Here's a solid, entertaining story, rich in Gotham lore of the past...and future! Instead of centering on Olive and Maps as usual, this issue focuses instead on the secondary cast of the book, and to good effect. Various artists contribute a wide range of styles to this issue, and the way the tale is structured allows for it. A great showing from the old Gotham Academy writing team that bodes well for the new issues coming in September!

I loved this book, and my initial score after reading it was going to be an 8.5, but after reviewing it and reading it again I had to adjust that score a bit. I can't wait to see where this creative team takes this series from here.

This issue primarily informs the reader of the Suicide Squad's pecking order going forward, and there are some interesting developments. This iteration of the team seems to be moving closer to the version in the film, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. A strong showing of great storytelling and solid action that bodes well for the title's immediate future.

A lavishly-produced, intriguing issue that will be meaningless to folks that are new to Sandman and its trappings. Those who have read the series will love this issue, it's like going home to visit your spooky, monstrous relatives. Visually, this thing is a stunner, and well worth the cover price--again, if you are already familiar with the characters and settings.

This issue was pretty strange for a romance comic. There are no-frills aliens, garish superheroes, and Squirrel Girl is there, too. But wraps with a tearful admission and a desperate hug, which is exactly how you'd expect a romance comic to end. Where was the jealous older sister? What about the problematic suitor whose problems are overlooked by a lovestruck young lady? I think this book has a long way to go before it stands alongside classic fare like True Romance, luckily this is a better title by far on every measurable level and stands perfectly alone as an awesome Silver Surfer book. Any sappy feelings you have while reading this comic are no extra charge.

Here's another touching and funny issue of Silver Surfer, brought to you by the team that keeps bringing you touching and funny issues of Silver Surfer. Now Norrin Radd is dealing with the results of his decision to erase his homeworld Zenn-La's history from existence, which has rightfully made him feel out of place. Though Earth embraces him, he is yet unfulfilled, because Earth has embraced Kris Kardashian, and she's a horrible inhuman monster. Read this book, unless your doctor has told you to stay off pleasure and fun for the next six weeks. If you want to reduce your smile lines, you'll have to read Hagar the Horrible until the swelling goes down.

This routine praise of Silver Surfer is getting a bit redundant, isn't it? Here's another expertly rendered and plotted, super colorful issue of Silver Surfer, and this one's got Spider-Man in it. Also fake-out versions of well-known Marvel villains. And a great, human story about...er, a human. If you're already reading this series, then you probably love it. And if you're staying away from this series for some reason, then you're probably stupid. Get on the surfboard.

Dawn nags Norrin about never taking her anywhere dangerous, so he takes her to the most risk-filled dimension in the multiverse! There, they learn some lessons about themselves and their limitations, but the mutual trust between them is more powerful than their individual shortcomings. And guess what? Mike and Laura Allred make this thing look beautiful, as usual. Get yourself some Silver Surfer, true believer.

Fans of old school horror comics rejoice! Dark Horse is here to scratch that itch with this high-quality, reasonably-priced anthology series in the vein of the original Creepy and Eerie titles of yesteryear. I suppose if you're lame and don't like horror comics, then this will hold no fascination for you. But if you're a normal, gore-loving closeted sadist with an unspeakable blood lust, then yeah, sure, you should check it out.

Paul Dini's story of the time he got mugged turns out to be a self-revealing tale about finding one's confidence, and the ongoing struggle to maintain it. Eduardo Risso's watercolors are lively and convey the many disparate intellectual properties withefficiency, even a particular IP that isn't part of the Warner Bros. collective! I'd have expected to recommend this to fans of Paul Dini's work or to comic book fans in general, but having read it I think I recommend it to everyone. The feelings described in this book are, I think, fairly universal, and not often discussed in even the most emotional novel.

What is in fact a rejected series pitch adapted for comic books has turned out, thus far, to be one hell of a comic book. Well-told and paced much like a three-act, half hour television show, Joe Hill has provided something just frightening enough to linger on, but not keep us awake at night. As good as it is, the story pales in comparison to the artwork, which is absolutely gorgeous. Check this out if you've been looking for something to scratch that horror comic book itch.

This is a really good-looking and interesting comic book that you should check out. Unless you have something against mysteries or cool science fiction, in that case you should stay away.

If you feel like thecomics you're reading don't make you pleasantly nauseous enough, then you should definitelycheck this out. It's rude, it's crude, and it's got a rapping fallen angeldude. You'll get more insight into Six Pack and his motivations for re-formingSection Eight in this issue, but you'll also laugh your ass off and even have asurprise or two. If you're so inclined to such humor, that is. If you preferyour humor a little drier, then go read PuppetMaster.

Fans of the series arerewarded with an ending that is more silly than touching, which is just what wewant. Superman acts as Six Pack's guide through his emergence as a hero, whichinvolves probably a lot more vomiting than most rebirths. I mean, I bet HalJordan puked a little when he got rid of Parallax, but do you think it wasenough barf to stand on? Ennis and McCrea have done a great, crass thing withthis book. It's not for everyone, but it's for me and other deplorable humanswith no moral compass like myself.

A couple of cute stories,and also: Damien Wayne! Do you think he likes Maps? I mean, does he “like” likeMaps? Because I think Maps “like” likes him! Oooooh Maps has a boyyyyfrieeend!Ken Niimura does the second story in this book, and it is going to melt yourcold, unfeeling heart. If it doesn't then you are probably clinically dead.Everyone did a good job for this issue, but Niimura really stole the show.

Some nice stories and some great artwork equals a really worthwhile comic book. The connecting thread of this clip show is a little thin, but it doesn't have to be anything too dramatic for what is basically a light-hearted romp through the spooky side of Gotham City and the DCU. Frankly, if this was the format for Gotham Academy going forward, I'd probably be okay with it. But if it isn't, then it's still a good time, well worth checking out (from the beginning of this arc) if you're curious about the students of Gotham City's third-creepiest institute of learning.

"Yearbook" has concluded, and you know what? I liked it a lot. I don't know that you could sustain a book indefinitely in this format, but luckily the publisher doesn't intend to. Gotham Academy will be back next September with the "second semester," and will crossover with Lumberjanes this summer which is a series I WILL be reviewing. This last arc in Gotham Academy before Rebirth has been entertaining and mostly of a high quality, and I think the editorial staff in particular should probably take a bow here. 

A well-drawn opener revealing the scope ofController Mu's plan. Hint: it's not to distribute boysenberries. If you liked The Green Lantern, you'll keep readingthis series.

An overly-wordy look at how Belzebeth went fromspace-Lady Dracula to second in command of the Blackstars. Plus, a littlesarcastic commentary on current-day comic books! You gotta love that.

Some DCU cameos and a surprise character introduction aren't even the selling points of this comic book, which are mainly that it is completely inappropriate and nauseating. Fans of the last series will be glad to see that this picks up precisely where it left off, though this isn't new reader unfriendly...but you will know at a glance if you intend to be one of those new readers. The artwork is impeccable and fits this kind of slobbering comedy very well. Pick this up, unless you're one of those people who delude themselves into thinking they have standards.

This is the funniest book on comic stands today. Oh, what's that? You think hipster Jughead is funnier? Nope. Oh, Adventure Time is a funny book, you say? Get your head out of your rear end. Hard-Travelin' Heroz is the funniest book on comic stands today, and should play best to seasoned fans of DC Comics. It also looks impeccable. Put your prejudices aside and give this miniseries a look!

Delving deeper in Dogwelder's past proves to be an awkward experience, which I suppose we could have expected. But we don't just take a look at Dogwelder the man, but Dogwelder the institution! With gorgeous artwork that captures expressions and gross-outs with equal skill, it's not tough to see why I read this book first every month!

We unravel the mysteries of Dogwelder and, no surprise, they are very silly. But a smart kind of silly, like a quip from your eighth grade Earth Science teacher. Some of the jokes are retreads of what we've seen in previous issues, but there's enough here to keep you chortling. If you're on the trolley with this comic book, then you might as well stay on to the last stop. I'm right there with you, but hiding in the back because I have no intention of paying for a ticket.

Some great gags and a little inside baseball make for an entertaining read, though the story moves along incrementally. More soul-bearing by Sixpack, more poking fun at John Constantine, and a whole lotta silliness. This is probably the calm to the last issue's storm, and the book looks great so it's always a quality buy. But I do think this was paced correctly, since I'm about ready for it to end.

A bittersweet ending to a bizarre series that was a lot more personal than the DC Universe satire of the last miniseries. Expertly-executed in storytelling and art, the hyper-MAD magazine sensibilities of Hard-Travelin' Heroz may not be for everyone, but those people lack sense of humor so we don't care about their opinions. We normal people can appreciate the tumultuous friendship between a delusional alcoholic and a serial animal abuser. There, but for the grace of vomit, go I.

If youjumped from my preamble to this part, then I must confess that this comic bookhas nothing to do with condemning or exalting social media. It's more of anunfolding conspiracy that is very relevant to current events, particularly inthe tech- and app-based worlds. The characterization is good, the art is great,it's worth checking out if you like a little intrigue with your floppy books.

The intrigue deepens andthe characters unfold and things move along nicely in this issue. We learnquite a bit about four characters chosen to receive the "140" app, guidedsplendidly by Mike Dowling and Quinton Winter's artwork. If you passed on this bookbecause you thought it was like that stupid horror flick Unfriended that Eric was going on about earlier this year, then youwere wrong and you should apologize. Go to your local comic shop and tell theretailer you're sorry for doubting Rob Williams and proceed to buy up all stockof Unfollow numbers one and twoimmediately. The retailer will likely make you buy a few issues of Prez and Omega Men as penance, and frankly you should be lucky to get offthat light.

This comic is an absolute pleasure to read from front to back. My only misgiving is that it doesn't have a lot of the high-flying action I associate with Black Widow, but since this is the beginning of an arc about Natasha getting revenge, I expect we'll see enough fighting soon. Waid and Samnee are a great creative pair, and I would probably follow their combined efforts anywhere.

Here's a well-written, expertly-drawn, self-contained story in a comic book, and it's both fun and compelling to read. Behold, ladies and gentlemen! A comic like this from the Big Two is the choicest plum, and seem increasingly rare. I can't wait to read the next issue of this series, and I'd follow this creative team anywhere.

Some great storytelling and plotting goes on a bit too long, but the surprise introduction of a familiar character and s nice cliffhanger is enough to keep my interest piqued. And let's face it, Waid and Samnee have generated enough goodwill that I would probably read three straight issues of all-black panels and no words before I figured out I'd been duped.

Some horrors are easy todescribe, but the kind of horror we see in CleanRoom is more visceral. Though many of the characters have a pugnaciousquality about them, the art is very strong and detailed and effective where itneeds to be. Perhaps you were feeling like you were sleeping too well and coulduse a few mild nightmares? Well say no more, pick up this series and wonderabout those spaced-out people pushing reflective stickers and flowers down atthe airport.

The mystery deepens and even gets a little grosser aswe learn about the Clean Room and of what it is capable. The artwork is verysolid and storytelling straightforward, for the most part, and the dialogue isgreat even when it's about icky things. How do you think Gail Simone got sogood at writing dialogue when she doesn't even watch television? Do you thinkit's the real life people she talks to? Seems to contradict everything I knowabout comic creators!

Things get no more normaland a lot more spooky in the third issue of CleanRoom. The story felt, at times, a bit burdensome, but the cuts happened atthe right times to keep me wanting to find out more. Jon Davis-Hunt seems to bein a good groove here, and renders some noteworthy panels that you're gonnahave to look at the comic book to see. Having enjoyed the series thus far, thisinstallment served only to whet my appetite for more, but if you were to hop onto the series with this particular issue I'd expect you'd be fairly well lost.And grossed out. But in a good way.

The only way I could describe this issue withoutspoiling anything would be to say that it contains virtually nothing you wouldexpect to see in a Superman comicbook. Except for Superman acting heroic and behaving like a member of humankindinstead of like the Loneliest Kryptonian. Neal Adams is still putting a clinicon sequential art, and any student or armchair critic would do well to studyit. I did, and you don't get more armchair critic than me. I haven't left myarmchair since 2013.

You could sum this issue up as Superman's fist just punching through everything and everyone until its final page. Superman kicks major ass and behaves in a very heroic fashion, despite being a little curt at times. All of the characterizations seem spot-on, and of course the interiors by Neal Adams look so dynamic. My only misgiving is that we don't have answers to a lot of questions lingering from the first issue, and we've compounded our questions since then. So I'm guessing issue six will actually be an hour-long video where Neal Adams explains how much psilocybin he was on when he wrote this story.

Buddy, if you've read up to this issue, I don't want to hear any complaints about how "confusing" and "crazy" the book can be. It takes two to tango, and by issue four, you're wearing a groove into the dance floor. If you've enjoyed what these comics have wrought thus far: crazy situations and hijinks, wild dialogue and character interactions, awesome art that threatens to break through the page and into our world, then I don't see why you'd dislike it. On those merits, this is the best issue yet. And now we've whittled the series down to a two-parter!

I think that an inability to enjoy this book, and not having a huge grin on your face after having read it should be considered Thought Crimes, punishable by tickle torture or repeated viewings of the Three Stooges. This is the most fun I have had reading a comic book since...maybe since I was a kid, truth be told. I love all of the exaggerated action and dialogue combined with an almost meandering plot, reminds me of dense Bronze Age comics that I lovingly read and re-read until they turned to so much dust. Ladies and gentlemen, this is bercomics, operating on a different frequency than your standard capes n' tights fare. And if you've picked up the first five issues, even out of morbid curiosity, then you've got to be in for the finale. I'll see you there!

This comic book may have rated a seven-point-five out of ten on a numerical scale, but it rates a corn cob pipe on a scale from hegemony to platypus. If you've been reading this series and were hoping for some nice, tidy answers...well, you won't find them here. But you will learn some things about Jack Kirby's Fourth World, the many faces of Superman...and about yourself. Mostly, you will learn about yourself.

I had no history with this character going into the book, and I find I didn't need to. It was pretty intriguing and, at times, emotional enough to make me interested to know more. The artwork is highly stylized and has a very 1960s advertising aesthetic, though it straddles several styles that work more often than not. Very curious, Mr. Cave Carson. You drew me in with your cybernetic eye, but I think the organ we might learn more about is his heart.

There's a solid story emerging in this series, which may end up reading better in one sitting rather than parceled out in single issues. Still, this issue answers a few floating questions and provides some much-needed background that makes future installments compelling. The whole style of this book is fantastic, and it could easily be appreciated on its visual impact alone. I look forward to further adventures.

In order to get to the bottom of this subterranean mystery, Cave Carson and company...will have to go deeper! The plot thickens a bit, but the characterization thickens more and the story is well served for it. This is an action-heavy book with a strange sensibility that probably has a broader appeal than I give it credit for. So prove me wrong! Check out this comic book, love it, and then tell me where to stick it!

Cave and the gang fend off successive threats in turn, and there's a dangling plot point on the last two pages of the issue, but otherwise I'd say this is the most "normal" issue of the series. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, mind you, the scenes were appropriately cool and the action was wacky enough that one might think this concept could support a more conventional comic book series. But who would want that?

The extent of EBX's nefarious scheme is revealed and drugs are consumed, and not in that order. Oeming's usual ever-changing style looks even more dynamic in this issue, a by-product of either the substances consumed in-story or Oeming growing more comfortable with the series, or both. Whatever the case, I welcome it. This is one of the most unique books around and it seems to draw me deeper with every issue.

Things come to a head, but not quite a conclusion in the sixth issue of Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye. But what a wild ride! I find this book more engaging with each issue, and by now I am absolutely riveted. Not a lot of new developments in this issue, but everything we've learned and everyone we've met to this point come into play in a most satisfying way. And the most satisfying thing of all is that I can't wait to read issue number seven!

This story pulls a few switcheroos on the reader, which will be most welcome to fans of the series and the psychedellically-inclined. I suppose it's not giving anything away to say that Superman appears in this issue, except to say that he doesn't. Or does he? You gotta read it, I don't know what else to tell you! If you don't like this series, drink a bottle of Robitussin DM and try again.

A highly mind-bending issue that might frazzle even the most cybernetic eyeballs, there's a development here that kicks this story up to "berzonkers." The comic book has the best problem, in that it leaves you annoyed for wanting more immediately. Much like Cave Carson's eye socked is wanting for a cybernetic eye! See what I did there? Not if you're missing your eyes!

Things come to a pus-filled head on the grody surface of Whisper, as it/he/they continue their campaign of inter-dimensional psychedelic devastation. If you've been following the series to this point, you'll be glad to see this issue. If this is your first issue...well, drink some milk and lie down in a dark room. The visions should dissipate within a few hours.

This comic takes a much-needed left turn, and we're treated to some good ol' strange adventures and weird encounters that comprised much of the first arc. We meet some new characters, some that will raise an eyebrow, others that will make you feel giddy as hell! I want to give it away so badly, but I try to avoid that in these blurbs. Just go read this issue!

This comic has rounded the last corner of its final lap, and it looks like we might finish strong. While we have spent too many single issues on a specific story, this will make a solid couple of trade collections...which may have been the intention all along. Not to dismiss the fun of it! This comic is a good time but trade-waiters may feel even more for it.

A thoroughly satisfying ending to a series that kept my interest even as it tried my patience. Things wrap up the way you might have expected, through means you likely did not expect, and the stage is set for further awesome adventures, whenever they might arise. The big winner of this issue is the outrageous art and coloring by Michael Avon Oeming, who has lent such a distinctive look to this series that I dare say that it should not be attempted by others.

An unexpected but very welcome great story by Reginald Hudlin about two characters that I don't think would land on many people's list of Kirby favorites. If it were selling for a buck less, I'd probably give this a 9. You should consider checking this one out, even if you're only reasonably familiar with Jack Kirby's Fourth World.

So this is a horror comic. I'm not sure what I or anyone else expected, but that's what it is. And if you're a fan of the genre, then you're probably going to dig this. The storytelling is excellent, makes great use visual cues as well as well-paced dialogue. You could do a lot worse than giving this comic book a look, unless you're flat out turned off by the horror genre. I still think they could have juiced another couple of bucks out of this if they stamped holographic foil over the title. 

There are a lot of cool scenes, but not a ton of forward motion in the story as this issue plays out like a redux of the first issue, with different maimings and eviscerations. There's a particularly disturbing scene that could have been more disturbing, but V. Ken Marion went a more tasteful route and the book is better for it. I did enjoy the issue, and I think if you enjoyed the first issue then you should follow suit with this. The fact that it was so similar to the first issue, at least in pacing and theme, however, did affect my appreciation for this comic.

Here at the halfway mark, if you haven't realized this is a bit of a love letter to eXtreme 1990s comics, then you've missed the point. The art style, the character convenience, the gratuitous splatter...it all makes me want to slam a Mountain Dew and go see Rage Against the Machine! What's that? They're touring again? With Chuck D from Public Enemy and B-Real from Cypress Hill? That sounds awesome! What are they calling themselves? The Traveling Wilburys??? I'm so old.

Do you like campy slasher films and with extra gory scenes? No? Well you are in the wrong place. The rest of us enlightened folk can continue to enjoy this series, which is consistently delivering the goods by the gut-filled bucketful. There's a development with the core characters that promises to change the direction of this series, that direction specifically being a ramp up to the cataclysmic and goopy finale, since there's only two issues left to go.

If this miniseries has been working for you to this point, then there's no reason to stop the Bloodlines train, just keep on a-chugging along. For those that dropped this after the first issue, why are you even reading this blurb? Take a hike! Go read your Scouts manual or blow some bubbles or do whatever pleasant pursuit you think is more worthwhile than reading a messed-up comic book. I love this book, it's like every page is another shredding guitar solo and every panel is an obscene tongue-wagging or crotch-grabbing. Back in the 1990s, we'd say "this isn't your father's comic book!" But considering we're nearly thirty years out from the 90s, Bloodlines probably does resemble your father's comic book. So get outta here kid, scram. Leave us old folks our gore.

Someone told the creative team of Bloodlines that there wasn't enough gore in it, and they were like, "Really? Okay," and made the next issue much bloodier. Then they heard there still wasn't enough gore, and they said, "Are you sure? If you say so," and made the next issue that much bloodier. Then the creative team overheard someone say that even now, there still wasn't enough gore, so the team figured that's it, we have one more issue, let's spray veins everywhere. And that's when they learned that what they'd overheard all along was Dan Didio complaining about his pus-filled canker sore.

A reasonably touching story and some unbelievably great artwork makes for one solid issue of a comic book. This one, specifically. Don't know if I want too much more of it, but I liked what we got. Howard Chaykin does a story in the back which will probably make you want to smoke cigarettes. This is a weird comic book and only bonafide weirdos need apply.

This foray into superhero zombification is interesting, and uses some entrenched DC lore in a satisfying way that makes sense. In comic book terms, that is. It's not like they've created the formula for a real zombie outbreak here…or have they???

Here's a sneak peek at the new Suicide Squad (not to be confused with the New Suicide Squad) that will be coming with DC's Rebirth in June. Looks pretty good so far. The story is a little weird, even by Rob Williams' standards, and the art by Jim Lee and Sean "Cheeks" Galloway is superb. You just never want to say it any other way. Sean "Cheeks" Galloway. I'm sure his friends call him "Cheeks," but if I ever met him I would say "Hello Mr. Sean 'Cheeks' Galloway, I am a big fan of your art and an even bigger fan of your name." And then he would say "Would you be quiet? We're at a funeral." And I'd stand up all indignant and yell like, "Well! Look who's too fancy to talk to fans! Look who's so big and famous now!" And then I could collect the corpse from the coffin and storm off in a huff.

There's a little more tothis book than meets the eye, but even on the surface it's just a bunch offunny vignettes and silly jokes. The price point puts expectations higher, butif you can let go of the idea of comics always "counting" and enjoy it for whatit is, you might like it and you'll probably live longer. The art is solidthroughout, even during the short rotation that takes place during Harley andPamela's hallucination, and everything is pretty easy to understand if you knowthe basics conceits of each character. Not a bad place to peek in on the seriesif you're so inclined!

Harley Quinn goes toLondon and fails to save Wonder Woman from a middling threat. That's about thehalf of it. The art is great, but for five bucks it's really got a lot offluff. There's pages of exposition so dense that you'll wonder if the scripterswere paid by the word. If you like Harley Quinn's antics, well you'll see someof them here, but you can also see them every month in her regular solo title.So far, what this title has to offer is a fairly thin team-up and somecheesecake shots of Wonder Woman. Which, incidentally, are no extra charge.

I am as surprised as you, my loyal tens of billionsof readers: I really enjoyed this issue. And I don't mean that as a slight againstthe comic, but more owning up to a personal epiphany about the character.Harley Quinn is a goof. She fights against and then teams up with Hal Jordan togreat comedic effect. Plus, you get to see a new Lantern ring, possibly themost dangerous one of all! I enjoyed the heck out of this silly comic.

Harley Quinn and Zatanna team up and take on the forces of Hell, and they are not prepared for Harley Quinn! Fans of the main Harley Quinn book will ease right into this story, which draws heavily from the character's Coney Island continuity. People that hate Harley Quinn...well why would you even be reading this review? Are you some kind of masochist or something? The art by Joseph Michael Linsner is wonderful (and pretty cheesecakey to boot), but I've come to expect excellence from Palmiotti and Conner and act like a real smug prick about it.

A densely-layered story full of intrigue anddownright hilarious moments that suffers from uneven artwork. The extantBombshell Harley Quinn being in the same space as, uh, our Harley Quinn createsa temporal problem that I'm sure will have repercussions in future comics.Palmiotti and Conner never throw anything away, they're like pack rats. HarleyQuinn will be eating an ice cream cone in one issue, and then half a year laterit will turn out that she ate Proty II by accident. I'm telling you. You gottawatch everything with these guys.

This homage to Superman vs. Muhammad Ali has sufficient Harley Quinn silliness to make it an enjoyable read throughout. Indeed, don't feel like you must have read the earlier work to make sense of this--nothing will help you to make sense of this comic book! And since it's a Harley Quinn quarterly, that ends up being okay. Some masterful work by Neal Adams and really funny scenes make this title well worth the wait. Check it out.

If you don't like potty humor and sexual innuendo in your comic books, then you probably stopped reading anything Harley Quinn-related a long time ago. The rest of us enjoy this comic and its nastiness, though the story itself is recursive. The art will take you back to the Main Man Lobo of yore, and fits the bill for this kind of gross-out butt-fest. Turns out Harley Quinn and that other pasty white dude with a broad grin make for the best couple in the DC Universe!

There's been a few changes to the world of John Constantine, but none to change the same jerkbag pseudo-Sting magician we've known and loved for thirty years. Fans of Vertigo's Hellblazer will be pleased, and I think fans of the character from the New 52 alone should be able to play along pretty easily as well. Some might bristle at the illustration style, but Moritat is a terrific talent that I know will just get better and better as his comfort level with this world and its players increases.

This issue is more of a Kirby sampler than the previous one-shots, and it seems all the better for it. Our dear co-publisher Dan Didio pens the first story, a rare showing of his writerly chops, and the second story featuring Etrigan is pretty compelling for the short space that it occupies. Kirby fans will already buy these comics on principle--but here's one you may want to actually read before bagging!

There's a lesson about the Kong family's past, but really this issue is fun romp with Kenan acting his usual goofy but kind-hearted self. Plus we learn something that implies Super-Man's powers are different Superman's. See what I did there? For want of a hyphen, the horse was lost. Think about it, kids. I know I haven't.

A really exciting, fast-paced issue that gives you all the Kong Kenan recklessness you've come to know and love. This issue concludes with what might be some growth for the character, but if he stays the same lovable doofus he is now, I'll be okay with it. This comic book is a lot of fun to read, and if you're not on the trolley, I feel bad for you!

Kenan begins the long and painful journey to mastery of his super powers, and it includes humiliation. And pain. Humiliating pain. We also learn more about Bat-Man's background, as well as some quiet time with Wonder-Woman that couldn't be afforded in previous issues. Plus, I-Ching is in this issue! If you can't appreciate the re-emergence of this racist caricature, then appreciate the appropriation of said caricature by an all-Asian create team. Can you dig it?

This comic is so great, and I don't even want to give any of it away in this blurb. It looks terrific. The characters are unique and engaging. It is funny and intriguing. Don't miss the boat on this series, you can jump in with the last issue and follow along (I hope)!

Kong Kenan makes his way to Metropolis, and it's hilarious. It's also very dangerous, but there some very funny dialogue to keep things light. The introduction of some new Chinese characters with super powers only increased my enthusiasm for the book, and the hopes of a new Justice League of China. This is one of DC Comics' greatest books, and you do yourself a disservice to avoid it.

Kenan Kong gets his groove back and it is incredible. If you are buying this comic, you are a good and smart human being. If you're not, then I don't know what your problem is. Get your act together. Your life sucks and it's not getting any better by avoiding this comic book.

This issue brings the usual high-flying fun and unabashed Silver Age-style action, but it seems a little overly-packed with story. I know it might seem strange to complain about getting more rather than less, but I'm skeptical like that. Long-time readers of the series will get some cool payoff at the end, which is pretty much revealed on the cover.

Kenan confronts his boss, and it doesn't go well...for her! Also, Superman Zero becomes a Chinese warrior. Wonder-Woman turns into a giant snake! I normally don't spoil the books here but this is one you've just gotta read!

I don't know what more I can say. This is the best comic book currently being put out by DC Comics. If you're not reading it, then you should start. Volume one of the trade came out a few weeks ago, that's a good place to start. Because if you jump in on this issue, you're just going to wish you'd read the earlier comics anyway.

The assault on Shanghai continues, and so does the heroism of the Justice League of China. There's some nice developments with Baixi and Deilan, and some good heroes-punching action. This issue is jam-packed with stuff, I can barely write about it without giving everything away! So stop looking at this and go buy the danged thing!

The insane events of the past few issues come to a head...then come to a head again...then there's a lull and then they come to a head again. You'll never feel cheated out of the cover price with this book. The characters are fully-formed and a lot of fun, and I implore you to give it a look if you haven't already.

A trip to Chinatown in 1937 reveals a new path for Kenan, which does not, as yet, have anything to do with Chop Suey. There's intrigue, surprises, great character moments, and--why not?--a giant robot. This could be the issue you finally hop on board and start reading New Super-Man! Though frankly I suggest you start at the beginning because you're going to want to read the earliest issues anyway.

A limp meeting between two Justice Leagues and some really disappointing art makes for a lame issue of New Super-Man. It has to happen once in a while, I suppose. Let's just hope it doesn't become a habit.

What was supposed to be the final issue of New Super-Man does provide a satisfying capstone to Kenan's character growth, among some terrific action featuring the Justice Leagues American and Chinese. I'm not complaining! The artwork is somewhat sub-par and bland, which is disappointing, but did nothing to dampen my anticipation for the next series!

Laney Lan fans rejoice! Your day has come. Other fans of the series should enjoy this issue as well. It provides a good amount of background and colors in a little more of Kenan Kong's world. Plus, I suspect Laney will be more important to the series when the title changes next month. It's a little poor visually, but not offensively.

Our inaugural issue of NS-M&tJLC kicks off with a bang, and a great entry point for new readers. Some old faces, some new faces...some faces behind opaque masks that are presumably new. I couldn't be more excited to see how this story develops!

The stakes are raised and the action is intense in this second installment about a guy defecting from North Korea under pressure from some friends. Those friends happen to be giant mythical spider crabs. This book is well-paced and very engrossing, and if you didn't jump onto this series last issue when the status quo changed, get off the fence and check it out!

There's a lot of foreshadowing for future arcs, as the Justice League of China likens themselves to Dragonson and prepare for his imminent inclusion, but there isn't too much development of the story at hand. Too bad, really. Still, this is probably the most compelling story coming from DC Comics at the moment, so I am still all-in.

A fast-paced, action-heavy issue that will satisfy fans of the series. This is the kind of comic bookery we like to see! Not just in this series, but throughout the four-color world(s).

And now, the end is here, and so we'll face the final curtain. It's been a fun read, Kong Kenan, I hope we see you and the crew again someday. Especially Robinbot. In fact, just the Robinbot mini-series will do nicely.

Your Magical Mystery Tour through Gotham City awaits, and you won't even need to wear the M-Vest to enjoy it. There's a bit of a pause in the action as Shade enjoys this blue marble she's made her home, and fans of the series should feel well gratified by it. Everything about this character just rings so true to me. Even the crappy bits.

A pretty thorough introduction to the members of the Teen Titans going forward, and you can't ask for a whole lot more from a Rebirth title. The artwork is very unique but really worked for these characters, and it's so colorful and angular it's almost kaleidoscopic. It's tough to say what this title will be in the future, or whether it will feature a team of friends instead of a gaggle of jerkfaces, but what we see here is an indicator that all signs point to "maybe!"

A perfect companion and continuation of the original Sandman series, this issue establishes some new characters and concepts that blend seamlessly with the Dreaming that we already know. The rendering and storytelling is great, but it's the coloring that strikes the exact mood for such a strange book. I would call that mood "strange."

Good old Mervyn Pumpkinhead has a problem with management in the Dreaming: there isn't any! So he petitions an old frienemy to clean up these strange streets. Another artistic triumph by Bilquis Evely and co., but the story doesn't flow as neatly as in the first issue. Perhaps that owed to Mervyn's gravelly-voiced narration?

You'd think a guy named Judge Gallows would be kindly and fair, but it turns out he's got a real penchant for hanging people. Or pseudo-people, in this case. He's been tasked with cleaning up the Dreaming, and it looks like things are gonna get a whole lot messier before that.

The Judge is in! Let the fun begin! And by "fun," I mean soul-crushing fascism and xenophobia. Lucien takes a big risk in the face of losing the Dreaming, and Cain goes through some growing pains of his own. A nice job in bringing everything to a simmer.

The story has ramped up to what looks to be a show-down next issue, with Dora finding her True Purpose and Judge Gallows being...well, creepy as usual. Also: we lose a character that is routinely mistaken for a different character. Guess who it is! It's probably the other one.

It's the cataclysmic face-off between Dora and Judge Gallows! No quarter will be given! No corner of the Dreaming will be spared! Things will conclude, but still be weird, so there's no real transition. Sort of like when you're dreaming.

We take a break from the Dreaming to get an excuse for Daniel's absence. Some old characters and locations pop in here, but it should still be accessible to newer readers. Not a ton to grab on to here, except a tantalizing mystery…

Learning about the tail end of Dream and Ivy's relationship gives us more insight into both characters, but it's the exposing of Rose's true nature that is the real stunner of this story. If you are already disposed to liking these characters, that is.

We leave the story of Lucien and Rose Walker and return to the Dreaming and the story of where the flipping heck Daniel is at. We don't find Daniel, but we do get a cool story of his time in Faerie, and, uh…one of his fingernails. What a weird book.

If you enjoyed the comedy stylings and setting of the Flintstones as a kid, then there's a good chance you'll enjoy this comic book. It's the Town of Bedrock, updated in ways besides making once innocent characters into cynical jerks. The art is pretty nice, though it was difficult for me to get the original character designs out of my mind while reading it. Really, this book's biggest failing is that it is too mired in the same formulaic situations and gender roles that defined the original run of the cartoon. But then, this is just the first issue, so I don't expect the mold to be completely broken yet.

If you feel like there weren't enough episodes of the classic Flintstones cartoon, well you're in luck because this is the next best thing. It's practically the same thing, in fact, considering it satirizes American culture from ten or fifteen years ago, and the Flintstones cartoons I watched as a kid were about ten or fifteen years past relevance at that time. The art is really great in this comic book, a semi-realistic take on the town of Bedrock that grows on you as you go along. So there are really no big problems with this comic book, except for the likelihood that you may feel there are enough episodes of the Flintstones cartoon, after all. 

The town of Bedrock is beset by little green men, and I don't mean leprechauns. This is a pretty entertaining story with a little bit of pathos to keep things interesting. The artwork is fantastic, I'm fully used to the character designs now and recognize everyone pretty easily. If you enjoyed the Flintstones cartoon (or still enjoy it), then you could do worse than to give this comic book a look-see.

A commentary on marriage laws and domestication turns out to be more enjoyable than expected, with some interesting turns and fun moments that add up to an entertaining read. Some characters seem to be inserted to comment on the scenery, but in all it's a complete story where even incidental moments are relevant to the comic book's theme. The art is always great, and if you still can't deal with it at issue #4, then you should probably pass this comic by. For my part, I'm totally sold on it. It looks great.

While everyone was clamoring for better writing and representation in a Binky and His Buddies comic book, the Flintstones have quietly become one of the more interesting and relevant comics in the mainstream market. The artwork has been phenomenal and consistent throughout the series, but these characters have changed from reasonably-updated versions of the cartoon originals to complex and fascinating fictional persons, more than just vehicles for the applicable social commentary. Up 'til now, I've been saying that fans of the Flintstones TV show should enjoy this comic because it's more of the same thing. But now I will eat those words. This comic book is different–very different–and should be seen by everyone.

This book continues to hold a mirror up to society, but it's a weird mirror because everything in it is prehistoric. But it's like fake prehistoric. Like it's 20,000 BCE or whatever but they have televisions. It's sort of hard to explain. But this is a funny, well-made book that's also holds some stark truths for the reader. I think that's probably worth four bucks.

A few pages are given over to necessary recap, but most of the book is that spooky, wispy death magic that we've come to know and love from DC Comics. Justice League Dark has proven to be a very solid book thus far, so if you've enjoyed that, you can continue on to this crossover with confidence.

What a pleasure it was toread a comic book about two lying magicians hanging out at an evil clubfilledwith torture and gore. The story is good, the characterizations were better,and the art runs away with everything in the ad hoc awards show taking place inmy head. And for best animal used to menace captives: the rooster-headedpython! For strongest thighs and calves: John Constantine! Thank you, ladiesand gentlemen, drive safely. And thank you, creators of this particular comicbook. It is really picking up steam now.

The characterization of John Constantine is fantasticand his Lethal Weapon routine withPapa Midnite is wonderful. This is a really enjoyable, well-paced comic bookthat should have fans of DC's creepier side flocking. The artwork alone"oh theartwork! Minstrels should be singing its praises o'er the countryside, wavinglinen prints of the splash pages like fluttering flags,beckoning children, squealing with laughter and grasping reflexively with their pudgy little fingers, to run behind and follow this art where it may go.

Despite Travel Forman filling in on art for the worshipful Riley Rossmo, I was able to get into his style as the book went along and very much appreciated his clean lines in Fairy Land. Unfortunately, Fairy Land turned out to be more of a waylay, John got all sulky and resolute, and then he and Oliver fight about who is more self-sacrificing for like four pages. Eh. Still interested in seeing Papa Midnite take his club back from Neron, though.

Like Ice Cube said, "L.A. ain't all surfing, son," and John Constantine knows that all too well as he is rebuked by those he solicits for help. Of course, his being a prick and apparently covered in sewer much doesn't ingratiate him to anyone, either. Deadman makes a cool cameo in this book that is really funny, but I get the feeling this whole story has been cut a bit, almost as if the comic book were going to end and then be rebirthed in a few months as something else. Just a funny feeling I have!

We're back in New York City with John Constantine as he tries to undo the damage wreaked by douchebag demon Neron, and it feels good to get back to the main story. The contents were a little thin, unfortunately, and the art was serviceable but not great. I'm interested to see how this all turns out, but with the stark changes in interior artists coupled with a few issues that seem like unnecessary padding, I don't know that I would recommend this run to a prospective Constantine fan. I guess we'll find out after the last issue!

You may need to consult with your satanic accountant to comprehend this issue to its fullest, but it is a good story and a nice conclusion to the series. The characterization of John Constantine as a hapless dickhead was conveyed well, and despite what seemed like unnecessary padding over the last few issues, it's been a good read. Ever stop to think that Constantine is sort of the Ziggy of the magic world? A lovable loser who always mucks things up despite his best intentions. I want to see one-panel comics of John Constantine getting peeved off at a department store's Returns counter or being mocked by God. Get on that, DC!

A gripping tale of high-stakes poker, and I'm not being sarcastic! The pacing and potting of this issue take center stage to tell some engrossing mysteries, some for the Matt Murdock to solve and some for the reader to solve alone. The art serves the story well, but I think the muted color palette made the action a little less than it could have been. Still, a very good issue worth picking up if you like good storytelling.

You won't find a ton of progression in this five-part story, but it is a lot of fun and features Spider-Man, who only increases that fun. Goran Suduka's art steals this show in this issue, as he renders cityscapes and interiors and compressed musculature with equal aplomb and a unique style. I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for his work in the future, and considering how unique and lively it is, I should have no trouble spotting it going forward.

I guess we can call this Harley Quinn pilot episode, take two, because this book is more or less an epilogue to the previous arc that re-establishes the silly, murderous status quo of the titular character. The art is great, but the comic is a little wordy for my tastes. If you've been looking for an entry point to the series, this is as good issue for it. But really, unless you're unnaturally confused  by concepts like taxidermied talking beavers and sentient egg-people, then you could probably pick any old issue and jump on whenever.

In this issue, we learn the Secret Origin of Red Tool, and as Harley points out, it ain't much. Some decent jokes and nice scenes of bludgeoning and skull-cracking are ruined by really bad color work. A forced conversation with Red Tool brings out some nice Harley Quinn character moments as well as opportunities for silly, and if you're a fan of that wacky homicidal imp then you'll enjoy this issue plenty!

Conner and Palmiotti pull a dirty trick on the reader and make a throwaway, parody goofball like Red Tool into a likable character with whom we can empathize. There are some new developments at the police department that spell a new status quo for Harley Quinn, but she is able to take it in stride due to her very high-cut booty shorts. They allow her to stride, you see? Get maximum extension of her legs? Ah, jokes are lost on you. The art is great, which you've already guessed if you read Harley Quinn. So pick it up if the mention of "booty shorts" is enticing to you.

Here's a one-shot issue of Harley Quinn that is really entertaining and very well-drawn and nicely plotted. What gives, anyway? It's almost as if this comic book has achieved a consistent level of quality by being apart from the general DC Universe and being allowed to do its own thing. I really appreciate this one-and-done story, too many comics write in long five- or six-issue arcs to fill trade collections, when they could be writing two- and three-issue stories and use single issue plots to fill the gaps. This probably would be a good issue to jump on the series if you're so inclined, because it provides a lot of backstory and will let you know up front whether this is something you might enjoy, or something you think is unbearably stupid. Me, I think it's joyously stupid and I look forward to next month, when a new arc begins!

DC, why don't you have Elsa Charretier drawing allthe things? Why aren't you sending gift baskets of cash to her house until sheagrees to draw two back-ups a month, at exorbitant rates that you are compelledto pay? Why aren't you fanning her with palm fronds and having a trained helpermonkey feed her succulent, ripened grapes off the stem? Is there a visionproblem at your offices, DC? Perhaps you need to do company-wide eye exams? Let'sset something up. In the meantime, please forward the appropriate chests ofrare gems and silks that Ms. Charretier needs to become exclusive at yourcompany. Thank you.

The pilot episode of Harley Quinn and Her Gang of Harleys gets off to a pretty solid start, with some good gags and great artwork throughout. We're introduced to a fairly large crew, but thanks to many of their names being related to their ethnicities, it's easier to keep 'em all straight. I think I can hang around on this for another five issues, but it will remain to be seen if I want to follow the pathological antics of angsty killer clowns much longer than that.

There should be a warning label on the cover of this book: DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU ALREADY LIKE THE MAIN BOOK. I wouldn't expect people to just pick up the miniseries, but it takes all types in this world. If you are a fan of Harley Quinn, then I think you will enjoy this book quite a lot, because it's not short on the main Quinn herself, and has enough thrills and laughs to act as a good supplement to Harley's expanding continuity. This issue could have done with less talky and more punchy, but I enjoyed it enough and look forward to see what's in store for the Gang next issue!

I don't want to spoil too much here, but the Gang of Harleys might not be as diminished as was implied at the end of the last issue. We learn more about Coach and a few of the members, through their dialogue and relationships with their family. Things do take a twist in this issue; whether it's interesting or not will depend on how much you like this Gang of Harleys. Me, I like 'em just fine, though I'd probably like 'em better if they were called Harley's Heroes.

The tale of Harleys continues on, and the team leaves New York for a more exotic locale. Did I write "exotic locale?" I meant "likely spot for violent death and murder." We learn more about Harley Sinn's past and finally find out what's up with Hannukah Quinn...and it ain't pretty. All that and a subtle dig at Donald Trump! Not a bad outing when the usual high-quality art and colors are considered. A worthwhile read for Harley Quinn fans.

Some madcap antics and zany hijinks aren't enough to carry the fairly uninteresting story of Harley Sinn: who she is and how she came to be! We do see the Gang use some smarts and a semblance of teamwork, which implies that they can carry their own stories, but of course this issue ain't it because it's all about the Sinnster. The art is uneven, though when it's good, it's great. I enjoyed this comic enough, but I am about ready for the series to end.

Harley Quinn and her Gang of Harleys comes to a conclusion, and possibly not quite the conclusion you might have expected. What had been a loosely-organized clique of Harley Quinn wannabes, most of whom were presumed dead after the first issue, has become a cohesive group of supportive friends who happen to have no compunctions against murdering with their bare hands. What are friends for, if not to wring the last gasps of life from our mutual enemies? And that's the best lesson to be learned from this series: the value of friendship. And the value of money. That Harley Sinn was living pretty well on her daddy's blackmail dough.

The team has been assembled and things are looking good! Everyone's character, particularly Damian's, seems on-point, and their interactions are pleasant. Yes, a team of heroes that enjoy each other's company! Is that too much to ask? I think the artwork is awesome, but it is something you either appreciate or you don't. All together, this makes for a very promising Teen Titans package that makes me want to read more.

Kind of a quick read that isn't short on the particulars of the situation. There's some great action and some really good team moments that are a pleasure to read. Still, having waited a month for this issue, I was hoping for a little more. On the art side of things, there are no real complaints, but it lacks the visual identity of the first issues. All that being said, if the characterizations continue to be amenable, then I'll be glad to keep on peepin' on.

Learning just enough about the Hero Dial to definitively say we know nothing, this issue is all about possibilities. The setting in place, it is now up to the players to perform, and the readers to read. And to buy. The readers have to do that, too.

Themystery of the H-Dial and the Thunderbolt deepens, and we get to see a couple moregoofy, stylized superheroes. If you were expecting something else from thisseries, you were barking up the wrong telephone pole. But if you're disposed tothis sort of thing then you'll probably enjoy the latest iteration.

If you love comic books in general, then you shouldbe touched by this Superman-centric love letter to the medium, Other folkswould probably be confused by it.

Things are less interstellar than they are interdimensional, but let's not mince words. The fun and flash of the original series are back, so if you liked it before, you should like this now. Folks that never bothered to read the original series can also hop on here, with the understanding that you're about to read something weird.

Some good, by-the-numbers comic book storytelling, with the requisite psychedelia that is the hallmark of this series. Cave Carson and co.'s adventures continue, and we're more than along for the ride--it's like we're sitting in the Mighty Mole for the experience. I just hope Cave isn't driving. That guy is a maniac.

Cave gets to the bottom of what's ailing the Lazer Monks and Nejire, clears their Thetans and has a real bug-out besides. Here's an issue perfectly suited to Michael Oeming's unique talents, and it's a pleasure to read. I'm glad there's a hero solving psychedelic problems out there, often with the use of psychedelics.

A one-off adventure of Cave and company is more than welcome, being that there's only three issues left to the series. There's a nice father-daughter moment, but you know we all come to look at the colorful psychedelics, and you get plenty of 'em here.

An old character we barely met returns, and an even older character we never met also returns, and we're left wondering if we're supposed to care. I'm betting we are. The stakes feel low in this volume of the series, but it's a lot more wacky fun, and I think that's a reasonable trade-off.

Cave Carson gets his redemption, and he doesn't need to sacrifice anything for it. The final issue of this already low-stakes series is almost totally devoid or intrigue or suspense. But Wild Dog makes a cameo appearance at the end, so that's nice.

Very well-drawn and well-plotted comic book about a bunch of characters that do weird things for strange reasons. Some of the characterization is really enjoyable, particularly in Catman and Strix, but too many of the characters seem like throwaways or placeholders for punching bags. The wedding teased on the cover is barely an afterthought in this issue, it comes across as just another of the bizarre scenarios that play out through the story. And it all takes place at the same location"this may actually be a tour de force of Hitchcockian proportions!

Gail Simone has yetanother attempt to get this book off the ground with the second arc, and withDale Eaglesham on art the showing is pretty strong. The story sort of zipsaround in an attempt to give every character something to do, but it's notdifficult to follow if you can accept just looking at creepy semi-heroeshanging out half the time. Practically the entirety of DC Comics'magic-wielding roster is featured in this book, so if your church has denouncedthem as blasphemous then you should probably stay away and light a candle orwhatever.

I rated last issuestrongly but tentatively, in hopes that this book would pull out of thetailspin that was its first arc. I'm pleased to say that Secret Six has done just that and it is all of the madcap, fartjoke fun that we all hoped it would be. If you think Catman's butt could rivalGrayson's, if you like when Etrigan's character is written in correctly rhymingpatterns, if you think a deathless, mute, reformed assassin could be the mosttouching character in comics right now, then you should do yourself a favor andcheck this out. Worst thing that could happen is Big Shot teaching you someawesome new epithets.

Our heroes get out of thefrying pan and into the fire. The "frying pan" in this instance is the threatof being crushed by an entire ocean, and the "fire" would be a rural NewEngland mining town from the nineteenth century held captive by a giant wad ofphlegm with an eyeball. I suppose it's a pretty weak metaphor. You'll love theart, you'll love the writing, you'll love this book, and if you don't then youneed to go down to the arcade and take a spin on the Love Tester. You'll probably come up as "Cold Fish."

This story arc was cut by one issue for some reason,I would swear to it. As a result, the ending of this issue and the whole taleof Black Alice and the Alabaster Pillars fairly well sucked. Between the pausefor Convergence and truncated storieslike this, Secret Six could join anabuse survivors group"if the book survives, that is. Ah well, at least DaleEaglesham's art is spectacular, as always.

Arc number three for thisvolume of Secret Six begins with thisissue, and it's a solid story. Batgirl shows up for no huge reason and neverreally matches that awesome scene on the cover of the issue. If you don't wantto know more about the enigmatic and adorable Strix, then this issue is not foryou. But if you want to see Dale Eaglesham and Tom Derenick put a clinic oncomic book storytelling and make it look easy as pie, then there's loads ofthat in this comic. It's a tough one, I can tell you're torn. Might as well buythe comic and act put out about it than regret having missed something later.

The problem with this book is that is has amazing artwork and amazing characters and a compelling story that is well-written and nicely paced while being eminently readable. What's that you say? You don't consider these "problems?" Then why aren't you reading Secret Six? And if you are reading Secret Six, why aren't you buying two and three copies every month? Why aren't you buying issues by the baleful and slipping them inconspicuously into pediatric office waiting rooms and onto church bulletin boards? I'm really going to miss this team, both the creative and the fictional one, but before they take their bows it looks like they're pulling out all the stops. Hop on while you can!

Strix is in the clutches of Lady Shiva and the League of Assassins, and it's up to the Secret Six to save her! Right after some grub...and recruiting help from some likely and unlikely friends. The art in this book looks a little hurried along and not up to the usual standard, but it doesn't take away from some great character moments, some gross and slicey fight scenes, and the usual dark humor we've come to expect from the series. Next issue is the last one, so expect a doozy! 

This will suffice as a good ending to a series that I think has been somewhat hindered by external circumstances from the beginning. A year ago, I could have cared less about Strix and her "cute mute" shtick. Now, I can truly say I am going to miss her. And I am going to miss this comic and Gail Simone's perverted mind sputtering its brain juice on the DCU. I hope the company has something planned for her in the pipeline.

When reading an issue of the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, do not be alarmed if the corners of your mouth turn upwards or of you make a strange noise not unlike a donkey's bray. You are not being "infected" by the comic book. You are merely experiencing joy and laughing because the material at hand is funny. If you do read the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl and do not enjoy yourself, then consult a doctor immediately. It's likely you will require surgery to extract your head from your ass and may require several hundred hours of experimental "lighten up" psychotherapy.

Humor? Check. Action? Check. Touching character moments? Check. Old-timey lingo? Check. Friendship? Check. This book is great even without Wolverine in it! Not that I don't think Wolverine wouldn't improve it, it's just that Wolverine is not necessary. Who is Wolverine now, anyway? Aren't there like half a dozen of 'em? Squirrel Girl could totally be a Wolverine, y'all! She's got the agility plus the heroism, and by the way she's got retractable claws too! They come out of her palms and she hardly ever uses them, but they're an option for sure! Petition Marvel Comics to make Squirrel Girl a Wolverine today, or you'll stop getting their Funko Pop characters or something!!!

In case you think that the way to a woman's heart is stealing the planet's precious monuments, well this issue of Unbeatable Squirrel Girl will be very useful to you. Squirrel Girl handles Mole Man's clumsy, amorous advances the way she always deals with tough supervillains: by using violence as a last resort and being willing to talk things out. Plus all the jokes and gags and also Erica Henderson renders monsters in a really silly way--you should really be reading this comic book if smiling is something you enjoy!

TRIGGER WARNING: If you are triggered by learning some basics of computer science, stay away from this issue! Everyone else should check it out. This issue skews a little more to the "educational" side, but it's still super funny and really entertaining. I highly recommend this comic book, for children and adults, in particular those adults who know exactly nothing about computer science or even the most rudimentary coding (me.)

While Brain Drain holds it down in New York, Doreen, Nancy and Tippy-Toe head up to Canada to hang out with Doreen's mom, only to find themselves facing the most diabolical and mysterious crime in history! Or maybe I'm exaggerating. But it's still a pretty big crime. Actually, the crime isn't so big but its implications are stagger. Okay, maybe "staggering" isn't the right word. The implications are something you might rub your chin while considering and could elicit a "hmm." It's a fun book, and if you're not reading it then you probably don't know what "good" is!

A less-inspiring issue than usual, though still filled with more jokes than you can shake a stick at. Ant-Man makes a cameo, as promised on the cover, but it seems unnecessary and Scott Lang doesn't keep the same character from his solo series. I mean, it is written by different people so the characterization should vary a little bit, but there ought to be some collusion. If only there were an editorial office at Marvel where they could keep such things straight!

I didn't read every other Marvel comic book that came out this week, but I assume that this is the premier one in terms of teaching a concise physics lesson and also featuring the Ant-Van. It's pretty good in terms of a Squirrel Girl story, but some of the sloppy and sparse artwork did take away from it. It was a pretty good conclusion to this arc, and you learn a little bit about Canada, too. That's worth a few bucks.

Turns out that the day in the life of a house cat is pretty boring, even despite the introduction of superheroes and villains from the Marvel Universe. This issue is a cute little diversion from, uh, the usual pretty cute stuff that happens in this title, and isn't more than some fan service. But there's nothing wrong with servicing fans every now and again. We are, at least as pertaining to fans of this comic book, pretty nice people.

For Squirrel Girl's 25th's Anniversary, it's Doreen Green's 20th birthday! Don't think about it too much, you'll get a headache. This issue is some nice fan-service, and carries a good message for kids, so you can't be too mad at it. There are a few references to the original Squirrel Girl from 1992 that might be missed by new readers, but I imagine they wouldn't confuse anyone too much.

Are there any questions you have about Aquaman but were afraid to ask? Well this issue will probably answer them all. Like most of the Rebirth titles, this one establishes the status quo and provides some background for stories going forward. There's a Bad Guy reveal at the end, and you've probably guessed who that is already. The art is great, and the undersea scenes look especially good. It's a nice story that won't light the world on fire, but if Aquaman picks up and turns out to be a whirlwind of a book, you'll wish you had read this issue.

A couple of decent but milquetoast stories make for a fairly limp Annual. The team-up we've all been waiting for winds up a bit disappointing, but is still promising. Or maybe my self-delusion is as strong as ever. In any case, there are better ways to burn through five bucks in this world.

A very creepy horror story that reintroduces a fan-favorite member of the Gordon family. While some scenes evoke other popular media, the issue as a whole reads very well, and perhaps rarest of all, the reader should be surprised by some of the happenings. I'm looking forward to what's going to happen in Batgirl going forward, which is a relatively new feeling.

This is asolid comic that details the Arkham Knight's motivations and personal fears inways that really support his characterization in the game. The art isphenomenal, and there are lots of really cool scenes, but it's not so vital orgreat that I would beat down a door to get at it. I will suggest giving thisseries a try in general, and this could be an okay place to hop on. This is a goodBatman book and I suggest you take alook.

A cute throwback story for long-time Doctor Strange fans, that seems primarily to set up some future story and reinforce the fact that Stephen Strange is a jerk. The art is really nice, reminiscent of David Aja, and this looks to be the visual trend of the last issue or two. There's a backup that provides some back story for the forthcoming Doctor Strange and the Sorcerers Supreme series, and it's a nice enough story but not entirely worth paying another buck for. The first story is good enough.

Sort of a lot to throw at the reader for a first issue, but you won't come away feeling ripped off. Fans currently reading Doctor Strange will probably appreciate this the most, though I wouldn't call it a requirement. Some really solid art and good use of whatever nightmarish visions plague Javier Rodriguez's waking hours made this a real worthwhile read--but if you don't liken to horror or magic-based heroes, then you might want to steer clear.

Some talk-laden meandering and a rather flat ending are the low points that keep this book from being the exciting mystical romp it could be. The assembled team is pretty interesting, however, and each has their own back story that I will be curious to learn about. There are certainly less-deserving comic books out there that get more notice, but I'd say that only serious fans of Doctor Strange need apply here.

Most of this book is a long and winding conversation, but there are a few scenes of action and intrigue that make it worth a look. The storytelling and plotting is fairly straightforward, so anyone worried about offbeat comic book layouts can read without compunction. This issue makes me want to read more issues, which is fairly well the point of comic books, I think. That, and giving us something to write about.

This issue tells us a little more about another member of the Sorcerers Supreme, this time the Conjuror, whose character is still somewhat enigmatic but whose whole style and weaponry is terrific. When they're betrayed by one of their own, the Sorcerers find themselves on the metered end of poetic justice, and Doctor Strange wonders if he'll still have a future when this is all over! I imagine he will, I mean even if his powers are diminished, fortune tellers can make some pretty good tax-free coin in the right location.

Wonder Woman's getting the band back together...and that's pretty much all that happens in this inaugural issue. If the idea of these characters teaming up fills you with excitement, then I imagine you'll hang on for the next few issues. I know I will. But if you think DC's magic side is silly, then you can probably skip this series entirely.

A new character brings some clarity to the story, instead of introducing a lot of new, confusing elements. How about that? It's almost like a story to be read sequentially. This issue is visually arresting and should impress everyone on that level. The story is picking up fast, and fans of these characters and the DCU magic trappings will be as happy as a pig turned by Circe.

Hold on to your teddy bears, this issue might give you the heebie-jeebies. Everything fans of DC's line of "dark" characters is on full display here, and there is even a moment of uncertainty. I hadn't felt that while reading a comic for some time! If you're curious about the seedy magic side of the DC Universe, then here's the book you can use to bone up.

The story continues to raise in this event that should have fans of the DCU's Dark line rejoicing. A new agent of Hecate threatens the Green, and Nanda Parbat is all but lost. Can Wonder Woman fight past her witchmark to take down Hecate? I can't wait to find out!

A look at Detective Chimp's past reveals that he's been a bad monkey. What? That's offensive? What do you mean, "a chimpanzee isn't a monkey?!" They swing through trees and eat bananas, don't they? Well whatever he is, Bobo has done a bad thing, and now it comes home to roost.

A high-quality, gripping comic book that is as emotional as it is bombastic. Perhaps this will not be to your liking if you aren't predisposed to these characters. But if you don't like the characters in this series, then you're probably a horrible person.

An EC Comics-style anthology of creepy stories involving the Otherkind, and the real surprise here is that they're genuinely creepy. Anyone curious about the book can check out this issue without reading any previous, and I recommend that you do. This book is right in the wheelhouse of fans who like horror and DC Universe magic stuff.

Now that folks are aware of the Otherkind, they're getting scared. And you know what? They should be. Looks like the Big Bad of this story might not be what we thought it was, and an old friend from the DCYou returns to tell everyone how badly they've screwed up.

The Lords of Order's Secret Origin is interesting and all, but we probably shouldn't have sacrificed story momentum to hear it. Or maybe we should; I don't know exactly what rites and sacrifices that are necessary to defeat the Otherkind.

We learn more about the Lords of Order'sultimate plan, and find out how Circe intends to double-cross everyone, but besidesthese things, there isn't much advancement to the story. Even said plan, setforth by Nabu, seems a little hokey. You will, however, enjoy looking at everypage of this issue.

After a year-plus of issues, we're stilldealing with mistakes made during the first story arc. Which isn't a singularcrime, but barely anything has happened in the interim. This is a beautifulbook that feels unmemorable because nothing of significance ever happens.

Anoither visually-arresting issue with a few gross-out panels worth seeing, but the story moves too slowly to be considered exciting. Let's just call it enthralling.

Lushly illustrated pages and the subtle raising of stakes areobliterated by a dense story full of contrivances and conveniences. Maybe thething that's supposed to happen will happen in the next issue.

I can give this issue a partial passfor being a pilot episode (though it really should be renumbered, in myopinion), but I can't give a pass to a lot of the shitty dialogue. I understandthis is supposed to be the "action movie" of DC Comics, but come on. Peopledon't say things like "hackney carriage exhaust." They say "car fumes." Andthat's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to obnoxious yammering. The artis a little stiff, but I will give Ferrerya a break here since I've known himto get better over time.

Turns out I was a littletoo harsh on the last issue, since all of my questions and concerns wereanswered with this one. It was a good issue, a bit talky in the beginning butJuan Ferreyra's cleverly plotted pages make it a pleasure to read. The Squad isalive and in mortal danger by the end of the book, which you might haveexpected. What you might not have expected is that I actually apologize for havingbeen rash at the beginning of my review. Don't get too used to it.

There's only one way out of a spooky castle full of killers tasked with taking the lives of you and your team, and that's through them. If you felt like New Suicide Squad was a little too light on action and murder so far, well this is your issue! Juan Ferreyra's art is great and very expressive, particularly in the faces of some characters. The scene with Waller in the book was a little clunky, but I suppose it had to happen. Little House on the Prairie, this ain't. If you like your action bloody, your blood goopy, and your heroes villainous, then you should give this book a look.

The Suicide Squad is clearly feeling at home at creepy Castle Fleischhaus, they've had their mail forwarded there and Cheetah planted hydrangeas. This issue brings Amanda Waller into the fray once again, along with some special guests. But the reason you want to buy this comic book is for the art, colors and layout by Juan Ferreyra, it all works together perfectly and makes me want to frame the pages of this comic book and hang them on my wall.

A solid final issue to a story arc that went just a little too long. There was an artist change here, but Juan Ferreyra stuck around to do some plotting and finishes that helped make the transition more seamless. I like this team, and especially like the patter between Harley Quinn and Deadshot, but I feel like it began so long ago I don't even remember all the details anymore. This is a good creative team that I wouldn't have minded seeing more from, unfortunately Suicide Squad Rebirth debuts next month and Tim Seeley will be plying his words with new artists! Let's see how that goes.

Another one-off issue of Harley Quinn Featuring the New Suicide Squad delivers some intriguing backstory for the leading lady of sociopathy, but not much else in the way of the rest of the team. Big fans of the character will want to see this issue, those waiting for the New Suicide Squad to get going can keep waiting. The art is mostly good, but uneven, and looks particularly sparse where it counts. This issue actually plays better as a horror comic than your typical action-packed Suicide Squad fare.

A good opening salvo that would be tough to pull offfor average creative teams. Luckily, this group is far beyond average. If wecan stay at this level of excitement and intrigue, we may have a volume thatworks.

An expertly-executed but somewhat dry story that paysa lot of gratitude to the versions that came before. Indeed, that seems to beall there is here.

Fans of Sandman, here's the plan: head to the comic shop and respect the man; that's Jack "King" Kirby, uh, he wasn't a Furby...um, drove real swervy...okay, that was a big fail. But this comic isn't, for established fans of the character. Folks looking to get familiar for the first time should probably check the archives. A lack of Sandman content at the back knocked my score down a bit, but it's still a good bang for your [five] bucks.

It's the WonderWoman you know and love, with an invisible plane and a lasso of truth, and justthe right amount of body to her hair that tells us we're in the late 1970s.Here she faces a villain (normally found in Gotham) and it's for a pretty coolreason if you know your Wonder Woman. And if you don't, you'll figure it out.This book is a lot of fun and a perfectly fine point for the curious to comeand take a look.

It's a showdownbetween Wonder Woman and Clayface, and I don't have to tell you who's got thewinning odds. This is a great conclusion to last chapter's setup, full ofaction and heroics in the traditional comic book form. The art is great, thepremise is cool, and it costs a buck ninety-eight. If you know of somethingthat will put as big a smile on my face for less than two dollars, then I'm allears. Something legal, I should stressto some of our more shady readers.

This is what you call a nice comic story. It's not incredible, and the artwork is just about passable, but upon completion I feel you will consider the money and time investment to be worthwhile. Since you're taking investment advice, would you like to contribute to my Kickstarter campaign? I'm trying to raise enough money so I can buy the license to publish Wonder Woman comics and hire the folks doing the digital-first comics to write them. I mean, for crap's sake. I want to see Diana protecting elephants, not whatever the hell is happening over in the main book.

Fools try to takeout Wonder Woman, but she's all pweeng! Kapweeng-pweeng! And then the elephantsare all smash! Bash! Loud trumpeting sound! And the elephant poachers are likewhat? Huh? Why am I being humiliated and demolished? And then Orion the Hunteris all “Oh wow, I am totally being humiliated and demolished.” The art is alittle rough in some parts, but does very well to serve a chapter that canessentially be summed up as “Wonder Woman wins.”

Once again, the second installment of a two-part Wonder Woman '77 story involves Wonder Woman taking charge and saving the day. She acts almost like a hero or something! The art looked a little rough in these chapters, but the story is great and very satisfying. Not unlike a Snickers bar. But unlike a Snickers bar, this thing costs only ninety-nine cents. Have you seen what they're charging for candy these days? It's a crime I tell ya! Anyway, buy this book or be an idiot, see if I care.

A nemesis from the Wonder Woman television show makes a comeback in this chapter, but you won't need to have watched a single episode to jump right in and follow along. And trust me, you're going to want to follow along. The art is lively and expressive, and the story is so much fun with not a lot of filler. You can't beat it for a buck!

Usually the second chapter of these two-part Wonder Woman '77 stories depict Diana kicking major booty without compunction, but with compassion. This one is slightly different, in that Gault has the upper hand for like eleven seconds. You'll want to read this comic if you're a fan of crappy science fiction movies and/or superheroes winning. If you're not familiar with the original television show, don't worry about it. It's easy to hop in and follow along (from the previous chapter of this two-parter.)

Some interesting Cold War espionage meets MotorCity's funk revolution in this historically accurate chapter of Wonder Woman '77. The story is prettyengaging, despite not containing a whole lot of actual Wonder Woman, but theart dragged the whole thing down quite a bit. Still, if you're looking for somelate 70s Wonder Woman action, thenyou'll find it here.

Concluding the story that began in the last chapter, this one is packed with lots of late 1970s references and some moderate action, as well as classic Wonder Woman butt-kicking. The poor artwork, however, took me right out of this story and made it a little difficult to enjoy. Not the best chapter in this series, but still a pretty good time for the price.

A pretty disappointing chapter of Wonder Woman '77 with a bland story and fairly crummy artwork at points. I'm usually loving this series, but this bit can be dismissed.

A solid chapter that sets the stage for a potential space conflict in the next chapter, which could be incredible. This one isn't exactly action-packed, but I have faith that the Wonder Woman butt-whoopin' will be profuse in the conclusion. The art is kind of rigid with a lot of ruled lines, but everything that happens in-panel is evident and not really much to complain about. The next chapter will determine whether this one was worth the buck...but I'll have to spend another ninety-nine cents to find out! You got me again, DC Digital First!

A nice conclusion to this story that shows Wonder Woman at her best, though there isn't a lot of action. Still, considering the events of this story in the context of the year 1977 makes for some interesting conjecture. The art looks better in this chapter than the last, for some reason, which might have more to do with me than anything else.

The intrigue of this story is maintained as more succumb to Hecate's witchmark. The dialogue is sharp, the pages will dazzle, this is a good comic book. I don't know if folks new to DC's Dark characters will like it, but they should sure give it a look anyway!

Looks like the world of magic as we know it is going away, and Justice League Dark continues trying to stem the tide. Except for Wonder Woman, of course, he's possessed by Hecate. Too bad, that.

This is like thepilot episode for the comic series, so there's a lot of talky bits and out-loudexplanations of characters' relationships to one another, but between Bengal'ssuperbly fun artwork and Sterling Gates' practiced pacing, it turns out to be apretty fun read. It's worth saying that the Supergirl here is the one from theCBS television show, so whether that appeals to you or not"proceed accordingly.Myself, I'm glad to see a promising Supergirlbook, and as long as her characterization is consistent then I'll keep gobblingit up!

We get lots morecharacterization in this chapter, and really get a sense for how close Kara andAlex's are as sisters"more than I did on the television show, for what that'sworth. We also get the non-introduction of a character acting as plotconvenience and some questionable choices in facial composition, but overallthis is book is a lot of fun and is definitely worth a buck and ten minutes ofyour time. Give it a look, whether you watch the show or not!

The firstAdventures of Supergirlarc ends sort of flat, but looks really good doing it. We learn the secret origin of Rampage, and it is pretty unexpected. There's also some sweet interaction between the Danvers sisters, and in this chapter we really see what kind of person Kara is. I would have liked a more definitive ending, is all, especially for the opening arc for a series. Perhaps this will read better if it is ever stitched into a printed issue.

The very firstpanel of this comic lets us know that this is a cumulative story with its owncontinuity, which isn't always true of DC's digital comics. So there is apayoff to stick with it if you're enjoying it enough to spend two bucks amonth. This chapter pits Kara against alien computer nerdery, which is a goodmatch-up because her nerdliness is very strong when she puts on a sweater set. Andshe's an alien, to boot. Jonboy Meyers and John Rauch take over art duties forthis chapter and do an absolutely bang-up job with it. If you can't enjoy thiscomic, then you suck.

This chapter answers the question, "Does Supergirl dream of electric sheep?" Not when some unseen villain is in charge, she doesn't. Story is okay but the art vacillates between very good and not very good, and never really fits the tone of the book as I've come to know it. We're probably going to see Supergirl kick major butt next issue, so if you want to see that, you should probably get this chapter so you're all prepared. And besides, it's the only way you'll find out if Supergirl sleeps in the nude!

Supergirl continues to flex her expert-level dreaming skills and finds out who has been manipulating her night-nights recently--former Fort Rozz employee, Psi! This chapter is a lot of fun because we get to see a few variations on Supergirl that are both cool as heck and reference different versions of Supergirl from days of yore. Was there ever actually a "day of yore?" Like, were two guys standing atop a hill, watching townsfolk below going about their business, and one said to the other, "Yep, these are the days of yore"? I wonder...and I'd further like to know if the other guy turned to him and replied, "Nope, these days are your'n." And then they probably killed and ate each other, as was the custom in those days.

The sisters Danvers engage on a quest for Psi and visit one of her old haunts, from before she went all ghost-like. Sterling Gates is writing fairly pitch-perfect versions of the characters from the CBS TV show, and if you're jonesin' for Supergirl since the first season ended last week, well you can spend a buck and get another taste. C'maan, one taste won't hurt. What are you, chicken? I'm gonna tell everyone that you're a little baby that won't take their Adventures of Supergirl digital comic because you're a poo-poo head. No you. No, you. I don't want to get into this anymore, I'm telling mom.

Sister power is in full effect as Kara and Alex stand side-by-side, blasting robots. Ultimately, Kara has to save the day because, you know, Alex is merely human. The mysterious Facet, who beset Psi on Kara's dreams two issues ago, reveals themselves--and proves to be nothing you'd expect! Unless you expected a chrome-plated lady, that is. Then they're exactly what you expected. This is a pretty thin chapter in the series, but still has some good moments including pretty awesome close combat scenes. I think we'll get some resolution next chapter that should help wrap this story arc into a nice, tidy package.

This chapter is all set-up for future events, and as such it turns out to be twenty digital pages of Kara and Alex talking to a hologram. And it's not even a hologram of 2Pac! The artwork is really nice, but there's not much action to speak of and the reveals are less staggering and more intriguing. This has been a good digital series, and I am sure stuff gleaned from this chapter will have ramifications in the near future, but if you jumped on here for some reason then you might wonderwhat the hype is all about.

An overdue confession leads to some big character developments and the resolution of a hanging thread from the very first arc in the series. Fans that have read every chapter of this series will appreciate this one, but I wouldn't recommend jumping on at any point in the middle. This is the culmination of the entire series and I think preconceived information will be more important going forward. I's a very rewarding series that plays out tonally and at a similar pace to the television show.

We have reached the end of this Supergirl experiment, and if you ask me it has been a success. I'd take Supergirl stories of this caliber endlessly, if provided, but I guess DC has other plans with the print book or something. I don't mean to make this sound like Evil DC Comics hates fun and teddy bears, perhaps Sterling Gates had another opportunity, or maybe there would be some conflict with the new season of Supergirl on the CW. It just seems truncated, that's all. But even if it has been shortened prematurely, this has been a really fun series for fans of the character and the television show.

This is a pretty good issue. Itwrapped up a sub-par arc, and set up something awesome. T'Challa is back tobeing a smart cookie, and Tony Stark plays a role. I hope the next arc andissue can start delivering on the seeds it has sown. 

This issue I actually enjoyed. The whole dream sequence and the history lesson was good, though I am a sucker for history lessons. This was a nice departure from the revolution story line, and now that Shuri is back maybe she can bitch slap T'challa so he stops making stupid mistakes. The art in this issue is still really good. 

A lot ofreal-world history mingled with phony locations and personnel are what great comics are made of, and this one is stuffed to the seams. The story is really interesting, and might be of particular interest to history buffs, though it is really wordy and not exactly full of the punching and kicking we've come to expect from comic books. The art is great, very tight and yet lively, and I sure would like to see more of it in the future.This is a cool comic book, worth checking out for the dollar!

A pretty action-packed chapter that reveals some more of the tortured history of the Bombshells, as well as a weirdability of Batwoman's (that might be new only to me.) Though this is a three-part story, the conclusion isn't very...conclusive, and this will probably make a very cogent print issue. As digitals, though, it's a little disappointing. The art is solid, and I did think this chapter was good fun. Just didn't seem like the ending to anything.

A little more intrigue, some friendly interactions, and spooky ancient blood gods make for a pretty cool chapter. This is sort of like Scooby-Doo crossed with H.P. Lovecraft. Except a lot of the characters have boobs. Also I didn't detect any overt racism. The artwork is spectacular in this chapter, and well worth the purchase price alone. Come on, ya cheapskate!

A much needed reintroduction to the trappings of the Green Lantern Corps is welcome, if not altogether thrilling. We see space cops in action, and Hal Jordan whipping up constructs. It's too early to get overly jazzed for this series, but all signs look positive.

The series begins proper with a couple of crimes to solve and the dispensing of a Silver Age character. No hints on which one! This issue is highly readable and offers some pretty compelling moments that should pique your interest for the next issue. But if Hill Street Blues was never your thing, then this issue might run cold for you.

The fate of the Earth is sealed! And most of its inhabitants seem cool with it. Hal Jordan's by-the-books police technique might not jibe with every sleep-n-eat and ne'er-do-well, but by gum there's going to be law and order in this galaxy, if he has to arrest bug-eyed slacker to do it!

Can Hal Jordan and some weird-looking members of the Green Lantern Corps stop a world's sun from being consumed? Probably. I mean, that's like his "thing,' right? All "save the planet" and whatnot. Me, I'd want to know what the sun thinks about it. Has anyone considered that the sun might want to be eaten?

Hal goes through the application process to be a Blackstar, and after retaking the test with an sharpened #2 pencil. Some nice scenery in this issue, but it's really a place holder for that sixth issue huzzah.

There's a stylistic gimmick happening here that somewhat supersedes actual Green Lantern characters or continuity. If you enjoy the gimmick, like I do, then you could enjoy this book. If you're Eric, then this series will leave you furious.

This issue's story is told in a unique, copy-heavy style that should be familiar to fans of illustrated fantasy tales. Folks looking for a Green Lantern story respective of recent continuity, however, get hosed.

Some silly fun is reason enough to enjoy this otherwise threadbare plot.Kudos for not putting Green Lantern Batman right on the cover.

A decent sci-fi storythat fumbles a little at the end by advertising other comics. Not that I won'tbe reading those comics, I'm just saying. It seems cheap.

A reasonably pleasant story from Harley Quinn's pre-Suicide Squad (The Movie!) days, with a nice roster of artists and some appropriate hijinks. It's just a little superfluous, being that Conner and Palmiotti are leaving the book and the asking price is five bucks. It ends up being a pretty good value, though.

A well-constructed anthology book of various Harley Quinn stories that should titillate any level of Quinn-phile. That's a thing, right? There's some great creators on this book, so it might be worth getting just to have this work in one place. Or maybe you want to read about Harley hitting on Poison Ivy some more. Either way, you're good.

Two full comics for four bucks, one better than the other but neither truly bad. Not a bad deal. We see some great new characters in El Diablo's story, and Amanda Waller's story...well that's nice, too. I'd say you could do a lot worse than to get this comic.

A quirky but sparse El Diablo story and a interesting but plodding Amanda Waller story make for a pretty mediocre comic book. I'd still say it's a pretty good value for the cover price, but if you haven't been reading it up to now, then you will probably be okay if you just keep marching down that road and skip this entirely.

This issue promises the fans that the Superman we know best will be evinced in Brian Michael Bendis' run on the character. Unfortunately, that's all we've gotten from him for the last two outings, and I'd sort of like to see some meaningful content. Oh well, I'm sure there's some diabolical stuff forthcoming.

This book hits a lot of the right notes that will feel comfortable to fans of Superman, and while the "big mystery" remains under wraps, there are nuggets of interest that should serve to keep you hooked in. Plus: random acts of heroism by Superman. That just feels right.

Only two obvious plot developments to speak of, but the inclusion of some other DC characters, as well as the tone being set for Superman, makes for a good read. Whether or not it is worth the money can be assessed when the final issue is out.

Some terrific punch-em-up action and some slivers of story progression don't elevate this past the other issues in the series so far. Indeed, much of this issue is given over to Superman learning things we already know. The mystery of the whereabouts of Jon and Lois deepens, but not by much as we do learn who took them away in Clark's successive flashbacks. Still a fun book, but it's definitely starting to feel like a placeholder now.

The alleged solar flare from the end of the last issue turns out to be a red herring, and this issue continues to tread water to justify a sixth issue. Frankly, skipping this miniseries entirely and waiting for the regular Superman comics to commence in July seems like the smarter idea, the further we get along.

Our burning questions are answered, and we're left with the feeling that it was more interesting not to know. Isn't that always the way? The character Superman seems to be in capable hands going forward, but it looks like these stories may be taking the scenic route.

A pretty surreal comic that may be impenetrable to readers that are brand new to the team, Doom Patrol #1 is packed with stuff to dazzle your eye and fry your brain in the grand tradition of the series. Our new hero Casey Brinke is really intriguing and all of the new concepts introduced in this comic are highly strange. The art was perfect, like a psychedelic TinTin. Buy this book if you think your workaday life has gotten stale.

The reintroduction of some favorite characters brings the usual chaos and confusion that seems to surround Casey Brinke's life, but the team is coming together, piece by piece. The artwork is absolutely wonderful throughout and there are lots of intriguing moments that might be meaningless to a brand-new reader. I have a solution! Read every single Doom Patrol comic book from 1963 to 2011 and then come back to this series! You might get a lot more out of it.

Some questions are answered and some answers are questioned and all things come to pass in the magical realm of Dannyland! New fans of the Doom Patrol will find some backstory within that will probably be relevant, and all the plots seem to be moving along at a good pace that just makes me want more and more. But the clincher is these awesome comic book parodies that need to be seen to be appreciated. And you should be seeing them. So get on that.

Though the time gap between the last issue and this one diminished some of the momentum, this is a great issue that answers a ton of nagging questions without introducing too many more. There's funny moments, gross moments, confusing moments...not a ton of action, but there's a bunch of heavy metal band names based on DC Comics properties. So that'll keep you busy for a couple of minutes.

A lot happens in this issue, though we wind up more or less in the same place we start. Plenty of high weirdness to satisfy your DP longing, but it's been a pretty long wait for the story to move incrementally. Luckily, in a book like this that can mean progress in several dimensions.

There's some cool concepts, and the return of a fan-favorite character, but it all happens so quickly that I found it a bit unsettling. I think the overall story of this first arc has been good fun, but the last two issues have seemed a little over packed when taken individually. I know, I'm usually the guy saying stories are too decompressed in comics these days, but I guess with the Doom Patrol I want to luxuriate in the weirdness a little longer.

Even though it's been a long time since the last issue, and we've got a guest artist on this one, it fell right in step with the series and felt just like coming home...if you live in a day-glo, psychedelic funhouse in another dimension, that is. Would that we could! Danny, come pick me up, I'm ready to commit! Doom Patrol forever.

This issue picks up from the storylines left in issue #6, back in May. As a result, there's a lot of exposition to remind the reader of all the goings-on. There's some implied interspecies sex, and a new status for the Negative Entity, but it feels a little like we're in the tutorial stage of this Doom Patrol: The Second Arc video game. I hope the first level proper is coming next issue.

A familiar villain's appearance is cool, but a bit unearned before a series has even gone into double digits. How each character recursively fits into this story is always fascinating, and artistically this title extremely strong. But the constant delays make it difficult to sustain enthusiasm for the book over an extended period.

This issue is trying to be a little too cute for a series that comes out so irregularly. Next issue's solicit has been pulled already, so like I tell you every time an issue of Doom Patrol comes out, wait for the trade collection. Though the way this issue seemed tossed together like a large salad, that collection may not be worth your time, either.

This issue could be titled "Everything You Wanted to Know About Young Animal's Doom Patrol, But Were Afraid to Ask." Many loose ends are tied up, in rushed and unsatisfying ways that should please only the most sycophantic reader. The rest of us will know we've been hoodwinked when we see the final panel's suggestion that we pick up the "Milk Wars" trade collection. That's the unkindest cut of all.

Delays notwithstanding, this book is a rip-off. Even fans of the Reynolds clan from this series–all six of you–will feel cheated by this crap. I've no specific beef with the art team, except for their involvement here. Choose better projects.

This is a really solid comicby some great talent, took me back to Tomasi's classic run on Detective Comics some years ago. It'sstraightforward Batman stuff with alot of the familiar trappings tweaked just enough to pique your interest. Theart is top-notch and the colors and executed nicely. If you're a fan of thevideo game or you're just looking for a classic Batman story, you should checkthis out.

There's nothing specificallywrong with this comic, the art and plotting are done with expertise. I just wouldn'texpect this issue to grab anybody's attention without prior interest in theArkhamverse. We do get some more insight into Jason Todd's motivations andlearn about his time as Robin, to find that he really is a selfish littlewhiner. I think that was the point: the murderous Arkham Knight is, in fact, adejected little boy. But damn, dude. That's what they made beer for.

Peter Tomasi continues toweave an interesting origin story for the Arkham Knight, blending it seamlesslywith what we know from the video game while paying some homage to the original Death In the Family comic book story.This issue reads a little thin since so much of it is given over to starkdepictions of violence and torture, which to be fair isn't something you reallywant to cover with a "Meanwhile" caption box. It was just a surprise; eventhough there has been violence in the first two issues of this comic, this wasa little over-the-top. Still a good issue, and it definitely makes you feel alittle more sympathy for that shrill asshole that plagues you forthree-quarters of the video game.

We learn some more about how Jason Todd becameArkham Knight, and it turns out that it wasn't quite a considered choice. Thisis a really violent comic book and is not for children, though the video gameupon which it is based isn't for children either, so technically no kids shouldeven be aware of either's contents. So since we're all adults here, I wouldlike to sell you on purchasing some insurance from the American Association ofRetired Partners. Superheroes may not have a retirement plan, but we should.

Now we aregetting to the Arkham Knight portion of this origin story, when Jason Toddamasses the money and technology that would eventually allow him to dominateGotham City. This is just a nicely-executed comic book and it was fun to read,even if it was over sort of quickly. But that's how it goes in Gotham City,baby, one minute you're Batman's sidekick and the next minute you're an angrydouchebag with ludicrously elaborate revenge fantasies. Do you think this ishow Pizza Rat started, first the butt of internet jokes and humiliating memes,and now one of the frontrunners for the GOP presidential nomination? The mindreels.

I had a lot oftrouble scoring this issue of Batman: Arkham Knight " Genesis. It is a prettytalky comic book. But if you've been following the story all along, and know alittle something about the Arkhamverse as presented in the Rocksteady videogames, then you will definitely enjoy the dialogue. It's been a goodminiseries"not the greatest, but thoroughly enjoyable and consistent in the waymonthly comic books should be. Hats off to Tomasi and Soy!

This comic is about a woman facing her own obsolescence late in life. To make matters more complicated, she's also omnipotent. Is anyone looking to hire a goddess for their burgeoning society?

A kind of clunky issue that manages to bump against some comic book themes that will be familiar to the seasoned reader. Caroline Sharp's malaise is warranted, but wearing thin. The reader isn't supposed to be as morosely bored as the character they're reading about.

Some new information is revealed about Caroline, and she gains a new sense of purpose, just in time for Armageddon. Isn't that always the way? As this story congeals, it begins to taste like marmalade...laced with psychedelics. My favorite flavor!

This issue is the most fun of the series, since it shows several contextual scenes taking place in various Caroline-derived realities. But the overall storytelling is lacking, and some of the characters feel forgettable, which makes for a somewhat frustrating read in single issues.

This issue serves well to re-establish the somewhat confusing events leading up to it, but provides very little forward movement. We are positioned for a grand finale, so I suppose it has done what a penultimate issue in a series should do. Some great storytelling by Sonny Liew, but the story might be too obtuse for normal comic book layouts. Or perhaps my drugs have worn off.

The impending End to All Things doesn't happen, which you might have guessed since you are still in existence and reading this blurb. This was a nice-looking series, but the ending fell pretty flat. I guess when the only things that can happen are either every dimension  collapsing into nothing, or not that, then the former is the logical recourse.

There's a pretty fascinating mystery here that involves some complex characters and dicey situations, but really Twilight Children is an expertly executed comic on every level and should be enjoyed by anyone that isn't a moron or an asshole. Hernandez's dialogue reads like broken English at times, which can be at once endearing and odd. Cooke's art and plotting is phenomenal here.

The plot deepens and so does the little fishing village's amorous connections as a mysterious new woman appears in the wake of the storm from the last issue. There's lots of intrigue and some punching in this issue, but really it's just a pleasure to look at, as Hernandez and Cooke's story is so well-paced and draws you in despite not having learned a lot about the suddenly-appearing glowing orbs. You should check this comic book out if you like comics, and if you don't like comic books then this comic may change your mind.

The usual relaxed, Twin Peaks style vibe of the book givesway to a tension-filled offering of slender panels and wordy platitudes. Themystery has ratcheted up a notch, and the formulaic plotting does create asense of high-paced action, but it was a little much to get accustomed to at theend of the story. Darwyn Cooke's art and Dave Stewart's colors are as capableas always, but they seem constrained and limited in the space provided by thesejam-packed pages. If you've gone this far, you'll want to see this tale to itsconclusion. But this issue was definitely a disappointment in and of itself.

You ever bite into some really good food, and you'relike, "Wow! This is really good food! This is the best food I have evertasted!" And then you take another bite and you're like, "This is great food.Absolutely stellar. This food should be the benchmark for all other food andfoodstuffs." Then on the third bite, you're like, "Hmm"this is good food. Itmight be a little too spicy, though. For me. If you like spicy food then youwill definitely love it." And then on the fourth bite, your food turns into apelican that bites you on the nose and then tells your co-workers that you LARPon weekends and then gets on a long elevator ride with you and lays thethickest, smelliest fart? That's what this series is like. Sigh.

Despite the planet's contentious political climate at the moment, Aquaman yet seeks an accord with we, the land-dwelling folk of the world. This is an engaging and charming story backed up by some dynamite artwork that should really be seen and appreciated. If you walked away from Aquaman for whatever reason, then you might want to take a few tentative steps back, because this issue is certainly worth reading.

An issue consisting of a single fight, no matter how nicely drawn, is still a rip-off. If you're brand new to Aquaman, it will fill in a few plot points, but it's doubtful that this issue will draw in to explore the character further. But if you've got a thing for lots of splashing, then you have found your comic book! Things are exploding and splashing all the time!

An uneven story and mediocre artwork result in a middle-of-the-road score. I really hope this book gets going, because here at the third issue I feel like we've gotten almost nowhere. There's a scene with Black Manta that's pretty cool, so there's some potential for a good story here. But the "fish out of water" shtick is beyond stale at this point.

This run of Aquaman is a lot like the television sitcom the Big Bang Theory in that it sucks. It's going nowhere anyone is interested in going, and it's doing it at a very slow pace. The art in this issue is nothing great, but isn't the reason the stay away from it. The reason you should stay away from it is because it may cause drowsiness and irritability.

Last issue depicted Mera breaking out of prison, this one consists primarily of them escaping. Next issue will be Arthur preparing an omelet, and the issue after that will be him eating it. You'll have to stay tuned to find out whether or not he washes his dishes in the next story arc! Though the overall yarn is moving incredibly slow, this issue picks up the pace a bit, and slides some components into place that look to hopefully bring it all to a merciful conclusion. Or maybe like four more issues of running. That could be something.

The pointless conclusion to a meaningless, meandering story. Some great artwork is all that saves this book's score from being a vertical line. Superman's in it, but you won't like his inclusion. Tune in next week when we have an entire issue of Aquaman making a pot of coffee.

Some dangling threads are sewn up, others are pulled, and the stage is set for an interesting mystery tale, despite the fact that we already know the culprit. Though there's a lot of dialogue, much of it fleshes out the world of Atlantis and explains some of the thinking behind those for and those against collusion with the surface dwellers. Would have been nice to see some more action, but Scot Eaton renders some terrific undersea landscapes that definitely kept me more tranquil and calm. Maybe Aquaman can be my personal therapeutic fish tank.

A great issue of Aquaman full of underwater action, heroism, and a surprise character revealed at the end! And this character is awesome! Mera is presented with a conflict that could have dire consequences, but probably won't because Aquaman is completely smitten with her. The art was never a problem in this series, and looks really nice here. Put it all together, and you're looking at a dang good comic book, I tell you what!

A nice wrap up to a story primarily about the destruction of public property. There's some character development, we learn a little more about the mysterious Widowhood that are training Mera to be a Queen, and...Shaggy Man! Do I really need to say more? Shaggy Man throws an oil truck! I don't usually put spoilers in here but you should know that's like the least of the damage he causes! I had a great time with this two-part story and I encourage more comics to take this lead.

A very Mera-centric issue that provides some answers and serves to humanize those Mean Girls at the Tower of the Widowhood. The return of a not-disliked character is pleasant, if inconsequential, and this issue directly continues the story from previous issues--but can be read as a standalone! It's a one-off! This doesn't look like it will be some bloated tale, padded out for the trade collection! It's the dawn of a new day, my fellow comics enthusiasts! The 5-7 issue story arc is defeated!

The final preparations are made for what looks to be a real humdinger of a city-destroyin' slugfest! This issue reads a little slow, but we learn some important information, and more importantly characters learn things we already knew. I've enjoyed this lull before the storm, now it's time for some good ol' over-the-top comic book action!

We were promised a war, and a war we shall get! Some bombastic scenes and lots of intriguing avenues make for an exciting, compelling issue that's just what the doctor ordered after the meticulous set-up. The artwork looks better to me than usual, and it's never bad, so that's probably a function of how much I enjoyed this comic book. This issue was worth the wait!

The pacing and quality remains high, but somehow the stakes seem low in this continuation of Arthur Curry's wartime hijinks. For long time readers, this explosion-fest packs a lot of payoff, and even new readers will get engaged. In the explosions. Come on, it's not rocket surgery. People like explosions, eviscerated bodies drenched in blood, and butts. In that order. There are other things, but if you hit those three then you don't need to look any further.

So we see the Aquamarines in action, and it's a little underwhelming. In the context of this story arc, this issue is decent, but alone it would read like the insane rantings of a madman. Which may be the point. All I'm saying that is if you decided 2017 is the year you start reading Aquaman, go a couple of issues back so you can understand the import of a Lion Fish/human hybrid.

"The Deluge" comes to a satisfying, if not altogether entertaining, conclusion. Despite my relatively low score, I would say that this story arc that picked up from issue #8 has been a dependably fun time, and I would recommend it to a fan of Arthur Curry or even someone looking for a casual beach read.

This issue acts as an epilogue to "The Deluge," and it's quite welcome. Aquaman is affable, funny, and helpful in the way that I like to see my superheroes behave once in a while. There's also a tease for an imminent conflict facing Arthur, but that's for a later issue. Today, let's celebrate Aquaman and why he's one of the great DC Comics characters!

Our beloved Aquaman basks in the glory of adulation and the annoyance of Warhead sending telepathic hallucinations his way. A slow burn of an issue that unfolds well and keeps the reader interested throughout. Looks pretty sweet, too. Aquaman, I think you and I could be friends!

You'll go from neophyte to expert where Warhead is concerned in this issue, but it's a pretty engaging story that deals with a very current topic. There's some great characterization of a compassionate Aquaman, as well as another diplomatic wrinkle that I'm sure will turn up in the future. The pacing and action of this series is very satisfying and consistent. You should give it a look.

This issue continues a story line left over from the end of the New 52. Not having read those issues, I still found it perfectly easy to follow along and enjoyed the story to boot. Some good dialogue and a crazy-looking monster makes for some decent comic booking. Aquaman has been one of the most consistent titles of Rebirth (after the first arc) and those looking for a steady smile should give it a look.

This story is to be continued for at least another issue, which may its biggest crime. Not a wholly bad comic book, just not a lot more than what we got last issue. Maybe I shouldn't have so many expectations, but what can I say? I had a very entitled childhood.

Some interesting developments with Strange Water and an incremental passage of time still left me a little disappointed in this underwater horror tale that's just going on too long. The arc should be shorter or the story should be better. I like the basic conceit, but it ain't jaw-dropping.

A pretty unsatisfying conclusion to this story arc includes a bit of pushback by Mera against Aquaman, probably the issue's main redeeming scene. Despite this yarn having gone for four or five issues, the ending sees half-finished. Maybe the rest comes after the next DC Comics reboot.

If you're not getting enough politics in your waking life, well here's an extra-heapin' helpin' in your comic books. Art is phenomenal, but while the story's concept is intriguing, this bloated take is probably not integral to the arc. Save your three bucks, unless you're a completest (you're a completest, you know it and I know it.)

The Council of Elder Jerks makes their decision on Aquaman's kinghood, and if you check the cover you'll see how it goes. Turns out Corum Rath's leadership style isn't all "compassionate conservative" at all, he's more of a "constantly yelling stuff" type. The ending will make you sad, partly because it seems like we have more to go on this Atlantean politics stuff.

This beautifully-rendered book is a worthwhile buy based on the art alone. The story is a little flaccid, but does advance the story somewhat from last issue when Corum Rath took the Atlantean crown. Plus, Aquaman grows his hair and beard out as will be necessary for this crossover with Metal this Summer. So that's a thing.

A cool story about Aquaman slumming in the mean shoals of Atlantis is made more spectacular by the terrific drawing and coloring by Stjepan Sejic. When I saw this comic was going monthly and gaining a buck, I thought it was on a death march. Now, I think we're seeing another Rebirth for Aquaman, and it's one you should take a look at.

The plot thickens, and perhaps gets more murky as the waters are ever-muddied...okay, forget this terrible water metaphor. This is a pretty solid issue that looks cool, but doesn't have any great moments. The mystery of how Aquaman yet lives persists, and we get some new questions and developments besides. Hopefully this all comes to a head next issue.

There's a lot going on in this issue, but there's really one thread that feels active, and it ain't about Aquaman. There are worse things, however, and I'll be glad to see how these different parts converge for what I hope will be a satisfying ending. We can enjoy the pretty pictures along the way.

The three plots running in the last issue conclude in a satisfactory, if somewhat flat manner. Vulko and Ondine engage in some spectral comedy hijinks that help to break up the monotony. Elsewhere in the issue: monotony.

Here, at what was intended to be the conclusion of this story arc, some new elements are introduced that render previous parts to the story pointless. So if you've been waiting to hop on the book, now's your time! But if you've been reading it regularly, you got hosed.

Strong line work and coloring go a long way to make this status advisory issue something to appreciate. If you've been looking to hop on the Aquaman train, now's your chance. Faithful readers will feel less enthused.

On the very last page of this issue, it's the moment we've all been waiting for. Otherwise, this book is mired in circular conversation and the same conundrums that have persisted for the last ten issues. This new art team is absolutely terrific and I hope to see a lot more from them to come. As for this plodding story arc, I hope it wraps up next issue.

There's finally some payoff for a very long build-up in this series, and this issue is a sight to behold. The art team did a beautiful job that might be worth the cover price by itself. Throw in some fast-paced action and palpable stakes, and you've won my embittered heart.

A little diversion from an already-bloated story might not be warranted, but it can be welcomed when it's handled by Jones and Madsen. Some rare insight into a character barely developed, but who should be central to this story. Better late than never.

All of the disparate elements from the last dozen or so issues...almost come to bear here. They're about to. I can just taste it. Something is going to happen in this comic book series soon, and when it does, you'll be laughing out of the other side of your neck, jack!

This title jogs in place for yet another issue, as the Most Sustained and Boring Revolution continues. By this point, I'd expect anyone displeased with Atlantis would have left by now. I know I would have left this comic, were I not reviewing it. Continued reading of this series is an exercise in being ripped-off.

The Atlantean revolution against King Corum Rath continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues and continues.

It all comes to a rapid conclusion, thanks to the events detailed in Mera #6. Oh, you haven't been reading that miniseries? Sucks to be you, bud. That's the underwater series that's actually had some stakes and forward movement.

This crossover event plods on incrementally as we wait for the climax to happen. I figure it's got to be just around the bend, by rights.

If you've been reading "Sink Atlantis" all along, then this issue likely ends exactly as you'd expected. If you haven't been reading "Sink Atlantis," then this would be a weird issue to have jumped on, huh?5.5/10

This issue is a rollicking, fun read with lots of peril and hopelessness--just the way we like our comics! The story within is a little short on content, but the impressive visuals more than make up for that: you'll want to linger over these panels again and again.

An inoffensive but very dry story that could probably be skipped, with no damage to the integrity of this "Drowned Earth" event. Do not pass "Go," head directly to Justice League #12 for actual story momentum.

A new creative team brings a new status quo for Aquaman, and one that fits neatly within current continuity. A few new characters are introduced, but not so many that it's tough to keep their names straight. An intriguing beginning to a story yet to be told.

We learn some more about the people inhabiting the mysterious village where Aquaman is being held--including the name of the village, from the solicit's copy--but precious little happens in this story to advance it or create any compelling moments. Nice-looking book, for sure.

An epic tale of the world's beginning, told a bit too late in this story arc. Perhaps its the story arc that should be truncated. PERHAPS EVERY STORY DOESN'T NEED TO BE SIX @#$%! ISSUES LONG.

Things fall into place as Aquaman and Caillie confront Namma, revealing a secret that I'm pretty sure we already knew. Now that all the characters introduced feel relevant, the story has become more compelling, which I guess is a pretty neat trick in comics today.

This creative team's opening arc ends rather neatly and abruptly, but it is still pretty satisfying for those who have been keeping up. Fans hoping for a total restoration of the character might be disappointed, but the issue ends on a familiar note that bodes good things.

Aquaman regains some of his memories, and fans ofthis series can gain some more footing in terms of what is in continuity andwhat is not. The new art team does a great job, both maintaining the designs ofnew characters and making this somewhat quiet story a joy to read. Well done.

Things stall out foran issue while this “Year of the Villain” business gets shoehorned in, but it'snot an altogether offensive little pause. It's also not terribly exciting.

A sliver of story slicedthinner, this issue will prove to be without great meaning later on when biggerstories have usurped it. Or when Year of the Villain concludes, whichever comes first.

If you're new to Aquaman, this is a good issue tojump on…and so are the most recent five issues, because they've all been recap.There's less forward progression in this story than the Mary Worth comic strip.

A by-the-numbers doling out of story elements accruedin the last four issues, to create a very contrived cliffhanger that you couldprobably guess in three tries. Give it a shot! Save yourself the four bucks forthis visually impressive comic book.

Every T is crossed, every I is dotted, and it highlights how much extra baggage this story  has been dragging along. A satisfying conclusion to a bloated arc with a pretty cool development that's run into the ground in the same issue that it's introduced. Forget it, Jake. That's comics.

At the conclusion of "Drowned Earth," things get complex and then are summarily dispatched. You might not be afraid to go into the water after reading this book, but it might put you off calamari for a while.

Here we get someadventures of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl and the origin of Harley Quinn asdefined by the Rocksteady video games, and it's fairly well a dud. There aresome really creative storytelling choices made by Matthew Clark, but they aren'treally worth the price of admission despite it being only ninety-nine cents.The sad thing is, if someone does a search for this comic online, they'relikely to turn up this shitty review since DC Comics didn't say word one aboutthe issue coming out. So while I have your attention, have you pledged to WeirdScience DC Comics Blog this year? Thirty dollars gets you a free tote bag.

Its ties to the Batman: Arkham Knight video game aretenuous, and the story is ho-hum and inconsequential, but this isn't the worstthing you can get for a buck these days. I'd say a can of that "Mountain DewBerry Booyah" shit is worse. Whatever it's called, I don't know. The shit theygive kids today is deplorable. I saw a kid eating a slice of pizza and drinkinga 16 oz. "Red Bull" as a drink on the side, I almost called the police. Thatboy's heart is going to give out before he turns twenty. And don't get mestarted on the smart phones! Which, incidentally, you could use to download andread this book, if you were so inclined.

The Dread Pirate Batwoman has her spiteful retribution on Earth-0, and it is very...wet. A great character design and perfectly atmospheric art go a long way to propel a story that is otherwise scant. Fans of Abnett's Aquaman will get a little service, but probably not enough to warrant the cover price.

After four issues of not alot happening, we get a fifth issue infodump that sounds exactly asentertaining as it reads. The conspiracy against Dinah, and the mystery behindDitto and those who would kidnap her is detailed through dialogue, but withoutanything resembling a conclusion. Odd, I would have expected the first arc toconclude with this issue due to the regular practice of writing for tradecollections, yet here we are headed into issue six and we still barely knowwhat's going on. The more important question should be: do we still care?

Bits and PiecesPoor pacing and lame plotcontrivances make this story somewhat of a dud, but the artwork by Annie Wu andLee Loughridge is really creative and should be celebrated. Though I don't hearany music while reading this book, some of these panels surely did sing. Thereis a big reveal at the end, which only opens another host of questions, and theway the series has been unfolding thus far I don't know if I care to know theanswers. If you can flip through this book at your local comic shop withoutgetting your knuckles rapped by the owner, I'd say it's worth that much of apeek.

The first half of the book is given over to many wordballoons as we get the infodump to end all infodumps: virtually the entire plotis revealed and most mysteries revealed in about nine pages. I find thisannoying because it seems like we spent six issues dicking around for noreason. The second half of this issue is a sonic battle that is rendered sowell by Annie Wu that I couldn't get enough of it. So this issue is a tough oneto rate. Overall, despite my snit over getting so much exposition in one spot,at least there's some payoff and it wraps up to be a pretty entertaining issue.So you could give or take a half a point here, depending on your personalcrankiness.

This is a pretty dense issue that reveals some ofDinah Lance's background as well as introducing a new story arc. The pacing isa little clunky, but it does the job and there are some really well-drawnaction scenes. Mea culpa, Sandy Jarrell! I will no longer consider this comicbook an Annie Wu-only production! If you've been enjoying the comic so far,then you can keep on picking it up. For new readers, I suppose this is as goodan entry point as any, but prepare to take careful notes.

We take a little break here for a one-off story and I'm okay with it. Moritat does an expert job on art, as one might expect, and relative newcomer Matthew Rosenberg whips up a fun little prequel story that is a joy to read. Since the new story arc in Black Canary just began last issue, this comic didn't jostle the proceedings too much, and its high quality has kept the momentum high. This is one of those inventory issues that is like having an ace up your sleeve, and I don't think many fans of the book will mind it having been dealt.

The Dynamic Duo of a bat and a bird is back in action, but this time it's Batgirl and Black Canary, and they spend half the issue talking about Black Canary's family tree. Some good action scenes in this issue, but also a huge info dump of which I could not make heads or tails. The art shift from Moritat to Jarrell is a little jarring, but it's really the extended yammering that made it more of a drag. Only two issues left to figure out whatever the hell it is we're supposed to care about involving Dinah's mother and maybe some weird Swedish dude that may or may not play an important role at the end of this series.

A clunky first half of the book gives way to some ooky spooky action in the second half, that might be worth the initial ride to a lot of people. The artwork looks a bit rough, but does the job okay in a punk rock book like Black Canary. Though if Black Canary was really punk rock, it wouldn't be published by a subsidiary of Warner Bros. It would be a Xeroxed mini zine, sold in boutique shops and via mail-order. And most of it would just be collages of people's faces clipped from the newspaper with an Anarchy symbol drawn over it in magic marker. And then years down the line, you would find yourself barred from employment at the investment firm of your choice because your name popped up as being on a counterculture mailing list during a routine background search.

This issue's concept was cool and handled fairly well, despite a clunky story about Dinah's mother and some demons that need to form like Voltron. Well, a two-piece Voltron, anyway. Maybe they form more like Firestorm. Annie Wu's return this issue is felt in the creative captioning, expressed as handwritten notes in the header margin, but it doesn't make this superfluous arc seem necessary. Some interesting artistic choices throughout this run will probably never be seen due to its relative banality.

This issue was really good. At least the beginning part, the backup was pretty lackluster. Which I see as proof that Coates shouldn't be on Black Panther since he did write the backup. The art however could have been better. Zola looks like a dude sometimes and a ugly chick at others. It is really weird. Anyway, if you are reading normal Black Panther than I would suggest picking this up, otherwise the issue isn't strong enough to warrant picking up on its own.

I will gladly eat my share of crow for having doubted this series, because I must say I am enjoying it quite a bit. One should put on their Frank Miller hat before reading, but once applied I think you'll find this is tonally in lockstep with Dark Knight Returns. The story itself is okay, perhaps not worth the cover price, but not an abominable rip-off either. And Kubert does a bang-up impression of Miller's artwork while he was in his prime. I still say you should check this out in trade if you just want to read a fun story, but that is more than I might have recommended when this was first announced.

Some interesting developments with Batman, Gotham City, and Kara make for a reasonably interesting, if all too fast read. This is the direct sequel we should have gotten from Dark Knight Returns, and it will probably read a lot better in a trade collection. So if you can wait until 2024 when that comes out, then it might be for the best.

A pretty solid Darkseid story and a fairly middling OMAC story do not really make for a good five-dollar value (though the Burnham/Fairbairn cover helps.) Yet Jack Kirby fanatics might find it indispensable. Meh. What else are you gonna spend five dollars on, a Happy Meal? Maybe check this out, then, if your kid is acting like a jerk.

Bits andPieces:  This comic book sort of came out of nowhere, but it's not a bad read. Without critiquing the classic Lee/Ditko stories included in the issue (it wouldn't be fair), the new story is enjoyable enough, introduces some new characters, and is reasonably well-plotted. I'm just not sure if we'll be seeing more issues of this series, or if this ties into one of the other Doctor Strange properties floating around at the moment. I guess we'll find out soon enough!

A nice-looking and interesting comic that feelsa little bloated with exposition. GreenLantern fans should definitely check it out.

If you need a refresher on what's been happening with Hal Jordan and the world of the many colored Lanterns, then this is the issue for you. If you feel knowledgable enough to pass a pop quiz, then you can probably skip it. No real problems with this issue, aside from it treading familiar ground. The art is phenomenal and there are a couple of story developments, but nothing so relevant that you couldn't figure it out later on.

If these intellectual properties were actual kids and not just fictional intellectual properties, I think they'd get a long. A lot of good character moments and genuine displays of friendship, as are the hallmarks of Lumberjanes, propel the story at this point, since there's not a ton of action. What I've seen so far indicates that this is going to be a really good time, though, and fans of either Gotham Academy or Lumberjanes would do well to give it a look. Fans of both comic books, our reading group meets on Thursdays at the library.

For a crossover between two comic books about a bunch of adventurous children, this issue is a real bore. Most of it takes place inside various log cabins and lodges, which does lend the thing a romantic, "Mount Airy Lodge" kind of feel. The artwork is great and compliments the characters perfectly, but there isn't much else of substance here that should entice even the most hardcore fans of either comic book involved.

I am a huge fan of this series and David Walker, but it fell a bit for me since it was an obvious tie-in issue. With that being said, the book was still really good and I would recommend it to those that have been following from issue one. If you are new to the series, I can see this as an issue to pass up on. If you haven't read the series yet, I recommend getting the first four for sure, either as single back issues or when the trade comes out. Hopefully after this cross-over is over we can get back to what this book has been: a fun read with a good blend of action and comedy, and awesome art.

Here's a creepy side story involving Amanda Waller and an all-new roster for the Suicide Squad, which falls unfortunately flat at the end after ratcheting the tension up over a full issue. It looks spectacular, and it's properly atmospheric, but this story fails to satisfy despite having some really cool character moments and spookiness. Maybe it will read better in October.

If this were a silent issue that contained onlyKelley Jones' and Michelle Madsen's artwork, I might give this comic a perfectscore (no offense meant to letterer Rob Leigh.) But then Swamp Thing speaks andit comes across sounding silly. Len Wein stunts his trademarksyllabically-intense descriptive captions, but the dialogue really ripped meright out of the spooky tone that was being set. The plot was nothing special,yet not anything to complain about either. It was the stuff in the wordballoons that disappointing and dragged down my score.

The Swamp Thing's un-Swampy dialogue from last issuedoes not appear in this one, and so there was little to pull me out of therich, spooky world created by Len Wein and Kelley Jones. There's a little twistto the story at hand, and then it gets put to bed in two issues. And I lovethis comic for it. There's obviously a larger connecting story for this wholeminiseries, but just to see a tale concluded in two issues is so unexpected inmainstream comics these days. There are a couple of cameos but Swamp Thing asrendered by Jones steals the show here. That moss-encrusted mockery looks sogross and scary in this book.

The overall story in this book could be summed up inone sentence, and there's really nothing wrong with it. But a lot of the dialogueseems lame and contrived, and irrespective of the characters saying it. Acharacter from the past is dredged out of limbo and crammed into this issue,raising my continuity alarm bells in my head that didn't wane until I reachedthe conclusion. I would love to know what someone new to Swamp Thing thinks of this, their opinion would likely be verydifferent. But I will never be that person, and I can only review a comic bookbased on my own experiences.

Some rushed-looking art and a fairly thin plot hold this book back from greatness, but there's plenty of good classic horror scenes and down home gore to make it worth a peek. Nothing much changes from the last issue, except Matt Cable throws a hissy fit over being kicked out of the Police Benevolence Association. I wonder if this comic is actually subtle commentary on the overworked and underpaid state of many municipal police forces? Beware how you treat your cops, lest they become swamp monsters themselves!

If you were looking for the more brooding, navel-gazing Swamp Thing that was the staple of the character's time at Vertigo, well you won't find it here. But you will find a pretty fun Swamp Thing story with all your favorite characters and a little bit drawn from the recent New 52 run, to boot. Still, I would say this miniseries would appeal primarily to the seasoned Swamp Thing fan, who would be familiar with the work of Berni Wrightson, which Kelley Jones clearly seeks to emulate.

This issue was prettycool. It's got a great cliffhanger and action throughout that really made meexcited for what's next. I am a sucker for a cool villain, and this issue gaveus one. 

A pretty good batch of stories from the New Class of comic book industry prospects. If this is the caliber of work they'll be exhibiting out of the gate, I look forward to seeing more of it.

Not an altogether bad effort by the most recent graduates of the DC Talent Workshops, but the eight-dollar cover price is pretty prohibitive to prospective buyers. This is a huge issue, but I doubt anyone would give it a second look for a price above four dollars. And that's a shame, because a few things in here deserve a gander.

A new status quo for Etrigan and some spectacular artwork make for a very strong opening issue to this series. Those familiar with the character should find this very intriguing, while folks brand new to the Demon could be a little confused. But why not give it a shot anyway? When has a deal with the devil ever gone wrong for someone?

A character we having seen in a while steps into this series, someone who has a deep connection to Jason Blood...and therefore to Etrigan as well. The terrific artwork takes this series to a new level, though I still wouldn't recommend it to people that don't really like Etrigan. For the rest of us that like the Demon, this mini-series may support your reasons!

This issue explains a lot of what's been going on, as well as introducing the Big Bad of the series, and it looks spectacular. On reflection, however, it isn't story progression as much as it is a big infodump. Well, that's better than not knowing what's going on, I suppose.

This issue gives us a chance to take a breather, in the hot, sulphur-infused air of a growing Hell on Earth. And perhaps it's warranted, but it's much more sluggish than previous issues. A new development in the relationship between Jason and Etrigan may make it worthwhile.

After a couple of issues of interminable walking, we now get an issue of standing around. I don't know why this story got six issues, it seems containable within three. This book is very striking visually, but I'm afraid the brightly-burning flame of its narrative is all but snuffed out.

Everything wraps up in a neat little bow, if that bow were made from bloody intestines and spiritual torture. The person that caused Hell to spill out everywhere is also the person that fixes things, which can be a cool narrative trick but reads as being very lazy here. I'd hoped for more from this miniseries.

We see a future as it might be, if Aquaman had his druthers, but of course it turns out looks are deceiving. Loyal readers of DC Comics will know what's coming by the fifth page. Some cool-looking artwork goes a long way to make this issue interesting.

A Year of the Villain tie-in that doesn't feel like a Year ofthe  Villain tie-in. And it's a prettyenjoyable read. How about that?

A character primer for the new and a familiar tale for long-time fans, Tony Isabella does a great job writing a Black Lightning that feels relevant in the twenty-first century. Now when this Black Lightning does something substantive, we could see some great comics.

A placid issue that packs a subtle punch, the portrayal of Jefferson Pierce is one of true heroism, even as he does relatively mundane things. Which is not to say that you don't get plenty of high-zapping action, but it's the character moments that will stick with you.

A neat, emotional story that does very little to advance the encompassing plot of this miniseries. It feels like this isn't a miniseries at all, but the opening salvo to a longer run that I suppose might happen. I'd welcome it if it achieved the consistent quality of this book so far.

An exciting issue in and of itself that does little for the overall miniseries. Very readable, but not remarkable. Might serve best for instructive purposes in today's comic book climate.

A too-quick read with not much advancing the overall plot. This has been a beautiful-looking miniseries with some interesting bits, but thus far it could have been done in one issue. Here's hoping the final issue wraps things up in some amazing way that makes spending the previous twenty bucks worth it.

This series ends pretty much how we'd have guessed, and then it finds itself in the position of having several pages to fill. This is simply one or two issues worth of story expanded into six issues. In other words: a rip-off.

Things shift in the Sinestro Corps this issue, despite last issue's introduction of new concepts and and factors. Maybe things will change every issue? Like, in issue #2 Sinestro operates an ice cream truck and Arkillo has to wear a little paper hat? That would be hilarious. I can just picture him all crammed into a Good Humor truck, handing Astro Pops to the kiddies. This Sinestro-heavy issue has some great-looking scenes, but not a ton of action. But there is the promise of action, which is the next best thrill.

A few plot developments and some daddy-daughter time that results in the traditional Korugarian Slapping of the Father, and you've got a pretty good issue of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps that promises some fun times in the future. Let's hope it's the near future, rather than some far-flung time beyond the next title change. Also: yes to more Guy Gardner.

Summer is almost over, but we're still in re-runs where this comic book is concerned. If you liked the last issue, this one follows its formula almost exactly. There's a development with the Sinestro Corps rings, and a revelation concerning Sinestro that largely falls flat, but it's still basically the same issue. The awesome artwork by Sandoval and team may be all that saves this comic book from being birdcage liner.

After three issues of running in place, this book takes off like Shaggy and Scooby-Doo to find a Scooby Snack. Wait, that's a terrible analogy. What I mean to say is that this issue has more interactions between core characters, and I believe it makes all the difference. You get a good look at Sinestro's style of rule, and it's not very cool. If you weren't sold on the art to begin with, then get your eyes checked. I hope this good time Green Lantern Corps train can keep rollin'!

The final tumblers are in place to make this story a lock...hopefully. It took a little longer to get to this point than I'd have liked, but now that we're about to see a crazy conflict I'm getting pretty excited. Hal Jordan really acts over the top on his narcissism this issue, and I love to see him cast as a one-dimensional blowhard. If that bothers you, however, be forewarned. This book has heated up and is worth your time and hard-earned money! Or even your stolen money, I don't judge how you get it!

Are you ready for some Green Lantern Corps action??? Well, keep waiting. This issue reads like a placeholder, for some reason, despite being issue #6 and therefore the conclusion of a swell trade paperback. So people that get the trade collection of this won't even get a complete story? Great. This seems really well thought out.

The culmination of this opening story arc reads just like every other issue. Great art, disappointing story, no payoff. Entire arc should have been three issues as most. If not for the superior artwork, I'd consider this book a total rip-off. As it is, I'd say you can afford to avoid it and luxuriate in the bi-weekly preview pages.

It's the beginning of a new story arc, and it's already starting to smell a little ripe. Maybe I'm a little gun-shy after the previous yarn, and some fantastic art does make this potential pill easier to swallow. If you didn't read the prior seven issues, you're in luck because there's a pretty extensive recap in this one. Save yourself the time and the twenty-one bucks.

A fairly mediocre issue that moves some puzzle pieces incrementally closer to completing a full picture. But as it is, we're still getting a fractured story where protagonists aren't even aware of one another's existences--protagonists who are named in the title of the series, mind you. The art is great, and Rot Lop Fan is in this issue, so that's something to celebrate. But the story is just plodding along, and I fear we may be staring down the barrel of another bloated seven-issue story arc. I hope I am wrong!

A lot of this book is taken up by a well-padded scene of Lantern struggle, but it's still a reasonably fun time. The art is fantastic, some classic characters make cameos, and a last page reveal that was given away in the solicit makes this what we in the industry call a good comic book. A buck more, I might think differently about it. But it isn't a buck more, it's three bucks, and I'd say you get a decent return on that investment.

A little bit of forward motion in the story peppered with some goofy antics and incredible artwork makes for a pretty good comic book. This issue is definitely a good sign of things to come, but I should point out that I have never correctly picked the teams that will be in the World Series, even after the first round of playoffs.

A contrived ending and some classic hard light construct smashy smashy results in a fairly underwhelming comic book, save for a new minion for Larfleeze and a change in the status of Green Lantern/Sinestro Corps relations. It's a lot more exciting than C-Span, I promise. And with Van Sciver at the pencil it looks a lot better than that, too.

We take a break in the action for some unearned teasing and boredom. Nice visuals, irritating tale. This story should have been moved to the title Meandering Tales About the Green Lantern Corps. Hopefully due out never.

The details of the Green Lantern/Sinestro Corps alliance we saw a couple of issues ago gets hammered out, and some old characters are reintroduced to the series. Plus: dragons. You could do worse for three bucks.

There isn't enough story development in this issue, but there is some. And my momma always told me, "You can't look a gift narrative in the story's pacing." There's a great scene with Guy Gardner, and some other stuff that should be satisfying to long-time Green Lantern fans. So yeah. Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, as my momma also told me.

There's some good character development for Guy Gardner in this issue, handled expertly in terms of plotting and art. This was my favorite issue of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps in recent memory, and I think it had to do with it not pulling my attention to other plots the whole time. Keep it up, we could use some more development for our otherwise one-dimensional Lantern crew.

This issue serves as a bit of a break in the action, which may have been needed. It's a pretty good place for new readers to hop on, if they're so inclined. The big development, revealed on the cover, is a bit of fan-service to a certain segment of readers, but I don't mind. I'm a fan, and sometimes I like a little service.

There's tension between the Sinestro and Green Lantern Corps, but they seem to be getting along okay in this issue of mostly characterization and banter. The pacing and plotting was great, and I do enjoy smiling while I read my comics. I'm hoping more Green/Yellow partnerships will yield more yuks and camaraderie in the future.

A deepening mystery and some brisk pacing makes for a good read. There's more talking than action in this issue, but the dynamic artwork serves up the appropriate dazzle. The dialogue is snappy and everyone's behaving in character. Nice job, creative team.

The Prism continue to attack Mogo, and the combined Lantern Corps continue to fight back. We learn the source of their woes, but that doesn't seem to do them a lot of immediate good. The story moves along a little, the crazy constructs look great, there's nothing wrong with the nuts and bolts of this Green Lantern comic book.

The conclusion to this arc is satisfying and predictable, like a warm glass of milk. There are worse things for a periodical to be than dependable, and I like how this series has been going lately. This book has been doing a good job of scratching my Green Lantern itch. Though the doctor did say to come back if it persisted for longer than a week.

A pretty entertaining issue that's the opening salvo to a new story arc. Not a whole lot more to say without giving it away, except that with Ethan Van Sciver at the lead, it all looks correct. Might be a good time to jump on the series, if you're so inclined.

When John Stewart finds out about the secret Bolphunga's threatening to reveal...well, he looks a little miffed. Certainly not stunned to his core. This issue also contains some friendship action between Guy Gardner and Arkillo, and it is terrific. With Ethan Van Sciver drawing, you'll say, "Yep. Looks like a Green Lantern comic for sure."

John Stewart has all the facts about this peace-shattering murder that Bolphunga tried to lord over him, and...well, it's unclear that justice is served. Something is served, but it may well be a Green Lantern's head on a platter before all is said and done. Another enjoyable issue about the office politics of the Sinestro and Green Lantern Corps, but I swear if we spend the next twelve issues on Mogo in some trial or something, I'm going to grab Volthoom from the Green Lanterns comic and lay waste to the whole thing.

Here's a fairly predictable but not altogether unlikable issue of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps. The story moves along, but I think the arc could have ended here instead of continuing, though not knowing what the continuation entails I could be quite wrong. It's good enough to stick around and keep getting read.

This opening issue to a new story arc is pretty great, and makes me really excited for what's to come. Much of the good feeling can be attributed to the fantastic artwork, which sets a perfect tone for what looks to be a pretty bombastic story. Let's see what will happen together!

As the picture sharpens, we learn that the stakes are at a peak--and honed enough to pierce the very breast of truth itself! Here's a selfless Orion you could learn to like, and a foolhardy Hal Jordan that you already know and love. Plus: terrific artwork. Here's what comic book ought to look like.

What if they threw a superhero race and nobody showed up? The whole issue is a race between Hal Jordan and Black Racer. If that strikes your fancy, you're in luck. Visuals are a definite treat.

An unexplained reference and the equivalent of a "self-destruct button" make for a very neat and rapid conclusion to this story arc featuring the New Gods. Not a satisfying ending for those of us that followed along, but I still say the artwork alone is worth the cover price. This Sandoval/Tarrgona/Morey team produces some really nice stuff.

A visually-thrilling issue whose best qualities are contained in the character work, especially between Hal Jordan and Superman. Ah well. Talking heads can still be visually-thrilling.

A fairly pithy story is enhanced by some nice visuals and strong character work. I like it when superheroes get along, so sue me. Not a bad couple of issues, a neat little story that expands Hal beyond the gung-ho jackass we normally get.

A pretty entertaining issue that has very little impact on the Metal story on a whole. There's something to be said for that. The pencils and color are spectacular, even if much of the book takes place in darkness.

This issue should refresh the reader about the comic's status quo, after we had that two-parter with Superman and the one-off tie-in with Metal. Unfortunately, where we are in the world of the Green Lantern Corps seems really boring. Hopefully the thing advertised on the front cover will spice things up.

Some late backstory and upfront Green Lantern hijinks make for an entertaining issue. The stellar art takes this book into another level. No stunted cover reveals this time, the interior pages really are a treat to see.

This issue runs in place as our four Earth-born Green Lanterns stall for time while the Controllers figure out how to work their doohickeys. There's some phenomenal art and plotting in this issue, that might be worth the cover price alone. It's probably not worth the time spent reading it, however. You can pick up the next issue and have missed practically nothing.

This issue is almost identical to the previous one, except for the very end, where the Guardians assume responsibility for the Green Lantern Corps again. Did I just spoil the ending to the book? Now you can skip it.

This issue is a pretty quick read but it begins with a resolution to a dangling thread from last issue and ends with a thrilling slobber knocker that looks amazing. This feels like great comics. Here's a place to hop on if you've been waiting in the wings.

Kyle and Hal remain battered on Zod's stolen planet, but Hal's got a little trick...down his sleeve. This issue moves at a good clip, but advances the story incrementally and has a lot of chit-chat. I could probably read transcripts of Zod's pompous orating all day, but I don't know that I'd pay three bucks for the opportunity.

There's a break in the action, while the Green Lantern Corps acts all blustery and gives Zod time to prepare for their arrival. That will be next issue, which you just as well may wait for, unless you don't want to miss another amazing installment of Sandoval, Tarragona and Morey. I know I wouldn't.

Here's an issue that exists so that there could be six chapters to this story, justifying a neat trade collection. As such, it's a total rip-off. Visuals are absolutely gorgeous, but if you could use three bucks for better things than a staged conflict that leaves things more or less as we found them at the end of the previous issue, then I suggest you do so.

The big to-do on Jekku comes to a close, and with all the satisfaction of having watched six consecutive hours of C-Span. This concludes more or less how we expected it to conclude, though there are some incredible panels to keep us juiced along the way. This should have been a two-issue story, period.

Those Darkstars we saw seven issues ago are back, and now they're actually doing stuff. The stuff they're doing picks up a loose story thread from even further back. I'd applaud this, but there are so many other dropped lines in this series, it's a little too late to play "continuity-minded" now. On the plus side, Ethan Van Sciver pulls out all artistic stops for this issue.

Tomar-Tu and Hal Jordan have a heart-to-heart that reiterates much of what we learned last issue. Then Hal Jordan tells John, Kyle and Guy about his conversation with Tomar-Tu. I expect the information will get passed along several more people, until someone's like, "Tomar-Tu wants a purple monkey dishwasher???" With artwork like what we see in this issue, I can overlook some redundancies.

Our Core Four go on their bad guy recruitment drive, and you might be surprised by the folks they've picked for the team! Biggest star of this show is the artwork, which is spectacular. This series really does have some of the best rotating art squads in the business.

Some nice interactions and a smattering of intrigue save this issue from being a complete wash, as this story continues to move at a glacial pace. The mandatory six-issue story arc is killing comic book enthusiasm. It's impossible to build momentum in a story that happens in such small increments.

Guy's dad gets his comeuppance, but good! Beyond that, everyone sort of stands around, shifting from foot to foot, waiting for the director to call the scene so they can head back to their trailers. There's some nice-looking pages here, but I think you can put a pin in it and pick things up in the next issue; the closing caption promises some actual action.

Threads dangled over the last couple of issues are resolved, leaving the story precisely where it should have been in the first place. Perhaps someday, we'll actually see conflict between the Green Lantern Corps and the Darkstars. Not in this issue, though.

After four or five issues of set-up, the Green Lantern Corps and the Darkstars finally face off. Perhaps in another dozen or so issues, there will be a resolution. That is, unless someone has to take a minute to deal with their elementary school bully or something. The merciful thing would be to finish this series and move on. Preferably with this exact art team, thank you very much.

All of the stuff set up four issues ago comes to bear here, highlighting the pointlessness of the last three issues. Gorgeous artwork and brash epithets do not an interesting story make. This is a tale hobbled by superfluous moments and completely bereft of any palpable consequences. The series will go out with a whimper.

The big conclusion turns out to be a dud, as nothing of import happens except for concluding the final arc. An Absolute edition of this series might be worthwhile for the artwork alone. But in terms of narrative, this issue was a microcosm for the title as a whole: no real stakes, and a convenient conclusion that is unearned. What a shame.

Really good artwork and aserviceable story make for a pleasant comic book experience. It's a littleuneven between exposition and action, the former taking the lion's share ofpages, but it's got some enjoyable moments peppered throughout and it was coolto see how Grayson and Starfire relate to each other. If Starfire being nave bothersyou, then this comic book will continue to annoy you in that way. But if youlike Starfire and her pseudo-dopey ways, then you'll probably smile while readingthis issue.

Another issue jam-packedwith fluff where very little happens. The art by Elsa Charretier is really awesome and I'd love to see more of it. Um,what else can I say about this book without any spoilers? There are lots ofcool monsters in it. Also Starfire and Stella have a heart-to-heart, which wasnice to see. Do Tamaranians even have hearts? I bet they actually have like anuclear core or something. Anyway, this book ends in three issues, so if youhaven't checked it out yet, you can keep not checking it out. But if you havebeen enjoying it, why not stick around until the end?

Whoa! Starfire's sleeping, so Atlee's attackin'! Then Atlee's getting beaten up, so Starfire awakens! Then she's sleeping! I wish I were sleeping! This book was a reasonably fun ride that probably went on five pages too long. Artwork is impeccable, and worth the rather paltry admission price. Also there's a little Starfire cheesecake, something you won't even find in Playboy anymore.

If you like the incessant back-and-forth chatter of the Gilmore Girls or your typical Brian Michael Bendis comic, then this is the book for you. I hope the letterer got overtime for this issue. Worth crowing about is the wonderful artwork, which has a classic look with a modern twist brought by some vibrant colors. Otherwise, this issue was a snorefest that exists primarily as a bridge to the next and final issue in the series, where we just might see boobies!

The farewell issue of the series, wherein Starfire says farewell. All loose ends are tied up, and necessary bridges are burned, and in the final analysis we can say that this book did what it was supposed to: make Starfire a character that more people would want to read about. While the book itself didn't turn huge numbers, I think Kori's character redemption was real, and I expect something closer to this post-Rebirth than what we got prior to the maxi-series. As it has been for the previous eleven issues, the art in the final story is phenomenal, and if there can be only one legacy of this title, let it be Elsa Charretier doing more work for DC Comics. Because I would love to see this style on something like Green Lantern.

Some pretty funny scenes, but not a lot of story define this ending of what was a fairly exciting arc in the series. Not really the place to jump on the Astonishing Ant-Man, but still a worthwhile series, particularly if you like humor and blue-collar sensibilities in your comic books.

Conditions are established for what is sure to be the Trial of the Century, excepting future trials whose greatness cannot be predicted. Characters are moved into place, and motives re-established, while Darren Cross gets some new duds. An intriguing enough start to a story arc, I'll be watching to see if it ramps up to an interesting story by itself.

We say goodbye to Scott Lang, and hello to a new superhero team that is sure to have an overlooked miniseries sometime in the next ten years. The ending of this series isn't as laugh-out-loud funny as it was early on, but it does get a little bit sappy and touching, which is almost as good as a guffaw for a comic book. Any kind of emotional register will do. God, anything to get people to interact with these things, we need to sell more comics!

This score constitutes an average of the scores fromeach story in this anthology, but overall I'd say this is a worthwhile purchasefor your favorite junior high schooler that bends towards horror orsuperheroes. Or both.

Our journey through the milk-infused realities of Retconn continue, and it's starting to smell a little sour. The artwork, while adept, doesn't marry to the story's tone, and the narrative is littered with padding. Still, it can be understood from start to finish, which puts this issue in rare company for "Milk Wars."

The story kicks off abruptly and is immediately suffused with high weirdness that does not abate right up to the last page. Some new character designs offer fans of the JLA some interest, while those reading Young Animal titles will feel right at home among the strange. You might, too! Give this book a look, even if you aren't normally so inclined.

It's a reboot, folks. That's all this has been leading to the whole time. I doubt you'll get your money back from the retailer, but for twenty-five bucks this should have been a lot more. The artwork is gorgeous, but cannot stem my anger at having been duped.

This pilot episode didn't knock it out of the park, but then first outings in all media seldom do. There's certainly a mystery here, but whether you think it's worth uncovering or if it's best left buried like a hundred-thousand Atari E.T. cartridges is up to you. I'd suggest giving this a look; the art is great, the storytelling is clear, and there's definitely something creepy afoot, if being creeped-out is your thing. I'll be hanging around for issue #2 at the very least, to see how it develops. Because it will need to develop"and rapidly"if it's going to hold my interest.

We learna little bit more about several characters in the Survivors' Club, but itreally isn't enough to keep me wanting to know more, excepting maybe Alice. AndI don't want it so badly that I would wade through a dull comic book everymonth to find out about her. The artwork fits the mood of the book wonderfully,but the pacing is a little too slow with too few payoffs for my liking. Here'shoping this book can"survive"itssophomore slump, hmmmm? Okay I'll show myself out.

There's not a lot of corestory progress in this book, and I'm not even sure what the core story is, butI really enjoyed this issue. The eerie moments were well-spaced and the wholething seem to roll along a lot smoother than issue number two, though perhapshaving learned more about several characters instead of a lot about onecharacter had something to do with it. This book is definitely a slow burn, soif you're looking for high-paced action and easily-solvable mysteries youshould probably watch Scooby Doo, WhereAre You? and leave the demonic wallpaper and lock picking ghost monsters tothe adults.

Hal Jordan gets an offer he can't refuse and uses it for personal atonement, which is sort of a common theme with all of these Darkseid War tie-ins. Jordan gets to use his stubborn impetuousness for good, to dubious effect, but in the end everything is fairly well reset which is all that matters in this series. The art is really good and the action is clear, even in panels that contain a dozen or more characters moving around. Story's a little clunky but it ends strong and that's more that can be said for LOST.

Turns out that becoming the god ofdeath isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sure, you get a scythe made of lightningand a cool goth-style costume, but you have to work pretty muchtwenty-four/seven with no vacation or sick days. This comic details a verypersonal struggle of Barry Allen's, and if that seems like somethinginteresting then you should give it a look. But if you'd rather the Flashinteract with things outside of his grey matter, then you can probably justwait until the next issue of JusticeLeague.

Billy Batson is a teenaged asshole but he makes some good points as he copes with becoming the God of Gods. You don't need to drive your father's Oldsmobile. You can carve your own path. And part of that path includes a meet-and-greet with ethereal manifestations of personality traits and life events, and that's okay. The story is just okay, but the incredible artwork of Scott Kolins is worth recommending at least giving this a look in-store.

Once again, Peter Tomasi shows that he can write Batman from any angle and do a great job, he really seems to have a connection with the world of Gotham City that few others possess. This is a story about Batman being omniscient and somewhat all-powerful; you don't need to have beenreading Justice League to understand or enjoy it, though a rudimentaryunderstanding of Metron and the Mobius Chair would probably be helpful. Therewas a game-changing reveal that was probably only game-changing to a selectfew, but this story is mainly about how the Mobius Chair turns you into apompous, yammering jerk. They should call it the cocaine chair.

We've waited a few extraweeks for this Darkseid War tie-inand we probably could have waited a few more. Like the other tie-ins, not a lothappens except for the titular character coming to a self-realization, which inLex's case seems disingenuous. The art is okay, but nothing to write homeabout, though there are a couple of spreads worth seeing. But for four bucks,you can look at a friend's.