Review: Action Comics #22 Back-Up Feature

I have been enjoying the back-up feature in Action Comics, a story written by Frank Hannah looking back at the early days of Jor-El and Lara. If there is any area of the Superman mythos which might be a bit malleable, it is that time period for those characters. Since Superman #0 last year we have known that Lara was a trained military officer. So seeing her here as a cadet has been interesting. And to see a wide-eyed optimistic and curious Jor-El has been fascinating.

Unfortunately, the latest chapter in Action Comics #22 seemed to go one step too far in this new characterization. We go from a determined Lara to one who seems to kill with a nonchalant attitude that seems off for the loving mother we have seen before. And the curious Jor-El suddenly is the architect of a mind-control device affecting the entire world. This also seems off from the guy who was so singular in his thoughts as to stand up to the Science Council with his findings and then defy them by saving his son.

It doesn't help that Philip Tan is off art on this chapter. The slick visuals he was bringing are replaced by the pedestrian work of Tom Derenick. Slightly off characterization and average art brought the buzz I had for this little story down a bit.

As seen in the prior chapters,a military coup is unfolding on Krypton where a high-ranking officer has blasted his way into the Science Council, killed some members, and wrested control. Hmmm. Sounds sort of like the beginning of the Man of Steel.

While the military troops hold the Council chambers, a smaller phalanx has been sent to kill off presumed enemies of the new state ... and that includes Jor-El. It looks as though the discovery if the sunken city of Xan and the presumed-extinct Teklons are merely set pieces. Perhaps there is a future story planned?

Regardless, when the troops come to get him, Jor-El jettisons his gear, flinging himself to the surface. And the commotion agitates the calm Teklons such that they lash out at whatever is near. In this case, it is a revolutionary soldier.

Seems a bit risky to me. Jor-El's team was also swimming in those waters. I suppose when staring down the barrel of a gun, the most desperate of time, you have to resort to desperate measures.

Here is the plot point I have the most trouble with. The Colonel who has organized this coup wants to take control of a 'sensory harmonic resonator', a machine controlled by Jor-El which is able to nudge the Kryptonian population towards 'intellectual curiosity'. While it isn't outright mental domination, it does seem like mind control. I think my Jor-El as a noble person who would value freedom above all. It is his civil liberties which allows him to save Kal. So to have him holding the keys to this thing feels really off.

And, of course, the Colonel wants to weaponize it, bringing the populace to its knees in a calm and controlled way.

We heard last issue that Cadet Lara Lor-Van might be harboring some feelings for Jor-El. We also saw that she recognized that he might be the best person to help her stop this coup. As part of her rescue of Jor-El, she casually destroys a troop carrier, presumably killing a bunch of her fellow soldiers (although working for the Colonel). I don't mind a stronger and tougher Lara, but I would prefer one with a bit more acknowledgment of the sanctity of life.

There is this pretty nice moment after Lara rescues Jor where he asks why she saved him. While he might be an ally to stop the coup, I also think she can't deny her attraction to him and not wanting to see him as a casualty.

The colonel running this coup has so far been unnamed. I actually wondered if it might be Zod (although it would be hard to be promoted after treason). Well, it turns out he is the New 52 answer to the Eradicator. Again, way back in Superman #0 that the Eradicator ends up heading a doomsday cult which embraces the end of the world.

I liked the Eradicator in the old DCU so I hope this one captures some of that essence. I don't quite understand the extreme close-up of the ring. Unless it is some sort of Black Zero symbol.

Anyways, a killing Lara, a mind-controlling Jor-El ... it seemed a bit too far astray from the welcome freshness of the early chapters. Will see if this can be turned around.

Overall grade: C

Action Comics Annual #2: More H'El

While the official October DC books are about a week away from being solicited, DC has had a little premature solicitation, releasing information about 6 annuals coming out during that month. Here is a link to Newsarama and the story: http://www.newsarama.com/18262-dc-announces-6-new-october-annuals.html


Of course one, stood out for me. While I will include this in my standard monthly solicit review, I felt compelled to comment on it separately.

ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #2 
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by KENNETH ROCAFORT, DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND
Cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT

 Part 1 of “KRYPTON RETURNS,” continuing next month! What does this mean to the Universe? Superman, Supergirl and Superboy are enlisted by the Oracle to go back to their homeworld and correct what the villainous H’El has done! This epic adventure spans eons, from Krypton’s savage past of Clones to the very minutes before Kal-El’s ship is sent into space! You only think you know what happened in the last days of Krypton!

Now we all knew that the H'El storyline wasn't over. In the zero issues of the super-titles, we saw Superman, Supergirl, and Superboy all on Krypton prior to its destruction. H'El on Earth ended with H'El making it back to Krypton before the planetary cataclysm, even meeting Jor-El.

Scott Lobdell had leaked a bit ago that another super-crossover would wrap that up late in the year. My suspicion is that this opening chapter will be completed in the November issues of Superman, Superboy, and Supergirl. Moreover, given how the lower right corner here looks like the upper left corner of the S-shield (made out of shattered chunks of Krypton), I also think we will have interlocking covers, creating a giant S-shield out of the four covers with the Superman family members and H'El showcased on each. I would love for this story to be done in Annuals for the books rather than derailing the ongoing stories in the main books.

The title of the story is 'Krypton Returns' and since H'El's whole existence is hellbent on saving Krypton from exploding, it would not be surprising if this story has Krypton survive. It is this change in the time stream that makes the Oracle send the Supers back in time. Bleeding Cool figures this is true: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/07/03/krypton-returns-to-the-dc-universe/ 

Unfortunately, this also means that Superman's mission will be to stop someone from saving a planet full of people. That means he will 'cause' a planet full of people to die horrifically. Hopefully I am wrong.

Also, given what we saw in the zero issues, Supergirl is actually set farther back in time to the era of the Clone Uprising. That means she won't interact with Superman, Superboy, her parents, or her aunt and uncle. Given how terrible the characterization of Kara was in H'El on Earth, I don't know if I should be happy or sad about this.

From last September, we saw that Kal is trying to meet Jor and Lara. And we see Kon actually meet Alura.

And, again from last September, we saw Supergirl was farther in the past.

Unfortunately, this means she probably won't be a major part of the ultimate 'what happens to Krypton' part of the story, thwarting H'El. I would like to see some further interaction between Kara and H'El, maybe with her rebuking him and showing she has thrown.

I am not surprised that Lobdell wouldn't want her to be part of the main storyline or denouement. After all, he made her the villain of the first H'El arc. She was an idiotic, hyper-emotional, gullible dupe. I don't think he has much love for the character. So maybe I should be happy that she is away from the fray. Knowing Lobdell, he would have her cause the destruction of Krypton. And maybe by putting her in the past, she will gain some sympathy for clones and actually reach out to Kon-El. Is that too much to ask?

I know I am making some calculated guesses about this arc based on one solicit. But knowing how much I detested H'El on Earth, I am worried and trying to think my way through the sequel.

Review: Action Comics #22

Action Comics #22 came out this week, starting an 'all Scott Lobdell, all the time' couple of months in the Superman titles. While Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder are waiting in the wings, Lobdell takes over the venerable Action title with artist Tyler Kirkham.

When this was first announced, I literally cringed. We were in the midst of the incongruous and inscrutable H'El on Earth storyline and Lobdell wasn't writing a Superman consistent with my vision of the character. Now I still have some issues with Lobdell's approach to Superman but I have to admit that his last couple of Superman issues have been much better than the detestable early part of his run on the book. In particular, the Psi-War plotline is pretty engaging. And judging by this issue, it looks like Lobdell will use his writing monopoly to advance that story in both books. Maybe DC should put the little numbered S-shields on the covers during this time?

Tyler Kirkham is on art here. I have liked his work on Green Lantern Corps and Legion Lost so I was not surprised to find that I liked it here. There is a nice variation on his art here, smooth and clean in places, detailed and gritty in other spots. 

Those numbered shields might be helpful here. A week ago Superman #21 ended with a cliffhanger, Hector Hammond facing off against H.I.V.E.'s Queen Bee. Here he is working with HIVE, in space and about to board their 'world-killer' orbiting space station.

This is a pretty impressive death satellite. It is surprising that it hasn't been noticed by anyone! I will say, suddenly the H.I.V.E. goes from being a wonky old Teen Titans Hydra clone to a much bigger threat.

It is also interesting to read that Hammond has battled the Green Lantern Corps in the past, in deep space no less. It means at least some remnants of the 'old DC' are still around in the universal reboot of the New 52. But that also makes it relatively confusing. The New 52 really still has that 'immediate Post-Crisis' feel to it. What has happened? What hasn't?

While basking in the glow of this death machine, Hammond is startled by the sudden arrival of Straith, a member of the Pax Galactica. He has a sort of 'Future Imperfect Hulk feel to him with his green skin and white hair, albeit with armor and an energy war hammer. Given the atomic symbol on his gauntlet and the title of the story ' Atomic Knights', I wondered at first if we were going to get a re-imagining of that old DC dalmatian-riding group. But in the end, I think I have a different idea.

Hammond isn't impressed by Straith's showy arrival or his apparent strength, calling him a moron and threatening him.

Again, the first panel shows how the timing of this story might be just a bit off. An editorial reference points to Superman #24, a book not out for 3 months!!! Hard for me to get too excited about a Queen Bee/Hammond fight in that book if I already know they team up!

 Straith has little patience and with one blow of his giant war hammer destroys the orbiting laser cannon/satellite. Just like that I immediately had a better sense of this guy's power level.

One thing I did love about this scene is the mix of cowardice and bravado in the Hammond panel. He clearly still feels superior to everyone but he also knows when the time is right to run away.

Back on Earth, Clark and Cat attend a gala movie premiere, a film which features an aging retiring star called Harlan Quint as well as the debut of a starlet/singer Ali Allred.

I have come to like this version of Cat Grant much more than the conniving prior incarnation. This one remains focused on the entertainment side of news but seems ... I don't know ... shrewd. She tells Clark that her side of their site will pay the bills allowing him to go out an win Pulitzer prizes. I find her sort of optimism in the face of TMZ squalor charming.

She and Clark crash the backstage party and Cat is able to grab an exclusive from Allred, thanks to a little heat vision assist from Clark. He actually uses his powers to sabotage all the other reporters technology. I don't know ... it seems a little petty. Moreover, you would think that someone somewhere would have a pen and paper for the Daily Planet reporter to use.

Still, this was a nice scene with Cat.

On the other side of the room, Clark catches the scent of Infinitium, a rare and powerful substance. And his nose leads him to Quint who is wearing some sort of exoskeleton apparently powered by the stuff.

Aging superstar actor powered by something called Infinitium. I wonder if this guy is trying to have remarkable longevity? My second thought is he might be part of The Twenty organization we heard about in Superman.

I actually wouldn't have minded more of this scene as I thought the characterization for the most part was spot on and the subplots and discussions more interesting. Unfortunately, Hector Hammond shows up and ruins things, telepathically broadcasting into everyone's minds that he needs to meet Superman in orbit.

 Even Superman has to marvel at how powerful Hammond's reach is to pull off a calling card like that. Will we ever hear how Hammond has increased his telepathic abilities so much? Or do we just roll with it?

Hammond, in the end, ends up using Superman. He points out the destroyed HIVE satellite and tells Superman that Straith destroyed it. Maybe Straith is a threat just like HIVE.

I always say when art and words come together, there is no better medium than comics. This last panel is perfect. You can tell how irritated Superman is that Hammond is right. Superman has to investigate Straith even if it means being used in a way by Hammond. The expression, the crossed arms ... they tell us so much more than the dialogue can convey.

 And artist Tyler Kirkham continues to be on a roll. Superman flies up to Straith on to the moon and asks him just what he is doing there. I loved the quizzical expression on Superman in that second panel.

Unfortunately, this being comics, this benign conversation starter deteriorates into a full out brawl. Straith doesn't like the question and smacks Superman and a slugfest begins. And Straith, remarkably, doesn't just hold his own but actually appears to win the fight!

One thing that is interesting is Superman chides himself for asking questions first and punching later. I hope that it is frustration that makes him say that because I think Superman should always try a peaceful solution initially. It also seemed odd for that statement to be here in the immediate aftermath of Andy Diggle's short run where in the story and sent out on promo art there is a big push on how Superman doesn't "throw the first punch."

Straith is stopped from trying to kill Superman by his leader Lourdes of the Pax Galactica. She has led her troops here to stop a deadly threat called 'Lexus'. And she thinks Superman should help.

So lots of stuff to talk about here.

First off ... a villain named Lexus? I don't know.

But more importantly, I think the Pax Galactica isn't a riff on the Atomic Knights but rather Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. Pax Galactica ... Guardians of the Galaxy. When I saw this splash page, I immediately thought of Gamora of the Guardians. And there might even be some word play on her name. Gamora is like Gomorrah - the biblical city of Sin. Lourdes is a holy place, a site of miracles. Sort of opposites? I will not be surprised if the helmeted guy is a rodent/animal of some sort (like Rocket Racoon) and the shrouded guy is a plant.

This seems to fit into a trend of recent Lobdell Superman stories. There isn't anything amazing about this story. The idea of two heroes accidentally mistaking each other for threats and fighting is as old as comics. But sprinkled into a blustering main plot are some nice moments of character, things I didn't see early in Lobdell's run.

And, I kind of hope there are some jabs at Marvel in this plot. Am I over-reaching with this Guardians of the Galaxy idea?

I thought Tyler Kirkham really did great work here, particularly with Superman, Clark, and Cat. Nice details in both quiet moments and the action sequences.

Overall grade: B

Happy Fourth Of July With Mike Maihack - Updated

I am off for some patriotic frivolity so no major post today.

I did think that doing some sort of red,white, and blue themed post might be appropriate for July 4th. So I am sharing this drawing from Mike Maihack ... his interpretation of Supergirl Red and Supergirl Blue.

I love this art for any number of reasons. But the poses and expressions completely capture the different personalities of the Super-Red (fiery, action oriented) and Super-Blue (cerebral, controlled) entities. Just great stuff here.

Would love to see these two again with an animated costume (white shirt) Supergirl in the middle. Then we would have a true Red, White, and Blue Supergirl Fourth of July Special!

I have talked about my love of Maihack's work a bunch of times here.  Here is his web site: http://cowshell.com/

And here is what Mike had to say about the design:

The piece was done for a Project: Rooftop panel at Heroes Con last month. We were challenged to come up with a  new design and of course I choose Supergirl because I like drawing Supergirl. While researching the zillions of costume changes that she's already had (or fans have come up with) I came across Superman Red and Blue and thought, "You know, that was kinda lame, but might be kinda cool for Supergirl." Plus half my costume changing decisions wold be done for me. I ended up adding my own flourishes, like the capes--because it's weird drawing Kara without a cape--and the metal arm bands--mostly because I like drawing metal armbands--but also because I thought it would be a great conductor for her newfound energy powers. My only regret was deciding to acrylic wash this on canvas board which didn't really take the medium very well. But I was out of watercolor paperer at the time so I thought I'd try it out. Would love to maybe draw them again sometime, but digitally color them like I normally do. 

In my head, and hopefully it come across in the drawing, Blue is a bit more pensive and Red is a bit more fiery but both are good. I honestly can see this being a fun concept to bring into a Supergirl story arc. The Supergirl I want to draw about at any rate.

Thanks for responding! I love input on the creative process!!

I am not a huge fan of the concept of Superman Red, Superman Blue overall. But I thought Maihack's commission/sketch was just inspired. I had never seen a Supergirl take on that idea before, anywhere.

New 52 Temporary Tattoos

I have been relatively intrigued in the branding of DC heroes to the general public since the New 52 was unveiled 2 years ago. While some characters are basically wearing the same costume with a few tweaks, others look quite different. Let's face it, the subtle changes to Batman, Batgirl, and Wonder Woman's respective costumes probably aren't obvious to the average person.

And yet, when I see Superman or Supergirl merchandise outside of comic stores, they are still wearing the more classic togs.

So imagine my surprise when one of the supergirls at home gave me this sheet of temporary tattoos she got at an 'end of year' school party. These are the New 52 versions of all these characters ... and in an item marketed at kids to boot!

These were produced by Savvi and here is a link to their home page: http://www.savvistuff.com/
While there are a couple of Superman and Batman products by the company, I couldn't find this DC universe sheet anywhere. Too bad! I wanted to see that else is being offered! 

Here is a close up of the Supergirl tattoo. It is a very nice heroic pose, poised for action. But the expression is great. And, surprisingly, the costume looks pretty good here.

I like that Wonder Woman and Batgirl get solid representation here as well. Heck, Batgirl's tattoo is bigger than Batman's!!

Bottom line, I like seeing Supergirl marketed to kids in any way. I like that DC in some way is trying to streamline things from a comics and merchandising viewpoint.

Review: Superman #21

Superman #21 came out last week and it has taken me a bit of time to finally get to the review.

I have to say that with H'El in the rear view mirror, I have been pleasantly surprised with direction of this book. There is nothing earth-shattering by writer Scott Lobdell here. But there isn't anything horrible or vile either. And frankly, I have to be happy about that. So much was wrong with earlier issues that an average issue is a huge upgrade. I don't mean to damn with faint praise. The last couple of issues have been fun and interesting. I might not be smiling widely after reading these, but I have a satisfied half-smile on my face.

On top of that, Kenneth Rocafort continues to shine on this book. There are usually a couple of breathtaking panels each issue, stuff that sparkles. And this issue is no different. I can't praise him enough.

This isn't perfect by any means. But this Psi-War angle is pretty intriguing and an actual threat to Superman.

Here is a great example of Rocafort's art. We open to this splash page of the new Queen Bee bathing in some honey-like liquid. You immediately get a sense of her personality as you see her enjoying this shower of sticky stuff.  I looked at the art before reading the captions and the first word that came to my mind was 'luxuriate'. And sure enough, that word is in Lobdell's text. When art and words mesh, the comic medium is at its strongest. Just great stuff.

Turns out the 'honey' is liquid plasma coalesced from the thoughts of Metropolis. She seems to gain strength from psionic residue.

I had to include this page because we finally learn what H.I.V.E. stands for. She also wants to control the world, removing free will and free thought, becoming the true queen bee that the hive follows. It is the Holistic Integration for Viral Equality. Don't ask me if that makes any sense. But there it is.

And despite having some powers of her own (we see her commanding drones), the Queen realizes she needs Hector Hammond and his power to accomplish her goals of complete domination of the world. I even sort of like her dialogue here. She isn't wringing her hands in evil glee saying she wants to have slaves worshiping her. She says that the world is in a bad place because of free will. She wants to save the world through a hive mind. I sometimes like my bad guys to think they are the good guys. She probably thinks she is being heroic trying to dominate everyone.

I also like that Hammond has sort of morphed from a Green Lantern villain to a Superman one. And boy, has that head become huge!

While we never get a clear understanding of the Queen's powers we see how quickly it can take effect. A STAR Lab worker is clearly 'infected' by the Queen's will, speaking in green dialogue and sporting some faint honeycomb like pattern on his face. And amazingly, his proximity (or touch) seems to be spread her will. Is this some old school 'hypno-pollen' at work? And if her power is so profound, why would she need Hammond?

Regardless, with more STAR workers in the fold, a HIVE team comes in and grabs Hector Hammond, hoping to get him back to the HIVE hive.

Meanwhile in Gotham, Clark is doing some investigative reporting. He is planning to meet an unknown source with information.

The source is someone dressed in bomb squad gear toting a shot gun; someone who turns out to be a young woman (revealed via Xray vision). She has a file stuffed with information about 'The Twenty', an organized crime ring considered to be an urban myth. But mixed in her files is a Senator.

I can't help but wonder if The Twenty is going to eventually evolve into The 100, the organized crime ring which always seems to be plaguing Metropolis.

Now one thing that I have disliked about Lobdell's run is that Clark has not played a big part in the book. On top of that, the whole characterization of Superman in the New 52 has felt off. I have craved a Clark who thinks he is just a farmboy from Kansas who wants to help and just happens to have super-powers.

So I thought this panel with Clark explaining why he does what he does, to remain grounded and in touch with humanity was a nice sentiment. It is laid on a bit thick. That is a lot of internal monologue ... in thought bubbles no less. But I can't complain about it not being there *and* complain about it being there. Still ...

As an aside, I loved that the panel is a pentagram sort of evocative of the S-shield. It was a subtle way of showing the dichotomy of the character ... Clark and Superman.

The extraction of Hector Hammond hits an unfortunate snag. While carrying his body through sewer tunnels, the HIVE crew hits an exposed power wire. The electric jolt awakens Hammond from his drug-induced slumber and ends up linking him with every person in Metropolis for an instant.

Again, I am pretty impressed with the power levels of Hammond here. It is quite a feat to link with everyone in the city, drinking in their emotions and dreams. I get the sense he is more like a telepathic hammer than a scalpel. Everyone seems to recoil with pain from this slight interaction.

I would have liked a different color scheme for this Hammond astral image. I couldn't help but think 'Sinestro' when I saw this.

Now there is a lot I need to just roll with here. As an after-effect of this Hammond assault, Superman's friends adopt an 'aspect' of his personality.

Lois suddenly feels invulnerable and jumps in front of a bus to prove it. Luckily she is saved by Superman.

Okay Superman feeling strong makes sense.

But then Jimmy dissolves into a blubbering mess of despair, crying because he is all alone. It is only after some talk with Superman that he snaps out of it. While he may be the Last Son of Krypton, I just don't think Superman has that much sadness in him. I always thought he considered himself one of the people, not necessarily alone. And if he feels that way, why not reach out to Supergirl again?

And then, the third 'aspect' of Superman, the desire to reveal to everyone his dual identity. Perry White goes into the newsroom and states he is had the desire to 'unburden' himself of a secret.

Invulnerable, alone, burdened by secrets ... those are the three personality traits that manifested?

And why did that happen? Are people manifesting other people's personality traits? Or is Superman's character so strong that he can effect those close to him.

Much like the Clark internal monologue panel, this seemed like a heavy handed way that Lobdell might be using to show his grasp of Superman. But even then, these aspects seem off.

Interestingly enough, Hammond remains awake and seems to be a more dominant force than the Queen Bee. He has taken control of the HIVE agents who were bringing him to the Queen. And he seems more interested in being part of the process rather and a drone in the Queen's plans.

This image of the agents struggling to carry the awkward weight of Hammond is a powerful one. It reminds me of slaves carrying a heavy burden of an emperor sitting on a throne. It mirrors the opening image of the Queen bathing away. Both clearly feel like royalty with 'normal' people below them, playthings.

Perhaps a Hammond/Queen Bee confrontation are the two sides of the PsiWar?

So overall, a decent issue. I found the Queen Bee and Hector Hammond scenes the most entertaining and interesting. I am very intrigued in seeing these two square off or team up. The Clark scene reads a bit heavy but its heart is in the right place. With that panel out of the way, let's see some of those things in action ... Clark entertaining at his apartment, sitting in a workplace, etc.

The Superman personality manifesting in his friends piece was certainly an odd segment, especially given the aspects we saw. It was good to know that these Daily Planet characters will remain active in the book despite Clark blogging.

And overall, the concept of a PsiWar sounds like a challenge.

Overall grade: B/B+

Cat Staggs' Supergirl Smallville Costume And Cover Designs

It has been great to see Supergirl in the Smallville comic.

Writer Bryan Q. Miller has been able to tap into the strength of the character, showcasing the pro-active heroing that we saw on the series, so wonderfully portrayed by Laura Vandervoort.

I love getting behind the scenes stuff about the creative process in comics, so I appreciated seeing these pages in the last print issue of Smallville, looking at Cat Staggs' design of Kara's 30th century costume and a digital cover design.

The idea of Supergirl being the focus of a propaganda poster is fascinating. Seeing this regal, strong Supergirl standing in front of the Krypton flag looking out on to the horizon is a powerful visual.

I would love to have seen a more complete version of the first concept thumbnail up top. That really has a propaganda feel to it.

As for the print cover, I love Pete Woods 'Supergirl rallying cry' which ended up being the final one. But boy, I love concept A, a riff on Action Comics #1. I also love concept D, the super-cousins literally stuck between two worlds. Both would have worked.

I also liked Staggs' military-style costume that Supergirl sports in these issues. The duster overcoat is reminiscent of Trinity in the Matrix. For me, it gives an aura of impending crazy action. It also allows some cape-like movement and visuals without being a cape. Slick. Congratulations to Staggs for adding another variant costume to Kara's history!

I will say the back of the costume without the coat seems needlessly busy.

I do wonder if Pete Woods was thinking of Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People when he drew this cover.