Albert Avilla Reviews: Green Lantern #14

Green Lantern #14
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Doug Mahnke
Inks: Christian Alamy, Mark Irwin, Keith Champagne and Tom Nguyen

“Courage” (Spoilers!)

The Guardians are planning to destroy the Green Lantern Corps. Okay, we covered this before. Now, it’s time for the new Lantern to get into some action. The Justice League is on the scene; there is going to be some major throwing-down going on in this piece, yeah, buddy!

Nope! We get some jibber-jabber about helping Simon Baz get his ring off and finding out what happened to Hal Jordan . Once Batman puts his hands on the ring, Sinestro uses the ring’s energy to slap the Justice League off. Baz decides to run; he makes a car and fast and furiously gets his ass out of that situation. Don’t let the cover fool you; not a punch, a lasso, batarang, or trident was used in the making of this comic. How does Baz make his getaway? He confuses the League by making hundreds of cars and driving away.

Simon gets a lead on the van that blew up in the car factory. The Guardians who were guarding the vault are locked in the vault and the First Lantern is on the loose. Now, the Black Lantern shows up trying to find out where he is. Not finished yet; hold on. Some ominous figure shows up in the place where Hal and Sinestro are, and he’s ready to make Sinestro pay for his crimes. There are a lot of things happening in this story. The background has been set for this story. Now, let’s tie up the loose ends; it’s time to rumble. All this crossing-over and the only place that I can find some action is in the Red Lanterns.

The art is good. It is the strength of the book. The Justice League looks good. The artists are carrying their share of the load.

I rate Green Lantern 14 Read a Friend’s Copy. #3 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batman #14

Batman #14
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Synder
Pencils: Greg Capullo
Inks: Jonathan Glapion
Cover: Greg Capullo and FCO Plascencia
Variant Cover: Trevor McCarthy variant

“Funny Bones” (Spoilers!)

This is another gem from Mr. Synder. Batman has to get out of a minor difficulty in the beginning; Synder makes it a heroic moment. The Joker didn’t kill Alfred; he kidnapped him, because he needed a butler. Synder does a masterful job of illustrating the Joker’s unpredictable and fearsome nature through Commissioner Gordon. Gordon is breaking down from the pressure that the Joker is putting on his life, and to top it off, the Joker almost kills Gordon.

The Joker is always attacking physically and psychologically. I am afraid to read this stuff. It takes great strength and resolve to face him in battle. Batman tries to outthink him, but the Joker is always two steps ahead of him. Joker has his own arsenal of gadgets that keep Batman at his wit’s end. The Joker’s new sewn on his face adds to the Joker’s maniacal persona, if that is even possible. He is awesomely frightening in the new face. The Joker throws the Bat world into chaos when he claims to know everyone’s identity and predicts that they will be dead in seventy-two hours by Batman’s hands. The Joker not only has the Bat Family in turmoil, he also has the Gotham underworld in chaos. The Joker is that relative that everybody is happy when he leaves.

We learn that he has set up the Penguin to help him in his plot to destroy the Batman in a six-page extra, entitled “Men of Worship.” This is a whole other level of heroic fantasy.

The art just adds to the terror and gruesomeness of the story. I don’t usually enjoy the dark style in comics, but this is the only way this story should be illustrated. The splash page with Gordon and Batman is a masterpiece of terror.

I rate Batman #14 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

I Reads You Review: SUICIDE SQUAD #14

SUICIDE SQUAD #14
DC COMICS

WRITER: Adam Glass
ARTIST: Fernando Dagnino
COLORS: Matt Yackey
LETTERS: Jared K. Fletcher
COVER: Ken Lashley with Matt Yackey
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Rated "T+" - Teen Plus

“Death in the Family – Running with the Devil”

In “The New 52,” the Suicide Squad is a team of super-villains, in which the members take on risky missions in exchange for time served. The team’s base of operations is Belle Reve Penitentiary, a special prison for meta-humans and super-villains located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.

Suicide Squad #14 (“Running with the Devil”) opens in the aftermath of the team’s battle with Basilisk. The Suicide Squad gathers for the funeral of Floyd Lawton AKA Deadshot. The Joker crashes the par-tay with demands to make on his compatriot and Suicide Squad member, Harley Quinn. What does he really want? In the meantime, members of the squad struggle with changes in their lives and with their powers.

I haven’t read the Suicide Squad since Suicide Squad #1 arrived in September 2011 during “The New 52” month. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed that debut issue. Suicide Squad #14, on the other hand, doesn’t do much for me. It isn’t bad, nor is it really good. It’s inoffensive with a few interesting moments scattered throughout the issue. Of course, a middling comic book needs a middling comic book artist; enter Fernando Dagnino. He can draw, but his skills would be a better fit on an independent genre title, not a DC Comics title. There are better artists who can’t get work and who are more appropriate than Dagnino to work for a major publisher like DC.

The Joker’s appearance is a tack-on so that this issue is tied to The New 52’s reworking of “Death in the Family,” and while that tie-in is intriguing, it is a cheat. There’s just enough to make it an official chapter/tie-in. I’m not interested enough to seek out the rest of “Death in the Family.”

C+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Albert Avilla Reviews: Red Hood and the Outlaws #13

Red Hood and the Outlaws #13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Art: Timothy Green II
Cover: Kenneth Rocafort and Blond

(Spoilers)
First, the cover has nothing to do with the story, unless I completely missed the boat, but damn, that is a nice cover.

The Tamaran War with the Blight comes to a smashing conclusion. The story focuses on the heroic efforts of Starfire to defeat the Blight. Arsenal is telling the story which gives an insight into the characters. Starfire does not disappoint on any level. She is a true hero willing to sacrifice for the greater good, fight with a warrior's heart, and love abundantly. She is what Red Hood and Arsenal need in their struggle with their baser sides. The team's powerhouse is also one of the most beautiful characters in comics. What more can we ask for?

Lobdell lets her go all out on the Blight which he does not do very often; the power she wields is awesome to behold. When we think that Starfire is going to wreck another level and violence on the Blight Lord, she instead kills him with love. With Lobdell it’s not all about the main characters; he allows peripheral characters to contribute to the story. The plotline involving the Dominator DePalo is another opportunity for Lobdell to develop Starfire's character. Lobdell makes us care about a member of one of the vilest races in the DC Universe. That's the way to end a story arc with hard hitting action and a little foreshadowing.

The art is a visual delight. It carries its share of the story load. Blackfire's battlesuit is slamming. The scene when DePalo is remembering Starfire leaving to come to Earth is effective. The colors are muted in contrast to the bright colors in the rest of the story, giving the feel of a memory.

I rate Red Hood and the Outlaws 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Green Lantern #13

Green Lantern #13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Doug Mahnke
Inks: Christian Alamy, Mark Irwin, Tom Nguyen, Keith Champagne & Marc Deering
Colors: Alex Sinclair with Tony Avina
Cover: Ivan Reis, Oclair Albert, and Rod Reis

“Actions and Reactions” (Spoilers)
This is a “Rise of the Third Army” tie-in and the beginning of the Simon Baz Green Lantern era.

The president and Amanda Waller are discussing their concerns about Simon becoming a Green Lantern. Simon is out in the Florida Keys while the ring is mapping his neural pathways. Simon gets a conflicting message from Hal and Sinestro, but they do agree that the Guardians need to be stopped. The tattoo on Simon’s arm is glowing green and causing him pain.

Simon returns to Dearborn where his sister is being ostracized, because he is a suspected terrorist. Simon meets with his sister to enlist her help in his attempt to clear his name. Then, we get minions of the Guardians assimilating two truck drivers. Okay, they are not very discriminating. Simon is trying to avoid the cameras on a building when he gets sneaked. It’s the Justice League that sneaks him. What ever happened to honor? What about innocent before proven guilty?

We’ve been through the set-up process for two issues now. Now, it’s time for some fighting. I want to see what Mr. Baz brings to the table. Once the League is involved things should jump off nicely. I don’t want Simon talking his way out of this predicament. Drama has its place, but superhero fantasies are about earth shattering action. This is an emotional story, thus far; Johns has done a good job of making us sympathetic to Simon’s plight.

Good art, but it is not the kind of art that will bring that sense of awe. It doesn’t stand out from the crowd. Mahnke does a good job with the characters’ faces; that seems to be his strength.

I rate Green Lantern 13 Read a Friend’s Copy. #3 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batgirl #13

Batgirl # 13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Gail Simone
Pencils/Inks: Ed Benes

A Blade of Memory (Spoilers!)
The story kicks off with our heroine down and out for the count. She's been stabbed by the vile Nightfall. Batgirl brings herself back from the brink to stop Nightfall.

During a break in the action, we get Nightfall's origin. We learn that she is the daughter of a corrupt businessman. After her family is brutally murdered by her boyfriend, Trevor, Charise Carnes takes the blame and allows herself to be sent to Arkham to learn her craft from the inmates. What degree program is that? After that fine education, she goes on the noble path of fixing Gotham City by torturing and murdering criminals.

Once Batgirl lets Nightfall know that she's leaving with the criminal that Nightfall has been torturing and Trevor, the fight renews. Just as Batgirl reaches her limit, she gets help from the thug she is trying to save and is able to defeat Nightfall. Then, Batwoman comes in to save Batgirl. Barbra's mother is being threatened by thugs in clown masks. A group of super-villains are being gathered to kill Batgirl.

DC has a creative team on Batgirl that has the ability to make the book A-list. The potential for greatness is awesome. Upcoming stories seem to be interesting. Nightfall is a good archenemy for Batgirl, as their different philosophies clash with each other. Nightfall has challenged Batgirl by threatening to control the cyberworld, making Batgirl want to rise to the challenge. Batgirl is better when she is part of the action, but it would benefit her to develop her skills as a computer hacker. With covert and overt enemies to face, Batgirl has a challenging future to face.

I give props to Benes; he hasn't drawn a story where the art didn't accentuate the story. This is an all-around, good-looking book. He was even able to keep Batwoman in her own unique look.

I rate Batgirl # 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Justice League #14

Justice League # 14
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Tony S. Daniel
Inks: Matt Banning & Sandu Florea

The Secret of the Cheetah Chapter Two (Spoilers!)
Action from stem to stern: they earned my money. Mr. Johns gave me two good stories for the price of one; a good deal considering my finances.

Super Cheetah and Cheetah are wrecking things until the San, Hara, blows her horn. Cyborg keeps the sonics going while the San cure him. Wonder Woman, Flash, and Aquaman go after the Cheetah. Cheetah is a bad chick. It takes a good plan by the three of them to take her out. She's fast enough to slice up the Flash. Then we get back to the girl-on-girl action. During the fight, we get the origin of the Cheetah. Wonder Woman dumps the kitty in the drink where Aquaman and a school of piranha take her out. Once again solid teamwork saves the day. Then, we find out that it was a part of some mysterious character's plan to get Cheetah locked up in Belle Reve.

Now to some boy-on-girl action; no sir, this story is not just about the violent action. Superman takes Wonder Woman on a date to Smallville. The story ends with another kiss between two of the most powerful heroes. Wonder Woman even does the little one foot in the air thing. Why is Batman watching? I'm glad we can see where his hands are. We not only get the good old violence, but we also get a dose of the soap opera. Give Daniel his props; The splash page with Aquaman and Cheetah is beautiful.

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Gary Frank

Shazam Chapter 7
What! Fourteen more pages for the price of admission. Yes, I counted. This basically develops Black Adam's character. I guess, Mr. Johns didn't want to leave us in the dark about how big of an obnoxious jerk Black Adam is. Shazam is still on his adolescent joyride. Black Adam finds his first ally, the sin Sloth. This backup story is on par with the main story.

I rate Justice League # 14 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batman #13

Batman #13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Snyder
Pencils: Greg Capullo
Inks: Jonathan Glapion

Knock Knock (Spoilers)
Death of the Family begins with a very spine-chilling return of the Joker. This is more horror film than superhero story. Keep away from small children. I know two grown men that got chills from reading this.

The story begins with omens heralding the return of the Joker. The Gotham River reverses course, and a two-headed lion cub is born. This is a story where the story is intertwined with the art in telling the narrative; so, pay attention to the details. It will make for a more enjoyable read.

The scene in which the Joker takes out the power in the GCPD and kills officers while threatening Gordon is terrifying, made even more so when you see the look on Gordon's face. Now, Joker is not the same as he was before; he's meaner. Tell me when murder is not mean. Oh, he is killing me and my whole family, but at least he's nice about it.

The Joker is up to his old tricks, outsmarting Batman at every turn. The murders that he commits are reminiscent of his first murders in Gotham. He threatens to kill the mayor. Batman makes sure that the mayor is protected, and the Joker does not kill the mayor; he kills every man who is protecting him. Instead of dying with grins on their faces, they die with frowns. Joker leads Batman to Ace Chemical where he became the Joker. Harley is dressed as the Red Hood, distracting Batman from the Joker's true destination, Wayne Manor. Batman is trapped in a chemical tank that is filling, and Joker is running wild. We also get a six-page Joker and Harley Quinn story just to make sure that we don't sleep well.

The stage is set. Joker is causing chaos and mayhem as only he can. Batman and the crew are determined to stop him. Commissioner Gordon is pissing in his pants. This story definitely stirs fear in the reader; do not read this if you have a heart condition. When a comic book story can do this, we need to sit back and enjoy the chills as they run up our spines. Snyder's talent is on display in a major way.

The art is an important instrument in the storyteller's work. It does just as much as the text to strike fear in our hearts. This is a most fearful collaboration of talent.

I rate Batman 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Teen Titans #13

Teen Titans # 13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Story: Scott Lobdell
Script: Fabian Nicieza
Art: Ale Garza

The Origin of Wonder Girl (Spoilers!)

Cassie Sandmark is a cat burglar who runs afoul of the law and is saved by a muscle-bound guy named Diesel. She falls in love with this bad boy who takes her on a joyride through the dark side. During this time Cassie is traveling around the world with her mother going from archaeological site to archaeological site.

They end up at a site in Cambodia where Diesel decides to steal some buried treasure. Diesel gets attacked by the living armor; Cassie saves Diesel by taking on the armor herself. Diesel is angry and wants the armor back; then, bam, the mountain falls on him. Wonder Girl is born. Back in the present, Cassie, Red Robin, and Superboy are flying to Cambodia to find some answers.

I am a Titans fan, so I am reading this issue, trying to keep up with what the gang is doing. The story is not impressing me very much; I am feeling disappointed by Scott Lobdell, who’s been handling his business of late. Then, bam, the mountain falls on me. I didn’t know this was one of those stories where the shocker comes at the end. The story is made worthwhile with the words “the mark of Trigon.” It’s on now; time for the big boys to get in the game. Mother-shut-my-mouth Trigon is in the works. I can’t wait to see The New 52 Raven. That’s how you leave them wanting more. Okay, give us a little more; the new, fine-ass Amanda Waller is sending one of her boys to bring the Titans in. Mouth watering foreshadowing is what this issue is about.

The art is good. Garza’s talent shines when Wonder Girl is taking the armor. The costume is visually appealing, and the armor is hardcore. When you see it, you know someone will receive more than their fair share of pain and misery. Red Robin is a bad boy in that flying apparatus.

I rate Teen Titans # 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Talon #0

Talon #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Plot: James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder
Writer: James Tynion
Art: Guillem March

The Long Run (Spoilers!)

When I first looked at the cover, I was thinking, what is this corny B. S.? After reading the story, that is a faded memory soon to be completely lost in the recesses of my mind. No, my thoughts are that Talon is the best new character to come bursting on the scene this month. Everything that I saw as a joke is now awesome in my sight.

In the opening scene, we find eight-year-old Calvin Ross, Talon, locked in a dog kennel by his sick father. His flair for the art of the escape emerges and an escape artist is born. Talon tells his origin during his own failed assassination. Young Calvin escapes to Haly's Circus to become an apprentice to an escape artist and eventually becomes a star in his own right. Calvin is taken by The Court of Owls to be trained to become a Talon. Calvin is won over by The Court of Owls with promises of fighting evil. To become a Talon, Calvin must kill the present Talon. Calvin is quilt ridden after killing the Talon. He continues to amaze The Court by being the first to escape their Labyrinth and becoming the new Talon.

On his first mission, Talon is ordered to kill a twenty-three-year-old heiress and her two-year-old daughter. Instead, Talon rescues Casey and Sarah Washington and once again performs an amazing escape. He is now a target of The Court. The Talon sent to kill Calvin makes the mistake of testing Calvin's skills by locking him in the trunk of a car and dumping it in the river. Calvin once again escapes and defeats the Talon. Now a man on the run, Talon must continue to escape The Court of Owls.

Talon has the potential to be the next big thing. Snyder and Tynion have overcome my prejudgments by creating a fresh new character. Talon’s unique skills take him from being a circus act to an assassin to a hero. Calvin Ross's heroism is demonstrated by his ability to rise above evil's influence throughout his life. Talon does not allow himself to become a victim of circumstance, but fights to forge his own path into heroism. A hero arises from The New 52.

The art is an integral part of the story. It does its part to demonstrate the enormity of the forces arrayed against Talon and the difficulty of the tasks he must accomplish. The immensity of the structures in comparison to Talon is symbolic of the position that Talon finds himself in his struggle against The Court of Owls.

I rate Talon # 0 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Superman #0

Superman #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Art: Kenneth Rocafort

Every End Has a Beginning (Spoilers)
This story goes way before the New 52. Superman is telling the story of his parents before Krypton was destroyed. Jor-El is exploring beneath the planet's surface confirming that Krypton is dying. He also finds something living at the planet's core. He is attacked by slime creatures and has to risk his life to return to the Science Center. He returns home to learn that Lara is pregnant.

At the same time, the research center is destroyed by an explosion. Terrorists capture Lara and threaten to kill her. Surprise, terrorist! Lara is old school – Kung Fu style – I can handle my damn-bad-self. Lara takes down the terrorists in a superb scene of martial violence. We learn that the terrorists are part of a Doomsday Cult that is trying to get Jor-El to join them, but Jor-El sends them to the phantom zone. In the epilogue, we learn that a herald proclaims that Krypton will be given a second chance. The fate of Krypton lies in the hands of Superman.

I don't know how much of this story is of The New 52, but dang, I like it. Superman has a legacy of heroism. He is inspired by two heroes that are his parents. His father is a super-genius scientist. His mother is a physician who'll stab you and miss the vital organs. I wish my mom was a ninja or a Navy SEAL; then, I would have really talked that stuff on the playground. Thanks for those homemade muffins, Mom. That was an unexpected twist. Lara was lovey-dovey-wifey one moment, and in the next, she's a martial artist mama.

Thank you, Mr. Lobdell, for not making this a political melodrama about Jor-El fighting the system to save the planet. I prefer the action-thriller with heroes trying to defeat a doomsday cult. I actually want to keep reading to see how this turns out.

The science fiction feel of the art accents the story. The coloring goes further than this medium requires; a simpler approach to the lighting and shading may be more effective.

I rate Superman #0 Buy Your Own Copy. [Al-O-Meter #2 (of 5) Ranking]

Albert Avilla Review: Supergirl #0

Supergirl #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writers: Michael Green & Mike Johnson
Artist: Mahmud Asrar

The End of the Beginning (Spoilers)
Zor-El is conducting experiments on his daughter. He is preparing her for her escape from Krypton. He is also trying to protect Argo City from the coming Apocalypse. This is all being done in secret; apparently, it's against the rules to save the planet. Superboy shows up to tell Alura that it is not too late to say goodbye to Kara. Alura tries to stop Zor-El, but she is too late. Kara is sent on her journey to Earth.

Yawn! This is an emotional story of a father's struggle to save his daughter. Exactly, what I did not expect from the big #0 month of the New 52. Is this Lifetime or DC Comics?

The art did not catch the eye. The characters looked deformed in some of the panels. The backgrounds were bland and plain; it did not give that science fiction vibe that I expect from stories about Krypton.

I rate Supergirl #0 Read it in the Store. (Al-O-Meter #4 of 5 Ranking)

Albert Avilla Reviews: Flash #0

Flash #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Story: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Francis Manapul

(Spoiler Alert)
This was a yakety yak issue if I ever read one. This was an in depth view into the same old same old. If you didn't know the Flash's origin, then, I would tell you to read this. The gang just told us a nice little yarn with me being no more enlightened than when I started. I knew Barry Allen was a good man before I read this story. What was new? He stayed in a coma. He won a spelling bee. His uniform had to be armor. The only action in the story was a bank robbery. I feel like I'm cheating you out of your time by writing this review, but you didn't pay $2.99 to read this. There is a good reason to call this issue #0. This did not reach the bar set by other #0 stories.

I rate Flash #0 Don't Waste Your Time and Cash.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batwoman #0

Batwoman #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer/Artist: J.H. Williams III
Writer: W. Haden Blackman

(Possible Spoilers)
Sometimes a story becomes more than a comic book or even a graphic novel and becomes just good literature. I have stated before that I like the old-fashioned fisticuffs in my comics, but if the creators have real talent I can be moved by words. This is a fine example of one of those stories. This story makes you believe that these fictional characters are real and that we are privy to one of their secret moments.

The writers do an incredible job of illustrating the changing dynamic in Kate's relationship with her father. Williams and Blackman give us a fresh take on the training of a Bat-character. Her training does not come from Batman; it is directed by her father's own military background. Batman may have inspired her name and costume, but Kate's father is the inspiration for her life. Batwoman's origin is told in a message to her father that she leaves on her computer to let her father know his importance to her. In Kate Kane we see a powerful self-reliant woman who is able to resist falling into the abyss that is Gotham. Some writer once made the quote that we do not judge great literature; it judges us. Let this story judge you.

With a story like this, there is no need to make a comment about the art. We all know that Williams has made Batwoman his character.

I rate Batwoman #0 Recommend It To A Friend.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batman the Dark Knight #0

Batman the Dark Knight #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Gregg Hurwitz
Pencils: Mico Suayan and Juan Ryp
Inks: Vicente Cifuentes

"Chill in the Air" (Spoiler Alert)

This story ventures away from the other #0 stories that I've read and tackles the origin of Batman from another angle. We see the traits that make Batman who is developed in his youth.

Early in his life, we see Bruce display the courage that will make him a hero when he returns to the scene of his parents’ murder. This is the determination that drives him throughout his life. Every step that he takes in his life moves him in the direction of finding his parents’ killer; there is nothing that will lead him astray. There is no one to push him to achieve his goal. He is a Spartan warrior living for battle. He allows no pleasures to distract him from his preparation. When the time comes for Bruce to face battle, he throws down on a biker gang. We don't see a bumbling idiot falling over himself. We see a master of hand to hand combat who takes down the gang without a bead of sweat.

Bruce is destroyed when he learns that his parents were not killed as part of a conspiracy, but for being in the wrong place when an alcoholic needed his next drink. The symbolism of his mother's pearls and father's watch shows how the death of his parents drives Bruce.

If you just look at the art, you are not impressed, but when you look at it in the context of the story, the art becomes an important tool in the telling of the story. The artist uses the details to help drive the story home.

I rate Batman the Dark Knight #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

I Reads You Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE #5

JUSTICE LEAGUE #5
DC COMICS

WRITER: Geoff Johns
PENCILS: Jim Lee
INKS: Scott Williams
COLORS: Alex Sinclair with Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Patrick Brosseau
COVER: Jim Lee and Scott Williams, with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Eric Basaldua with Nei Ruffino
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

The subject of this comic book review is Justice League, the flagship title of “The New 52,” DC Comics’ re-launch of its superhero comic book line, which began August 2011. As I’ve done in previous reviews of this new Justice League series, I come in praise of it.

In the previous issue, Darkseid was revealed as the villain behind the worldwide invasion of earth by alien/extra-dimensional forces. As Justice League #5 (“Part Five”) opens, Superman and Flash are taking their shots at Darkseid – to no avail. Batman and Green Lantern agree to a truce in their petty rivalry as The Dark Knight hatches a plan for a rescue mission. Meanwhile, Green Lantern leads the charge of the heroes still standing.

As I learn to enjoy Geoff Johns, at least while I’m reading Justice League, I also realize that he has stretched this story beyond reason. After five issues, Johns has written what would have been about a single issue’s worth of story for Stan Lee back in the 1960s. Of course, Lee’s frequent collaborator, artist Jack Kirby, would have squeezed the action into smaller panels than the ones drawn by Johns’ Justice League collaborator, artist Jim Lee.

Honestly, I would not still be reading this if not for Jim Lee. (I love you, Jim Lee!) As long as he is drawing it, I’m down. Well, I didn’t read his Superman arc with writer Brian Azzarello, because reading it bored me severely.

For extras, there are two pages of Wonder Woman sketches by Cliff Chiang, two of Aquaman by Ivan Reis, and two pages of Cyborg by Jim Lee. There is also a two-page sneak peek of Suicide Squad #6-7, with art by Clayton Henry.

B+

I Reads You Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE #4

JUSTICE LEAGUE #4
DC COMICS

WRITER: Geoff Johns
PENCILS: Jim Lee
INKS: Scott Williams
COLORS: Alex Sinclair with Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Patrick Brosseau
COVER: Jim Lee and Scott Williams, with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Andy Kubert with Alex Sinclair
40pp, Color, $3.99/$4.99 (combo pack) U.S.

I consider Justice League to be the flagship title of “The New 52,” DC Comics’ re-launch of its superhero comic book line. And what a flagship it is – all big and shiny and full of pretty art and big action scenes. As I’ve written in previous reviews, Justice League may be mediocre for all I know, but I’m too in love with this series to think of it as anything other than fantastic.

Justice League #4 (“Part Four”) opens in the Red Room at S.T.A.R. Labs in Detroit, as Victor Stone emerges from his Promethium transformation. Shocked at what he’s become, Victor is about to discover just how transformed he is. In the wake of his sudden appearance, Aquaman must prove his mettle to some among the small gathering of superheroes: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Flash. Now, the adversary behind the inter-dimensional/alien invasion of Earth will be revealed.

It has been three months since I read the third issue of Justice League, which was a good thing. I needed to take a step back. The plan was to come back with the ability to take a critical look at this series. To hell with that! I love this new Justice League.

I was not a fan of Geoff Johns because I had read next to nothing of his work prior to this Justice League series, but I like what he is doing here. He has created an engaging dynamic between the characters, mixing rivalry, jealousy, and heroism into a pleasing character ensemble.

But let’s get serious. This is the Jim Lee show, with his able assistants, inker Scott Williams and colorist Alex Sinclair, also shining in their skill sets. I think action movies have influenced Lee’s storytelling as much as any comic book writer, artist, or writer/artist. Practically every page, even the ones with multiple panels, features one big panel that creates a sense of scale for the reader. It is as if Lee wants to remind us that this isn’t just another superhero fight; this is a Bruckheimer/Bay movie.

Williams’ macho inking makes the art seem real, but not photo-real, by depicting detail in everything from Steve Trevor’s uniform and gear to Victor Stone’s new body. Alex Sinclair’s colors shimmer, pop off the pages, and sometimes surprisingly, subtly create mood. Yes, I was right last year. This is good.

For extras, there are two pages of Flashes sketches by Francis Manapul and a (faux) dossier on S.T.A.R. Laboratories employees.

A

The New 52 Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE #3

"Here Comes Wonder Woman"

JUSTICE LEAGUE #3
DC COMICS

WRITER: Geoff Johns
PENCILS: Jim Lee
INKS: Scott Williams
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Patrick Brosseau
COVER: Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion with FCO Plascencia
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

November is the third month of “The New 52,” DC Comics’ re-launch of its superhero comic book line. I want to offer thanksgiving for the re-launch’s most popular title, Justice League #3, written by Geoff Johns, penciled by Jim Lee, inked by Scott Williams, and colored by Alex Sinclair. Yes, I am still loving this new Justice League. What can I say? I am an easy mark for anything drawn by Jim Lee – even if the overall comic book is lousy, which this Justice League is not.

Maybe, it is mediocre for all I know, but I would still love it.

Justice League #3 (“Part Three”) brings Wonder Woman into the story. Feeling imprisoned at the Pentagon, she goes out into the public, which fears her. Her outing puts her right square in the middle of an invasion of otherworldly monsters that is plaguing the planet. Is she enough to help the overwhelmed team of Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, and Flash turn the tide? And a new hero enters the story.

Meanwhile, at S.T.A.R. Labs in Detroit, Silas Stone injects his son, Victor, with alien technology to save his life. Whatever else it may do to him, this technology is giving Victor a unique perspective of the invasion.

I’d normally be pissed off that this story is being stretched out over several issues (probably six), but Geoff Johns is packing so much action fudge into each page that I hardly notice that, so far, $11.97 plus tax gets me only half a story. Of course, Lee, Williams, and Sinclair continue to turn out pretty pictures that make excellent comics. For extras, there are two pages of Green Lantern sketches by Cully Hammer.

A

The New 52 Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE #2

"Superman-handled"

JUSTICE LEAGUE #2
DC COMICS

WRITER: Geoff Johns
PENCILS: Jim Lee
INKS: Scott Williams
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Patrick Brosseau
COVER: Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Ivan Reis, Andy Lanning, and Rod Reis
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

DC Comics re-launched its superhero comic book line with 52 #1 issues – “The New 52,” back in September. The first new #1 was Justice League #1, written by Geoff Johns, penciled by Jim Lee, and inked by Scott Williams. Now that the introductions to the new JL have been made, it is time for the long haul. Is this series good?

Justice League #2 (“Part Two”) brings together the first members of what will become the world’s greatest super team, but this is an inauspicious beginning. Batman and Green Lantern made a mistake in the way they approached Superman in order to question him. Now, Superman is stomping their asses into the ground, and Flash comes to the rescue, but will he fare better? Meanwhile, S.T.A.R. Labs scientist, Silas Stone, and his son, Victor, find their family feud interrupted by an invasion.

I didn’t expect much of Justice League #1, but was pleasantly surprised. Suddenly, I had bigger expectations for #2, which I am happy to say were exceeded. Up to this point, I have been unimpressed with Geoff Johns, but he writes a Justice League that is funny, lively, energetic and fast paced. The characters work purely as superheroes; John’s focus seems to be to make them heroes – men of action rather than men of psychoanalysis. [Oh, I’m so dark and moody because my parents were shot right in front of me, I got a Jheri curl, and went to the Far East to learn magical kung fu.]

As for the art, I think this is the best work that Jim Lee has done, both in terms of being eye-candy and storytelling, since the 1990s. Scott William’s precision inking and Alex Sinclair’s gleaming colors make it even better. For me, at least, The New 52 is about superhero comic books that are fun to read, and Justice League exemplifies that.

A

The New 52 Review: STATIC SHOCK #2

STATIC SHOCK #2
DC COMICS

WRITERS: Scott McDaniel and John Rozum
PENCILS: Scott McDaniel
INKS: Andy Owens
COLORS: Guy Major
LETTERS: Dezi Sienty
COVER: Chris Brunner with Rico Renzi
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Static/Virgil Ovid Hawkins is an African-American teen superhero who first appeared in comic books produced by Milestone Media. With the re-launch of DC Comics’ superhero line, “The New 52,” Static stars in a new comic book series entitled Static Shock.

As Static Shock #2 (“Disarmed”) opens, Static takes on a big-talking bad guy named Virule. The battle leaves Static grievously injured… or so he thinks, and suddenly, Virgil has to pay attention to the development his powers. As he navigates the halls of his new high school, P.S. M101 Dwayne G. McDuffie Center for Science and Mathematics (good name), Static discovers that he can get some clues about his other current adversaries, the Slate Gang. Meanwhile, the conspiracy in which he is a part grows with new players.

For readers to fully enjoy the new DC Comics Static Shock, they will need to be somewhat familiar with the Milestone Comics Static stories, but that is less so with this second issue than it was with the first. I must have missed something, because something screwed up is going on with Virgil’s sister, Sharon.

Anyway, everything about Static Shock has improved from issue 1 to issue 2. The action and fight scenes are brief, but are explosive and also effective for the story. Co-writer/penciller Scott McDaniel and co-writer John Rozum jump around a lot from scenes with just Static or just the villains to scenes at home and at school, but each one is necessary to the story and moves it forward by offering more tantalizing details. These scenes form one big structural backbone. This time, Static Shock is not just another superhero comic book; it is also an engaging mystery and drama.

The art by McDaniel and inker Andy Owens is also better. The composition is solid, even if this isn’t the prettiest art around. The graphic and page design are dynamic and certainly more lively than last time, which makes the storytelling less stiff and formal. Static Shock #2 gives me hope that I can, at least, expect good things from this series. After the first issue, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading.

B+