Action Comics #1017 (DC)
Martin: 3.5/5 stars. This issue is a bit all over the place, but it does bring in elements from Justice League, the regular Superman title, & others, as it attempts to craft a bridge between all the disparate current stories.
Avengers #27 (Marvel)
Infinite Speech: This space adventure has everything and now I need to know why Silver Surfer has them on the run and see Brood Thor vs Gladiator!
Batman: Creature of the Night #4 (DC)
Martin: 4.5/5 stars. Firstly, we should recognize & be happy that artist John Paul Leon is recovering from battling cancer & was able to create some spectacular pages in the last installment of this mini-series. Cheers!
Black Panther #18 (Marvel)
Infinite Speech: Coates writes a compelling issue as he peels back so many layers here then leaves us on a cliffhanger that makes me want the next issue right now.
Detective Comics #1016 (DC)
Martin: 2.5/5 stars. I am really not happy that, after decades of watching or reading stories of Victor Fries wanting to reunite with his wife, that she’s been turned into a mustache-twirling caricature of a villain with no redeeming features.
Fallen Angels #2 (Marvel)
Infinite Speech: If you must have a Dawn of X title on your pull list then this is definitely one of them thanks to the outstanding creative team!
The Flash #83 (DC)
Infinite Speech: Once you realize why Flash was chained up the way he was you’ll understand it was necessary. Another solid issue as we see the reign of Captain/King Cold.
Martin: 4/5 stars. I’ve always been a fan of Flash’s Rogues Gallery, & this story gives us some good background/context of Captain Cold & his sister, Golden Glider. She was a surprise addition to this book, as are a few other members of the Flash family.
Freedom Fighters #11 (DC)
Martin: 3/5 stars. There are some great moments in this book, including the opening sequence and, finally, the development of Uncle Sam’s character. However, we’re 11 issues in & it feels that we don’t know much about any of these characters.
Ironheart #12 (Marvel)
Infinite Speech: One hell of a send off right here as Ewing and Vecchio deliver an outstanding end to this arc right here!
Justice League Dark #17 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. By far the best ongoing story arc in any of the current 3 Justice League titles, and & of the best at DC overall. The focus on horror elements works really well for this title, & creepy images complement the story.
The Last God #2 (DC)
Martin: 4.5/5 stars. The writing & word building in this is really great, but what lifts the score even higher is the art by Ricardo Federici, who creates some of the eeriest & most sinister creatures in comics. It feels like a great #dnd setting.
Shazam #8 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. The concept of the 7 magical lands is great, as is the focus on family & the “team up” of Dr. Sivana, Mr. Mind, & Black Adam. Less successful is the introduction and focus on Billy’s birth father, but little has been revealed so far
Supergirl Annual #2 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. Annuals aren’t typically essential, but it would be a mistake to skip this. Venditti really gets into Kara’s head as she is infected by the Batman Who Laughs, & seeing her thoughts change is unsettling.
Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Infinite Crisis #1 (DC)
Martin: 3.5/5 stars. As with all of these “tales from…” titles so far, this one is a mixed bag. I love alternate versions and “Elseworld” style tales, but the concept is getting a bit worn. I guess I like a bit of fun in my #comics.
Terrifics #22 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. Bizarro-speak is one of those polarizing elements of comics, with many people falling into the “hate it” camp. I am not one of those people, as I really enjoy the Silver Age overtones of the original Bizarro concept.
Venom #20 (Marvel)
Infinite Speech: Cates is cleaning up after Absolute Carnage with a little symbiote history but reveals The Maker and the Council of Reeds. Which is probably the most boring council ever.
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