Short Shorts – Comic Book Briefs for the week of 1/16/2008

No….NO!!!!  Don’t do it!  Don’t do it!!!!!

 

AAAAAHHH!!!!  IT’S BACK!  RUN!  RUNNN!!!!!!!!!!

Well, that horrifying image can only mean one thing: it is time for the Short Shorts, a few thoughts that I have on the comics I read.  These are reviews, just short comments: Briefs if you will.

God, I suck for using that image over and over again.  You all have my word that I won’t use it again for at least a few days.

 

Checkmate #22

I will forego the usual gushing I do about just how damned good this comic is…meh, no I won’t.  My god, this comic is just firing on all cylinders.  Rucka and Trautmann have completed a two-part storyline which solidifies Josephine Tautin’s standing as the baddest Frenchman (woman…whatever) to hit the planet since Jean Reno, and more importantly, they have established that the legacy of Mademoiselle Marie is as storied and rich as any in the DCU.  They have taken a rather unused concept and have given it new life.  These past couple issues have been a wonderful way to spotlight one of the characters while establishing the new Royals following the Wall’s departure from the organization. We’re about to go into the the third year of one of DC’s best comics, and I can’t wait for more.

 Booster Gold #6

Wow.  What an issue.  This one was for the fans, that’s for sure.  Johns and Katz are doing a wonderful job establishing Booster Gold in his new niche of the DCU.  The issue title: Meet the Beetles….awesome.  They even got the font down just right!  While I am excited about the returning character in this arc, I cannot help but feel that this isn’t permanant.  That doesn’t matter to me, tho, as I’m sure that they’ll do whatever they have planned just as well as every issue has been up to this point.  Looking forward to what looks to be a possible new Booster and Supernova team (could we be seeing a new Goldstar at some point in the near future?)  Looking forward to what’s next for Booster, Rip, Daniel, Ted and everyone else.

 Catwoman #75

How is it that this title just gets better?  I honestly think that Phieffer does a better job with the Salvation Run plot than that title is doing itself.  This is just a damned good comic.  I don’t know how else to describe it.  It has upset me and it has made me happy…the only thing that it hasn’t done is fail to deliver in quality.  This has been one of DC’s strongest titles since One Year Later, and even tho I still miss Helena I am committed to this for the long haul.  This truly feels like Selena versus the world…and indeed it is.  Boy, she sure has pissed a lot of people off in the past couple years!

Countdown to Final Crisis #15

Still not my favorite comic, but it has been steadily improving over the past few weeks.  Ray Palmer is still a whiny-ass, which is annoying, but he looks as if he’ll break out of his doldrums.  Donna Troy asserts herself, proving that the Rick James joke will never get old…except it is.  Still, nice moment – a kind of “yeah, I’m convoluted…so what?” which closes the door on her “continuity” as far as I’m concerned.  I can’t figure out exactly what Brother Eye is up to, and for the life of me I can’t remember why or when it’s current actions began.  Hopefully this will be a focus in more upcoming issues.

Birds of Prey #114

Sean McKeever continues to make this title his own.  Excellent focus on the various members of the team, as well as some screen time for other operatives and it looks as if we have a new one.  I think that she is new – have we seen Infinity before?  I must admit that I was enjoying this issue up until the last page when one of the single most annoying characters in comics shows up.  Boy, I would love it if it were her final appearance!  Aside from that it was a great read.  Totally feels like set-up, but I don’t mind as it is being done well.

Justice League of America #17

Two good stories in one comic.  Burnett sets up what is a natural storyline with the current events of the DCU, and he uses a lot of snazzy villains in the process (a new version of one, and one whom I thought was dead, but what the hell, right?); meanwhile, McDuffie explores a few things wrong with Vixen, and for us long-time fans (dorks) it obviously doesn’t look good.  Another set-up issue this week, but with Final Crisis approaching I guess that a lot of comics are getting their big storylines set up.   Enjoying this comic, but it needs to step up.

 

Short Shorts – Comic Book Briefs for the week of 1/5/2008 & 1/9/2008

oh no….this can only mean one thing…

 

AAAAAHHH!!!!  IT’S BACK!  KILL IT!  KILL IT!!!

I don’t know why I keep subjecting myself and all of you to that horrific image.  It truly makes one question the existence of God.  Look – I promise I will not use that image again…till next week.  On to the Short Shorts!  This is where I offer a brief set of comments about some of the comics I read.  These are not reviews: you can find reviews in many other places such as this place: http://forum.newsarama.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=9 .  Let us begin!

Annihilation: Conquest #3

I’ll lead off with a Marvel title for once.  While this still is not as mind-blowing as the original, I remain amazed and impressed with the fact that they’ve gotten me to allow myself to become completely engrossed in this aspect of the Marvel Universe.  This is so much better than the bigger “events” coming out of the Marvel place.  I still don’t know what’s up with Black Adam Warlock; nor do I particularly care that much about Quasar or the High-Evolutionary; but other than that this title has just been a great read which leaves me wanting more.  I was concerned that the lack of Nova (my favorite character of the first mini) and having no clue as to who the Phalanx are would hurt my appreciation of this comic; but like Giffen before them, Abnett & Lanning manage to make me care about characters I knew nothing about.

 Lord Havok & the Extremists #3

DC…seriously….I mean, come on….seriously.  DC….come on….like, seriously, DC.  WTH?  WHERE IS THE SILVER SORCERESS????  I’m liking the series so far, DC, but I’m starting to take the lack of the Silver Sorceress as a personal affront.  I mean, like….seriously.  I’m making my “mad face.”  Don’t make me resort to extreme measures…you know – like complain about it on the internet…because I’ll do it.  Seriously, DC…like, come on.

 Countdown #17 & #16

Stuff…..happens?  Yeah, it does.  Wow – this actually kicked into a higher gear in these past two weeks.  I am digging the Monarch-Monitors war, and am assuming that the being who was pulling Monitor Solomon’s strings was Darkseid.  I am not happy that Ray Palmer took the opportunity to take his grief and become an utter wuss.  I know that people react to different things differently, but come on….seriously, DC – WHERE IS THE SILVER SORCERESS??? Wait – sorry, that was the last brief.  Back to Countdown: the Mary/Jeclipso bit has dragged on waaaaaay too long, but it finally seems to be going somewhere.  Jimmy has a revelation which a lot of us have anticipated from the get-go.  All in all, I’m more hopeful for this title in the coming weeks moreso than I have been in past weeks.

 Salvation Run #3

This comic could either sink or swim at this point.  I like the premise behind it, and I like the mystery guest who is revealed at the end.  Can’t say that I care for the bits about Luthor saying he hates the Joker, when guys like Geoff Johns showed in Infinite Crisis just how well those two clowns work together.  We do see the tribal lines being drawn (Jewelee on Joker’s arm made me laugh – I loved that recent Checkmate issue updating her marital status), and we see Catman for the first time in several months.  I’m liking it enough to keep getting it, but I’ll be honest – this has the feel of a “set-up” comic.  Interested to see what it could be setting up, tho.

 Green Arrow and Black Canary #4

Yes…I am enjoying a Judd Winick comic!  4 issues in and I am totally sold on this.  Ollie’s “paging” system was a well-thought-out idea, and it’s execution was done well.  Ollie freaking out throughout the issue was completely believable and didn’t suffer from a lot of the over-exposition or uncomfortable dialogue I’ve seen in so many of Winick’s other comics.  I’m of the opinion that the story of the hospitalized character in this comic is far from over, so I’ll reserve judgement on that.  I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt at this point because this has been one damned fine comic.

Detective Comics #840

Ugh…now I am even more upset at not skipping the Ra’s al Ghul storyline after reading this issue.  It told me everything I needed to know, and it did it better than the crossover did.  Much better.  Confirms what I was thinking about it, tho – too many cooks spoil the broth.  In this issue, Dini is back to doing what he does best: tell kick-ass Batman stories which, while self-contained, manage to further underlying plotlines.  I really did enjoy this issue, even if it made me like the crossover even less.  The best part of the issue was the “next issue” box.  Yay, Zatanna!

Nightwing #1….ok, #140

But it should be issue #1.  Tomasi, Morales and Bair have my eternal gratitude as they have given us the best issue of Nightwing in the 140 issues of this title.  I am so happy that the man who should be one of DC’s elite heroes is finally getting treated well.  The issue was fun, lots of geek-out moments, and best of all: Nightwing is being used in the DCU!!!  For too long it seems like they didn’t want him playing with the other heroes, but to instead remain in the shadow of the Bat.  Here it appears that he will get a chance to shine like the wonderful character that he is.  Interesting villains, super-grave-robbing, and a visit from the big, blue boy scout at the end.  I’m excited about Nightwing again, and possibly for the first time!

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #4

It seemed a bit disjointed at times, but remains a good read, regardless.  The infection of the Red Bee is looking more and more dangerous, and I can’t help but wonder how Doll-land will play into the story.  Palmiotti & Gray always manage to get some good character moments in, and the highlight here was Phantom Lady and Firebrand playing video games.  They just rang as real people having a real conversation.  The sense of camaraderie building amongst the team is fun to watch.  Looking forward to seeing how Uncle Sam gets them out of this scrape.  Oh – DC where’s the Sil….err, I mean: when is this becoming a monthly?  I think that after two miniseries they’ve shown that they can handle it.

Suicide Squad #5

My god, this comic is just too good.  This has all of the hallmarks of a great Squad mission: betrayal; secret agendas; and of course, lots and lots of potential cannon fodder.  I want this to become an ongoing so badly, but only if Ostrander is on board for it.  He still has the magic with these characters, and he’s managed to translate the team well into the current DCU.  Sadly, while I love seeing Windfall again, I cannot help but think that she’s a red shirt.  Her recent history has been brutal, and wither Ostrander is sewing the seeds for a great character to use for a long time to come; or he’s building up sympathy for the character in the event of her eventual whacking.  Hoping for the former. 

Green Lantern Corps #20

Tomasi strikes gold twice this week, as GLC, like Green Lantern, has not only not let up since Sinestro Corps War…they have stepped on the gas.  The Guy and Kyle stuff…we’ll see where that goes, but it makes sense that they made that decision.  The phone call between them was perfect in dialogue, and it was some of the most realistic dialogue I’ve ever read in a comic.  The star, of course, is Mongul.  Now armed with the Yellow Ring of Sinestro he seems to want more.  Judging from the “Domination” house ads which have been running he should get some more…and a green ring, and a red ring…I cannot help but think that Mongul will be the Orange Lantern referred to in GL #25.  He seems to be on this path, wanting to collect as many Yellow Rings as possible for himself.  Last year was the year of Sinestro to stand up and take his place amongst DC’s great villains, and I’m getting the feeling that 2008 could belong to our greedy, bitter, evil Mongul.

 

Short Shorts – Comic Book Briefs for the week of 12/28/2007

AAAAARRRGHHHH!!!!!  WHY DOES IT KEEP COMING BACK?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Oh, this is just horrendous.  I am truly, terribly, absolutely sorry that this horrible, horrible image has once again burned itself upon your poor, innocent retina.  I promise not to subject any of you to this horror again for at least another week.

 On to the Short Shorts.  This is where I offer some comments, briefs if you will, on the various comics I read each week.  These are not reviews – you can find plenty of places that offer reviews on the internet (and porn…that’s right!  I have recently discovered that there are some dark corners of the internet where porn exists…uncanny!), so instead I will say what comes to mind.  Even if my thoughts do not always have anything to do with the comics in question.

Green Lantern #26

Yeah, like I’m not beginning with Green Lantern.  I have officially decided that 2007 was the Year of Green Lantern, and I have written letters to the Pope and the estate of former President Zachary Taylor to see if I can get this made, like, official and stuff.  I was a bit concerned that after the incredible Sinestro Corps War that the title might take a breather; but that didn’t happen.  Instead of taking his foot off of the accelerator, Geoff Johns pushed it down harder, but only after adding rocket fuel to the tank.  The ramifications of the first new law of the Book of Oa are put to the test by one of our Lost Lanterns, and it has led to the freakish creation of the Alpha Lanterns who are supposed to play a role in the definition and application of the law.  A couple of familiar faces have undertaken this surgery (one which may upset fans of early English tribal queens).  The scene of the issue (and of the week in all comics) had to do with John Stewart.  I got chills when I read “Willpower exceeds Ring Limitations.”  Wow.  Full speed ahead, GL!

 Countdown #18

Anti-climatic.  I want so badly to love this title like I loved 52, but it just isn’t happening.  After all of this time with the “mystery” of Ray Palmer’s disappearance all I can think is “That’s it?  Are you kidding me?”  Not even the “cliffhanger” at the end made me feel anything other than “What the hell is going on here?”  And not in a confused way, but rather a “why do I keep buying this?” way.  I’m using way to many quotation marks in this Brief, so I’ll try not to use any more.  I just don’t know what else to say.  I’m frustrated by this comic.  I know that I shouldn’t compare it to 52, but I kind of have to.  52 was amazing week in and week out: this…I feel like they’re jerking my chain here.  I like all of the creators involved, and I’m not holding this against them in future projects; but I really wish that this could have been better.

Ultimate Power #9

Congrats, Countdown – you weren’t my least favorite comic of the week.  What was the freaking point here???  OK, we have a couple characters trading universes and we learned that superheroines make total orgasm faces while fighting (not to mention striking incredible bunny-mag-type poses in the oddest situations).  Bottom line is – this 9-issue miniseries ran about 6 issues too long.  I can’t believe that they put Squadron Supreme on the back burner for this. 

 Countdown to Adventure #5

Toyota Forerunner is really growing on me. Didn’t think much of her when she was first introduced, but she is an interesting concept for a character.  Excellent move dealing with the space pirates.  As for the lead story: I’m enjoying it.  They don’t have the same charm as from 52, but Beechan is doing a good job with these three characters as they deal with the returning Lady Styx.  Fun scenes; good teamwork; and even the totally-unnecessary-Ellen-jealous-of-Kory bit wasn’t too bad.  The bond these three characters share (even if Adam Strange isn’t with Animal Man and Starfire) makes a lot of sense considering what they went through together.  Years from now you could see them sitting around Warriors late one night having a few beers and not talking too much about what happened.  This title has become a pleasant surprise for me.

 Brave & the Bold #9

Possibly my least favorite issue of this title so far; which of course means that it is still better than most other comics out there!  Waid and Perez just continue to deal the comic book crack which is this title.  It was a sheer joy to see these characters again (many not seen in a long time); and using them to further the Megistus plot was wonderfully entertaining.  My favorite part was the team-up with the All-New Atom and the woefully-underused Hawkman.  Why he has been swept under the rug in favor of the complete bore that is Hawkgirl is mind-boggling.  I loved the Atom’s assessment of Carter Hall at the beginning of the tale; and Waid showed the respect Hawkman has for his friend, Ray Palmer, by accepting his friend’s protege by simply calling him “Atom.”

Countdown: Arena #4

I bought this series for one reason, and one reason only – to show DC that as a reader I want to see Keith Champagne given more writing opportunities.  It turned out to be a fun read, for the most part.  I enjoyed the different worlds and the different possibilities of these characters.  I’m not sure what more they could have done to make this comic better, but considering what he had to work with, I think that Champagne did a fine job.  We’ll see how this plays out in Countdown when Monarch finally takes on the Monitors.

Captain America #33

I do not read a lot of Marvel right now, but I’ll be damned if this is not one of the best titles in comics.  Brubaker has managed to put such an amazing human face to the “events” of the last couple years in this title.  Characters like Bucky, Iron Man, Black Widow, Falcon, Agent 13, Red Skull….I didn’t care a lick about any of them…until reading this title.  All too often we have a “OH MY GOD!  In this issue, _________ DIES!!!!” and people hem and haw about the death, and the moment…but we don’t see a lot of the fallout or the ramifications.  In this, over the past several months, we have seen what the death…and indeed, the life, of Stever Rogers meant.  How he inspired and touched the people who knew him; who respected him; and who loved him.  Much like the Flash at DC, I think that Brubaker is creating the central “legacy character” of the Marvel Universe.

 Gotham Underground #3

Three issues in – still thinking that it is the best Bat-comic being published right now.  Brutal fight between “Matches” and Mr. Zsasz – honestly, I’m surprised that it saw print.  I’m so used to “Uber-Bats,” that seeing him in a very real fight against an opponent, whom while inferior, had an advantageous drop on him and took advantage of it came as a breath of fresh air.  The current events of the DC Universe play heavily into this title, but rather than be bogged down by them, they just run with it and give us a nice, entertaining comic.  We have an old friend (possibly) return; and we see that while they are learning to trust in one another, the remaining criminals of Gotham still carry mistrust as a central key to their character.  Good story; good art; no complaints.

Legion of Super-Heroes #37

So, no more “Supergirl” in the title, and seeing as how they’re going back, they decided to go waaaay back and bring Jim Shooter back on board!  Let me tell you, I was concerned about this move.  I am a long-time, loyal Legion fan; but I was concerned that perhaps Shooter was merely a nostalgia move…and maybe that’s true on some level, but it doesn’t change the fact that he wrote an entertaining story which seamlessly weaves in with the NewBoot Legion.  Good characterization with Lightning Lad, Light Lass, Karate Kid and Phantom Girl.  He has not lost his knack for giving different characters different voices quickly for a new reader.  Not too sure about the art yet (what the hell is up with neckless Colossal Boy (err…Micro Lad) on the cover?  That just looks like bad 90s stuff), but that’s just a minor quibble.  I can see this artist growing on me, and it didn’t distract from an enjoyable “first issue” for one of the legendary names in the Legion universe.  I’m sticking with this….yeah, yeah – big surprise, I know.

Action Comics #860

Sigh…..I’m so torn about this comic.  Incredible story, great art and tons of potential…but there is one little thing that Geoff Johns seems to be determined to do here that is just ruining all of the good stuff in this story for me.  I’m not commenting on it yet, as I will wait to see how it plays out, but if Johns goes in the direction I fear that he is, then I will be very disappointed with him as a writer.  Enough of that, tho – we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.  The Rejects have come home to Roost in the future, and what better character to offer some perspective on the jerks than the one Legionairre who’s name was synonymous with “rejection” for so long?  It was great seeing him and so many other character whom we haven’t seen in far too long.  One of the great things about the Legion is that these characters have such varying and specific powers, so working together comes up with interesting possibilities.  Case in point: Shadow Lass and Night Girl – that just makes sense!  I can’t help but feeling that this story will not just be contained in the pages of this Action Comics storyline, but instead we’re being set up for something big…and who’s 50th Anniversary is 2008???

OK – that is more than enough for now.  I’ll cover Jack of Fables in it’s own post, of course, and I may have some more comments on these issues, issues raised by these issues, and other issues unrelated to these issues.  Oh, and GL/Sinestro Corps Secret Files deserves a topic in and of itself.

Short Shorts – Comic Book Briefs for the weeks of 12/12/2007 & 12/19/2007

GAHHH!!!!  IT’S BACK!  IT’S BACK!!!!

Run for the hills, kids, and don’t stop until the water subsides….

 

Sorry about that.  That horrifying image can only mean one thing – it’s time for some Comic Book Short-Shorts, where I just comment on thing that go through my mind with some of the comics that I read each week.  I don’t do reviews – you can find plenty of those at places Like This: I missed last week, so there will be a few mixed in from both weeks.  I will also be commenting on Fables, but in a separate post a little later on.

Booster Gold #5

Jeff Johns and Geoff Katz…err, switch those surnames…continue to dazzle with the Greatest Hero You’ve Never Heard of!  For all the talk about “DC hates Giffen’s League!” (guilty myself of some of that early on) and “Didio wants to kill off the late-80s using a death-ray powered by little, cuddly kittens!!!” that era sure does seem to be doing well these days.  Booster Gold and Blue Beetle (albeit a new one – more on that later) have titles; Checkmate is back, as is the Suicide Squad (with freaking Ostrander!  More on that later); Fire is a member of the aforementioned Checkmate; Ice is back from one of the worst, most pointless deaths in comics; the Rocket Red Brigade is back; the Crimson Fox is back from two of the worst, most pointless deaths in comics); the Extremists are back with a vengeance (where’s the damned Silver Sorceress??? GRR!!!); there is a Manhunter ongoing (allegedly); and Guy Gardner is doing what he does best – kicking ass, taking names and copping a feel.   This group at DC, for all I can see, do not “hate” that era at all; but rather they seem to be quite fond of it.  Oh yeah – and in addition to this rant, Booster Gold #5 was a great issue with Booster trying time and time again to prevent the Joker from shooting Barbara Gordon.  Rip was trying to teach him that some things can’t be changed, but man…he could have been a little less of a dick about it!  Of course, that was the only way to get through to s stubborn dude like Booster.  Issue sets up some excitement for the Blues and the Gold.

Checkmate #21

As many of you who know me are already aware…I tend to become hopelessly devoted to the oddest, most obscure comics characters.  Silver Sorceress; Crimson Fox; Sensor Girl; Snowbird; Mademoiselle Marie….Hey!  That’s her on the cover of the new Checkmate!!!  I’ve been looking forward to this ever since it was announced, and as much as I like self-contained stories, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this story would continue and that we’d get more Mademoiselle Marie goodness!  Rucka (and Trautmann – where do I know that name?) continue to delve into the deep, wonderful treasure trove that is the DC Universe, and the newest toy they’ve pulled out is the former Negative Woman, Valentina Vostok.  It makes sense considering her history with Checkmate and The Agency.  Good to see her again, and it was kind of weird seeing the two Queens getting along so well.  I can’t think of a single time that the Wall and Sasha got together for tea, and to discuss their tastes in man-candy.  Oy vey….sexual harrasment suit just waiting to happen in that Checkmate Castle!

Justice League of America #16

This series continues to get a lot of flak from people who are upset that Brad Meltzer is no longer on the title…but you know what?  I heard those same complaints after Waid followed Morrison; after Morrison followed Giffen/DeMatteis (because nothing happened in between those); and so on and so forth.  People who seem to think that the 12 issues Meltzer did deserve to be treated like the bible need to remind themselves that the writers will always change, and with them so will the League.  It is a fluid concept, and I, for one, don’t want to read McDuffie telling Meltzer’s stories anymore than I’d want to read Morrison telling Giffen’s stories.  I want to read McDuffie’s version of the JLA.  A shot that he has earned, many times over.  That said, I still don’t think that it has hit the “awesome” level yet, but I’m not in a rush.  With so much of the DCU seeming to be driven by editorial edicts this year I’m not going to huff and harumph just yet.  McDuffie has been telling good, solid, fun superhero comics, and this issue was no exception.  Black Canary & Guy Gardner’s exchange alone made it worth the price of admission.  Now, I’m not a big fan of “Tangent,” but I’m willing to see where this goes.  Oh, and no blurb about McDuffie can go without me again stating my hope that one of the 52 universes will be home to the likes of Static, Icon, Hardware, Kobolt and of course, the Blood Syndicate.

Batman & the Outsiders #3

I’m really digging this title right now, and will admit that I had a fanboy moment when I got to the panel with Geo-Force, Katana, Metamorpho and Black Lighting all together.  I still can’t say that I am a fan of Thunder and Grace, but mostly that is on the shoulders of Thunder.  I think that Grace will be a good character in this, but she needs to ditch the whiny significant other.  They cannot rely on Batgirl Nudity to bail them out of all of their eye-bleeding-inducing scenes.  Other than the usual complaining about the lineup – loving the Brother Eye and OMAC/REMAC presence in the title, as well as the inclusion of Dr. Langstrom as a supporting character.  I am really thinking that this title could be the unexpected breakout comic of this year for DC if they keep going in this direction.  Good to see Geo-Force on the team, even if his “transfer” was rather goofy.  The more original Outsiders the better!  Give us Looker, Halo and Windfall next!

Birds of Prey #….114?  I need to check the issue number later.

YAY!  McKeever is on the title!  I’ve been looking forward to his take on this comic ever since he was announced as the writer.  That there boy done gone good, I tell you what!  First off, Gail Simone (previous writer before Bedard) has this annoying habit of introducing/re-introducing characters who annoy the hell out of me…but grow on me when I’m least expecting it.  Apparantly that happened again with Misfit; whom I am reasonably sure I could not stand, but for some odd reason I was pleased when McKeever used her.  Good issue with the makeup of the new team, and this had a great, old-school “Suicide Squad” type feel to it – things can…and will go wrong.  McKeever has set up a sort of grey cloud that it appears this team will be operating under, and I for one am looking forward to it.  Good moment with Superman at the end.  I don’t know if they’re going to add any new members to the team, but at least to me the lineup of Oracle, Huntress, Lady Blackhawk and Misfit could still use a little “oomph” added to it.  Normally at this point I would suggest the Silver Sorceress or the Crimson Fox, but beyond making me completely giddy I don’t think that they would provide that “oomph.”  Manhunter?  Firehawk?  Zatanna???

OK, I’ll try to add more in later, as well as touch on the Keith Giffen and Suicide Squad topics.

Short Shorts – Comic Book Briefs for the week of 12/05/2007

GAH!!!!  This is even more disturbing than I thought it would be!!!

Oh well, on with the Short Shorts – my weekly comic book briefs.

Justice Society of America #11

This is Geoff Johns excelling at what he does best – the little moments.  Too many writers feel the need to bludgen you over the head in order to get a point across…not Johns.  He understands subtlety and understands how to use art as a tool in a visual storytelling medium.  No over-dramatic monologues; no super-exposition…just characters telling stories through their actions and reactions.  I am still extremely worried about Cyclone (which I just realized I haven’t written about here, and will need to do so soon), and some of the others in the JSA – specifically the “broken” characters.  I see them all rallying around this Superman like a father-figure bordering on messiah.  I do not think that there is anything specifically sinister about this Kal-L; but I do think that if he falls, he will take some with him, whether he wishes to or not.  This story, in it’s two issues, has really kicked the Justice Society of America comic back to the level of excellence I associated with the previous run.

Annihilation: Conquest #2

Over the last couple years, nothing from the Marvel Universe has captured my attention quite like the Annihilation titles.  I picked the first miniseries up simply because I had some extra cash in my comics budget that week and I am a Giffen fan; and now that aspect of Marvel is easily my favorite thing being published there.  In it’s first two issues, Conquest has not yet matched the excitment and intrigue that Annihilation caused in me; but it is still above par for most comics on the racks these days.  I have nothing but total faith in Abnett and Lanning, seeing as how they won me over with Resurrection Man and the Legion over the years.  I am digging Ultron, the Galactic Bastard, but I can tell that the long-time Marvel fans will be more intrigued by that than me…so far.  The Adam Warlock/High Evolutionary/Quasar/Moondragon scenes are moving kind of slow; and I want more of Ronan/Wraith/Ray-Venn and crew…but I have no doubt that it will all balance out.

Justice League of America #15

Dwayne McDuffie wraps up his first arc, and personally I couldn’t be happier.  This is good, old-fashioned Super-Hero fun right here!  A lot of this story has seemed constrained by editorial guidelines; and a lot has seemed like it is being done to set up future stories…but at the end of the day it all works with me.  McDuffie (I won’t lie – I am an unapologetic fan of this guy and the fact that he has been given JLA makes me happier than an agoraphobic, neat-freak in a little, sterile box) works extremely well with big casts on both the hero and villain sides.  He is starting to establish his own voice on the characters while doing right by what he inherited.  One of my little quibbles was that Black Canary wasn’t acting like a leader in early issues, but she rounded quite nicely into that role in this issue.  In fact, she was such a good leader that Batman made a point to disobey her….that contrarian scamp!  I see some interesting stuff set up between this JLA and the Suicide Squad as well as many of these soon-to-be-sent-away villains.  Good set-up arc for McDuffie; and total bonus points for giving us the best Firestorm I’ve seen in far too long.

 

For right now that is all.  I’ll try to get to more later if I can.  I am just having a hard time keeping up lately!

Sorry again about that image….GAH!!!

Short Shorts – Comic Book Briefs for the week of 11/29/2007: part 2

OK, I haven’t done more of these because it’s taken me a while to get to read all of last week’s stash.  Here’s a few more:

Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters #3

Another solid outing by Palmiotti and Gray as we learn more about this team, who is currently split, and the forces taking advantage of that split.  This issue focuses on Doll Man and his background, showing again that he is both a good soldier and total romantic.  He also seems to still be having issues reconciling his past where he blindly followed orders, with his growing independant nature.  We see that he still has to convince himself of many things, even if his actions show otherwise.  Case in point – his reaction to Phantom Lady’s attempted suicide.  Over the course of the Bloodhaven mini; the first US & FF mini; and this series, Doll Man is the best developed character.  Of course, that is saying a lot as this team is full of great characters.  Even the wacky, left-wing nutjob is someone whom you can cheer for.  Great job all around.

Blue Beetle #21

The best comic published by either of the Big Two which not enough people read every month.  Jaime and his supporting cast are wonderful, and they even shine with this guest creative team of Justin Peniston and Andy Kuhn.  The Spectre has come to Texas, and Jaime is all that stands between him and a prison full of murderers and thugs.  Obviously overmatched, Jaime has to rely on his wits to try to dissuade the Spectre from continuing his mission at that time while simultaneously trying to find it in his own heart to forgive the man who was responsible for his father being shot.  The Spectre has some ominous, yet vauge (got to love the Spectre) warnings about Jaime’s armor and it’s true nature.  Great fill in issue for a comic I can’t wait for each month!

Batman #671

My god, the Return of Ra’s al Ghul is boring me to tears.  I got this week’s issue to see how Bats got out of the “choose a son” bit; but man – I just am not feeling this story at all.  It was a very interesting revelation about the relationship between Ra’s al Ghul and the Sensei (too long absent from comics); but other than that I wasn’t too thrilled.  Honestly, I haven’t liked much of the Morrison run on this comic besides the Batmen of Many Nations.  I don’t think that I picked up any of the full stories of the others.  Oh well.

Short Shorts – Comic Book Briefs for the week of 11/29/2007

Welcome to Short Shorts, where in the spirit of Burt Ward, we give a few brief comments about comics which come out every week. I am not doing full reviews (having neither the time, nor the patience), but instead I will just touch on a few things that jump out at me.

Please note – these will be filled with the dreaded SPOILERS!!!!! So if you haven’t read comics from this week and plan to do so, then please do not read this until you have done so.

SPOILERS (again – don’t say that I didn’t warn you).

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #18

Part 10 of the Sinestro Corps War. In this issue we get some backstory on Sodam Yat, the Daxamite Green Lantern who is now the bearer of the ION force. We learn more about him as he has an all-out fight with Superman-Prime, who while a total twerp has developed into a great villain. Prime gets the early advantage due to Yat’s exposure to lead, which is deadly to Daxamites. From that point on Sodam Yat is on the defensive while trying to learn both his new abilities as Ion, as well as his Superman-like powers which are blossoming under Earth’s yellow sun. The fight, while seemingly long and brutal to Yat and us as readers, seems to take place very quickly setting us up for the conclusion of this incredible story in Green Lantern #25, due out in a couple weeks. I enjoyed the looks at Daxam’s society (including the xenophobia) and Sodam Yat came across as a character whom you can really rally behind.

Batman and the Outsiders #2

Second issue of the revamped title, and so far color me impressed. Chuck Dixon is really on his A-game so far with this title, and it has left me wanting more. This is a perfect example of a good relaunch, as it has breathed some life into the previous, dull version of the Outsiders franchise which goes beyond just adding the big Bat to the roster. This is not so much a team as it is a collection of Bat-operatives needed for specific missions. Classic Outsiders, Katana and Metamorpho, seem to be the most at comfort with the concept of this team; and Dixon has completely shocked me by making the character Grace interesting. I am thinking these three will be the core characters with the others (Martian Manhunter, Catwoman, Batgirl) being used as needed. Speaking of the Green Guy, between this and last week’s Checkmate the Martian Manhunter is being used very well lately. Still not a fan of the conehead look, but that’s a minor quibble at worst. The thing that I am most pleased with in this issue is that they are not abandoning the idea of Brother Eye and the OMAC. Those were too good of concepts from Infinite Crisis to be forgotten so quickly. Brother Eye (and it’s OMAC) continue to develop and evolve, and I’m looking forward to more.

Lord Havok and the Extremists

Those who know me are aware of the fact that I am the single biggest Silver Sorceress fan on the planet (and beyond, I’m betting) so I would be remiss in my fanaticism if I did not lead off by stating that we’ve had two issues and nary a sighting of her. BOO! HISS!!!! OK, beyond that I am enjoying this. I do not really like the redesigns of some of the Extremists or Wandjina, but I’m sure that they’ll grow on me. I do like the fact that the Extremists, a long-time favorite comics team of mine, are being brought back in such a big way; and I enjoyed our first look inside one of their heads – Gorgon. In addition to looking really creepy, Gorgon proves that he is in fact very creepy. He suffers from multiple personalities (one for each tentalce, or something of that nature) and his petty jealousies and insecurities have led him down the road towards villainy. They seem to be setting him up with the classic “but he was so quiet” path and I’m sure that we’ll soon see him explode in a great ball of rage and vengeance, tho against whom, I am not sure. Two issues in and I’m going to keep sticking around….unless they don’t show the Silver Sorceress in the next issue (and not kill her!), then I’ll think about leaving. More Silver Sorceress!!!!

OK, next up we’ll discuss Gotham Underground #2; Teen Titans #53 and Countdown to Final Crisis #22; and Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #36.