Decisions: Teen Titans and Superboy

I'm trying to lump together titles that intertwine or are at least related by character line.  These two are both.

Warning: Most likely contains spoilers.

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Issue #3

Teen Titans

Since I'd already covered two issues of TT, this will only cover Issue #3, but really, do I need to?

Re-cap:  So much is going on in this story line, it might take me as long to recap as it would take you to download and read.  Kid Flash rescues Solstice from the N.O.W.H.E.R.E. facility somewhere in the Antarctic, but because of the weather, and the muting of Solstice's powers, they don't make it too far. Bunker, on the run, hops a railway car on his search for Red Robin.  Instead he meets a gritty hobo traveling with a strange cocoon. After a brief scuffle, lo and behold, the hobo is Red Robin in disguise.  The two  stop in a town of mind-controlled citizens and RR meets Detritus, a self-sentient scrap metal beast with the ability to erase memories.  He's going to take over humanity.  Finally, Wondergirl confronts 1/3 of "Thrice" to grill him for more information on who hired him/them.  I have a feeling she'll have to beat it out of him.

What Soars: What doesn't?  The art in Teen Titans is amazing.  I'm ranking Brett Booth up there with Jim Lee and Ivan Reis.  I love the way he pencils with such interesting details.  Lobdell has an amazing ability to write a complex story that is so seamless, the reader is able to move through it without feeling lost or whiplashed.  There was so much I couldn't believe there were only 20 pages.  The humor is also HILARIOUS.  It's adult humor and juvenile humor all rolled into one.  Perhaps his ability to do this is why there is such great character development.  I feel like I know Bunker more in 10 pages then I know most other characters after several issues.  And no, it's not because I have a thing for gay latin guys. I do, but that's not why.

What Crashes:  Honestly, I can't say anything does.  OK, maybe I don't quite understand Bunker's powers yet and maybe he's a little too stereotypically latino twinkie flamboyantly gay, but he's a fucking riot.  And if the shoe fits...  Besides, this series is GREAT!

Decision: A definite keeper!  In fact, I've already downloaded the rest of the issues up to now.  Worth every penny, I'm sure.

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Issue #2

Superboy
Issue #2

Re-cap:  Superboy is released from the lab to team up with Rose Wilson to stop a "prison riot" where three aliens are trying to break free of a holding facility. Even though he is stopped physically, Superboy manages to take down the aliens and the entire facility with his powers of tactile telekenesis.  Rose Wilson barely manages to escape and return to the N.O.W.H.E.R.E. plane as the prison disintegrates.

What Soars: I am actually pretty impressed with the story.  There is enough action and plot to keep me engaged AND thinking this book is much longer than it actually is.  The great part is that Lobdell writes Teen Titans as well so the stories mesh well.

What Crashes:  I've said it before.  The art is abhorrent. It is so distracting, it keeps me from enjoying the story.  How many issues have to run before publishers decide to replace an artist?

Decision:  I hate to say it, but I had my mind made up on this one by the end of Issue #2.  While I think it would be a good companion to Teen Titans, I just can't justify following them both.  Because I like a variety of characters, I'm picking TT. Goodbye, Superboy.  I'll see you in a book where you're drawn much better. Maybe if Silva is replaced in the future, I'll pick you back up.

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All images copyright DC Comics and used under the guidelines of Fair Use.

Decisions: Green Lantern Corps and Green Lantern: New Guardians

Deciding to keep or ditch any comic in the GL family is a tough one.  I gave these series four issues each just to be sure.

Warning: Most likely contains spoilers.

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Green Lantern Corps

Issue #3

So here is the Guy Gardner/John Stewart collab.  I dislike both these Lanterns.  Is that enough to keep me following?

Re-cap:  An unknown army is pillaging worlds for their natural resources, and the soldiers are impervious to the Green Lantern ring energy. While Lantern Porter is able to transport most of the Corps from Oa for the rescue, he is unable to transport all Lanterns AND citizens of Xabas away, leaving John Stewart behind as a captive.  However they were able to bring back an unconscious member of the opposing army where they realize the origin of the attack and the reason why the solders were impervious.  The soldiers' life essence was willpower and their attack: an attempt to recapture what is rightfully theirs: The Central Power Battery. 

Issue #4

What Soars: I like that this story line makes the Guardians out to be the bad guys.  Yes, they assembled the Corps to be an intergalactic police force, but they were hush hush about where they got their power.  With the help of Martian Manhunter (Stormwatch), Guy learns from the captive that the Guardians stole the energy of willpower from these people and all they are fighting for is their rightful property. Not so noble now, are we Guardians?

What Crashes:  Not much.  I have to admit, watching Isamot fight limbless with the ring on his tongue is quite creepy.  I guess being a lizard has its advantages.  His limbs will grow back. Issue 3 had a "guest penciler" but his art wasn't far off the norm. Overall this is an intriguing series.

Decision:  Such a tough call.  I'm interested in finding out what happens with this storyline, but I'm not so interested in the corps as much.  I'll wait til these issues go on sale down the line and buy them digitally, like a TPB in digital form.

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Green Lantern: New Guardians

Issue #3

Kyle Rayner is my backup GL. As Ion, he was the most powerful being in the universe. Now he has all rings of the spectrum.  Where do we go now?

Re-cap:  Kyle has taken control with a ring from every element of the sector and plans to defeat the Guardians for their lobotomizing of Ganthet, but he's not strong enough to sustain it.  With members of the others corps attacking, the Guardians defeat them all, except Larfleeze who comes to get what is his: everything. This new rainbow alliance sets out to destroy the Guardians since they have become the largest threat in the universe.  Retreating at the advice of Orange Guardian Sayd, The group learns there is a far worse threat to the universe which sent the rings to Kyle. An artificial construct larger than the solar system has emerged from a "White Hole" and that's where the adventure must continue.

Issue #4

What Soars: As I read this, I think about The Breakfast Club.  It's this mismatched group of characters who, despite their distaste for each other, are working together against something bigger.  The question is, will it be successful like any John Hughes film, or will it sink like so many of the poor imitations that followed.  We shall see.

What Crashes:  The action here is a little fast and the story jumps a little too quickly, but after a few re-reads, you get back on track.  I'm not sure about this "White Hole" entity.  It has the capacity to be a mondo success or an epic fail.  I am interested though.

Decision:  I'm so intrigued by this, but like GLC, I think I'm going to have to wait and follow these as they go on sale.  I'm not super-assured that the story will be going places.  We shall see. 

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All images copyright DC Comics and used under the guidelines of Fair Use.

Review: Green Lantern #4

Yes, there's only one this week that has been circulating in full review mode.  I've decided to take a new approach to the others.  Unveiling soon.

It's New Comic Book Wednesday!

Green Lantern #4

I have to say I was HANGING on the resolution of this one.  Issue #3 ended with such insanity that I was wondering how they would ever get Hal out of it.  I have to admit, that while the idea of Hal's survival was a good way to "save" him, it played out very quickly and anticlimactically.  I guess it makes me think of some old-time serials where the solution seems so easy and is just brushed aside like it was no big thing.  I kinda feel like that's what happened here.  Oh, you aren't Sinestro? Then we won't transport you to the anti-matter universe.  That is all.

I guess that would be my
dying wish too.

Hal doesn't get off that easily though. He's taken prisoner by the Sinestro Corps to be dealt with after they torture Sinestro himself.  Thrown in a de-charging cell, Hal's ring depletes rather quickly.  What I was touched by was his desire, in his last moments of power, to use his ring to make a construct of Carol. He really does have a heart and a soft spot even if he is a cocky douchebag.  It's what makes him so loveable.

When the Corps can't figure out how to "de-green" him, Sinestro is "thrown to the wolves" for all intents and purposes.  He is imprisoned with all of the people of Korugar the corps has been defeating and torturing.  They feel that they put their trust in Sinestro and he betrayed them.  As much as he tries to convince them he didn't want this, that the Corps is acting against his orders, they simply don't believe him.  Would you?

Oops! Maybe giving my
enemies weapons wasn't
such a good idea.

What really speaks to me though is the element that I brought up last issue. "Bad guy" is all about perspective.  Did Sinestro set out to be a bad guy in this situation?  No.  His intent was to protect his people and his planet.  Unfortunately, the army he created to do so took on their own mission which didn't involve holding Sinestro's values as their own.  Where the people of Korugar once saw Sinestro as their savior, the now see him as nothing but a ruthless tyrant.  And all he wanted to do was help.  Sinestro even goes as far as creating Green Lantern rings for his people to prove his good intentions, but unfortunately, they turn his own rings against him in the final panel.  Fear and rage beget hostil action.  I get that.  Perhaps these Korugarians should have gotten red rings.  It really points out how important it is to consider all of the sides in any skirmish. Maybe understanding the intent behind actions could help resolve our own conflict.

Sometimes people look at me strangely when they find out I read comics.  They ask me, as an English teacher, why I don't read "more challenging" and "more thought-provoking" material.  My response to them is they have clearly never read good comics and they have definitely never looked at how this medium can really be a gateway to reading for the struggling reader.  There's so much about comics that can challenge thinking, especially as social commentary on the world around us.  This series and the Red Lantern series have really helped me to see the evidence behind that.

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All images copyright DC Comics and used under guidelines of Fair Use

Decisions, Decisions: Justice League and Green Arrow

Decisions, Decisions.  As I've said before, I'm giving each series three issues to WOW me.  Then I decide if they stay or go.  Due to the number of weeks I'm behind, I'm changing up my format. so here goes.

"May the odds be ever in your favor."

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Issue #3

Justice League

So I based this decision of of issues 3 and 4, since I was pretty sure this was one I would keep.

Recap: Super-humans are still hated by society, but now they are trying to fight the invasion of winged demons sent by Darkseid.  A sword-wielding Wonder Woman is introduced to join the fight, Aquaman surfaces to drive the demons from the deep, and Cyborg's newly-downloaded knowledge has all the answers to WHY the demons are here.  It's an action-packed couple of issues.

Issue #4

What Soars: The humor, the characterization and the tension among all of these "strangers" is perfectly clear.  Johns does an amazing job with the story and with the character development.  Amidst it all, he even injects a TON of humor.  Green Lantern is hilarious! Yes, he's the cocky douche he's always been, and yes he has that bromance with Flash, but he is a hoot! Of course, Jim Lee is astounding with his artwork.  I can't say it enough.  And even Aquaman is kick-ass.  Isn't that hard to do?

What Crashes: Wonder Woman sounds like a complete idiot.  I guess you have to remember, she is fresh in the new world from her secluded upbringing on Paradise Island, but she still comes off a little "challenged." What she lacks in brains though, she makes up for in balls. This chick is NOT afraid of a fight.  And although I thought her sword was stupid at first, it's kind of growing on me.

Decision:  Definitely a keeper.  As I've said before, this is my team.  I've been with them for so long and with the re-boot, I feel like I've been with them from the beginning.

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Green Arrow

Issue #2

Green Arrow is the Star City Batman.  While I never really latched on to The Dark Knight, there was something I loved about the Emerald Archer.  Rich playboy.  No real powers, but enough money to have any cool gadgets he needs. I guess if you're a real person hoping to be a superhero, this is the closest you can aspire to in the DC world.

Recap: A gang of superhuman criminals, led by Rush, are causing crimes and streaming them live on the net.  Very Running Man / Hunger Games.  Their next target is Green Arrow and their goal is to kill him live online.  They bait GA by enticing a young, enamored super-fan, calling himself Alpha, killing him live online.  GA can't resist getting involved.  After a good fight and an inspiring "The More You Know" message to viewers, the super-gang is locked away.

Issue #3

What Soars: This is a solid 3-issue arc.  The action certainly picked up in issues 2 and three and there was a clean and clear resolution.  Of course, it ended with a cliffhanger to begin a new arc.  Very typical, very formula.

What Crashes: Queen Industries has become Q-Core, the leader in innovative technologies like the Q-Pad and the Q-Phone. Q-Lame.  There wasn't much explanation of "why" in this story arc,  but I don't think the writers cared.  This seemed like a grabber to get new people interested.  I hope it did.  Oliver deserves it.

Decision:  While Oliver Queen will always have a place in my heart, I think it's time to let go of this series.  It's had it's day and I'm not sure this new run wil ever match the good ole days of Oliver Queen.

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All images copyright DC Comics and used under guidelines of Fair Use

SS Saturday: Green Lantern - The Animated Series

Did you catch the premiere of Green Lantern: The Animated Series on the Cartoon Network last night? It's the basis of

Star Sapphire Saturday!

So I've been hugely busy lately as you can see by my lack of reviews.  I'm teaching a class that's kicking my tail, BUT I'm LOVING it.  However, before bed last night I managed to squeeze in an hour for the new Green Lantern: The Animated Series on Cartoon Network.

As I watched, I thought to myself, "This is a better plot than the film that came out in June.  Maybe they should have gone with this script for the live action."  It had a great balance of "origin" explanation within it to appeal to the new fan, but it jumped into a completely involved storyline.  Impressive.  Of course, I was a bit disappointed in the lack of female characters. At least they included Carol Ferris.  I've included some very amateurish shots of her here.

No. This is not a Ferris Blow up doll.

While not in the SS role, introducing her early on sets the stage for having SS as a recurring character if they want (note the violet hues in almost any "Carol" scene).  They started right off the bat introducing Red Lanterns for a violent conflict, so I'm insure including the SS Corps won't be far behind.  Got to enjoy the conflict of the love interest.

I'll be interested to see how they mesh Star Sapphire with the animation style.  I've never been a fan of this kind of animation before, but as I continued to watch, it continued to grow on me and by the end of the hour, I was recruited.  It's still not my favorite, but it's not my least.  And I'll surely continue watching.

Love conquers all with violet light!

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All images copyright Cartoon Network and used under the guidelines of Acceptable Fair Use.

Review: Green Lantern #3

Yes, there's only one this week that has been circulating in full review mode.  That's a good thing.  I need a little break. Guess what?

It's New Comic Book Wednesday!

Green Lantern #3

You know a book, an issue, is amaze-balls when you get to the last page and you say, out loud, WHAT THE F*@k?!?  This is that issue.

So last week I complained about the plot of Stormwatch and how, after three issues, it had only spanned a short snapshot of time.  It bugged me.  But the same is true about this storyline.  Perhaps it's the writing, the lack of characters to focus on or the clarity in the threat and action that makes this so much more appealing.  Amazing what clarity can do to a story.

I am a bit puzzled by the fact that Carol (and the world) know the identities of Hal and the other GLs.  While it's not shocking coming from previous storylines, it doesn't mesh with the JL story arc.  Maybe I'm just missing the connection, or maybe there is none.  I have to catch up.

Hal's "Do anything to get your life back" attitude is a pretty universal one, and I like the challenge he's faced with.  He's forced to help someone bad, to do something good, hoping that he'll get back his reason for being in the end.

There's also this human side of Sinestro that Johns plays with.  We forget that even the most evil people have homes and families and lives, and they aren't evil to everyone.

GINORMOUS SPOILER ALERT: I'm not sure why Hal trusts Sinestro, and I'm not sure what Geoff Johns did in three issues to make me trust him too, but he did.  I don't think I'm enough like Hal, like Sinestro states "Because even if you're incapable of it, you always try to do the right thing." Yah.  That's not me.  But something inside of me, something about his need to fulfill his promise, to protect the people of Korugar, and his drive to annihilate those who are destroying his world, that something makes me do exactly what Hal did.  Trust Sinestro.

Good God, why do we trust Sinestro? Charisma? It certainly isn't his pedophile looks. I can FEEL Hal's pain in the last panel as he curses Sinestro.  But I think I'm sensing a little from Sinestro too. Darn you, DC.  Hurry up with Issue #4!

Decision: Without a doubt, I will keep this.  Of course, as a GL fan, I'd probably never give it up, but this is one I can preach about. HOLY MOSES!

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Watch out for some mini-digis coming soon!

Next week:  Green Lantern Corps #3 and Justice League #3

All images copyright DC Comics and used under guidelines of Fair Use

SS Saturday: Inked

One of my favorite "stuff" sites, Superherostuff.com is promoting a tattoo week on their FB site, so this week, I thought I'd contribute because it's...

Star Sapphire Saturday!

I've known for a long time that I wanted SS as a permanent, daily reminder, but I could never find the right art.  Finally, pushing 40, I decided to go for it last Spring.  I tracked down an artist through many recommendations and sat through many a session, but am happy with the results. Yes, I made some concessions based on my love for the female body and my other obsession with pinups, but hey, it's MY arm, right? (Sorry for the black box, but this is a family friendly site).

Now, Carol follows me everywhere in all her glory, reminding me every day that...

Love conquers all with violet light!

Reviews: Red Lantern #3 and Stormwatch #3

So I've been following along with this relaunch like a diligent, loyal little DC soldier, and sometimes it has been VERY painful.  There were books that I abandoned right away (I, Vampire or Legion of Super-Heroes) for various reasons, but I've been loyal to most. I decided, however, that the magic #3 would be my cut-off.  Any series that hasn't impressed me enough in three issues (half a TPB story arc) doesn't deserve my time or money.  There's so much more out there, especially in some impressive indie titles I've discovered.  Maybe I'll revisit them when they become cheap digital downloads.

So this is the start of the Issue #3 run.  "May the odds be ever in your favor!"

It's New Comic Book Wednesday!

Carrie.. is so very.

Red Lantern #3


I continue to be impressed by this title as it explores the complexities of rage, vengeance and manipulation.  Atrocitus calls on babbling Red Lantern Bleez to control and unite his ever-rebelling corps of lanterns.  Perhaps he feels he can control her best, perhaps because her pain has made her utterly mad, but whatever his reason, he made his choice.

I like the creation story of Bleez and her "evolution" into re-sentience. For this to happen, she has to drown in the Blood Ocean of Ysmault, a death which, strangely, calms her mind but resurfaces all of her painful memories.  While the intention is to bring back a fuel to direct her rage, it's drawback is the clarity it brings to her mind. In the end, it's her agenda, not his, that she pursues, even if it is in submissive silence.

I just stepped out
of the salon.

Also intriguing is the story of her people and the birth of her rage.  Bleez is of the Havanian race (a blue-skinned, bird people) and she is a woman of divine beauty, purity and a flippant and ignorant cruelty. While suitors pursue her, she turns down all of their advances in the kindest way she knows how. "I'd rather be buried alive and be eaten by slugs than spend one night with you." Naturally, her suitors take offense and bait a Sinestro Corps member Ranx into chasing her.  However, when he's rejected, he doesn't tuck tail and flee.  He tortures Bleez, strips her wings to the bone and slaughters her family. Finding out her former suitors are to blame, she seeks vengeance.

Such behavior makes you think about revenge on a human level and how we treat those who have wronged us.  What happens when justice is not served? Even when it is, is the "eye for an eye" mentality a justified one?  The death penalty?  In a parallel Earth (Sector 2814) story, the reader is reminded of the two brothers, struggling to cope with the death/murder of their grandfather. One understands that revenge is not the answer while the other is hell bent on his own brand of retribution.  I can see where this one is going.

One MILLION dollars..

At the end, Atrocitus ponders (in a delightfully Dr. Evil way) if he made the right decision choosing Bleez as his second or if, even in her state of mental babble, she manipulated him into giving back her intellect so that she can bend the corps to her own will.  While he strokes the kitty, she sits, deified, while the rest of the Reds gather round, complacent.

I'm still torn about the Carrie-esque cover.  It sometimes makes me laugh trying to decide what decisions drive the cover art.  Issue #2 was very propaganda reminiscent while #2 looks more like a sci-fi/horror Maxim cover.

Decision: Keep.  This is probably one of the best books I've read in a while. 

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Stormwatch #3

I had real hope for this title, especially with the promise of some strong, gay protagonists.  I want to like them, really I do.  But just because they're gay, doesn't make them compatible to me.  Or maybe they are and I just don't vibe with the crowd they hang around. Either way, I still support this title, but I'm not going to waste my time and money to follow it.

We're STILL in the midst of the same conflict introduced in Issue #1: some non-descript entity trying to take over some non-descript town in the middle of Nowhere, Colorado (literally) being fought by a team with some very non-descript powers.  Remember, this is the team that tries to hide from even the other superheroes. Very invisible.

I just have a hard time with superpowers like "talking to cities" and "sensing media" as weapons to fight the "scourge of the earth."  When the moon turns into a giant, all knowing eyeball creature (not OMAC), and an octopus-Goldblum-flyesque thing is destroying an entire town, I can't see what these "pansy powers" can do.  Hell, the only character with any real muscle (the gay one might I add), is sent into space for batting practice with some meteors.  It's a good thing the "scourge" absorbed all the other team members. Maybe now something will get done.  Wait!  The "media-whisperer" still lives. Aw, shucks.

The art is a little iffy, but again, I can't tell if the art is bad because the creatures are vague or the other way around.  But with the erratic story and the dark, poor illustrations, I get a little nauseous.  And then I saw something that made me lose it.  The "city talker," wearing culottes, had feet like Superboy.  That's it.  I'm done.

Decision: Toss.  I'll catch up with it later when digi-issues go cheap. Maybe it will get better.  Or if they break off and have a Midnighter title again, it will be worth picking up.

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Watch out for mini-digi reviews soon!

Next week:  Green Lantern #3

All images copyright DC Comics and used under guidelines of Fair Use

SS Saturday - New Guardians this week

Although this could be stretched into two weeks, I'm feeling generous today, because it's...

Star Sapphire Saturday!

There are two SS components from this week's GL: New Guardians that I wanted to bring up today.

Fatality - While she's not my favorite SS, Fatality really holds her own, especially in this new series.  When fighting with lanterns of all other colors, she kicks the most ass.  She completely exercises her crystallizing matrix power to neutralize other lanterns, both red and green in this issue.  I love this strategy. In doing so, she dodges the attack of the Indigo Lantern. 

The other thing I love is how she explains her name and behavior to the Indigo Lantern who questions her "qualifications" in the violet corps.  Her response, "There's nothing crueler than a Love spurned."  So true.

Kyle - I've always thought about the male Star Sapphire, and even this week a gent on a FB group I follow (yes, A.D.S.) mentioned the same thing.  It's like he was reading the writers' minds.  This week, donning a ring of every color, Kyle Rayner becomes some "Super Lantern," but of course, what do I notice most?  The SS part of his uniform. With Halloween and all, this may be quite the inspiration.  Given all of the Justice League members I saw last night, I may work on something like this next year.

So for the year to come, I'll keep this costume idea in mind and remember, 

Love conquers all with violet light!

Reviews: Green Lantern: New Guardians #2 and Teen Titans #2

Really.  I'm catching up.  I've still got that long list of mini-digis to get to though. Regardless,...

It's New Comic Book Wednesday!

Green Lantern New Guardians #2

Kyle is cornered by a lantern of every color as rings from their corps groups have left (killed) their owners and "chosen" Kyle.  SPOILER ALERT:  Because he can't defeat them on his own, the one Lantern who understands it wasn't Kyle's doing, Saint Walker, helps him ditch the rest and head to Oa.  Thinking he'll find answers and support there, Kyle encounters only a brainwashed Ganthet and a vicious circle of Guardians.

This storyline is going very slowly, just like the introduction of Justice League.  And like that series, I'm tied to this one because of my history with Green Lantern and the Corps (and Star Sapphire).  Still, I like the concept and am very interested in seeing where it goes.

I was intrigued by the Guardians in this issue.  The brainwashing of Ganthet was bizarre for sure and seemed a little uncharacteristic for the Guardians (although following their "off-limits ban" of Oa to any lantern other than Green was most likely the first sign).  While they maintain they merely removed Ganthet's emotion which was impairing his logical judgment, they made him less like Spock and more like the Terminator. They way the Guardians came at Kyle like crazed pit bulls was pretty comical. I think I've seen this little guy in the basement of American Horror Story house.

And Red Lantern vomit is very entertaining.  Next time someone asks me what I'd want if I had a superpower, I think I might respond with something like, "The ability to harness my rage in order to fly and create matter from it's energy.  Oh, yah. And to have high-velocity, acidic projectile vomit."  Mmm.


What I'm trying to figure out is what happens to Kyle when the rings assault him.  Sure, his outfit is KILLER (I might actually consider this for Halloween next year), but what kind of power does he wield?  He can handle it, no doubt. I mean, for chrissakes, he was Ion (ok maybe not in this relaunch).  Or maybe this is their version of Ion FOR the relaunch.  Time will tell.

Lastly, what's with the Orange lantern on the cover?  By their own admission, there is only one orange lantern, Larfleeze.  Since his ring has chosen Kyle, Larfleeze must be dead.  So what's this Humpty Dumpty looking Avarice entity? Was it merely to have the entire spectrum represented?

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Teen Titans #2

Robin and Wonder Girl continue to evade NOWHERE while trying to keep super human teens safe.  They learn about a "new" teen superhuman, "Skitter" who is one crazy giant bug.  I hate bugs. This is not a character who appeals to me.

I'm not sure I'm interested in this.  I want to be, but they are taking their time recruiting and building the TT team.  I'm starting to see a pattern with this relaunch: slow, slow, slow, BAM!  I've decided I'm giving all these arcs three issues to impress me until I cut them off.  They better start hustling or they may lose me.  I was so much more intrigued by the Kid Flash/ Solstice side-story here than I was by the main plot.  Hopefully things start to pick up once the entire team is assembled.

I have to admit I am enjoying the humor and comic jabs they interject in many of the books.  While investigating a meta-human sighting, Tim Drake goes out to the mall in his Green Lantern shirt.  I guess even comic books are not against pointing out the marketing value of comic books.  Since it's halloween, the mall is littered with "extras" parading around in and trying on costumes of superheroes.  Here a Batgirl, there a Superman.. Look out above! It's a Scarecrow!

One think I will say, the art here is MUCH better than in Superboy.  You'd think they'd share pencillers or at least find two of the same caliber for books with so much crossover.  I'm not complaining though, because this artwork is so much better and I like this series better.  If I'm going to let one of the two go, it will definitely be Superboy. I can get enough of my fix here.  Too bad this team can't draw both series.

Next time will tell. By issues #3, I'll be making my cuts.  I'm hoping introducing Solstice and Bunker, and getting the team going, will keep me on this book.  Like I said, I WANT to like it.

Even though I hate bugs.

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Watch out for this week's mini-digis: Oh, I give up!  You'll see them when you see them. :)

Next week:  Red Lantern #3, Stormwatch #3

All images copyright DC Comics and used under guidelines of Fair Use

SS: DOOM!

I'm glad Star Sapphire is being featured more lately, even if it is in roles that may not be right for her.  Regardless, she's getting better known, and once again it's...

Star Sapphire Saturday!

So the trailer for the new Justice League: DOOM was previewed at CCNY last week and our favorite violet starlet is featured as GL's nemesis. This takes me back to those days as a kids watching the Challenge of the Superfriends. I always loved the episodes that dealt with the Legion of Doom.

Now, Going just from the trailer, I'm a little confused why the chose SS as GL's counterpart.  Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited to see her, especially sporting the slightly risque, modified, Ivan Reis-designed Blackest Night outfit. However, Sapphire's fight has always been motivated by, driven by, fueled by love.  I hardly see a monetary carrot being the appropriate bait for her to want to destroy GL and the rest of the Justice League.  This fight is more about hatred.  Maybe they should have called in Atrocitous instead.

Despite that, I'm glad she's getting out there into more mainstream venues.  Maybe someday she'll get a book or a movie of her own (yes, I keep saying that). Until next week...

Love conquers all with violet light!