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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Issue #127: Comic Books For The Weeks Of Wednesday, July 13 & 20, 2011:

Comic book for the week of Wednesday, July 13, 2011:


Superman #713 (DC)

Comic books for the week of Wednesday, July 20, 2011:


Legion Of Super-Heroes #15 (DC)
Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #6 (of 6) (Vertigo/DC)
Terry Moore's How To Draw Women (Abstract Studios)

Superman #713 (DC) *  *


This is the next to last issue of the Grounded storyline (thank goodness). As the cover suggests, Clark/Superman has a talk with Conner Kent/Superboy and Supergirl about his future, and a stranger has a conversation with Clark about his own views on the Man of Steel. As an individual story, it's not that bad, but it doesn't make sense that Superman would have such a crisis of confidence at this point of his career. If it was caused directly from the events of the New Krypton story, maybe, but not because a woman criticized Superman because he wasn't on Earth to stop a tumor from killing her husband. At least Superman's evil stalker has finally revealed part of her plan. I just hope with the relaunch that DC can find the right people to tell good Superman stories again.

Legion Of Super-Heroes #15 (DC) *  *  *  *


The Legionnaires continue their battle against the new Legion of Super-Villains, to Professor Li, which is a very unusual place indeed. As this is the next to last issue before the relaunch, it's mostly cover to cover action, interspersed with brief character moments. The pieces of the plot are in place for quite a climax in the final chapter of this story. Will the mystery of Professor Li be solved? What about Dream Girl's premonition about the death of a Legionnaire? I can't wait for this story's final issue to be published.

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


The issue begins with Cinderella tied up, and she has her greatest enemy, Dorothy of the Silver Slippers, right where she wants her; or at least if you consider their past encounters as told by flashback in this mini-series. Or does she? This issue lived up to the build up of the first five issues and told the penultimate confrontation between Cinderella and Dorothy.

Terry Moore's How To Draw Women #1 (of 1) (Abstract Studios) *  *  *  *  *


This is the first of a series of comic books by Terry Moore on the How To of comic books. Instead of being a normal how to book, full of drawing tips, the majority of the issue deals with the why of drawing women. Moore explains his thinking behind drawing women the way he does. Terry is known for drawing natural women, and men for that matter, instead of the cliched superhero style of woman prevalent in superhero comic books. This book is as important of a reference as any book detailing how to draw women, or the use of various drawing tools. His plan is to publish other issues on different aspects of drawing comic books, eventually to be  collected in one volume. I plan on buying future issues of this series as he publishes them. Learning the why behind drawing something is as important as the how.

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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.