As I have written elsewhere, it is hard to look at this month's solicits as a celebration of the New 52 when so many titles have been put on the back burner. There is no Supergirl, Superboy, Vibe, or Worlds' Finest this month. Four titles I buy aren't being published. Not much of a celebration for those books.
We do get a major push of the big name books and as a Superman fan it is good to see his villains getting a big push. And I have to admit, some of the creator teams here are intriguing.
ACTION COMICS #23.1: CYBORG SUPERMAN
Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON
Art by MIKE HAWTHORNE
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Deep in space sits a cybernetic force of evil unlike any other. What terrible connection does Cyborg Superman share with Krypton? And what alien force commands the robotic terror? Find out here!
So the villain that was just in Supergirl is getting a spotlight issue written by the current Supergirl writer. Couldn't this have been Supergirl #23.1? Wouldn't this have been great publicity for her book? Seems like a missed opportunity by DC to plug a mid-level book.
I am a fan of the Cyborg Superman (and the whole Reign of the Supermen story). So I am glad to see him back in this version of the DCU.
Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON
Art by MIKE HAWTHORNE
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Deep in space sits a cybernetic force of evil unlike any other. What terrible connection does Cyborg Superman share with Krypton? And what alien force commands the robotic terror? Find out here!
So the villain that was just in Supergirl is getting a spotlight issue written by the current Supergirl writer. Couldn't this have been Supergirl #23.1? Wouldn't this have been great publicity for her book? Seems like a missed opportunity by DC to plug a mid-level book.
I am a fan of the Cyborg Superman (and the whole Reign of the Supermen story). So I am glad to see him back in this version of the DCU.
ACTION COMICS #23.2: ZOD
Written by GREG PAK
Art by KEN LASHLEY
3-D motion cover by GENE HA
General Zod storms into The New 52! Witness the origin of this genocidal maniac, and learn how far he will go to destroy those who oppose him!
I am surprised that this story wasn't pushed up to now to get some buzz from the Man of Steel movie.
It will be interesting to see if this Zod is the Colonel currently storming through the Action Comics back-up feature. I trust Pak to come up with an interesting origin for Zod. And Ken Lashley's brash style should work with this character.
Art by KEN LASHLEY
3-D motion cover by GENE HA
General Zod storms into The New 52! Witness the origin of this genocidal maniac, and learn how far he will go to destroy those who oppose him!
I am surprised that this story wasn't pushed up to now to get some buzz from the Man of Steel movie.
It will be interesting to see if this Zod is the Colonel currently storming through the Action Comics back-up feature. I trust Pak to come up with an interesting origin for Zod. And Ken Lashley's brash style should work with this character.
ACTION COMICS #23.3: LEX LUTHOR
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by RAYMUND BERMUDEZ
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Evil genius, sadistic businessman, sociopathic inmate—Lex Luthor is all this and more. Now released from prison, there is nothing to stop Luthor from getting his way...not even Superman!
I have heard enough great things about Charles Soule to be very eager to see his take on Luthor. I like how this Luthor seems like the right mix of the Byrne businessman and the brutal scientist. A genius and a sadistic businessman. Best of both worlds.
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by RAYMUND BERMUDEZ
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Evil genius, sadistic businessman, sociopathic inmate—Lex Luthor is all this and more. Now released from prison, there is nothing to stop Luthor from getting his way...not even Superman!
I have heard enough great things about Charles Soule to be very eager to see his take on Luthor. I like how this Luthor seems like the right mix of the Byrne businessman and the brutal scientist. A genius and a sadistic businessman. Best of both worlds.
ACTION COMICS #23.4: METALLO
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art by WILL CONRAD
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Before he became Metal-Zero, John Corben had two great loves: his country and Lois Lane. Awakening from a coma after the events of ACTION COMICS #8, Corben finds himself betrayed by both—and now his Kryptonite heart beats only for revenge! And when he joins up with the Secret Society, there’s no limit to the destruction he can cause!
As a huge fan of his Action Comics back-up features during Grant Morrison's run, I was so glad to see Sholly Fisch's name in the credits here. Best of all, it is with a character from that run so we get to revisit some of the beats there.
Fisch's stories always seemed to get the right mix of action, characterization, and humanity. I had hoped he might get the Action book when Morrison left. So I can't wait to read his Superman again.
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art by WILL CONRAD
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Before he became Metal-Zero, John Corben had two great loves: his country and Lois Lane. Awakening from a coma after the events of ACTION COMICS #8, Corben finds himself betrayed by both—and now his Kryptonite heart beats only for revenge! And when he joins up with the Secret Society, there’s no limit to the destruction he can cause!
As a huge fan of his Action Comics back-up features during Grant Morrison's run, I was so glad to see Sholly Fisch's name in the credits here. Best of all, it is with a character from that run so we get to revisit some of the beats there.
Fisch's stories always seemed to get the right mix of action, characterization, and humanity. I had hoped he might get the Action book when Morrison left. So I can't wait to read his Superman again.
SUPERMAN #23.1: BIZARRO
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art by JEFF JOHNSON and ANDY SMITH
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Lex Luthors’ sinister plan to manipulate Superman’s genetic material to create a mindless soldier under his control results in the monster known as Bizarro: opposite of Superman in every way, with no compassion, no remorse and no mercy!
And if one wasn't enough, I get more Sholly Fisch on the Bizarro issue. I am glad that the "H'El is the new Bizarro" discussion is put to rest. I am glad that Luthor is again thrown into the mix of Bizarro's origins. And is that 'cold vision'?? I love it!
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art by JEFF JOHNSON and ANDY SMITH
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Lex Luthors’ sinister plan to manipulate Superman’s genetic material to create a mindless soldier under his control results in the monster known as Bizarro: opposite of Superman in every way, with no compassion, no remorse and no mercy!
And if one wasn't enough, I get more Sholly Fisch on the Bizarro issue. I am glad that the "H'El is the new Bizarro" discussion is put to rest. I am glad that Luthor is again thrown into the mix of Bizarro's origins. And is that 'cold vision'?? I love it!
SUPERMAN #23.2: BRAINIAC
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by PASCAL ALIXE
3-D motion cover by GENE HA
Brainiac was the first adversary Superman fought on Earth, but where did he come from? A lineage that spans the universe holds many secrets when we ask, “Who is Brainiac?”
Well, as someone who is still trying to wrap his head around Brainiac as Kryptonian AI, being part of the Collector, and being from Colu, I need an origin issue! So hopefully this will straighten out my misunderstandings.
And, as a bonus, it is written by Tony Bedard who wrote Vril Dox in R.E.B.E.L.S.! Hopefully we see some Coluan stuff!
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by PASCAL ALIXE
3-D motion cover by GENE HA
Brainiac was the first adversary Superman fought on Earth, but where did he come from? A lineage that spans the universe holds many secrets when we ask, “Who is Brainiac?”
Well, as someone who is still trying to wrap his head around Brainiac as Kryptonian AI, being part of the Collector, and being from Colu, I need an origin issue! So hopefully this will straighten out my misunderstandings.
And, as a bonus, it is written by Tony Bedard who wrote Vril Dox in R.E.B.E.L.S.! Hopefully we see some Coluan stuff!
SUPERMAN #23.3: H’EL
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND
3-D motion cover by GENE HA
After his last battle with Superman, H’el wakes up on Krypton years before it is destroyed! Can H’el manipulate the Science Counsel, soldiers and countless others including Jor-El, to save the planet? And what does it mean for the birth of Superman if he succeeds?
Ugh.
Can we forget about him?
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND
3-D motion cover by GENE HA
After his last battle with Superman, H’el wakes up on Krypton years before it is destroyed! Can H’el manipulate the Science Counsel, soldiers and countless others including Jor-El, to save the planet? And what does it mean for the birth of Superman if he succeeds?
Ugh.
Can we forget about him?
SUPERMAN #23.4: PARASITE
Written by AARON KUDER
Art by AARON KUDER
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Parasite: Noun.
An organism that lives in or on another organism.
Preferably Superman.
That is about as close to the bloated tick of a Parasite that we saw in Frank Quitely's All-Star Superman. Kuder sure brings that feel.
I haven't read anything Kuder has written before but I like his art style. While dominating the covers, I am glad he got this issue to draw. That is what the Parasite should look like ... horrifying.
Written by AARON KUDER
Art by AARON KUDER
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
Parasite: Noun.
An organism that lives in or on another organism.
Preferably Superman.
That is about as close to the bloated tick of a Parasite that we saw in Frank Quitely's All-Star Superman. Kuder sure brings that feel.
I haven't read anything Kuder has written before but I like his art style. While dominating the covers, I am glad he got this issue to draw. That is what the Parasite should look like ... horrifying.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #3.1: DOOMSDAY
Written by GREG PAK
Art by BRETT BOOTH
3-D motion cover by TONY S. DANIEL
Long before Superman fought the unstoppable monster known as Doomsday, the beast’s reputation for death and destruction haunted The Man of Steel’s home world of Krypton.
I can only hope that Supergirl is somehow brought into this story which includes Kryptonian history. Brett Booth should bring some wild art to Doomsday.
Can't wait to read Greg Pak in the DCU.
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #5
Written by NATHAN EDMONDSON and KYLE KILLEN
Art by YILDIRAY CINAR and PIA GUERRA
Cover by YILDIRAY CINAR
When an alien baby crashes on Earth, Superman must protect the screaming infant from her pursuers both human and extraterrestrial! Plus: a Lex Luthor tale like you’ve never seen before, written by Kyle Killen, creator of Awake, and drawn by Y: THE LAST MAN’s Pia Guerra!
After all that villainy, it will be great to cleanse the old palate with some old school red-trunked Superman.
I think this is going to be my go-to comic for my Superman.
Written by GREG PAK
Art by BRETT BOOTH
3-D motion cover by TONY S. DANIEL
Long before Superman fought the unstoppable monster known as Doomsday, the beast’s reputation for death and destruction haunted The Man of Steel’s home world of Krypton.
I can only hope that Supergirl is somehow brought into this story which includes Kryptonian history. Brett Booth should bring some wild art to Doomsday.
Can't wait to read Greg Pak in the DCU.
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #5
Written by NATHAN EDMONDSON and KYLE KILLEN
Art by YILDIRAY CINAR and PIA GUERRA
Cover by YILDIRAY CINAR
When an alien baby crashes on Earth, Superman must protect the screaming infant from her pursuers both human and extraterrestrial! Plus: a Lex Luthor tale like you’ve never seen before, written by Kyle Killen, creator of Awake, and drawn by Y: THE LAST MAN’s Pia Guerra!
After all that villainy, it will be great to cleanse the old palate with some old school red-trunked Superman.
I think this is going to be my go-to comic for my Superman.
SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 #17
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER • Art by JORGE JIMENEZ
Cover by CAT STAGGS
Superman and new ally Diana race to stop magickal terrorist Felix Faust from launching an attack on the nation’s capital. Meanwhile, Lois launches an attack of her own by digging into the shadowy connection between Faust and the new Department of Extra-Normal Operations.
Of course, I also have been going to Smallville to read my Superman too. I love how this book is bringing in more and more of the DCU characters to this Smallville universe. I am convinced this is on purpose so that the ultimate Crisis this title is building to is going to be a massive 'crossover' of all the heroes we have met here with Superman leading them. Supergirl better survive this one!!
And then we get a lot of 75th anniversary trades coming out celebrating Superman. Here are the ones that caught my eye.
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER • Art by JORGE JIMENEZ
Cover by CAT STAGGS
Superman and new ally Diana race to stop magickal terrorist Felix Faust from launching an attack on the nation’s capital. Meanwhile, Lois launches an attack of her own by digging into the shadowy connection between Faust and the new Department of Extra-Normal Operations.
Of course, I also have been going to Smallville to read my Superman too. I love how this book is bringing in more and more of the DCU characters to this Smallville universe. I am convinced this is on purpose so that the ultimate Crisis this title is building to is going to be a massive 'crossover' of all the heroes we have met here with Superman leading them. Supergirl better survive this one!!
And then we get a lot of 75th anniversary trades coming out celebrating Superman. Here are the ones that caught my eye.
SUPERMAN: A CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS HC
Written by JERRY SIEGEL, EDMOND HAMILTON, OTTO BINDER, CARY BATES, JOE KELLY, ALAN MOORE and others
Art by JOE SHUSTER, WAYNE BORING, CURT SWAN, DOUG MAHNKE, DAVE GIBBONS and others
Cover by TBD
This amazing celebration of all things Superman includes stories from ACTION COMICS #0, 1-2, 137, 242, 544, 775 and 900, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #498, Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross, SUPERMAN #11, 17, 53, 75, 76, 141, 149, 247 and 400, SUPERMAN ANNUAL #11 and a 1940 story from LOOK MAGAZINE!
I don't know if I am going to get this because I have read many of theses stories in other formats and other places. Still, good lineup there including the Look Magazine story of Superman ending WW2.
Written by JERRY SIEGEL, EDMOND HAMILTON, OTTO BINDER, CARY BATES, JOE KELLY, ALAN MOORE and others
Art by JOE SHUSTER, WAYNE BORING, CURT SWAN, DOUG MAHNKE, DAVE GIBBONS and others
Cover by TBD
This amazing celebration of all things Superman includes stories from ACTION COMICS #0, 1-2, 137, 242, 544, 775 and 900, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #498, Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross, SUPERMAN #11, 17, 53, 75, 76, 141, 149, 247 and 400, SUPERMAN ANNUAL #11 and a 1940 story from LOOK MAGAZINE!
I don't know if I am going to get this because I have read many of theses stories in other formats and other places. Still, good lineup there including the Look Magazine story of Superman ending WW2.
LOIS LANE: A CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS HC
Written by JERRY SIEGEL, JOHN BYRNE, GRANT MORRISON, GREG RUCKA and others
Art by JOE SHUSTER, JOHN BYRNE, PHIL JIMENEZ, FRANK QUITELY and others
Cover by TBD
Don’t miss these tales starring Lois Lane, Superman and more, reprinted from ACTION COMICS #1-2, 6, 484, 600 and 662, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #631, ALL-STAR SUPERMAN #2-3, MAN OF STEEL #2, SHOWCASE #9, SUPERMAN #29, 33-34, 58 and 168, SUPERMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2011 #1, SUPERMAN: LOIS LANE #1, SUPERMAN’S GIRL FRIEND LOIS LANE #5, 16, 23, 42 and 106, and WONDER WOMAN #170!
This one I might be more apt to buy because I don't have many of these in other places.
I am glad that DC is celebrating Lois. It is her anniversary too!
Written by JERRY SIEGEL, JOHN BYRNE, GRANT MORRISON, GREG RUCKA and others
Art by JOE SHUSTER, JOHN BYRNE, PHIL JIMENEZ, FRANK QUITELY and others
Cover by TBD
Don’t miss these tales starring Lois Lane, Superman and more, reprinted from ACTION COMICS #1-2, 6, 484, 600 and 662, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #631, ALL-STAR SUPERMAN #2-3, MAN OF STEEL #2, SHOWCASE #9, SUPERMAN #29, 33-34, 58 and 168, SUPERMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2011 #1, SUPERMAN: LOIS LANE #1, SUPERMAN’S GIRL FRIEND LOIS LANE #5, 16, 23, 42 and 106, and WONDER WOMAN #170!
This one I might be more apt to buy because I don't have many of these in other places.
I am glad that DC is celebrating Lois. It is her anniversary too!
SUPERMAN ADVENTURES: THE MAN OF STEEL TP
Written by MARK MILLAR, DAN SLOTT, ROGER STERN, LOUISE SIMONSON, DAN JURGENS and others
Art by NEIL VOKES, MIKE PAROBECK, RICK BURCHETT and others
Cover by BRUCE TIMM
It’s a special all-ages Man of Steel collection, with stories from SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #17, 18, 40 and 41, and SUPERMAN/BATMAN MAGAZINE #1, 3, 5 and 7!
And an added bonus ... an all ages Superman collection. Something I can buy and give to my girls!
It is hard to believe that Mark 'Kick-Ass' Millar wrote some great Superman stories for Superman Adventures. And if only DC kept Dan Slott around!
This one I probably will buy ... but not for me!
Written by MARK MILLAR, DAN SLOTT, ROGER STERN, LOUISE SIMONSON, DAN JURGENS and others
Art by NEIL VOKES, MIKE PAROBECK, RICK BURCHETT and others
Cover by BRUCE TIMM
It’s a special all-ages Man of Steel collection, with stories from SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #17, 18, 40 and 41, and SUPERMAN/BATMAN MAGAZINE #1, 3, 5 and 7!
And an added bonus ... an all ages Superman collection. Something I can buy and give to my girls!
It is hard to believe that Mark 'Kick-Ass' Millar wrote some great Superman stories for Superman Adventures. And if only DC kept Dan Slott around!
This one I probably will buy ... but not for me!
You missed the Desaad issue. It its named Earth 2 but it is actually a Worlds Finest issue. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm kind of disappointed that Superboy and Supergirl aren't gonna be featured this September too. Speaking of which, are you gonna review Superboy #21? 'Cause it just came out this week.
ReplyDeleteWill be reviewing Superboy 21. Probably on Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteGood call on Earth 2. Too bad it wasn't labeled Worlds' Finest.
ReplyDeleteI'm just wondering if they'll be making a trade for Supergirl, since she's getting her anniversary up, next year! :)
ReplyDelete