OK, so I’ve been busy. And lazy. But mostly busy! At any rate, here we go - super-digest-sized reviewage GO!

IDENTITY CRISIS #3 - I’m absolutely, completely, totally into this series, no matter what the naysayers may scream. Meltzer, Morales and Barr are turning in some fantastic work here. Sure, there’s still the chance that things could go completely off the rails, but after this issue, I’m more confident that it’s more like a 70/30 chance it’ll all turn out solid rather than a 50/50. Good, good stuff, and no, I ain’t gonna spoiler any of it for you.

POWERS #3 - Isn’t this like the third issue in 5 weeks? Whatever - I’m not complaining. I love this series so much, I wish it were bi-weekly all the time. Some potentially creepy developments this issue, but not entirely out of the blue after last issue’s revelations. Awesome stuff, fantastic cliffhanger, one of the top 10 comics published on a monthly.

FABLES #28 - This series was dangerously close to jumping the shark about 10 issues back, but the last storyline completely redeemed it. Now it’s time to take a breather, so we get a completely talented guest penciller (Tony Akins) and the first part of a fun little story from Bigbie’s past. Not the best Fables story to date, but enjoyable enough as a placeholder.

JSA #64 - Not something to give a new reader, but it does wrap up a few somewhat straggling plotlines competently enough. Jerry Ordway guests on art this issue, which is kind of neat considering the plot revolved heavily around characters from the titles he cut his teeth on back in the day. Still, I’m more interested in the Hourman plotline right now, and that was kind of pushed into the background until the end of the book. Next month should pick back up.

BLOODHOUND #1 - OK, so this was released a good 3 weeks ago, if not more, but I had skipped it. Frankly, it just looked kind of “eh”, despite the sweet Dave Johnson cover. But after reading a number of reviews that praised the title, I figured I may as well give it a spin. Luckily, it’s really quite good. This issue would make for an excellent opening 10 minutes of a TV show or movie, and it’s got me completely hooked for as long as the series lasts. Which is exactly what my poor wallet needs - yet another monthly title. Oh yeah, in case you missed it, the high concept is this - non-superpowered guy is able to take down superpowered people without fail. The catch is, he’s in jail for a few fairly violent crimes and he doesn’t particularly want to come out to help his old partner on a case. Things get more interesting from there.

TEEN TITANS #14 - Jaysis, why is this getting more than 2 issues? A tedious Beast Boy story with Tom Grummett art that is not nearly his best work. It’s just old comic clich? on top of old comic clich?, page after page. The only interesting part of this arc is the subplot revolving around Superboy and the recently retired Robin, Tim Drake. If it weren’t for their 3-4 pages per issue, the comic would be an entire waste. Here’s hoping that Johns and company have something up their sleeve for the finale of the arc and get things back on solid ground. My little neps this title, and I’d hate to see him turned off of it due to two weak storylines in a row.

GOTHAM CENTRAL #22 - Oh, screw you and your freaking Hal Jordan Returns hype. Gotham Central is a book far more worthy of the buzz that that event - and about 10 others - is going to have heaped upon it by the DC powers that be and fandom at large. GC is a rare treasure - a superhero book that totally embraces the quirks and absurdity of the genre, but manages to ground it and meld it with another genre to fantastic results. Easily the best crime comic published today by anyone, I’d put the quality of the storytelling up there with my favorite TV series, The Shield. So, so good, and it’s a freaking crime that you, you and you aren’t buying it on a regular, but you’re overjoyed at the idea of Hal Jordan beating on tired bad guys while wearing green trunks again. And this is from a guy that completely and unapologetically likes reading stories about guys in bright colored outfits beating the crap out of the same, as the next review will illustrate…

CAPTAIN AMERICA #30 - Dammit, I loved this issue. Totally a love letter for all of us old-school Captain America fans who remember the days when Ron Lim and Kieron Dwyer were working with Mark Gruenwald to make CA one of Marvel’s best monthly titles. Robert Kirkman and Scot Eaton have not only evoked the feel of those days, but they’re bringing back many of the characters that made that long Gruenwald run so good in the first place. A shame Kirkman’s only on the title for a few more issues. Hopefully the next writer will continue to follow the trail he’s re-discovered.

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This week was an anomaly for me in that I have just now read my comics today. It was a smaller week then normal for me, but a week filled with some quality titles.

Marvel Knights 4 #6: Easily my favorite Marvel title right now. I had huge reservations about this book, but Aguirre-Sacasa has nailed it. Steve McNiven’s incredible art just ups the ante. When I get my Diamond list and see this title is coming in, it makes my week.

Swamp Thing #4: The horror comic to be reading folks. Andy Diggle and Enrique Breccia don’t spare the reader, and just when I think they can’t push further, they pleasantly surprise me again. This is another title I eagerly anticipate on a monthly basis. Man, Vertigo is hot again!

Strikeforce #3: I am warming up to this title, based on the fast paced action and the amazing art of Tyler Kirkham. Writer Jay Faerber isn’t playing bench warmer this time out, and his risk taking is paying off.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #6: Bendis and Millar’s last issue before Warren Ellis comes on board. This book is intriguing in every sense of the word, and I am trying to decide if it is sacrilegeous to be so eager for Ellis’s first crack at this.

Avengers/Thunderbolts #4: This mini series is a pleasant surprise. The characterization is dead on, and the art looks great. I loved the Thunderbolts series and was sad to see it cancelled, so it is nice to have a chance to revisit my favorite are-they-or-aren’t-they bad asses.

Exiles #48: I am not down with Tony Bedard’s first try at the Exiles. I have enjoyed his work over at Cross Gen, but he is taking it too seriously here. I plan to get the next story arc to give it another try, and hopefully there will be more liberties and less back story.

Ultimate Spider-Man #60: One of my guilty pleasures. Bendis makes the reader care about Peter Parker like he’s your younger snot-nosed brother. You hate to see him get into trouble, bu better when he’s in deep, if only to see just how he can get himself out of it this time.

Superman: Birthright #11: I am a huge fan of Mark Waid’s but I really want this maxi series to be over. It feels like it is dragging on, which is not a common feeling I get when reading Waid’s work.

Detective Comics #795: I hate this new Tarantula character, and much to my chagrin, she is being featured here now, instead of just the Nightwing title. Argh!

Alpha Flight #4: Man, this is just awful. I can’t even put it into words.

Have a great week everyone!

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Superman #204 - I don’t want to overstate too much, but WOW! I thought this was a great issue. I had to read it twice to really get a grasp on it, and should probably read it again the let everything truly settle, but who’d have thought that a talking head story with Superman could be so outstanding? This issue serves as a wonderful reminder that Superman, though he can lift buildings and fly to the heart of the sun, is first and foremost “Super” because of his strength of character. More than ever, I’m looking forward to seeing how “For Tomorrow” progresses. And of course I don’t have to say anything about Jim Lee, but I will anyway: beautiful renderings, amazing layouts, style for days. You can see why this guy sells comic books.

Batman #626 - Oddly, while Azzarello more or less blew me away on Superman this week, his Batman Arc, Broken City, didn’t do near as much for me. Now Judd Winick comes in and pumps things up again. I really liked this issue. Nice atmosphere provided by Nguyen

The Flash #209 - Every time I think this title has peaked, it bumps up another level. Consistently one of my favorite comics since the Waid era, and it just keeps getting better. I get the distinct feeling that there are some bits and pieces falling into place for Identity Crisis here. Howard Porter gets a hearty welcome back to comics from me.

Green Lantern #176 - This wouldn’t have to be very good to be better than Raab’s run, but in 1 issue Marz reminds me about what I loved about his writing on the title. This is the mint that finally clears the somewhat bitter taste of Raab’s arc out of my mouth. Nobody knows Kyle like Marz does, and it really shows in this issue. Character driven, smart, funny, touching. Now that we know that this is the final story arc of this incarnation of Green Lantern, it seems even more poignant. The art by Ross and Ramos is the best this title has seen in ages as well.

JLA #97 - Old fashioned. Period. There are probably people who despise this down to the deepest reaches of their bowels, but I’m enjoying it. It reminds me of the Justice League of America comics that were being published when I first started reading comics and that’s not such a bad thing. I’m guessing Nudge and her 4 armed monkey, Grunt will be joining the Doom Patrol when this is all over.

Legion #32 - Every time I think I’m out, they pull me back in. Things slow down in this title from time to time and then I lose interest. Now the whole Livewire in crystalline Element Lad body being hunted down as “The Progenitor” thing keeps my seatbelt on. I’m still not certain of what’s going to happen to this book when DnA leave, but I’m obviously staying until the end of this arc, now, since it’s only one more issue. This is the longest I’ve ever consistently bought Legion since the early 80s, so I have to give those guys some serious props.

Harley and Ivy #1 - Goofy. Fun. Fanboys across America have gotten out their tracing paper and are working hard at removing the carefully placed soap bubbles in the shower scene as we speak.

Catwoman #30 - I thought the old art style was a better match for the tone of this book, but the story is still very good. Selina gets her ass kicked by Zeiss -bad. Very cinematic structure in this issue and a good cliffhanger to boot.

Batgirl #51 - Beautiful cover. Seen the “Poison Ivy takes over Park in Gotham” thing before on both the Animated Series and during No Mans Land so that doesn’t exactly break new ground, or parkland. Some good development on the character side for Cassie, though.

Batman: LOTDK #178 - Part two of Devin Grayson?s two parter and probably the most enjoyable thing published in this title in the last year or two. I love seeing Catwoman’s frustration as she gets constantly outwitted by Matches Malone. It’s not ’til the end she realizes why this guy can always get the drop on her.

X-Statix #22 - Part two of the “Vs. The Avengers” arc. Part one set the stage (Doop kidnapped by terrorists using his brain as a super weapon, brain explodes, X-Statix and Avengers race around the globe trying to retrieve the brain pieces before the other team does ? (the Avengers are probably feeling some d?j? vu?like they’ve just done something similar recently…) Captain America makes short work of The Anarchist, but Dead Girl shows that when fighting submerged in a big puddle of toxic slop she can match the Scarlet Witch.

-Eric Haar

Concerned about the quality of my milkshake

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I am sorry for the lack of full reviews yet another week, but I find I have a head cold that doesn’t want to leave, giving me that fuzzy, not quite awake look. I did get a few choice comics that I wanted to point out before it was too late!

Ultimate Fantastic Four #4: I am still having mixed opinions here. Either it was my head cold or it got pretty wordy in places. I do like the “Flame On” shout out.

Batgirl #50: A throw down between Batman and Batgirl, featuring cameos from members of the Bat Family. Rick Leonardi’s art does it justice.

Outsiders #10: Freddy Freeman aka Captain Marvel Jr. makes an appearance. Black Lightning is also around to throw down. The issue was battle heavy, but it flowed well, and has a surprising ending.

Smax #5 (of 5): Not the ending I was expecting, but still it’s Alan Moore kids! Smax is my favorite of the Top Ten, so it has been an incredible ride finding out more about his backstory.

Ultimate Spider-Man #55: The cameos make this issue have a surreal feel. I love Bendis and Bagley together and hope to see them continue as a team for a long while.

Incredible Hulk #69: Not at all the ending I was expecting. Bruce Jones likes to keep the readers off balance, and it shows here. Awesome Hulk throwdown.

Conan #2: This book rules! If you haven’t tried it, pick it up today for God’s sake! Busiek and Nord are a great team, and the Linsner covers don’t hurt either.

Wanted #3: The book of the moment for me. Mark Millar just keeps upping the ante, and J.G. Jones’ art has never looked better.

Common Grounds #3: Another cool book you should be reading. The humanity factor of heroes shown like the tarnished silver it is.

Wildguard Casting Call #6 (of 6): The team revealed! Todd Nauck is having the time of his life and it shows.

COOL NEW BOOK OF THE WEEK:
Phantom Jack #1: The book looks great, and the story is compelling and timely. Give it a try and let me know what you think as well!

I am off to slip into a nice benadryl coma, have a great week!

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POWERS - Not a bad little wrap-up to the latest story arc (and to the first volume of the title as a whole). Bendis and Oeming have turned this book into THE book I look forward to buying again and re-reading in trades. I can sorta see what’s going on in the last few pages of this issue, but I’m still trying to piece it all together in my head…and that’s a good thing.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN - Another Bendis title, another good read. Seeing Avi Arad as a character in the comic was kind of sucktacular, but not so much so that it ruins the story. Some fun stuff mixed in with a few really nice character moments assures that USM remains one of the best books on the market, and probably the best book Marvel’s published in the last 5 years.

FALLEN ANGEL - Peter David continues to “re-invent” himself with this title, most easily described as a Vertigo title with DCU artwork. David’s at his best in this issue, crafting the story around Christian mythology and the crucifixion os Christ. Now, if only the book could get a fraction of the buzz that Mel Gibson’s movie has right now…

INCREDIBLE HULK - Bruce Jones coninues his run on last year’s critical darling, and things are looking up again. After getting rather thin on story about 6-7 months ago, HULK is back on track with actual plot movement. I have no idea where Doug Braithwaith came from, but his art is reason enough to get the book. Kinda reminds me of the Buscema/Palmer team from the mid 80s.

JSA - A nice little stand alone issue dealing with the fallout of the Black Reign storyline. The big development of the issue is the confrontation between Flash and Captain Marvel regarding CM’s interest in Stargirl, and what CM does about it. Hopefully, the issue is far from resolved, because it’s been one of the more engaging sub-plots of the last year. I’m guessing, however, that the next major plotline will involve the Hourmen, seeing as how one of them is supposed to be dying “soon, and the other is laying in-between seconds with his gut hanging outside his stomach.

And there’s more stuff, but I’m about typed out. Maybe I’ll cover the remaining books later this week, or maybe not. We’ll see.

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In place of my regular reviews, I have a few comments on the five comics I got this week. My husband and I are having plumbing problems at our home this weekend, so my brain won’t allow for extended reviews. Sorry!

Captain America & the Falcon #1: I just could not get into this, even though it is PRIEST, one of my favorite writers. The normal flow wasn’t there. Bart Sears does his usual larger then life work on the pencils this issue.

Alpha Flight #1: Somebody read Formerly Known As the Justice League and wanted to do something similar with lamer results. The art was cool though.

Supreme Power #8: One of my favorite series, but it is moving slowly for my tastes. Gary Frank’s art is incredible, keeping me salivating for more.

Detective Comics #792: Good stuff from the new creative team. Part two of “The Surrogate”, which has Batman seeking Leslie and a patient under her care who have been abducted for less then noble purposes.

Swamp Thing #1: Absolutely kick-ass, my favorite of the week without a doubt. Andy Diggle captures the horror essence that has been missing from the book, and Enrique Breccia brings the best horror art since Stephen Bissette and John Tottleben worked on Alan Moore’s stuff. If you didn’t pick this up, go grab it today!

Take care all! Have a great week and think happy plumbing thoughts for me!

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This week was another doozy in the way of spending serious dollars. Lots of good stuff, and some mediocre stuff came out this week. Here is a brief rundown.

Wonder Woman #201- Finally some action! As Diana tries to get Vanessa aka. the Silver Swan to Themiscyra, she is shocked to see the ramifications of issue #200 have left the Amazons decimated. The fall out of what writer Greg Rucka has built is awesome to behold.

Captain Marvel #20- This is the Captain Marvel I have been wanting to see. Marv has his craziness under control, and Marlo is back!

Outsiders #9- Guest star Black Lightning goes to the devil with the rest of the team. Also, Grace swears more then usual, which is a seemingly impossible feat. Good stuff from Winick and Raney.

Adventures of Superman #625- Part two of the Michael Turner extravanganza! The story heats up as Kal-El must deal with the ramifications of his seemingly impossible powers. Pick this story arc up, Kids!

Robin #123- This issue is worth picking up for page one alone. Trust me.

Rose & Thorn #3- Holy split personalities! This issue the body count racks up as Ashleigh must fight to maintain the dominate persona. Great reading from Gail Simone.

Daredevil #57- The mystery mounts as Matt Murdock must defend himself from the Yakusa mob. This title becomes more dangerous and takes more risks with each issue. I can’t stop myself from buying it.

Batman: Gotham Knights #50- I have mixed feelings on this. The pacing of the story had me confused and resentful by the end of the issue.

Exiles #43- One of the most consistently good books I read. From Judd Winick’s run to Chuck Austen’s current goodness, being freed of continuity really works here.

Wolverine #11- Rucka ends the second story arc of his tenure softly. Logan tries to learn from his rage control issues and act more like a man. Hmmmm…

Weapon X #11- Jeff Johnson, late of Cross Gen pencils this issue. I love the outlaw nature of this title, and bringing in Chamber was a smart move.

Elektra #33- Just found out this title is ending with issue 35. Nah, this series just never found solid footing. From Bendis’ kick ass start to now, there has been no sense of continuity for crap. It’s a shame, really.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang #2- still enjoying the inate naughtiness found here. I added it to my pull list at the local shop.

Time to go watch the series finale of Sex and the City now. Happy Reading!

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Here is a rundown of my serious pile of comics. I looked at the Diamond list this week and told my husband it was going to be a doozy, and it was. For complete reviews of Aquaman #15 and Secret War #1, check out the review section of this here site.

Knights 4 #1: I had already read it in a previous issue of Wizard, but as a big fan of the Fantastic Four, couldn’t keep away from it. I am a fan of Steve McNiven from his work at Cross Gen on Meridian, and he doesn’t disappoint with his art here. The story in itself is a “what if” of sorts, as the FF is out of work and out of a home, and must fend for themselves in an all too realistic world. There’s a tough time all around, and it is compelling for sure, but I will need a few more issues to draw a more informed opinion.

Emma Frost #10: A look at Emma Frost before she was the quintessential bad girl of X-Men lore. I am loving each issue of this book, and in this second arc, out on her own, the stakes are higher then ever. Hey Fellas- give it to your girlfriend, and she might like it. How Karl Bollers writes it with such a female perspective is beyond me, but it works well.

Nightwing #90: This book kicks ass! Devin Grayson has taken Dick to his lowest ebb and made him desperate, creating a new breed of Nightwing. Pissed and driven, Dick is on the destructive streak of his life as he must battle through a throng of villains to get to his main target. Never in a million years did I think Grayson,a huge Nightwing fan in her own right, would tear him down like this, but she has, and it works beautifully. Kudos to her.

Batman: Death & the Maidens #7 (of 9): God knows where this book is ending, with a feeble Ras’Al Ghul and a newly submissive Talia broken by the mysterious Nyssa. As Bruce Wayne takes a spirit quest of sorts to meet up with his long dead parents, there is a mysterious break in at the Bat Cave, and a whole other sordid plan. Can Bruce be everywhere at once? Only Rucka knows. Can writer Greg Rucka up the level of suspense? Apparently the answer is yes, as I have got to pick up the next issue immediately.

Action Comics #812: Start of the six issue Michael Turner power arc. I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of improvement in Talent Caldwell’s art, as I was genuinely pissed at how long it took him to get out the Aspen: Fathom’s War mini series at Top Cow. The story is pretty cool, featuring an alternate reality where Clark never came to Earth, and a hot babe to match. Never underestimate the power of a good looking Turner babe.

Coup’Detat Stormwatch: Something about this tale is making my head hurt, and after two tries, I haven’t been able to read it. I don’t know if the scope and breadth of the tale is too much for my tired brain, but I have decided to wait until the four part story is out to tackle it.

New Mutants #8: I have love/hate moments with this title. I like the core characters, and the concept, but some of the storylines are too quirky for my tastes. I think it must be my middle age that is the problem. If I had a teenage niece, I would hand this to her in a heartbeat. Lots of teen angst and growing pains.

Incredible Hulk #67: I love Bruce Jones’ work here; my husband hates it. He thinks there should be way more Hulk Smash moments, and I like the pathos that ensues to make him come to the surface. This current story arc reeks of sexual tension, which makes a romantic fool like me all the more happy. Oh, there is also a lot of broken stuff, which is cool for the guys.

The Demon: Driven Out #6: The last issue of the mini series. I have enjoyed seeing a chick attached to the Demon, and the even greater destruction that can ensue. I also like the Japanese mafia’s involvement, which is a guaranteed crown pleaser.

HERO #13: A guy becomes a chick, and his friend falls in love. Always good for a laugh. Seriously, this is one great title, where you never know what is going to happen next, but you know for sure it’s going to rock.

Brath #12: A Cross Gen title that has a hot guy as the lead character. Also, an ancient, gladiator storyline that gives me Russell-Crowe type goose bumps. Too good to pass up. The art is great to boot.

Epic Anthology: Damn, I sure wish this could have happened after reading this. All three stories were great, with Rob Worley’s take on Young Ancient One a stand out. I loved the husband-wife bickering and the humor infused in the tale. I also loved the Sleepwalker story by Kirkman and Randolph. Trevor Scott, who is becoming a favorite of mine, pencils the third tale titled Strange Magic. All three stories end with cliffhangers, and I would really like to see where they are headed.

I also got Witchblade #73, Mythstalkers #7, and Feather #4. All are Image, but I haven’t read them yet. Just got them today, and think that would be a great way to spend Valentines Day - just me and the hubby reading comics and relaxing after a tough week of work. Amen and Hallelujah!

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