Issue #81: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday,February 17, 2010 & February 24, 2010

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, February 17, 2010:

The Tick: New Series #2 (New England Comics)
Supergirl #50 (DC)
Invincilbe #70 (Image)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, February 24, 2010:

Superman #697 (DC)

I'm going to have to wait until this coming Saturday, February 27, 2010, after payday, before I'll have the opportunity to go to my comic book store, Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida, http://acme-superstore.com/. So, since it would not be until next week until I would review these titles, I will continue my look at the Blackhawk issues from the late 1980's and early 1990's, which I began in Issue #71:

Blackhawk Book Two (of Three): Red Snow * * * * *

The search continued from both sides, during WWII, for the sedan and its cargo, which I won't spoil here. Blackhawk and his men made a daring infiltration behind German lines, while their nemesis Lord Death Mahew got some bad news about his health. Sen. Hightower, who got Blackhawk deported from the USA because of his past Communist ties, was keeping some questionable com;any of his own. He was the British noble whose Hollywood career was cut short when his Nazi ties were exposed by Blackhawk. The sedan in question seemed to bring very bad luck for whoever got their hands on it. Blackhawk was stuck in Moscow at the British Embassy while Natalie Reed refits their planes. Lord mayhew began to make plans of his own, unknown to his Nazi superiors.

That's about all I could reveal about the plot without spoiling anything, but this middle chapter of the trilogy did a great job of setting up the concluding issue of this mini-series, without sacrificing any plot or character development that made this issue an outstanding story in its own right. This was a grittier, more ture to life look at the Blackhaws than its original comic book run. It was more fitting for a modern audience, but it had its share of humor. If you can find this mini-series it would be worth the search to read an excellent story written and drawn by Howard Chaykin.

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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 this podcast to supermanfanpodcast@gmail.com.

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Issue #80: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, February 10, 2010!

Powers Coloring/Activity Book (Image) (published in 2001)
Powers Encyclopedia (Icon/Marvel) (published November 25, 2009)
Invincible Presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode (Image)
Action Comics #886 (World Against Superman #27) (DC)

Powers Coloring/Activity Book (Image) (published in 2001) * * * *

I was surprised, when I went to Acme Comics in Longwood, Florida http://acme-superstore.com/ to find this activity book in my subsription file. I had this in Powers: Little Deaths, vol. III of the then Image title, as part of the extras in the back of the volume. It is modeled after actual coloring books real police departments use to give to children brought into their stations or school presentations. This one combines real safety tips with content colored by life in a world where super heroes actually exist. It was a clever presentation of a small slice of a super hero universe. Even though I already had seen this in the trade paperback, I enjoyed getting it in its original form.

Powers Encyclopedia (Icon?Marvel) * * * 1/2

This issue was originally published on November 25, 2009. I didn't get to the comic store the day it was released, and Acme was sold out by the time I got there (I hadn't asked for it to be put on my pull list, and the regular Powers series had not resumed publication). The helpful staff put in a back order for me, but I eventually gave up hoping for a copy. I figured that it sold out. When I went to the store last Saturday, Marc, one of the Acme employees, told me that it had sold out, but one of their subscribers cancelled his store subscriptions. So it was a pleasant surprise to finally get a copy. I haven't yet read the entire book cover to cover, but have read some of the selections. Just about every named character that has appeared in both Powers' Image and Icon/Marvel runs is listed. One minor drawback is that there is no added background information about any of the characters that was not revealed in the stories themselves. It would have been nice to read a brief summary of parts of their lives we did not already know. but that's a minor quibble. It would be an excellent resource for any new readers to the Powers universe, but is full of spoilers, because it summarizes each character's entire history so far in the series. So reader beware. Otherwise, it's a fun look at past stories for each character.

Invincible Presents Atom Eve & Rex Splode #3 (of 3) (Image) * * * *

This issue concludes the mini-series about Rex Splode's origin and the beginning of his partnership and relationship with fellow superhero Atom Eve. This issue shows with Eve and Rex dealing with the afterath of the destruction of the facility that created Rex's powers, and bringing in one of Eve's old nemeses. We also see how Rex got his costume that we were familiar with during his career, and the ultimate fate of his family. this was an enjoyable look at the background of some of Invincible's closest superhero friends. I was glad I read it.

Action Comics #886 (World Against Superman #27) (DC) * * * *

This was a very different issue. We get a glimpse into Kryptonian mythology and the legend of Nightwing and Flamebird, which ties into the story of Chris Kent and Thara, the current Nightwing and Flamebird. Thara also sees the consequences of the recent deal she made. Their story seems to be speeding toward a big climax heading into the upcoming War Of The Supermen mini-series. This was a very dense issue, with a lot to sink my teeth into. The Captain Atom second feature is getting much better, but I will be glad when he gets returned to the normal DC Universe and is over the schizophrenic plots that pretty much derailed the character for a long time. He's fallen a long way since my favorite Captain Atom stories in the 1990's Justice League Europe. Also a pleasant surprise were the Doc Savage and The Spirit black and white previews at the very back of the issue. If I could fit them into my comic book budget I would probably give these two titles a try. But I'll have to pass.

Comic books scheduled for the week of Wednesday, February 17, 2010:

Supergirl #50 (DC)
The Tick: New Series #2 (New England Comics)
Invincible #70 (Image)

Invincible is always one I save for reading last because I know it's going to be an excellent issue.

Send e-mail to mypulllist@gmail.com.

Superman Fan Podcast can be found at http://supermanfanpodcast.mypodcast.com/. Expanded show notes are available at http://supermanfanpodcast.blogspot.com/. Send e-mail about this 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.

My Pull List Preview #2: For The Week Of Wednesday, February 10, 2010:

Action Comics #886 (DC)

Adventure Comics #7 (DC)

Invincible Presents: Atom Eve & Rex Splode #3 (of 3) (Image)

Three titles I'm looking forward to. Which one will I save as best for last? Probably Action Comics #886.
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 this 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 #79: Catch Up Week #17: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, January 27, 2010 & February 3, 2010:

Well, a month in and already broke my resolution to post something weekly, not counting my preview posts. That puts it about average. But I'll regroup and start over. None of the comic book titles I read every week came out on Wednesday, January 20, 2010.


Comic books for the week of Wednesday, January 27, 2010:


Supergirl #49 (World Against Superman #24) (DC)
Superman #696 (World Against Superman #25) (DC)
Terry Moore's Echo #19 (Abstract Studios)
Superman: Secret Origin #4 (of 6) (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, February 3, 2010:

Superman: World Of New Krypton #12 (of 12) (World Of New Krypton #26)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, January 27, 2010:

Supergirl #49 (World Against Superman #24) (DC) * * * *

Two major plots weave through this issue, Supergirl's battle against Silver Banshee and Lana Lang's health emergency. Kara's fight with Banshee was more interesting than I expected. It added a different perspective to the Banshee's backstory was surprising and added depth to the character. Lana's deteriorating health led her to the hospital, and we are provided a clue as to the cause of her health problems by the end of the issue, as well as a hint of the possible return to a villain we haven't seen for a couple of years. Inspector Henderson's law enforcement career might be taking a different path after this issue. I enjoyed this issue better than I thought I would. Like the type of comic stories I like best, this one had a lot of action, plot and character development.

Superman #696 (World Against Superman #25) (DC) * * * *

This issue deals with the aftermath of the explosion at Science Police Headquarters. Lois Lane has a brief but touching scene. Mon-El, Nightwing and Flamebird get an unexpected ally, we see a flashback of Mon_El's time as Gen. Lane's prisoner, and he and the Guardian make a surprising discovery as they clean up after the explosion. As this storyline winds up toward the end of the Superman and New Krypton story, the Superman titles are very good, and this one is no exception. Only four more issues until Superman #700. Will that issue mark Superman's return? I haven't heard any rumors, I'm just asking. And Action Comics only has fifteen more issues until it hits the big 900. I wonder what DC Comics has in store for Superman in the next year and a half? All I know is the War Of The Supermen mini-series will be later this year. It looks promising, but I'll be glad to see Superman return to his regular title, the present storyline notwithstanding.

Terry Moore's Echo #19 (Abstract Studios) * * * * *

Julie makes contact again with Annie while Ivy watches the news about the attack at the bar from last issue. Someone new is chasing Dillon and Julie. To mention any more of the plot might risk leaking spoilers, so I'll just say that the plot development in this issue feels like the story is rounding the final curve, on its way to the finish line to begin the final lap. It feels like everything is in place now to begin weaving the plot threads to the climax. But there's a lot of story to go, and I'll be coming back for each issue.

Superman: Secret Origin #4 (of 6) (DC) * * * *

This issue continues Superman's introduction to Metropolis. We get to see Lex Luthor for the first time in this mini-series, and we also see the origin of one of the Man of Steel's major villains. Those of us familiar with Superman history knew who it might be from the last issue, but I won't spoil it here for everyone else. The developments with Lois and Jimy are interesting, and we see one of Superman's first battles with a super villain. It's interesting to see that Metropolis doesn't know what to make of its newest citizen. I've heard the phrase "green with envy" before, but there's no closer match than the color of Luthor's eyes. Other than the first two issues, with Luthor once again growing up in Smallville, and Clark starting as Superboy and belonging to the Legion Of Super-Heroes, these last two issues could fit in with any past origin, even John Byrne's Man Of Steel reboot. After the jarring relaunch of Superman with MOS, this mini-series is not as hard for me to accept. I know some Superman fans, some of whom are around my age (almost 50), aren't happy with this change in his origin. I've read a number of Superman origin stories from past decades and they all differ in some ways. This is a good enough story that I can accept it and continue following his stories. Others may not agree, but I won't say you're wrong. We all have different tastes and a right to our own opinions.

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, February 3, 2010:

Superman: World Of New Krypton #12 (of 12) (World Against Superman #26) * * * *

I was very pleasantly surprised by this issue. It had a very dense plot, a lot of character development and wrapped up both the murder mysteries and the plots of intrigue nicely. But Superman is left with some questions about his decisions. I wasn't expecting to like it after I first heard about the fate of New Krypton being decided in the next Superman mini-series, the 3-issue Last Stand Of New Krypton. A few of the later issues of World Of New Krypton didn't seem to advance the story much, as I've said before. Tighten the plot and Last Stand would fit nicely in this 12 page mini-series. The last page leads into that story, with a stop first in Superman #697, due to be published on February 24. Overall a fitting end to a pretty good mini-series. I was satisfied with the establishment of Kryptonian society. Their superior attitude is one we could reflect on and examine ourselves to see if we harbor that same attitude to others who are different from us. And if nothing else has, this mini-series has shown that what makes Kal-El Superman is as much human as it is Kryptonian, perhaps more importantly so. His humanity may not be as powerful as his Kryptonian heritage and powers, but it is the rudder that steers his ship, and we can be grateful for that.

Next week: As far as I know it will be another slim week. As far as I know right now, only Action Comics #886 wil be published. Powers #3, which, if I rmemeber right, was scheduled to be released within the first two weeks of this month, is now scheduled for the first week of March. Well, right now that makes it easier on my comic buying budget. I still have a suprlus from my comics allowance from the skip week the last week of December. But I've got a lot of back issues I can re-read. I just finished re-reading The New Frontier by Darwyn Cook, and am re-reading Planetary. But I'm getting in the mood to read Albion, by Alan Moore's daughter Leah Moore and her husband John Reppion.

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 this 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.

My Pull List Preview #1: For The Week Of Wednesday, January 27, 2010:

As a way to post more frequently on this blog, and make it a little more interesting, I'm going to start posting what my pull list for the upcoming comic book day is going to be. This week it's:

Supergirl #49 (DC)
Superman #696 (DC) (I wonder what DC is planning for issue #700?)
Superman: Secret Origin #4 (DC)
Terry Moore's Echo #19 (Abstract Studios)

Which ones will I be saving as the best for last? This week it's Terry Moore's Echo #19 and Superman: Secret Origin #4. So far both have always been among the best I read on the weeks they're published. Look for my reviews on Saturday, January 30, 2010.

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 this 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 #78: Catch Up Week #16: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, December 23, 2009, January 6, 2010 & January January 13, 2010!

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, December 23, 2009:

Superman #695 (World Against Superman #21) (DC)
Invincible #69 (Image)
Powers #2 (vol. III) (Icon/Marvel)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, January 6, 2010:

Terry Moore's Echo #18 (Abstract Studios)
Superman: World Of New Krypton #11 (World Against Superman #22) (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, January 13, 2010:

Adventure Comics #6/509 (DC)
Action Comics #885 (World Against Superman#23) (DC)

Yeah, I started the year off on a slow foot, but I'll catch up on this post and strive to stay on schedule for the rest of the year. Consider that a resolution. And, on the weeks between paydays when I'm out of my comics budget until the next payday, I will post a review of the 1990's Blackhawk issues as I wrote on a previous blog issue. So let's get started.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, December 23, 2009:

Superman #695 (World Against Superman #21) (DC) * * * *

Mon-El battles Parasite and Bizarro this issue, meets with Perry White and still has time for a date. This issue also picks up after the end of Jimmy Olsen Special #2, where he was shot and fell into Hob's Bay. At the end of the issue Natasha visits her comatose uncle in the hospital. Normally I would give this issue 3 to 3 1/2 ( * )'s, but the Jimmy Olsen plot raised it a notch.One of my favorite parts of this whole extended World Without Superman storyline is the multi-layered levels of intrigue going on here, both on the parts of Gen. Lane and members of the Daily Planet staff.

Invincible #69 (Image) * * * *

An old villain makes its appearance on Earth while Invincible and Atom Eve battle the villain Universa, who is featured on the cover. The Guardians Of The Globe attempt to battle this new threat but need Invincible's help. Atom Eve's powers are still inconsistent, but there may be another reason for it beyond her recent resurrection. There are some character moments but mostly it's superhero action done in the always satisfying Kirkman style. It's fun to watch the heroes have to think on their feet and not have all of the answers going into the fight. Not every superhero is Superman, you know.

Powers #2 (vol. III) (Image) * * * *

Christian's girlfriend Heather is starting to have some questions about Christian, while his current murder investigation is beginning to hit a little too close to home to his past in the 20th century. He and his partner Enki Sunshine pay a house visit after getting a lead on the Nazi button found at the crime scene, with an unexpected result. One thing I love about the latest series is that it is beginning to show glimpses of Christian's past superhero identities, this issue from several centuries ago to during WWII. I won't spoil them with any details here. I'll let you enjoy them on your own. While issues of the older volumes have focused on Walker's long past, this current volume seems to take it to a new level, and it really adds something special to the current series.

Comic books for the week of January 6, 2010:

Terry Moore's Echo #18 (Abstract Studios) * * * * *

The crazy old man is still on Julie's trail, and he runs into some HenRi employees, Ivy gets deeper involved with Julie's situation and we see the latest developments in Mr. Liu's recovery from the injuries he sustained when HenRi attempted to capture Julie and the alloy. The tension between the various sides builds with each issue. Terry Moore's consistently excellent storytelling promises to deliver a bang of a climax, pun intended.

Superman: World Of New Krypton #11 (of 12) (World Against Superman #22) (DC) * * * 1/2*

Adam Strange continues his visit to New Krypton and continues to help Kal-El with his investigation. But tensions among some of the guilds are building, and the ending ends with a cliffhanger that leads into an action filled final issue. I knocked a half ( * ) off of my rating because the announcement of a three issue mini-series Last Stand Of New Krypton will immediately follow this series. I'm disappointed DC went this route. While the first six issues of W. O. N. K. were excellent, there were a few of the later issues that have been a little slow, not advancing the story as much. It would seem that it would not have taken much to tighten the plot of this series and conclude with whatever story that willbe told in Last Stand. But, I'll see if the last issue of this series and Last Stand will change my mind. Maybe it will have more story than could have fit in this series. I hope so.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, January 13, 2010:

Adventure Comics #6/509 * * * *

Lex Luthor shows up, and we learn some details about his family and his past. He sends Superboy off on a quest after Conner Kent calls Luthor out on his claim that Superman kept him from showing the worlf his greatness. Luthor meets his challenge and still shows how cruel he can be. And Francis Manapul's art is growing on me. The only minor detail I didn't like is why a superhero has to cause needless property damage when he clobbers the villain. I expect the villain to do it, he's the bad guy. Or maybe I'm just getting old. It's a very little point and didn't take away my enjoyment of the story.

Action Comics #885 (World Against Superman #23) (DC) * * * *

This issue had it all, action, character development, intrigue. The Science Police act on a tip and show up at S.T.A.R. Labs to arrest Nightwing and Flamebird. General Lane doesn't want to be left out of that catch and there is another sleeper agent. The ending certainly would seem to tie into the coming War Of The Superman storyline. I'll just leave it at that. While I will be glad to see Superman return to Earth and his regular titles, the current story running in Action is living up to it's name.

Among the titles coming up for the week of Wednesday, January 27, 2010:

Supergirl #49 (DC)
Superman #696 (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 this 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 #77, Catch Up Week #15, Part II: Comic Books For The Week Of Wednesday, December 9, 2009 & The Week Of Wednesday, December 16, 2009:

Comic books for the the week of Wednesday, December 9, 2009:

DC Holiday Special '09 (DC)
Adventure Comics #5/508 (DC)
Action Comics #884 (World Against Superman #19)

DC Holiday Special '09 (DC) * * * ( * )

This special issue contains sixteen short Christmas sotries. It opens with Batman and Superman stories. I thought that the Batman story was a little better, but the Superman story had a humorous ending. The Doom Patrol story had a touching ending, as did the Martian Manhunter story. The most unusual story featured Bwana Beast, which illustrated a hymn written by William Lowper from the 18th Century. there was even a Hanukkah story featuring Ragman. I would give it 3 ( * )'s on average, but my favorites, and the ones I give 4 (*)'s, are the stories featuring Sgt. Rock and Enemy Ace, done by Billy Tucci and drawn by Howard Chaykin respectively. Billy Tucci's Sgt. Rock story illustrated a true story from WW II, which Tucci researched, wrote and drew. Chaykin's Enemy Ace story, which he served as the artist of, illustrated a true story from WW I, when German and Allied soldiers crossed the battlefield to share some holiday cheer and take a break from war.

Adventure Comics #5/508 (DC) * * *

This issue was another Blackest Night tie-in featuring Superboy Prime against a group of Black Lanterns lead by Alexander Luthor. Being Earth Prime, the battle takes the combatants to a very unusual place, but satisfying to comic readers who aren't enjoying some of DC's editorial decisions of late. I enjoyed the second feature on Conner Kent Superboy. We learn who Superboy's troubled friend Lori is related to, and the issue ends with someone returning to Smallville. The only criticism I have is no Legion story.

Action Comics #884 (World Against Superman #19) (DC) * * * *

The Chris Kent health plotline seems to be resolved in this issue, and, as the cover suggests, Lois is arrested by the authorities and learns some umpleasant truths which lead her to make a heavy choice. All this and a deal with the devil, in a manner of speaking (although not in a Peter Parker sense). My favorite part of the issue was the Lois plot. I can't wait to read what she does next. The Captain Atom second feature really hasn't interested me, so I've barely looked at it, although fans of the character may enjoy it.

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, December 16, 2009:

Supergirl #48 (World Against Superman 20) * * *

Supergirl finally confronts Lana about her health problems and then is summoned by Inspector Henderson to assist on the Silver Banshee case. The story takes several suprise twists at the end. While a solid story, I'm not sure how it ties into the World Against Superman storyline. If it wasn't part of this other over-arching story I might rate it a little higher.

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 this 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.