Even dead, he saved us

Good day all. So I'm here early this week. I get my comics on Saturdays while I'm in school, time constraints and all that, but I got home today and I just zipped through them. I usually try to space 'em out a bit, but I was in a mood or something.

On that note, I should just add that the comics I read today were all damn good stuff.

Blackest Night #7 ****
Now I normally do not review Blackest Night, only its tie-ins, but like I said, I've been feeling crazy good today. Those of you reading know the history, those of you who aren't reading it, well, ya'll are fools. Now that we know who the fools amongst us are, I'll continue. Was that an action packed book of goodness or what. Seeing as this is my first Blackest Night review, I can't go one sentence further without praising Ivan Reis on the fabulous artwork that has graced these pages. Geoff Johns sure can write, but the artwork has definitely made an equivalent impact. One of the greatest things about comic books, in my opinion (and therefore should be your opinion,) is the symbiosis of art and literature. There aren't too many places where both the artistic and linguistic ability are of importance, and definitely not nearly as much as it is in comics. But I digress. These two men have weaved an amazing story. Not to imply in any way that the authors and artists of Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps have not made also been a crucial aspect to the Blackest Night story.

So I want to do this review, specifically this issue, in a different manner. Instead of commenting on everything that happened, which I will wishfully rely on Matt to do, I will leave you all with questions that I have.

.5. (This one is residual) Who has Parallax?
1. What happened to Scarecrow?
2. What will truly become of the Guardian who has pledged himself to Larfleeze?
3. Who is stuck in the Battery?
4. What role will Dove be playing?
5. If Black is death will White be Birth or Life?
6. Can we stop calling them the Sinestro Corps now?

And if that doesn't entice all you non-readers to reader, I have nothing left for you.

Blackest Night Green Arrow #30 ****
So a fellow comic book lover, also known as Andy my comic book store guy (which reminds me that I was going to do something) expressed that this was his best read of the week. And having read certain unrevealing reviews about Blackest Night 7 (remember I only picked them up today) I thought, hm that's interesting. But I read it, and it was awesome stuff. Gut wrenching, stomach churning, tension building, good stuff. Hence my reviewing it now and not later in my Blackest Night tie-in post.

I'm a fairly recent follower of the Emerald Archer, that's the Green Arrow to all you non-followers, and his entourage (Arsenal, Speedy, Green Lantern the second, and Black Canary.) But what I've read, I have loved. This issue, written by Los Angeles local JT Krul (who I'm told goes to my comic book shop!) was amazing good stuff. If you recall, there have been some really strange tie-ins that felt out place and were just really not good (yes, I'm looking at you especially Doom Patrol). This issue was amazing good stuff. The artwork was done by Diogenes Neves, who I will confess I had not heard of until this moment. That was both my and your loss, because the artwork was great stuff, fantastic stuff. (p.s. just looked him up, he apparently has been doing the art for New Mutants. Now I blame myself for not knowing of him)

As is the fashion of the Blackest Night Tie-Ins following the protagonist who has been recruited by the Black Lantern Corps, in this issue we are privy to the thoughts of the mind-trapped Ollie. The scenes that depicted his interactions with Dinah, Mia, and Connor Hawke were painful to read, emotionally painful. Any writer that is capable of taking a single tie-in issue and make it feel like you're skidding uncontrollably down the street, must be commended. Black Lantern forcing Dinah to relieve Ollie's affairs, forcing Connor to relieve Ollie abandoning him, and making sexually motivated indications to Mia was emotionally draining, in a most excellent way. Pick this one up folks, you won't regret it.

Gotham City Sirens #9 ****
Continuing on with the greatness that is this week in comics. Paul Dini is back on as writer, after taking a break last issue allowing Guillem March take a crack at it, and I'm liking this direction. I fear I may become redundant in saying the artwork in this series has been amazing, but I will continue to praise Guillem for it. His depictions of Harley, Selina, and Pamela are amazing enough to give any other artist a run for their money. And Paul Dini, who is back on next issue for Streets of Gotham (woot) has been doing great stuff wit this series. This mini surrounds a murder mystery, the reintroduction of the Riddler into the story, and Aesop come to life, yes the fables man. The Riddler thinking/talking to himself is great stuff. What I'm also loving about this issue is the gals' attempts at maintaining a quasi normal life. Adopting Hyenas, sparring with Wildcat, and chemically inducing a job approval, yea, normal. I'm not exactly sure how connected Streets of Gotham and Batman are, or how connected Dini and Daniel are, but I'm pretty sure I can see where things are going with the Riddler. It's fairly unfortunate, because I've been liking this Private Eye Edward Nigma.

Batman and Robin #9 ****
This was the culmination to Grant Morrison's very own Blackest Knight. I will admit to two things. I liked this story more than I anticipated I would and I can't stand the way that Morrison has portrayed Dick in this story. This story tied up a couple of loose ends that I had been thinking about, frayed ends that had come about because of Morrison mind you One, was that actually Bruce's body that Superman pulled out of the wreckage? Answer, nope. Who's body was it then? Answer, mind-fucked, crazy clone. The interactions between Dick and Damian are always entertaining, though I'm not particularly fond of the Damian of Batman and Robin. More importantly, I've greatly enjoyed Batman and Robin up through the Red Hood's story and I enjoyed having the Squire back in the mix. However, in this story specifically Morrison turned Dick into this desperate man, that I know him not to be, which is really my only issue.

Tiny Titans #1 ***
I got this free in the mail with a couple orders I made. And how fun is this series. I know it's on number 25 now, I've been meaning to pick that one up but it's no longer in my comic book store, and therefore this is not a "new" issue. But since I just read it, it will be reviewed here. Sometimes it's nice to just read for entertainment's sake. That's exactly what this is. It's fun, filled with short stories, and just pure entertainment. If any of you have kids, you should think about investing in getting them to read this. And for those of you that are still a kid at heart, pick this up for the pure fun of it. Aww Yeah!

Sam's dumb. Remember that time he bought a Rolecks?

Batman 696 ****
I don't know if I've effectively expressed just how much I am enjoying Tony Daniel's existence, so let me take the time to say just how much I am loving his presence in Batman. I've read comments here and there about his writing style and all I've got to say to those kids are, Pop off. The pacing in this issue was brilliant. The constant changing in the plot, switching from the past to the present and then back to the past, coupled with the different locales in each time frame was genius. It kept me on my proverbial toes the entire time. Dick Grayson being drugged, Robin pissed at the world, Oracle stressed over everything (maybe the finality of her words in Batgirl were not so final?), and there was the last scene where Dick came around to figuring out what we've all been wanting to know, Who the F is Black Mask. Great read, coupled with some amazing artwork, c'mon now, what more could a reader ask for.


Streets of Gotham 9 ***
So to reiterate my last review of this series, I'm not particularly sure what purpose these last two issues have had, seeing as they completely break out of the current major story. That being said, there are a couple of issues I had with the issue. The artwork was very good, as I come to expect from Dustin Nguyen. It's really the writing that I hold issue with. Not that it was bad mind you, but that it felt as if Mike Benson was writing a completely different Batman than the rest of Streets of Gotham. And while I understand that different writers have different techniques and styles, but it's one thing to have a different style and another thing to alter the personality of long-standing characters, such as Dick Grayson. All in all not a bad place holder, but I'm ready for Paul Dini to come back and finish up his story. I give this a 3 star rating for two reasons. The art was great and the cover was amazing.

Supernatural 2 ***1/2
I am so glad that I decided to pick this mini-series up. It was on a whim, there was only one issue of issue 1 on the shelf and I snatched it up like a fat kid in a candy store snatches up the good chocolate. This is a such a great show that even though I read the first issue, I wasn't sure that they would be able to maintain the feel of the show, and boy was I wrong. The writing is fun and flows well, the art is pretty cool. The issue are flowing like episodes of the show, each issue having a different villain to take care of, while still maintaining a separate long term goal. I reckon by the end of the mini-series I will be insisting this as a read for Supernatural fans, so why wait. All you fans, this is good stuff. All you non-fans, what are you thinking, read these and then watch the show.

Gashapon Reviews: February 17, 2010

Next week is going to be chock-full of comics, so I'd better get this out today. Two more weekends on this play then I'm finally done.

DC:

Green Lantern #51 (****)

I am exceedingly glad that this Jordan-as-Parallax thing only lasted one issue. It would be far too easy to drag it out for several issues, but they had them come in, do what they needed to do, and get taken away. Clearly Parallax isn't locked away for good, and will be popping up in some future story, but we don't have to deal with it at a time when all I want to see is how this whole BN story wraps itself up. The feeling that nothing will be the same is very palpable, and DC needs to be commended for the epic-ness of this event. I've said it a dozen times, but Marvel had best be taking notes for Second Coming.

Batman never fights to kill!

I'm beginning to sound like a broken record and I don't like it one bit. That being said, I will make a conscious effort to get my reviews out with a more consistent speed. Furthermore, I do have a question for the masses, ha, do my reviews make any impact in what you end up reading? Because in the past I have refrained from giving up too much information on the off chance that upon reading my review the reader may choose to pick up the issue and still have some excitement. Now though, I'm debating just review each issue in it's entirety.

Adventure Comics #7 ****
This is technically a Blackest Night tie-in and as such belongs in my forthcoming Blackest Night tie-ins part 3 review. However, I don't care. Conner has been and continues to be in my top ten favorite of all time, so he gets to bypass said rules. Also, the next issue will be focusing on the Legion of Superheroes, so look out for that.

There's so much to write about this issue I had to start a new paragraph. First and foremost this marks the end of Geoff Johns and Franics Manapul's run with Adventure Comics. Issue 7 is written by Tony Bedard with art by Travis Moore, who in all honestly I have never heard of either, but I must say that I was pleased. It started off with a basic history of who and what Superboy is and has gone through, granted I'm not particularly sure why that was there, but it did show that the writer did have some sense of Superboy's history, which is always nice. Being inside Conner's head the whole time was entertaining, his interaction with Wonder Girl was amusing, and the fact that his pal Krypto came to save him was great, 'cuz I love that dog. I thought the story was great; it was a fairly brilliant way in incorporating Conner's past to save him. And we can thank Rao for that.

Batman and Robin #8 ***
It's weird, pretty much everything I've seen on the internet, which isn't much by the way, talks about how great this story line is. So far, I must say that I enjoyed the previous story better. Not that I think this one is bad or anything, it's actually fairly good. Considering Final Crisis was Grant Morrison's baby, of sorts, it's only natural that he would use it in a pretty awesome way. A rogue, insane, double insane because of the Pit, Batman on the loose? How cool is that. I don't particularly like this desperate Dick that Grant Morrison is painting. I know why he is doing it, but I don't like it and I refuse to like it. Crazy Bats taking on Damian, who has a newly reformed spine? I'm interested, are you?

Batgirl #7 ***1/2
I can't say for sure why this is the case, but I am not particularly fond of Stephanie Brown. Maybe it's because my introduction to her has been recent, even though she's been around for years now, and she seems very annoying. Keeping that in mind, I must say that I have been pleasantly surprised with how I've enjoyed this series since issue 5. Her interactions with Damian is some of the funniest stuff I read. Having Barb around has been awesome (having her around with the rest of the Birds should also be pleasant.) A who can kill Batman first plot is entertaining enough. I just hope that St. Nick does not become a more prominent presence in our lives, and by mine I mean mine, Barbara's and Dick's.

Supernatural #1/6 ****
That's right folks. You heard it right from the source, I am now reading the Supernatural Beginning's End mini-series, and how great it is. those of you who are in the know, know how much I adore this show. It's just one of those shows that I love watching and so I picked this issue up on a whim to see how I'd like it. I've been a tad weary about comics that used to be, or in this case are currently, a show. In this case, I thought it was fabulous. The writers did a a great job capturing the feel, the tone of the show and I thank them for that. The artwork has a great look and feel to it. I can't particularly explain it, but it's got this great rough, graphic, rugged look and feel to it, not soft at all. And I think for this particular series it is very appropriate. I think the plot has a great thing going for it. The lead up to the show is a great story that should be told. I never liked John Winchester for a multitude of reasons, particularly his treatment of his children most specifically Dean. But I mean, smacking Sam? Jackass. Consider me hooked for all 6 issues.


And can I just say, what is up with all the Deadpool variant covers? I like Deadpool just as much as the next guy, but I mean, really?

Gashapon Reviews: February 10, 2010

It's a miracle this got up at all. At least it was a short week.

Marvel:

Dark X-Men #4 (***1/2)
I love anything with Nate Grey. Which I say every month. But watching him manipulate Osborn is tremendous fun. Osborn is clearly off his rocker, and it's nice to see someone call him on that shit. And can I just say "Finally!" as regards Green Goblin showing up. He's been around in the background once or twice, but once that door gets opened there's no going back. And does it seem to anyone else that we have a lot of ends to wrap up between now and the end of the next issue, which is when I thought this whole thing ended? Now if only I could figure out how this whole arc fits into the Siege storyline I'd be a lot happier. Though not as happy as I will be if X-Man sticks around for a bit.

If you need me, just yell. I'll hear you.

Many apologies my faithful, ha, readers. I will make a stronger attempt to make sure my posts come out much sooner.


Red Robin #9 ***
Tim Drake-Wayne is back in Gotham, can I get a hell yes? I've been slightly vocal about my displeasure with Tim being out of town, on his own, not in good terms with Dick, and while everything has not become all fixed and whatnot, this is definitely the step in the right direction. I'm not sure how I feel about Tim getting with Tam Fox, though she is a much better option than Stephanie Brown. Personally I think he should hook up with the Squire (Beryl.) Moving on, I'm only slightly intrigued by Vicki Vale's appearance, as my perception of her (which is a slightly sluttier, ineffective Lois Lang) is not so great. But that being said, I do wonder what is to come of Thomas Elliot's flirtations with her. My favorite part, naturally, was when Conner (with Krypto in tow) made a visit to his BFF Tim. I knew that this was a lead up to Tim and Stephanie taking on Ra's so that wasn't really a surprise. All in all, not bad for a set-up issue.

Smallville - Absolute Justice

I've had a very strange relationship with Smallville. I started watching it long about the time Green Arrow showed up the first time, because I thought Justin Hartley was hot was all the reason I needed to watch a show (although I also liked the Green Arrow costume design). Then to refresh myself with the mythology I went back and watched the first season and intended to watch the second but never got around to it. In the present day (at least present back then) I watched several of the seasons (although I'm not sure exactly which ones) until the time when Doomsday showed up. Not that I lost interest in the show, just that I didn't have enough interest to make time in my busy schedule for it. I've sorta kept up on spoilers, but in general I just don't bother much with it.

Except of course when they have a Justice Society of America episode. Or perhaps it's better to say JSA Event. One of the things I've always loved about Smallville is its examination of Superman canon. Granted that can also be one of the things I don't love about Smallville, especially when they take the canon and run away with it. Not that I've ever been the world's biggest fan of Supes, but you can't set something in a universe and then completely disregard all of the rules of said universe (It amuses me that Chloe is such a popular character yet clearly has to either die or become someone else unless they want to ret-con all of the Supes comics). Whenever there is some big event/episode that brings in other DC characters, I feel a mix of giddy and wary. Not unlike when I go to sento in Japan.

Hawkman's got the bigger weapon, Oliver. And Size Matters.

The basic plot of this story starts off with some villain killing people with ice. Or more to the point the plot starts off with this guy with a glowy staff talks to Chloe, and then gets killed by Ice. We then find out he's not the first or the last. When the next guy dies, JSA gets scrawled across the wall, and we're off on Clark's excellent adventure to find out what JSA means. They connect it to this series of arrests several years earlier, and Clark and Chloe and Arthur just can't understand why these criminals are getting killed off. Clark gets kidnapped only to wake up in the JSA Museum of Memories, and we get to meet all three of the JSA members that are currently alive. I think I have this whole plot slightly out of order, but the most important part is Clark manages to inspire them to fight again. Then we get to see Star Girl, Dr. Fate, and Hawkman in action. The episode ends with Hawkman promising to gather the troops, and vague promisings of seeing each other later.

It's no Hal Jordan, but I'll take it.

A few thoughts:

• Did Michael Shanks attend the Christian Bale School of Superhero Acting? I've met people with voiceboxes that sound less strange.
  
• However he sounded, though, Michael Shanks looks damn good in a set of wings. Even if the wings looked a little funny.
• Star Girl is a ridiculous name for a character.
• I love when the Martian Manhunter shows up.
• I love that Chloe is Watchtower, as long as I completely ignore that Barbara should be Watchtower.
  
• I continuously fail to understand why DC can't loosen up the rights to have Clark meet Bruce Wayne or Diana Prince. I did enjoy all the homages to the other Silver Age heroes, like the Flash and Green Lantern
• As a fanboy, I always love Easter Eggs. Mentioning things like "We were from a Silver Age of Heroes", seeing the cape in Doctor Fate's vision, all that stuff. It would mean nothing to the general public, but I appreciated it immensely.
• I like how we're building up the Justice League, showing them as a family more than a team of superheroes. I think it stems from my wanting Smallville to end and a JLA series to start. How awesome would that be? Too bad it can't happen with the rights issues.
  
• It's amazing how missing two seasons of this show can completely confuse the hell out of me. If it wasn't for the occasional Smallville spoiler I would be completely lost.
  
• Geoff Johns continues to impress.
  

I can't come up with anything snarky enough to truly express how
ridiculous a name I find "Star Girl" to be.

Overall I didn't think it was necessarily a great two hours of TV, but I did enjoy it a great deal. I think they did a very good job of integrating this whole team of heroes while still adhering to canon fairly well. Sure there are little things, like Shiara being dead, but on the whole it was a good outing. It helps that I know next to nothing about the JSA, so any canon misteps would completely fly over my head.

Overall, I'd give the episode four stars. Probably four and a half if you're a big DC comics fan. It's definitely enjoyable, if slightly predictable, and this is coming from someone who could care less about Supes. What did y'all think?

Gashapon Reviews: February 3rd, 2010

You'd think with the disgustingly awesome amount of snow we got this weekend, I'dve been able to finish this even remotely on time. You would be wrong.

P to the S, I am still reading the Buffy comics, but seeing as they're almost over I was going to do just one giant review article once it's finished. I enjoyed this week, and more to the point enjoy that this 'Season 8' is wrapping up, as it's been going on for like 3 years.

DC

Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3 (***)

So, I love Diana. Wonder Woman is probably my favorite superhero of all time (although Green Lantern has certainly been giving her a run for her money lately). But all this "Love" stuff makes me a little ill. It feels a bit like a giant Sailor Moon episode compressed into a non-manga-comic form. The art didn't bother me (although I could always do with less boob on my heroines) and I've stated numerous time I love the use of color. I'm just not sure I can ascribe to the Love conquers all mentality. I enjoyed the shot of Bruce and Diana, also.

Marvel

Cable #23 (**)

I almost gave this issue three stars because it ended with the words "To be concluded." Watching Hope kick ass is fun, but not enough fun to overcome the painfully obvious stalling that the writers are forced to do. It's the same plot over and over and over, and it's honestly not a plot I was particularly interested in after Messiah War ended. I think I'd really just prefer that Cable had taken a sabbatical until Necrosha and Nation X were over, because these issues are just a waste of good trees, and more importantly my time.

Siege #2 (***)

I was talking with Arnab while reading it, and I had two things to say: "Ewwwwww" and "Holy F&#%!" Now do you see why having the Sentry around is such a terrible huge colossal mistake? I'm enjoying the action, and I enjoy seeing the Avengers coming out of the woodwork to kick ass. I'm curious to see what the fall-out will be with Sentry, and I'm still waiting to figure out how Daken stabbing Osborn fits into the storyline. You can't end an issue with the big baddie getting stabbed, and then have said big-baddie running about in a separate issue.

Siege Embedded #2 ()

I have this open on desk, but I just can't bring myself to read it, no matter how much I like the fat god. I will get to it eventually, but are any of you really holding your breath in anticipation?

Ultimate Comics X #1 (**)

I don't believe the Ultimate universe should really exist (although go them for making Northstar and Colossus gay with each other...before Northstar died (again) that is). I spent a lot of time learning the back-story of all these characters, only to have that back-story completely ignored in favor of rebooting the system to get new fans. Which I don't even think worked. As regards this issue: It's the story of Wolverine's son. Which might be a spoiler if the three claws didn't give it away on the cover. Seeing how big a fan I am of Wolverine, does this sound like the type of story I'd like? And then this kid "Jimmy" is miraculously able to cover his own claws with metal. *Insert blank stare* While I hate Wolvie, half of what could make him interesting was that he was betrayed and experimented on by the government agency he swore to serve. I'm not sure I care to read a story about how a mutant with Wolverine's powers would act if he didn't have Wolverine's past. I shall not be reading any more of this series.

Blacket Night Tie-Ins Part 2b

It's that time of the month folks. I'll give you a second to let that out of your system. This is it, Blackest Night tie-in part 2b. In case you didn't know, you've been waiting for part 2b because they are all January specials. DC decided to revive 8 series' that had previously ended. And here are my reviews. Enjoy.

Suicide Squad #67 **
This issue did next to nothing for me. I did not know anyone. They didn't get me to fall in love with any one of them. The lesbians did surprise me for half of a second and then even that was done with. Word on the street is that this issue leads into the Secret Six, here's hoping that isn't as boring.

Weird Western Tales #71 **1/2
I'm not sure exactly sure what purpose this issue served. I didn't particularly learn much of anything nor did get me excited with a bowlful of giddiness. I did not like the ending, I was bored with the beginning, and let's be honest the middle was just ok.

The Phantom Stranger #42 ****
So I took my weekly trip to my comic book shop and I was immediately told that I needed to read this issue before Green Lantern #50. It was apparently a lead-in of sorts. It was pretty interesting to have Deadman make his reappearance, and I get the feeling that he might be playing a pretty big role in the upcoming days. I mean, with the message he's carrying, it's a good thing he's already dead. And since this is called Phantom Stranger, I should add that I think the magic users of the DC realm are very cool individuals. I originally gave this 3.5 stars, but upon rethinking things I decided it'd better suit the issue to bump it up half a star.

The Power of Shazam! #48 ****
Take this from a guy who doesn't give two hoots about Shazam, this was good. There were a lot of good things about this issue. First, it really got me to care about a guy I didn't even know existed, Amon, let alone know died a while back. Yeah, you didn't read wrong, by the end I cared about a Black Lantern. See, what this issue did, for the first time if I'm not mistaken, is that it gave a Black Lantern a conscience. Now, I'm not sure if I'm just mistaken about his powers, but throughout the issue Amon narrated us through his story of love, loss, betrayal, and topped it all off with a Black Lantern feeling emotions!

Catwoman #83 ****
I love Selina Kyle. There, I said it. Now that that's been established I have to say that this was great. Definitely one of the best of the Revived bunch. The story involving Selina's sister, who is in a mental institute, was just heart breaking. The art was fantastic. And what was especially great was that Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy made a guest appearance. For those of you not in the know, the three of them make up the Sirens, so I loved that the writer incorporated them into this story. Oh, and because I'm awesome and don't want to give away the ending I'll leave you with this, the way they got rid of Black Lantern Black Mask, awesome.

The Atom and Hawkman #46 ****
There were a couple of really good things about this issue, including the art which was great. First, I never really understood Ray's compassion for Jean and I think I judged him for that. I don't anymore. Saving Indigo was not only clutch, it was also pretty damn awesome. And then there was what Indigo was doing that was also major important, in my opinion. It sets things up for a major Blackest Night #7 event. Furthermore, Ray at the very end talking to Indigo got me very interested in what Johns has in store for us. I mean, it is Shiera and Carter's destiny to do so.

The Question #37 ***1/2
These next two issues had one very specific thing in common. They both started off a bit dull but ended with a bang, or the proverbial bang at least. The only encounter I've had with the Question, as an entity not as a type of sentence, was when Renee Montona made a guest appearance in Final Crisis. Let's see, I was amused with Lady Shiva making an appearance, I was disgusted with the old man's role in the story, and I was surprised with how well Renee held her ground while fighting Lady Shiva, suffice to say I think the writer took liberties. Now the ending, that was some pure genius on Shiva's part. I'd tell you what happens but then you'd have not reason to read it. So I'll leave you with this, letting go is sometimes the only answer.

Starman #81 ***1/2
As I said, this one started off iffy, and by start off I should clarify, the first 6 or 7 pages. But before I go any further I have got to say, I loved the artwork, most specifically on page 8. It's not the typical artwork that would normally be found in a comic and it's good stuff. On to the plot. I don't know who The Shade and Hope O'Dare are but I wish them all the best. A couple of pages and here I am rooting for ex-criminal The Shade. Who, I might add, pulled off a grand Buzzinga on the Black Lantern and it was awesome.

He was my brother, my best friend. I had a job to do and I never let him down

Well hell, I'm a full week late on this review post.

Gotham City Sirens #8 ***
So this issue was both written and drawn up by Guillem March. Who, those of you with a good memory might remember, I've been absolutely giddy over with regards to his past artwork for Gotham City Sirens. Poison Ivy is probably my least favorite of the three Sirens, and as a result I probably didn't give this review 4 stars. All in all it was a decent issue for Guillem's first shot at writing.

Batman and Robin #7 ****
Blackest Knight. What can I say, this looks like it is gearing up to be a great series. I know people have had serious problems with Grant Morrison's writing in the past, but I feel overall he's done some really good stuff with this issue and series. I don't particularly care for his take on Damian, but that kid irks me so often anyway. I'm definitely intrigued about who this "Batman" is that has been resurrected via a Lazarus Pit. Plus there's the whole Damian having reconstructive spinal surgery, and by that I mean he had his whole spine removed, fixed, and then replaced. Oh to be rich. I also really enjoy Squire and am kinda hoping for a little Tim/Beryl love. I don't know much about this Batwoman, but she seems like a bore and freak all rolled up into one. I'll eventually freshen up on her.

Superman Secret Origins #4 ***
The issue was ok. The weird purple guy that tried to give Clark a hickie, absolutely disgusting. Perry pissing of Lex was amusing and entertaining. In my opinion, and let's face it this is all my opinion, the best part was the interaction between Jimmy Olsen and Superman, yes Superman not Clark. First Supes thinking Jimmy was about to commit suicide, absolutely hilarious. Them having a touching moment afterwards, great. Jimmy taking a picture of Superman in his world famous hands on the hips pose, priceless. Or gag worthy, you decide.

World's Finest #4 ***1/2
Not the spectacular finish I was hoping for, but still pretty good. Superman coming to save the day all the time will never cease to irritate me, but that's old news. Dick and Clark's first team up, successful. Or is it? Damian calling Stephanie Brown Fatgirl, hilarious. I am actually wondering where this Toyman plot will jump to, my guess is the War of Supermen. We'll see.

New Avengers #61 ***
So this was a strange issue for me. I'm not a regular reader of the New Avengers series, so bare with me. The writing was good enough. I don't know, I really enjoyed Bendis' writing on House of M and I'm thinking that I might end up liking Siege a whole lot more when everything is all said and done. Now on to the art. I've rarely ever enjoyed an issue that has multiple pencilers and multiple colorists. That being said I thought that the penciling was pretty good, granted I enjoyed one penciler more than the other. However, I did not like both colorists. One, in my opinion was far superior to the other. I enjoyed the Captain Americas story better than the Spiders, mainly because their awkward flirtations made me feel weird. Although, I will admit to being fairly amused with Spidey.

Avengers Initiative #32 ***1/2
So being that for the longest time the only thing Marvel I read surrounded the X-verse I did not know 90% of the people in this. However, I found that it was still enjoyable. Taskmaster, who reminded me of Skeletor (from He-Man), as pretty interesting. Although, I did find myself more interested in Diamondback, Constrictor, and Justice. It will be interesting to see what happens at Camp H.A.M.M.E.R. and what comes of Diamondback.

One Will Rise...

Who needs subtlety when you've got ugly art?