Tag Archives: dc comics reviews

May 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

May 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

Hello readers and welcome to our look at the Previews magazine dated May 2014 with solicitations for product shipping starting in July 2014. First up, as we review Issue 308 of Previews will be DC Comics.

 

By July, Forever Evil will be done and Future’s End will be the focus as we ramp up to the Earth 2 weekly that will undoubtedly tie into Future’s End. There were many changes wrought as a result of Forever Evil and because of those changes we are getting DC’s version of an All-New set of relaunches.

 

Grayson #1          Let’s look at those first and see if any of them are bringing anything new to the DC line up. The character that went through the wringer most was obviously Nightwing who we now find is Dick Grayson, super-spy. For me the draw is the artist, while the writer Tim Seeley is hit or miss with me, mostly miss, Mikel Janin on art has piqued my interest. He did some solid work on Justice League Dark that made me a fan. When I initially saw the cover I was worried that it was indicative of the art for Grayson inside the book. Not that the cover is a bad cover it is just too Howard Chaykin for me and I have a hard time connecting with his art unless it is his original creations he is illustrating. That being said I will be checking out at least the first issue. Here’s hoping it’s new reader friendly.

 

New Suicide Squad #1          New Suicide Squad #1 comes to us from the team of Sean Ryan (W), and Jeremy Roberts (A). This book has me excited. I never got into the initial run of Suicide Squad and after having read the first 15 issues that a friend had, I was hooked. Throwing in Joker’s Daughter will further strain the team dynamics and I look forward to the colorful exchanges that are sure to come up between Harley and Joker’s Daughter. Deathstroke and Black Manta will also add more edge to the team. I’m thinking this is going to be the most volatile team in comic books, since ever. I will be checking out the first issue of this book.

 

Teen Titans #1          A relaunch that I am staying away from because I have little to no faith in the property at this time, and I have taken a sit and wait approach is Teen Titans #1. Will Pfeifer writes with art provided by Kenneth Rocafort. While I am one of those that is not a fan of the cover, I will not open that can of worms, that is not the sole reason for me not wanting this book, nor is it the creative team, both of which I have enjoyed in the past. At this time I just feel like they are putting out a Teen Titans book because they feel they should have one, and not because they have a good story to tell. The idea of a team of young heroes who will almost police the other young heroes is intriguing but I will wait to hear feedback on the first arc before I test the waters. Once burned, twice shy as the saying goes.

 

Star Spangled War Stories GI Zombie #1          Even though DC has tried two different war series and neither succeeded with G.I. Combat not able to make it past issue #7 and the first wave title Men of War gone with issue #8, they are trying again, this time combining zombies and war in Star-Spangled War Stories featuring G.I. Zombie. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti write with art by Scott Hampton. Even though the saying is “Third time lucky” I have a hard time seeing this title lasting past the first year.

 

Out of the 4, I will be sampling New Suicide Squad and Grayson just because they are trying a totally new direction for the character (Grayson) and taking qualities I already liked and ratcheting up that tension even further (New Suicide Squad).

 

Robin Rises Omega #1          The march towards Damian’s return continues in the July shipping one shot Robin Rises: Omega #1 by Peter J. Tomasi (W), Andy Kubert (A), and Jonathan Glapion (A). The forces of Apokolips gets thrown into the mix which may raise some eyebrows considering Darkseid’s upcoming role in the Earth 2 weekly and the Future’s End event. This may be a book to watch.

 

Wonder Woman #33          Wonder Woman #33 is the first part of the final storyline by Brian Azzarello (W) and Cliff Chiang (A). I have raved about this title since the first issue and while it is sad that this teams run is coming to an end, it has been a consistent run where the creators have left their definitive mark on the character, and for the first time I cared about Wonder Woman. It is time to place the rightful ruler in charge of Olympus and with the possible candidates Wonder Woman has her work cut out for her.

 

Batman #33 Zero Year          Scott Snyder writes the final issue of his Zero Year origin story in Batman #33. Clocking in at 48 pages this will give us the big final battle between Batman and Riddler. I am looking forward to a possible Absolute collection for this story and have my fingers crossed that we will see that solicited within the coming year. Greg Capullo (A), Danny Miki (A) and Scott Snyder (W) bring the roller-coaster ride to an end and we will be left with the definitive Batman origin in the New 52.

 

After having learned from their mistake during the last 3-D cover debacle last September, DC is releasing basic solicitations for the upcoming event books. Unfortunately there are no creators listed so people are going to be ordering based on the characters or the story. Other than the Justice League titles I will be passing on most of them, but there are some interesting tidbits to be had.

 

          Grayson is the top super-spy in Russia. Black Canary takes her place at the head of the League of Assassins. The Suicide Squad attacks the White House. Batwoman is a vampire. Selina Kyle is Black Mask. Those are just some of the stories that will be told in Septembers event. There will be 3-D covers and 2-D covers available. I would love to recommend some of the books but honestly without a creative team it is hard for me to justify any recommendations. At this point I would say get the books you already collect and maybe check out other ones once we start learning the creative teams.

 

Judy has the reservation list of 41 DC Futures End Titles for September at Book Fair. She has to know by Wed. May 28th at the latest, which titles you may want to pre-order in either 3D or 2D. These are sure to sell out fast and will not be available to order after this date. DC said they may have pictures available online by May 27th. Stop by the store and reserve your copies This Week to avoid disappointment in September.

 

Infinite Crisis Fight for the Multiverse #1          Another video game tie in is heading our way, Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #1 by Dan Abnett (W), Carl Potts (A), Szymon Kudranski (A), and others. This is fun partially because of the tie in (although I suck at the game, it is really pretty to watch), but mainly for all of the alternate takes we will see of our favorite DC heroes and villains. Being a fan of Elseworlds, What Ifs, and anything that smells like a multiverse I am so down with this book.

 

Well that is all for DC, up next, Marvel!

April 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

Hello comic book fans and welcome to the Previews Review for the magazine dated April 2014, showcasing product appearing in stores starting in June 2014. It has been a busy time for me with 2 moves happening within a very short span of time. Once this move is done I hope to get my life back onto a schedule which includes my writing, so with any luck and a major readjustment to my sleeping schedule this will be my last delayed article.

First up will be DC Comics. With delays plaguing many of the Forever Evil related titles these solicitations could be considered suggestions at this point but let’s jump in anyway and see what we have coming up, maybe in June, maybe not, we’ll see.

Infinity Man and the Forever People #1          For many months the New 52 has been an inaccurate description of the publishing line up with the title count not really coming close. DC looks to change that with the first of many new titles launching. We only get one new launch in June but it is an intriguing one. The legacy of Kirby’s Fourth World has been touched upon but the door is thrown open by the creative team of Dan Didio (W), Keith Giffen (W, A), and Scott Koblish (A) in the pages of Infinity Man and the Forever People #1. The premise seems simple enough, 4 students from New Genesis come to Earth to help with the advancement of humanity, that’s the simple part. Expect twists and turns as this is the creative team that brought us the incredibly under-appreciated OMAC launch at the start of the New 52. With Geoff Johns titles mostly playing it safe, Didio is known for taking a few more risks. This is a must buy for me.

New 52 Futures End #5          One thing I am picking up from the previews and solicitations for Futures End is that there have been apparently no new characters to appear in the five year leap forward. While it would have been nice to see the hint at future characters and concepts, the changes that the existing characters have gone through is quite drastic, primarily Frankenstein and Black Widow, never expected to see that. If you haven’t seen it, do look online or wait until the series starts rolling. June sees issues 5 through to 8 on the stands.

Justice League United #2          I am torn on Justice League United. On one hand the title was originally supposed to highlight the Canadian version of the team but instead we get the galactic adventures front and center. On the other hand it is written by Jeff Lemire who I have a large amount of faith in. Issue 2 transports us, and the team to Rann, plus we get a visit from fancy Lobo. While I am missing the Canadian content I am looking forward to reading the continued adventures of the country displaced team.

Worlds Finest #24          World’s Finest #24 by Paul Levitz (W), R.B. Silva (A), and Joe Weems (A) starts a storyline that will bring the two title characters back to Earth 2. Could this series be ending soon? Could it be the start of the road to the Earth 2 weekly that will possibly be joining Batman Eternal and Futures End on the shelves?

Superman #32            I mentioned earlier how Geoff Johns seems to favor the tried and true a little more than taking risks and that is clear in the solicitation for Superman #32 which sees the creative team change. Geoff Johns takes the writing reigns and legendary artist John Romita, Jr. lead the charge that sees Clark get an invitation to return to the Daily Planet. The solicitation promises new villains, and new heroes, and I hope that is true because Superman needs to change with the times, if the readers and DC allow it.

Batman and Ras Al Ghul #32          The question about Damian Wayne’s resurrection may be answered in June when Batman and Ra’s Al Ghul #32 comes to the comic shop. Peter J. Tomasi writes and art is provided by Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray for the concluding chapter of “The Hunt for Robin”. While I have not followed Damian’s exploits prior to his too soon death it is clear he had a following and he brought a human quality to the Dark Knight that you rarely saw in the character, and maybe that is something that will be back soon.

Batgirl #32          Could Oracle be returning in some form? That’s what I would get from the solicitation from Batgirl #32 from Gail Simone (W), Fernando Pasarin (A), and Jonathan Glapion (A) when Barbara has to deal with an enemy who is electronically her true identity. Instead of donning the cape of Batgirl she has to think of an alternative. I have missed Oracle so much since the New 52 rebooted and I feel that we lost something when Barbara left that identity behind in the old DC. Here’s hoping for Oracles return.

Larfleeze #12           Larfleeze is ending in June with issue 12. This may sound harsh but is anyone surprised? The only thing more surprising is the continued publication of Batwing.

Batman 66 Meets Green Hornet #1          Dynamite and DC are teaming up retro pulp style with the release of Batman ’66 Meets Green Hornet #1. This is a digital first series but June will see it in print. Written by Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman with art by Ty Templeton, this is sure to be a hit, as long as Smith respects the theory of a deadline with this one.

Tiny Titans Return to the Treehouse #1          All ages fans look alive. June sees the return of the fan favorite Tiny Titans in Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #1 (of 6). Art Baltazar (A,W), and Franco (W) are back with their Eisner Award-winning series. What happened to the treehouse and why is it so small? This is what Superboy and Supergirl and the others need to find out. These books are fun and a wonderful way to introduce a younger generation to the fun of comic books.

Well that’s it for DC, up next is Marvel!

March 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

March 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Let’s pay a visit to DC Comics and what they will be shipping starting in May 2014.  With Forever Evil finally over the DC Universe heads into the next chapter of it’s editorially controlled story. Where Marvel seems to be allowing more creative freedom and very different takes on its characters DC seems to be going for the opposite. Most titles are serious and generic superhero titles.

 

Wonder Woman #31          The prime example for me is Wonder Woman, which is one of the rare titles that launched with the first wave and has maintained a strong independent voice on the comic stands, but that is even coming to an end when the creative team is changed and they bring the book more in line with her Justice League character. What this means to me is that DC is losing the one book that has truly shone a light on a character that has struggled in the past to find her own voice and identity, and turning it into another generic superhero book.

 

This limits my excitement for DC, who does not seem to want their characters to be different from each other, but instead they are all to be cut from the same dark and serious superhero mold. Not all of DC is like this and the creators are doing what they can with what little freedom they are allowed but as a fan I am just sharing my impressions. With that out of the way let’s look at some of the more interesting solicitsin Previews.

 

New 52 Futures End #1          A second weekly is joining the lineup in May. Futures End begins with a bang as a Justice League member dies. With that being said I am looking at this series as more of an Elseworlds as fans know DC would never make such drastic changes permanent. Grifter appears in the first issue and Stormwatch and their fate are discussed in the fourth issue. This is a relief as with the cancellation of Stormwatch (not surprising considering the title never found a voice through its entire run) there are no Wildstorm characters of prominence in the DCU in the regular line, and many of those characters have so much potential that has been thoroughly wasted since the launch.

 

One other exciting story point is the introduction of Batman Beyond into DC continuity. He is on a mission to stop whatever dark future will presumably envelop the DCU. As a self admitted geek I can’t help but wonder about the conundrum this will create. If Batman Beyond goes back in time to prevent a dark future, and ends up being successful then in the future Batman Beyond would not need to go back in time creating a paradox. I know this may not matter to most and that time travel is not a real thing (at the moment) but my logic cannot shake this point, hence the Elseworlds view I have of this title. It may sound like I am bad mouthing the title but it will be on my pull list because, logic aside, this book has a list of strong creators involved (Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Aaron Lopresti, Art Thibert, etc.) and should be a fun read. The first 4 issues drop in May.

 

Justice League United #1          Animal Man by Jeff Lemire may be cancelled but his adventures will continue in Justice League United #1 written by Lemire and drawn by Mike McKone. While Justice League of America seemed like nothing more than a really drawn out Forever Evil prelude where the characters were driven purely by the crossover, United will hopefully allow these characters to grow, plus they are in Canada, which has been ignored on a regular basis by DC Comics. It will be nice to see our country represented. Issue #1 follows up on the April shipping 0 issue and will be added to my pull list, for the time being.

 

Secret Origins #2          Secret Origins #2 is out in May and its lead story is Batman. A strange addition, and really a wasted edition as Batman’s origin is being played out in his main title written by Scott Snyder.  The other two origins could hold promise though as we will be treated to the beginnings of Aquaman and Starfire.

 

Batman Eternal #5          The other weekly continues in May with issues #5-8 of Batman Eternal hitting stands. I will pick this up for the entire run as long as Scott Snyder stays involved.

 

Batman and Frankenstein #31          Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE was one of my favorite books when the New 52 launched but since it did not feature Batman, or Superman it wasn’t supported by readers (readers who still claim to want something different, and still do) and the character is relegated to occasional appearances. He makes a surprising appearance when he joins Batman on his search for Robin in Batman and Frankenstein #31. Anytime Frank appears and mutters “Hurrrmmm” I am onboard.

 

Movement #12          The Movement comes to a close in May with its twelfth issue. This is a solid book that didn’t have a chance in a market where new DC concepts are rejected by readers in favor of more of the same. Here is hoping that the characters that Simone wrote will make appearances elsewhere.

 

Sadly that brings an end to our look at DC Previews for May. With the recent announcement of more launches in the coming months I look forward to potentially having more books to highlight.

February 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

February 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

It is time once again to turn our attention to Previews Magazine, issue 305, listing items to appear in comic shops starting in April of this year. With so many changes happening in my life the one I am excited about is re-establishing a pull list. I have purchased titles here and there but with my hold pile at my comic book store having grown to huge proportions I waited until now to get back into some books monthly. April is a great example of jumping on points for the big two. First up let’s take a look at DC.

 

Batman Eternal #1         April is the month where several titles catch up to the new post-Forever Evil status quo. It is also a month of endings and some very notable starts. One of the most exciting starts is the first of two weekly series (three if you count the rumoured Earth 2 weekly). Batman Eternal is heralded by some of the strongest writers in the DC stable and specifically one writer who will always be tied to Batman, Scott Snyder. It is interesting to note that issue 3 of the weekly lists the return of Stephanie Brown but Bat-fans are probably already aware that she has made her first New 52 debut on the last page of Detective Comics #28 released on February 12th. James Tynion IV, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, and Tim Seeley are inboard as writers with Mr. Scott Snyder and Jason Fabok has the art covered.

 

Justice League #30 Evil         Forever Evil affected many characters and teams but most affected was the Justice League family of titles. Justice League #30 written by Geoff Johns with the art tag team of Ivan Reis and Joe Prado, gives us a drastically changed lineup with a couple of notable additions and three missing members. Joining the team are Captain Cold, and new leader Lex Luthor. Shazam is on the team, taking the place of the missing Superman. Flash, and Green Lantern are also missing from the lineup, which leads me to wonder what team they will eventually end up on? Maybe a book with Titans in the title? With such a changed lineup the drama in this book will definitely be notched up and I look forward to reading about a Luthor led team, while also seeing shades of Norman Osborne and his post Secret Invasion status over at Marvel. Let’s hope DC can do something a little fresh with the idea of a villain being considered the world’s greatest hero.

 

Justice League of America #14 EvilJustice League United #0 Evil         Justice League of America #14 brings an end to that series with many of the characters transitioning to Justice League United and north of the border where a new Justice League Canada sets up shop. Simon Baz, Katana, and Catwoman seem to be moving on from their Justice League status while Hawkman, Stargirl, Martian Manhunter, and Green Arrow are joined by Animal Man, a Red Lanternless Supergirl, and the newly Canadianized Adam Strange all call Justice League Canada home. While Matt Kindt is a very capable writer he has never spoken to me on a level that makes his books must buys for me but Jeff Lemire on Justice League United is a writer I can get behind. He has guided Animal Man within the New 52 since the character appeared in the first wave of 52 titles, right up to his cancellation in March so it is appropriate that he appears on a Jeff Lemire written team book. I honestly expected him to move over to Justice League Dark but assume that they are going to be given him more of a superhero edge following his 2 and a half years in the “Dark” corner of the DC Universe. Justice League United #0 is out on April 23, 2 weeks following the ending of Justice League of America.

 

Justice League Dark #30 Evil         Speaking of Justice League, the Dark team, previously led by Constantine now has him taking a passenger seat while Zatanna takes the wheel. The solicitations point to a traitor on the team. I am going to point my finger at either Nightmare Nurse or Deadman. J.M. DeMatteis is not my favourite writer but the draw of the characters is pulling me along, plus I want to see if I’m right about the traitor.

 

Nightwing #30 Evil         Before we go any further let’s look at some of the ending series. Nightwing #30 marks the end of that series written by James Tynion IV. With James moving over to Batman Eternal we have more than likely seen only the beginning of the changes in Nightwing’s life and will more than likely see the true fallout from Forever Evil in the Bat-weekly.

 

Suicide Squad #30 Evil         Another series ending as a result of Forever Evil is Suicide Squad, which bows out of the New 52 with issue #30. Amanda Waller has failed to protect the United States and must now pay for that failure. While I have not followed this book I do hope that homes are found for many of the characters, namely Amanda Waller, maybe a solo book? That is probably what the March solicited one shot is for, a testing of the waters for the character.

 

Superman Unchained #9         Superman Unchained #9 is the final issue of that series. Even though Scott Snyder has proven himself I never believed for a moment that Jim Lee would remain on the series for very long and expected this at some point. With so many Superman books this one seemed a little redundant and the story arc could have appeared in any of the other core Superman books, or they should have solicited this as a mini-series which is what most fans surely expected this book to be anyway.

 

Stormwatch #30         Stormwatch has been a troubled book since the start, never able to find it’s footing or voice but DC gave it numerous chances but it appears that those chances have run out. Issue #30 of the series closes that out with the return of the original team from their New 52 launch. Retailers and fans should take note as this book is solicited as a “Futures End” prelude. I don’t think this will be the last we’ll see of Stormwatch, and expect they will figure prominently in Futures End.

 

Teen Titans #30         Another book with a weak standing in the New 52 was Teen Titans. It too comes to a close in April with their 30th issue. Fans of the Teen Titans will get an extra issue in April as the third annual for the title also ships one week after the final issue of the monthly. The Green Team finale had an interesting last page teaser and I wonder if we will see that story thread followed up on when the title undoubtedly relaunches.

 

Secret Origins #1         With endings we also get several new series. We have already touched on Justice League United but that is not all that DC has in store for us. Secret Origins #1 brings us an origin series which will hopefully clean up some of the more confusing points of the condensed New 52 history, instead of adding more points of contention for continuity buffs. We get three origin tales; Superman, Supergirl, and Dick Grayson. The second issue in May is going to include Batman, which seems an odd choice since his origin is being told quite successfully by Scott Snyder in the main Batman book, but we’ll see who else joins the Dark Knight in the second issue to judge whether it is worth picking up. For now I will try out the first issue because of the writing of Tony Bedard, and Greg Pak drawing me in.

 

Aquaman #30 Aquaman and the Others #1         Before the New 52 I don’t think anyone expected Aquaman to be a character that could successfully maintain his own monthly for an extended period, but he has, and now he gets a second book as Arthur is joined by his former teammates, the Others. Aquaman and the Others #1 by Dan Jurgens (W), Lan Medina (A), and Ed Tadeo (A) is, quite smartly, a “Futures End” prelude, which should help boost the sales of a book that will already have high fan interest.

 

Larfleeze #10Sinestro #1         It has not been confirmed but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the last issue of Larfleeze solicited soon, and the premiere of Sinestro #1 by Cullen Bunn (W) and Dale Eaglesham (A) confirms that hunch for me. The Green Lantern family of books is a robust line but something has to give and Larfleeze being shut out of the most recent Lantern cross-over does not bode well for that book. Sinestro has been a character with so many ups and downs that it is far past time that he got his own book. This looks like a rebuilding of Sinestro, in the vein of DC’s Rebirth books. Sinestro has lost everything, and now he has to face all of his failures in the past in order to build a stronger Sinestro.

 

Smallville Season 11 Lantern #1         Speaking of Green Lantern, the mythos of the ring bearers hits the Smallville universe in Smallville Season 11: Lantern #1, the first of a four issue mini-series that sees Clark Kent don the ring for space sector 2813.

 

Sandman Overture #3         Vertigo has a couple of books of note. First is The Sandman: Overture #3. I will believe it when I see it. Just a tip to DC, when you solicit a book so far in advance, maybe, just maybe, make sure it can be released on time. DC is lucky that the Sandman character is so loved or else the delays that this book has been suffering could drastically hurt it.

 

Vertigo Quarterly #1 Cyan         DC must be taking a page from the Dark Horse book and are putting out a Vertigo Quarterly. It’s not monthly but as long as they can maintain the impressive creators who take part I will be there every 3 months. The first issue, Vertigo Quarterly: Cyan #1 features Jock, Fabio Moon, James Tynion IV, Amy Cho, Javier Fernandez, and so many others providing story and art. I am hoping this book gets strong support because the Vertigo Universe is a perfect place for an anthology. $7.99 for 80 pages is worth it as long as the creators deliver. Here’s hoping they do.

 

Well that is DC for April 2014. Some interesting stuff coming out and a perfect jumping on point for readers who stayed away during the Forever Evil cross-over. Good reading to everyone.

January 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

January 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

Well a combination of computer issues and high volume at work has led to a slight delay but it is now time take a look at issue 304 of Previews Magazine for items shipping as early as March of 2014. There are many changes taking place in comics and it points to even more readers and an increase in interest in the art form and I for one am so excited about what is coming up.

 

Forever Evil #7           One of the publishing lines that will be going through many changes and is in a state of flux is DC Comics. The Forever Evil storyline comes to an end in March with all titles that have not been directly involved catching up to the new status quo in April.

 

          Let’s start with a look at the Forever Evil storyline. The main event mini-series closJustice League of America #13 EvilJustice League #29 Eviles with the seventh issue. It is evil vs. evil. Lex Luthor and his Injustice League goes head to head with the Crime Syndicate and when the dust settles the DC Universe will be a very different place, which will apparently lead to allot of changes.

 

Forever Evil Rogues Rebellion #6Forever Evil Arkham War #6Forever Evil Argus #6          The event also draws to an end in Justice League #29 where Cyborg and the Metal Men making their move against the Syndicate. Martian Manhunter and Stargirl‘s fate hang in the balance while the fate of the Justice League is revealed in the pages of Justice League of America #13. Waller and her Suicide Squad do their best to stop The Thinker from delivering OMAC to the Syndicate, while dealing with the betrayal of one of their own.   The three associate spin off mini-series; Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S., Forever Evil: Arkham War, and Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion all close of with there sixth issues.

 

Trinity of Sin the Phantom Stranger #17 Evil Trinity of Sin Pandora #9 Evil Constantine #12 Evil Justice League Dark #29 Evil          The event within an event: Forever Evil: Blight also comes to a close with the final chapters appearing in Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #17, Constantine #12, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #9, and finally comes to a close in Justice League Dark #29. With internet rumors buzzing about the cancellation of Pandora in the next couple of months it makes me wonder what will be left of the darker corner of the New 52, and if there will even be one when the smoke clears.

 

Suicide Squad Amanda Waller #1           A side effect of Forever Evil is the weak, almost non existent state of the Amanda Waller run ARGUS and Suicide Squad and that is explored in the one shot; Suicide Squad: Amanda Waller #1 where Waller is tracked by an enemy who wants to see her dead and she is forced to rely on herself to survive. The Amanda Waller of the New 52 has not quite grown on me yet but this may be the moment she shines, and could possibly be the comic book equivalent of a back door pilot.

 

Aquaman #29           Aquaman #29 introduces us to the New 52 version of Atlas while this issue hints at a run in with Swamp Thing. I have liked some of the work done to finally give Aquaman the respect he deserves, and this may be the issue I dip my toe into the water again. Jeff Parker is off and on with me but the idea of seeing Swamp Thing up against the King of Atlantis is enticing to say the least.

 

Justice League 3000 #4           Justice League 3000 #4 is out in March and I am going to stick with it for a couple more issues. The creative team of Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis normally brings me enjoyment but after reading the first issue I am left scratching my head. Keith Giffen is a pro at writing likable, quirky characters but there was not a likable character in the entire first issue. The art was excellent, and I saw shades of our Batman in the 3000 Batman but there has to be some way to relate to the characters or this title is going to shed readers faster than any Justice League title that has come and gone.

 

Wonder Woman #29          Wonder Woman #29 continues the journey for Diana, the new God of War. Azzarello (W) and Chiang (A) have crafted one of the strongest titles in the New 52 and has broadened who this character is and her place in the DC Universe. If anyone can carry the mantle of God of War, it is Diana and I cannot wait to continue the journey with her.

 

Batman #29 Zero Year          The second arc in the Zero Year origin story, Dark City, comes to a close in Batman #29. Scott Snyder will always be considered one of the definitive Batman creators and Year Zero is a landmark story that highlights what makes the Dark Knight Detective so great. I have my fingers crossed that we will see an Absolute Edition of Zero Year, because if there is one, I will be the first one to order it.

 

Detective Comics #29 Gothtopia Talon #17 Batman the Dark Knight #29          The attempt to bolster sales of the lower rung Bat-titles, Gothtopia, ends in Detective Comics #29. Judging from the cover I am guessing that Scarecrow is behind this false, perfect world of Batman’s. The coming months will show whether struggling titles were saved by the cross-over. With Talon ending in March with the 17th issue and Batman: The Dark Knight drawing down the curtain with issue #29, it is clear that not even being part of the Bat family can save a book. No offense to the Batwing creative teams but I wonder how much longer that title has.

 

Batgirl #29          A book I haven’t really got into, has got my attention with the 29th issue of Batgirl. Gail Simone (W), Fernando Pasarin (A), and Jonathan Glapion (A) bring us a story about a new villain. This new villain Silver has ties to Andrew Bennett from the under-rated I, Vampire goes up against Barbara and the Talon known as Strix. My love of I, Vampire dictates I bring this home, and I hope an appearance by Bennett will follow shortly after.

 

Animal Man #29          A cancellation that caught me off guard was Animal Man #29. Jeff Lemire (A) and Travel Foreman (W) introduced us to Buddy and his New 52 world and are bringing it to an end. Buddy has been put through the wringer and with any luck the series ends on a good note because he needs it. Even if it doesn’t we can look forward to him joining Adam Strange, and others in Justice League Canada when it launches later in the year.

 

American Vampire Second Cycle #1          One of the critical and fan favorites of the Vertigo line arrives with American Vampire: Second Cycle #1. Scott Snyder writes with art provided by Rafael Albuquerque. I did not hop on board with the first run but since Batman has definitely woken my up to the talent of Snyder, I will be giving this book a try. Vampires and one of my favorite writers make this a must have.

 

See you soon with our look at Marvel and the other Publishers. These were some of the highlights for me so don’t be afraid to pick up a Previews and check it out for yourself, there is allot of good product out there.