Of note, the Superman titles are delayed a month to make room for the War of the Supermen mini-series. And, a couple of surprises showed up as well.
SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN #1
Written by JAMES ROBINSON & STERLING GATES
Art by AARON LOPRESTI & MATT RYAN
Cover by EDDY BARROWS /1:25 variant cover by AARON LOPRESTI
The Battle for New Krypton! This is it! The storyline the SUPERMAN books have been building to since 2008 has arrived! Superman has never faced such a difficult challenge - how can he stop the two worlds he loves from destroying each other? General Zod has been waiting for another shot at Earth for years, and with 100,000 supermen on his side, it looks like it's his war to win! But on Earth, General Lane has an ace up his sleeve that will level the playing field quite nicely!
So this storyline which has been cooking since the Brainiac arc finally comes to fruition. It should be a fun ride and I am glad to see Sterling Gates as a co-writer. I also love the art team that has been put together by DC. I can't wait to see Aaron Lopresti's version of the Superman family.
I am wondering if we have seen the 'ace in the hole' that General Lane has. We have seen Kryptonite weapons, the magical world of Mirabai, and the presumed presence of Mordru as satellite cannon ammo. We'll see.
And I think blog friend Talos is right. That is Alura in the background slugging Ursa.
SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN #2
Written by STERLING GATES & JAMES ROBINSON
Art by JAMAL IGLE & JON SIBAL
Cover by EDDY BARROWS /1:25 variant cover by AARON LOPRESTI
The Battle for Mars! With Superman having left the Kryptonian military to try to stop the war, General Zod needs a new Commander El - enter Supergirl! As Zod's army gets closer to Earth, the battlefield shifts to Mars where Superman must confront his cousin! Neither wants to fight, but both will do what they must for the sake of what they think is right! Meanwhile, Superboy knows what he must do to stop this war - even if it means becoming hated by both planets!
With the Lana/Kara rift, I am not surprised to see Supergirl start out on the New Krypton side. But a promotion to Commander El! Interesting.
I really hope we don't see the two cousins come to blows. Again, it would seem like regression. The two seems to have really grown closer over the last year.
SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN #3
Written by JAMES ROBINSON & STERLING GATES
Art by EDUARDO PANSICA
Cover by EDDY BARROWS/1:25 variant cover by AARON LOPRESTI
The Battle for Earth! All of Earth's heroes must make one last stand against the Kryptonians while Superboy and Steel try exposing the evils of General Lane! But will they be branded traitors?
I am glad to hear that Steel gets involved in the action here. I really consider John Henry Irons as a part of the Superman family.
But it reads as though the Superman family are fighting a multiple front war. So they are actively in the armies of the two worlds. But they also are trying to undermine General Lane. And I am sure that they are also looking for some dirt on Zod as well.
I look forward to seeing all of Earth's heroes marshal their forces against the Kryptonians. I wonder if any Earth super-villains will join in the fight to save their planet.
SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN #4
Written by STERLING GATES & JAMES ROBINSON
Art by EDDY BARROWS
Cover by EDDY BARROWS/1:25 variant cover by ARRON LOPRESTI
The Battle for Survival! Supergirl vs. Ursa! Superboy vs. Non! And Superman vs. Zod! The fate of two worlds will be decided here! In the end, can Superman save either?
I have been waiting and waiting for Supergirl vs. Ursa so I can't wait for this issue!
Okay ... so let's start the discussion.
How does this end? Re-shrinking into a bottle? Another explosion of Krypton? A one way trip to a new Phantom Zone?
There has to be a tidy end to this storyline, right?
And now onto the non-War of the Supermen issues.
SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #6
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by GARY FRANK& JON SIBAL/1:10 Cover by GARY FRANK
The reimagining of Superman's early days concludes as he faces his toughest foe yet - his childhood friend Lex Luthor! The victor will be Metropolis's hero. If you think you know how this plays out, then you underestimate how much Luthor wants that title...
That sure looks like Bizarro in the background.
Does this mean that the 'Emperor Joker' Bizarro origin will be ret-conned away?
I have loved this mini-series so I am willing to forgive the erratic scheduling.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #45
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art and cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
A BRIGHTEST DAY tie-in! Supergirl rejoins the JLA as incredible, ancient forces of chaos are unleashed. What could posses her and Power Girl to battle to the death? And what horrors await the rest of the Justice League and Justice Society in this prologue to “The Ghosts of Earth and Space”?!
Okay, the good news is that Supergirl apparently will join the JLA.
The bad news is we get another Supergirl vs. Power Girl issue. Do we really need to see it? That means that we will have seen Supergirl vs. Superboy, Superman, and Power Girl within a couple of months of each other. I am tired of Supergirl fighting other heroes ... something which irked me about the early Loeb/Churchill issues.
I guess I'll have to wait and read the stories for a final determination; maybe the stories are great. But I am going in worried.
Love the red skirt look (even if it is a coloring error).
ADVENTURE COMICS #11
Written by JAMES ROBINSON * Co-feature written by STERLING GATES
Art by BERNARD CHANG * Co-feature art by TRAVIS MOORE
Cover by MARK BUCKINGHAM/1:10 variant cover by JOE QUINONES
Mon-El's final task affects the future of the entire universe! Plus, Brainiac 5 and R.E.B.E.L.S. leader Brainiac 2 confront their evil ancestor - the original Brainiac!
I don't know exactly what to expect from Adventure Comics in the future. I hear it will be a Legion title for a bit. So for the time being I will continue to read the book. With the end of the War of the Supermen, Mon-El's time in Superman will end. So I am interested in reading this 'epilogue'. My guess is he ends up in the Phantom Zone again.
And Sterling Gates writing Vril Dox? I am intrigued!
TINY TITANS #28
Written by ART BALTAZAR & FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
It’s the Super Pets to the rescue! The giant ape Titano is rampaging through the city, and only Beppo the Super-Monkey knows how to stop him! Plus, new adventures of Krypto, Streaky, Comet and many more...and maybe even a special guest pet or two!
How can I say no to Streaky and Comet? Plus it looks like Proty is there as well! And Hoppy the Marvel Bunny was in the last 'Pet Club' issue. I think I'm in!
Moving on to the non-comic solicits.
SUPERGIRL MINI STATUE
DESIGNED BY MICHAEL TURNER;SCULPTED BY TIM BRUCKNER
A classic DC Direct statue gets miniaturized!
Based on the 2005 statue designed by Michael Turner, this mini statue features all the sculptural details and intricate painting fans of DC Direct have come to expect.
This limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measures approximately 5” high x 3” wide x 4.5” deep, is packaged in a 4-color box and is manufactured to order.
I don't have the full-sized statue for the shrine. It is hard to find that full-size version for a reasonable price. Also, I have heard that the base on the big version is somewhat fragile with the crystal spires on periphery snapping off.
So this mini-statue might be a way to get some version of that Turner statue into the Shrine. It is $79.99 ... so it ain't cheap. I think I'll need to start a layaway plan with my store. This has a release date in October.
SUPERMAN: NEW KRYPTON SERIES 1 ACTION FIGURES
Kandor has been freed from the miniature prison constructed by the evil Brainiac. Superman has joined his fellow Kryptonians - now who will now protect Earth?
All figures feature multiple points of articulation and include display bases.
4-color clamshell blister card packaging.
Includes:
Mon-El • 6.75 h”
Superman • 6.625 h”
Superwoman • 6.75 h”
Brainiac • 7.25 h”
I think the Superwoman figure is the first action figure of a Supergirl villain! At least from this picture, it looks great.
So even more money will be spent! This also has a release date in October.
SUPERMAN BATMAN: SUPERGIRL
Action Figure Collector Set
Apocalypse on Apokolips!
When a good girl goes bad, Superman (with the help of Batman) must save his cousin Supergirl from the evil Darkseid.
This special collector set is based on the book SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SUPERGIRL, written by Jeph Loeb with art by the incomparable Michael Turner.
Included in this set are action figures of Superman and Supergirl boasting new color schemes and sculpts, as well as the 168-page SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SUPERGIRL graphic novel.
The Superman figure stands approximately 6.75" high, while Supergirl stands 6.5” high.
I don't know why this set is being released now. But it is an interesting package combining the 2 action figures with the Supergirl trade. I have the Supergirl figure from it's original release so I don't think I am on board for this.
Anyways, May seems to be a great month for Superman fans. I am glad that we are reaching the conclusion of the New Krypton storyline.
"General Zod needs a new Commander El - enter Supergirl! !
ReplyDeleteDAMMIT. Why does this have to happen when I have no job and no money to buy extra comics??
Well, if it crosses over to the regular Supergirl book I'll at least see how she fares there. Anj I'll be relying on you to provide me with full detailed reviews! So, no pressure at all ;)
@Anj - Jamal himself up on his blog actually confirmed for me that the first issue's cover of War of the Supermen is indeed featuring Alura who's doing battle with Ursa. ;-)
ReplyDeleteMan all the Super family themed and tie-in titles for May are going to be some of the best as yet! I truly hope that the final fate of "New Krypton" is that the planet and it's inhabitants are willingly transported in to the "Survival Zone" where it's residents no longer have to live their lives in fear of either Brainiac or Earth and that Superman, Supergirl and a now PROPER heroic Kryptonian Superwoman (who should be fomer Lieutenant Asha Del-Nar) still have access to their home when being able to visit. To relocate the planet to where "old Krypton" used to be would leave it open for Brainiac to kidnap it all together and if it were to be transported to the 31st Century they run the risk of yet more anti alien propaganda so sendingthem in to the Survival Zone is the best option instead in the long run.
Again, I truly believe that in the end former Lieutenant Asha Del- Nar should rightfully be made an 'honary member of the House of El' and remain on Earth only to be Earth's sole HEROIC known adult Super heroine to wield the mantle of 'Superwoman' and the honor of wearing the house of El family S-Shield. Lucy truly doesn't deserve to don the House of El S-Shield and certainly shouldn't be referred to as being Superwoman when she's more that of a Satan Woman instead.
ReplyDeleteWow I don't know if I'm excited to see Supergirl fight more heroes. But maybe when she fights Superman they both like decide not to...? Probably not. Oh I hope this ends in with Supergirl as a hero in Earth's eye's. Seriously. Oh and Supergirl vs. Ursa that sounds like she chose Kal's side and General Lane evening the playing field? I wonder if he killed some Kryptonian's or sent them away to the Phantom Zone? What do you think Anj.
ReplyDeleteAnj wrote:
ReplyDelete"The bad news is we get another Supergirl vs. Power Girl issue. Do we really need to see it?"
Not really. I have grown to enjoy Power Girl recently, and I am hoping she and Supergirl patch up their friendship since the Candor mess a few years back. I would love to see Supergirl guest star in PG's book.
"Love the red skirt look (even if it is a coloring error)."
Or is it....?
"I think the Superwoman figure is the first action figure of a Supergirl villain! At least from this picture, it looks great."
I had a faint hope that DC Direct will do a New Krypton line. I will definitely add Superwoman to my shelf. Now give us Alura and an Igle-ized Supergirl in wave 2!
"I don't know why this set is being released now. But it is an interesting package combining the 2action figures with the Supergirl trade. I have the Supergirl figure from it's original release so I don't think I am on board for this."
The next DC animated DTV movie after "Under the Red Hood" will be released around September or October. Coincidence?
As long as Supergirl breaks Ursa's damn jaw and sends her home crying to General Zod, I'm fine with all of it.
ReplyDeleteAs for notional animated features, the Brainiac Mini that reintroduced Kandor would make a dandy straight to DVD movie. Some of Supergirl's stuff would need to be tweaked but on the whole, the mini is naught but an except storyboard.
John Feer
Hey guys-
ReplyDeleteFYI: that's Supergirl on the cover of WOTS #1.
Eddy's artwork was still being tweaked by the time we had to go to press, but it will be completely clear that it's Supergirl in the finished version.
Also, that Superwoman figure is RAD. :)
-Sterling
I truly hope that the final fate of "New Krypton" is that the planet and it's inhabitants are willingly transported in to the "Survival Zone" where it's residents no longer have to live their lives in fear of either Brainiac or Earth and that Superman, Supergirl and a now PROPER heroic Kryptonian Superwoman (who should be fomer Lieutenant Asha Del-Nar) still have access to their home when being able to visit. To relocate the planet to where "old Krypton" used to be would leave it open for Brainiac to kidnap it all
ReplyDeleteWow. Excellent ideas!
I love the Asha Del-nar idea. Maybe she becomes New Krypton;s first super-hero (wherever it ends up) or ends up as the head of the military once Zod falls.
Oh and Supergirl vs. Ursa that sounds like she chose Kal's side and General Lane evening the playing field? I wonder if he killed some Kryptonian's or sent them away to the Phantom Zone? What do you think Anj.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking that New Krypton explodes like old Krypton. But I don't know what would happen to all the Kryptonians.
Hmmm ... too early for a poll about New Krypton's fate?
I had a faint hope that DC Direct will do a New Krypton line. I will definitely add Superwoman to my shelf. Now give us Alura and an Igle-ized Supergirl in wave 2!
ReplyDeleteI'd love both. An Alura doll and a Jamal-inspired Supergirl would both be welcomed!
The next DC animated DTV movie after "Under the Red Hood" will be released around September or October. Coincidence?
Oooooohh. Now that is interesting. The set is called Apocalypse on Apokalips. Maybe that's the title of a Supergirl origin movie?
As long as Supergirl breaks Ursa's damn jaw and sends her home crying to General Zod, I'm fine with all of it.
ReplyDeleteI really hope we get to see Supergirl throw down and defeat Ursa.
Really really.
FYI: that's Supergirl on the cover of WOTS #1.
ReplyDeleteEddy's artwork was still being tweaked by the time we had to go to press, but it will be completely clear that it's Supergirl in the finished version.
Thanks for the info!
That means it is Kara's left jab hitting Ursa's jaw. Hurray!
@Anj - Asha being made an official honary member of the house of El (just like Thara) including donning the S-Shield family crest and operating as main DCU Earth's HEROIC Superwoman is something I'm hoping beyond hope to see for I honestly don't see as to why the DCU should have a 2nd evil Superwoman when that role has already been taken by E-3's CSA's own member/"Lois Lane". Lucy should just be called 'Satan woman' or 'Superia' just not Superwoman is all I'm asking.
ReplyDeleteYou can count me in as yet another who'd truly love to see a Gates/Igle run themed action figure line as well as a WONK one to boot sometime hopefully some time this year. ;-)
@Sterling - Apparently myself and Jamal were misinformed as to who exactly was fighting Ursa come cover of WOSM #1 then.
Oh and Anj, you have my vote for doing a new poll regarding what New Krypton's fate will be. ;-)
War of the Supermen? They're so super yet they only fight with punches. The only one coming from the Pre-Historic age is Savage, I'd think they would find some clever ways of fighting among other bright, super men instead of just exchanging blows.
ReplyDeleteOh and I wanna see Kara knock out Powergirl too.
ReplyDelete:D
Hey does this mean that JLA Cry for Justice is a curtain raiser on SG joining the League?
Is the JLA supposed to be her team affiliation now?
Doesn't that imply that somehow the League has to get around the Kryptonian ban enacted by the USA and the UN? Or at least get the hoodoo off Kousin Kara.
Lets hope it sticks absent some new reconfiguration of the"Birds of Prey" which would be a more natural venue for Supergirl IMHO.
John Feer
Hey does this mean that JLA Cry for Justice is a curtain raiser on SG joining the League?
ReplyDeleteIs the JLA supposed to be her team affiliation now?
Doesn't that imply that somehow the League has to get around the Kryptonian ban enacted by the USA and the UN? Or at least get the hoodoo off Kousin Kara.
Lets hope it sticks absent some new reconfiguration of the"Birds of Prey" which would be a more natural venue for Supergirl IMHO.
The UN directive is something that will need to be addressed. Maybe that all gets cleared up in War of the Supermen.
I also like the idea of a BoP style book with Supergirl.
I want that red skirt to not be a coloring error! :-)
ReplyDeleteBut that makes it her new costume and honestly im done with the belly shirt can we please just extend the shirt into a leotard throw a red skirt with a gold v belt on it and a none gold rimmed cape.....wait that's matrix....I WANT THE MATRIX COSTUME BACK!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete