Bruce would have anticipated the trap.

I do apologize in advance for this post being so text heavy. But you guys are here to read not look at artwork anyway.

Batman #698 ****
There is a killer on the loose in Gotham, so what else is new? With the Black Mask's identity uncovered and put away, the next crook is ready to take his place. Murder after murder, this crook is trying left and right to make his murders look like they were done by one of Gotham's regulars. Enter the Riddler, I mean, Edward Nigma, private eye extraordinaire. What we have here folks is just further proof that Tony Daniel is the best man for this job. He just gets it. Daniel's run as well as his portrayal of Dick Grayson as Batman has been fabulous. With his fast paced writing, Daniel weaves his latest story with so much greatness, that you're literally shocked it's over when it is. Guillem March took over art duties for these last two issues, until the epic #700 issue coming up, and while it was good, I personally think he's done much better for Gotham City Sirens. I'm not sure if it's because the focus on Gotham City Sirens are females or if it is because the overall mood is lighter in that title or maybe I just expected more from him, but I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I'm a little bummed that Tony Daniel will be relinquishing his writing duties to Grant Morrison starting with the epic 700, but at least we've got one more issue of his on the way.

Because that's what I'd do, and I'm the guy that taught him how to run in the first place

So my appy-polly-logies to my readers. I'm sure I speak for both myself and Matt when I say, we've been busy. This is a major long post and as I mention further on that there are also a couple reviews from three weeks ago, the rest are from two weeks ago. And I'll be getting to last week's issues shortly.

Uncanny X-Men #523 **** 1/2
The X-Men have been on a wild ride in the past years, one more than the others, and it has all been leading up to the Second Coming of the Messiah. This epic event has been living up to all the expectations that I had and then some. What a great issue this was. I am loving the way that the writers have been portraying Cable and Hope's relationship. That whole hair kit scene was just a really nice touch. I am very excited to see how this all works out for Scott. The X-Force has been a clandestine operation because Scott knew that some of the X-gang would have an issue with it. And now that its existence is out in the open, not everyone agrees with their methods. And while I do have certain issues with Logan's actions in this particular issue, I think that Scott's decision to create the X-Force was the correct decision. With the New Mutants landing in, all hell's about to turn loose.

Matt Fraction has been a great asset to the X-Titles roster. I'm loving his run on the Uncanny title and I think that this issue just furthers my belief. I'm also a big fan of Terry Dodson's artwork. It has a great look and feel to it.

You ever been to New Krypton?

So this was supposed to be a light week and for the most part it was.

First Wave #1 **1/2
So I got this because on of my comic book store's owners said it was the best of the week. He's not one of the usual guys I deal with but he's nice enough. That being said, I was not very impressed. I mean, by al rights I know I should be. I mean DC has been building this new series up like nothing else, what with the preview being in nearly every DC issue I've picked up in the past two weeks. Here's what I've got for you. One, there was no Batman. And I'm in no way implying that all comics in existence need Batman, not that that wouldn't be awesome, but if he's going to be on the cover he could at least make an appearance. I mean, c'mon! That aside, I didn't find the plot to be overall all too exciting. It didn't make me want to read more. Doc Savage's plot wasn't all to interesting to be honest. Plus it didn't help that I kept mixing up his amigos. The Spirit was amusing, but his plot wasn't exciting. My comic book store has different issues that are returnable every week. This was one of them and while I toyed with the idea of returning it, I ended up not doing so.

Adventure Comics #9 ***1/2
I wouldn't particularly consider this an amazing issue or great even. However, I do think it serves it's purpose. With the Last Stand of New Krypton arriving next week, this serves as a great tie-in as well as a fairly informative issue. Brainiac 5, who I confused with his ancestors because they are all named something-dox, was pretty interesting. I did have to wikipedia him because other than Legion of Three Worlds I know next to nothing about him. Granted, it was interesting to find out that without the Legion's help Superman will die. Conner and Mon-El finally get together with the Legion. It was a tad shocking when Con's teacher ripped open his shirt. The darndest thing happened though, as I was looking up Legion of Three Worlds, I realized that Mon-El was there in the future, looking as young as ever. So that begs the question, is that the same Mon-El or is a different universe Mon-El? Also, if that's the same Mon-El, then clearly he does not die. It's times like this that I wish I knew someone that read everything I read. The final story was about a Kryptonian gal who has infiltrated General Lane's ranks. Good for her, at least the Kryptonian's will have one Ace.

Walking Dead #70 ***1/2
So this technically came out last week, but at that time I wasn't sure how I was planning on reviewing this series. As you can tell, I chose to review them by issue. I may make a separate review specifically to catch up from issues 1-69 in the near future. So this issue was pretty interesting. Rick and the gang are are at a new community, which is surprising seeing as the world has gone to hell. Rick with his new haircut, odd, Carl playing football and being happy, awesome. I don't know what to say about this new group of people. I want things to go well, but naturally I have my doubts. I am especially weary as to the past of these new folk.

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?

I told you not to bark at the dinosaurs

Adventure Comics #6 *****
Oh man, I am seriously going to miss Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul. This was their final issue for Adventure Comics and it was pretty great. Conner getting rid of his Superman/Lex Luthor journal was great, because for the most part his struggle with his identity was just terribly sad. Lex Luthor is pretty much the epitome of evil. Krypto is such a cute dog and I love the bond that those two have created. I loved at the end when his best friends came together and they just hung out, like friends do. I think probably the most important thing to come out of these issues, is the growth the Conner goes through. Definitely read this one.

Now though, in order to get my Conner fix I'm going to have to follow the Brainiac & the Legion of Super-Heroes, which is a massive interlocking story that will be running through Supergirl, Superman, Last Stand, and Adventure Comics. It's all about the War of Supermen, could be interesting. Honestly, I just love Conner, and will read anything with him in it.

Batman #695 ****
I am very much enjoying Tony Daniel's existence in the comic realm, as I've mentioned. The writing has been good, but the art in this one was great. I love the way this man draws Dick and Dick as Batman. I'm very much intrigued with who Black Mask is going to turn out to be, Kitrina coming back has been fun (especially with that knot incident), and anytime Catwoman is around is always good for me. I am also a bit interested as to what will be happening with the impending number 700 coming up and then there's the Return of Bruce Wayne, and that will certainly shake things up a bit.

Batgirl #6 ***
So I still mostly read this because of Barbara, plus right now Batman and Robin are guest starring. Damian amuses me, mainly because he annoys the hell out of Stephanie, who by the way is a jackass. What I'm hoping is that she won't be the one that "saves" Dick in the next issue. Other than that, I am sorta looking forward to the upcoming Red Robin/Batgirl crossover. I love Tim, so that should be good. It is kind of interesting that they are doing this, considering this was done in the past crossing over Dick's Nightwing with Barb's Birds of Prey. I don't particularly care for Stephanie, Tim can do better. If only they would reveal Tim and Conner to be lovers. They both deserve better than who they are with currently.


By the way, five of the eight DC Blackest Night resurrected tie-ins have come out, so look out for that soon enough. Plus Blackest Night tie-ins Part three. And for those of you that don't search the internet high and low, 2010 looks to be very exciting.

Blackest Night part two A

Here is your part two of Blackest Night tie-ins. I felt it would be best to do this in two parts because January is meant to be a special time for Blackest Night and its tie-ins. And who am I to mess with special time.

Doom Patrol 4-5 *
I guess it would be best to start with the fact that I don't usually read Doom Patrol. Now that that's been said, I feel as if I lost half an hour of my life that I will likely never get back again. Usually I can pick up an issue (especially if it's a tie-in, like I have all the other issues) and get the gist of the story. This was not the case with Doom Patrol. I even looked up each of the characters and that did nothing to get me into caring about them. The writing was less than great in comparison to the rest of Blackest Night. I don't expect all the writing to be like Geoff Johns, but still. The characters were boring, the plot was confusing at best, and the art was not great. It took me three times to get through the first issue and I couldn't tell you that I understood how the second issue ended. If you must read all the Blackest Night tie-ins, an endeavor I myself have taken up, leave this till the very end.

Booster Gold 26-27 ***
I don't read Booster Gold, but I guess what is different with this one, is that I know who Booster Gold and the new Blue Beetle are, so that's something. I found this to be fairly enjoyable. For the most part, the plot was decent, the writing was a bit more than just acceptable. I found it a tad strange that there was an artist change halfway into the issue, but not in a bad way. I felt both artists were fairly good, and there was practically no distinguishable difference between the two. I thought the machine "designed to approximate the emotional spectrum" was pretty cool. The scenes at the end surrounding the death of Ted Kord, which was also touched upon in the first issue, were touching, especially because I don't have any emotional connection to Ted. I didn't particularly understand the ending, but I guess it means Cyborg Superman is back. I did however, think that Rip was kinda cool, and I liked how he "reveals" (I don't actually been touched upon in another issue) that Booster is his daddy. So, to reiterate, this was pretty good, and hey I'm pretty sure they'll be making an appearance in other tie-ins (JLA.)

Adventure Comics 4-5 **** 1/2
Blackest Night Adventure Comics gave me a glimpse as to why I felt bad for Superboy Prime. Not to say that he didn't deserve to be punished for being the cause of Superboy's death, but, like with Jason Todd, there's still that part of me that felt bad for him. Adventure Comics 4/5 takes place in an alternate dimension where Superboy Prime now lives and everything that happens in the comics that we read, happens in comics he reads. If that confused you, pick up the comic, Geoff Johns does a better job at explaining things. I liked this tie-in. The story was entertaining enough, as would is to be expected. I mean c'mon, he attacks DC headquarters, how fun is that. Damn Geoff Johns for leaving Adventure Comics after the next issue. The art was interesting, but for the most part I enjoyed it. I think the big thing to talk about would be Superboy Prime grabbing a Black Lantern Ring and putting it on. Crazy, right? What happened next you ask? Read the issue. While I did enjoy this tragically mistaken Superboy Prime plot, I gotta say that I still prefer Connor. And in the second half of Issue 5 it was a second issue which revolved on Connor. I thought the giveaway at the end was great. And the art in the that, as usual, was fabulous. Geoff Johns and Franics Manupul have just been tremendous in this series. There's also a top secret Blackest Night tie in for issue 7.

R.E.B.E.L.S. 10-11 *1/2
To be quite honest with you, this one didn't do much for me. I didn't dislike it as much as I disliked Doom Patrol, but at the same time it takes an effort to even remember this exists. This follows the R.E.B.E.L.S. and I couldn't name them all for a million dollars. This much I do know, Brainiac 5 is their leader, Brainiac 3(Brainiac 5's genius son) hates his father, and they exist eons away from Earth. The only that I can take from this series was that I didn't realize a power ring could just reject a bearer for insubordination, that was amusing. Not bad, but forgettable.

JLA 39-40 ***
I learned a couple of things from reading this. The first being that I apparently don't know the majority of the JLA and the second is that apparently they're letting just about anyone join. Apart from Zatanna and Plasticman (who was unfortunately rendered fairly useless) the rest of them appear to be useless. That being said, I very much enjoyed Zatanna's little fight (if you could call it that) as well as the growth that each of the members took within the two issues. It made me care enough to remember them but not enough to read further.

Outsiders 24-25 ** 1/2
Not the worst read of them all, as I've mentioned, but not near the greatest either. For the most part, and this is probably because I had no clue who a soul was, I wasn't excited by anything. That being said, if I knew the characters I probably would have enjoyed it more. The biggest thing that I am taking away from this is a gal named Halo, who did two things for me. One, she brought to light (no pun intended) just how many superheroes wield the power of light. (There's Halo, Dr. Light, Dove, Vixen (kind of), to name a few.) And two, at the very end (Spoiler Alert) she got absorbed into the light! What's up with that, right? It's like she was getting high, talking about how beautiful it was and what not.

Superman/Batman 66-67 ***
The way Bizarro speaks drives me crazy. It's almost as if the writers thought to themselves, how can we make reading a more difficult endeavor and as a result Bizarro was created. Regardless, I knew enough about the characters in this to not have to look anything up. for the most part I enjoyd the storyline. I felt a little bit sad for Bizarro (shocking, but he kept talking about how he was lonely with no friends), it was weird to see Frankenstein (with two hearts!) and his bride. I've always had a soft spot for Manbat (Kirk Langstrom) and his wife, Francine, and the fact that she's spent millions of dollars and her whole life attempting to fix him. All in all, not a bad tie-in, though not the greatest.

Also, I don't particularly understand what that final page was about. Is cyborg Superman coming back? I don't even know where he went.

Teen Titans 77-78 ***
I'll be the first to admit that I am not nearly as caught up with Teen Titans as I'd like to be; I'm still on issue 37. However I do know, and therefore found it strange, that there is more than just one person in the Teen Titans, hence the plurality. Not say that I don't like Sage, I just don't know her enough to understand why both issues would focus itself around just her. Now, that being said, I preferred issue 78 to 77. I felt that there was a bit more of a plot in 78, whereas 77 was more action packed. There were a couple of things that were pretty cool, the main being when Joey (who can transfer his consciousness into other bodies via eye contact) transfered himself into different Black Lantern bodies, emanated an emotion, and left the body right as the other Black Lanterns destroyed the body. This was pretty awesome actually, considering only light has been used against them in the past.


I also left Wonder Woman, the Flash, and JSA out because all three of them are a three part mini-series and as of this month only part 1 has come out in each case.

January edition of Blackest Night Tie-Ins to come.

Happy Holidays folks!

"Well, Bruce isn't here anymore, now is he?!?"

So I figured since Matt had a cool title for each of his posts, that I would get one myself. However, after a very long deliberation, and many options, I ended up going with another idea. That idea being, that I would just use a line from one of the comics I was reviewing.

Batgirl #5 ****
Well hot damn folks. I can say this much, that was pretty damn awesome. I can't say that I have loved the past issues, because I haven't. I mean, I've loved Barb, who is hands down my absolute favorite living female character. In all honesty, she's probably my favorite female ever. Jean Grey, as much as I love her, is more like number 1.2. This issue was great. Barb's interactions with Dick was awesome. Stephanie's interactions with Damian were highly amusing. I don't like where things are going with St. Nick. The ending cliffhanger was genius, because I did not anticipate it happening, at all.

Red Robin#7 ***
A couple of things about this one. I'm pretty sure I want this story arc to end. The Counsel of Spiders have the potential to be interesting, and I should add he the final pages did increase my level of interest. I did think that there was a slight moment in the issue where Tim may have begun to question his choice of actions, and I will welcome that realization at any point. Tammy Fox, I don't particularly care for her. She seems useless. Vicki Vale's role in the future might make things interesting for the Wayne clan, not so much the Bat clan, if you get my drift. All in all, I love Tim, love how he continues to kick ass and get his way everywhere. And so much has happened to this kid, that you just can't not like him. I just don't know where the writers are planning on taking this and I don't know if they're doing him justice.

World's Finest
The premise behind World's Finest amuses me. It's basically what would happen in the world, if all of the main Superheroes were gone, which they are not. Well, that could be debated.

1. This one came out a while ago. I enjoyed it. It had Red Robin and Nightwing (for those of you who don't know, Nightwing is Clark Kent's adoptive son Christopher.) I thought for just a one-shot this team up was fun. Nightwing and Red Robin worked well together as a unit, plus this reminded me that I was out of touch in all things Superman, other than Superboy. ***

2. This one involved Robin and the Gaurdian. I gotta say that while I don't like Damian, I do find it enjoyable when other characters pick on him. I wouldn't necessarily consider this a team up, seeing as for the most of the issue the Gaurdian was trying to arrest Robin, but their interaction was fun. There was a part in particular which showed Damian's dedication to his father, as well as a part that showed where Damian existed on the superhero totem pole (not high, kid.) ***


Adventure Comics ****
So I thought I would do a review of the series from the renumbering. Superboy is probably the only "Super"-person that I care enough about to follow. I don't hate any of the others, I just don't care to care. Now, I think that Geoff Johns is a fabulous writer. I am in awe of just how many things he has going on write now. The writing in Adventure comics has been great, the story has been cool. I totally dig the internal struggle of good and evil-Superman vs. Lex thing going on in Connor's head. I love that Connor is Tim's best friend and I like that Connor is taking a moment to just be a kid. The interactions between Con and Tim, Martha, Cassie, and even Krypto are just great to read. Frank Manupul is a tremendous artist. If nothing I've said makes you want to read this, the art alone should be enough. It's some of the most beautiful artwork you will see being produced on a monthly basis (at least for one more month.) Sadly, Geoff Johns and Frank Manupul will be leaving after the 6th issue. There haven't been that many, I suggest you all just go out and read these. Pronto.

p.s. Adventure Comics 4/5 are Blackest Night tie-ins and will be reviewed in my Blackest Night tie-ins part 2 post.

Berserker #3 **1/2
I thought the premise to this comic was pretty cool. The Berserkers being this ancient mythical race of Norse warriors who fought with an uncontrollable rage, and the comic following their modern day ancestors. I thought number 3 was a tad bit bloody and much more gore-y than needed. I also am beginning to prefer Farris' character to Aaron's. All in all, not bad. But I might have to let this one go, seeing as I can't afford all the comics I buy.

Hello and Everything that Encompasses

"Good Morning Starshine, the Earth says 'Hello'! " (Willy Wonka)
For today and the rest of your time spent in our universe, you can refer to me as Arnab. I've never written for a blog before, so forgive me if I may sound (non-vocally of course) a tad out of sorts. As Matt has mentioned, we are indeed friends and he has invited me to share with you all my thoughts, views, and everything I think about comics in general. Matt is pretty much one of two of my comic buddies, and definitely a person to be held in high regard, both in and outside of the realm of comics, superheroes, and everything awesome.

I thought it would behoove any, if not all, the readers to know which comics I follow and thus will probably be reviewing. I should also mention that I am more than willing to read and review any comic that is offered up and this list will most likely grow. Like Matt, I will divide them by publisher.

MARVEL:
X-Men Legacy
Uncanny X-Men
New Mutants
X-Force
Cable
Deadpool
Necrosha
New Avengers (sometimes)
Dark Avengers
Dark X-Men
The List
Psylocke (miniseries)

DC:
Green Lantern
Green Lantern Corps
Blackest Night-All Tie Ins
Batman
Batman and Robin
Red Robin
Gotham City Sirens
Streets of Gotham
Adventure Comics
Teen Titans (although I'm not completely up to date)
World's Finest (miniseries)
Superman Secret Origin (miniseries)
Green Arrow and Black Canary

Image:
The Walking Dead

Top Cow:
Berserker

I will also probably end up reviewing TPB's and any other collected issues I read. My first real post will probably come later today, hopefully, although most likely it will be a work in progress.

Watch for it!