Review: R.E.B.E.L.S. #26

It's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of R.E.B.E.L.S. Never a mega-selling book, it simply seemed impervious to cancellation in the same vein as Jonah Hex and Hellblazer. Sales have always been on the low end. But couldn't there be room for a DC Cosmic book? Maybe the answer is yes ... just a different one after Flashpoint.

Still I have enjoyed R.E.B.E.L.S. way more that I thought I would. Initially I was only going to be on board for the first 2 issues. They guest-starred Supergirl. But something about the book grabbed me. Mostly it was the characterization of Vril Dox. But the slick art work of Andy Clarke and the semi-Legion feel of the book kept me coming back for more.

I have said before that the book seems to have lost it's way a bit over the last year, throwing new bits and pieces into the mix ... like Green Lanterns and Lobo and Starfire. As a result, it has felt a bit like R.E.B.E.L.S. lite, with nary a sighting of the original rag-tag team.

R.E.B.E.L.S. # 26, out this last week, comes close to the bright beginning of the title. Maybe it is because Starro is back and he played such a key role in the first year of the book. But this felt a little like the old R.E.B.E.L.S. (if there can be such a thing after just 2 years). Tony Bedard does a nice job dealing with the personalities of the characters here, letting there nuance show. And Claude St. Aubin and Daniel HDR split art chores but have such similar styles, or are inked similarly by Scott Hanna, that it is seamless.

Last issue ended with Lobo killing Astrild Stormdaughter by impaling her in the temple with his hook.

I have said it before, Stormdaughter was a great new character, one I hoped (and still hope) makes it through this title alive. The tragedy of her origins, the sense of emptiness in her, is such great soil for more stories. But part of me has hoped all along that there was going to be redemption with her character. She lost everything fighting Starro, then turned to him when she lost her resolve. I keep thinking that somehow her powers ... as a life/death goddess ... will lead to a rebirth, cleansed of her sins, ready to make amends, and being crucial in the ultimate defeat of Starro.

Even if R.E.B.E.L.S. is ending, the team will be out there for further DCU adventures. I hope she joins the team when all is said and done.

But without raising a sweat, Lobo defeated one of Starro's generals. Even the Conqueror knows that an angry Lobo is pretty much unstoppable. With no answers of their own, Starro turns to Dox and momentarily frees him from his Starro drone. When asked how to stop Lobo, Dox replies 'only Lobo can stop Lobo'.

Ummm ... so I don't know why he needed to remove the starfish from Dox. Doesn't he control Dox? Couldn't the face-hugged Vril answer the same questions? Or does the being a Starro drone make you an empty vessel. Seems to me we have seen plenty of people under Starro's control talking and acting with their intellect intact.

In the meantime, Rann is trying to hold the fort, not realizing that they are being taken over from the inside.

In what I thought was a nice bit, Komand'r offers her help to the Rannian forces to rescue Dox and protect the planet. In some ways it shows tremendous growth on Blackfire's part that she is willing to work with Sardath here rather than hoping the Rannians are killed so the Tamaranians can try to run the whole planet.

But as I said, Rann is far from safe.

I love this disturbing panel of Adam Strange's daughter cutely skipping into the home to present Alanna with her own drone-fish.

Panels like this are what keep me coming back to comics. That's just a great image.

Dox' words about Lobo lead to a quick recap of Lobo's origins.

Smite thinks the best way to stop Lobo is to implant a hatred for the genocidal Czarian into the Lobo-clones and release them to fight him. It is a plan that makes sense. But Starro wants no part of it. He still wants to control the Lobo clones and releasing them would be a lost opportunity.

I can see both sides of the argument. Couldn't they split it down the middle? Couldn't they release half the clones?

In the worst bit in the book, after Starro rejects Smite's idea, he tells his General to 'grow a pair' and go fight Lobo? 'Grow a pair'? Doesn't that sound just a bit vulgar coming from Starro who has been more regal in his words in the past?

Smite doesn't take kindly to the words either. He lashes out at Starro, knocking him off his feet. It was a simple way of showing me just where Starro stands in power. We learned in the first story that this Starro gains strength from the numbers he controls. Clearly he doesn't control many yet.

Despite that, Smite actually does go to engage Lobo. His motivations are actually noble. He wants to avenge the death of Stormdaughter, someone he held as a friend. How interesting! I like complex characters. Smite's origins also have a tinge of sadness to them. Is this his redemption?

Either way, I don't know how the Lobo clones will be dealt with. Maybe killed in their pods by the main man himself? Or drained of power by the reborn Stormdaughter?

While Smite and Lobo fight on the surface, Starro has the Psions move the Lobo clones to a safe location and teleports off to Rann with Dox in tow. Seems a bit premature for Starro to head there if his power is as low as it seems. Of course, sticking around to face Lobo doesn't make much sense either.

And on Rann it looks like Starro's forces are getting the upper hand. It is enough to make Brainiac 3 hustle to finish his surgery on Tribulus so that the monster can start stomping on some starfish. Plasteel and neuragel? I guess we now have an explanation for the more Validus-like appearance of Tribulus on next month's cover.

There is so much good stuff in this comic that I really am going to miss it. Sure, Vril Dox is the straw that sturs the drink. But there are more stories out there for Lyrl, and the R.E.B.E.L. team, and Smite and Stormdaughter. In some ways, I think it is a shame that the new faces have dominated this book for so long because I still want to see those stories ... much more than I want to see Captain Comet's or Adam Strange's.

Hopefully the book ends on a high note and we see the team now and then in a big JLA or GL story line.

Overall grade: B/B+

Optimism ... I Promise

"See the forest for the trees."

It's an old saying that means seeing the big picture within the details.

And when it comes to Supergirl, I think I need to take a step back and see the big picture. Her comic is over 5 years old. The stories in her comic have been of high quality since Sterling Gates took over. James Peaty's issues have been slick and portray Supergirl in the right way. Fresh talent is coming to the book in a couple of months when Kelly Sue DeConnick assumes the job of writer. Art-wise we have been treated to Jamal Igle and Bernard Chang's great work. And ChrisCross is going to join DeConnick in June.

That is a good 'big picture'.

All of this is my way of apologizing for being such a glum Gus on this site for the last couple of months, looking at sales figures with a mix of concern and disdain, looking at new and strong creative teams coming on board as a sign of instability rather than thinking that such great creators have Supergirl stories to tell.

I mean I was so caught up in my pessimism that I didn't even welcome DeConnick and Cross to the book when I posted about it. That's not right.

And so I won't be holding any more funerals like the one on this great Neal Adams cover from Adventure Comics #383. Instead I will look for the bright side, see the forest, and be optimistic!

And ... again ... welcome aboard Kelly Sue DeConnick and ChrisCross! Can't wait to see what you have in store for Kara.

Laura Vandervoort And Smallville Finale

My thanks to blog friend Jason for forwarding me this link about Supergirl and Smallville. As always, the whole article is worth reading. Here is the link: http://www.airlockalpha.com/node/8338/fans-will-get-to-say-goodbye-to-supergirl.html

In the article, Laura Vandervoort talks about her role as Kara on Smallville and how she is returning later in this season. Here is the blurb that caught my attention.

But if you are worried that Vandervoorts return will leave things open ended with the character you have nothing to fear as her return this time will include some form of finality and conclusion

.

“The fans will be happy,” she said. “I didn’t really want to have the show end without Kara kind of wrapping up her future. I didn’t want her to be off flying around and no one ever see her again. I return in a particular way or I’m found ... uh, yeah. I can’t really say anything."

So I am glad that she says the fans will be happy. That makes me think she isn't going to be killed off. But how else can you wrap up her story if the show is ending ... unless she says something like she is going to live in Chicago as a grad student and protect the city. But the cryptic 'I'm found ...' sounds a little concerning.

I have been a bit worried about how Smallville will treat Supergirl. I initially thought that she would be the receptacle for Darkseid given all the concern about how someone with Kryptonian powers would be unstoppable if consumed by darkness. But the addition of Conner, a Luthor with powers, makes me wonder if he will be the ultimate bad guy.

Review: Superman #709

Superman #707 bothered me more than any recent comic with Superman turning a blind eye to corporate corruption, allowing an unsafe working place to continue to rumble, and physically intimidating his wife. I wrote a pretty vitriolic review wondering what was wrong with the comic.

Superman #708 was clearly the best issue of 'Grounded', explaining some things about Superman's mental state, expounding on why he was feeling and acting the way he was. It also seemed to be the moment the arc may have turned the corner. It was uplifting.

So which direction would Superman #709, released this week, go? Would we backtrack to the pondering and preachy early issues of 'Grounded'? Or would we continue to move forward towards healing, bringing Superman back to where he should be ... a hero, a role model, an inspiration.

Happily it continued in the right direction, continuing the progress of Superman's return to normalcy, albeit it with a slowed pace. While there was a clear change in momentum with Superman #708 (it felt like we weren't moving uphill anymore, we were going downhill), writer Chris Roberson slows things down and let's Superman take a breath in this issue. And that's tough to do when the guest star is the Flash. Eddy Barrows does some of the pencils here and Allan Goldman does his best Eddy Barrows imitation.The art is solid throughout the book.

Was I hoping that 'Grounded' would continue at a breakneck speed and come to an end? Yes. But did this issue work, knowing that personal growth like Superman is struggling with takes time? Yes.

The issue starts with Superman helping Super-Chief stop a couple of villains, one being Bloodsport (a John Byrne era villain). It felt so natural and hearkened back to the stories I grew up reading. Two heroes smiling and chatting after stopping the bad guys. Superman downplaying his role in the adventure and praising Chief's tenacity. And Chief being sort of dumb-founded in his worship of Superman. He seems so goofily nervous around the Man of Steel. And this was a nice updating of Super-Chief's look.

But there also is a hint of some of the problem of the current arc. Chief says some people think the Manitou stone is Kryptonian, granting him his powers. Superman doesn't buy it ... but maybe this will come back to him as he faces off with the possessed teacher again.She gained her powers from a Kryptonian stone as well.

And, in keeping some continuity of the story, we see Superman again trying to reach Lois.

Superman started his walk across America to get back in touch with the common person. And yet that has severed his relationship with the person he is closest too. Of all the plots that need to be wrapped up in a satisfactory way, it's this one. It has to be more than just Superman saying sorry. It has to be deeper. I don't blame Lois for keeping her distance for now.

As Superman strolls through Boulder Colorado, he begins to hear blurbs from a Kryptonian historical text spoken at a hypersonic rate. And the city and its citizens begin to be 'dressed up' in Kryptonian costuming. It isn't malicious ... just bizarre.

The history book's passages warmed the geek in me. I especially liked the one about Hatu-El and the Day of Truth, the victory over the Vrangs. (Trust me, there is a back issue box review there.) But the blurb in this panel carries some weight for 'Grounded'. Here a Kryptonian philosopher says 'Right and Wrong are natural attributes, like heavy and light.' Part of Superman's problems in 'Grounded' is his inability to see things black and white, instead drowning in gray. He also is somehow torn between being a Kryptonian and being a man of Earth. So to hear some of his morals, some of the beliefs given to him by Pa in Kansas, echoed in Kryptonian texts will probably help him.These are universal truths.

Superman figures out that the only person who could do all of this so quickly is the Flash. Barely catching up to Barry, he removes a Kryptonian teaching headband from the Flash's head, stopping this warped Kryptonian school lesson in its tracks.

I love how Superman wonders who was fastest. Superman is all grimace and sweat while Barry is running cool and easy. Yeah ... I think we know who's faster.

It turns out that Barry came across this headband in Australia, probably some wreckage from the explosion of New Krypton and couldn't help putting it on. It overwhelmed him with its lessons. So the text blurbs he was saying, the changing of the buildings and clothes were all a call for help to Superman.

With the 'threat' of Krypton History 101 behind them, the 2 heroes decide to relax in a local diner. In a nice homage to Showcase #4, the waitress trips and we see the food suspended in mid-air as the two heroes move into super-speed mode. Very slick.

Even Superman has noticed that the historical passages the Flash used to clue him in mostly talked about truth and morality. There is such a thing as right and wrong. There is truth. There is justice. Recently Superman has been wondering if those are just words. Again, I think the more Superman hears about these concepts, remembers his roots, the more grounded he'll get.

It all reminds Superman of a story from his youth in Smallville, another history lesson about truth and justice.

Clark was in detention. He missed class, albeit it to put out a nearby fire.

Stuck after school, he passes the time reading some Iron Munro comics.

Of course, Iron Munro was the stand-in for the Earth-2 Superman in the post-Crisis DCU. How could all of the earliest JSA stories have happened without the original Superman? Simple ... insert Munro in those panels. Nice touch of DC history by Roberson.

Lex Luthor joins him in detention. He was caught stealing 40 cakes! Roberson is clearly having a lot of fun here, slipping in references from all eras of comic history and ...

Even some references outside comic lore but famous nonetheless. This was part of the Super Dictionary teaching book and has become famous on its own. Too funny! Another nice homage by Roberson.

And so we see a glimpse into the early upbringing of the two adversaries. Even if Clark was putting out a fire, he wasn't in class and deserves to be punished. Pa Kent always was a fountain of wisdom. 'There is right and wrong in this universe, and the distinction isn't hard to make.' That is the foundation of the Superman I know. That is what this current Superman has lost. I don't care if he needs a Kryptonian text book or a trip down memory lane to rediscover that truth, I just want him to start acting it again.

Luthor's morals aren't as firm. There is no right and wrong, only what works.

I sometimes worry about flashbacks like this. This one was perfect.

And the Flash is the perfect hero for Superman to have this conversation with. Is there anyone more pure than Barry? Anyone who does what's right all the time? Anyone else who has inspired a whole new generation of heroes to take up the mantle of the name 'Flash'. These are all issues Superman is dealing with now. Superman wonders if he is doing the right thing lately. He's confused. And he worries if he is the right inspiration for other heroes. Flash reassures him.

This would have been a very different talk if it was Hal Jordan, or Ollie, or even Bruce.

After the revelations of last issue, about the Supermen of the future and his own fragile psyche, Superman has now hashed things out with a close friend. That's what 'regular' people do. Talk through their problems with people who care for them. I don't know if the Superman from the early 'Grounded' issues would do this. I think that guy would feel above all this.

And in one last ironing out of an early 'Grounded' wrinkle, Barry tells Superman that even when running he sees everything. Remember when Superman was contemplating this walk, he needed to figure out how to get in touch with people. The satellite was too far away. And running seemed wrong because Barry said it was all a blur. Here Flash says he was joking. Pretty bad joke. In fact, not really a joke at all. ButI am glad that Roberson patched that up, smoothing out some of JMS potholes.

So how do I digest all this.

Well, it felt like this issue was another step towards bringing Superman back to where I want him to be. While it was mostly dialogue and discussion, I thought it was a very good follow-up to the last issue. It would be hard for Superman to self-process everything from last issue. So talking to a friend makes sense. And showing that the concepts of right and wrong are universal ... Terran and Kryptonian alike ... will probably help Superman right the ship. He doesn't need to feel pulled between two worlds, or lost between two worlds.

But add to that all the other stuff ... the Kryptonian history (The Day of Truth!), the Showcase #4 homage, the Iron Munro comics, the 40 cakes ... and you just get a very good issue.

I still want 'Grounded' to end. I want to get back to Superman stories. But I have to say, Chris Roberson clearly knows his Superman stuff. I hope he sticks around when 'Grounded' finally grinds to a halt.

Overall grade: B+/A

June 2011 Solicits

I have already commented about the June solicit for Supergirl #65. Here are the rest of the super-family issues.

ACTION COMICS #902

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT

1:10 Variant cover by JON BOGDANOVE

“Reign of Doomsday” marches on! A deadly new foe has risen following the events of ACTION COMICS #900 – and he represents Superman’s worst fears personified. Even with Steel, Superboy, Supergirl and the Eradicator by his side, Superman is still in for the fight of his life – and considering his life, you know that’s gotta be some fight!

The one great thing about this solicit is that it states that Steel is standing by Superman during his fight with Doomsday. At the very least that means that John Henry hasn't been killed, something I was worried about.

Paul Cornell has done such a great job with Lex that I am really interested in seeing his work with Superman.  I can't wait to see Rocafort's work here. His stuff is fantastic.

And a Jon Bogdanove variant cover! I wonder if it will be an homage image of this cover from Superman:Man of Steel #19.

SUPERMAN #712

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI and CHRIS ROBERSON

Art by EDDY BARROWS and J.P. MAYER

Cover by JOHN CASSADAY

1:10 Variant cover by GEORGE PEREZ

Meet Los Angeles’s newest super hero in the latest Chapter of “Grounded”: Sharif! But Sharif discovers that in today’s current cultural climate, some people don’t want his help – they just want him gone. Can Superman aid Sharif and quell a prejudiced public, or are there some problems too big even for the Man of Steel to solve?

12 issues in and no end in sight for 'Grounded'. I just keep waiting to hear at least 'as we near the conclusion' of the arc in a solicit.

I also worry a little about this issue's story. Obviously it is going to be about anti-Muslim prejudice. And while I think that comics can be used as social commentary, it has to be done extremely well. As has been said in many places at many times, but especially now with 'Grounded' going on, it is extremely difficult to insert real world problems into the fantastic world of super-heroes without sounding preachy or making the hero seem ineffective. Superman can't defeat hunger, cancer, pollution, or prejudice.

Roberson did such a strong job on Superman #708 and #709 that I have confidence he can do a good job here.

SUPERBOY #8

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by PIER GALLO

Cover by KARL KERSCHL

The mystery of the Hollow Men has been on Superboy’s mind ever since the first issue. The Phantom Stranger knows the secrets behind this Smallville legend, and Superboy is determined to get The Stranger to share that knowledge – but such information comes at a price, one Superboy may not be able to pay. Everything so far has been building up to this story, which kicks off here!

Superboy continues to impress me with it's multi-layered multi-genre spin on superhero comics. This looks like a trip into the Night Gallery part of the Superboy comic, my favorite layer in Jeff Lemire's book.

I am very happy to see Pier Gallo listed as the artist again. And I also like Karl Kerschl's cover. Nice muted colors there. 

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #58

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

1:10 Variant cover by AARON LOPRESTI

After last issue’s devastating battle with the Spectre, Eclipso now has the power to split the moon in two, an omen that the end of days has begun. With life on Earth at stake, Batman much hatch a desperate plan involving Shade, Starman and the Atom. At the same time, another member of the team steps forward, not knowing how vital she is to mankind’s survival. Prepare for “Eclipso vs. Donna Troy” – with an ending that will shock you!

No Supergirl on the cover. But could she be the member that is vital for mankind's survival? Could the presence of Dark Supergirl somehow make her a weapon to be utilized against Eclipso? Could that somehow make her impervious to Eclipso's control the same way the Starheart did not effect her? It would be great if Supergirl held a key role here.

That said, I like this cover showing Donna fighting the world (although the shredded costume is a bit much). This version of Donna as barely in control warrior has been worth reading. She is clearly the tank of this JLA. I do hope that she finds some peace.

BRIGHTEST DAY AFTERMATH: THE SEARCH #1

Written by JONATHAN VANKIN

Art by MARCO CASTIELLO

Cover by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE CIFUENTES

1:10 Variant cover by TBC

Following the events of Brightest Day, the new protector of Earth has been chosen. But one reluctant hero making his return to the DCU is trying to convince Batman, Superman and the others heroes of the DC Universe that this may not be a good thing, because he can see that things are not right and mankind’s brightest days are indeed over.

No real surprises on the month probably because there is a glut of Flashpoint mini-series (which I covered before) and one-shots. But I did notice this mini-series born from Brightest Day. I have enjoyed Brightest Day much more than I thought I would. This is only three issues done by creators I don't know well. And who is the shadowy figure next to Superman? It must be someone currently 'dead' in Brightest Day ... maybe Aquaman or J'Onn?

I think my interest in this mini-series will depend on who is chosen as the protector.

Review: Legion Of Super-Villains One Shot

Legion of Super-Villains #1, a one-shot prelude to an upcoming arc in Legion of Super-Heroes, was released last week and was very good read. One-shots like this, so linked to an ongoing title, often make me pause, wondering if comic companies are trying to get me to spend a little more. If the story is that crucial to a monthly title, couldn't it be told in the monthly title?

This story, 'Blood Oath', deserved to be on its own. It is told exclusively from the viewpoint of the villains, with almost nary a Legionnaire in site, giving writer Paul Levitz the room he needs to explore the motivations and personalities of the villain team. Had this been told piece meal in the LSH book, intermingled with pages of the Legionnaires, we would probably have missed out on some of the smaller moments of characterization. And it is these smaller moments that usual add depth to these things.

An added bonus is that Francis Portela does all the art in the book. Now I love what Yildiray Cinar is doing in the main book but I also loved the Portela pages that we saw in LSH as well. And the couple of covers Portela did for R.E.B.E.L.S. really shined. So I was happy to see him get an issue for himself. I would love to see him on a monthly title. He has a very organic style and does great expressive work.

The key character in this issue is Saturn Queen. Unlike Saturn Girl, Queen's powers tend to be more of mental domination rather than telepathy. Captured by the Science Police and apparently placed in power dampeners, the Queen is nevertheless able to work her way into the mind of Takron-Galtos' warden. I really liked this first page where we see the warden struggling to fight the Queen's control. His internal monologue shows how he realizes that his mind is being overrun by the Queen's will, that as much as he is trying to shut her out, he can't. It really is a nice page, showing us Queen's power from the enslaved point of view. The words are great and the art matches as we see the warden physically struggling but ultimately losing his will entirely.

 Saturn Queen seems to have been possessed by a blue flame like entity (first seen as a 'galactic golem looking baby in Adventure Comics #522) which has both upped her power levels as well as changed her usual motivations. The LSV was usually run by the triumverate of Lightning Lord, Saturn Queen, and Cosmic King. In fact, Lightning Lord has usually been the leader.

But it is clear Saturn Queen is in charge here, forming the team of villains she wants, and planning her quest for universal anarchy.

Freed from the effect of the dampeners, the Queen brings Takron-Galtos to a riot frenzy, hoping the destruction will hide her and her team's escape. One of her first supplicants she gathers is Sun Killer, a loyal slave.

One of the best things about this issue is how clearly insane Levitz and Portela make Saturn Queen. There is a physical sort of sadism in her here that I don't recall. I always imagine her not entering the physical fray, wishing to stay untouched from afar. Here she is right in the middle of the carnage, even going so far as to scratch Sun Killer's face, drawing blood, and using it as lip gloss. The expression on her face as she dabs the blood on her lips is perfect, just enough of a sense of lunacy behind those eyes to scare me.

My guess is the blue flame entity within her is somehow driving her. But that makes it even scarier.

And I think that degree of her being controlled is echoed in her plans. She talks of a love of chaos ... something which sound wrong coming from her lips. Usually the LSV doesn't want pure anarchy, pure chaos. Instead they want to rule, be the head of a controlled totalitarian state. And her very power is one of control, not lack of control.

But there is that sense of sadistic glee again as she purrs how lovely it is to watch Lightning Lord kill her warden slave knowing the warden felt severe pain as he died. Portela really shines with his work with Saturn Queen throughout the book.

While I was hoping for a massive collection of villains like the LSV in the early issues of the Legion Baxter series, instead I got a smaller more carefully chosen team.

We know about Lightning Lord and Sun Killer. We also get old-timers like Zymyr, a Gil'Dishpan teleporter and Hunter, a tracker. But we also get some new names (as far as I know): Questro, a coluan; Akka, a Sklar assassin, and Immortus, a Zuun-built inertron robot. Micro Lad isn't long for the world and so doesn't remain on the team.

As for me, I am a sucker for the League of Super-Assassins, so I was hoping to see Silver Slasher, Titania, or Neutrax. I do hope we see a bigger LSV with more classic characters as well.

And the members of this Legion are all under the Queen's control. They agree with her plan to bring about anarchy, the 'precious birthright' of the universe. They swear by the blue flame to follow her.

And the initial part of her plan is ambitious. She tries to bring the team to Oa to destroy it. The very space surrounding Oa thrwarts them causing the Queen to retreat and rethink things. She gets a vision to destroy three worlds: one of faith, one of wisdom, and then one of will, Oa. Oa must be last.

So what (or who) is this blue flame? Could it be magical in nature? A Lord of Chaos? Could it be an ancient enemy of the Guardians, given Oa is the ultimate target?

With the LSV's plan in mind, they head to the Rock of Eternity, the world of faith, floating in space.

Bolstered by the blue flame's power, Zymyr is able to teleport two planets on opposite sides of the Rock, both on a collision course. The Rock is smashed to bits.

In a nice hook, we see Shazam's throne and what appears to be the wizard's arm. Could we be seeing a Legion-era Marvel Family soon? That is a great idea! Interesting.

All of these maneuvers don't go unnoticed. The Black Witch can sense the flame. She says that the blue flame once burned yellow. She also says something is stirring inside her. Since she has absorbed Mordru, that can't be good.

This certainly makes me think it is a magic based villain. Although the yellow comment had me thinking this could be Parallax still around in the future. Fear likes chaos. Parallax hates Oa. The entity (when seen in Adventure) was buried on Earth. When it escaped people around it seemed to have been frightened to death. Sounds like Parallax.

But then I was thinking about how it was buried until an earthquake released it. Is being buried it's weakness? I thought about Mordru and his links to Gemworld. Could the blue flame be Dark Opal, the villain from Amethyst? Remember, almost no one remembered Darkseid when Levitz made him the big bad in The Great Darkness Saga. Could he find another diamond in the rough as a big villain? And yes, that gem-pun was intended.

Most of the villains head off with the Queen to figure out what the world of wisdom is. She leaves Lightning Lord to clean up the mess.

Mekt was never one to follow orders easily, even if mind controlled. It is clear that he might be playing the part of the slave but he has his own ideas. This made total sense. I was glad to see Levitz stay true to Lightning Lord's character.

Saturn Queen has brought her team to Colu in hopes of using the super-computers to find the immortal world of wisdom. Any ideas? Is it Sorceror's World? My money rests on Starhaven, Dawnstar's homeworld.

I have to admit though, so far, this is a complete mystery to me.

This was definitely a fun way to start my reviews of Legion books here. It set the table for this upcoming arc. It has a 'bigger than life' feel to it with this unknown entity forming a team of villains to destroy the fabric of the universe. Sounds sort of similar to the Great Darkness Saga. So I can't wait to see this continue in the main title.

And Portela's art was just slick throughout this book. I hope Portela finds a long-term home soon. His stuff it too solid.

Overall grade: B+

Supergirl #65 Solicit - Enter Another New Creative Team

The June DC solicits are now up everywhere and I will discuss the usual ones at some point. But the Supergirl #65 solicit warrants its own post.

SUPERGIRL #65

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Art by CHRISCROSS and MARC DEERING

Cover by MAHMUD ASRAR

Co-ed of Steel? Supergirl goes undercover on a college campus to help Lois Lane uncover the truth behind a string of recent student disappearances! What they uncover, though, leads Supergirl directly into a confrontation with one of the DCU’s deadliest villains!

So it looks as though we have another creative team coming on board. I will be completely honest is saying that I haven't read anything by Kelly Sue DeConnick. In looking on line, she has done mostly Marvel titles like the Osborn mini-series and the Sif and Rescue one-shots. I have seen the Rescue and Sif books on the shelves of my comic store, so I might pick them up to get a sense of her style.

I know ChrisCross mostly from the under-appreciated Peter David Captain Marvel series. I have some of his Firestorm run as well. I have always liked his work so can't wait to see his take on Supergirl. And Mahmud Asrar does the cover here as he did on Supergirl #64.  I like this cover a lot, as their really is a sense of eeriness here.

Unfortunately, based on her Twitter account and a report on CBR's Robot6 blog (link: http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/03/kelly-sue-deconnick-and-chriscross-take-on-supergirl/), it sounds like DeConnick is only on board for 3 issues. So that means in Supergirl #68, when a new writer comes on board, we will have had 5 writer (Gates, Spencer, Peaty, DeConnick, and the new one) in 10 issues.

What this title needs is committed and excited creative team. I hate to keep going back to the Gates/Igle run but I remember when they were announced as coming on to the book. There were interviews with them on lots of sites; they talked about their history with the character. They talked about their long term goals on the book. I want a creative team like that to come on board, creators with passion and plans.

This solicit also makes it clear that the tenure of the creative team of James Peaty writing, Bernard Chang penciling, Amy Reeder on covers was a brief one.  I know the Alex/Clone arc is half done but I want to thank them all for their work so far. I am sure it wasn't easy for James Peaty to pick up Nick Spencer's story and act as a 3+ issue pinch hitter. But he has captured Kara's voice nicely. Bernard Chang's two issues so far have been beautiful (as were his BizarroGirl issues). His Supergirl is athletic and beautiful and tough. And Amy Reeder had the hard task of following Josh Middleton but really produced some wonderful covers. In many ways I am sad to see this team go. If this blog reaches you, I wish you all the best.

But as usual, this raises the 'cancellation concerns' in my head. I don't think I would be surprised if the last words on the solicit for Supergirl #67 were 'final issue'.