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Friday, February 28, 2014

Comic Reviews 2/28/14


REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: NEW WARRIORS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Christopher Yost
Artist: Marcus To
Colors: David Curiel
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero






I have not been a follower of the previous New Warriors series. I know a little
about some of the characters and their part in the events that led to the Civil
War event in the Marvel Universe. So, I am not sure what the lineup was but this
version has a number of familiar faces. Prime among them are Speedball, Nova and
Justice. Other future members from the looks of it are Scarlet Spider,
Hummingbird, Sun Girl, Namora and a player to be named later. For newcomers this
may be a bit too much to unscramble based on this first issue. The scenes
depicted have different heroes in different places. Speedball and Justice are in
New Salem Colorado having a mix up with the New Salem Seven over a
misunderstanding - the typical heroes fight each other when they first meet
scenario. This town is a haven for people born of magic so the occasional kid
with wings or a red guy with horns is not unusual. Scarlet Spider and
Hummingbird are in Mazatlán, Mexico presumably just hanging out until there day
on the beach is interrupted by Namora walking out of an ocean filled with blood.
Sun Girl is patrolling in New York when a disturbance in the subway leads to
something happing even further underground. Finally in Albuquerque, Nova is in a
fight with a rather ugly demon of some sort but is "rescued" by rather large
beings that work for the person apparently behind the dangerous situations all
these heroes find themselves in. It is the threat to all of them that will
apparently bring them all together at some point. Some of these episodes are
more detailed than the others. Yost spends more time on scenes with Justice and
his new friends in Colorado as well as with the Scarlet Spider and Hummingbird
than the others. With this many characters to handle it is difficult to give
them all equal time in four different places. The baddie is big enough to get
your attention but the motivation for his acts are just beginning to be
revealed. The art is pretty good - very dynamic in the action sequences. As an
introduction to these characters it is not the best but I bet if you give it a
chance it will all come together nicely.

Title: THE TERMINATOR: ENEMY OF MY ENEMY
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Based on the movie series
Writer: Dan Jolley
Artist: Jamal Igle
Inker: Ray Snyder
Colors: Moose Baumann
Letters: Nate Piekos
Price (USD): $3.99
Release
Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction



There are probably not too many people who have not seen the original TERMINATOR
movie. Personally I have seen T2 more times than the first and they are two very
different style movies centered on the same theme. The machines have taken over
the future but to ensure total dominance they have to eliminate their most
dangerous foe by sending an agent into the past, 1984, to kill Sarah Connor
before she can give birth to him. The original movie was more of a terror film
than the high action science fiction T2. Through the course of it a human ally
appeared from the future, Kyle Reece, to protect Sarah. It is through the
presence of Reece that we learned why this cyborg was here and what his mission
was. This new comic sets up a plot very similar to that first movie. Skynet has
found another person in the past, this time 1985, that needs to be eliminated,
Dr. Elise Fong. Once again a T-800 cyborg has been sent back to eliminate the
target. The difference in this story is that there is no Kyle Reece from the
future to intervene. Elise and others do not know why this machine is here or
trying to kill the doctor. What we do have is a decommissioned CIA operative
named Farrow Greene. She has a price on her head so her life is already
complicated as we see from the opening scene. For some reason she is doing some
work for hire. The voice on the other side of the phone conversation says that a
pharmaceutical company is offering $1.5 Million for her to find and deliver Dr.
Elise Fong. So part of the mystery right up front is why is Fong already in
hiding and does it have any connection to the reason why Skynet is after her as
well? The introduction of the T-800 in this story is similar to the original
movie with the naked cyborg first seeking clothing, transportation and weapons
before tracking down its prey. The high point of this first episode occurs when
"Arnold" finds Elise shortly after Ms. Farrow does and the action begins. This
story has some of the feel of the original - the terror of the initial encounter
and the unbelievable realization that the bad guy is not human. It turns out
that Farrow has an old friend to confide in and that may lead to other plot
twists. The art is pretty good but the facial work of Agent Greene is
inconsistent making it a bit confusing at first. As a whole it is an
entertaining comic that does a good job in breathing new life into an old
franchise.

Title: THE X-FILES: CONSPIRACY
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Paul Crilley
Artist: John Stanisci
Colors: Steven Downer
Letters: Chris Mowry
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction






I must say I did not examine the cover of this first issue too closely when I
picked it up. I viewed it as a new mini-series to check out and review. Had I
looked closer I would have noticed some familiar characters from other IDW
titles mixed in with the rest of the montage that included pictures of the key
characters, the members of the Lone Gunman group. Those other pictures are of a
Ninja Turtle, The Ghostbusters symbol, Optimus Prime of the Transformers and a
crow. The Lone Gunman seem to have a number of adventures that highlight both
their genius and ineptitude. Currently one of them has received a bunch of
encrypted files apparently from someone at the CERN project, the European
Organization for Nuclear Research. When they are decrypted they are digital
rendition of various tabloids with one of each "exposing" the Ninja Turtles,
Transformers and the Ghostbusters. The other it a normal Times article about a
lethal virus spreading and there is a redacted document from something called
Skylogic Systems. What stands out is they all are dated two weeks to two months
into the future. The guys decide they need to show this stuff to Scully and
Mulder who are retired but happen to be consulting on an odd case with the local
police in Winchester, Virginia. It turns out they are working on the mystery
virus noted in one of those decrypted files. When Mulder sees it he recognizes
the picture - because a crime scene photographer just took that picture a few
minutes ago. While the Lone Gunman head off to decrypt more files they soon
learn it is not healthy to inquire about Skylogic Systems. It is apparent the
two cases are intertwined but how? And what do the other characters from those
other comic titles have to do with a deadly virus? You'll have to look for clues
as the mini-series continues with the Ghostbusters taking the stage next time.
This is a decent story so far. The more I thought about it the more I realized
that the X-Files is a good basis to have a crossover with these diverse titles.
It has a solid plot with some mystery to it and bits of humor here and there.
The art is decent though there are a lot of four-panel pages as if to stretch
things out for the page count. I would recommend it on the basis of this first
chapter. I can't imagine what will happen when these guys meet the Ninja Turtles!

Title: SUPERGIRL
Issue Number: 28
Title Story: Rage Quit
Story Arc: Red Daughter of Krypton
Publisher: DC
Writer: Tony Bedard
Artist: Yildiray Cinar
Inker: Ray McCarthy
Colors: Dan Brown
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover Artists: Giuseppe Camuncoli & Cam Smith
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



This is a hard comic to come into cold. On the cover it appears to be the
beginning of a new story arc, and it is, but it also starts in the middle of a
knock-down, drag-out fight between Supergirl and Lobo. This is taking place at
someplace called The Block where Lobo, this is the cooler younger NEW 52
version, was hoping to find out information on that other Lobo. Evidently
Supergirl attacked to make him surrender so if you missed what led up to this
you are clueless as I am. So basically the whole issue is a big fight that
switches from here to Antarctica and then New York. All the while Supergirl is
getting more and more angry. In fact if you haven't read any of her appearances
in the NEW 52 you would think this is someone with serious anger management
issues. The whole build up this issue is to get Supergirl to a point of rage
strong enough so that the Red Lantern ring that is seeking a new host will find
her. There are a few supporting characters that have a few panels worth of time
as well, but they are just filler and offer nothing that clarifies the large
plot. I was disappointed with this comic for a couple of reasons. Mostly I
dislike the portrayal of this version of Supergirl. This comic is over two years
old and she still has not found her way or gotten over what she has lost. She
does not want to be on Earth or it seems have anything to do with anybody. Has
this all been a build up to turn her into a raging Red Lantern?  I doubt that
but it seems out of character at this point. Secondly DC, unlike many Marvel
comics, does not recap their continuing story lines which makes it all the more
difficult to sample something to see if you like it. The cover is intriguing
enough to make you want to check it out but by the time I was finished I did not
care that Supergirl is now a Red Lantern or what she does next. I like the art,
especially the coloring but it is not enough to make me come back for more.

Title: DAREDEVIL
Issue Number: 36
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Chris Samnee
Colors: Javier Rodriguez
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero






This is also a transition issue of a long running comic. In this case it is the
last issue of the current run. But this is Marvel folks so a new number one
issue will be out soon, as is the case with just about every other Marvel comic
these days. I picked this one up to see how they wrapped up things for now,
knowing that big changes are in store for Matt Murdock. What I did not expect
was that he would reveal his Daredevil identity for real this time in open
court! Matt is defending an accused arsonist charge with setting a fire that
killed twelve people. His revelation came at the end of the last issue,
apparently, as the scene resumes with him repeating his claim as he testifies on
behalf of his client's case. As it turns out he is being blackmailed by the
client's father who threatened to out him as Daredevil if he didn't help his son
get off. With the consent of his partner Foggy, who is currently in the
hospital, he has just put their law practice on the line rather than compromise
his integrity. I like the way this story is scripted. There are cut-aways to
other heroes reacting to the news as the trial is broadcast live. Matt is taking
away the one thing the boss of the Serpents held over him. With blackmailers you
either pay them off or take away the thing that gives them leverage. The
testimony is thorough on the subject. Matt relays the scope of his powers and
how he got them and even gets into the time in the recent past when he was
exposed in the newspapers and denied it and even sued. His reasoning was he had
to in order to protect those he loved from his enemies as any hero with a secret
identity would. This particular revelation has serious implications for his
future ability to practice law in New York, a set up for the new series and the
changes it will bring. But his immediate concern is the counter attack by the
Serpents once he exposes the major player behind it all and then has to prove he
is Daredevil when the shock troops arrive to silence him on live TV. This is a
fun comic with some great plot developments and enough action to satisfy fans of
both. Mark Waid has set up things for an interesting change for the gang at
Nelson & Murdock. I have not been reading this comic monthly but I can see why
it is a fan favorite. I am not that keen on the art in a few spots but overall
it is very well done. I'll be sure to check out the new series which also is a
part of the celebration of old hornhead's 50th anniversary.

Title: IRON MAN ANNUAL
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Paul Rivoche with Nolan Woodard
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero





This annual is broken down into three stories with a somewhat common element of
the moon. They are all written by Gillen and lettered by Caramagna with art by
various artists. Unlike some other recent annuals that have been a single self-
contained story these episodes do rely heavily on continuity in the ongoing
series, at least two of them do.

"Two Cities" is drawn by Alvaro Martinez, inked by Raul Fernandez and colored by
Chris Sotomayor. This is a rather confusing story visually because some of the
things we see are what Iron Man is hallucinating. His blood is contaminated with
an element known as Phlogistone found only on the moon. There is an extensive
recap of what has come before. This new metal was found on the moon. It is a
miracle fuel that would immediately justify colonization. And so the soviets
sent a robotic probe to prepare the way and build a city with Phlogistone as the
fuel source. The corporations and government sent people in a space age gold
rush and Iron Man also came to keep the peace among the various factions. Then
everyone learned the hidden truth about the miracle metal. It poisons humans,
driving them mad and eventually killing them. That signaled the death knell for
the colony as Tony had no choice but to find a way to neutralize all the metal.
As this story begins everyone has gone leaving only the robot Udarnik behind.
This story is about Tony, suffering the ravages of the madness running through
his system pleading with Udarnik to help him - he who was responsible for
destroying the planned outcome of Udarnik's purpose. It is an interesting
premise and the hallucinations are pretty strange but pertinent. I just felt I
missed the heart of the story by picking it up in the last chapter so it did not
have the punch it otherwise would for regular readers.

"Orbital" is penciled by Agustin Padilla, inked by Scott Hanna and colored by
Val Staples. This story is another one that follows past continuity and it
definitely could use a recap on the major characters. It takes place in space as
Tony and his brother Arno dock with a larger ship run by Eli Watson and the New
Modernist Army. They are evidently enhanced humans designed to live in space
indefinitely and where part of the project to colonize the moon. Tony is laying
low on the ship because Eli is not a fan of Iron Man based on the outcome of the
moon fiasco. Arno has a proposal for Eli. There is a city in orbit that is under
construction and he wants Eli and his band to inhabit and run it. Once it is
finished Arno will sign it over to them, no strings attached. Eli has a counter
proposal and Arno is clever enough to have anticipated it. While the story ends
on a satisfactory note I am not sure what the point of it was. Why do they want
or need Eli to take over their city?  It is not clear to me anyway.

"By Moonlight" has art by Marcos Mars with colors by Esther Sanz. This one is a
more straight forward story that works on its own and does not rely on past
knowledge. Like the first story it has exceptional art and coloring while the
pencils on the second story are less appealing to me. This story involves Pepper
Potts and what has been going on with her life while Tony has been off in space.
It begins with a chance meeting in Las Vegas at a party with a man named Marc
Kumar. He is a PR rep whose unruly client necessitates Marc needing to rescue
her from his bad behavior. A month later Marc and Pepper meet for dinner in New
York as they get to know each other. The dialogue is interesting and serves
mostly to get us to know Marc better - why he chose public relations and what
drives him. You can see a spark of friendship developing and maybe romance as
well as the climax leads to both of them wanting to make a serious proposition
to the other. It is a clever story and supplements the rest of the annual with a
more down to earth tale of a fine supporting character. Sadly for Iron Man it is
my favorite story of the book.

                                    *****
TRIVIA CONTEST!!!!     WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!


If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only.  Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
Which character from the original ULTRAVERSE Made it to a live action TV show
adaptation?

The answer is NIGHT MAN.

Here was your no prize question:
What was the only city to turn down hosting of the Winter Olympics?

Beaver Creek, CO was awarded the Olympics but a statewide referendum was passed
that rejected the honor. That year the Olympics were held in Innsbruck, Austria.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What animated TV show are some of the characters in DR. CYBORG patterned after?


Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Comic Reviews 2/21/14



REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.

Title: CITY: THE MIND IN THE MACHINE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Eric Garcia
Artist: Javier Fernandez
Colors: Mark Englert & Felix Serrano
Letters: Troy Peteri
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction







If you watch the TV show "Person of Interest" this comic may interest you - no
pun intended. The city is San Francisco and there is a system similar to "the
machine" in that show. With over 40,000 security cameras spread throughout the
city it is nearly impossible for anything that happens in public to go
undetected. The system is known as Golden Shield and it takes crime detection
and prevention one step further. Early in the issue we see a demonstration of
how it is supposed to work. The system detects an armed robbery with hostages
involved in progress. The system automatically overrides the police dispatch
center and sends an alert out to all available patrol cars that arrive much
faster than they would if someone had waited for an alarm or a 911 call. The
problem with this demonstration for Homeland Security is the "robbers" were a
bunch of kids playing cops and robbers. The video in this case was grainy enough
to not distinguish the people or weapons in good enough detail. Naturally the
DHS agent rejects this because the human element has been taken out of the
equation. This is where our protagonist, Ben, comes in. He is the head of coding
for the project which desperately needed the government to buy into it. He is a
typical techie who has sunk his life into making this work and as a result he is
late for his rent and even totally misses the advances of a female co-worker.
But like many of these stories an unfortunate incident involving terrorists will
change his life and fortunes forever. Caught in a blast he awakens to find that
his eyesight was saved by a co-worker who implanted digital state-of-the-art
cameras in his eye sockets. Not only did it save his eyesight but his friend
took it one step further. Ben can now plug into Golden Shield and see everything
the security cameras see. Will he become the human element, the intuitive
interpretation the system needs to succeed? This is an interesting concept that
is worth exploring. I also see similarities to the new TV show "Intelligence" in
which the hero has had a chip implanted into his brain that allows him to see
anything connected to a computer - those his abilities go beyond that. So what
are the ramifications on the man himself? Will being able to see anything going
on in the city prove to be a burden? The plug for issue #2 poses one such issue,
"Some things can never be unseen." Since Ben is human he will naturally make
mistakes and that could be fatal in the right situation. The first issue sets up
the series nicely and teases us to come back for more. The art is rough but
passable. I think this is a solid beginning worth taking a look at.

Title: THE BUNKER
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Oni Press
Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Artist: Joe Infurnari
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge



This comic has had an unexpected surge of pre-press chatter on the internet so
much so that the first issues flew off the shelf. People are hawking them on
eBay hoping for it to be the next WALKING DEAD. It begins with a double-sized
first issue for only $4 and there is a lot compressed into it. This is the story
of five post-college friends whose lives seemed to be intertwined in normal
human ways. But right from the start we see their lives will be anything but
normal. For some reason they have decided to bury a time capsule. Billy is the
skeptic among them saying it is juvenile. His sister Heidi prods him along,
knowing he really wants to be there. Daniel and Natasha are a couple and Grady
is along for the fun. They arbitrarily pick a spot in the woods and to Grady's
surprise just below a surface they hit a door with four names on it. Grady
Potts, Heidi Ryder, Natasha Losi and Daniel Adamson are etched into the metal
top. Noticeably absent is Billy's name. This alone poses some questions. Who did
this and how did they know these four at least would pick this spot to dig? The
plot is split into two segments. One is set in present time when they find the
bunker and the rest is in the future about fourteen years after some kind of
cataclysmic event and the years after it. You see what they find in the bunker
are boxes of handwritten notes. Each box is labelled for the proper person and
everything is written in their own handwriting. Some of it is written by Grady
about the others so we learn early on what lead to the event known as Mass
Extinction and the role that some of them had in bringing it about. After
reading things in their own hand they all come to realize that this cannot be an
elaborate hoax. No one person could know some of the secret things about the
others. Nearly all of them have a secret that is referred to in the notes from
their future selves. They set out to bury a time capsule and instead found a
time capsule from the future. By flipping back and forth between the two plots
we learn a lot about each person, who they are, what secrets from their past and
present have shaped them now and in the future. One will cause the disaster with
the good intentions of saving the world. Another will be executed for future
crimes while still another will become President of the United States. This is a
masterful plot with a very lot of information in 40 pages. The heart of the
story is of course how each of the characters react and begin a new course based
on this information. The unanswered question is this glimpse of the future
inevitable or can this warning from the future help changes things? I can see
how this would gain interest even prior to publication. I am hooked already and
can't wait to see what happens next. I have just touched on a very brief part of
the plot. There is so much more involved that it is really well worth the cover
price. The art is unique. It is mostly pencil and ink but there are color washes
that give it a different look I found appealing. This is a definite winner and
worth seeking out if you can find a copy. If not there is bound to be a second
printing.

Title: THE MERCENARY SEA
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Nice Work If You Can Get It
Publisher: Image
Writer: Kel Symons
Artist: Mathew Reynolds
Letters: Pat Brosseau
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Adventure







This high adventure thriller is set in 1938 in the Pacific Ocean. It follows a
crew that have their own submarine and do all kinds of work for hire, some of it
very illegal. The leader is Jack Harper, known as a smuggler and bootlegger and
wanted by the US Treasury. Smokestack Johnson was a heavyweight fighter who
refused to throw a fight and is on the run from gangsters. Doc Weatherborne was
a Royal Army surgeon until his drinking problem ended that career. Samantha
Blair is a young lady whose father was a notorious moonshine runner but is now
in prison. Each has their own reason for joining the group. While they wander
from island to island and job to job it seems Jack has a goal he has been
hunting for years. There are tales told throughout the Pacific of a lost island
not found on any maps or charts. It is called Koji Ra. It is fabled to have
mountains of gold and rubies the size of a man's fist. The tales go back to
ancient times when early explorers found the island was also home to prehistoric
creatures and a fabled city whose inhabitants new the secrets of the heavens and
the afterlife. While he is not obsessed with it he always inquires about it
among other travelers in the area and even the native tribesmen he has
befriended along the way. This seems to be a rather important plot point as it
gets more than a few panels of discussion. Maybe Jack prefers to be running
toward something rather than running away from things, as they all are. But the
immediate plot has them pull into the Freeport of South Haven to barter for
supplies and seek any work they can find for their particular talents. They
split into two groups which serves to set up two future plots. One group is
approached by a mysterious man in a bar who seems to know a lot about the crew.
The other is offered a job to transport medicine and supplies to a Dutch mission
on another island. Both of these meetings will bring major consequences. This is
an interesting comic. Visually the art is something that grabs you right away.
Many of the panels have the people in the foreground in full color with a grey
or out of focus background. It has the look of an animation cell and it works
well. The pencil work is sharp making the characters distinctive. After reading
it I found I liked the premise and got to know the main characters well enough
to be interested. I can tell the mystery will deepen next time and the adventure
part is about to explode. This is a pleasant comic that shows how diverse
entertaining comics can be.

Title: THE FUSE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Russia Shift
Publisher: Image
Writer: Antony Johnston
Artist: Justin Greenwood
Colors: Shari Chankhamma
Letters: Ed Brisson
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Crime





Who is killing the homeless on an orbiting city and why?  That is the crime
being investigated by the main characters in this cops in space thriller. We get
a hint of why in the opening scene when the first victim is seen just before his
attack babbling that he didn't tell anybody.  Tell who what? Dietrich is a
former homicide detective from Germany and has just arrived on the Fuse where he
volunteered to join the police department in Midway City. But as his new
partner, Klementina Ristovych, points out only two kinds of people volunteer for
space cop duty - those who are screwed back on Earth and those who are screwed
back on Earth. By all accounts he is an excellent cop so Klem infers it is
personal reasons that brought him here - probably a woman. Klem is much older
than Dietrich and takes the lead on their first case, but only after he stumbled
on a fresh murder and mistook her for a concerned citizen. The two are the only
members of the homicide division and due to Klem's nationality it is referred to
as the Russia shift, hence the story title. The basic plot is a typical homicide
procedural. A homeless female is seen running through the shuttleport and then
collapses dead. It seems she has been shot and has some money on her so it is
apparently not a robbery gone wrong. There are clues that lead to some
surveillance video but that does not reveal enough to lead to a suspect yet.
When a second homeless victim pops up Klem and Dietrich realize there is more to
this than a simple murder. The first issue is more introductory and character
development of the two main characters. Klem is somewhat reluctant to have a new
partner while Dietrich is settling in and finding how to fit in without ruffling
any feathers. So far it is a decent crime drama and the scripting is fun to
read. The art is ok on the pencil and ink work but the coloring is unusual as
far as the people are concerned. Dietrich who is black is properly colored but
Klem and some other white people, not all, are not flesh-colored but actually
white. This is odd because it is not consistent with everyone. Some are white
some are flesh-colored. I don't know if this has a bearing on the story or is a
just a preference of the colorist. Other than that it is a fine comic and very
entertaining.

Title: THE ROYALS: MASTERS OF WAR
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Writer: Bob Williams
Artist: Simon Coleby
Colors: JD Mettler
Letters: Wes Abbott
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero/War
MATURE - Comics on the Edge





This six-issue mini-series explores an alternate world where the only people
with super powers are the royal families. In other words the "Divine Right of
Kings" is taken a step further to give them special abilities. The purer the
bloodline the more powerful the individual. At the time of this story WWII is
raging and London is being bombed in 1940. The royals across the world have
signed a treaty never to get involved in the wars of the commoners. In fact in
England the royal family has gone so far as to perpetrate the ruse that Prince
Arthur and his brother Henry were born without powers like their father King
Albert, who indeed had no powers through some genetic mutation. But the reality
is that both Arthur and Henry do have powers but have been forbidden to use them
by their father. There are a few in government who know this secret, like high
ranking military security and they are not happy that the royals have isolated
themselves from the devastation being wrought without stepping in. This will all
change soon. While Prince Arthur is the womanizing spoiled ruler who couldn't
care less about the plight of the commoners his younger brother Henry is
conflicted. He confides with their sister Rose who also has powers, telepathy.
The prince is strong and can fly but more importantly is more down to earth. He
feels compassion for the people and aches about the damage being done to them
and his beloved country. When he decides to break the rules and leave the
shelter of the palace he will witness first-hand what war is really like and
will make a decision that will forever change the royal family. This is an
interesting concept that will take us through the major events of WWII but with
the added component of super powered heroes entering the fray. Henry is the
catalyst that will lead to a very different kind of war. The English are not the
only royals and that extends all the way to the Emperor of Japan. There is a
similar idea in the current series UBER but in that comic the super heroes are
created rather than born with powers. The very opening scene in this comic shows
an event near the end of the war set in Berlin of 1945. It is perhaps a
foreboding of the consequences of doing the right thing can have unintended
consequences. It is all very clever with a well-developed cast of characters and
a fast moving script. The coloring stands out on very good basic art making this
a better than average product for only $2.99. I highly recommend it.

Title: SHE-HULK
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Motion
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Javier Pulido
Colors: Munsta Vicente
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Kevin Wada
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero





She-Hulk has had her share of series over the years. The cousin of Bruce Banner,
Jennifer Walters, gained Hulk-Like powers when he gave her a life-saving
transfusion. But unlike Bruce she can totally control the transformation and
does not lose her control when in Hulk mode. However a side effect turned her
hair and skin green even in human form. Over the years she has also been in the
Avengers and a member of the Fantastic Four. She has also continued her career
as an attorney. When we pick up her story at this point in her life she is
finishing her first year as an associate member of a large New York law firm and
is up for her first review. This is the lead scene and ends in a rather comical
way that is too good to spoil. The real plot is about a case she takes pro-bono
from a widow who finds her at a watering hole for lawyers. It seems her husband
was the late Dr. Jonas Harrow, a criminal inventor of various deadly
technologies who was eventually murdered by the Hood. At his death he had
nothing to leave to his widow and kids and she is desperate for help. It seems
Jonas contended that Tony Stark stole some tech from him long ago and his
corporation, or one of its many variants over the years, have made a lot of
money off of it. To Jennifer this seems like a matter that can be handled out of
court with a frank conversation between friends and fellow heroes. What she will
find is that may not be an easy thing to accomplish.  As a first issue this is a
good start. It has several moments of humor that fit very nicely into the plot.
The story itself is a statement on the problems that levels of bureaucracy and
legal departments can create despite the best intentions of those in charge. It
also sets up Jennifer as a likable character who has integrity and tenacity as
well as the powers of the Hulk. The art is nice as well. Pulido at sometimes
mimics Mike Allred it seems but the overall effect is good visual composition
and execution. This certainly is a good example of how to get readers interested
in a series without resorting to master plots and lots of dangling questions.
This story is self-contained and ends with a pleasant entrée into the rest of
the series. Well done!

                                    *****
TRIVIA CONTEST!!!!     WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!


If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only.  Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
Whom did Gene Colan model his Dracula character for Marvel after?


Gene patterned his Dracula after Jack Palance. But, ironically, not because
Palance played Dracula, as he hadn't done that TV movie yet. It was Jack's
performance in DR. JECKLE AND MR. HYDE that made Gene believe Palance's face was
perfect for Dracula. The winner by the dice is Erin O'Connor.

Here was your no prize question:
What is the second longest running sporting competition after the Kentucky
Derby?


The next longest continuing competition in the US is the Westminster Dog Show.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Which character from the original ULTRAVERSE Made it to a live action TV show
adaptation?


Here is your no prize question:
What was the only city to turn down hosting of the Winter Olympics?


Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Comic Reviews 2/15/14


The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: MS. MARVEL
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Meta Morphosis
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Adrian Alphona
Colors: Ian Herring
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero






This comic has gotten a lot of media coverage because once again Marvel is
introducing a hero who is not a typical white person. In this case it is a
teenage girl who is a Muslim. She is a native-born American but her parents came
over from Pakistan. She is a teenager from Jersey City trying to walk the
balance between two cultures. In fact this first issue is more about the
difficulty she has with other classmates and her parents with the pivotal moment
in her life occurring at the end of the issue. So for the most part we are given
a long look at her life. She does have a few real friends. Others at the school
act friendly at times but also make fun of the restrictions of her religion and
her parents. She wants desperately to fit in and it gets to the point that she
sneaks out to a party she has been forbidden to attend. The plot contrasts her
family life and that of her life with other kids. The home life shows an
emphasis on traditions though it is her brother who is more focused on the
Muslim precepts. The other aspect of Kamala that we find out early on is that
she is a big fan of super heroes, the Avengers in particular. It is her secret
wish to be like her idol, Captain Marvel. It is no secret she will indeed gain
powers. The only thing I was surprised about was how she got them, even though
what they are has not been revealed. I don’t think I will spoil the event that
gave her the powers but it is not something very unusual in the Marvel universe
these days. So my first impression is this first issue is purposely decompressed
to give us a long look at Kamala and her life before it is turned upside down
starting next issue. It is almost like they are teasing us to come back for more
if we are really curious about what her powers are and how she will handle them.
The story so far is good as far as it goes though some of the characters are on
the edge of stereotypical. This is dangerous as it may get tiring after a while.
Perhaps the heroic part will have more meat to it. The art is a bit pale in the
coloring but the rest of it is pretty good. I am not overwhelmed by this first
issue. I like to feel more excitement when a new character makes the scene. This
one has potential but it is not there yet.

Title: TUROK: DINOSAUR HUNTER
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Sanctuary
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Mirko Colak
Colors: Lauren Affe
Letters: Marshall Dillon
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction







Turok has been around a long time and has seen resurgence in popularity. The
last time was in the Valiant series and a major video game franchise. As part of
a group of Gold Key characters he has seen different publishers. Now he and the
others, Magnus, Solar and Dr. Spektor have landed at Dynamite and Turok is the
first one to launch with the others to follow. I try to approach series with an
open mind. It is difficult with a character I am familiar with from past
versions. There are certain expectations that have to be set aside. A new
generation of readers will not have that prejudice. So what we have here is a
Native American during some unspecified time in the past living apart from the
tribe. He has frequent flashbacks to the time his parents were killed. The other
men of the tribe treat him with disdain. Andar and his two friends bully Turok
and when he stands up to them he is taken back to the tribe for discipline. He
just wants to be left alone but Andar would rather he leave and never come back.
But wait, this title is about a dinosaur hunter, right? They eventually show up
near the end to turn the world upside down on the tribe. The kicker is that it
is revealed in the very last panel that his is the year 1210AD. So where did the
dinosaurs come from?  There are other players revealed at the end that answers
who but not how. I must say I was not very impressed with this comic. The first
half is muddled between the present and the flashbacks so visually neither is
distinct. There is implications that one tribe assimilated another but again it
is not clear. The final problem is the dinosaurs out of time and who is behind
it. It is just not logical when you see who it is. I will allow for creative
license on that part assuming all will be revealed later. Realistically, there
should be no humans and dinosaurs occupying the same time whether it be millions
of years in the past or in the thirteenth century but then there never would
have been a Turok comic in the past either. Oh, and there is a major clue as to
what can be expected in the shadows on the cover illustration – the main cover
by Bart Sears. I may give this another issue or two to see where it goes but the
first one did not grab me. 

Title: JOKER’S DAUGHTER
Issue Number: 1-Shot
Title Story: Golgotham
Publisher: DC
Writer: Marguerite Bennett
Artist: Meghan Hetrick
Colors: Michelle Madsen
Letters: Saida Temofonte
Cover Artist: Georges Jeanty & Michelle Madsen
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Villain




The Joker’s Daughter has been around the NEW 52 Universe for a while now. During
Villains Month her background was told showing how she came by the remains of
the Joker’s face and came to power in Gotham’s underground known as Golgotham.
This issue follows after those events and once again highlights the disturbing
psyche of this new character. The driving force in her life is her obsession
with the Joker. She is not really his daughter but has decided to pattern her
life after his. Her focus this issue is finding the Joker, convinced he is still
alive. She has a plan to accomplish this. She decides to blow up a school bus
and leave a note claiming it was the Joker and thereby getting Batman involved.
She is sure that he would then lead her to the object of her desire. For the
most part her plan is working as she follows Batman to a tunnel leading
underground. But anyone would be a fool to think Batman would not know he is
being followed. It is here she will learn the truth about the Joker’s fate. Up
to this point she has not emulated the Joker’s ruthlessness. As far as Batman is
concerned she is a sick person in need of help. Granted she blew up the bus but
there was no injury or loss of life. When more pressing matters arise he leaves
her with a warning. Of course she won’t be brushed aside so easily and follows
again, right into the waiting arms of the police. It seems her reign of terror
will end before it begins – but then this would not be much of a story, would
it? There are more revelations about this sad character throughout the issue.
The most revealing is her encounter with the Anchoress in Arkham. With a touch
she can peel away the layers of self-deceit showing JD all the lies she has been
telling herself. This one-shot is not an end to Joker’s daughter but a new
beginning. She is convinced she must find the Joker or some part of him beyond
the facial mask she wears. She needs to be part of him – have him in her for all
time and the ending shows her as she seeks the one man who can help her make a
final transformation. She will have a new look about her and new drive. She has
crossed the line finally to be a willing killer – more easily than before. This
special sets her up for future mayhem in Gotham. This is a dark story and can be
a bit disturbing in parts. It really examines the character very closely and
sets up the future. The art is really good on this one. The complex plot calls
for a variety of scenes and sequences and the team is up to the task. Dedicated
Batman fans will have to get this for their collection.


Title: LOKI: AGENT OF ASGARD
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Trust Me
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Lee Garbett
Colors: Nolan Woodard
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Jenny Frison
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Villain/Anti-hero




This comic grabs you right with the opening panel. It shows Loki running a sword
through Thor’s heart from behind with the text reading, “Trust me. I know what
I’m doing.” It is clearly the climax of the issue revealed in the very first
panel. Fortunately for those of us who have not kept up with all things Thor
lately there is a recap text that explains the status quo. Loki evolved from
adopted son, to god of mischief to god of evil – until he died. At some point he
was reborn as a younger version of himself. Now he has made a deal with the All-
Mother, ruling triumvirate of Asgardia. He completes missions for them and they
forgive past sins one by one. So we get the idea after two pages that the
“mission” this time is to stab Thor in the back – heh, heh. Well obviously there
more to the story than that and we jump back to the beginning of the journey as
Loki gets his mission from the All-Mother via his bathroom mirror. At this point
we don’t know what it is as the scene shifts quickly to Loki running up the side
of a very tall building, Avenger’s Tower. This is a very blatant move which will
surely trigger alarms and cause the Avengers to assemble. But with Loki things
are never as they seem. There are plans within plans. The cleverness of the plot
is very entertaining. Loki is here for more than one reason only one of which is
the mission he has been given. We eventually get to the reason why he runs
through Thor and it is no spoiler that Thor will survive it. It would be a
spoiler to reveal what happens at the very end after Loki reports to Asgardia
and then leaves. It is unexpected and sets up the next issue for some very
interesting conversation. I like the character of the young Loki. He is written
with a distinct personality that is not evil but at the same time always doing
what is best for himself. The subplot at the end indicates a deeper story will
be told through the ongoing issues. It is not just simply a different mission
each month showing how clever Loki is in getting things done. For that it is
worth giving it a try. The art is what I would call average for Marvel. It is
not stunning as in the flagship titles but it is better than lesser company’s
stuff. I give this one a positive first issue thumbs up.

Title: THE PUNISHER
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Memento Mori
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Nathan Edmondson
Artist: Mitch Gerads
Letters: Cory Petit
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Anti-hero Adventure






Seeing yet another first issue for the Punisher I got to wondering just how many
series he has had and is it a Marvel record? Some research revealed that this is
the tenth PUNISHER series not counting the four spin offs – WAR JOURNAL, WAR
ZONE, 2099 AND MAX. Whether that is a record I don’t know. Marvel is more prone
to renumber series at #1 whenever there is a change in creative teams or
editorial direction. They are now taking it a step further by putting a big
white #1 on ongoing series issues as if they were actually first issues. Take
note of the recent or soon to come titles UNCANNY AVENGERS #18, NEW AVENGERS
#16, IRON MAN #23, and UNCANNY X-MEN #19 sporting the #1 on the cover and
another 5 ongoing series resetting at #1 all advertised in this week’s Marvel
comics. It makes me long for the old times when comics stood or fell based on
their quality and fan support without an artificial boost in sales from
renumbering.  But I digress…

This series has an interesting start involving a group of military special ops
members as they complete a rescues mission. This at first does not appear to
have any bearing on the main character but it will by the end of the issue – and
wait until you see what their code name is. The bulk of the book is what I would
call more of a classic Punisher story. It opens with a sub plot as Frank stalks
his quarry in a rather unique way. It is the first step in a larger plan to stop
the flow of drugs in a particular supply chain. The first guy gets him the name
of the middleman. The middleman gets him the location of the main group – the
cartel members behind it all. At each step Frank uses his talents to get the
information he wants and in typical Punisher fashion makes sure those who are
most involved in trafficking get what they deserve – in his mind anyway. As a
counterpoint to his ruthless avenging we also see the civilian side of Frank
Castle at his favorite diner. Whether it is chatting up the local beat cop or
listening to the rants of the cook it as if he is a normal guy from the
neighborhood. It works well for a first issue. It sets the base of how Frank is
operating these days and introduces a limited supporting cast. It also begins a
longer plot thread involving the military unit introduced at the beginning. The
art is decent as well so this one gets a recommend as a good issue to sample to
see if you would come back for more.

Title: WOLVERINE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Rogue Logan
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Ryan Stegman
Inker: Mark Morales
Colors: David Curiel
Letters: Cory Petit
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




The final first issue up for review is another restart of an ongoing series.
Thinking about this issue in particular made me realize that one of the problems
with just resetting the number is that new readers have missed what has come
before and too much reference to the previous volume may be confusing. So this
issue begins with a brief recap of what has happened recently in Wolverine’s
life – at least in this title, which may or may not sync with the other numerous
Wolverine and team books he appears in. Basically all we have to know is that a
virus recently stripped Wolverine of his healing factor meaning he is now mortal
and can be killed. He has enemies that may at some time try to kill him so he
has to take extra measures to defend himself. Now supposedly he is back to his
life as headmaster of the Jean Grey School but as we see right from the opening
scene just because he is more vulnerable does not mean he will not put himself
in danger. He is working on a team with characters I am not familiar with –
Pinch, Lost Boy and Fuel. He is wearing a uniform with added armor in places.
They are on a job for the man in charge known as The Offer. He is called that
because his talent is to always make the best possible offer to people to get
them to do what he wants or needs. But as we see behind the scene The Offer is
currently engaged in a conversation with a man who says he represents
Sabretooth, Logan’s sworn enemy. There is an interlude to the main story that
goes back a few weeks when Logan and Ororo are having a conversation about his
recent recovery from a battle with Sabretooth. We also see him going through
some basic firearms training with Black Widow. But this is not about being good
with a weapon, Logan has lived long enough to be adept at shooting. It is about
being able to fire at something you may not want to when you have to. This is
all to get us somewhat assimilated to his new “condition” and maybe a change in
attitude. The end of the mission for Offer presents another complex plot twist
that will have to be explained in the future. For me, the best part of this
title is the art. I find Stegman and Morales do nice rendering of characters and
Curiel is an exceptional colorist. The story is only so-so for me. The plot
devise of having the lead character do something stunning and seemingly out of
character as a cliff hanger is overdone. I am not sure what Logan’s agenda is or
why The Offer was able to get him to work with the team. When I decided I didn’t
care I knew I wouldn’t be back for more. Your mileage may differ.

                                    *****
TRIVIA CONTEST!!!!     WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!


If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only.  Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week’s trivia question:

Which comic does OVERSTREET list as the first BAXTER PAPER as well as the first
deluxe format comic?

The earliest Baxter paper, deluxe format comic was STARLORD: THE SPECIAL EDITION
in February of 1982. No winner.

THIS WEEK’S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Whom did Gene Colan model his Dracula character for Marvel after?


Here is your no prize question:
What is the second longest running sporting competition after the Kentucky
Derby?


Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don’t hesitate to send in an answer – even days after it appears.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Comic Reviews 2/8/14


REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.

Title: SERENITY: FIREFLY CLASS 03-K64 - LEAVES ON THE WIND
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Based on the TV Series created by Joss Whedon
Writer: Zack Whedon
Artist: Georges Jeanty
Inker: Karl Story
Colors: Laura Martin
Letters: Michael Heisler
Cover Artist: Dan dos Santos
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction - Space Western


This is the continuation of the stories based on the FIREFLY TV series. At this
point in their history the Alliance has cemented their dominance of the galaxy.
In the text on the inside cover we get filled in about the crew. The captain
Malcom and his crew are refuges partly because they have revealed that the
Reavers, a band of cannibal pirates, were actually the result of an Alliance
experiment. Now everyone is searching for them. The Alliance wants to shut them
down forever while the resistance wants Malcom to lead them. The comic begins
interestingly with a media broadcast that is basically point/counterpoint
debate. One is very pro Alliance - debasing any point of view counter to the
government line while the other is more advocate of open protest and
investigation into the truth behind the Reavers, among other things. It sets the
mood for attitudes on both sides of the conflict which is coming to a boil. Of
course the alliance has more than just the usual military resources to call on.
They have offered a reward to every known criminal and bounty hunter to get
Malcom Reynolds. This first chapter shows the people behind each side and how
they are martialing the resources they have to find the Firefly and its crew.
Meanwhile there is a difference of opinion on the Firefly about whether to lay
low any longer. Then there is the fact that Zoe is about to give birth. Her
condition may change things for the immediate future. The final scene is the
real kicker as we get to see a former crew member get pulled into the plot. This
is definitely a comic for die-hard fans of the show and the subsequent comics.
If this is your first exposure to these characters you will have a different
point of view but will still be able to follow the plot after getting a fix on
the members of the crew. It is decent space opera and has impressive art. The
plot moves along nicely and draws you in. I think it is a good first issue.

Title: FURIOUS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Life's a Bitch
Title Arc: Fallen Star
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Bryan J.L. Glass
Artist: Victor Santos
Letters: Nate Piekos
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero





This is a different take on the super hero than what we are used to. The
traditional super hero hides his identity to protect his loved ones. Furious
hides her identity because if people find out who she is they would hate her. In
her former identity she was a media star. But what the media builds up it can
also tear down. Without giving away too much I will say she has done things that
have turned her public against her and cause her to change her appearance so she
can still function in public without being recognized. But it is not only the
public that finds her past repulsive. She does as well. Then her life changed
again. At some time in the recent past she gained super powers. She is the sole
powered being in a world that is otherwise like our own. She has seized the
opportunity to somehow atone for her past by doing what she feels is the right
thing - bringing furious justice down on bad guys. But even trying to do that is
a problem. A while back she rescued some college kids and brutally beat their
abusers. She is the darling of the new media while others are painting her as a
vigilante that went too far. The story is about the constant internal conflict
she has about who she was and what she is trying to become. It is a very
different story that gets you thinking about the responsibility that comes with
power. I found it to be fascinating. In this issue we see many contrasts and
Furious, the name the media dubbed her with, is trying to stop a mother who
kidnapped her own son and is in a high speed chase. The question is can she
contain her rage to concentrate on saving the young boy rather than venting her
rage at the mother who is endangering him?  How can she redeem herself in her
own mind?  The art is very dynamic with lots of varied panel arrangements and
perspectives. While it is not altogether a pleasant story it is powerful and
holds your interest right to the end. It is a worthwhile comic to check out.

Title: BATMAN AND ROBIN ANNUAL
Issue Number: #2
Title Story: Week One
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Doug Mahnke with Pat Gleason
Inkers: Christian Alamy, Keith Champagne, Tom Nguyen, Mark Irwin, Mick Gray &
Doug Mahnke
Colors: Tony Avina
Letters: Dezi Sienty & Taylor Esposito
Cover Artist: Mike McKone & Chris Peter
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


If you look at the cover of this annual you will probably notice that the
"Robin" in this story is the original, Dick Grayson. This series has turned into
a Batman team-up comic lately and for the annual Tomasi has decided to tell the
story of Dick's first week as the Caped Crusader's partner. The framing sequence
revolves around a package that Damian left behind in his secret Robin Cave
hidden in the ceiling of a room in Wayne Manor. It is addressed to Dick as
payback for having to listen to the "long boring story" of Dick's first week as
Robin. The discovery is made by Bruce and so he asks Dick over to give it to him
and explain why Damian did this long-term planning. The rest is flashback to
that time in Dick's life and the issue concludes eventually with him opening the
package to find a rather appropriate gift. This New 52 version of Robin's debut
is a fun story. After months of training the first night for Robin to accompany
Batman on patrol has finally arrived. Dick has his own ideas about his costume
but soon learns Batman's first rule - do as he says, completely and without
hesitation. As you might expect that first night does not live up to Dick's
expectations. When he could not stand being more of a spectator than a partner
he crossed the line and got a big reprimand. It seems at first that the
partnership may end before it really begins. You can see where this is heading
and probably could write it yourself. Dick finally takes some initiative that
redeems himself in Batman's eyes as they face off against a gang of thieves
headed by an ugly beast known as Tusk. The story is not only one of acceptance
but also once again shows that no matter how clever the Boy-Wonder thinks he is
Batman is two steps ahead. As Dick finishes relating the story from his point of
view to Bruce and Alfred he finally opens the package and that is the pay off.
It is all wrapped up nicely with a tribute to the fallen son. I really enjoyed
this comic from start to finish. It is a self-contained story that is not tied
in to the latest ongoing arc in the Bat books. The art is splendid from start to
finish. If you are a casual Batman reader and just like to read decent stories
on their own, this is the one to get.

Title: WORLD'S FINEST ANNUAL
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Adventures of Robin and Supergirl
Publisher: DC
Writer: Paul Levitz
Artist: Diogenes Neves
Inker: Marc Deerining
Colors: Jason Wright
Letters: Dezi Sienty
Cover Artist: Emanuela Lupacchino & Jason Wright
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




While the monthly issues of WORLD'S FINEST are about Huntress and Power Girl on
Earth 1 this annual takes place back on Earth 2 in the days where they were
Robin and Supergirl respectively. It is some time prior to the invasion by
Apokolips but after Helena's mother has died. The annual is divided into three
chapters. The first follows Helena in her role as Robin working with Batman to
break up an underground brothel. It is a typical adventure for the two and at
this point in her career it teaches Helena a lesson about willing victims of
crime. In the second chapter Kara is the one who learns something but it is a
gut-wrenching tragedy for her. A chance encounter with the son of a foreign
diplomat begins a new friendship but an explosion at a nearby building will end
in tragedy despite Supergirl's best efforts. The final chapter gets to the
conflict as noted by the cover illustration. Robin teams up with Supergirl to
investigate the blast when the video of the event reveals something that should
not be there. They not only discover who is behind it all but as promised have
to battle Wonder Woman before it ends in a surprising revelation. Like the
BATMAN AND ROBIN annual this is pretty much a self-contained story though it
leaves a plot detail that could be a factor later either in the regular issues
or in EARTH 2. It is a good enough story though the clichéd devise of having
heroes fight each other was old ages ago. The art is decent and the characters
are as well. While it is not as compelling as some stories it is entertaining
and well-constructed. It is not just thrown together as an excuse to have an
annual to print.


Title: ALL STAR WESTERN
Issue Number: 27
Title Story: The Unforgiving Truth
Publisher: DC
Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray
Artist: Moritat
Colors: Michael Atiyeh
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover Artists: Giuseppe Camuncoli, Norm Rapmund & Michael Atiyeh
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Western/Super Hero


I have read a few issues of this comic and decided to see why Superman was guest
starring in this issue. It turns out that Jonah Hex has travelled forward in
time to a period evidently prior to current continuity of Forever Evil. He
encounters Superman which is just another wonder for him to behold in this place
where he should not be. The first part of the issue is nothing more than the two
meeting and discussing things. Superman explains how he came to this planet and
though he has amazing powers he cannot fits everything wrong with the world.
Though he does not know how to help Jonah get back to his time he promises to
ask others who might be able to help. The main plot has Jonah back with his
travelling companion, Gina, who suggests that while they are here he might want
to visit a place that could be of interest. It is the Metropolis Museum that
currently has exhibits on the old west. To his surprise there is an entire room
with artifacts dedicated to... Jonah Hex. Imagine going to the future and seeing
things about your life. Some are true and others are the stuff of pulp fiction.
There is one particular item in the exhibit however that is very unnerving and
will set Jonah off to do things he may regret later. This is an interesting
interlude for this comic. While it is not a Western at this point it follows the
path of the main hero as he seeks his true place in the world. Perhaps he will
find it in this time or perhaps he will get back to things more familiar. At
this point it is not clear what direction the story will take. I did not find
this story all that compelling. Fans of western comics, even with the bizarre
Hex as part of the action, may find this strays too far from the premise of the
title. For me the art is not exceptional. While the finishes are decent the
pencil and ink work seems crude with rough edges. If this was my first sample of
this title it would not be enough to get me to keep buying it. You may feel
differently.

Title: SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 SPECIAL
Issue Number: 4
Title Story: Titans
Publisher: DC
Creator: Based on the TV show on WB
Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
Artist: Cat Staggs
Colors: Carrie Strachan
Letters: Saida Temofonte
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




This is another comic I have not sampled for a while. Rather than try to catch
up with any ongoing plot I decided to try this "special" mainly because of the
cover illustration. As you would infer from the title this series carries
forward the continuity from the WB TV show in what they call Season Eleven.
While some of the characters did appear on the show before it ended most in this
issue are new to me. I was delighted to find this story is all about the
SMALLVILLE version of the Teen Titans. We have Conner "Superboy" Kent, Blue
Beetle, Ms. Martian, Arrowette and the big surprise - the Wonder Twins! They are
being mentored by Jay Garrick who is of course the Flash of the Justice Society.
The story opens with the team trying to contain and capture Doctor Phosphorous.
While the teens do their best it seems that Jay is not at all pleased with how
they handled things. While he and Conner have heated words about their
performance we know Jay is in it for the long haul, partly as a tribute to a
fallen hero we are familiar with. Part of the plot deals with interaction
between the teens in their down time. But the crux of the story comes later when
we find out who is behind Phosphorous' break out and what her real game plan is.
Since this is a special it is designed to be self-contained and in the end the
kids prove they can handle circumstances even more intense than the botched
first conflict. Conner seems to be the central character of the group and so the
focus is on his relationships and his past and how that relates to the villain
they eventually defeat. I was very much a fan of the WB TV series right from the
start and this seems like a logical expansion of that universe. It even has an
appearance of Superman at the end. The art is fairly decent making it a good
read without distracting with mistakes. I recommend this issue if you are
curious to see where SMALLVILLE might have gone if the show was still on today.

                                    *****
TRIVIA CONTEST!!!!     WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only.  Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:

What group of kids debuted in DC's STAR SPANGLED COMICS #7?

It was Kirby's NEWSBOY LEGION that made their first appearance way back then.
The winner by the dice is Mike Dooley.

Here is your no prize question:
"We Are the World" raised over $60 million for charity and featured the voices
of many stars in 1985 including Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Bruce
Springsteen and Michael Jackson, among others. The question is what was the name
of the band that played the music on this multi-award winning song?

Toto was the studio band for "We Are the World."

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Which comic does OVERSTREET list as the first BAXTER PAPER as well as the first
deluxe format comic?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.