turns of the relationships between three friends, and Echo, a science fiction adventure, Moore tells a horror genre story. Rachel somehow returns to life after being murdered, but doesn't know who killed did it or how she was killed. But she's going to find out. I came in late on SIP, with about fifteen issues to go, but I enjoyed his craft in comic book storytelling enough to want to read Echo. Terry Moore is on the permanent list of my comic book budget, along with Superman and the Legion.

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.