Superman is often accused of being boring, of being too predictable. Pak and Co have taken Superman, and readers, out of their comfort zone and show the wonderful combination that is Superman and horror. It's something that's not been seen that often, and they pull it off with aplomb.

Action Comics #40 is an inspired bit of lunacy and the perfect coda on which to take the two month Convergence break. It will make you laugh, cry tears of joy, and be glad for stories like this. It's also a good invitation for the upcoming Bizarro series, which I hope will match this comic in side splitting hilarity.

Action Comics continues to be a jewel in DC Comics' crown as Pak and Kuder weave a Superman tale that is already surprising doubters with how good it is. With a “ripped from the headlines” aspect, great action, and poignant drama, this latest issue shows that Superman's true measure is not the strength of his muscles, but the love and courage in his heart.

First off, look at that cover, isn't it gorgeous? And the art inside isn't half bad either; Gill draws a beautifully sunny Gotham, a happy Bluebelle swinging over Gotham, and Joker's Ice Cream Factory is something out of Willie Wonka.

Batman #29 continues to prove that "Zero Year" provides a thrilling and nail-biting thrill-ride; and the cliffhanger will leave you wanting more.

It's time to move Year One a bit down your shelf, because Zero Year has officially become, in my opinion, the definitive tale of how Batman became Gotham's protector. Snyder, Capullo, and their team have created a modern classic, which this finale is the perfect capstone to their pyramid. The villains are defeated, Batman is victorious, and Gotham has a Dark Knight to watch over it.

Overall, this is as perfect a chapter as you can get. Snyder's tale is taut, brutal, and bloody; with Capullo providing both beatdowns and creepy atmosphere that is complimented with Miki's inks and Plascencia's colors. Tynion's tale with Nolan's artwork seems to be the perfect complement to Snyder's chapters.

What is Joker's master plan? Is this new origin the truth? Will Batman find out what he needs to stop Joker? This “Endgame” is proving to be one of the all time great Joker tales. While Snyder says this is his last Joker tale, I hope he'd allow Joker a cameo here and there. He's brought a suspenseful terror back to the Clown Prince of Crime that should remain as a part of the character. With the odds growing slimmer and the casualties mounting, can Batman actually stop Joker this time? We must continue reading, even as a cold shiver goes up our spine.

“Endgame” has proven to be a chilling thrill ride. Will Batman and Co save the day? Will Joker be triumphant? And what will we see on the other side of Convergence. One thing is for sure, Joker is playing for keeps.

As for the ultimate question of Batman's survival, I will not spoil it for those who have not yet read the issue. If you have a burning desire to know, The Guardian has an article that may, or may not, answer your questions. As for this final chapter of Endgame, it is a proper end for a powerful arc that will go down as one of the great Joker tales. As for the future of Batman, we will have to see what happens in June.

And they leave us with a question, is that man on a park bench really…?

People were scared when they heard of this new status quo, but it has proved to be a hit under Snyder and Capullo's guidance. With a mystery villain in the wings, and the Once And Future Batman still around, there is plenty of story left to tell. And with Gordon staring into the abyss that is Gotham, sooner or later it's going to start staring back.

It's another Batman homerun for Snyder and Capullo. One mystery has been solved, but more have opened. What does Mr. Bloom have planned? Will Gordon be able to stop him? And will something happen to Bruce to bring him back to the cowl?

It is nice to see Bruce back in the cowl, albeit briefly, and the issue overall is a strong look at how the normal people of Gotham need a protector. Here, the villains aren't cartoonish, but they are definitely deadly. This noir-style issue is a nice pause in the more action packed “Superheavy” arc, and it shows that while Bruce Wayne might not be in the cowl at present, his heart and soul will always belong to the people of Gotham.

Five years with the same team on a book is rare for comics in this day and age, but the team of Snyder and Capullo will forever be remembered with fondness in any Bat-fan's heart. This issue is not only the perfect way to cap off their run (which will resume in a yet to be announced project), but an excellent way to pass the baton to the upcoming Bat teams so they can make their own stamp on the legend.

My lone complaint about this thing is that some readers, if they are jumping on (or back on) with Damian's rebirth, then they might be confused by some plot points Tomasi brings back. However, this is a pitch perfect issue to mark Damian's return. Robin with superpowers"it's more fun than you'd imagine!

This issue is a perfect sendoff to the title, though next week's annual might cause a slight shift in status quo. As for Tomasi and Gleason, this isn't their farewell to Damian, or Gotham. Tomasi apparently has another Batman project in the works as well as writing the comic book prequel to Arkham Knight, while Gleason will be writing and pencilling the post Convergence title Robin, Son of Batman. It's not truly farewell for them or us to Batman and Robin, it's more like "until we meet again."

It is the end for Batman and Robin, for now. The Dynamic Duo ends their book with a wonderful sendoff that works with the themes Tomasi has developed over his run, and shows at its heart this series has always been a father and son tale.

Batman Eternal #1 has proven worth the hype. It's an explosive start to what will be a year long story not just for Batman, but for the numerous people around him. In one issue, the Batman corner of the DC Universe has already been shaken up. If this is just the overture of the year long celebration, this story will likely hold your attention until the last chords of the grand finale.

Lightning Strikes TwiceRebirth is definitely a step in the right direction. And as Johns rides out into the sunset (as his numerous duties, including heading up the DC Films department, will leave him little time to write), he should look back and smile. After all, he brought hope back to the DC Universe. This is a must read for fans old and new.

While a bit shorter than one might like, Detective Comics #30 is a great start for this team. Given the cliffhanger and the ramifications of both it and Bruce's actions, it will be interesting to see what will happen next.

This team up of writers and artists have come together to make a pitch perfect Flash title. Only two issues into the run, and they're giving the previous team a good run for their money. I cannot wait to see this story develop more, not to mention learn more about Wally. And with hints of major guest appearances to come, it looks like it will be a fun, fast ride!

This is a wonderful conclusion to the arc; it's a shame we have to wait two months to see what is going to happen to Dick Grayson. Needless to say, we can't wait to read his next adventure.

This is a perfect issue that encapsulates Dick Grayson's relationships with the rest of the Bat Family. Even though things have changed, and the lies hurt, he is still there for them and will still be an important part of their lives. And while this issue is a bit more sedated, it is time for him to do the job he was sent to do: bring down Spyral from within!

Darkseid War is off to an amazing start and fans will be excited to see old faces return as well as some really great twists. War has come once again to Earth. Let's hope we survive it.

Higgens said that he wanted to make the ultimate Nightwing tale. Though he was unfortunately cheated out of this by Nightwing's importance in Forever Evil, his twenty-nine issue arc will go down as a major part of Dick Grayson's history. While Dick will likely live and go on to more adventures, Higgens and the various artists he has worked with has helped solidify Dick Grayson's history in the New 52, and his place in the DC Universe even more so. As a reader, a critic, and fan; I want to thank Kyle Higgens and the rest for taking us on Nightwing's journey of discovery, vengeance, forgiveness, and ultimately hope. It makes it all the more bittersweet that we will not see this journey continue like it should.We will always wonder what it would be like if Dick Grayson did not have to face a nightmare after having a radiant morning of hope.

In two issues, Gleason and Co have created one of the best books from DC on the market today. Gleason really understands Robin and gives us a fun ride while rooting for Damian to atone for his sins in the most action packed way possible. Hopefully Robin and Nobody will bring out the best in each other…before they kill each other in the process!

With a franchise like Star Wars, you need to deliver an excellent product right out of the gate. Marvel has done so with this excellent starting chapter of what will definitely be a great adventure in the Star Wars universe.

Simone, as usual, gives us some humor, as well as deep characters. Here, she gives Burden more depth, and find the roots Movement 11 interior 1of his horrible self-esteem, not to mention his abilities. She also takes a needed look into religious zealotry, and the evils that are done in the name of faith.

Speaking of that S.O.S. comic, Captain Marvel reads it and sees how morose and depressing it is; “What ever happened to happy endings?” he asks. Well, we readers certainly agree. A tale of pure whimsy and childhood wish-fulfillment; Thunderworld is a treat for kids and kids who never truly grew up.

Get ready for an adventure that could be Batman's most deadly. This is not the end of Batman, but the end of the grand game this villain has had with him for years. The gloves are off, no one is safe. Time for the Dark Knight to fight back.

While this month's issue is relatively sedate, next month's promises to ramp up the action as Batman and Robin team up with two powerhouses! This issue, however, shines a great light on the relationship between father and son, and how they might be growing closer even as the dynamic between the Dynamic Duo has changed.

Batman has a secret that could shatter everything Dick Grayson ever thought of his mentor and ally. Could this Mother doom the Bat Family? Or will the ties that bind Batman and Robin be truely eternal?

Grayson continues to be one of the funniest, most action packed, and overall fun books out there. This second issue surpasses its predecessor and shows that Dick Grayson can fly high even when he's not dressed in his traditional fingerstriped crimefighter outfit. This new chapter in his life might prove to be one of the most entertaining books you might read this year.

Overall, this issue continues to prove Grayson is a strong title and that Dick Grayson can rise above the cloak-and-dagger world of Spyral.

This is a near-perfect annual as you're going to get. Despite a too neat ending, the story is engrossing and helps rebuild one of the best relationships in the DC Universe, along with being a more positive Superman tale than we have been getting. It's exciting, well written, beautifully drawn, and just plain, old fashioned DC Comics fun.

The Harley Quinn Valentine's Day Special is a wonderfully surreal tale of love, lust, and comedy. Plenty of laughs abound in these pages, and I hope there will be many more of these specials in the months to come.

The Secret Six is back in action with aplomb; let's see if they can survive this first encounter each other and answer the question: What Is The Secret?

Who knew that to show the fans what makes Superman truly a hero was to make him a mortal for the day. Johns ends his terrific run with a great character piece back up with terrific art by Romita, Jensen, and Hi-Fi. With massive changes to be seen post Convergence, it will be interesting to see what will happen next to Superman.

Jordan and Moore continue to prove that Luther Strode is an awesome series. It's a shame to see that this one will be his final bow. He is in for one great adventure, but a happy ending might not be guaranteed. If you're a fan of the previous stories, you should rush to your nearest comic store for this issue. If you are a newcomer to the series, go read the first two stories, and then go buy your copy! Either way, you're in for a fun ride… just be aware it's a bloody one.

Overall, it's a well done starting issue to this mini series. While the next issue is a standalone with the Society of Superheroes, I do hope there is some ramifications from this issue that filter through into the one shot.

In the end, it's a wonderful send off to a title that should have been a massive hit. I am hereby making a personal appeal to you all to buy the trade, so you can enjoy these characters and this wonderful little corner of the DC Universe they carved out for themselves. Simone herself has hinted that some of the characters might reappear sooner rather than later; but until then this will be a sorely missed title. Perhaps if the trades sell enough, we will see Coral City's crime-fighters return.

Just some slight story hiccups, mainly dealing with the timeline keep this from being an absolutely perfect tale. Superman may be depowered, but he is certainly not powerless. This marks the beginning to the “Truth” arc, and if the quality of this book can be kept across all titles for this crossover, this might be a tale worthy of the Man of Steel for years to come.

Overall, this is a strong issue that's full of laughs, heart, and surprises. I hope this mini might have a sequel one day, because Bat-Mite giving heroes headaches will always be a hilarious time.

Overall, it is yet another excellent tie-in to the Convergence event, and it's great to see the New Teen Titans back in action. Action, romance, drama, and a cliffhanger that could lead to an interesting conclusion… but for that we must wait until next month.Titans Together!

As I said in my review in part one, Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon are my "OTP" (One True Pairing). In Simone's hands, the future of the pre Flashpoint Nightwing and Oracle, while it may or may not be shorter than expected, will be a bright one.

Convergence: Superboy is a love letter to 90s Superman comics; the Metropolis Kid may have been back for only a short time, but it was like hanging out with an old childhood friend you haven't seen in a long time. To see him and Kingdom Come Superman battle it out is exciting, and this story is a perfect coda to show how a clone can be a true hero.

I will admit that I have not been shy in my anger over Damian's death; even to the point that I wrote my own little idea on how to bring the demon brat back. But if certain whispers are true, this story will mark Damian's return to life and to the comics. And with Nightwing's fate still up in the air (supposedly), Batman deserves a break for once. If there is any team that is up to the task, other than Batman and his allies, it is Tomasi and Gleason.

When a book has been in development hell for years, it really needs a strong introduction to catch the audience's attention. Batman: Europa has done just that. Even though a good chunk is exposition, it is highly entertaining and is one of the best Batman books on the shelves today, up there with the main title by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. It's time for a roadtrip with Batman and Joker; you don't want to miss this superhero version of The Grand Tour.

For fans of Newcastle's most infamous magician/con man, this book is a treat. It is perfect for long time Hellblazers, new Constantine fans, or those who loved the (doomed before its time) TV series. John Constantine is back, he's a bastard, and we can't help but watch him do his thing.

This issue is an action movie in 22 pages, setting up what will be an exciting mission for Slade Wilson, and we are along for the ride.

The finale to this arc is coming fast. Slade is still searching for Jericho, but can he save his son and stop his own father? We will see in four weeks!

Layman immediately shows us how different this "Gothtopia" is from the start. And it just keeps getting creepier as we see the cracks in this utopia begin to appear.

Overall, this is a very strong issue, and it is a read as fast as its star. It has some interesting implications for what will happen next, and I can't wait to see what comes next. It's time for Barry and Wally to team up for the first time once again, and I think the future for Central City at least might be a bit brighter than elsewhere in Futures End.

Johns as always writes a great story.

After a several months and a delay, Forever Evil comes to an excellent conclusion. There may have been some bumps in the road, but this issue was worth the wait. The story of Forever Evil may be over, but it does give us a glimpse of what is to come. Let's hope both heroes and villains are prepared for what's coming"because what's being hinted at makes the Crime Syndicate look easy.

While the story might want you wanting more, this is an excellent way to start the next arc for Grayson. It's exciting, energetic, and just plain fun. It also gives us a good mystery that will grow as the body count grows ever higher.

Grayson remains to be one of the strongest books DC Comics has on the market today. It's fun, action packed, and sets up some great plot lines. While this issue is mainly a jumping off point to the action; it's certain this arc will be action packed with thrills and adventure. And with Seeley and King promising this arc will bring Dick back to the larger DC Universe and make him an even more important hero than before, it's certain this is one adventure we won't want to miss. Move over, Mister Bond; Dick Grayson is the super spy now.

This book is worth the price of admission. This is an action packed movie in book form starring the Justice League, and fans will be hooked at the massive battle and at the big reveal at the end. Hitch is off to a strong beginning, and it looks like plenty of mystery and action are ahead.

This is a strong start to Damian's solo adventures and it leaves us with plenty of mysteries. How will Damian atone for the Year of Blood? Why is Nobody stalking him? Will we learn more about Talia's true fate? More will be revealed as the series continues. And if it continues to be this strong, it will be a defining chapter in Damian's young life.

While the climax of the fight isn't all that it could be and some plot threads have been mysteriously dropped, Robin: Son of Batman #4 is a solid read and an incredibly enjoyable one as well. Damian gets to have a rematch with his Son of Batman opponent, have an Egyptian adventure, and terrify Goliath with crustaceans.

Overall, it is a strong conclusion for a title that seriously needed a shot of energyto revitalize itself. Johns and Romita make a terrific team, and I can't wait to see what they come up with. And given that next issue deals with Superman living life as a mere mortal for a day, things will get interesting veryquickly.

I want to say that first off that Daniel and Siqueira bring their A-game to every page this issue. Every image is done perfectly, from Zod's unleashing of the beasts to the world reacting to the news of the world's mightiest power couple.

An almost perfect book, it is the delays in printing the title as well as the deus-ex-machina finale that ultimately takes points away. However, it is a strong finish to a strong series that will make you reflect on Superman, and is a story that is worthy of its star.

This issue should be a launch pad for a Lois Lane solo book, without the Superman prefix, with her exploring and investigating various aspects of the DC Universe. And the fact that this is a book done by a mostly female team is a bonus for diversity and the ever expanding female readership. This oversized book is worth your five bucks, and is a worthy issue for comics' first leading lady. Now if only she could get more "screen time" in the main titles".

Morrison once again has a major successful entry in his tour of the Multiversity, though it isn't as unique as the previous tales told in this miniseries. It is still a solid entry, and while the characters might be more reminiscent of their homages, they do get themselves into a twisty mystery that even Rorschach might not be able to solve.

Overall, its a solid book, but it does leave you wanting more instead of at the edge of your seat. Gordon is proving to be a good Batman, and while people wait for Bruce to be back in the cowl, its interesting to see him fight Gotham's despair from his new position. However, the closing pages promise that the next issue will be a white knuckle ride.

Damian Wayne is back, and soon he will be back to doing what he does best: kicking bad guy butt.

This is a solid prelude issue, which sets up the main events in Convergence. While there could have been more story, this issue provides a glimpse of what is to come. Things are going to get VERY interesting in the DC Universe.

While this is mainly a set up issue, this is an excellent and fun start to a new series that is worthy of its star. Hopefully Daniel will have a roller coaster of a story in store for us, because this isn't the most in-depth issue. What it is an action packed opening to what will be a visual treat as Slade Wilson cuts a bloody swath through the DC Universe.

While mainly setting things up for a major confrontation against the former Batwoman, this remains an exciting chapter in Dick Grayson's life as its number one super spy. With great dialogue and excellent art, Grayson continues to be one of the best books in the DC Comics stable.

While this isn't the best issue of the run so far, Harley Quinn #8 is still a great read and a laugh riot from cover to cover. Now if you excuse me, I must assist in the clean up efforts"

While a bit like filler, Robin: Son of Batman #3 is a highly entertaining chapter in a series that's already proven to be a fan favorite. While filled with hilarious banter and dynamic action, it still feels more like setup for the next chapter rather than being as strong a chapter it can be. However, it's one heck of a ride; keep your arms and legs connected to the were-bat at all times because the next challenge is deadly!

Overall, this is a great issue and looks like it will be a fun monthly read and a good counterpart to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. With Waid at the helm, and a new artist each month, this has the seeds of interesting and wonderful adventures to come.

This is a strong start for the new team, but the book still suffers from the same disjointed timeline as the other books. Maybe when all are collected in order in a massive omnibus, things might make more sense. But this is a solid entry for Superman, and Yang proves himself to be more than capable to write the adventures of Superman.

Overall, this is a good entry into Morrison'sMultiversity epic. The only downside is that its connection to the overall plot of the main storyline is tenuous at best, non-existent at worse. This might be the theme for the various issues, unless the characters in the main storyline start popping up here and there. And with the next issue looking like superpowers combined with a teen drama, Morrison might be better off bringing in elements of the main plot. Overall though, Society of Superheroes is a good entry into the miniseries, it just lacks the overarcing connections that would make it great.

This Titans story is just beginning, and it's a slow burner of an opening. However, it is excellently crafted, and shows a healthy respect for the Titans and their pasts, albeit from another continuity. If Abnett and Co can keep themselves from tripping over the various continuities being folded in, this will be a Titans book that will be a worthy celebration of those groovy crimefighting teenagers from yesteryear.

Reis' art is action packed, filled with energy, and with plenty of menace.

Overall, if you are a Superboy fan, you'd love this issue. Even if you're not, there is something really fun about this issue, even with the exposition overload. It boasts the youthful energy of its star, while introspective enough to make us sympathize with a Peter Pan who for a year couldn't even get off the ground. Great art and an excellent choice for his opponents help polish off a fun entry for the Convergence event.

Overall, this is a very strong, and very fun, holiday special issue. While the middle part might not be as strong as the other two, it's still far more fun than most holiday specials out there. It's sweet, it's funny, it's heartwarming".it's perfectly Harley Quinn.

While it doesn't quite stick the landing, Robin Rises: Alpha is still a serviceable conclusion to a roller coaster arc that marks Damian Wayne's return. Now, both he and Batman will have to deal with the new powers that Damian has. This will make things interesting for the Dynamic Duo.

Fame Is A Candle That Burns At Both EndsThe Forevers #1 is a stunning meditation on fame and its pitfalls. But, without revealing too much, fame and magic both have their prices. What will happen to this group of friends, now stars, when someone doesn't want to share the spotlight? A slow burner, it is still an entertaining, and chilling, read with beautiful art; and it might put people off from trying to audition for that faint glimmer of spotlight.

While not a perfect start, Doomsday Clock is off to a strong one. Things are setting up as dark forces begin to gather. Can a symbol of hope stand up to both a world of pessimism and an amoral god-like entity? We will find out as the clock keeps ticking on.

Doomsday Clock #2 continues to build up the story and adds new layers to the story. There are a few concepts that Watchmen purists will object to, and there are some plot holes that can be fixed either by memory or by reading the material in the back. These plot holes aren't deal-breakers, but they are irritating. It will be the reaction to the reveal on the final pages that will either make or break this limited series.

In the spirit, no pun intended, of the old serialized ghost stories, Buccellato and Zircher have actually combined the Flash with a dark and twisted story that somehow fits into the Sultan of Swoosh's overall feel. While suffering from some minor hitches and overly convenient clues; it is still a story to keep you on the edge of your seat, and to give you goosebumps along the way.

Grayson continues to be a strong new series, but this one shot doesn't exactly match its two predecessors. The story is there, even with its interesting narrative structure, but the art isn't matching the level of quality found in the other issues of this title. There is also a risk that this one shot happening so soon in the title's run might derail the momentum they had. However, it is still an excellent issue and one you should check out, if just for the novelty of the narrative structure.

Like Grayson, Lobo is a comic that there were many gripes about before it was even published. While it has more flaws than Grayson, Lobo is an enjoyable, if somewhat generic, read. The real star here, along with the marquis character, is the lush art and design. While this might not be your Main Man, he certainly lives up to his name; and you should give this title a go for at least the first arc.

While this installment of Lobdell's Superman saga is part of a slow burn, it moves at a breakneck pace. The characters are well written, the plot is coming together, and it's all wrapped up in wonderful art. However, the pace of the book, with constant scene changes, might be too fast; Lobdell might have been trying to cram as much as he could into 22 pages. Plus the cliffhanger ending is a bit over the top; but hey, it's Superman, that's allowed.

Is it worth the hype it's been getting? That might be more or less up to the reader. It is a solid first chapter for the new team's run, and while the art might not be everyone's cup of tea, there's no doubting that Superman will be soaring under the guidance of Johns and Romita.

While it was fun to hang out with the Titans again, this is not their best outing. An incredibly soap opera-ish script and generic plot makes them looked aged, not youthful. The changes in personality (one could argue due to being under a dome for a year) are too drastic and off putting. However, beautiful art helps elevate this issue from being dashed upon the rocks of an uncertain and perhaps less optimistic future than the Titans originally promised.

While the overall plot of this issue boils down to mainly flashback, a brawl, and set up; it's still an exciting read and makes you want to know what happens next. While Morrison may have created Damian, it is Tomasi who truly brought out the best in the character and I hope he will be bringing back Damian in some way, preferably as Robin. Kubert's art is masterful and is a perfect introduction for this new arc. Batman is coming for his son, alive, and woe on any New God who DARES stand in his way.

Hold onto your hats, this is going to be a wild ride.

This series is already running the risk at being too convoluted. We're being slammed with back story this issue, some of which could have been covered more in depth in the first issue.

It's sad to see Yang and Co squander a good start, but this issue of Superman pales compared to the previous issue, or the Action issues which have been incredibly strong. As of now, Superman is the weak link in the “Truth” arc, and I hope the next issue will rise above this one to be worthy of the title Superman.

This issue is good, but suffers from a few lazy cliches. The relevance to modern events is marred by the reveal of a "monster among us" and a somewhat generic brawl. However, there are plenty of good emotional beats in the issue and does touch upon perhaps the darkness that lies in everyone's hearts, and how even after that, a hero can inspire the good in all of us.

With this many artists, you'd worry that there would be an extreme clash of styles, but everyone's styles mesh wonderfully. The characters are well drawn, with some muddled faces here and there, and have wonderful expressions. The dynamic action, what little there is, is also well done. The problem is there is a lot more talking and showing versus actual action, often with sparse backgrounds. It's not the best way to show off the artists' talents, even if they did a good job. Steigerwald's colors helps unify everyone's pencils and inks, and gives us a technicolor finale that is full of crackling energy"even if most of that is in the background.