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.

Mini Digital Reviews

I've decided that my review of digital comics will be two fold:

1. Mini-reviews of the digi-titles I "picked up" this week.
2. A running record of the pros and cons of digital v. print.

The latter will be a separate post that I will keep adding to and updating.  I'm not sure how it will show up, so I may need to re-date it from time to time.

So here are my mini-digi-reviews this week. Completely quick thoughts.

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Action Comics #1

Action Comics has been around and I have NEVER followed it (other than the iconic first issue image you see everywhere) so this will be a review from a newbie.

Re-cap:  A vengeful Superman uses "everyday" villain Mr. Glenmorgan, shrewd business man who uses cheap labor, violates safety standards and bribes officials to get away with it to show his fight for justice for the poor and the "everyman." Concerned about this new "hero," Lex Luthor, bent on rebuilding Metropolis despite the poor who live there, enlists General Lane in the fight against Superman.

What Soars:  This series brings the villains to a "human" level that many today can still identify with.  The rich keep getting richer even in our poor economy and everyone seems to be looking the other way. If our system work bring about swift justice, someone has to.

What Crashes:  I'm not sure if Superman is "jeans and workboots" in the original Action Comics.  The jeans and workboots really say "I'm a working man, just like you.  Identify with me." But the shortsleeved, tight fitting top over the bulging muscles says, "I'm a roid-raged, sexually confused metrosexual looking for some Tina and a hot night of fist pumping."  It's not working for me. Especially considering how raggedy and old Clark Kent appears.

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Batgirl #1

Batgirl has always fascinated me since Yvonne Craig danced around the screen in Batman reruns when I was a kid. Beautiful and tough, I had to pick this up.

Re-cap:  "The Mirror" is enacting is own brand of justice, determining the fates of people who survived tragedy when others did not. On his list:  Barbara Gordon. Elsewhere, a Barbara Gordon who survived the shooting by the Joker and recovered from paralysis, is back stopping serial killers from attacking a family.  However, in a moment of fear facing "The Mirror," her inaction results in a man's death. Is she good or bad?

What Soars:  There was a ton of story in this issue and it never seemed rushed or convoluted.  It felt like this was twice as long as an average issue, in a good way.  I am ALWAYS a fan of a strong woman who can hold her own in a fight.  I'm also huge when a "super" human is afflicted by and makes normal human mistakes.

What Crashes:  Seriously?  You rode your Batcycle up to the 14th floor of the hospital in an elevator? The fleshtone color of the boots, gloves and emblem have got to go.  You're not Powergirl. And that tiltle page.  Wow!  Do you really fly through the air in "full splits" position? I feel like I'm watching Kathy Griffin's gyno exam in high-rise Gotham.

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Superboy #1

I know very little about Superboy other than pieces I've gathered from 52, Blackest Night and Smallville.  I know Superboy is hotter than Superman.  I know he'd be the product if that cute gay couple Clark and Lex had a genetically created child. I know Superboy is hotter than Superman. Oh, did I say that already? Really. I'm not a pedo.

Re-cap:  A genetic experiment combining the DNA of Superman with Lex Luthor has produced "Superboy." Feeling he is showing no signs of life, the scientists want to destroy him, but one doctor, Red, is sure his consciousness lies on a higher level.  When they try to destroy him, the scientists are all killed.  Despite her failed tests to prove he is ready for the world, Superboy is "released" by the man behind the money.

What Soars:  I really like the "processing"icon that appears in the middle of a panel where Superboy is thinking.  It makes me think of my phone and reminds me that he is more like a self aware computer than anything else.  A hot one. I also like that he is to be the solution to the "problem" Zaniel has with the Teen Titans.  I just hope Superboy's drawn better in TT.

What Crashes:  Can someone please learn to draw some joint articulation, some feet and outlines that have dimension? I was looking at the full page pic of Superboy post-"escape" and he looks like a bad version of my friend Amy's William and Kate paper dolls. Oh. And can you say "deer in headlights"? Everyone.

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Sorry for the late recap.  I now the week's over, but these might still inspire you to check out a new title or two.

And as always, if you agree or totally think I'm full of crap, let me know in comments below.