Superman #25, “Mythological” part 1

Superman

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” Learn the perils of jealousy in Superman, chapter 25, verses 1-32!

Harken to the words of Brian Michael Bendis. Feast your eyes on the vision of Ivan Reis.

The official plot:

“A colossal new threat to Superman, the planet Earth, and the DC Universe arrives on the scene in this special issue! The unique warrior called Synmar was created to represent an entire alien race. He’s trained his entire life – but for what purpose? As the antithesis of everything Superman stands for, Synmar launches his aggression toward Earth – to destroy the Man of Steel and every being on the planet! This is what Superman was born to protect us from!”

DC Comics

For the record, much of this solicitation doesn’t come through. At least not in this issue. In fact Synmar is kind of silly looking and pathetic until the last page of this issue. No doubt there’s a fight coming…I just hope it is more exciting than this issue.

Superman
Mid-fight and Superman can pick out his high school crush snapping a photo!

My Impressions:

  • Head Scratcher: Um…Lana is a professional competitor of Clark Kent, why would he give her an interview? I mean…he can literally write the article for his own paper, himself, right???
  • Having two stories presented side-by-side is just annoying. I’d have rather seen Synmar’s back story as a flashback somewhere down the line.
  • Error!: Lana gushes about some high school times with Clark. (Except it isn’t THIS Clark! This Clark is from the pre-New52 universe!!! Her Clark is dead!!!
Superman
Flashback to Lana as Superwoman.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Superman (Kal-El / Clark Kent)
  • Synmar Utopica (Eisno Alkor) 1st Appearance!
  • Superwoman (Lana Lang)
  • Lois Lane
  • Lex Luthor (cameo)

Bottom Line: 2 Stars!

If it wasn’t a first appearance issue, I’d say skip it. My money says that unless you’re a huge Superman fan, you won’t care about anything in this issue. Additionally, Bendis should avoid trying to comment on social issues like platonic relationships, he isn’t good at it. Oh, and if he’s trying to set up a love triangle with Superman, he really doesn’t understand the character.

Red Mother #8, The Box is Open

Red Mother

Fear the many deceivers that have gone out into the world!” Trust not those who hide their true intentions! Save yourself by learning from the book of the Red Mother, chapter 8, verses 1-32!

Only a cult member or spy would have this much inside info, on which side does Jeremy Haun stand?
What about you Danny Luckert? Are you one of the converted, or are you a spy?

The official plot:

“Daisy always suspected that Leland Black had ulterior motives in hiring her, but when the truth finally comes out, Daisy could never have expected how far his reach goes. What does Leland have planned for Daisy-and what does it have to do with the Red Mother?”

BOOM!

This is not exactly how I remember things going down in this issue. Yes Leland is a bad dude…he’s involved in the puzzle box, so that’s a given. However, this solicitation makes it seem like Daisy has been investigating the cult and just found a major piece of the puzzle. She’s not and she hasn’t.

Red Mother
When your apartment building looks like this, it’s time to move!

My Impressions:

  • It’s all about the mystery: I just can’t NOT read this. When I see this in my sub box, it immediately goes to the top of my reading list.
  • Visuals (pun intended): Creepy both paranormally and psychologically. Perfect for the story. (Note that I didn’t say pretty.)
  • Addicting: Yes…who/what is this cult? What do they want? What is the creepy monster thing that Daisy keeps seeing? Why isn’t she questioning her own sanity? Do they still have her original eye? The list of questions really doesn’t end…
Your boyfriend was dragged away and killed…why are you not RUNNING AWAY?!?

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Daisy opens the puzzle box! (Think Hellraiser)
  • Even more people (all of them I think) are revealed to be part of the cult!

Bottom Line: 4 Stars!

Alright, look…this is psychological horror, and it’s effective. It sucks you in! In the first issue, Daisy loses her boyfriend and her eye in a brutal attack (possibly supernatural). The rest is pure suspense and mystery. There’s no way you’re not going to want to know what comes next.

The Dreaming: Waking Hours #2, “The Bard and the Bard” part 2

Dreaming

Behold the creator of dreams! He who both inspires and terrorizes you in the night. Heed the lessons from The Dreaming: Waking Hours, chapter 2, verses 1-32!

This is the word according to G. Willow Wilson.
As envisioned by the less than extensively experienced Nick Robles.

The official plot:

“New mother Lindy is trapped in the Dreaming, and the lovestruck nightmare Ruin is loose in the real world. Dream must put this situation right-but to do so, he’ll have to travel into the Black Chest where he keeps his most dangerous nightmares…and pull the answers right from the mouth of the unimaginable Endless Teeth!”

DC Black Label

Meanwhile, back in the Dreamcave! Actually, I’m glad to see Dream engaging in this personally. He’s the best part of the Dreaming, and was sorely missed in the last Dreaming series.

Dreaming
Thundercats! Hooooo!

My Impressions:

  • Most folks will not get the Shakespeare connection…which is a shame. It really does make this story better. Without it, Lindy’s sub-plot is likely going to be fairly boring.
  • Great use of varying art styles in the same book. I especially liked the painted settings inside the Box of Nightmares.
  • New Nightmares!!!! I’ve been dying to see more ever since the Corinthian.
  • Is my nostalgia showing?
Dreaming
Not as intimidating as the original version of Dream, but this version is growing on me.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Dream (Morpheus)
  • Lucien the Librarian
  • Ruin
  • Jophiel
  • Lindy
  • Heather After

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

The Dreaming: Waking hours is really establishing itself as a continuation of the original Sandman series from the early 90’s. Definitely something stronger than a “spiritual successor.” Fans of the original really should give this new series a shot. If you somehow missed it, fear not, it’s being adapted into a Netflix series. Let us hope that it remains true to the original source material!

We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1

dead

Blasphemy! Carving up the body of a god is nigh unforgivable! Witness the damning of a whole crew in We Only Find Them When They’re Dead, chapter 1, verses 1-32!

This is the scripture according to the “Immortal” Al Ewing!
As immortalized by Simone Di Meo!

The official plot:

“On the edge of space where humanity is harvesting the corpses of giant alien gods to survive. * No one has ever seen a living god, but Captain Malik is obsessed with being the first. * Captain Malik and the crew of the Vihaan II harvest the only resources that matter from the giant corpses of alien gods found on the edge of human space. While other autopsy ships race to salvage the meat, minerals, and metals that sustain the human race, Malik sees an opportunity to finally break free from this system. * But Malik’s obsession with the gods will push his crew into the darkest reaches of space, bringing them face to face with a threat unlike anything they’ve ever imagined – unless the rogue agent on their trail can stop them first…”

BOOM!

Now that’s just a LITTLE embellishment for the one issue that’s been printed. We may not get to all of this stuff in issue #1, but things do seem to be going this way.

dead
A giant body floating in space and the first thing you think of is chopping it up for parts?

My Impressions:

  • Interesting concept, harvesting giant bodies for resources. (I heard eye jelly was going for big bucks!) Throw in the competition with other salvagers over armor or certain body parts and you’ve got a great backdrop.
  • Artwork and Style: There is no two ways about it…there is a LOT going in in this space. Bright, bold and one of the most dynamic uses of irregular panels I’ve seen. It felt like watching an anime.
  • Will I be coming back: Totally, the premise and the teased character development has me hooked. We all know that first issues tend to get more care than later issues, but Ewing has a good reputation, so I’m hopeful.
dead
OMG they’re ALL rule breakers! Gasp!

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Georges Malik (Captain)
  • Ella Hauer (Coroner)
  • Alice Wirth (Quartermaster)
  • Jason Hauer (Engineer)
  • Paula Richter (Officer on Duty)

Bottom Line: 4 Stars!

When I read the solicitation for We Only Find Them When They’re Dead, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. What was a god? Why was it dead? Why were they harvesting it? The actual book delivered quite well. Semi-dystopian future. Abundant resources literally showing up out of nowhere. To top it off, there are already hints of murder, revenge and ambition. Yeah, I’m in!

Joker / Harley: Criminal Sanity #5

Joker

Be sober-minded; be watchful! Your adversary prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour! Guard your soul as we discuss Joker / Harley: Criminal Sanity, chapter 5, verses 1-32!

These are their chronicles as witnessed by the talented Kami Garcia.
Translated from the word by Jason Badower.

The official plot:

“Dr. Harley Quinn has confronted horrific crime scenes created by a serial murderer who treats his work as high art. But when she is confronted by the killer himself, her life takes a drastic turn. Will she be able to return to the status quo, and simply help the GCPD to catch this killer? Or will the encounter change her forever?”

DC Black Label

This is not the Harley Quinn that you know. This is the hard nosed profiler working with the GCPD to investigate the Joker’s crimes. She’s tough and determined…there’s no way that the Joker is ever going to shake her. I hope…

Joker
The meeting of a lifetime.

My Impressions:

  • Black Label worthy material. This Joker isn’t crazy. He presents as calm, cool, artistic and scarier than any other Joker I’ve seen.
  • Beautiful artistry. Realistic, unexaggerated expression. Stark contrast of color with black and white.
  • Is it worth the magazine format? Oh, hell yes it is!
Joker
Have you ever seen a straw break a camel’s back??? I have.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Harley Quinn
  • Joker
  • James Gordon

Bottom Line: 5 Stars!

This is the most realistic take on the Harley/Joker relationship I’ve ever seen. Harley is one tough woman, bent on proving herself as a profiler for the GCPD. Joker is one of the coldest serial killers there is. This, their first meeting, doesn’t disappoint and doesn’t fall into the therapist falls for her patient trope. [Editor’s Note: this is essentially an alternate timeline where Harley is helping the police, or we will find out in the end that this isn’t really the joker, only a copycat. Time will tell on this one.] There’s still time though…we’re only halfway through the series.

Wolverine #5, “BLOOD CLOCKS!”

Wolverine

Brothers and Sisters! There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, who intend to devour us in our sleep! Heed then, the warnings of Wolverine, chapter 5, verses 1-32!

This is the story as scribed by Benjamin Percy!
Given life on the page by Viktor Bogdanović!

The official plot:

“In the snowbound darkness of the north, Wolverine is the prisoner of Dracula. By forming an unlikely alliance, Logan fights back. Stakes, claws, tricked-out snowmobiles and wintry mayhem await you.”

Marvel Comics

Wolverine versus vampires…so yeah, Marvel’s description is on point. Meaning there’s not much of a plot…but it’s violent and pretty, so I bought it anyway.

Wolverine
That’s one helluva recruiting speech.

My Impressions:

  • Growl, snarl, snikt, stab! Nuff said!
  • Sorry Mr. Silvestri, I think Bogdanovic has elevated himself to my favorite Wolverine artist. There is no doubt that bold expressions and confident lines set a great tone for a book that’s basically “The Lost Boys” with a twist.
  • Crossover Dependency: Thankfully, none. Thus far the Wolverine title has kept itself mostly separate from the mega X-Men behemoth. Feel free to jump in any time.
Wolverine
Vampires! Come out to plaaaaaay!

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Wolverine (Logan / James Howlett)
  • Omega Red (Arkady Gregorivich Rossovich)
  • Dracula (Vlad Tepes | Marvel)
  • Final page Fortnite crossover

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

Pissed off Wolverine…you’ve got to love this! Good, bloody, wholesome violence. With vampires. There’s even a throwaway reason for them to have come after our favorite Canadian. Don’t you dare pretend you wanted some drama from this title!

Marauders #12, “The New Phase”

Marauders

My friends! We have two lessons before us to choose from today: an eye-for-an-eye, or turn-the-other-cheek! Witness our sister Kate Pryde’s dilemma in the book of Marauders, chapter 12, verses 1-32!

This is the word according to “I’d rather be writing Deadpool” Gerry Duggan!
Corroborated visually by “I also have a thing for Deadpool” Matteo Lolli!

The official plot:

“RED RECKONING! The Black King removed the Red Queen from the board…what move will the White Queen make?”

Marvel Comics

Does this solicitation feel like an afterthought to anyone else? It’s like they didn’t even try to make it sound interesting. (Full disclosure: It’s not)

Marauders
This feels wrong. They don’t throw a party for every resurrection…why Kate? It’s because she’s a Queen isn’t it? Figures!

My Impressions:

  • Marvel/Duggan spend 10 issues building on the fact that Kate is actively rejected by Krakoa. Turns out she just needed to be rebooted.
  • The whole issue is visually off-putting. I mean, it’s a party…why are some of these folks wearing their battle gear, while Kate is in a party dress?
  • Crossover Dependency: You’ll need a passing understanding of the overall X-men paradigm.
Marauders
Is it really “murder” if the victim can be resurrected at any time?

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Black King (Sebastian Shaw)
  • Bishop (Lucas Bishop)
  • White Queen (Emma Frost)
  • Nightcrawler (Kurt Wagner)
  • Storm (Ororo Munroe)
  • Katherine ‘Kitty’ Pryde
  • Magik (Illyana Rasputin)
  • Prestige (Rachael Grey)
  • Wolverine (Logan/James Howlett)

Bottom Line: 2 Stars!

I want to like Marauders. It started as an interesting concept of a team to swoop up all those folks that, for whatever reason, couldn’t use Krakoan gates. Basically an X-men search and rescue! Unfortunately this title just seems to wander around doing next to nothing. I believe we’ve had something like two missions in 10 issues? Kate and her crew deserve better.

New Mutants #12, “Monster Machine”

New Mutants

“I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am Mutant!” Heed the lessons from the book of New Mutants, chapter 12, verses 1-32!

This is the word according to the erratic Ed Brisson.
As envisioned by the forgettable Marco Failla.

The official plot:

“The human world never seems to tire of lashing out at Krakoa. The NEW MUTANTS have their ways of striking back.”

Marvel Comicsl

If you count a failed attempt to make people feel sad as striking back, yeah, this is the perfect description.

New Mutants
Glob! Use your words! How did he make you feel?

My Impressions:

  • Doxing Bad: Sorry Marvel, you haven’t built this subject up enough in the sub-plot arena for it to carry a full issue. Ultimately that means your message is lost.
  • Bad Judgement: If you’re going for an emotional issue…why would you use Glob? The guy has no face. No face means no facial expression!
  • Great artwork: Not so much. I really felt that this was cartooned out. I couldn’t help but think of some comic strip dad with a pencil behind his ear.
New Mutants
I wonder if they forgot that, by their own laws, mutants are not allowed to kill humans?

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Anole (Victor Borkowski)
  • Glob Herman (Robert Herman)
  • Mirage (Danielle ‘Dani’ Moonstar)
  • Magik (Illyana Rasputin)
  • Trinary
  • Joseph Canning

Bottom Line: 1 Star!

New Mutants has struggled to find an identity since the House of X event, flip flopping between multiple line-ups, which detracts from its potential. As the youngest team, this title should be full of drama and angst. The attempts are there with relevant subject matter. Unfortunately, Marvel just is NOT pulling it off. The sad isn’t sad, the angry isn’t angry and that means the boring IS boring.

Justice League #52, “The Garden of Mercy” part 2

Justice League

Evil plants of all kinds will grow on many worlds! Their leaves will not wither, and if you heed not your own common sense, they will eat you! Don’t believe me…see Justice League, chapter 52, verses 1-32!

This is the word of Jeff Loveness. As envisioned by Robson Rocha. If you’re thinking “Who??” you are forgiven. I did too.

The official plot:

“For the first time, the Justice League explores the planet of the Black Mercy’s origin. One flower is enough to incapacitate even the strongest hero, but with an entire planet full of them, the Justice League must steel their minds or else succumb to the withering effects of the great tree at the core. With Batman unable to cope, can Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, and Green Lantern survive the horrors of their souls?”

DC Comics

They should have just called this one…”Batman’s origins redone for the 5 millionth time.” Oh, and as per the new normal, Wonder Woman saves the day.

Justice League
Now THAT is one scary Batman!

My Impressions:

  • Regime Change: Wonder Woman really appears to be taking on the “Leader” role…they should just make it official.
  • Visuals: Good with an occasional touch of great.
  • The real “bad”: DC is really bad at the whole “team” thing. They either try to give every member something to do, essentially under using all of them, or focus too much on just one member…like Batman in this issue. It’s seriously bad. Superman or Green Lantern could have legit burned this thing down from a mile in the air, problem solved. Instead, they have to be sidelined so Batman can have an internal struggle that he KNOWS isn’t real.
Justice League
Superman to the rescue, always showing his “human” side.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Green Lantern (John Stewart)
  • Flash (Barry Allen)
  • Batman (Bruce Wayne)
  • Wonder Woman (Diana)
  • Superman (Kal-El / Clark Kent)

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

Why do I stick around? I’m a fan of these guys separately…and quite honestly I’m afraid I’ll miss something cool. Also, it’s not a bad story…its just been done before. Given all that, I feel they need to fix how they handle the team soon, or I just may bail.

Inkblot #1, Series Premier

Inkblot

They who dabble in the black arts, shall surely be slain by their own creation! So sayeth the book of Inkblot, chapter 1, verses 1-52!

This is the word of…well both Emma Kubert and Rusty Gladd. As envisioned by…Emma Kubert and Rusty Gladd??? What is this the Beatles? Please pick a lane and stay in it!

The official plot:

“This new ONGOING SERIES follows a powerful sorceress attempting to correct her greatest mistake—the creation of a magical cat that can travel through time, space, and reality. The cat threatens to unravel the fabric of the universe, doesn’t care, and just won’t listen!”

Image Comics

The jury is out on the “powerful sorceress” description. I think “accidental” might be more apt. Labeling the cat as her mistake is also a bit harsh, all she was doing was taking a nap. The parts about the cat feel accurate.

Inkblot
If ink is going to react like this, why would you ever store it together?

My Impressions:

  • Physical Fitness: This girl is running everywhere, all the time!
  • Magic Fitness: Spilled ink bringing animals into existence? Seems a bit unstable to me.
  • Caveat Emptor – I feel like I was duped. I thought that the cat would be a bit more purposeful about what it was doing. Like a wizard’s familiar.
  • My daughter says I was not duped…she was expecting EXACTLTY this. Since I have more comics than her, we will use my opinion!
Inkblot
Well…if nothing else, “Fairy farts” is keeping it PG.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • The Seeker
  • A black cat

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

Without a doubt I came off a bit harsh about this title. Inkblot isn’t bad, it just isn’t what I expected. I get a very Songs for the Dead vibe. For the record, I’m sticking it out a bit longer. The book starts by laying the groundwork for a sprawling magical world, so the potential is really high. I can adjust to the cat not being anything special.