Detective Comics #821
Writer: Paul Dini
Artist: J.H. Williams III
$2.99

A sensational first issue from new creative team Paul Dini (writer of the beloved Batman: The Animated Series) and J.H. Williams III, Detective Comics #821 is the fully realized goal of DC’s intentions with the universe-streamlining Infinite Crisis miniseries: to create comics that are easy for anyone to pick up and enjoy. Like the best episodes of Batman: The Animated Series and the great balance of Batman Begins, Dini’s first issue of Detective features plenty of Bruce Wayne, Batman’s alter-ego who is all but forgotten by most Batman comics writers. Here, Wayne is cunning and witty, attending parties and flirting with potential suspects, working to solve a crime in a way that Batman cannot. It makes the story a much more inventive, fun mystery — satisfactorily resolved by the end of the issue — and J.H. Williams III’s art is dark and atmospheric, a perfect fit for the character and tone of the comic. Throw in appearances by Robin, Commissioner Gordon, and brand-new villain Facade, and you have the best Batman comic in ages.
KFR Rating: A

Star Wars Tales Vol. 1
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
$19.95

A long time staple of wildly uneven comics — from the thrilling highs of Boba Fett: Bounty on Bar-Kooda to the sophomoric lows of Empire’s End — the Star Wars brand is nonetheless, with its spaceships, lightsabers, and strange creatures, well-suited for the comics medium. With Star Wars Tales, Dark Horse finally figured out the best way to create consistently solid Star Wars comics: make each issue a standalone story about a different character, written and illustrated by a revolving door of creators with fresh takes on the franchise. Star Wars Tales Vol. 1 is evidence that the idea works. The hilarious “Skippy: The Jedi Droid” fleshes out the backstory of the red astromech droid, Skippy, that Luke and his uncle almost bought in Star Wars (Skippy was actually a Jedi who self-destructed on purpose), while taking sly shots at Lucas’ Special Edition enhancements of the Classic Trilogy. Also included is an equally funny Jar Jar tale, revealing why he was banished from his home, as well as several stories chock full of lightsaber action. While not all the comics included here reach the same levels of quality, they are noticably better than most of what has come before in the saga’s series of comic books. Recommended for those needing a Star Wars fix.
KFR Rating: B+

All Star Superman #4
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely
$2.99

All Star Superman continues to be the best comic book on the market today. Issue #4 focuses on Grant Morrison’s genius reimagining of both Jimmy Olsen (as a very cool and powerful columnist for the Daily Planet), as well as villain Doomsday (as a weapon to be used against Superman, should he ever get out of control or “turn evil”). This being Morrison, he keeps the wonder of the Superman mythos in tact, while cleverly updating it for today, creating a surprsing finale that ends all too soon. This issue, as well as All Star Superman as a whole, is smarter and more fun than any Superman story of recent years. If Morrison and Quitely can keep up the quality for their alotted 12 issues, All Star will go down as one of the all-time greats.
KFR Rating: A+

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