DUDE! This is hella-awesome!! Thor’s pissed at the gods and humanity for various transgressions and decides to say to hell with it all and thrashes everything on an epic scale. This leads to his father, Odin, to start smackin’ his son around and show him the error of his ways. If you love mythology, battles, great art and, of course, Thor then you should pick this up and revel in this mighty good tale. Grade: A+

DC Comics: Justice Society of America – Kingdom Come Special: The Kingdom ( one-shot )

I don’t understand why this and the previous JSA Kingdom Come one-shots weren’t just told in the regular JSA monthly title but, like the previous two, this is a decent story (with fantastic art) that adds to the mystery and drama surrounding the god-like being, Gog, and how it affects the JSA as well as the rest of the world. Gog has granted “the heart’s desire” of several members of the JSA and some see it as a blessing while others are waiting for the other shoe to fall. The last page of this tale gives you an idea (which at least to me was obvious) of what’s coming. A pretty good story here but only pick it up if you’ve been reading the JSA Kingdom Come storyline already. Grade: B-

Marvel Comics: Hulk #8

You have two stories here in this issue, both second parts of ongoing storylines, one starring the Bruce Banner Hulk and the other starring the very crappy Red Hulk. The Banner Hulk story is better but I was at least entertained by the Red Hulk story. Jeph Loeb writes, if you want to call it that. The highlight of this whole issue is the phenomenal art by Arthur Adams and Frank Cho. Both men are kicking serious ass here. I just wish the writing was up to par. Please Marvel, I beg you, let the Green Hulk kill this Red Hulk. The character really really sucks! Grade: C

Cover of the Week: Batman #681

I hear that the current storyline in this book kind of sucks…but damn, that cover sure is purty!

Until Next Time–Peace…

This was actually very good but with writer Peter Tomasi (Green Lantern Corps) on hand I should have expected a good story.

Along with artist Fernando Pasarin, Tomasi gives us some background on one of the key characters from the epic Kingdom Come miniseries from 1996 as well as the current Kingdom storyline in the ongoing Justice Society of America. Lance Corporal David Reid was brought back from the dead by the god-like entity, Gog, several issues ago in JSA and turned into the superpowered Magog. Not only do we get backstory but a good and very timely story about a confrontation between superheroes and armed rebel sadists in the Congo. Pick up the book…it’s a flat-out good read. Grade: A-

Marvel Comics: Deadpool #4

This is very simple…this book is tons of fun! Humorous dialogue, slick art, blood, bullets and zombies all wrapped up in a superhero-ish package. Worth the buy! Grade: A

Dark Horse Comics: Conan the Cimmerian #5

I really, really miss writer Kurt Busiek and artist Cary Nord on this book. It seems to be lacking vitality throughout and I’ve never really felt that reading any Conan before. Writer Tim Truman, who has done other great things, just seems to not be hitting all of the buttons that need to be pushed. It’s very hard to put my finger on. Artist Tomas Giorello is a worthy artist but lacks that bit of grace and punch we got from Cary Nord. I just can’t recommend this book and it pains me. Grade: C- (very close to a D)

Cover of the Week: Fantastic Four #561 (variant cover)

Gotta love chimps!

Until next time— Peace…

There is one reason you should buy this and it’s Alex Ross. The man is an unbelievably talented artist and he does the interior art in this thing front to back, not just the cover which he’s been doing mostly for a long while now. This book is beautiful!

If you haven’t been reading Justice Society of America then you might be a little lost. Basically, a much older Superman from a parallel Earth (the one from the most excellent Kingdom Come miniseries from 1996) has shown up on the DC Earth we usually deal with and has to come to terms that most of the allies he saw die on his Earth are very much alive on this one. This one-shot gives us some great moments that are wonderfully accentuated by the outstanding Ross art. He also wrote the thing as well. This is part one of a JSA Kingdom Come Special trilogy that adds to the great story happening in the regular JSA book. But, even if you aren’t following the story, pick this up for the art alone! Grade: A+

Marvel Comics: Wolverine #69 ( Old Man Logan part 4 )

Oh yeah, this story is still a lot of fun! Writer Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven must be having a great time creating this story. To catch you up, the Marvel Universe has gone all to hell and it’s 50 years later. The supervillains won and divided America into quadrants ruled by particular baddies. Wolverine hasn’t given up his violent ways and just wants to take care of his family. Low on money to make the payment on his land he takes on a job with the now blind ex-Avenger Hawkeye to deliver some cargo to the east coast. They have run-ins with the Ghost Rider gang, the Kingpin and in this issue, the Moloids. Just a straight up cool read that’s superheroes mixed with The Road Warrior with a touch of the western flick Unforgiven. Definitely a fun read for those familiar with the Marvel Universe. The twists on what we know makes this worth reading. Grade: A

DC Comics: Green Lantern Corps #30

This title remains one of the best comics on the stands today. This issue is a lot quieter than previous issues but still gives you some good bang for your buck. This continues the saga of the expanding groups of ring bearers from the emotional/energy spectrum. The GLC go to the planet Zamaron, home of the Star Sapphire/Violet Lantern Corps, to spy under the disguise of diplomacy. They don’t like what they find being done in the name of “love”. And Kyle Rayner and other Corps members have a run-in with Kryb, a Sinestro Corps member who is murdering GLC members and their loved ones and abducting their infant children. Peter Tomasi has been writing his ass off on this book and Patrick Gleason is an artist with a fantastic visceral style that always makes this book find it’s way to the top of my read pile. Like I said, the issue is quieter than it’s been but still worthy of your moolah. Grade: B+

Cover of the Week: Marvel Comics – Magneto: Testament #3

This cover actually makes me feel sorry for the murderous bastard!

Until next time– Peace…

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti with art by Phil Noto, issue 1 of this 5 issue mini starts off with a Female Fury named Maelstrom who wants to become the queen of the evil ruler Darkseid and plans to do it by killing Superman. When she shows up on Earth she first encounters Supergirl and the aftermath of the battle takes a tragic turn. Pick this up. It apparently takes place before all of the Final Crisis crap, is devoid of excess continuity and has great art. Grade: A

Marvel Comics: Avengers – The Initiative ( one-shot )

I’ve stated before that the ongoing Avengers: The Initiative is one of the best titles that Marvel publishes and this one-shot is up to par. But I don’t really get why they just didn’t have this as part of the ongoing title. Written by Christos Gage with art by Steve Uy, this is a tale that concentrates on the romance between Initiative member, Hardball, and Komodo. Action, romance, origins and betrayal ensue. A good read. Grade: B

DC Comics: Trinity #23

This weekly series has been good most weeks and really good on some. This week’s issue….bleh! The cover’s cool though. Grade: D

Cover of the Week: A Tribute to Michael Turner (Aspen Comics)

RIP Mike…you are missed.

Until next time — Peace…

Wow! Just freakin’ awesome and if you are not onboard with all things Green Lantern related then you are missing out. Geoff Johns writes one heck of a tale here that formally introduces us to the Red Lantern Corps, rage powered individuals who are sure to give the Green Lantern Corps one hell of a time. Shane Davis pencils this issue and the guy is unbelievable. There’s a splash page in this issue that rivals what Ivan Reis is doing in the main ongoing GL book. Buy this one! Grade: A+

Dark Horse Comics: Hellboy – In The Chapel of Moloch ( one-shot )

For the first time in years creator Mike Mignola does the art duties on a full sized Hellboy tale. It’s your basic Hellboy goodness which in many, many ways is better than anything on the stands today. Creepiness abounds in this tale of an artist in Portugal under supernatural influence with Hellboy out to save the day. Buy this one too! Come on…it’s Mike frickin’ Mignola!! Grade: A+

Marvel Comics: 1985 #6 ( of 6 )

This mini, to me, has been a lot of fun. It’s all about the Marvel Universe’s characters in the real world circa 1985. Havoc ensues. This issue has the big confrontation between the villains and the heroes. Since issue 3 I knew where writer Mark Milar and artist Tommy Edwards were going with this but it’s still been a cool read with the nostalgia of the 1985 Marvel Universe. Not a fantastic read but definitely a fun one. Grade: B

Cover of the Week: DC Universe – Decisions #4 ( of 4 )

with the upcoming election I just had to pick this one!

Until next time– Peace…

So far I haven’t cared much for this series. This is DC’s big event book for 2008 and the big completion to their “Crisis Trilogy” started with Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1986 and continued with Infinite Crisis in 2006. This one has been a little hard to follow and frankly, a bit boring, but thankfully this issue kicks it up several notches.

I’m not going to go into how overrated I think writer Grant Morrison is. He’s got some fantastic ideas at times but often his storytelling isn’t my cup of tea. This issue is the first thing I’ve liked from him since his days writing Justice League in the Nineties. As far as art goes on this book, J.G. Jones rocks! His visuals always deliver even if the story isn’t really there. Issue 4 here picks up a month after issue 3 when the Anti-Life Equation has been broadcast across the globe by the evil minions of the god-like Darkseid. His soldiers have enslaved much of the world’s population and the superheroes, Green Arrow, The Ray, Hawkgirl, Oracle, etc., are the last bit of resistance. It looks like evil has won. But the heroes have a hail mary pass that will hopefully turn the tide. Since the last 3 issues of this book really left a lot to be desired I have to give credit and say that this issue did entertain me and didn’t leave me scratching my head. Grade: B

IDW Publishing: G.I. Joe #0

IDW Publishing has taken over the comic side of this beloved 80’s franchise and here we are with a zero issue priced at 1 dollar that gives you a taste at where they are headed with the further adventures of G.I. Joe. You get three stories here previewing three Joe titles coming to your comic shop very soon and all three stories center on the popular character of Duke. I’m enthused to see what will be done with this and this issue is definitely worth picking up…the thing is only a buck! That’s great for these recession laden times!! Grade: B+

DC Comics: Superman – New Krypton Special one-shot

The last issue of Action Comics tied up the storyline that had Superman meeting the real Brainiac (not his robotic probes) for the first time and had a final page that was a punch in the gut….the apparent death of Pa Kent. I really thought that he was just injured and we’d see him recovering in the next few issues. Well, he’s gone. This one-shot begins with the funeral of Pa Kent and it is incredibly moving and beautifully rendered by master artist Gary Frank. You feel the pain of loss to Clark and Ma Kent as well as the rage felt towards Brainiac, who had launched a missile at the Kent farm in the final moments of the battle with Superman in Action Comics. Along with the family tragedy, Superman also has the issue of the Kryptonian city of Kandor. The city was a minituarized captive of Brainiac but during the battle was liberated by Superman and placed near the Fortress of Solitude before it expanded to normal size. Now, there are thousands of Kryptonians on Earth and Superman and some military types are wondering how to handle this new world-changing situation. Writers Geoff Johns, James Robinson and Sterling Gates and artists Gary Frank, Pete Woods and Renato Guedes give us a hell of a tale that lays the groundwork for where the Superman mythos is headed for issues to come. Very well done! RIP Johnathan “Pa” Kent. Grade: A+

Cover of the Week: DC Comics: The Family Dynamic #3 ( of 3 )

I know nothing about this comic but this cover caught my eye with it’s beautiful animated style!

Until next time– Peace…

Here’s more goodness from writer Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener, delving out good sci-fi World War II action in their own fantastic way.

I’m telling you folks, you can’t beat the entertainment value in this comic. We continue with Atomic Robo’s adventure of trying to stop the Nazis from interfering with the Allied mission in Europe in 1943, in which they are using walking tanks and other scientific means. This issue also has Robo “teaming-up” with Britain’s adventurer, The Sparrow, to catch the creator of the walking tanks. Lots of fun here! Buy!! Grade: A

Marvel Comics: Ultimate Origins #5 ( of 5 )

Something big is supposed to go down in Marvel’s Ultimate Universe and this mini-series basically gives you all of the origins of the major players in this upcoming event. The Ultimate version of the Watchers have been popping up all over and in this issue they reveal why they are doing the watching but it’s still pretty enigmatic. The Fantastic Four are center stage here so forget seeing Cap or Hulk as in the cover above. But, you do get a pretty sweet revelation here which has been teased for several issues that is a big deal and different from the mainstream Marvel universe. Brian Michael Bendis writes and Butch Guice handles the art, which is very realistic and beautiful. Not a bad book but you need to be interested in the goings on in this particular universe. Grade: B

DC Comics: Justice Society of America #19

Okay, I want to say right off the bat that the image above is not the cover for this particular issue, it’s last month’s. Every image I could find for this month’s cover was of very sucky quality. Anyway, if you’ve been keeping up with this Kingdom Come-esque storyline then you are going to really dig this issue. With all of the drama surrounding the activity of the god-like Gog from the previous issues, things really start to come to a breaking point here. Hawkman gets pissed. Starman is being all mysterious. And Kingdom Come Superman is about to go off…you can just tell. I really want the artist from the last few issues, Fernando Pasarin, back on this book but Dale Eaglesham still does a kick-ass job and it’s nice to have him back on the book. Comic book writing god Geoff Johns gives us another good read here. Oh yeah, Alex Ross is co-plotter and gives us the cover, which is actually good. I just can’t find a decent image of it anywhere. Grade: B+

Cover of the week: Vertigo Comics — Fables #77

ooooh, pretty….

Until next time– Peace…

As comic book companies like to do with their “milestone” issues, issue 25 here is double-sized….and contains a story that has many elements that we’ve seen in other titles that have been executed better. But there are some good things here and that cover is pretty kick-ass, huh?

Written by Dwayne McDuffie with art by several artists including the regular penciler Ed Benes (this guy really does a fantastic job!), this is part of the continuing saga of what is up with Vixen’s powers. The chick normally can replicate the abilities of any animal but lately she has been replicating the abilites of her JLA teammates and it’s causing her to freak out. So, she visits Animal Man, who has powers like hers but like hers his are all wonky as well and both characters discover that they have gaps in their memory. It all concerns the machinations of the evil African spider god, Anansi and that’s where the story seems familiar. You get the twisting of reality and alternate takes on the members of the Justice League. This is a plot device that I’m sick of seeing in comics. Quit with the alternate reality bullcrap. It’s a very tired scenario that we see all the time in comics. One thing I will give props to in this issue besides some really cool art is the characterization is well done and reminds me why I love these characters. But I really miss writer Brad Meltzer on the title. You want a stellar DC team title, read Justice Society of America. It rocks! JLA lately has been pretty run of the mill. Grade: C

DC Comics: Tor #6 ( of 6 )

Man, I’ve had a lot of fun reading this series! This is old school comic book goodness here written and drawn by comics legend, Joe Kubert. It’s not deep but if you like adventure, dinosaurs, monsters, primal heroes and straight forward storytelling then you can’t go wrong here. Issue 6 has the stone age hero, Tor, beginning his journey home from the strange land he’s spent the last 5 issues in. With him are a woman with indigo skin and a half human/ape boy. Oh yeah, they have a run-in with a horny Abominable Snowman dude. I’m telling ya, this is fun stuff! Grade: A

DC Comics: DC Universe – Decisions #2 ( of 4 )

This mini, written by Judd Winick and Bill Willingham with art by Howard Porter, is about the presidential race in the DC Universe. The first issue was decent and had some great moments but this issue trounces that one. But I’m also a little biased as this issue starts out with a fist fight between two of my favorite DC characters, Green Lantern and Green Arrow. The ring comes off and the quiver hits the floor and the fists fly along with some great dialogue between two characters who have a ton of history between them. The tension is all because of Green Arrow endorsing a presidential candidate and the Justice League having major issues with him stating his political views publicly. There’s not a lot of action here but the premise is very intriguing and seeing how some of the characters feel politically is as well. A cool and topical read. Grade: A-

Cover of the Week: Marvel Comics – Sub-Mariner: The Depths #2

Until next time– Peace…

Now this was a great read! Written by Matt Wagner with ethereally beautiful art by Amy Reeder Hadley, issue 4 is the continuation of the medieval adventures of the magical fortune teller Nimue as she tries to prevent the explorer, Marco Polo, from being framed for rape in the kingdom of Xanadu, under the rule of Kublai Khan.

You’ve got ninjas, magic, action, romance and even The Phantom Stranger (from The Books of Magic/DC Universe fame). The story being told here is fascinating but if you buy this for only one thing then it’s the art. Miss Hadley’s style is incredibly pleasing to the eye and I forsee her to be a very hot commodity in the future of comics. Grade: A+

Marvel Comics: The Ultimates 3 #5 ( of 5 )

Writer Jeph Loeb used to be one of my favorite comic scribes on the stands but lately the guy has been one of my least favorite. His run on Hulk sucks and this run on Ultimates has paled in comparison to the mostly fantastic run by Mark Millar. This issue ties up the 5 issue “Ultimates 3″ and is supposed to be a prequel of sort to the upcoming “Ultimatum” series for Marvel’s Ultimate line of books.  It’s got some really cool moments, mostly thanks to the still wonderful art by Joe Madureira, but overall the story just doesn’t thrill me. The tale has been all about who murdered the Scarlet Witch and why and….hell, if you want pretty art, pick this up. Just don’t expect that great of a story. I’m just not feeling it. Grade: D+

Dark Horse Comics: Hellboy – The Crooked Man #3 ( of 3 )

This was a f#cking great finale for this mini-series! Full of creepy Hellboy goodness with just enough Hellboy action. Written by Mike Mignola with very effective art by Richard Corben, this finds Hellboy and Appalachian magic man, Tom, trapped in an old decrepit church in Virginia, 1958 by The Crooked Man (a manifestation of the Devil) and his undead minions. The Crooked Man wants Tom’s soul due to a deal he made many years ago and that’s where the action and creepiness ensue. Mignola and Corben work wonders with this issue, especially with scenes involving preacher Jeremiah Witkins as The Crooked Man tries to convince the man of God to turn over Tom. This issue (and the whole mini) are worth every penny and you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t pick it up. Grade: A+

DC Comics: Trinity #17

This weekly 52 issue series reaches the end of it’s first third and has me very curious to see where it goes next. There are 2 stories here as there have been throughout the series. Kurt Busiek writes and Mark Bagley draws the main tale involving the big confrontation between what I guess is the evil Trinity (Morgan la Fey, Enigma and Despero) and the good Trinity (Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman). The result of this confrontation appears to be world changing. You get some wonderful art but not much story, which is neither good nor bad considering the weekly nature of this book. The second tale is about the incarceration and origin of a villain named Konvikt (I know, stupid name but it is explained) who Supes and crew fought several issues back. Overall, not a bad issue but not anything that will blow your socks off either. But there have been worse weekly titles *cough* Countdown to Infinite Crisis *cough*.  Grade: B-

Cover of the Week: DC Comics – Superman #680

Gotta love some Krypto!

Until next time–Peace…

Damn, I love this book and I love the hell out of the cover above!

Written by Greg Pak with art by Clayton Henry we find our hero, Hercules, and his pal Amadeus Cho taking a little down time on an island in the Pacific that also happens to be a hangout for Amazon warriors. These Amazons are packing heat and are in heat, looking for a male worthy to sire their next generation. There’s great action and humor throughout the issue and, as I’ve said in previous reviews of this title, I don’t mind at all that Hercules has taken over this old Hulk title. Pak’s writing is fresh and makes this book one of the firsts I read the week it comes out. Henry’s art is fun and action packed and the man can draw some sexy ass Amazons. The only thing I didn’t like about this issue was that it seemed kind of short. But still very cool. Thanks to this book, Hercules is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters around. He’s as cool as Wolverine but without all the brooding. Grade: B+

Red 5 Comics: Atomic Robo – Dogs of War part 2 ( of 5 )

Man, I so want to see a team-up book with Atomic Robo and Hellboy. They would fit together so nicely. Anyhoo, this second issue of the second volume from writer Brian Clevinger with art by Scott Wegener is a super fun read with the WWII adventures of Atomic Robo, on a mission to stop the Nazis and their “Laufpanzers” –walking tanks. The action is no holds barred as Robo goes after Laufpanzer after Laufpanzer with help from the G.I.s around him. It’s nothing deep but if you want an entertaining read then you can’t go wrong with Atomic Robo. Grade: A-

DC Comics: Action Comics #869

Thank you comic book gods for giving us writer Geoff Johns! The man is a force to be reckoned with and knows these DC characters in and out and tells fantastic stories that showcase the characters strengths and weaknesses in perfect form. This issue is part 4 of the Braniac storyline that has Superman confronting the real Braniac, not the probes that he has dealt with before. In the previous issues he learned the details of the fate of the Kryptonian city of Kandor, how Braniac captured the city and triggered the destruction of Krypton and has been doing the same thing all over the universe. So, Supes went looking for Brainiac and found the real deal but now the evil bastard has brought his ship to Metropolis so he can do the same thing to it and to Earth that he did to Krypton. This issue is great as you see Superman face Brainiac head on all the while Metropolis residents panic and Daily Planet workers deal with the Brainiac probes in some, what I like to call, “OH YEAH!” moments. Artist Gary Frank is stupendous in this issue and I hope he stays on forever. Awesome awesome awesome! Grade: A+

Until next time—Peace…