Review: Superman #9

Superman #9 came out this week, finishing the Escape from Dinosaur Island storyline. This brief story was a nice homage to Darwyn Cooke's New Frontier book and a deserving tip of the cap to Cooke's brilliance. Tomasi and Gleason finish up the story of The Losers, the ragtag group of WWII soldiers whose story opened up the New Frontier book.

From that viewpoint, seeing Captain Storm dealing with dinosaurs and shooting machine guns, this story was wonderful. Cooke's work was brilliant. I don't mind revisiting that world one more time.

But beyond that, what I liked about this was that Tomasi and Gleason didn't treat this as a simple side mission diversion. They do end up tying it into the bigger arc coursing through the Superman books. There does seem to be a link to Mr. Oz here.

Most importantly, at least for me, is the interaction between Jon and Clark in this issue. We truly get a sense of how young Jon is. And we get to see Clark acting as the dad here, guiding his son through this crazy world while dropping some knowledge. I will be honest, there was a moment here that reminded me of a young Anj and his father. It reminded me of Anj and his young children. That is powerful stuff.

The art is done by Doug Mahnke and has is usual panache throughout. Sure, there are battles with giant gorillas wielding sea mines and torpedoes. There are pterodactyls zipping around kaiju. But again, the power here is Mahnke's expressive work with Jon and Clark. That is really where this book shines.

Review: Superman #8

The comics world was stunned last May with the passing of creator Darwyn Cooke. Taken from the world too soon, Cooke was a tremendous talent. Everyone recognized that. His stories, his style, his take on the DC Universe, his Parker work ... I could go on and on. He is missed. He is missed by fans and creators.

Superman #8, out this week  by Peter Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, and Doug Mahnke, is basically a love letter to Cooke. The creative team takes Superman and Superboy and sends them to Dinosaur Island, the opening setting of The New Frontier, the savage land where the Losers met their fate.

And while it is basically a tour of Dinosaur Island, revisiting the Losers and New Frontier, Gleason and Tomasi still inject some nice familial moments between father and son.

I don't know how anyone can critique this issue. As a testimonial to Cooke's work it is wonderful. The art by Doug Mahnke is fantastic. There won't be a grade for this comic. But if you are a fan of Cooke, you should go out and get this.

Darwyn Cooke Supergirl Action Figure

The latest item obtained for my Supergirl collection was the Darwyn Cooke designer series figure which comes with Krypto and Streaky.

The whole collection is just delightful and really a wonderful tribute to Cooke. If there was ever a creator which seemed to understand what the DCU should be, it was Cooke. He was one of those creators who was an automatic buy for me, so sure I was of the quality.

Back to this figure, even the box is great. I love that the side of the box has a snippet of the cover of Supergirl #37 which Cooke did. I have to assume the design of Kara and the pets was based on this cover.

You know what that means? It means I want a Comet now!

The figure is really wonderful.

We clearly are set in the Silver Age here with the blue skirt costume. And there is this joyous expression on Supergirl's face. Between that expression and the Veronica Lake hair, this feels retro-cool and classic. This really captures the brightness of the Supergirl character from this time.

But I also love the small touches that was added to this design, like folds and wrinkles in the skirt and shirt. There is a feeling that this is fabric, not spandex. And I love that too.

The one quibble is the heeled boots, a look I never like. But I suppose it is a minor issue given how great the rest of the figure is.

As for Krypto and Streaky, their designs feel a little simple but, again, they are lifted right from the cover. Even their expressions are straight from #37. So the overall aesthetic feels right. I just wish that Streaky was more of an orange than the deep brown he is here. Streaks has always been an orange tabby.

As for the place in the collection, this figure clearly needed to be in the Silver Age section, next to the classic action figure, the spinning statue, the Mini-Mate figure, and the Action #252 cover.

Look! Two Super-cats!

The Silver Age section has grown nicely. Here is the whole shelf which also includes the Bronze Age hot pants section.

I keep saying it but I will show the whole collection soon. I have a couple more things on order.

March 2016 Solicits

The DC Comics solicits for March recently were released and there was a lot to look forward to. I know what you are thinking - 'that sounds like optimism'. Well, I am optimistic. And it seems like I am going to be broke as well.

The solicits can be found in lots of places but here is a link to Newsarama's coverage:
http://www.newsarama.com/27169-dc-comics-full-march-2016-solicitations.html

But it has been a while since I have truly been looking forward to a month as much as this one. I can only hope that I'm not let down.

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #10
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS

After a brutal defeat by Lady Styx’s legion, the remaining members of the Justice League are forced into hiding—but there are eyes everywhere. How do you hide in plain sight? You create secret identities. But will that be enough to elude Styx’s deadliest bounty hunter, Eclipso?

Another month, another month without 'Final Issue' linked to the solicit.

This book is so good. I'm not the biggest fan of Scott Kolins so I'll have to deal a bit with the lack of Howard Porter.

I love this all-female team. And the idea of the team being on the run makes sense given the outright corruption and darkness of the universe they are in.

And this is the second cover in a row with Supergirl front and center. And this looks like a different costume than the last. Could this Silver Age Supergirl be adopting the 'Adventure Comics' sensibilities of many different looks?

DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #10
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Art by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE and LAURA BRAGA
Cover by ANT LUCIA

While Lex Luthor continues to manipulate events behind the scenes, Kate Kane remains in the clutches of the Nazi Edel Nacht, who lays out his plans for world conquest. The inexperienced Huntress is determined to go rescue her, with or without Catwoman’s help. And Zatanna makes plans to cause trouble in the outside world, even as she remains imprisoned in the Joker’s Daughter’s cabaret.

Supergirl isn't mentioned in the solicit but this is the only other print book that Supergirl appears in.

Bennett has been doing a great job on this book. And I am thrilled to see Marguerite Sauvage back on art. The cover, with Luthor pulling the strings, is a grabbing as well!

SUPERMAN #50
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
Art by HOWARD PORTER
Cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON

Superman returns in all his glory in this very special issue that sees the Man of Steel back to full power as he faces his greatest enemy and also comes face to face with the pre-Flashpoint Kal-El! At last, it’s the meeting of the Supermen you’ve been waiting for!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

First the good news. Superman has his powers back. He has his costume back. He is meeting the stranded pre-Flashpoint Kal. That is all good news. I will be happy if 'The Truth' fades into the background like 'Doomed' and 'Grounded'. Let's just get some Superman stories without gimmicks and deconstruction!

Now the bad news.
The cover is pretty bad. Superman's rib cage is just anatomically awful. Those are some Liefeld Captain America dimensions there.

And I hope this 'opaque polybagged' trick is a short-lived fad.

ACTION COMICS #50
Written by GREG PAK and AARON KUDER
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Polybagged variant cover by MARTIN ANSIN

Clark battles his way through Vandal Savage’s hordes to reclaim what is rightfully his—the Fortress of Solitude and his birthright! This epic anniversary issue leads to the finale of “Savage Dawn” in this month’s SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #27 and SUPERMAN #50!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

Love this cover by Kuder!
Very happy to see him back on internal art here. And looks like we come to an end of the Savage story. No mention of going back in time so maybe there will be no 'secret ID' rewrite.

And what of Hordr Root?

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #27
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by ED BENES
Polybagged variant cover by CHARLIE ADLARD

“Savage Dawn” continues from this month’s ACTION COMICS #50! A comet drawn by Vandal Savage to Earth is wreaking havoc across the globe—and empowering his children in the most dangerous way possible!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in.
I suppose I'll get this issue given it ties in with the conclusion.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #30
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by ROBSON ROCHA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Polybagged variant cover by TONY MOORE

The mystery of why Batman and Superman were brought into a cosmic murder case is revealed—and the ramifications for Superman are huge!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

A vague solicit for a vague story from the past. Glad Paquette remains on covers.

Any ideas about the guy in the background?

SUPERMAN: LOIS and CLARK #6
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by LEE WEEKS and MARCO SANTUCCI

Can even this Superman save Lois from the deadly vengeance of Intergang? Or will young Jon have to be the one to step up to this challenge?

Great cover here. Seeing the victims in the scope is a nice, iconic image.
I do like that the main villain here is something like Intergang and not a single villain. Will the whole 'oblivion stone' side plot tie in here eventually?

SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF THE SUPERMEN #2
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

The terror of Apokolips continues as the combined might of Kal-El and the warriors from Kandor fight back against Darkseid’s legions!

I get the sense I am not going to get all this series. This cover just doesn't work for me. I like the basic premise. I like Fourth World characters. But ... we'll see.

SUPERGIRL: THE SILVER AGE OMNIBUS HC
Written by OTTO BINDER, LEO DORFMAN and JERRY SIEGEL
Art by JIM MOONEY and AL PLASTINO
Cover by DARWYN COOKE
On sale MAY 18 • 688 pg, FC, $75.00 US
Collecting the Girl of Steel’s adventures from ACTION COMICS #252-307! As Superman’s secret weapon, Supergirl must adjust to life in the Midvale Orphange. The stories alternate between tales about friends and school, Supergirl’s efforts to master her new powers, and time-travel jaunts into the far future and distant past.

Oh my god!
This is a big surprise. A big, beautiful, expensive prize.
That is one big omnibus. It sports a gorgeous cover by Darwuyn Cooke who seems built to draw Silver Age characters.

But it is $75.00!
And I already have the two archives. And all these stories in the Showcase volumes. And a bunch of the floppies.
Do I need this book????
Can I say no????

SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL VOL. 9 TP
Written by JOHN BYRNE, ROGER STERN and JERRY ORDWAY
Art by JOHN BYRNE, JERRY ORDWAY, RON FRENZ and others
Cover by JOHN BYRNE

In these tales from SUPERMAN #19-22, SUPERMAN ANNUAL #2 and ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #441-444, the mysterious Supergirl meets Superman for the first time! Plus, the Man of Steel faces Mr. Mxyzptlk, runs into the Doom Patrol and battles Metallo! And Lex Luthor is tricked into releasing criminals from the Phantom Zone—and it’s up to Superman to clean up his mess.

Another surprise!
This volume of the Man of Steel includes the Supergirl saga, the introduction of Matrix and the Pocket Universe.
I don't think this is enough to have me buy this. But for people interested in learning about the reboot of Supergirl, the origins are here.

SUPERMAN: EMPEROR JOKER TP
Written by JEPH LOEB and others
Art by ED McGUINNESS and others
Cover by ED McGUINNESS and DEXTER VINES

Collecting the unforgettable, twisted story originally from SUPERMAN #160-161, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #582-583, SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #104-105, ACTION COMICS #769-770 and SUPERMAN: EMPEROR JOKER #1. In this tale of a reality gone wrong, Superman must struggle against The Joker, Emperor of the universe!

Another surprise!
This was a crazy, wild story arc. It reintroduces Bizarro. It has some of the best Supergirl covers of the time and includes the flame-winged angel in the story. The art in all the titles is beautiful.

I would think this was a shoe-in for me to buy. But given the Supergirl show statue, the Cooke action figure, and the omnibus, I might have to skip it!

Anyways, start squirreling away the holiday money you get. A lot of cool stuff arrives in spring.

 

February 2016 Solicits

The February Solicits for DC were announced last week and there were a couple of surprises. Here is a link to  Newsarama so you can review all the books being offered. There were long awaited items finally solicited that made me happy.

But the bottom line is this ...

There is still no Supergirl book.

Insanity.

Here are the super-books and a couple of other items that caught my eye.

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #9

Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS
After suffering a brutal defeat by Lady Styx’s legion, the remaining members of the Justice League are forced into hiding—but there are eyes everywhere. And what’s the best way to hide in plain sight? Create secret identities! But even that may not be enough deceive Styx’s deadliest bounty hunter: Eclipso!

Supergirl isn't listed in the solicit but she is right in the center of the team if you look close enough. There is something sort of art deco about this cover by Scott Kolins. I'll miss Howard Porter on the book.

I do like the idea of the League being fought by an overwhelming foe. And Eclipso is a big bad. So it'll be fun to see this new incarnation of the team  fight him.

DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #9
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Art by SANDY JARRELL, ELIZABETH TORQUE and MARIA LAURA SANAPO
Cover by ANT LUCIA
Mera realizes that the only way to achieve victory at sea is to call upon the King of Atlantis. But the price for his assistance may be more than she wants to pay. Stargirl makes plans to return to Russia and rescue her father, while Supergirl comes up against none other than the wealthy American industrialist, Lex Luthor.

Here is the one comic solicit which does name Supergirl.
I have enjoyed this comic much more than I anticipated. I love this Mera cover by Ant Lucia.
And I can only hope that Supergirl doesn't swoon over Luthor. Fingers crossed.
People should be reading this fun book.

ACTION COMICS #49
Written by GREG PAK and AARON KUDER
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
“Savage Dawn” continues! Now powered by Kryptonite, Superman is confronted by the first of Vandal Savage’s children! It’s a creature with unrelenting bloodlust and the power to match it!

The depowered Superman may be gone here, replaced by one fueled by Kryptonite. You know who that sounds like? 

Ultra Man!

I guess the slow evolution of Superman into the villain version of him is near complete.

I do like the idea that Vandal Savage has a brood of super-powered kids wandering the Earth. And I trust Pak and Kuder to make this into a silk purse. 

As for the variant cover, it might look Crisis-y, but I think it is based on Lois Lane #128

SUPERMAN #49
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
Art and cover by HOWARD PORTER
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
“Savage Dawn” continues! Superman and Wonder Woman lead an army of gods and monsters against Vandal Savage and his deadly spawn!

So this also looks like a K-fueled Superman.

We see Superman, Frankenstein, Uruk, and others. Perhaps the rest are the fallen gods from the mythological fight club?

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #49
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by ROBSON ROCHA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
This epic tale from another era in Clark and Bruce’s history continues! Someone has put a bounty on Batman’s head, and Lobo’s come to collect. Can Superman stop this intergalactic bounty hunter in time?

I guess DC realized that it is hard to sell a Batman/Superman book when the stars are depowered and armored right now. Depowered Clark and mechanized Gordon aren't friends. To force them into a story would be rough.

So why not just print a flashback!

I'll be interested in seeing Tom Taylor's take on these characters mostly because I haven't read much of his stuff.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #26
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by ED BENES
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
Superman Triptych variant cover by KIM JUNG GI
“Savage Dawn” continues! Suffering a terrible loss, Wonder Woman comes to the aid of the Kryptonite-charged Man of Steel to face the terror of the twins of Vandal Savage!
Plus, world-renowned visualist Kim Jung Gi puts his stamp on the DC Universe with a wall-to-wall-to-wall action triptych featuring the Big Three!

I doubt I'll be collecting this book in February.

But is it me or do those twins of Vandal Savage look like the Wonder Twin analogs from the Justice League United cartoon?

That can't be coincidence.

SUPERMAN: LOIS AND CLARK #5
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by LEE WEEKS and SCOTT HANNA
Cover by LEE WEEKS
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
How do you fight a villain who is a reality TV star and still stay undercover? That’s what Superman is up against as he faces a threat created just for ratings: Blackrock! Meanwhile, Intergang has Lois Lane in their crosshairs!

I'm an old school reader so I'll be very interested to see how Dan Jurgens can update Blackrock for the current comic world. Fascinating.

And that cover looks a lot like the classic Jim Steranko Hulk cover.

SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF THE SUPERMEN #1
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS
1:25 B and W Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
From legendary writer/artist Neal Adams comes a threat so epic it will take more than one Man of Steel to handle it in this new 6-issue miniseries!
As Darkseid and the hordes of Apokolips lay waste to the world, even Superman is overwhelmed—but not for long, as three heroes from the miniaturized city of Kandor emerge at full size, armed with all the vast powers of Kal-El, ready to become the new Supermen!
This battle of titans also features the machinations of Lex Luthor, plus fan favorites Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane aiding in the fight for Truth, Justice and the American Way.

I am up in the air about this new mini-series announced this month. Neal Adams is writing and drawing a six issue Superman story where Kandorians are enlisted to help the Man of Steel. That sounds Silver Age-y. So that is a plus.

But I haven't heard many good things about the recent Adams' written books for Batman and others. So I am wary.

Guess I'll try the first issue.

DC COMICS DESIGNER SERIES: DARWYN COOKE—BATMAN, SUPERGIRL, HARLEY QUINN AND ADAM STRANGE ACTION FIGURES
Eisner Award-winning artist Darwyn Cooke lends his amazing design skills to a new line of action figures, beginning with BATMAN, SUPERGIRL, HARLEY QUINN and ADAM STRANGE.
EACH FIGURE SOLD SEPARATELY
1. BATMAN – 6.57”
2. SUPERGIRL – 6.6”
3. HARLEY QUINN – 6.6”
4. ADAM STRANGE – 6.75”

We saw pics of this series of figures from the San Diego Comic Con. Now they are solicited. It is pricey at $28. But I love Cooke's design. And I can forgive the price tag since it comes with Krypto and Streaky. And that is one happy Dog of Steel!

These will be available in June.

WONDER WOMAN EARTH ONE VOL. 1 HC
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
In this new installment of the New York Times best-selling Earth One original graphic novel line, Grant Morrison (THE MULTIVERSITY) joins with Yanick Paquette (SWAMP THING, BATMAN, INC.) to reimagine Wonder Woman for a new era. Encompassing the vision of her original creator, William Moulton Marston, Morrison presents a Diana who yearns to break free from her mother and the utopian society on Paradise Island to learn about the forbidden outside world. Her dreams may come true when Air Force pilot Steve Trevor crashes on their shores, and she must defy the laws of the Amazons to return him to Man’s World.
Is she ready for the culture shock that awaits her in America? And is the world ready for this Wonder Woman?

While I know that this isn't a Super-book, I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette's Wonder Woman Earth One book. So I was giddy to finally see the book solicited.

I will definitely be getting this book!

Anything grab you?

SDCC Wrap-Up

Another San Diego Comic Con International is in the books and there was a ton of news that erupted from the event. From movie trailers to comic book announcements to merchandise, there was the usual torrent of publicity.

Now I have things to say about the Batman V Superman trailer but that isn't a topic for this site given the amount of Supergirl news which came out of this convention. The upcoming show certainly was a presence and the premiere was shown at the con.

The one piece of Supergirl news that did not come out of San Diego? News of a new comic book. There was no mention of a DCYou book. There was no mention of a digital book tied into the show. There was nothing. This seems to be an odd decision for DC. Interest in Supergirl is at an all time high. The old book sold solidly and consistently. Why not have something?

Anyways, on to the news.

The cast of the show did any number of interviews which can be found on the web if you go looking. But the official panel is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Miy8X-DUcjU

It was great to see everyone on the panel and excited about the show. Melissa Benoist is enchanting. Mehcad Brooks has serious abs.

But the big news was the name of some of the villains that will appear on the show!
Reactron, Livewire, and Maxwell Lord (played by Peter Facinelli) will all appear in the first season.

I am thrilled to hear that Reactron will be on the show as he is a pure Supergirl rogue and therefore belongs there.

Livewire has squared off against Supergirl in the animated shows and it would be great if she came from Winath (if she is one of the aliens on the show).

I hope Maxwell Lord is just a corporate villain, media whore style bastard and not a mind-controlling fool. I would love for him to be a foil to Cat Grant. I don't mind him being shady. But I'd love for him to be a human villain.

DC also revealed the WB logos to be featured on all their shows. They are specific to the shows they will be on and include a great Supergirl one with this shot of her from Supergirl #50, art by Cliff Chiang from a story by Helen Slater and Jake Black.

You can see them here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiMqGCFm16Q

The show was an absolute presence. The marquee sign of Benoist as Supergirl was on display.

And as noted, she appeared on one of the DC Swag Bags for the show.

A buddy may have snagged one for me!

Outside the show, there was some other Supergirl stuff to showcase.

A set of figures based on Darwyn Cooke's variant covers from earlier this year is being done.

One of the figures is Supergirl, including Krypto and Streaky!!!

It is just absolutely beautiful and the inclusion of the Super-Pets is just gravy. I absolutely adore this figure and will definitely be grabbing it!

The Sideshow Collectibles premier figure was also revealed. You may recall that this statue is nearly 2 feet tall and costs about $400!

I don't know how I feel about this. I like the smile, the salute, and Streaky. That said, this is sort of a Michael Turner/Ian Churchill throwback with tiny top and mini-mini skirt.

If it was one foot and $150 I might buy it. But I think this is a bit too much skin for me to have in the collection given the size and price point.

Anyone thinking of grabbing this?

While I love the news about the show, I think my take away from the convention is that there is no comic announcement. Just odd.

Review: Justice League United #7

Justice League United #7 came out this week, the middle chapter of The Infinitus Saga. This arc is re-re-introducing the Legion into the New 52 DCU and so far I have little to complain about. This is a great League. And this is a Legion I wouldn't mind reading on a monthly basis (hint hint to DC).

Writer Jeff Lemire has done a great job since the inception of the JLU title to give it both modern storytelling sensibilities while infusing it with a more classic feel. It is one of the things I like the most about the book. Whether it is banter between Green Arrow and Animal Man or the inclusion of Silver Age characters like Byth and Ultra, Lemire has walked that fine line with great results. In this arc, we get a team crossover that has the feel of the old JLA-JSA crossovers, with the teams joining together to defeat a common enemy, meeting and mingling. And, frankly, after the last Legion series which ended roughly and abruptly, it is great to see Lemire bring back a familiar LSH.

Neil Edwards continues on art here and is bringing his A-game. I don't think he has a choice. With around a score of heroes and a handful of villains, he has to! There is action sequences and some character moments that are great.

Does anything say 'classic team-up' like the head-shot roll call! This reminds me not only of the JLA-JSA crossovers but even some Legion books were we saw this on the opening page.

And there is my second favorite character, Wildfire, blasting into action!

One thing of the many things that confused me about the last Legion was the placement of the Legion Lost on the main DC world while the Legion itself was hinted to be on Earth 2. I am glad the Lemire seems to settle that question, putting the team on Prime Earth.

The book starts with a brawl. The JLU and Legion are fighting Byth, his Cadre, and the energy Wraiths flying out of the rift that Ultra has opened in the vicinity of Thanagar.

What is the rift? What are these wraiths? Why did Ultra do it? How will Infinitus manifest in Ultra? I can't answer any of those questions.

I have always been a fan of Dawnstar. Nice to see her in action again and Edwards' take on her is great.

Byth grabs Ultra and takes off in his ship, trying to get Ultra into the rift. And before they are overwhelmed by Wraiths, Sardath and Brainiac 5 teleport the heroes back to Earth.

Wraiths? Dire wraiths like in Rom?

As I have said, Lemire brings some nice light moments in the book. Usually it is some friendly ribbing between Buddy and Ollie.

But I laughed at this moment. With 20 heroes stuffed in the League's headquarters, the place is crammed. And Phantom Girl tells Animal Man he should be happy that Duplicate Girl isn't there.

Again, things have been dark in the DCU over the last couple of years. So some fun moments are welcomed.

Now I am used to seeing Byth simply as a sleazy shapeshifter. But in this book he has stood up to Supergirl in battle. That says he is something more and we see that again here.

J'Onn tries to telepathically find Ultra and calm him. But there, on the telepathic landscape, is Byth. And Byth is able to fight off J'Onn, kicking the Manhunter out of Ultra's mind.

I liked this panel with Ultra literally being pulled in opposite directions.

So what is Byth?

I will stick by my guess that he somehow gets stuck in a timeloop, destined to relive this arc over and over.

This is my second favorite moment of the book.

One thing I haven't liked in this storyline is the Legion coming back in time to kill Ultra, trying to undo a galactic cataclysm. A little too bloodthirsty for me.

Here Courtney states the obvious. No one in the League thinks killing Ultra is the way to go. Settled! Lemire has said from the beginning that Courtney represents brightness and optimism. I am not surprised that she is the one who lays it on the line here.

Hurray for heroism!!!

This ends up becoming a multi-front battle. The team has to fight these energy wraiths pouring out of the rift. But they also need to stop Byth from getting Ultra to the rift where he will ascend to Infinitus.

Again, we have a funny GA/Animal Man fun here. But I liked the bestowing of the flight rings to the League. Welcome to the Legion!

Now you might be wondering what could be better than that Courtney moment.

Well you know Supergirl is my favorite character. And you know Wildfire is my second favorite character. So seeing them fly into battle together? That's like chocolate and peanut butter!

This is my favorite moment, a sort of comic dream come true for me!

Lemire has called Supergirl 'bull-headed' in the past. He does like her as the 'punch first, ask questions later' muscle of the team. When Mon-El says the team needs to be on the defensive, she ignores him and flies into the fray, hoping to stop Byth directly. And Wildfire, always a bit of a hothead, likes her style. In this instance, I agree with Supergirl. Stopping Byth from getting Ultra to the rift has to be the primary goal.

Can you name the last time Mon-El, Wildfire, and Supergirl streaked into battle together???

That's right! As part of the assault team going to the Anti-Monitor's fortress in Crisis on Infinite Earths #7!

The two teams try to mesh as much as possible as they fight the wraiths. Some gel easier than others.

'Space wolf pack'? I hope this Sabretooth form isn't one we keep seeing in Buddy.

But this sort of stuff is fun! A rare commodity these days.

Byth is streaking to the rift in a ship piloted by the brainwashed Hawkman. Ultra is closer to becoming Infinitus. (Is it possession? Evolution?)

Despite her physicality, it is nice to hear Supergirl say part of this mission is keeping Ultra safe. The heroes can't just blow the ship out of the sky.

While they can't, someone else can. A Thanagarian in hawk-armor blasts the ship from the sky with some sort of rifle.

Nice cliffhanger in a mostly action issue. The overall plot wasn't moved forward too much in this issue. Instead we have a lot of battles and a lot of small moments. But this feels like the right pace for this story. We know enough to feel like this can be wrapped up satisfactorily in 2 more issues.

While the action scenes are fine, it is the character moments that I like in this issue most of all. The humor. The team's interacting. The courage of Courtney to state the obvious. All great.

I would love for Lemire to write a new Legion book!

Overall grade: B+

December 2014 Solicits

The holidays happen in December. It is a time of good will and season's greetings. And oddly enough, after being a dour DC fan, I actually felt a little hope after seeing the DC Comics complete December solicits. Here is a link to the entire solicits list as showcased on Newsarama:http://www.newsarama.com/22127-dc-comics-full-december-2014-solicitations.html

Now maybe it is the Darwyn Cooke variants, or the continued fascinating solicits for Multiversity, or some growing optimism about the Perkins/Johnson Supergirl run ... but I was (gasp) happy about the look of this month. I know that other people (specifically Huntress or Wonder Woman fans) may not be feeling the same.

On to the solicits:

SUPERGIRL #37

Written by MIKE JOHNSON and KATE PERKINS
Art and cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

It’s Supergirl’s first day as a student in the Crucible Academy! What is the mystery of the Academy? Who are her fellow students? And what happens if she decides to get herself expelled before she graduates?

It's the second issue of the Perkins/Johnson run on the book. Sounds like we will be learning more about the new setting and supporting cast here. That's right ... I just wrote 'supporting cast' in regards to the New 52 Supergirl book!

But the big win this month are the covers of the book. First off the main cover, a Yildiray Cinar cover. A smiling Supergirl breaking the chains that bind her! She seems almost peaceful. It is beautiful and it harkens back to Superman #223 'Kryptonite Nevermore' and a sketch Cinar did when  he was doing the interiors of the book. Check that stuff out here. Hopefully the 'feel' of this cover conveys the tenor of Kara in the interior.

And then there is this awesomeness.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #7
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by NEIL EDWARDS and JAY LEISTEN
Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

The Infinitus Saga continues as the JLU battles the Legion of Super-Heroes over the fate of the innocent alien who may grow up to destroy the 31st century!

The reintroduction of the Legion into the DCU by Jeff Lemire. Win.
Neil Edwards (of the ARGUS miniseries) on art! Win. (Better fit than Timothy Green). (Edwards confirms he is on the book moving forward.)
Mon-El and Phantom Girl back! Win.
Infinite Man as the villain (I called it). Win
Book that stars Supergirl! Win win win.

Okay, having the Legion try to kill Ultra isn't a win. But we'll see how it plays out.

ACTION COMICS #37

Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

The spread of evil supernatural forces in Smallville continues to get worse – and Superman has no way to stop it. Will this damnation contamination spread to the rest of the world?

I am thrilled that the creative team of Pak and Kuder are back on the book without the constraints of a mega-muddled-crossover.

I also like the 'supernatural' part of this story. Contrasts with the tech-heavy Superman story. And I think it complements the strengths of the creators here.

SUPERMAN #37

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

Can there be peace and good will toward people without a price? Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. serve up some holiday shocks as they answer this question and more in this the penultimate chapter of “MEN OF TOMORROW”! And be warned – some significant changes are in store for the Man of Steel to ring in the New Year!

That is one battered Superman.

I have been up and down with this Ulysses arc as it has unfolded so far. But the promise of 'significant changes' has piqued my interest. Maybe back at the Daily Planet? Maybe embracing the Kent side of him instead of feeling 'alone'. Maybe some Lois?

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #17

Written by GREG PAK
Art by ARDIAN SYAF and SANDRA HOPE
Cover by ARDIAN SYAF and DANNY MIKI
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

Who is Superman’s Joker? It seems it’s the Unseen Terror, who makes the battle personal for Superman! How? By attacking all things related to the Man of Steel! Together, Batman and Superman start to track down suspects – and the first one is Lobo!

Okay, it sounds like a good story for this pair. A mystery for Batman to unravel. Tough villains for Superman to fight. Best of both worlds.

But I just can't get excited about Lobo.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #14

Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

It’s no surprise that after recent events, Superman and Wonder Woman are cautious about the appearance of the new hero who calls himself Wonderstar. But this mysterious hero seems to be asking for nothing more than their guidance in dealing with his strange, erratic powers – and for their help in protecting his loved ones and his secret identity! The only problem is that his past is a blank slate. He doesn’t know who he is, where he comes from – or why is feels a strange connection to the Man of Steel and the Amazon Warrior!

Ugh ... is it a Cable sort of progeny from a possible future.

I keep saying I am going to drop this book. I have faith in both Tomasi and Mahnke. I hope they justify it.

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 – CONTINUITY #1

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by IG GUARA and J.P. MAYER
Cover by CAT STAGGS

In this new miniseries, the Monitors have come to Earth and begun their work – but instead of using Red Bleed to exterminate the world, a new Blue Bleed is erasing the world’s capitals!

I love this book. Is Continuity the same as Crisis? Or is there more to come.

But different destructive waves? And the Legion teaming up with Booster and Zatanna?

Love this book.

SUPERGIRL VOL. 5: RED DAUGHTER OF KRYPTON TP
Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON and others
Art by DIOGENES NEVES, CHAD HARDIN, PAULO SIQUEIRA and others
Cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT

Supergirl will burn down the universe before she lets another person tell her who she should be – and her journey as a Red Lantern begins here. The new chapter of Supergirl’s life begins in issues #26-33, plus GREEN LANTERN #28 and RED LANTERNS #28-29.

A trade collection of Red Lanterns and I am looking forward to buying it?

I can believe Red Daughter was so good. As I have said ad nauseum, it is a shame it took something as drastic as this had to happen to redeem Kara. But if it had to happen, I am glad it happened this way. Because this arc was great.

I hope there are extras in this trade.

All that said ... Michael Alan Nelson had nothing to do with the included issues. Bedard and Soule should feel slighted.