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It has been 21 years since this epic graphic novel was first published. It has also been 21 years since I first read it. This week I had the chance to reread, so here is a review.

A good book stands the test of time and has something to say. Watchmen does both of those. I feel that it is just as relevant today as it was twenty years ago. Our world is still on the brink of a military or environmental crisis. In fact, it may be even more poignant today, since we are a nation currently at war.

This is not a light read. It is instead a heavy tome of meaty morsels. Each page should be read, and then thought upon before moving on. At the beginning of this reading I often found myself putting it down after a chapter and not reading anymore that night. Sometimes the mind can only take so much input of a specific variety at a time.

If you haven’t yet read Watchmen, read it now. If it has been a long time since you read it, read it again. Read it and see why it has been named as one of the hundred best English-Language novels ever.

Recommended for older teens and up due to violence, sex, nudity, language, and disturbing subjects.

Title: Laika
Writer: Abadzis, Nick
Illustrator: Abadzis, Nick
Publisher: First Second, 2007

The graphic novel, Laika, is an emotional look at the Russian space program and the life of Laika, the first dog to orbit the Earth. Have tissues ready.

That being said, Mr. Abadzis brings us an in depth look through art and story of hope and hopelessness.

Title: Death Note Vol. 1
Writer: Ohba, Tsugumi
Illustrator: Obata, Takeshi
Publisher: Viz Media, 2005

A dark Manga about a boy who finds a notebook that belonged to a demon/fairy from another dimension. The notebook is special, if the owner writes someone's name in that book, that person will die. The teen decides to use the book to rid the world of evil, name by name. Of course, things become interesting when the authorities decide to search for the mysterious killer.

I would give it an A, except that the cursing and subject matter is not my style. The writing is excellent.

Title: Castle Waiting
Writer/Illustrator: Linda Medley
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books, 2006

This graphic novel (the first in a new series) is a humorous take on what happens after
the fairy tale is over. The main setting is "Sleeping Beauty's" castle. The cast are a
bunch of odd misfits.

Title: Sloth
Writer/Illustrator: Gilbert Hernandez and Jared K. Fletcher
Publisher: DC Comics/Vertigo, 2006

This was an interesting read full of turns and transitions. Unfortunately, it was also
full of teenage angst. Not my cup of tea, but very well written.

I would recommend this graphic novel to readers who appreciate a dark/ angsty read, teen and up.

It is a well known fact that comic book series go through changes with different creators. Sometimes new creators make minimal change in a comics artistic direction, and sometimes creator changes cause a huge change in direction. The switch to Mr. Williams and Mr. McManus has brought the latter.

While Mr. Busiek also brought about a large change with his recent run, he did it by using the "One Year Later" plot device as a stepping stone. Because of the time that had passed, his magical evolution of Aquaman into the mystical "Dweller" with memory loss was reasonable. Other main characters of the series were missing or dead after the destruction caused by the Spectre and the intervening time. New characters were successfully introduced: a new Arthur Curry (perhaps from another universe), and Killer Shark (being used as a "good guy" for once). Their underwater habitat was a more primitive, war-torn ocean floor that lent itself to the new sword and sorcery genre. The world was built slowly and consistently and the plot was moved forward subtly. Small clues were revealed each issue.

The change to Williams and McManus was shocking. The feel of the comic went from drama to comedy. The art became a rough modern animation style. In two issues, 51 and 52: Aquaman gets his memory back, a damaged Tempest shows up, the JLA recognizes Aquaman, young Arthur Curry gains a new friend he names Topo who is surface world and hip-hop savvy squidoid, a new villain appears to kill the original Aquaman, and a new race of "bad guys" are introduced to forward a brand new plot. Revelations were thrusted upon the reading audience willy-nilly and the overall feeling of the series was that it was now meant for an audience of 8 to 12 year olds.

Nuggets or Submission!

The All New Atom
DC Comics
Gail Simone
2006
Grade: A

By David Perlowski

Dr. Ryan Choi is a genius. As a child he corresponded with the leading
scientific minds throughout the world, including an extended correspondence
with Dr. Ray Palmer. Palmer was the original Atom, the incredible shrinking
hero from the Justice League of America. When Palmer disappeared, Dr. Choi
took over Palmer's position teaching physics at Ivy University, nestled in
the heart of the strangest town in America.

With his own shrinking belt that had been hidden in Palmer's house for him,
the new Atom was immediately plunged into a multi-sided war between a race
of planet-conquering shrinking hi-tech aliens, mystics, a cancer-god from
beyond the stars, cultists who bear an uncanny resemblance to pilgrims, and
his new "girlfriend", Giganta.

Yes, THAT Giganta. The truly strange thing is that he accepts a second date
with her after she ate him at the drive-in.

The plotting and dialog in this book has been consistently top-notch. Choi's
interactions with the other off-beat professors at Ivy University sound
perfectly in character, and his attempts to improve his colloquial English
is very funny. In issue seven he faces off against a Linear Man and his band
of cowboy minions (don't ask...) and attempts witty super-hero banter with
some very funny results, namely getting out-cursed by the Linear Man who
actually says the word "Craptastic".

The All New Atom is one of the most consistently excellent titles I read
right now. I even take back some of what I said about John Byrne's art in an
earlier review. His style *hasn't* changed in the past 15 or so years, but
it suits this title very well. Recent issues have had other artists,
including Eddy Barrows and Mike Norton, but the overall "feel" for the comic
has remained the same.

Story: A

1. Groo, the wanderer (1985-1994)
2. Rex Libris (2005-current)
3. She-Hulk (2005-current)
4. and Blue Devil (1984-1986)

And now for those of you who need a little humor after spending so much quality time perusing dark, gritty, realistic, and violent comic books and graphic novels; here are 10 "funny book" recommendations in no specific order.

1. Young Justice (1998-2003)
2. Ambush Bug (1985), Son of Ambush Bug (1986),Ambush Bug Nothing Special (1992), Ambush Bug: Stocking Stuffer (1986)
3. The Defenders (2005-2006)
4. The Tick (1988-1993)
5. Ranma 1/2 (1991?)
6. Impulse (1995-2002)
7. Justice League/International/of America (1987 - 1996)
8. Formerly Known as the Justice League (2003) and I Can't Believe it's Not the Justice League (2005)
9. The Legion of Substitute Heroes Special (1985)
10. Hourman (1999-2001)

Here's hoping that you have a hilarious time reading this holiday season.

I love my older brother. He knows of my love for all things Legion of Super-Heroes and gave me such a cool birthday present: The Best of the Legion Outpost. The Legion Outpost was a fanzine devoted to the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 70’s. Alas, I was but an infant when the club and zine was first formed in 1971 and never got to read the original issues. By the time I would have been interested, the magazine was no more. But now, I got to read some of the best articles from the ten-issue run. Reading it was a lot of fun. The book also contains new articles about the Outpost, Legion fandom, and Legion creators.

Although the book is definitely focused on the Legion pre-1981, the articles are still interesting and relevant, especially the various interviews with the creators. The book is also crammed full of original artwork. Pick it up and have fun reading.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #30

Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Greg Land
Published May 2006

Review by: JFW

If you were one of those who tried the first story arc of Ultimate Fantastic Four written by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Millar and then decided the book wasn’t for you, I agree whole-heartedly. The book just didn’t seem to have the same gravitas as the other Ultimate books at the time. The chemistry between the two writers just wasn’t there.

However, a little over a year after that first arc, Millar returned to the book solo, and a funny thing happened—the book got good. With stories ranging from an alternate Earth populated by zombified Marvel characters (a must-read along with the follow-up miniseries Marvel Zombies) to the first appearance by Ultimate Namor (another gem that HAS to be read) to the Super Skrull appearance in the last arc (the weakest of the three, but still worth the price of admission), Millar has proven that he’s a consummate storyteller.

The Frightful Four, holdovers from the first arc, are still being held in captivity by Reed, who has found a way to jettison them back to their proper universe. Over the last few issues, zombie Reed has let it be known that he and his comrades are planning their escape and are just awaiting the optimum moment for this to happen.

But this issue deals more with Johnny Storm and his pregnancy. His pregnancy! That’s right, Johnny Storm is pregnant, boys and girls. Well, truth be told, not in the traditional sense. It turns out that during their trip to the N-Zone (pre-Millar’s return), a nasty little organism that has the potential to make life on Earth disappear has latched onto Johnny, deciding to incubate within his body.

Crystal of the Inhumans (a nice nod to the Ultimate FF Annual, showing that they do indeed matter) makes a guest appearance, letting Sue know where they stand on the matter. It fits in with the characterization of the secluded group and leaves the reader going, “Oh, that’s cold!”

As usual, Greg Land is putting out some great looking art. While he has his detractors, the reader will never be unsure of what he or she is looking at. And, regardless or whether he is light-boxing or not, the artwork is simply stunning.

So, if you’re tired of company-wide crossovers where you feel compelled to buy everything on the racks that week, check out Ultimate Fantastic Four. It’s nice super-heroic stories with nothing extra to read with appealing art. In addition, Millar has utilized 3 part arcs as opposed to the more popular 6- parters.

STORY: A-

ART: A+

OVERALL: A

Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre #1
Writer: Will Pfeifer
Artist: Cliff Chiang
Published: May 2006

Ever since John Ostrander’s run on the Spectre during the 1990’s (yes, there was the occasional good series during that period), I’ve been a huge fan of the character. It was a great series that really defined Jim Corrigan and the Wrath of God for me. In the conclusion to that series, Corrigan was rewarded with everlasting rest.

A few years following, DC decided that Hal Jordan, trapped in Purgatory due to the combination of his good and bad deeds, would be a suitable replacement. Liking both Jordan and the Spectre, I thought it’d be a blast—boy, was I wrong? The series turned out to be little more than some mediocre philosophizing that you could get from the local college from someone who didn’t understand philosophy at all. A main problem with the series was the Wrath of God was not the Spirit of Vengeance, THE defining aspect of the character. We’re talking about a character whose calling card is coming up with ironic ways to inflict justice on those who deserve it. Instead, DC decided to neuter the character into the Spirit of Redemption, which led to some pretty boring stories. If you’re ever suffering from a bout of insomnia, go check them out. I’m sure they’re in bargain bins across the country and far cheaper than sleeping pills.

It was for these reasons that I looked at Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre with more than a little trepidation. Still, the character is a favorite, so the first issue was worth a look. Being unfamiliar with Will Pfeifer’s other work, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Well, it may be a little too soon, but from the first issue, I’m willing to say Pfeifer understands the character. For those of you who haven’t reading the follow-up to this series, Crispus Allen is the new Spectre, the result of being killed by a corrupt cop with a familiar name—Jim Corrigan.

The first issue covers how Allen is coming to terms with his newfound position among the dead. The Spectre offers Allen the chance to be his human host, which at first he declines. However, the Spirit of Vengeance is undeterred. He decides to give Allen a year to give his final decision in the matter. So what’s a former Gotham cop to do now that he’s dead and has nothing to do?

First, he decides to visit his family, only he can’t contact them as they do in the movies. So he falls back on what he does best—being a detective. Among the mysteries he devotes himself to is: who is the Batman, as one would expect from a Gotham cop. And then finds himself a mysterious man tied to a murder. During this time, he also learns that his murder will not be avenged by mere humans and their courts.

After all of this, the year passes and Spectre visits Allen again, asking him one more time to be his human host, which he permits this time. This, in turn, leads to the Spectre what he does best—dishing out ironic justice to those who deserve it.

The questions posed in the series are interesting enough that it definitely gets the reader to WANT the next issue, which is more than what I can say for the previous incarnation of the book. Art wise, Chiang does a nice job with a brooding style that definitely suits the character and the mood of the story. While not flashy or “superstar” quality, it fits the book and isn’t distracting, nor would I expect it to hold up an issue (a major issue with all artists these days).

For me, the best value for your money of the miniseries leading into Infinite Crisis was hands down Villains United. Not only did it have consistently funny and plot moving dialogue, but the art was fantastic. That coupled with the fact that out of the four minis, it was the only one with a conclusive ending set it apart from its companions.

Well, that superior mini begat yet another miniseries (once again a meager 6 issues), this one entitled Secret Six. Once again, Gail Simone is onboard to captain the ship, hopefully capturing the magic she had in the previous series.

From the first issue, it’s a bit difficult to tell. The pieces are in place, the characters have returned, but I’m not quite convinced as of yet. Not that the first issue was bad or even average, it just wasn’t as captivating as the original.

This one begins in a North Korean prison camp, with a hooded American captive being taken to his execution. His captors are demanding to know who he was sent to assassinate. All of this leads to the Secret Six, or at least it remaining members, breaking in to free the hooded prisoner.

During the team’s meeting, they discuss bringing in the secret option they’ve apparently been discussing off page. And once they decide on their course of action, the group decides to go on vacation? It seems a little peculiar in the context of the story, other than to have them separated for the next portion of the adventure.

See, Dr. Psycho is now in control of the Society and has a serious vendetta against this other group. But those he is supposed to be leading do not want to follow slights against them and simply want to go about their business. This doesn’t sit well with their leader, so he goes about his revenge behind the Soceity’s back.

While the Secret Six are on their separate vacations, each one is attacked (with the exception of Catman—who is developing into quite the character). Catman is proof that there is no character that is beyond redemption in the hands of a capable writer. For proof, simply check out the Villains United trade.

Despite the action, it didn’t really feel like much happened in between the covers of this first issue. Still, simply based on the work done on Villains United, I plan on sticking around for the conclusion of this series.

The art, as with the series from which this one was spawned, is once again great. Brad Walker isn’t a household name, though I expect to see his name on more projects following this one.

Shadowpact #1

Writer and Artist: Bill Willingham

Published: May 2006

Of all of the miniseries prefacing Infinite Crisis, Day of Vengeance was probably the most surprising. That was due to the fact it was the one no one thought much of, but the one that turned out to be a better one (in my mind, only Villains United was better). Prior to the miniseries, I’d never had any exposure to Ragman, but by the end of the series I would have signed a petition for the beginning of an ongoing solo series for the character. Now THAT’S good writing.

So, here we go with a series revolving around the “superhero” team that made its appearance during that miniseries, beginning appropriately enough with Phantom Stranger setting the mood for the book, stating how things have changed.

Next up, Superman discovers a small town called Riverrock, Wyoming has been encompassed by some strange red bubble. Nothing he does will allow him entrance which can only mean one thing—magic. But, to drive home the point, he gets Green Lantern who confirms what we all knew, only to get further confirmation by Phantom Stranger. During their brief exchange, Phantom Stranger says he can perform an act that will permit a group to enter, to which Green Lantern and Supes say they’ll be happy to do. Only Phantom Stranger knows of Superman’s weakness, so he has another idea—our band of merry magicians, the Shadowpact.

Some will think that scene was nothing but filler meant to get a major “guest star” or two into the book. To me, however, this was an important scene, stating, yes, Superman and Green Lantern are powerful, but there are certain things in this world that they are not capable of handling. Immediately, this sets up the Shadowpact as a unique group that is not overshadowed by the big guns of the DC Universe. This bunch of misfits banded together has qualities that Supes and GL cannot match. The group has an identity all its own.

We’re introduced to the antagonists inside the bubble and their goal of raising the dead through the sacrifice of the town they have imprisoned. Honestly, the names of the villains inside the bubble meant little to nothing to me—Bagman (who is his nemesis? The Panic Attack?), Jack of Fire, Strega, Karnevil, Sister Shadow, and the White Rabbit. Still, as I read the book, I WANTED to know more about these characters.

So, the Shadowpact arrived and entered the bubble. And time passed. For a year they’ve been trapped inside, with Phantom Stranger and others waiting outside for their triumphant return. So what exactly happened inside the bubble? I don’t know, but I’m looking forward to finding out.

The art on the book is lacking. It’s serviceable, doing the job that is required, but some of the characters come off as simply goofy looking. Willingham has a style that teeters between cartoonish and overly simplistic.

STORY: B+

ART: C+

OVERALL: B

Amazing Spider-Man #532

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Artist: Ron Garney

Published: May 2006

Review by: JWF

Ever since my introduction to Straczynski with the debut of Rising Stars (which began with loads of promise and then fizzled out as the series progressed), I’ve had a love-hate relationship with the writer. With one storyline, I’d place him in the ranks of Geoff Johns, Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Millar, or Ed Brubaker, one the best at what they do. And then he’ll follow it up with some hackneyed, incomprehensible arc that makes me wonder if he had Judd Winick ghostwrite the book for him.

Amazing Spider-Man epitomizes the ups and downs of following the man. A great storyline like Sins Past is just as likely as the stinker (and waste of paper) of Skin Deep. Well, after this issue, I’m undecided as to which column this arc will fall.

The current issue is part one of a six-part story that ties into the biggest story in comic book history since Infinite Crisis (which, you know, ended like 2 months ago), that is Civil War. Not much action (and by that, I mean none) is contained within the issue; it’s all human emotions and debates over whether or not the heroes should hand over their civilian identities to the government.

The story begins with Peter looking a few days back, when Tony is taking him to Stamford, the place where the worse superhero induced tragedy occurred. As he does so, Stark tells Spidey that he understands the anger that people feel towards them. This, in turn, leads to a meeting with the President wherein Tony tells the leader of the free world that he is still Iron Man.

After he reveals that fact to Parker, Tony tells his protégé that the world has changed, working behind a mask will no longer be accepted. Stark puts Peter on the spot, pretty much giving him an “either you’re with me or you’re against me” speech, without being as fiery or passionate, and he even gives Peter some time to consider his choices.

As is common with the character, he goes home to discuss the matter with his wife and aunt, getting some responses that he (nor I, for that matter) expected. Aunt May gives a reasoned response that seems to have been taken from many of the comic book forums that has been discussing the crux of Civil War—whether the heroes should unmask and register. And MJ even agrees. Of course, their votes only make sense in the context of the story continuing forward, otherwise it would stall.

While I enjoyed the first issue of Civil War, I still have a major problem with the whole issue of the miniseries. In a world in which people have to register guns, it would only make sense that the superheroes would have to do the same. A handgun kills a person at a time whereas a person with the Human Torch’s abilities can kill dozens, hundreds, even thousands at a time. But, in all honesty, unlike others, it doesn’t rile me up to any real degree. I think every story should be on the table in order to entertain people.

Back to the issue at hand, though, the art is very lackluster. With full disclosure in mind, however, I’ve never been a fan of Ron Garney. In my mind, an artist of a higher caliber should be working on a book so integral to their blockbuster going on. Still, the issue is worth the cover price and no doubt important to the overall story running through the Marvel Universe right now.

STORY: B-

ART: C

OVERALL: C+ (with plenty of time to improve over the course of the next 5 issues)

Shadowpact #1
July 2006
Writer and Artist: Bill Willingham

As the cover states, "The Outrageous Stars Of Day Of vengeance Are Back!"

I wasn't aware that the characters were "outrageous". But, Mr. Willingham has turned the team into a comedy act. Don't get me wrong, the Blue Devil and Detective Chimp are inherently comedic characters, but Ragman? What foul deed could Ragman and Nightshade have committed to be not only teamed with, but turned into clowns?

That aside, the story was amusing and well done. The treatment of mainstream heroes: Superman, Green Lantern, and Phantom Stranger was humorous, if a little cruel. I am getting a little tired of comics that show Superman as an idiot.

While this title will not find itself on my best of list, DC was in need of a comedy title and I will enjoy reading it.

It is one year later. The Infinite Crisis is over. Superman hasn't been seen since then. Clark is spending more time at his job and actually being a...gasp...reporter. Lex Luthor is acquitted of all charges and is free. Super-villains attack metropolis and Clark calls in...Supergirl?! Luther beats up Clark?! No more invulnerability? Explanations?

Well written, paced, and done. I enjoyed reading it from end to end. The art is new and refreshing. Clark in his high school letter jacket is adorable. I can't wait to see more?

Impulse #45
February 1999
DC
Writer: William Messner-Loebs
Penciller: Craig Rousseau

The story: Max is recovering from a gun shot wound, Bart is feeling guilty about it, and Bart's mom comes to visit for Christmas. Across town, the reader is introduced to the, hehehehee, master criminal, The Green Cigarette. Bart flees home while Max, mom, and Max's daughter are fighting. Bart's guidance counselor finds him and arranges a family conference.

The script is fabulous. It is funny, smart, and insightful. The art is typical Impulse art and the images used are fantastic.

This issue bears the title, "Merry Christmas, Kingpin". This issue gives the reader a close look at Eightball, Darla, and Ralph, Daredevil's pint-sized ~~hooligans~~ helpers. Eightball witnesses Wildboys gang members steal presents and beat up a sidewalk Santa. Eightball is impressed and decides that if Daredevil thinks he is bad, he might as well be bad.

Needless to say, Eightball learns a lesson, young love blooms, and everybody has a merry Christmas except Wilson Fisk.

And so the holiday comic reviews continue. As some of you may know, Justice League Unlimited is a comic based on the Cartoon Network Justice League cartoon and is aimed at a young audience. I bought the issue this week because of the attractive cover and holiday theme. This was actually my first time reading an issue of this series.

The premise is that the younger members of the Justice League have been assigned monitor duty Christmas Day. (This doesn't make sense to my adult mind, but I digress.) Over the course of the issue, the young heroes bond by discussing the holidays and capturing a criminal. The lesson of the story comes to the reader through the character of Atom Smasher. And that is all I will say about the plot.

It is an enjoyable but simple read aimed at young readers. It would make a great stocking stuffer for the under ten year old crowd.

Christmas with the Super-Heroes is an anthology of previously released Christmas themed stories. The volume contains: Batman in "Wanted: Santa Claus--Dead or Alive!" from DC Special Series #21, 1979; Justice League in "The Man Who Murdered Santa Clause!" from Justice League #110, 1974; Teen Titans in The TT's Swingin' Christmas Carol!" from Teen Titans #13, 1968; Legion of Super-Heroes in "Star Light, Star Bright..." from DC Special Series #21, 1979; Superman in "Twas the Fright Before Christmas!" from DC Comics Presents #67, 1984; and Batman in "The Silent night of the Batman" from Batman #219, 1970.

I have to admit, I have a fondness for some of these stories. A few of them, I have multiple copies of in different formats. The Legion of Super-Heroes story is a particular favorite. This issue introduces the readers to the different ways the holiday season is celebrated in the 30th century. This is also the issue that first mentions the fact that Colossal Boy is Jewish. It is a sweet and heart-touching read.

"The Silent Night of Batman" is another favorite read. The team of: Mike Friedrich-writer; and Neal Adams and Dick Giordano-artists, tells a touching story with very few words. For once, Batman goes through a Christmas Eve without any violence.

As for the other stories: the Teen Titans issue is a Christmas Carol adaptation. Worth reading for poor Aqualad's attempts to be hip - ohhhh, the horrible one-liners. The Justice League story, in my opinion, is the worst of the stories. Len Wein did the writing, and frankly, it is corny and ~~crap~~ dated.

The good news is, last I checked, Brainstorm had a stack of this comic. Go buy one as a present for your comic-reading loved ones.

From now until Christmas, I will be spotlighting some of the many Holiday Special comics that I have come across over the years. Let’s start with that tried and true favorite from days of yore:

The Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special
1991
Keith Giffen: Plot/Breakdowns
Simon Bisley: Art
Alan Grant: Dialogue

Yup, you got it, violence, gore, and a load of bad taste. I was rereading this comic last night and was pleasantly tickled and surprised by the bad jokes and wonderful one-liners. The art is sketchy and depraved as all good Lobo art is. And did I mention the fantastic cast of characters? No? It’s got a Christmas caroling dog, elves, penguins, and one bad Santa. And of course, the main man himself, Lobo!

This comic is not for the faint hearted or the under 17 years of age. But if you are 18yr old or older and appreciate a little “Ultra-Violence” and “Icon Bashing” this is the holiday comic for you.

Title: Rex Libris #1
Written and Drawn by James "Juame" Turner
Publisher: SLG Publishing
Grade: A
Review by April Perlowski

The first issue of Rex Libris is entitled, "I, Librarian". I had seen it mentioned briefly in August's Library Quarterly, but paid little attention to it. After all, the blurb claimed that the comic would tell all about the secret world of librarians. Ooooooh exciting (tongue in cheek). So when I saw it on the comic stands last week, I didn't have high hopes for it, but decided to pick it up any way. And I am glad I did. I haven't laughed so hard reading a comic book since Ambush Bug faced down Joni DC, Continuity Cop!

The gist of the series is that Rex is a librarian. That's it. A librarian with skills that every librarian has, like hand to hand combat and SAS training. Rex uses his skills to defend the library and its books from all sorts of bad guys. How funny can that be? Very. It gets even better when you add the commentary track. Yes, the commentary track. Juame and the editor have provided a commentary track at the bottom of the pages to further the readers understanding of the story. Think MSTK. I loved it.

The art is not a style that I usually enjoy, but the writing more than makes up for it. The mini features in the end I thought were a little lame, but were O.K. filler.

Final comments: Very funny and sprinkled with library "in" jokes. This is an extremely wordy comic and took me about 30 minutes to read. (This could also be attributed to the fact that every page I was stopping to read something to my husband.) A definite hit if the quality of writing remains. If not, I don't see it lasting more than 6 issues.

Comic: Superman/Shazam: First Thunder #1
Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Joshua Middleton
Grade: B
Reviewer: April Perlowski

The premise of this mini-series is the first meeting of Superman and Shazam. That is all good. I like Superman. I like Shazam. They should have a first meeting story. Unfortunately, this first issue seems to give Shazam/Billy Batson yet another origin/reality. This will be his third change/origin since 1987. (Of course, since 1987 we have also experienced Zero Hour and soon will be going through Infinite Crisis.)

Otherwise, the writing and the art are top-notch. The storyline is easy to follow, and the dialogue is realistic. My only problem with Middleton's art style, is the minimal use of line and that Billy and "Cap" appear to have undergone a race change since we have last seen them. They now appear Korean.

Title: Batman: Jekyll & Hyde
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Artist: Jae Lee
Grade: A+
Review by: April Perlowski

Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee definitely deliver with this mini-series. The art is truly beautiful. Lee presents page after page of moving and emoting images. Jenkins' writing is intelligent and insightful. He presents us with very human pictures of Bruce and Harvey while staying consistent with the darkness and monstrousness of Two-Face and Batman. Best of all, these two artists work well together. The writing and illustrations are integral to each other and need to be seen and read together for the best effect.

This could be called a psychological thriller, or a peek into the minds of two deeply disturbed men. I've finished issue #3 and I'm hooked on this 6 part mini-series. What secrets will be revealed next? Will Two-Face triumph? Will Harvey save Batman? Will Bruce Wayne cease to exist? These answers, and more will be revealed in the next three issues.

New Game: Anachronism from the History Channel.
Review:

Anachronism is a CCG in which two or more players pit historic and legendary warriors from a variety of cultures against each other. Players reveal an additional card that adds to that fighter's capabilities. The first fighter to lose all his life-points loses the match. The first release of the set is available as both a starter set and additional fighter booster packs. The starter set comes with a play mat, rules, two six-sided dice and a set of cards for Achilles (Greek) and Spartacus (Rome). The first set includes 16 characters from Japan, the Norse Vikings, Greece and Rome. A second set has just been released with an additional 16 warriors from the Egyptian, Chinese, Mongol and Briton cultures.

Overall rating: B+ Game play: 12 years+ Time: 5 minutes Players: 2 (possibly more in variant games?) Learning curve: Pretty easy. We had it all worked out after 2 games.

OWLY Splashin' Around by Andy Runton
OWLY is an adorable comic that is reminiscent of old Winnie-the-Pooh comic books from the 60's and 70's. The story is written primarily for pre-school aged children and is almost completely with out text. The illustrations are easily followed and understandable. The humor can be enjoyed by all age levels.

Batman Strikes! #1 by Bill Matheny and Christopher Jones
This is a reprinting of the recent 1st issue based on the new WB cartoon. I read it. I tried to enjoy it. I really enjoyed the two episodes of the cartoon I saw. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this comic book. I didn't have a problem with the art, which was in the same style as the TV show. The writing and plotting was its downfall. They were not of the same standard as the TV show and lacked interest.

The Adventures of Paul by Michael Rabagliati
The Adventures of Paul is a series of vignettes about the main character, Paul, from different times in his life. The semi-autobiographical comic is based in Montreal where the creator lives and is told in a humorous and straight forward manner. A nice peek at real person comics.

FLIGHT by Kazu Kibuishi and Jake Parker
This issue contains two short stories previously published in the Flight series. The books seem to be, from what I have seen of the free comic, to be anthologies of stories about flying. The artwork is attractive and the writing decent. I enjoyed the second story more than the first, but it was also more simplistic.

Bone Sharps, Cowboys and Thunder Lizards by Jim Ottaviani & Big Time Attic
"A Tale of Edwin Drinker Cope, Othniel Charles Marsh and the Gilded Age of Paleontology"
Billed as a mostly true story, this comic is the first part of a graphic novel that will be available Fall 2005. The story had potential, but could have been more riveting. I'm sure that the complete comic would fill in some of the gaps in the story. I would have also appreciated a brief bio on some of the "Famous Characters" used in the story. I did not automatically recognize all of them. As true story comics go, not bad.

Many recent (and younger) readers of DC comics were just introduced to an group of second-stringer villains calling themselves The Secret Six. In Villains United #1, the team consisted of Deadshot, Cheshire, the Fiddler, a Parademon, Ragdoll and... um... a woman I will call Business Suit Lady because I've never heard of her anywhere before. Later on the team changed to include the newly impressive Catman. The final member of the team is a mysterious character called Mockingbird. Although this is the most powerful lineup for the team (yes, including Ragdoll!), this is not their first incarnation. The first Secret Six had their own comic in DC back in 1968, *way* pre-Crisis.

"In 1968, a mysterious person known only as the Mockingbird assembled a team of people he supposedly helped in the past, each an expert in some field. In each case, the Mockingbird had a hold that enforced obedience from the agent. The Secret Six were: Dr. August Durant, government physicist; Carlo di Rienzi, stage magician; Crimson Dawn, fashion model turned actress; King Savage, ace pilot and stunt man; Lili de Neuve, film star and make-up expert; and Mike Tempest, heavyweight boxer. On Mockingbird's orders, the Secret Six battled crime and communism for years, all the time knowing that Mockingbird was actually one of their own.

Many years after retiring, the team reunited for one last mission, in which all but"

...in which all but one of the six perished. This reunion occurred in the first issue of Action Comics Weekly, Action 601, just after the Crisis. The new Mockingbird assembled a new Secret Six, using the same combination of bribery and blackmail. The old team was lured to their death by the new Mockingbird on their way to "train" the new Six. According to the Unofficial Guide:

Vic Sommers, a blind Vietnam vet; Mitch Hoberman, a special effects master suffering from rheumatoid arthritis; LaDonna Jameal, a mute actress; Luke McKendrick, an Olympic-level tracker with crippled legs; Dr. Maria Verdugo, an epileptic mathematician; and Anthony Mantegna, a deaf reporter, were all supplied with devices more than compensating them for their disabilities. In return, they had to do Mockingbird's bidding, battling espionage and crime that could not be stopped by conventional means or through legal authorities. If they defied Mockingbird, he could deactivate their devices.

In each incarnation, the Secret Six was composed of non-super-powered specialists who were convinced to work for Mockingbird to "apprehend criminals the law can't touch by conventional means. Criminals YOU will defeat -- by holding them up to ridicule... Mockery. Hence the code-name Mockingbird." Clever, eh? Send a team of minions out on suicide missions in order to mercilessly taunt bad guys. All in all, it wasn't a *bad* run. Its main fault was that there was only about 8 pages per issue. The old team didn't even die until issue 602, and it took the new team until issue 604 or 5 to actually start their first mission. As you could imagine, the missions all read like episodes of Mission Impossible, with stealthy infiltration, gadget-filled misdirection and then a running gunfight to make it out of the enemy stronghold. And in the end, they even figure out the identity of their Mockingbird. Is this the same Mockingbird? Or was his (or her...) place taken by one of the second team? Who knows. All this happened in 1988, and there's been a full universe reboot since then. Given the overall quality of the writing in the new Crisis series, I'm sure we'll find out soon...

This latest version of the Legion reminds me of where the Legion was coming from back in 1963. Way back then, the Legion of Super-Heroes was formed as a club. It's members were inspired by the exploits of the 20th century teen super-hero, Superboy. And, they were not all powerful or all knowing. They were just kids. As the decades flew by, the Legion aged and became more serious. The new series started after Zero Hour tried to rectify this by starting over. It didn't work. The heroes were too powerful, had too much political clout, and were combating forces the likes of Darkseid.

This Legion, on the other hand, is young, brash, and makes mistakes. They act and talk like teenagers. They emulate the super-heroes of the 20th century. They consider themselves a club and disdain those with political power. They are "cool" and "hip". They are seen as dangerous outcasts and trouble makers by those in power. And they have the best battle cry ever, "EAT IT, GRANPA!".

With a cast as large as the Legion's, the creative staff is taking its time introducing and filling out the characters. Some of the characters they have introduced the readers to are: Dream Girl, Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, Lightening Lad, Light Lass, and Triplicate Girl. Of these characters, the creative team has handed us the best version of Dream Girl ever. She is not the Bimbo that some writers have shown her to be. She is not the flighty, but brilliant leader that other writers have written. Instead, they have given us a strong, intelligent, bold young woman whose clairvoyance is always on and always active. She also has a sense of humor. I actually like this version of Dream Girl. She was always my least favorite Legionnaire in other volumes.

Legion of Super-Heroes is only on its fifth issue. Try something different. Buy it. Read it. I think you will enjoy it.

4/10/05
The Tale of One Bad Rat
A Dark Horse Graphic Novel
By Bryan Talbot
1994
Grade: B+
Review by April Perlowski

This graphic novel was both written and illustrated by the talented Bryan Talbot. The story flows well and details are revealed the further along you read. The art is well done and resembles the work he did in the Sandman comic.

The Tale of One Bad Rat is not a super-hero comic. Instead, it is the story of a teenage runaway named Helen. She has left her home for the streets of London with her pet rat, her paints, and a collection of Beatrix Potter story books.

This story deals with the tough subjects of Child Abuse, Incest, and how to survive them. Mr. Talbot presents these subjects in a manner that is thoughtful, compelling, and realistic.

You will notice this is not as thorough a review as the last one. This is because I want you to read this book.

Blood Of The Demon no. 1
May 2005
Overall Grade: C- (It's better than the last Demon miniseries...)
Review by Dave Perlowski

Somewhere in the North Atlantic, off the coast of Greenland, a chunk of the Arctic icecap breaks off in the warming spring weather and begins its slow treck south. As it melts, a shadowy figure begins to be seen deep in the depths of the berg. He will be found and defrosted by a passing freighter, and will return to civilization, bypassed by the last fifteen years of his icy imprisonment. He is a MAN OUT OF TIME! He is... JOHN BYRNE!

Seriously, I like a lot of John Byrne's work. I liked his '85 Superman: Man of Steel rewrite. I *really* liked his run on the 1990 Namor series. I...don't know why he hasn't retired yet. First of all, there is nothing particularly awful about this comic. It's just that there is not a single thing about it that is any *good*, either. Byrne has managed to write a comic that does not have a single original idea anywhere inside it. Let's start with the art. It's classic Byrne, right out of 1990 Namor. I mean, *right out* of 1990 Namor. Take a look at Namor #10, January '91, page 13, last panel. Misty Knight confronts a newly resurrected Danny Rand. Now take a look at BotD #1, page... um... the page opposite the ad for "Nanobreaker", first panel. Sandra the cop confronts a newly resurrected Jason Blood. They are the same character! Kinda flat-topped 'fro, black knee boots, tight, black skirt to mid-thigh, jacket. If there were more human characters in BotD, I'm sure I'd find more comparisons, but unfortunately the rest of the issue is made up of extras from an episode of Angel.

Dialog: "Not even MY magic can DRAG him BACK across the FINAL threshold. There's NOTHING left for ME to do... ...but complete the depressingly MORTAL task of DISPOSING of the BODY." Yea, verily, the body doth begin to rot on yon floor. Sorry. That should read YEA, verily, THE body doth BEGIN to rot ON yon FLOOR. The emphasis on completely random words does make the cheesy dialog more fun if you read it out loud and check out the completely unnatural speaking pattern that emerges. Maybe it's actually a secret code. If you read just the emphasized words in the issue, it spells out a secret message, like "Go buy this month's issue of JSA instead. It's GOOD."

Next: fight scenes. For reasons not adequately explained in the comic, Jason suits up like he's Nick Fury trying to make it to a game at Yankee Stadium and then goes and attacks a pack of demons. He eviscerates a bunch of them in suitably gory fashion using his trusty katana, before a demon shatters it with his mace. Jason exclaims "No! For a thousand years, that sword has been my protector!" SAY WHAT? I'm sorry, I must have missed where in all those other runs of The Demon JASON BLOOD HAS EVER USED A SWORD. And a thousand-year old katana at that? There can be only one!

He then gets angry and his demon-side starts expressing itself. His face goes all ridgy and ugly, and proceeds to kill two more demons by doing a dual-over-the-shoulder-sword-throw thingy that pierces both of their skulls. Did I mention Angel before? Yep.

Lastly, we have the piece-de-resistance. The demon-priest introduces Etrigan/Jason to "his leetle friend". A giant, green, mind-bending tentacled horror of (and I quote): "an Elder God". JESUS H. KRISHNA! What editor passed on this script, anyway? They sued TSR back in the '80s for ripping off Cthulhu characters for one of their books, and besides, is it too much to ask for a - what? 30 year? - veteran of the comics industry to actually think up a twisted, sanity-shattering eldritch horror of his own, rather than rip off one from H.P. Lovecraft?

So, in the end, we have The Highlander getting shot at by extras from the 1990s Marvel back-issue bin, speaking in CrAzY CaPs, and using leftover fight choreography from Angel to fight something out of Call of Cthulhu. At least Byrne gives us *one* original idea: a miniseries where the lead character gets killed in issue one and has to straighten everything out before the series ends.

Comic Book Reviews Archive

Ultimate Fantastic Four #30

New Game: Anachronism from the History Channel.
Review:

Created March 2005 by A. Perlowski
Last updated 12/19/09

Comic Book Reviews Archive

Ultimate Fantastic Four #30

New Game: Anachronism from the History Channel. Review:

Created March 2005 by A. Perlowski Last updated 12/19/09

New Game: Anachronism from the History Channel.
Review:

Created March 2005 by A. Perlowski
Last updated 12/19/09