Review: Action Comics #1050

Action Comics #1050 came out last week and was a great opening salvo to the next chapter of Superman and his family. The cover says it correctly. A new era rises.

Two years ago, Brian Michael Bendis has Superman reveal he was Clark Kent to the world. The sentiment, that someone whose mantra is starts with 'Truth'  lives a lie, makes some philosophical sense. But the reality of that reveal within the DCU didn't work. It diminished the Clark side. It diminished Lois. Surely Lois' journalistic integrity could be questioned. It made Ma and Pa live under a dome. And it definitely put a lot of people in danger. 

So it is time to put the genie back in the bottle. Writers Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Tom Taylor, and Joshua Williamson do so effectively. Who better to disrupt Superman's life than Lex Luthor! Luthor's reasoning behind it is unanticipated. And the consequences of anyone trying to undo it is deliciously evil. 

Bringing the story to life are three great artists - Mike Perkins, Clayton Henry, and Nick Dragotta. In particular, Dragotta's pages sing with energy, bringing a sort of Japanese animation flair to the proceedings. Perkins more shadowy energy works for the darker segments of the story. The book is beautiful.

Add to the main story some previews of the upcoming arcs in Action, Adventures of Superman, and Superman and you have a fantastic intro of the next year's stories. Bring it on!

Review: Action Comics #1049

Action Comics #1049 came out this week and was certainly an issue to give thanks for. This is labeled Kal-El Returns Part 5 and certainly we are continuing to see what impact Superman and Warworld coming to Earth are having. But this arc here in Action Comics is really a sort of epilogue to the Warworld saga while sowing the seeds for the future.

Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson is truly weaving a masterpiece in this book. Superman remains an inspiration to the Warworlders. He is a mentor to Otho and Osul. He is the hero of Metropolis. He is truly a hero and the axle of the book with everything rotating around him. 

But the real fun is that the book is really bolstered by the supporting cast we are getting. Lois is strong here. Bibbo is a fun character, embodying someone who is inspired to be a hero by Superman. We are seeing a truly conniving Lex here as well as a semi-sympathetic Metallo. And let's not forget that Supergirl, as well as Thao-La, are well represented here. In particular, this issue where we see a couple of Lex's plans heating up shows me that Luthor is going to be a force here.

Mike Perkins is on art in the main section and his work on the New Gods is a sort if ugly beautiful. It really just grabs the eye and makes you look. We also get some quieter moments and Perkins does something there which is magical. Promise I'll get there. David Lapham wraps up the Supergirl/Thao-La story and continues to give us a clean look with a gorgeous Kara. Give me more!

On to the book!

Review: Action Comics #1048

 Action Comics #1048 came out this week and was another wonderful issue in this great run that writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson. This is part three of the Kal-El Returns arc but really we are still in the aftermath of the Warworld Saga. 

The first part of the issue has the main story, Superman's story, set in Metropolis. The art in this part is by Mike Perkins, who I last saw on the Lois Lane book. The aftermath of Warworld, the legend of the First God Orglun, and the tangential touches on the Fourth World are all at play here. And it all really works. The addition of Otho and Osul Ra is so welcome here, giving Lois and Clark kids to care for. Johnson just adeptly shows how these two are still hurting from the years they lost with Jon. Moreover, all the 'Genesis' and 'Old Gods' stuff comes home with some of the New Gods showing up. 

Perkins just crackles here. His style works well for big battle art. I remember his fisticuffs being a strong part of the Lois book. The New Gods looks huge. And yet, at the same time, the smaller scenes of the kids at the zoo, have just as much polish. His Metallo is robotic and yet somehow forlorn. Wonderful.

But as great as the first part, the back up feature, the second part of Red Moon Rising, with art by David Lapham, is just as great. This is a Supergirl back-up, with Kara showing Thao-La the ropes, teaching her to be a hero, acting as protector of Metropolis, and ready to throw down against Mongul's lackeys. This is Supergirl. I love Lapham's style here, giving Supergirl a sort of classic look, powerful and graceful. 

Everyone should be buying this book.

On to the specifics.

Review: Lois Lane #12

Lois Lane #12 came out last week, an odd finale to an odd comic that I don't think really knew what it wanted to be.

At its heart, it seemed like it wanted to be a Renee Montoya Question book. Renee has all the big moments in this book. Certainly, her page count is a considerable percentage of this book. And writer Greg Rucka loves her, bringing in other characters like Elycia who only have a connection to Renee.

There have been plot lines brought up early in the story - the apparent suicide (or was it murder) of a Lois-like reporter in Russia, the kickback scheme about for-profit detention centers, the personal internment of Lois' maid - that have gone nowhere. And in this issue they are wrapped up basically off panel.

And then there is the sudden 'the universe is fractured and other versions of this place are bleeding in' plotline. It suddenly became *the* plotline. Here is the thing. This plot is a big one and we have seen it in books like Superman, Young Justice, and Legion. But this is the first Lois Lane book in decades! Let it be ground level. Let it be her investigating. Leave the multiverse out here so Lois can shine ... not the mangled DC continuity.

The art by Mike Perkins is its usual solid fare. This issue is mostly people talking with one action sequence in the middle. He holds up his end.

In the end, I don't think I can call this a Lois Lane book. More like a Birds of Prey riff ... 'Birds of Prose'? With Lois as Oracle?

On to the book.

Review: Lois Lane #11

Lois Lane #11 came out this week and I am finally willing to admit that I am ready for the maxi-series being over.

Because, as has been shown throughout this title, it *really* isn't a Lois Lane book.

This is a backdoor pilot for a new Renee Montoya Question book. Maybe writer Greg Rucka has had a Renee story germinating in his mind and used Lois' book as a way to tell that story. But I was really looking forward to a Lois book. It has been too long since we had one.

Instead, we get this book which instead concentrates mainly on Renee and her relationships. We get a callback to a book that was on the shelves over 10 years ago. And Lois is just a sidebar. To make matters even worse, the book is confusing and sort of clumsily presented.

Moreover, all the plots which are Lois-centric have basically been pushed aside. Detention centers? Dead Russion reporters? Grief over Sam Lane? Changes over Clark's reveal? All of that hasn't been touched on in a while.

The art remains very solid by Mike Perkins. He is the perfect choice for a street level Question book, inky and moody and dynamic. And this variant cover by Joelle Jones is just beautiful.

But where is the Lois book we were all clamoring for? Because this isn't it.

On to the book.

Review: Lois Lane #10

Not a dream! Not a hoax! I read a new comic this week in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic!

And to make it even crazier, I read it digitally. (Don't worry, I'll get the printed copy too.)

Lois Lane #10 came out this week,digitally only. It feels like a long time since the last issue was released by this creative team of writer Greg Rucka and artist Mike Perkins.

One of my complaints about this maxi-series so far has been the somewhat plodding pace of the actual storylines. Rucka set up a bunch of 'inspired by real events' plots. Unfortunately many of these issues have felt like treading water.

This issue continues that trend. We don't really get to learn more about immigrant detention, government corruption, or murdered Russian journalists. Instead we get a rather detailed discussion of multiverses and quantum theory. Now I am a classic DC reader so I understand the concept of the multiverse. But I don't exactly know if I can truly explain the exact details of what Rucka is saying about the characters here.

Moreover, this lengthy science fiction discussion seemed just a little bit out of place for this comic which has been, for the most part, a street level drama.

Mike Perkins does his usual solid job on art here. I think his expression work is a bit inconsistent. But there is a Superman/Lois scene in the middle of this issue which is perfect and Perkins is really the star there. And the multiple splash pages discussing the multiverse are also very strong.

But let's not bury the lede. This was a new comic!!!

DC Comics June Solicits

Last week DC Comics released it's June 2020 solicits. Here is a link to Newsarama's coverage:
https://www.newsarama.com/49409-dc-comics-june-2020-solicitations.html

First and foremost, for me, was that there is no Supergirl book on the shelves. June is the first month after her cancellation. It seems so foolish and shortsighted. But then again, I can't say that the book on the shelf has truly been a Supergirl book for a while ... so maybe this was the right move?

Just as bad as no solo title is that the Girl of Steel is nowhere to be found in the solicits. No talks with her cousin in either super-titles. No guest starring in Legion. No joining the Titans. No side mission with Justice League Dark.

Kara has been ghosted by DC Comics.

Crazy.

So here are the other super-books.

ACTION COMICS #1024
written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
art and cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. and KLAUS JANSON
variant cover by LUCIO PARRILLO
Wonder Woman 1984 variant cover by FRANK CHO

The city of Metropolis has been rocked by Luthor’s latest attack and the drama surrounding Superman’s truth, and that gives the invisible mafia a new foothold to change the City of Tomorrow forever. Meanwhile, the Daily Planet is under siege! The fallout from Superman: Villains continues as Clark Kent steps out into the world as a reporter for the first time.

I guess I'll need to figure out how Luthor relapses from Apex Lex back to plain old Lex at some point. And the Daily Planet under siege? I am going to guess that it is from other news outlets and not a physical siege.

I keep hoping Romita's time on the book comes to an end.

Review: Lois Lane #9

Lois Lane #9 came out last week, marking the 75% mark for this title.

This ninth issue has many of the same problems that I have had with this book since about the third issue. It is an excellent Question book, with Renee again having the best scenes and lines. There is a tiny little bit of plot progression but not a lot. And there is a political agenda to the story but one that seems to be forced into the story instead of being the foundation of the plot or even crucial to it. Greg Rucka is certainly rolling things out slowly if at all. A reminder, the first plot we heard about ... the death of a Russian reporter similar to Lois ... hasn't been touched upon in a while.

That makes it sound like I don't like the book. And that isn't necessarily true. I do. Just not as much as I hoped I would. I really wanted a Lois-driven book. While I like Renee being a sort of operative for our titular character, it feels more like a team up book than a solo title with a supporting character.

Mike Perkins continues to give us excellent visuals here. As I have said before, Perkins would be my first choice on a Montoya Question book. Perkins gives us superb and moody night-time scenes. And this time his expressive work is right on the money. And this is a nice cover showing how the hundreds imprisoned in detention centers are essentially dehumanized and faceless.

On to the book.

Review: Superman Heroes #1

Superman Heroes came out last week, a sort of anthology book by the current gaggle of Superman writers and artists. Think of it as this season's Leviathan Rising. It is a sort of pulse check on what is happening in the super-books while giving us some back story and future hints about the latest major story arc, the reveal that Superman is Clark Kent.

I found most of the book to be quite enjoyable with solid plot and art throughout. In particular, the sort of reaction pieces, those stories to check in on how the news has hit them. Jimmy's story is wonderful and Superman thanking an old professor is another good tale.There is also a very nice 'wisdom of Pa Kent' story. You know I am a sucker for those.

The art is a nice mix. Scott Godlewski lends a folksy feel to the Pa story. Steve Lieber and Mike Perkins draw the Jimmy and Lois stories respectively, keeping up with their current assignments. And Kevin Maguire and Mike Norton add nice panache.

For the price point, I was very happy with this.

Review: Lois Lane #8

Lois Lane #8 came out this week and introduced the character 'The Kiss of Death' into DC continuity.

I open this review with that fact because the book was sold out at my comic book store when I got there 3 hours after opening. I only got the issue because I have the title on my pull list. It turns out that first appearance got the attention of comic speculators! Who knew they still existed! And didn't we see Kiss of Death last issue?

Anyways, the issue continued to pace of this title. There is an action sequence. There is a scene with Lois and Superman talking. There is one little plot point which ties into one of the storylines writer Greg Rucka is simmering slowly. I definitely keep hoping we get some plot momentum.

Mike Perkins provides the art for the book. I will say overall I am so impressed with Perkins work on the book, in particular the martial art sequences with Renee. He really should be doing a monthly Question book. But at times his expressive work can seem off. In this issue a panel of Renee smiling is just a bit jarring.

I like this book. But I keep thinking about the dwindling time and space to wrap up all that is happening. I hope it all comes together.

On to the book.

DC April 2020 Solicits

The April 2020 solicits for DC Comics came out last week and there were a couple of interesting surprises and a 'not surprised' solicit as well. There are plenty of anniversary issues and plenty of dollar facsimile comics as well. Not a bad springtime month.

Here is a link to all the solicits for you to peruse over on Newsarama:
https://www.newsarama.com/48662-dc-comics-april-2020-solicitations.html

And now onto the blog-specific solicits.

SUPERGIRL #41
written by JODY HOUSER
art by RACHAEL STOTT
cover by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
card stock variant cover by DERRICK CHEW

Free of the infection and reeling after the events of Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen, Supergirl crash-lands in an area being devastated by a catastrophic storm. Suffering from a series of hallucinations and memories of her past, Kara struggles to keep her mind clear enough to save the people she swore to her cousin she’d protect. She’s got a lot to prove after endangering Smallville and all its inhabitants. Will she be able to save everyone including herself? Or is this the end for our hero?

Well it looks like we are back to Supergirl, freed of the infection which made her dark and edgy.

That means we have reached the 'redemption' portion of the Supergirl cycle of 'hero-edgy-redemption' plotlines.

As I have said I am a bit tired of this cycle. I also am a bit tired of the endless different looks at Supergirl's Kryptonian memory. Maybe we can settle on something this time?

Looking forward to see what Houser/Stott do away from a crossover.

Review: Lois Lane #7

Lois Lane #7 came out last week. We have entered the back half of this maxi-series and I am starting to feel a little worried about this book. You see the book has several subplots which have been introduced into this book but I feel we haven't seen much progress in those stories. And I wonder if we will have enough time to handle them all in a satisfactory way.

Writer Greg Rucka is giving us a great book. I love his Lois, a dogged investigator interested in justice even if it puts her smack dab into danger. I love how she doesn't suffer fools lightly. And that she exudes confidence. And as Rucka gives us slices of Lois' life we see that. It is a Lois I love reading.

But the subsidized detention center story is nudging forward. The dead Russian journalist storyline has simply stalled. The mystery woman hiding from Leviathan is revisited briefly this issue. Instead of us getting more of those stories, much of this issue is spent on visiting the plot of Lois being outed as having an 'affair' with Superman. I just think I get enough Superman/Lois stuff in the main books. I'd rather have this focus on Lois' solo stuff.

Mike Perkins really sparkles this issue. His Question and his Superman are spot on. I hope he finds more work at DC when this ends.

Review: Lois Lane #6

Lois Lane #6 came out last week, the halfway mark of this maxi-series written by Greg Rucka with art by Mike Perkins.

The series has been interesting as it has been telling a handful of stories, slowly building the plotlines around government corruption and a murdered Russian journalist. It also has been something of a Journalism 101 class. And it has been a showcase on Lois herself - her skills, her emotions, her integrity.

This issue the plotlines take a back seat as Rucka takes the time to show us more of Lois' relationship, strained though it may be, with her father. Sam Lane died in Event Leviathan. And that certainly is an event that should be delved into more.

Now one thing has been clear for decades and for different continuities. Sam and Lois seldom saw eye to eye. Sam's xenophobia smacked against Lois' love of Superman time and again. But Sam was also, at times, a bit old fashioned in his views on politics and gender. This General Lane seemed to be a little different. He seemed more open to different viewpoints, at least listening, even if he reverted to his old ways.

In fact, I would say that the Lois/Sam relationship these days was one of begrudging respect and extended hands. They seemed to want to rebuild. But that was taken away. Overall this is an interesting look at the relationship with peeks back into their history.

Perkins does his best here, trying to bring some weight to scenes which are for the most part people talking. Some of the expressive work here looks a little strained. But again, the style fits the book perfectly.

Onto the particulars.

Review: Lois Lane #5

Lois Lane #5 came out this week and was an interesting issue. The major plots of the book were nudged forward just a bit. A subplot that has been nearly forgotten was mentioned again so we know that it is still out there. And there is great Question action.

But for a grizzled comic reader like me, the big joy of this issue was that I learned something. The young Anj used to be able to wow his parents with vocabulary and cultural references that he learned in comics. In fact, that was a big reason why my parents fostered the hobby ... I was reading and learning. In this issue, I learned a lot about journalism. That's a good thing.

Writer Greg Rucka does a good job of showing just how rigorous true journalism needs to be. He explains different levels of information that can be shared in reporting. And he shows how tenacious Lois is in following a story. He also shows how difficult it is to battle public perceptions of fake news.

Meanwhile artist Mike Perkins shows, once again, that he needs to be on a street level book. Please DC, give the man a Question solo title to draw. His work in unbelievable. But outside that, there is a page here, which I will share which shows the power of the genre, when words and images mesh.

I have really loved this book. So far, so good.

Leviathan Theory: Lois Lane #4 Clues

Tomorrow Event Leviathan #5 will hit the stands and the mystery will be solved. My assumption is the last page of the issue will be the big reveal.


Now I have had a Leviathan Theory and I have been talking about it since the middle of May. In short, Leviathan and his cohorts are the Charlton Heroes and Leviathan himself is Ted Kord. And I am sticking to that guess.

And since May I have been writing posts about clues wherever I see them. And last week's Lois Lane #4 had a couple of doozies.

Now as I have said for a while, I am stuck on my Charlton guess so I look at clues through that lens first.

First ...
But not only.

And so I am going to tell you what I saw in the issue but with it bolstering a couple of different theories.

The bottom line is this time, I think I'm right.

On to the clues.

Review: Lois Lane #4

Lois Lane #4 came out last week and continued to impress me as a reader. Writer Greg Rucka and artist Mike Perkins continue to give me just the sort of Lois book I am looking for. And that's saying something.

I think the thing that impressed me the most about this issue is that it is a purely character driven issue, showcasing Lois' relationship to Jon, Renee's relationship to Vic, and even Lois' relationship to Renee. None of the plots that we have seen Lois investigating are moved forward much here. Washington's kickback deals to detention centers? Russian journalist being killed? Lois' informant shot in what may have been an attempt on her life? Barely mentioned.

While I love character issues, I usually want some plot line advancement. And yet, this issue that didn't bother me at all. I wonder if that is because I have been so thirsty for a Lois book and Lois moments that this was just the sort of drink to slake.

And I haven't mentioned the elephant in the room ... er ... issue. There is a whopper of a Leviathan clue in here. Remember, this is the review column. Leviathan clues get there own post, most likely tomorrow.

Mike Perkins art is his usual solid stuff. There are a lot of scenes of people eating in diners which doesn't allow him to stretch his muscles too much. But the Leviathan scene is appropriately moody.

On to the book.

Review: Lois Lane #3

Lois Lane #3 came out last week and was another excellent chapter in this maxi-series. Writer Greg Rucka sort of pumps the brakes a little on plot progression, instead dwelling on character moments. Part of the beauty of this book is that we are really focusing in on Lois. Anything that makes her more three-dimensional, or gives us insight into her personality is great.

We also get a lot of Question moments in the book. Or moments with Questions. In particular, I loved Renee's reactions throughout the issue. She would be someone who could easily be written as a two-dimensional, hard and brusque. But again Rucka gives us a peek behind the curtain into who Montoya is as a whole person.

Mike Perkins continues to shine on art here. His ability to convey emotion with expressions and body language is pretty impressive. You know what these characters are thinking and feeling, his art complements the words so well. Add to that a martial arts fight in the middle which reminded me of Denys Cowan's work on the Question book in the 80s and you have a winner. That Cowan comparison is about as high a compliment I can give.

Throw in a funny cliffhanger and you have a solid read.

On to the book!

Full DC November 2019 Solicits

Last week, DC released their complete solicits for November 2019. Here is a link to see all the books:
https://www.newsarama.com/46215-dc-comics-november-2019-solicitations.html

They had done something of a preview of some of the books earlier, showcasing the 'acetate cover' books which have a clear overlay which changes the initial image. I wrote about how disappointed I was with the Supergirl one last month here:
http://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2019/07/early-november-solicits-dark-supergirl.html

Now we know a little bit more about the Year of the Villain, who the Batman Who Laughs infects, and what issues we will see these heroes turned villain.

No big surprise, I am pretty tired with the whole darkening of good characters. I don't know how this infection happens. But it would be nice if DC recognized that Kara has gone through these dark periods before and it never seems to work. How I would have loved it if somehow Kara rejected this evil turn. Or was considered too good for the Batman Who Laughs to even try on her.

Instead we once again get this dreck played out. Even if it is temporary, it feels wrong.

SUPERGIRL #36
written by MARC ANDREYKO
art by EDUARDO PANSICA and JULIO FERREIRA
acetate cover by DAN MORA
card stock variant cover by DERRICK CHEW

Supergirl—the infected! Brainiac-1 attempts to contact Supergirl at the Fortress of Solitude, but for what nefarious purpose? No matter what he has planned, things are about to go from bad to worse as Supergirl heads on a collision course with the Batman Who Laughs! He’s targeted Superman as part of his plan to infect heroes and transform them into their twisted Dark Multiverse counterparts—but Supergirl gets caught in the crossfire, and the Year of the Villain stakes get even higher! 

I don't even care if somehow she sacrifices herself to the infection to save Superman from going dark (as may be implied here). I am sick of this take on Supergirl. 

I wish I know who to blame for continuously picking this scab. 

On to the rest of the books.

Review: Lois Lane #2

Lois Lane #2 came out this week and was another hard-boiled noir chapter in this close up look at Lois. There are a couple of plot lines working their way through the book, a couple of mysteries to sink my teeth into. But the true strength of this issue is just the character of Lois and the multifaceted look at her.

Writer Greg Rucka really gives us a three-dimensional look at Lois. We see her capabilities as a reporter, deftly getting information and backing up people she interview into corners where they have to talk. We see her dogged determination for justice but how her focus is on the root of a problem, not a symptom. And we see the human person who can still be vulnerable even though her facade is one of invulnerability. It truly is impressive work, showing us just who she is.

We also get to see how the world views her. And, interestingly enough, it isn't always shining. But people often want to tear down, not build up.

Mike Perkins is again on art with colors by Paul Mounts. Perkins realistic but semi-grungy approach is perfect for this story so steeped in the real world. And with scenes that jump from nighttime murder scenes to dimly lit bars to sun-soaked walks on the street, Mounts perfectly captures the tone with his palette.

This was a great read, a perfect blend. Maybe this maxi-series will pave the way for a monthly?

On to the book.

October 2019 Solicits

The DC Solicits for October 2019 came out last week and I am trying to maintain some optimism. But it isn't easy. For a list of the entire slate, you can head to Newsarama here:
https://www.newsarama.com/46214-dc-comics-october-2019-solicitations.html

Now there are some interesting things that are hitting the racks this month. Call me nutty, and it isn't in my usual wheelhouse, but I am intrigued to read the Brian Azzarello/Emmanuela Lupacchino new Birds of Prey book. And a new Hellblazer book might be worth checking out.

But the whole DC line is tied up in the Year of the Villain storyline. Every cover seems to show citizens and heroes bloodied and zombied up. And it just seems that DC, under Dan Didio, is a one note singer. Every 2-3 years we have to darken everything up. And it never seems to work. The shine of Rebirth is finally dulled. We are back in the doldrums of Forever Evil and Future's End. Grim isn't better.

It doesn't help that Didio at SDCC complained that people buy the reprint books DC puts out rather than buying new books. Didio should be embracing the history and legacy of his company. He should realize people buy those because they are good stories, classics. And maybe they are shying away from new content because they aren't good.

But I digress. I am here to light a candle, not curse the darkness.

As for the super-books, there are a couple of new items on the docket. But to be honest, for the first time in a while, I felt compelled to post the prices of books on this post because comics aren't cheap anymore. And while I might be interested in trying something new, $9 is a big ask.

On to the super-books.