ANDY'S COMIC REVIEWS !!!  JLA # 35 Writer-J.M. Dematteis Penciller-Mark Pajarillo Inker-Waldem Wong Letterer-Ken Lopez Colorist-Pat Garrahy Separations-Heroic Age Associate Editor-Tony Bedard Editor-Dan Raspler Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? No, not the Shadow, the Spectre. Yes, the Wrath of God in his new form makes his first appearance in his new host in this issue of JLA. Not overly exciting except establishing the Spectre’s roll in the DCU in perhaps the easiest way possible. Further more this continues the ongoing JLA "let’s probe Joker’s mind" trend. A good read, especially if you’re into the Spectre, Day of Judgment, or just wanna buy something to prelude World War Three (see below for more details). I give this one one and a half Spirits of Vengeance out of four, but who needs more than one anyhow? RISING STARS #2 Writer-J. Michael Straczynski Penciler-Keu Cha Inker-Jason Gorder Colorist-Liquid Letters-Dennis Heisler Editor-David Whol Associate Editor-Sonia Im Why must Straczynski be one of the best writers in modern sci-fi? I know a lot of people are going to yell at me for this, but in my opinion Straczynski is almost on par with Alan Moore. In case you haven’t picked up a copy of Rising Stars #1 or #2 yet this is for you-BUY ONE! Buy both even, or maybe six copies of each so when one wears out you’ll have more. This story is about the murder of a man invulnerable to everything. The story behind the invulnerable man is so believable you’d swear you went to high school with him, but he didn’t have any powers. This one is a keeper. I’m going to go run around my house several times to get my energy down to a more controlled level, so I’ll leave you with an overall rating of three and a half Rising Stars out of four. WORLD WAR THREE, WHO’S GONNA DIE? As I promised you kids way back when, here are Ace’s bets as to who’s gonna buy the farm in World War Three, and who’s gonna be a pole bearer. Check this out and keep it in mind as you read on. I’ve selected the current JLA and other characters I wager on seeing in the story in fairly major roles. Enjoy! Superman Chance of Survival: 99.9% Logic: He’s all ready been dead twice in recent memory, both in his own books. This guy ain’t going no where. Wonder Woman Chance of Survival: 99% Logic: She just came back from the dead too, it would be bad form to kill her again, unless she decides to join the ranks of Kenny and Gene Grey. Oops! Did I say that out loud? Batman Chance of Survival: 95% Logic: He’s never been dead before, so he’s a little bit easy to kill than Superman or Wonder Woman, but he’s the bat, who’s gonna replace him? Tim? HA! Martian Manhunter Chance of Survival: 95% Logic: J’onn has been the driving force in the JLA from the beginning, there would be no JLA without him, need I say more? The New Gods (Orion, Barda, and Mister Miracle) Chance of Survival: 90% Logic: There’s gonna be a new New Gods book soon and these three are the names, you can’t kill them any more than you can kill Highfather. Oh, wait. Green Arrow Chance of Survival: 90% Logic: He or they (we’re not sure yet) have a new book coming out soon writen by Kevin Smith. Should Kevin Smith ever get around to writing it this /these guy/guys is/are going to need to be around to shoot boxing glove arrows at street punks and in Ollies’ case, environmentally unfriendly CEOs. Green Lantern Chance of Survival: 85% Logic: Okay, so we change GLs once every five or so years, isn’t it all most time for Kyle to call it quits and have the last Guardian give a new ring to some other shmuck any how? It’s been tradition ever since Hal picked up the ring to switch every so often after all. Aquaman Chance of Survival: 80% Logic: He’s Aquaman, he doesn’t sell as well as his Superman and Batman counter parts do, and really a death of Aquaman story would be kinda cool, but his status as King of the Seas will pull his butt out of the fire again. Starman Chance of Survival: 80% Logic: He’s one of the most popular characters in the DCU right now. He’s a cash cow, they can’t afford to kill him... not with out replaceing him with, what, Starman CCXVI? Besides that, the JSA would be real upset if the JLA got one of their team wacked. Plastic Man Chance of Survival: 75% Logic: The world needs laughter. Guy Gardner Chance of Survival: 70%> Logic: The former GL everyong loves to hate. No, he doesn’t have the cool powers any more, but if things really get desperate, he’ll show up (for moral support if nothing else). The DCU needs Guy. He’s the everyman character that a bunch of super heroes need to fall back on. John Stewart Chance of Survival: 70% Logic: He’s the host of the Daily Show and-oh, wait... wrong John Stewart. Never mind. Flash Chance of Survival: 60% Logic: Which Flash is which in the first place? There are three now. You could easily kill one or two of them in World War Three and no one would ever know! Huntress Chance of Survival: 60% Logic: Right now she’s a major player in Gotham, but if she got wacked they could replace her with any number of people who they just make up on the spot. After all, Gotham’s a big city and she’s a small woman. Still, her importance in Gotham saves her some ground. Obsidian Chance of Survival: 50% Logic: So he was a JLA member at one time, right? He’s not gonna be a major player in this one unless he does something evil (like we’ve been seeing in GL recently) and defects to the baddies’ side. Steel Chance of Survival: 45% Logic: As cool a concept he may be he had his own book, but blew it, he does next to nothing on the team but marvel in Orion’s presence, and gets downplayed a lot everywhere. Oh, he’s gonna die. Zauriel Chance of Survival: 35% Logic: A fallen Angel he is. A hero for everyone he isn’t. The only thing that could keep such a new, untested character alive is the possibility of throwing him into Spectre’s new book since he’s one of the few people that understands him. Booster Gold & Blue Beetle Chance of Survival: 35% Logic: The Blue Beetle/Booster Gold jokes are getting old and everyone knows it. If they show up one will die, and in a fit of rage the other will make a suicide run against the bad guys. Captain Atom Chance of Survival: 30% Logic: Honestly I don’t even think he’s gonna be in World War Three, but he might be, and after reading L.A.W. #1 I’m praying for him to get shot up by an insane super villain. The Atom Chance of Survival: 30% Logic: All he’s done recently is joined the JLA for monitor duty or something like that. Other than that he’s been a fairly worthless character for the past couple of years. If he gets called out, he’s gonna die. Not only will he die, but he’ll be in the background when he dies. The Ray Chance of Survival: 30% Logic: Now here’s a good character with plenty of potential. He’ll be Superman’s right hand until he gets killed in the grand finale fight. Then Superman will cradle his charred body while every hero in the DCU looks on. Fire Chance of Survival: 20% Logic: Let’s face it, the only comics she’s ever been in were JLA and one issue of Martian Manhunter. No one really likes her, as far as I can tell, she’s cannon fodder. Ambush Bug Chance of Survival: 5% Logic: If he does appear in World War Three, his only line will be, "Superman, I’ll cover you." Then he will explode into little pieces. Aztek Chance of Survival: Kenny Logic: Morrison made him, Morrison can kill him. Until next time, Love, Luck, and Lolly Pops. RISING STARS #1 writer-J. Michael Stracynski pencils-Ken Cha inks-Jason Gorder colors-Liquid! letters-Dennis Heisler editor-David Wohl If you’re reading this, chances are you haven’t picked up Rising Stars yet. If that is the case... WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU !?!? Yes, Rising Stars #1, the first book in a new series by the man who’s name nobody can spell, J. Michael Stracynski. Stracynski (the award-winning creator of "Babylon 5"), possibly the decade’s greatest sci-fi writer has released his own comic, and what a comic it is. The plot revolves around a town that has a comet pass over it. All the children who were in utero when the comet passed over head are gifted with super powers, and this book promises to tell the tale of these kids as they grow up, sort of like how the BBC did "Seven Up". This is a hot book, and I strongly recommend getting in on the ground floor, otherwise you could find yourself on a personal quest across the globe to find issue #1, once this book starts topping out the market in popularity. Mark my words, it will! Out of four rising stars, Rising Stars #1 takes the gold, all four. READ THIS ONE!!! JLA #33 writer-Mark Waid penciller-Mark Pajarillo inker-Walden Wong letterer-Ken Lopez colorist-John Kalisz associate editor-Tony Bedard editor-Dan Raspler Okay, so this site sees a lot of JLA..... cut me some slack, I like the book. This issue is a keeper, too. Everyone remember the history of the JLA? This one will wrap up some loose ends Martian Manhunter and Batman left hanging. Page 14 alone is worth the $2.00 you pay for the book, but do yourself a favor -don’t read ahead!!! You’ll only spoil it for yourself. If you’re up to date with your JLA comics and have read most of this run, you will LOVE this issue. I know I did! Out of four Plastic Men, JLA #33 melts down three and a half, and they only lose the half-point because Top Ten and Rising Stars are SO good JLA can’t keep up. (Oh, and kids, if you’re good, maybe next time I’ll give you my bids on the JLA roster surviving Mageddon!) FLASH #152 story-Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn pencils-Paul Pelletier inks-Vince Russell letters-Gaspar colors-Tom McCraw associate editor-Frank Berrios editor-Joey Cavalieri BARRY ALLEN IS DEAD!!! Why can’t a hero stay dead in the DCU? WHY!? Hal Jordan is dead too. As is Jason Todd. None of these people should be coming back EVER! No, they haven’t said "Dark Flash" is Barry, but after reading this issue, I’m sure you’ll think it’s him too. A good issue that basically establishes the "Dark Flash" in Keystone. I have to say I like "Dark Flash". He’s got some really cool powers, like speed stealing which is the opposite of anything Wally ever did. Good story, but nothing spectacular. Since I’m in a good mood from the last two, our of four, Flash #152 takes two lightning bolts. All right boys and girls, I’m gonna do an all out "Bat" week in honor of the "Assembly" story starting to kick in, in Nightwing and Robin now, so stick with me, oh bat-fiends. Besides, I’m in a batty mood any way! NIGHTWING #35 writer-Chuck Dixon penciller-Scott McDaniel inker-Karl Story colorist-Roberta Tewes separator-Jamison letterer-John Costanza associate editor-Joseph Illidge editor-Darren Vincenzo Okay, as the first book in front of the firing line today, let’s look at Nightwing as a series first. Possibly one of the greatest comics on the market today, art above par and fitting, even though it is the dreaded cartoon style I despise, but know is coming in a big way. As a matter of fact though, I don’t think a style other than this could do a book as athletic as Nightwing, so I make an exception for the cartoon look, only because it works. Writing is tops. Very excellent. No, this isn’t a modern day Watchmen that all writers must compare themselves to for generations, but it’s definitely one of the best writing jobs in comics today. Now, issue #35 of this great book... stank! I can only think back to Nightwing’s reaction to being called to "No Man’s Land" in issue #34....total anger. After all, he has a life in Bludhaven. He was gonna join the police, his land lady love interest, Blockbuster ....has all this been thrown to the wind? I should hope not! This was a fine book, with a great story arc, and now Nightwing’s in NML on some shmuck Batman story arc. This could be the issue Nightwing starts to dive in popularity because it isn’t a Nightwing story, it’s a Batman story told through Nightwing. I love the series, but this issue stank because it took away from the flowing Nightwing story arc. I think no one is to blame for this issue’s failings, because it was as good as it could have been under the circumstances for the story. The only reason this issue lacks in points is because Nightwing is out of his element. Nightwing #35 takes only one and a half Batarangs. BATMAN: SHADOW OF THE BAT #89 writer-Ian Edinton penciller-Jason Minor inker-Sal Buscema letterer-Albert F. de Guzman colorist-Pam Rambo separator-Digital Chameleon associate editor-Joseph Illidge editor-Jordan B. Gorfinkel group editor-Dennis O’Neil Ladies and gentlemen, "The King" has left the building. How’s that to grab your attention? This bat story is called, obviously "The King". It seems someone in NML (that stand for "No Man’s Land", in case you haven’t caught any of my other reviews) is being a do gooder, just like Batman and helping the weak. People call him "The King of Gotham", but no one knows what he looks like. Batman does catch up with him, but you’ll have to buy the book to find out who it is. Art’s not shabby, but not great either, about ordinary in every way. Writing is more than I’d look for in a typical book today, well thought out, if somewhat abridged by the constraints of such a short story. For the size of the story the execution was above average. Not an overly important story in NML continuity, unless the King of Gotham turns up some more, you never know, but still it’s a fun read. "The King" gets two crowns from the four Elvis left open. For more Batman related reads, check the rest of this week’s reviews, you hound dogs! BATMAN ANNUAL #23 writer-Chuck Dixon penciler-Graham Nolan inker-Mark Pennington colorist-Noelle Giddings letterer-John Costanra associate editor-Joseph Illidge editor-Darren Vincenzo Hey hey, now they’re monkeys.....people say they’re monkeying around! Yes friends, the JLA has been turned into monkeys except for the big black Bat! With a Gorilla invasion set for Bludhaven, Batman and trusty ex-sidekick Nightwing must kick Ape butt from here to Gorilla City. High action and plenty of the Bludhaven regulars (e.g. Blockbuster, and Lady Vic) same Nightwing art in the cartoon style. Good story with pulse pounding action and lots of monkey jokes. A good read, but it requires more than a minute to go over. For anyone not interested in picking up JLA Annual #3, this one will clue you in to the story you missed. Out of four bananas I give Batman Annual #23 three. Now go shower those feces off you, monkey boy! JLA #32 Writers-Mark Waid and Devin Grayson Pencils-Mark Pajarino Inks-Walden Wong Letters-Hen Lopez Colors-Pat Garrahy Associate Editor-Tony Bedard Editor-Dan Raspler JLA in No Man’s Land? It happened! With shadows back to "JLA: Year One" and the reintroduction of Locus, the JLA has more than a full plate! The story follows Superman and Huntress communicating telepathically while Huntress fights gangs that didn’t exist in NML ("NO MAN'S LAND") continuity until now... with a story as large as NML someone should be keeping an eye on stuff like that. The story really picks up when Superman starts finding Locus is, gosh, EVERYWHERE!!! When the story cuts back to Huntress, crack out some pillows because it’s nap time. All-in-all, not one of Waid’s finest efforts, but still worthy of his name. Out of four, I give JLA #32 two road blocks. WILD TIMES: GRIFTER Writer-Max Allan Collins Artist-Paul Smith Colorist-Digital Chameleon Letterer-Robbie Robbins Editor-Rachelle Brissenden It’s 1928 and the mob runs the country and everyone in it... everyone except Cole Cash, better known as Grifter. In this WildStorm one-shot, Grifter takes on the mob, which is headed by evil, alien conqueror Hellspoint! Along the way though, Grifter joins up with other WildC.A.T.s fan favorites like Voodoo, Maul, and Marlowe. If you’re looking for a quick, action packed read, THIS IS FOR YOU! Story oriented readers beware, it’s kind of light on that aspect. With four tommy guns to pick from Wild Times: Grifter picks up two and a half. TOP TEN #1 Writer-Alan Moore Illustrators-Gene Ha And Zander Cannon Letters-Todd Klein Colors-Wildstorm FX Assistant Editor-Eric Desantis Editor-Scott Dunbier WOW !!! Can you say cool beans? I think you can, especially if you pick up this book, and I mean NOW!!! Alan Moore, the powerhouse who brought you classics like "V For Vendetta" and "Watchmen" (the comic to which all try to compare themselves), and the all new, already hot "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", brings you this stunning look at police in a world where everyone has super powers. From Zen cab drivers to devil-worshipping voodoo priests to talking dogs, this is a fantasy story told better than almost any other comic put out in recent memory. Out of four Zen Cabbies, Top Ten #1 takes all four and runs to unknown numbers. YOUNG JUSTICE #12 Writer-Peter David Pencils-Todd Nauck and Lary Stucker Inks-Jaime Mendoza Colors-Jason Wright Letters-Ken Lopez Associate Editor-Maureen McTigue Editor-Eddie Berganza Young Justice goes to heck! That’s tonight’s story, film at 11... or you could read my review right now. After helping Red Tornado escape with his daughter from the authorities, YJ finds themselves fleeing the DEO (Department of Extranormal Operations, for those of you who aren’t in the know). During this mad dash to freedom YJ mistakenly ends up in, well, heck. It’s the formula for wackiness! The art in YJ #12 seems to be consistent with the rest of the series thus far, and keeps up with the cartoon look that the industry is turning to one book at a time. Story is fairly action packed, and handles Red Tornado and his family well in there non-crime fighting subplot. The down side? Nothing about the book stood out as being extraordinary. It was a decent story with competent art, but nothing went above and beyond the call of duty. I’m still going to sit by the clock and count off the minutes till the next issue, as I do every month for YJ’s latest, but I’m not likely to remember this issue anymore than I do Batman #556. When four devils assault the YJ crew, regretfully only one and a half still stand. That's all for this time......thanks for your attention.  (Drop us an email and let us know how you like my reviews!) Andy Marsteller |
