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.
I'm thinking Deadman for Brightest Day:Aftermath. As for the second, maybe Martian Manhunter or one of the previous Hawks-ealperin
ReplyDeleteAha, looks like I was right in guessing that the early Nineties hero Chris Roberson was bringing back to the Superman book, with a new name, was Qurac chap Sinbad.
ReplyDeleteAll this is reminding me is that I'm going to need to start picking up Action Comics now. I liked the Luthor arc but didn't get all the issues (I missed the first few and figured I'd trade wait on it).
ReplyDelete