Review: Superman: Lois And Clark #8

It is the end of a brief era.

The New 52 chapter of the DC Universe is coming to a close. There is a #Rebirth. There is a scrubbing away of the angst, hate, and dismal nature of the characters. There is a return to a more classic feel, leaning on legacy.

But such a change cannot happen without major upheavals. And one such seismic shift is in the Superman books. The New 52 Superman is 'dead'. And the Pre-Flashpoint Superman, stuck on this world, might have to pick up the mantle.

Superman:Lois and Clark by Dan Jurgens and Lee Weeks was supposed to be a 12 issue maxi-series. Despite decent sales, the series was truncated to 8 issues. At the time I wondered if it was because DC didn't have faith in this version of the character. Now I wonder if it was done to synch up this series with the #Rebirth initiative.

Superman:Lois and Clark #8 came out last week and was the last issue of this title. How this Lois and Clark will amalgamate into the current DCU is still unknown. But we know that super-son Jon will be starring in his own title. These folks are here to stay.

But with the title suddenly ending, a bunch of plots that have been in this book are suddenly closed or left wide open. I don't know which irks me more.

The art is done by Weeks who brings a strength to the scenes and power. I can't quite name it, but it is both neat and gritty. And that has worked well here.

Plus this series starred Hyathis. That always makes me happy!

Review: Superman:Lois And Clark 7

Superman Lois and Clark #7 was released last week and marked the penultimate issue of this mini-series. Initially solicited as a 12 issue run, the book was truncated early on leaving me to wonder why. After all, it was selling pretty decently for a book spun out of the aimless Cnvergence event.

As the book progressed, I wondered how it would wrap up in a meaningful way. Writer Dan Jurgens was bringing in new subplots and characters while the main threads of Intergang and Henshaw/Hyathis chugged along. Could this all be finished in the time allotted? Was the loss of 4 issues forcing Jurgens to rush things along?

Well, with #Rebirth, we know that this Superman and Lois aren't disappearing into a multiversal rabbit hole. They are sticking around. And Jurgens is leading the charge on one of the Superman books. So there is time now. And because of that, I suddenly don't have to read this issue wondering how everything will be tied up next month. Instead I could relax and just enjoy it as simply another chapter. And that made this a much more enjoyable read.

The art on the book is a hodge lodge of Lee Weeks, Art Thibert, Scott Hanna and others. It is a shame that Weeks couldn't seem to stay up on the deadlines. He brought a sensibility to the book I enjoyed. These others are no slouches. I love Thibert. But, call me old fashioned, a book just reads better with one art team doing all the pages.

Review: Superman Lois And Clark #6

Superman Lois and Clark #6 came out this week and this continues to be the most consistently well done Superman book being produced these days. Writer Dan Jurgens and artist Lee Weeks shine as they give us this story of Clark and Lois hiding out in this new world only to see their world collapse around them. Things are getting dangerous and leading an undercover life is becoming impossible.

If I recall correctly, this was initially supposed to be a 12 issue maxiseries but was truncated to 8, meaning we are nearing an ending. With #Rebirth around the corner, this could be a true ending, with these characters from the pre-Flashpoint world simply disappearing from all continuities. With only a couple of issues left, Jurgens is bringing all the plot threads together. I have been enjoying this book immensely. And outside of a couple of wonky moments, this issue does push this book closer to a finale. And yet, despite that push, we do get a couple of moments where Jurgens slows down to give the story time to breathe a bit.

I can't help but thank DC for giving Jurgens and Weeks this opportunity to give us this book. This was a good decision and good decisions are rare with DC these days.

Review: Superman Lois And Clark #5

We all know that #Rebirth is around the corner and as a result we'll have a new status quo in the Super-titles. We already knew that Superman Lois and Clark was truncated from 12 issues to 8 issues, meaning it will end right before the new reality of the DCU. So we are officially on the back half of this title.

And that is what makes Superman Lois and Clark #5 such an interesting issue. Writer Dan Jurgens is still giving us flashbacks to deepen the history of the couple on Prime Earth. There are subplots that have been simmering on the back burner for 5 months. Jurgens is even adding new subplots! It makes me wonder if Jurgens was really thinking about this series as a 12 issue maxi. Or maybe even an on-going.

It is a shame because this is a very good series giving us the Lois and Clark I think many (if not most) of us want.

Lee Weeks isn't on art this issue. Instead Neil Edwards provides the interiors. Edwards did some of Justice League United and has a nice style, clean and straightforward. I love his quiet home Lois and Clark scenes the best as the flow off the page nicely.

On to the issue.

Review: Superman Lois And Clark #4

Superman Lois and Clark #4 came out last week and the book continues to be a very good read. I really like this book. I mean, I would happily read this as an ongoing monthly.

And this is my quibble.

This book is only 9 issues (maybe 8?). And this book's pacing is deliberate. This issue moves the plots forward somewhat. But there isn't too much progression. And that is the one thing that sort of gnawed at me as I read it. I don't like when the reality of a project pulls me out of the story. I enjoyed the story here, even the slow pace. But when done, I was immediately brought out of the story and started to wonder if we'll get where we needs to get to overall if the story goes this slowly. Remember, this book was initially billed as a 12 issue run before being truncated. Did writer Dan Jurgens think he had room to draw things out? Right now this title is half-done, not 1/3 done. I struggled with this dual struggle of enjoying the story but worrying about the end of the series.

Regardless, the book is great with nice moments between Lois and Clark. And that is why I read this book. Jurgens has the two truly be on equal footing in the book. Each has their own plot line and page count. And there is a nice flashback scene with the two together.

Art is done by Lee Weeks and Marco Santucci with inks by Scott Hanna and Sergio Cariello. They bring a nice classic weight to the proceedings. But I love that they also can tone it down to something more soft for the more romantic scenes. Really good stuff.

The book opens with a flashback of Lois and Clark enjoying their anniversary on this new world. In a bit of a risky move, they decide to head to Metropolis for a dinner and night away. They run into a blind street musician who recognizes Clark's voice. They almost run into Jimmy Olsen. It seems to me the two of them would weigh the risks and benefits of this trip.

But what I love is how Jurgens shows just how dedicated the two are to each other, how still in love they are. We see Lois buying a Superman shirt for Jon, teasing Clark about the New 52 S-shield. But that panel of them holding hands is just wonderful.

There is an ease to this conversation and interaction. This just sounds natural and much more believable than much of what I have seen with Diana/Clark.

This Clark has been tracking down the people who were villains on the pre-Flashpoint world.

His investigation of Luthor has come up empty. But Clark isn't buying it. Luthor is and always will be dirty.

I loved this panel.

Alone in their hotel room, Lois gives Clark his gift, the black Superman suit he has been wearing. She pretended to be this world's Lois to pull some strings and get it made. This is another sort of risk. Lois knows ... well ... Lois. If this world's Lois hears she was involved in creating a suit, you know she'll track down Lois. (Confusing, I know.)

But I also loved how these two realize that even though they are marooned on this world, they have to be true to themselves. Clark has to hero. Lois has to investigate. And they are in love.

Now this was a great scene, adding some depth to the backstory of the couple and showcasing their character. So I loved it. But I also thought 'did we need this' scene. Or could those pages have been used to move the plots along. Because this series is half done!

We shift to the present and get a scene with Lois. I have some minor quibbles with this.

Lois, worried about the safety of her publisher, heads to the office. Remember, Lois was attacked by Intergang and Clark thought that they followed her by tracking the publisher's movements.

The office appears deserted. But there is a very old school, almost film noir message left for Lois to see. 

I just wonder if Lois would have actually just walked in like this, knowing how hard she has been trying to hide her identity. And I wonder how Intergang knew that 'Author X' would be the first to head to the office as opposed to anyone else, the cleaning crew, a secretary, the supply person.

I have talked about how the super-son Jon has been vacillating between precocious and obnoxious. But it is clear that he is putting the clues together that his parents are more than they claim.

Here he sees the Daily Planet revealing Superman as Clark Kent. There has to be a picture on the front page that shows a young Clark. Jon will probably put two and two together.

This is a very interesting wrinkle. But would it take this for Jon to see Clark? Wouldn't this be all over the news? Haven't we seen him on a tablet in school? I just think he would have seen it already.

Waiting outside the publisher's office just as Lois is there ... Bruno Mannheim! Head of Intergang.

Again, would Mannheim reveal himself and therefore put Lois on the defensive? Wouldn't he just have his flunkies follow her?

Regardless, this world is closing in on Lois and Jon.

Meanwhile, Clark is stuck battling both Blanque and Hank Henshaw in his fortress. We get reminded that Clark's powers are weakening for some reason.

Blanque is controlling Henshaw. And Henshaw seems to have some latent powers which are now manifesting. Is this the beginning of the Cyborg Superman?

With Clark reeling a bit and somewhat weakened, Blanque is able to leave the fortress and then bring the whole mountain down on Superman. Before leaving, Blanque plucked the information of Lois and Jon from Clark's mind. Blanque will know hunt them down for revenge.

Much like with Lois' plot, the world is closing in on this family.

So maybe next issue we get some significant movement forward.

But don't forget there is one more subplot brewing. A woman alien is coming to Earth to find the Oblivion Stone. She is in our solar system now. Getting closer.

This is the fourth issue of us seeing this woman tracking. I suppose this plot is creeping forward too.

I know that I have been picking at pacing and the length of this series. But I think I just have to pack that up. Because it isn't my job to determine the length of arcs of series. It is my job to enjoy books.

And I will say again, I love this book. Because it is here that I can read a Superman who acts like Superman. It is here I can read Lois ... any Lois ... and a Lois that reads like Lois. And I get to see Lois and Clark together.

I have said all along. Good stories trump all. And this is a good story. So thanks again to Dan Jurgens for bringing this book to the racks! I miss classic Superman and classic Lois! And I have them again.

Overall grade:B+/B

Sales Review: December 2015

After a sort of dismal November for DC, the company rallied a bit in December, mostly in market share. The usual coverage is over on ICv2, my favorite site to review this sort of information. Here is the link:
http://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/33439/top-300-comics-actual-december-2015

Despite that bump, it feels like there is the same sort of erosion at the company. Remove things like the Dark Knight miniseries and opaque bagged variants and you are stuck with a company that doesn't seem to have any lasting bright spots, especially with the Super-family.

In fact, maybe in this new year, DC should resolve to shore up this part of their lineup. They need to fix Superman.

We do know that the fiftieth issues of many of the New 52 books will be a turnover point, a place for bold new directions. And solicits show a flying Superman in those issues meaning the powerless Truth must be sprinting to an end.

Superman #47 brought a semi-closure to the Hordr_Root threat as Superman defeated the information terrorist, capturing him in a portable hard drive.

This was something of a climax to the plot running in the Superman book. So how did it sell?

Well, Superman #47 was the best selling of the super-books, coming in at 47K, just above Ms. Marvel and Hellcat #1.

I think part of the problem with The Truth has been the sort of meandering villain plots when I don't quite see the big picture of any of the villains. If this story was more character driven, I might be more invested.

Superman Annual #3 was also released last month. This was a key issue for The Truth as it looked closely at Vandal Savage, the big bad of the whole storyline.

We see that Savage wants to get back in touch with the comet that gave him power.

How that translates into any of the plots before this annual I have no idea. Why the energy drain? Why the nazi gun ship? Why stealing uranium? If he had control of the Stormwatch ship, why attack Earth? Why not just go to the comet?

The annual sold nearly 29000, just under what Action Comics #47 sold.

I have to say, it really pains me to see the Pak/Kuder book down in the weeds here.

It might sound crazy given my general rant about the super-books, but I hope Pak/Kuder get to stay on the book once a sort of status quo is brought back. I think they flourish when not involved in a mega-crossover. That haunted Smallville storyline was phenomenal.

Meanwhile, Lois and Clark, the best Superman book out there in my opinion, slipped to 21K, probably why it was truncated to a mini-series. I have to assume that won't be picked up as an ongoing.

And the best Supergirl book on the market ... indeed one of my favorite books overall ... is Justice League 3001 and that book also continues to slip.

Justice League 3001 #7 sold just under 14K. That is pretty dangerous waters to be in.

And it is a shame because there is solid characterization in this book and a brilliant take on a Silver Age Supergirl thrust into a leadership role in a dark future. All Kara fans should be reading this.

Thankfully, the Truth is limping to an end. But it pains me that the higher quality super-books are languishing a bit in sales.

Review: Superman Lois and Clark #3

2016 keeps rolling along but I have a few issues from the tail end of 2015 to review.

Superman: Lois and Clark #3 came out and did a little bit of deepening of the world for these versions of the iconic title characters. One of the things that writer Dan Jurgens is doing in this book is not only showing us the current lives of these characters but also giving us glimpses of their years on this current Earth. This 'Superman' has been living and heroing on this Earth for 5 years. What has he be doing during all that time? But the flashbacks we are shown have some impact to the now, impacting the current plotlines. This sort of felt like world building to me, which would be wonderful. In fact, if this was an ongoing, I wouldn't mind seeing 'secret adventures' of this Superman.

But Superman is only half the story. Lois is as big an element in this book and she is a joy to read. Adventurous, brave, strong. This Lois is everything Lois Lane should be. I wouldn't mind reading her 'secret adventures' either.

Artist Lee Weeks is aided by some pages being inked by Scott Hanna and Sergio and Cariello. The art is a solid and powerful. I don't want to say 'old school'. Nor do I want to say it isn't 'overly stylized'. But the style is perfect for this more barrel-chested, classic Superman.

The book starts out in a flashback where Superman is fighting a nearly omnipotent madman called Blanque. The name works well as everything about this villain is bleached white. But he also has an eerie calm about him, an almost blank or flat affect. He is chilling.

And that is shown beautifully in this opening panel. It is a wide shot, Blanque as a small element in the middle. But it gives us the scope of what he has done. This is a town afire, destroyed. The arm in the lower panel shows he has no qualms about killing. This immediately lets us realize the power of this person.

But he is calmly strolling down the street, surveying what he has done, and calling it art. Madness.

Perfect.

The pre-Flashpoint Superman flies in and does battle with Blanque. During that squabble, we get a sense of Blanque's powers: telepathy, telekinesis ... he even implies he is close friends with the devil. Clark has little choice but to just get Blanque out of there. He flies him into the upper atmosphere where Blanque passes out in the thin air.

But this is Superman. He won't kill. He isn't an 'artist' of death.

Now that is Superman.

In current time, Lois and Clark are dealing with the aftermath of the Intergang attack on Lois and Jon. Clark thinks that Intergang simply followed them because they were speaking with her publicist. It might be Pollyanna of him to think they don't know about Lois' life as 'Author X'.

I did love this exchange. Both Lois and Clark know their partners deal in danger. Both wish their partners would live a safer life. But both know that would change who the person they love is.

So when Clark says he wished Lois wouldn't go poking around danger, she says he is using her words against her. He then says he is 'kidding'.

They know each other and love each other. It is this drive for justice that make them perfect for each other. But they still worry. Why can't I have this sort of relationship in the New 52?

Jon is the other part of this family. We have already seen hints that he knows what's what. So he doesn't seem to buy Clark's explanation that the guys who attacked the family were just car-jackers. He is too smart for that.

And I like how we see that Lois and Clark are trying their best to raise him with the same folky wholesomeness of the Kents. When 'crap' gets a stern language warning, well, we are back in Smallville.

Things kick up a notch when we see where Superman has stashed Blanque all these years. This Superman also has a Fortress of Solitude, which also serves as a prison for people he has captured and a variety of trophies.

It was fun to see the classic 'Jor-El and Lara holding Krypton' statue in a Fortress. But the other trophies are nifty too. I especially liked the 'Iron Giant' head here. Could this be a riff on this Adventures of Superman story, which I loved loved loved?

Remember in the first issue when Superman was chasing down Hank Henshaw and Henshaw's rocket crashed to Earth? Well it turns out that Superman brought Henshaw away from the crash to the Fortress to examine him. This kind of sounds like kidnapping to me. I know Clark is worried about the Cyborg Superman but this is a little gray to me. Multiverse ethics are hard!!!

Alas, Blanque is able to usurp control over Henshaw, knock out Superman, and escape. There is a lot to digest here.

We learn that Henshaw has been oddly stable since being brought there ... uncannily stable. So maybe there is more to him than meets the eye.

And Blanque has been trawling Superman's mind for information. He knows about the other reality, Henshaw having a connection to Coast City, and about the existence of Lois and Jon. Things are about to get scary.

We get a page reminding us that Intergang is still out there. And we get another page about the Oblivion Stone. Those plots are simmering. In fact, the Oblivion Stone one has been really simmering. What is going on there?

Anyways, this book remains a treat. I love the Lois/Clark dynamic. I am even warming up to Jon, the thing I was worried about the most in this book. Blanque is a nice nihilistic effete villain. And the art is a treat.

Kudos to Jurgens and Weeks for a great comic for Superman fans.

Overall grade: B+

March 2016 Solicits

The DC Comics solicits for March recently were released and there was a lot to look forward to. I know what you are thinking - 'that sounds like optimism'. Well, I am optimistic. And it seems like I am going to be broke as well.

The solicits can be found in lots of places but here is a link to Newsarama's coverage:
http://www.newsarama.com/27169-dc-comics-full-march-2016-solicitations.html

But it has been a while since I have truly been looking forward to a month as much as this one. I can only hope that I'm not let down.

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #10
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS

After a brutal defeat by Lady Styx’s legion, the remaining members of the Justice League are forced into hiding—but there are eyes everywhere. How do you hide in plain sight? You create secret identities. But will that be enough to elude Styx’s deadliest bounty hunter, Eclipso?

Another month, another month without 'Final Issue' linked to the solicit.

This book is so good. I'm not the biggest fan of Scott Kolins so I'll have to deal a bit with the lack of Howard Porter.

I love this all-female team. And the idea of the team being on the run makes sense given the outright corruption and darkness of the universe they are in.

And this is the second cover in a row with Supergirl front and center. And this looks like a different costume than the last. Could this Silver Age Supergirl be adopting the 'Adventure Comics' sensibilities of many different looks?

DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #10
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Art by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE and LAURA BRAGA
Cover by ANT LUCIA

While Lex Luthor continues to manipulate events behind the scenes, Kate Kane remains in the clutches of the Nazi Edel Nacht, who lays out his plans for world conquest. The inexperienced Huntress is determined to go rescue her, with or without Catwoman’s help. And Zatanna makes plans to cause trouble in the outside world, even as she remains imprisoned in the Joker’s Daughter’s cabaret.

Supergirl isn't mentioned in the solicit but this is the only other print book that Supergirl appears in.

Bennett has been doing a great job on this book. And I am thrilled to see Marguerite Sauvage back on art. The cover, with Luthor pulling the strings, is a grabbing as well!

SUPERMAN #50
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
Art by HOWARD PORTER
Cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON

Superman returns in all his glory in this very special issue that sees the Man of Steel back to full power as he faces his greatest enemy and also comes face to face with the pre-Flashpoint Kal-El! At last, it’s the meeting of the Supermen you’ve been waiting for!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

First the good news. Superman has his powers back. He has his costume back. He is meeting the stranded pre-Flashpoint Kal. That is all good news. I will be happy if 'The Truth' fades into the background like 'Doomed' and 'Grounded'. Let's just get some Superman stories without gimmicks and deconstruction!

Now the bad news.
The cover is pretty bad. Superman's rib cage is just anatomically awful. Those are some Liefeld Captain America dimensions there.

And I hope this 'opaque polybagged' trick is a short-lived fad.

ACTION COMICS #50
Written by GREG PAK and AARON KUDER
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Polybagged variant cover by MARTIN ANSIN

Clark battles his way through Vandal Savage’s hordes to reclaim what is rightfully his—the Fortress of Solitude and his birthright! This epic anniversary issue leads to the finale of “Savage Dawn” in this month’s SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #27 and SUPERMAN #50!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

Love this cover by Kuder!
Very happy to see him back on internal art here. And looks like we come to an end of the Savage story. No mention of going back in time so maybe there will be no 'secret ID' rewrite.

And what of Hordr Root?

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #27
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by ED BENES
Polybagged variant cover by CHARLIE ADLARD

“Savage Dawn” continues from this month’s ACTION COMICS #50! A comet drawn by Vandal Savage to Earth is wreaking havoc across the globe—and empowering his children in the most dangerous way possible!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in.
I suppose I'll get this issue given it ties in with the conclusion.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #30
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by ROBSON ROCHA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Polybagged variant cover by TONY MOORE

The mystery of why Batman and Superman were brought into a cosmic murder case is revealed—and the ramifications for Superman are huge!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

A vague solicit for a vague story from the past. Glad Paquette remains on covers.

Any ideas about the guy in the background?

SUPERMAN: LOIS and CLARK #6
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by LEE WEEKS and MARCO SANTUCCI

Can even this Superman save Lois from the deadly vengeance of Intergang? Or will young Jon have to be the one to step up to this challenge?

Great cover here. Seeing the victims in the scope is a nice, iconic image.
I do like that the main villain here is something like Intergang and not a single villain. Will the whole 'oblivion stone' side plot tie in here eventually?

SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF THE SUPERMEN #2
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

The terror of Apokolips continues as the combined might of Kal-El and the warriors from Kandor fight back against Darkseid’s legions!

I get the sense I am not going to get all this series. This cover just doesn't work for me. I like the basic premise. I like Fourth World characters. But ... we'll see.

SUPERGIRL: THE SILVER AGE OMNIBUS HC
Written by OTTO BINDER, LEO DORFMAN and JERRY SIEGEL
Art by JIM MOONEY and AL PLASTINO
Cover by DARWYN COOKE
On sale MAY 18 • 688 pg, FC, $75.00 US
Collecting the Girl of Steel’s adventures from ACTION COMICS #252-307! As Superman’s secret weapon, Supergirl must adjust to life in the Midvale Orphange. The stories alternate between tales about friends and school, Supergirl’s efforts to master her new powers, and time-travel jaunts into the far future and distant past.

Oh my god!
This is a big surprise. A big, beautiful, expensive prize.
That is one big omnibus. It sports a gorgeous cover by Darwuyn Cooke who seems built to draw Silver Age characters.

But it is $75.00!
And I already have the two archives. And all these stories in the Showcase volumes. And a bunch of the floppies.
Do I need this book????
Can I say no????

SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL VOL. 9 TP
Written by JOHN BYRNE, ROGER STERN and JERRY ORDWAY
Art by JOHN BYRNE, JERRY ORDWAY, RON FRENZ and others
Cover by JOHN BYRNE

In these tales from SUPERMAN #19-22, SUPERMAN ANNUAL #2 and ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #441-444, the mysterious Supergirl meets Superman for the first time! Plus, the Man of Steel faces Mr. Mxyzptlk, runs into the Doom Patrol and battles Metallo! And Lex Luthor is tricked into releasing criminals from the Phantom Zone—and it’s up to Superman to clean up his mess.

Another surprise!
This volume of the Man of Steel includes the Supergirl saga, the introduction of Matrix and the Pocket Universe.
I don't think this is enough to have me buy this. But for people interested in learning about the reboot of Supergirl, the origins are here.

SUPERMAN: EMPEROR JOKER TP
Written by JEPH LOEB and others
Art by ED McGUINNESS and others
Cover by ED McGUINNESS and DEXTER VINES

Collecting the unforgettable, twisted story originally from SUPERMAN #160-161, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #582-583, SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #104-105, ACTION COMICS #769-770 and SUPERMAN: EMPEROR JOKER #1. In this tale of a reality gone wrong, Superman must struggle against The Joker, Emperor of the universe!

Another surprise!
This was a crazy, wild story arc. It reintroduces Bizarro. It has some of the best Supergirl covers of the time and includes the flame-winged angel in the story. The art in all the titles is beautiful.

I would think this was a shoe-in for me to buy. But given the Supergirl show statue, the Cooke action figure, and the omnibus, I might have to skip it!

Anyways, start squirreling away the holiday money you get. A lot of cool stuff arrives in spring.

 

Review: Superman Lois and Clark #2

Last Wednesday was something of an interesting week for me to digest as a Superman fan. In one short week, we see that DC Comics simply doesn't have a cohesive vision for Superman.

We had JLA 3001 #6, where there is a classic Superman and a murdered depowered narcissist of a Superman.

We had Superman #46, another chapter of The Truth where a depowered Superman is fighting for money.

We had Superman/Wonder Woman #23 where our 'heroes' batter a helpless villain and then team up with him.

And then we have Superman:Lois and Clark #2, the most classic of the Superman books with an aspirational hero working with his loving wife and life partner Lois Lane.

Luckily, we get this book by Dan Jurgens and Lee Weeks reminding me of the true versions of these characters. This is a strong Lois, investigating evil and putting herself in danger. We get Clark, a Superman fighting crime but forced to do it in hiding. I love this book and I am glad it is on the shelves.

As for this issue, it didn't move things along too much. It builds on the foundation the first issue did, showing the struggle for this Lois and Clark to acclimate to the darker main DC world. And we see that the threat of Intergang is real. But, we knew both those things last issue.

Weeks is a more classic artist which is perfect for this book, even evoking Jim Steranko at one point.

Still, I can't help but like this book.

We start out with a flashback of Clark and Lois' early years on this planet. Lois has to adapt to being a sort of homemaker as the two try to settle in. She is Mrs. White, home with Jon. Not flashing press credentials. Of course, we know that Lois ends up using her skills as an anonymous whistleblower.

But how can I not like The Whites, living at house #1938. There is a lot of classic Superman stuff here.

Superman is off stopping a supervillain named Shockwave. Shockwave has the ability to set off earthquakes and wants to level Chicago.

Below the ground, Superman is trying to stabilize the tectonic plates, holding up the city.

There is something evocative of here of King-Size Hulk by Jim Steranko, also bringing a classic feel here. I love it.

At super-speed, Clark is able to defeat Shockwave and strip the villain of his armor.

But this Earth doesn't love their heroes. As Lois states, they had to adjust to the fear and suspicion of this world. It wasn't easy.

Even here, after stopping Shockwave and streaking away at superspeed, Clark is tailed by fighter jets who fire missiles at him. This isn't his Earth where there would be applause.

Now back in the present, we see that Clark isn't as hidden as he used to be. The government is investigating that Jupiter probe landing and Hank Henshaw. In particular, an investigator named Mr. Chambers is really looking closely. Perhaps, Chambers knows of Clark's existence?

Of course, given the current DCU, I assume Chambers is a 'bad guy', someone who will want to shut Clark down. Maybe he is a good guy?

As for Lois, she has been called by the school to pick up Clark who was caught watching the Jupiter landing on his iPad rather than paying attention.

I love the conversation between Lois and Jon. Lois thinks that she would have been watching the landing rather than school work as well. There is a very nice feeling of parental love here. And it shows that Jon is truly Lois and Clark's son.

The two don't get to chat more because a vehicle filled with gunmen run them off the road. Lois calls Clark and activates Protocol Omega.

While on the run, somehow Jon is able to take out some of the men with a tire iron.

Shades of Superman Returns!

I don't know why Lois looks so surprised. While this may be the first time Jon has maybe used 'powers', certainly she must have been watching for something to emerge over time.

Hopefully, I will like this kid more than the one from the Superman movie.

Clark ends up arriving and takes out the remainders of the gunsels.

And he then scans all the men and vehicles, removing any trace of who or what they men were trailing.

This whole thing about staying hidden is coming to an end. The spotlight is closing in on them. It is only a matter of time before they get revealed.

I do hope when that happens we hear a bit from this Clark about why he hasn't stepped out into the light during things like Doomed, or even now with The Truth.

Lois is sure these men were from Intergang. That would make sense given she is about to publish her expose on them. All these precautions aren't going to work anymore.

And then we get three reminders of ongoing plots. One, we see Jon peeking out the window listening to his parents talk. It is clear Jon knows what is going on. Second, Chambers saw that Henshaw was in the ship that landed. So where is he? And lastly, we see the alien hunting the Oblivion Stone.

It was great to read this couple again. This is the Superman and Lois I love. So even if this felt a bit like a filler issue, even as the second issue, I wasn't too let down. Still, as a mini-series, I was hoping for things to move a long a bit quicker. I suppose the chase sequence defines the threat, shows the secret is coming out, and shows us Jon. But there wasn't earth-shattering about those reveals.

Overall grade: B/B+

February 2016 Solicits

The February Solicits for DC were announced last week and there were a couple of surprises. Here is a link to  Newsarama so you can review all the books being offered. There were long awaited items finally solicited that made me happy.

But the bottom line is this ...

There is still no Supergirl book.

Insanity.

Here are the super-books and a couple of other items that caught my eye.

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #9

Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS
After suffering a brutal defeat by Lady Styx’s legion, the remaining members of the Justice League are forced into hiding—but there are eyes everywhere. And what’s the best way to hide in plain sight? Create secret identities! But even that may not be enough deceive Styx’s deadliest bounty hunter: Eclipso!

Supergirl isn't listed in the solicit but she is right in the center of the team if you look close enough. There is something sort of art deco about this cover by Scott Kolins. I'll miss Howard Porter on the book.

I do like the idea of the League being fought by an overwhelming foe. And Eclipso is a big bad. So it'll be fun to see this new incarnation of the team  fight him.

DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #9
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Art by SANDY JARRELL, ELIZABETH TORQUE and MARIA LAURA SANAPO
Cover by ANT LUCIA
Mera realizes that the only way to achieve victory at sea is to call upon the King of Atlantis. But the price for his assistance may be more than she wants to pay. Stargirl makes plans to return to Russia and rescue her father, while Supergirl comes up against none other than the wealthy American industrialist, Lex Luthor.

Here is the one comic solicit which does name Supergirl.
I have enjoyed this comic much more than I anticipated. I love this Mera cover by Ant Lucia.
And I can only hope that Supergirl doesn't swoon over Luthor. Fingers crossed.
People should be reading this fun book.

ACTION COMICS #49
Written by GREG PAK and AARON KUDER
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
“Savage Dawn” continues! Now powered by Kryptonite, Superman is confronted by the first of Vandal Savage’s children! It’s a creature with unrelenting bloodlust and the power to match it!

The depowered Superman may be gone here, replaced by one fueled by Kryptonite. You know who that sounds like? 

Ultra Man!

I guess the slow evolution of Superman into the villain version of him is near complete.

I do like the idea that Vandal Savage has a brood of super-powered kids wandering the Earth. And I trust Pak and Kuder to make this into a silk purse. 

As for the variant cover, it might look Crisis-y, but I think it is based on Lois Lane #128

SUPERMAN #49
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
Art and cover by HOWARD PORTER
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
“Savage Dawn” continues! Superman and Wonder Woman lead an army of gods and monsters against Vandal Savage and his deadly spawn!

So this also looks like a K-fueled Superman.

We see Superman, Frankenstein, Uruk, and others. Perhaps the rest are the fallen gods from the mythological fight club?

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #49
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by ROBSON ROCHA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
This epic tale from another era in Clark and Bruce’s history continues! Someone has put a bounty on Batman’s head, and Lobo’s come to collect. Can Superman stop this intergalactic bounty hunter in time?

I guess DC realized that it is hard to sell a Batman/Superman book when the stars are depowered and armored right now. Depowered Clark and mechanized Gordon aren't friends. To force them into a story would be rough.

So why not just print a flashback!

I'll be interested in seeing Tom Taylor's take on these characters mostly because I haven't read much of his stuff.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #26
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by ED BENES
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
Superman Triptych variant cover by KIM JUNG GI
“Savage Dawn” continues! Suffering a terrible loss, Wonder Woman comes to the aid of the Kryptonite-charged Man of Steel to face the terror of the twins of Vandal Savage!
Plus, world-renowned visualist Kim Jung Gi puts his stamp on the DC Universe with a wall-to-wall-to-wall action triptych featuring the Big Three!

I doubt I'll be collecting this book in February.

But is it me or do those twins of Vandal Savage look like the Wonder Twin analogs from the Justice League United cartoon?

That can't be coincidence.

SUPERMAN: LOIS AND CLARK #5
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by LEE WEEKS and SCOTT HANNA
Cover by LEE WEEKS
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
How do you fight a villain who is a reality TV star and still stay undercover? That’s what Superman is up against as he faces a threat created just for ratings: Blackrock! Meanwhile, Intergang has Lois Lane in their crosshairs!

I'm an old school reader so I'll be very interested to see how Dan Jurgens can update Blackrock for the current comic world. Fascinating.

And that cover looks a lot like the classic Jim Steranko Hulk cover.

SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF THE SUPERMEN #1
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS
1:25 B and W Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
From legendary writer/artist Neal Adams comes a threat so epic it will take more than one Man of Steel to handle it in this new 6-issue miniseries!
As Darkseid and the hordes of Apokolips lay waste to the world, even Superman is overwhelmed—but not for long, as three heroes from the miniaturized city of Kandor emerge at full size, armed with all the vast powers of Kal-El, ready to become the new Supermen!
This battle of titans also features the machinations of Lex Luthor, plus fan favorites Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane aiding in the fight for Truth, Justice and the American Way.

I am up in the air about this new mini-series announced this month. Neal Adams is writing and drawing a six issue Superman story where Kandorians are enlisted to help the Man of Steel. That sounds Silver Age-y. So that is a plus.

But I haven't heard many good things about the recent Adams' written books for Batman and others. So I am wary.

Guess I'll try the first issue.

DC COMICS DESIGNER SERIES: DARWYN COOKE—BATMAN, SUPERGIRL, HARLEY QUINN AND ADAM STRANGE ACTION FIGURES
Eisner Award-winning artist Darwyn Cooke lends his amazing design skills to a new line of action figures, beginning with BATMAN, SUPERGIRL, HARLEY QUINN and ADAM STRANGE.
EACH FIGURE SOLD SEPARATELY
1. BATMAN – 6.57”
2. SUPERGIRL – 6.6”
3. HARLEY QUINN – 6.6”
4. ADAM STRANGE – 6.75”

We saw pics of this series of figures from the San Diego Comic Con. Now they are solicited. It is pricey at $28. But I love Cooke's design. And I can forgive the price tag since it comes with Krypto and Streaky. And that is one happy Dog of Steel!

These will be available in June.

WONDER WOMAN EARTH ONE VOL. 1 HC
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
In this new installment of the New York Times best-selling Earth One original graphic novel line, Grant Morrison (THE MULTIVERSITY) joins with Yanick Paquette (SWAMP THING, BATMAN, INC.) to reimagine Wonder Woman for a new era. Encompassing the vision of her original creator, William Moulton Marston, Morrison presents a Diana who yearns to break free from her mother and the utopian society on Paradise Island to learn about the forbidden outside world. Her dreams may come true when Air Force pilot Steve Trevor crashes on their shores, and she must defy the laws of the Amazons to return him to Man’s World.
Is she ready for the culture shock that awaits her in America? And is the world ready for this Wonder Woman?

While I know that this isn't a Super-book, I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette's Wonder Woman Earth One book. So I was giddy to finally see the book solicited.

I will definitely be getting this book!

Anything grab you?