Terrence Sage Comic Reviews

Action Comics #975 breaks the lid off of one of DC Rebirth's long standing secrets. This anniversary hit all the right notes when it came to the story, execution of the reveal, art from beginning to end, and even added a worthy backup that also stands as an equally important chapter in the Reborn event. Jurgens and Dini have woven a Superman narrative that's taken a peek at his history for Rebirth, fills in missing gaps, and continues to leave excited with what will happen going forward.

Superman Reborn is acted as a simple continuation of stories and a launch pad for the next set of stories that Superman and his family will be going through in the next few months. A tightly wound event between two titles with tie-ins exploring their own stake in the game. The finale only had a few ways it could naturally end and to see the most logical (and guessed!) ending play out while wearing it's heart on it's sleeves racked with emotion and love for the character and his long history is a fantastic sight. The writers and artists deserve a pat on the back for reaching the finish line with not one hair nor panel out of place. Superman Reborn has not only restored the titular character and his status but also keeps those surrounding him with an invigorated playground that is the DCU Rebirth landscape.

The New World is a breather for Superman himself, still feeling the effects bounce off of the numerous Superman this month gives a sense of calm before the storm and that's what we're treated to exactly. Revisiting the tired and true, more "classical" moments of Superman's origin assures readers that nothing has changed and it's exactly what you remember. Substituting action for Jurgens retelling of events combined with Churchill and Hi-Fi colorful approach to telling what's going on helps the issue but doesn't elevate it past a recap issue with an interesting lead-in towards the next arc. While the past is set in stone, the present isn't assured whatsoever with enemies old, new, and mysterious are beginning to form to take control and ruin Superman's life for good. No pressure right?

Throughout the issue Barberi properly captures characters of all shapes and sizes, filling with panels with moments and action and you never lose yourself in the mix of it all is good for an issue dedicated to what came before, what is, and what's happening next. Combined with the inks of Santorelli's which blend into the pages so well they aren't noticeable to where it's overly distracting and the Hi-Fi colors which complete the overall package of the book and you have a well-rounded finale to an arc that sets the stage for the future of Superman.

Action Comics brings multiple plot lines across the Superman Corner for a more sinister arc featuring Superman and his Rogues Gallery. Jurgens finally letting loose with a string of villains that aren't afraid to get their hands dirty to get to Superman and upend his life is great. Zircher and Hi-Fi capturing the looks and moods for the villainous six helps with the coloring and inks giving them all a stylized look. Revenge takes the slow and steady or rather the calm before the storm approach with what both sides of his characters are doing before setting them up for the huge battle that's sure to come in the coming issues. There's strength in numbers and Revenge proves it with its hopeful and grim opener.

Revenge marches closer to one of the arcs bigger moments and leaves room for a dangerous crossover to have it's side of the fun as well. Zircher and Hi-Fi continue their path of capturing more action and horror instances to give Revenge a stamp of it's own. Between the ghosts of your loved ones coming back as zombies and punching Supermen that want to destroy everything your "S" stands for…Revenge maintains it's speed as another worthy chapter.

Revenge Part 3 ups the scale and dire situation of Superman vs. the Superman Revenge Squad to the darkest period it's been yet. Jurgens now has a Superman that's doubting himself and not fully in the fight and brave and courageous as he may be…it won't be enough. The theme of family has been explored and more so teased to greater effect in this issue. Our hero is down and out as it stands and it's going to take some like minded individuals that bear their own "S" on their chests to help him out in these trying times. Revenge Part 3 continues the adventure of the Superman Family and gets all of the pieces on the board as things mount for both sides.

Revenge as an arc has been building across the entire Superman Family of titles for months and it's about to burst in a way that's truly fitting for a comic called Action Comics. Breaking Superman down bad enough to need other literal "Super" heroes in his corner feels like reinforcing one of the things DC Rebirth is all about. Action Comics has also fared well in getting artists and colorists with the same style likeness that it doesn't make each continuing chapter of Revenge feel disjointed, Revenge is well on it's way to becoming a story to remember for the ages with both Superman Villains and Heroes clashing at the Fortress of Solitude.

The addition toBogdanovic and Glapion to the art team gives us an Action Comics where the characters come across rounder and better drawn for the action scenes, full of life and expression, and looking quite well. The colors by Spicer come off uniquely on their own in the confusion of capes and too many people with an "S" on their chest. This installment of "Revenge" serves as the beginning of the end for the Revenge Squad and finally united Superman Family as Jurgens and the art team let loose. It clearly displays why the book is called Superman: Action Comics in the first place.

Jurgens brings some Kryptonian characters back into the fold that accomplish Zod's goals and provide a Rebirth worthy fresh start for the character there's no rest for the Superman Clan because Mr. Oz is on the horizon and his connection to the Superman Line and Zod's newfound place in the DCU will provide ample stories opportunities as the ending exclaims it's a "Beginning". Revenge culminates with a finale that sets the stage for what's to come, establishes new threats in the form of an appropriate revenge of General Zod and looks good in the process. Action Comics doesn't dive heavily into the fighting and spotlighted villains as much as some would like, it makes up for interactions among the cast, the action from beginning to end, and the consistent art team.

The guest arc for Action Comics has a fairly light start to another Superman and SuperLex team up and while the art has it's muddled spots, Williams maintaining the characterization we've come to know of these two Supermen, giving Lex Luthor his own spotlight of sorts as the voice of the arc gives you an okay start to look forward to.

"Only Human" tells a nice interlude chapter of the ongoing Action Comics saga that seems to be reaching another point of critical mass sooner rather later.

One thing is for certain, this reveal is on par with one of the biggest reveals of the year and if the ramifications of Mr. Oz will rock not only Superman's world but the larger DCU as a whole… Jurgens and company have created a fine issue to usher in one of the long sought secrets of DC Rebirth.

Jurgens, Sook, and Hi-Fi have encapsulated the broad strokes of a warped and jaded Jor-El origin that other titles in the DC Universe have taken advantage of like Detective Comics this week! With the clearest and sharpest art yet on Action Comics revealing the darkness behind one of comics best known father figures, it'll be a treat to see how Superman handles the continued ramifications of this major turning point.

The Oz Effect continues to bite at everything that makes Superman who he is, and the ongoing struggle against those ideals with his usual superheroics make this one of Action Comics best stories yet.

Action Comics is making great strides for another Superman: Action Comics arc that pushes the envelope of the character and his family to new places. Jurgens makes connections to the beginning of his Rebirth run and finally delivering on planted seeds, gives us everything we could ask for in an issue of Action Comics.Bogdanovic is capturing the adventures nicely and makes the book worth it with his visualization of dynamic and quieter scenes. The Oz Effect is a timely story for not only Superman, but for 2017 at large and having our hero combat a world that doesn't look far off from our own packs a layered punch to the otherwise super heroic tale.

"The Oz Effect" challenged Kal-El and his family like never before and the bittersweet ending feels more like a proper finale with enough strings attached to keep you coming back to see what else is in store for the Super Family.

Action Comics is reaching heights of extremity with the legendary issue #1,000 in sight and stories that are making Superman ask bigger questions and revisiting moments that were thought to be nothing more are good reason for the direction of Action Comics.

Action Comics continues the push to #1,000 with a Superman tale that calls back to the character's roots while charting new ground and exploring new angles to his history. Jurgens pulling double duty works well enough with the art only misstepping and the inkers fitting in line with both the action and talkative beats while the coloring and lettering brings it all together.

Throughout Booster Shot, both Superman and Booster Gold have seen the harm time travel can cause if left unchecked. Superman has seen the alternate history of Krypton with added baggage and Booster has gotten a necessary character development through a chapter that focuses on his side of what time travel and family history mean to a hero that you think you know. Booster Shot as a story arc keeps us the continuation of being a superheroic fun romp through time that continues the aftermath quest of Superman and his search for answers. Booth, Rapmund, Dalhouse, and Leigh bring a more stylized and action-oriented change of pace to the issue and that's just the beginning as the duo's time travel troubles only seem to be mounting given the final page…

Action Comics continues to provide a good team-up story while bringing the recent storylines of the title to a head with Booster Shot and it doesn't look to be letting up!

"Booster Shot" continues the journey through time as Superman continues to seek answers at the heart of it all, it does feel as if Superman gets lost in the shuffle to combat the immediate threat of Zod. Jurgens has the voices set with all of the characters involved and Booth's pencils sell the action and down to earth moments immensely with his style of art. Rapmund and Dalhouse impress with the colors and inkingaccentuating the scenes that demand more than the other and Leigh's letters are on full display with the action in this chapter of "Booster Shot."

Booster Shot has been a well deserved conclusion to some of the Action Comics stories he's been writing for the last few months and a Booster Gold that reaffirms why he's the Hero of the hour. Jurgens gives the two a push and pull dynamic and moments of levity as the prolonged issues of time travel began to affect their journey and their hope to undo it all. With an art team that covered the bigger, more set piece moments with the character building and makes everything look great in the process. With Booster Shot now in the record books, it's only one issue standing in the way of Action Comics #1000.

Jurgens last issue is as final as one could make it. Acting as a conclusion to everything that came before,Action Comics is primed and ready for issue 1,000 and more stories about the Man of Steel. Jurgens, Conrad, Nunes, and Leigh just had to make sure they hit an emotional high note before they had to wrap up.

Destruction and details in the rough of the crashes are prevalent as Superman and Supergirl face a newly created character with one thing on his mind: Death to Kryptonians. The star of the show here is Lee and Williams traversing the landscape and wide-scale action with Sinclair.

Bendis uses his short time on the Superman line to set up plenty of things for Clark to worry about and with a debut issue that acts as a standard for what's to come, he sticks the landing while leaving us interested for more.

Action Comics is sizing up to be the stronger of the two titles under Bendis pen and with Gleason and Sanchez illustrating a very grimy and vibrant Metropolis in the process? Action Comics seems to be in fine hands.

An issue that gives us two superhero stories for the price of one and while wrapping up a conflict for the next arc.

Whether you view this Annual as a companion piece to the main Batman title or solely as the beginning and realistic take on the end of a Batman relationship, this issue is from start to finish a beautiful drawn, emotionally driven comic that should be in your possession.

This chapter is another step in the right direction for not only "I Am Suicide" but defining and separating King's run on Batman from what came before. He's a man not afraid to reach out for help when he seems out of his depth and not afraid to play it both smart and dangerous at the same time. Batman has always played it too close to call but the danger and stakes are being elevated as time passes and it'll be a treat to see what happens to the Caped Crusader and his Suicide Squad next issue.

From the personal look into what motivated Bruce as a child, to Selina Kyle's analysis into their relationship… the arc had more in store for us than just rescuing Gotham Girl's state of mind, it brought up renewed examinations inside characters we thought we knew and left just enough for us to wonder what's next for several characters in the Bat mythos.

Do yourselves a favor and witness the next step in the Bat and Cat relationship that includes a last page that will certainly have everyone talking.

Batman #23 is a landmark issue and another victorious collaboration between King and Gerads. It's surprisingly both heartfelt and a gut punch to your emotions for two characters that are shown as larger than life entities. Just like the "Rooftops" arc by the pair, "The Brave and the Mold" takes Batman to an emotional plateau we don't usually see and with Gerads art we're given plenty to look over on multiple reads. This issue is a winner across the board.

King is writing TWOJAR as one of Bruce's long kept hidden secret skeletons in the closest and it shows on the last page where he HAS to lay this story to Selina before they continue their relationship, no matter which course it takes. If this opening shot of an issue is the precedent or just a scratch of what King has in store for us in this arc that's sure to redefine Batman… I'm on board 100%

Jann and Chung remain top notch for bringing brightness and sunshine to one of Batman's darkest hours, the color work makes this a sight comic a sight behold and while the lack of Batman doesn't hurt, it'll be interesting to see how the Bat will combat the coming weeks of war in his city with a bold lineup of Rogues under the leadership of Riddler and Joker.

Jann and Chung continue to be the standard for Batman in the Rebirth landscape as the Dark Knight's world is colored with visually flair and colorful sights that throws the grim and dark world off kilter with King charting a Batman tale for the ages and gives us a true secret history for characters we've known for decades.

This issue is all about Jann, Petrus, Chung propelling King's dialogue to new heights and continuing to enforce the notion of both Joker and Riddler being forces of nature and striving to end the Bat of Gotham in their own equally brutal and savage ways.

This arc has been a dark and grim toll on Batman but Chung's colors brighten the day to hit home even harder and Jann's characters are all depicted well. With the finale within sight, Batman has one more issue to reveal the skeletons in his closest to decide his potential future with the woman he wants to be with and it'll be a sight to see how it all pans out.

While "The War of Jokes and Riddles" doesn't maintain the grand scale of earlier chapters, it zeroes in all of the people and story beats that made this unorthodox tale a surprising read for the Summer with a finale that's sure to be talked about in the upcoming months.

Batman and The Signal is a literal beacon for the type of change and diversity people are calling for and it's a revitalized start for one of the most promising members of the Bat Family.

With one issue to go in the mini-series, the mystery of Duke Thomas and the meta-humans comes into focus with a villain that has the usual motivations we've seen time and again. With the climax of the story here, issue three has everything it needs to conclude Duke's first outing on a high.

Batman And The Signal ends with the bright and sunshine promise of some interesting and personal plotlines for this, or another creative team to follow up on down the line. This short stint acting as Duke's first adventure as a full-fledged Hero in Gotham has all the things a short and sweet adventure needs with some of the hangups being not spending enough time with a villain that's revealed to have a larger game at play and not quite delivering on the answers it sets up.

The climax of the issue ensues with a battle between Blue and a new age Nightshade, a villain from Ted's days as Blue Beetle. The battle ends rather quickly but it's displayed masterfully with the solid colors, displays of action, and sound effects throughout. Even the banter between Jaime and Ted are appreciated as Jaime does the heavy lifting and is forced to think on his feet. The issue ends with the arrival of bigger threats for the Blue Beetle Rogue's Gallery and with the solid start the creative team have set with this colorful and bombastic start, the legacy of the Blue Beetle might have a lasting home in Rebirth.

The issue nears completion with two pages that feel vaguely reminiscent of a sequence early in Captain America: Winter Soldier. They tug on the heart strings, but there's work to be done out and with Mighty Avengers style hotline call that takes Sam to the blazing heat because of a problem. There is also an enemy that bring up issues that wouldn't be out of place in the real world set up expertly on the final page. Whatever happens in the future for Sam Wilson, Captain America, he is in good hands with Nick Spencer and Daniel Acuna.

As a African-American hero, Sam deals with the history of protests and hardships everyday people of color are subjugated to but, given his newly filled role he sees things the same just at a elevated peak. While Steve can more or less sit back with his "blind faith" and put his all in how he thinks the nation will handle things, Sam has a more nuanced view of American politics. It's a great ending with a more cheerful and hopeful final page from Acua. Sam Wilson is quickly expanding his own corner of the Marvel universe that Spencer and Acua are carving out. Sam Wilson: Captain America is the Marvel title that deserves to be read, it's telling the story that people need right now. It's political driven, modern, and has art that will make you want to hang each page as a series of paintings.

In the more "out-there" issue of the Sam Wilson run, the entire team both on writing and art supply us with a horror-comedy issue that boosts the plot forward, gives us a modern take on an old-school Captain America tale, and a double dose of Nick Spencer's brand of kooky comedy.

With the road to "Avengers Standoff" looming over the next few months, Sam Wilson: Captain America continues to forge its own path and make the most out of the new age, new look Captain America.

Issue #4 is gearing up to be the biggest issue yet in terms of payoff to the story David Walker is telling so far. However,Cyborg#3 is an excellent comic in its own right with friendly faces aplenty, science-fiction action and horror, and a phenomenal art team. It continues the hot streak that this book has been on since the beginning of the DC You initiative.

The issue ends with a final page that halts the action with the appearance of a new threat and follows the old saying "things will get worse before they get better." In this case, Cyborg, the Metal Men, and the Tekbreakers are in for a sure to be worthwhile battle in the following issues of David Walker's inaugural run on Cyborg.

Everything comes together for a final page that culminates in a very triumphant callback to one of Cyborg's staples as a character and if it's anything to go by"the first arc for Victor Stone will go out with a blast with ramifications sure to follow.

Going forward, the future is bright for Victor and company given the slam dunk of an art team all working together to finish out the arc on a strong note, and with David Walker giving a fresh thoughtful voice to Cyborg, the next arc should be one to behold.

With the beginning of a new arc, new themes to explore, and new plots with a brand new enemy that Cyborg can't punch his way through, Cyborg #7 is a slow building start to what's sure to be another great storyline.

All things aside, Cyborg #8 is a step in the right direction for Victor Stone. David Walker gives him clear voice and empowers to Cyborg strike out on his own in a specific corner of the DCU. The solid art team gives him style and flair as theyall work to create a great second installment to the latest arc.

Cyborg #2 knocks aside asking the bigger questions in favor of a battle of the tech brothers and soon to be family trouble. The creative team create a grounded approach to Cyborg and his team, capturing otherworldly visuals with bright colors and emotional beats to match the rising territory Semper is creating in the inaugural "rebirth" of Cyborg.

Death of X is two chapters in and the war that is set to drive the Mutants and Inhumans apart are taking shape in this flashback tale to how it all went down. Both the writing and art team have a handle on the expansive scope of the book and keep up the tense air surrounding the events we're reading. The third issue dropping in a few weeks will more than likely be the nail in the coffin for the two groups and it's no doubt Lemire and Soule will capture the moment in spectacular fashion.

Deathstroke has another home run with this one.

Deathstroke #20 sticks to its guns and treats the characters we've gotten to know with dignity, continuing to evolve them into new and uncharted territory with the World's Deadliest (Reformed) Assassin leading the way. A tale of sins, washing them away, and dealing with the mistakes of your past is all you need to know about Deathstroke. Because after years of breaking bad, Slade could turn his negatives into a positive and that makes for an interesting comic to say the least.

Every person on the creative team does their job pitch perfectly and it shows in the characters and the directions they're going. Despite the issue being one final preparation before ushering in the new era by setting the characters up and getting into who they are and what they mean to Deathstroke, it's still a great read!

Deathstroke's new era has one mission under it's belt and as beginnings go, it's a well done start! Priest can do no wrong with his team of young people and continues to turn over a new leaf and it's a take on Slade I hope to see continued because Priest ushers in the old teachings of Slade Wilson and shifts them to more heroic standards while staying true to getting the job done his way. The art team on Deathstroke is perfect for the title, displaying the characters with their own style and the range of the characters that we get from a police officers, civilians, to an entire team of teens decked in black and white gives the title a bit of everything you could ask for in a political superhero thriller such as this. Deathstroke may have turned over a new leaf as he combats superheroing but his title has maintained a level of consistency that gives this title an impressive track record for being a quality read.

The dominance of Deathstroke being one of the most well-crafted DC Rebirth continues and it's a very nice hot streak for The World's Deadliest Superhero.

Deathstroke #25 is an issue that takes a look about the roadmap of its main character and puts him under a microscope to focus in on the characters development throughout the run and brave ahead into the continuing the next set of adventures. Priest and company do just that and keep up the level of consistency seen in only a few books on the stands right now. Deathstroke is a title about retribution, heroism, what makes a person, and changing in a world that won't believe it at all. The anniversary issue has a few bumps in the road with the art, but they are few and far between and don't slow down the ride that is this thriller of a comic book.

Deathstroke is reaching a fever pitch with not only the "Defiance" story but the more than year long worth of stories that Priest started since he took over the World's Deadliest Assassin. Reveals, talks about what makes us good or evil, the past and people's own agendas are coming into play as this thriller of a comic spirals out of control! While not everyone can be seen or spotted, Deathstroke maintains a consistent voice and tone as a comic that's more about the characters first, and the heroic and villainous world they live in second.

Deathstroke is on a family sized crash course of action, drama, and character development as stories from all around become more clear and Priest is making the downfall of the Wilson family a lot more captivating and complex than it should be. Deathstroke continues to be the book that's rewarding long time readers with amounts of payoff across the board, and looks good doing it.

This issue has the fall of Slade Wilson which has honestly been a long time coming. It's a complete masterful finale that paves the way for the next phase of Deathstroke's adventures, while closing arcs worth of stories on the World's Deadliest Assassin and his development from Bad Guy, to Good Guy, to something in between? Deathstroke is a shining jewel of a title and the consistency with Priest's voice on this cast of characters, with the art capturing everything from the human moments to the dynamic action scenes, will always leave you wanting more.

Detective Comics gets a booster shot with a different kind of story that brings Batman and his family into the larger DC Universe tapestry with connections of all sorts making their way into the title with Hill at the helm shedding some light on a forgotten team with the new generation.

This Detective Comics run continues to be the unique antidote to a typical Batman story and pulls on under utilized characters and begins to take shape as a run that recognizes the past but gives us something new and different.

Doomsday Clock #5 is a top-notch balancing act of stories and material that populates the sole book that propelled us into the very near future of the DC Universe. This book is filled to the brim with various conflicts and issues that make the universe we read every Wednesday both familiar and unfamiliar given the state of things. Johns, Frank, Anderson, and Leigh all work in unison to provide a very well-executed book filled with multiple layers of its characters, story, and going off the beaten path of where we expect the story to go.

All in all, the first annual for Earth 2: Society succeeds in both bringing us closer to the end of the arc without taking away or halting what the main title has given us thus far. You can't go wrong with Dan taking the time to "smell the roses" with some of the actually normal Wonders and displaying why these guys deserve to be here. While Earth 2: Society hasn't felt the touch of DC Rebirth quite just yet, here's nothing wrong with recognizing the past legacies while looking towards a new future all your own.

While the arc makes surprising reveals and twists to the ongoing story, the issue being a straightforward aftermath issue leading into the next phase is appreciated as it allows everyone to catch a breathe before the next huge moment of The Flash.

The investigation of the button leads the two World's Greatest Detectives on a trip to the beloved Cosmic Treadmill to a location that I'm not entirely sure how it can even exist given the nature of DC Rebirth but, Williamson has maintained the ship and set up a very Batman specific journey through this investigation for next week. Not only does this issue work as apart of the crossover but it works as a Flash issue as well. The Flash related history is thriving inside the pages and adds to the overall tapestry of Williamson's run on Flash with no signs of slowing down with the inclusion of long standing Speed Force related clues and connections. The Button Part Two gets the mystery of the button into full swing and pulls on many aspects of DC and shows there is still energy and purpose behind what they started with in DCYou, Rebirth and by that measure, Flashpoint.

If you're reading The Flash for the CW Show, because you love Speedsters, or you've been following the adventures of Barry Allen for a long time now… you need to have this issue in your possession because it's a victory for everyone involved and it has one of the most hard boiling rivalries in comics you can't help but keep up with.

Generation Gone holds a lot of details, character moments, and intrigue inside of the oversized first issue. Kot,Arajo, O'Halloran, Cowles, and Muller give us a comic that's full of heart and shows us what's it like to want better for friends, family, and the rest of your life and how quickly those very same things can change when life hands you either a blessing or a curse in disguise.

Kot, Arajo,OHalloran, Cowles, and Muller have their own take on young adults gaining superpowers and like life it's unpredictable, unexpected, and emotional to the core. All in all, Generation Gone is a series you need to be reading.

An oversized issue calls for a reason to be oversized and we are given an epilogue that sets up Act Two of Generation Gone with some tantalizing looks into our surviving cast two months after the ending. Kot andArajo lay the groundwork and tease some new developments for our superhumans and none of it can be good for the world at large and that's okay. Generation Gone has been about taking life into your own hands and doing what you want, for who you want and figuring it out along the way. Through pain and finding yourself Kot and company have escalated the main characters to different places than they started out and with 2018 set to continue their adventures, one of the of the best comics of 2017 draws its first arc to a close.

Black Canary remains as focused and driven as she's always been, Emi is charting her own path on the road to becoming Red Arrow in full form, Henry is on the inside of the technological evolution and planning for what the Ninth Circle want to do with Star City as a whole, and there's the quiet rumblings of what'll happen with Diggle and Malcom Merlyn out and away from the fight. Percy and Schmidt have a lot on their plates when it comes to the future of Green Arrow but they've been doing just fine for twenty-five issues and with the amount of characters and the art that gives GA and friends a life and style all their own? The rest of 2017 remains strong for the Green Arrow Team and with a last page shocker that'll leave Oliver's world in a tailspin? Yeah, you'll want to pick this anniversary issue up.

Venditti and company have struck a more hopeful mindset with this title and that's more than welcome right now given what the next arc will be focused on and the state of the country. We'll need heroes by the dozen with a guiding light to face what's ahead.

Everyone should pick up Invincible Iron Man #1. The colors from the art team absolutely explode in varying colors across every page. This is Dave Marquez and Justin Ponsor at their peak. All of the characters involved in the issue are vibrant and distinct, the action is beautiful and rightly acquainted with Bendis dialogue that is clear and informative. This is a brave new run for the Armored Avenger, and it's off to a roaring start.

The second issue in the rip-roaring new start to Iron Man ramps up the action and lets us inside the new Marvel Universe ever so slightly to great results. Bendis understands Tony to the point it feels right at home alongside Matt Fraction's extensive run on the character already. Only time will tell whereInvincible Iron Man will go and so far Tony will only soar higher.

The issue ends with another night time stealth ops where ninja shadow warriors meet Tony in a Madame Masque related trap ,and issue four promises major changes to the usual Tony Stark formula in the form of the arrival of Mary Jane Watson. If the ride we've witnessed thus far in these four issues are any indicator for Tony's future, readers will be enjoying the new Invincible Iron Man for months to come.

Overall, Invincible Iron Man, which is the flagship Marvel title, has concluded its first arc with definite promises of change for several characters and that will almost likely include pushing Iron Man and Tony to their limits especially since seeds are being planted for Civil War II during the next arc!

The second arc of Invincible Iron Man kicks off, and Bendis has switched gears to deliver not a shiny, crystal clear, Dave Marquez drawn adventure of magic and exorcism, but a technology based gripping noir mystery that will only take Iron Man and company into a different genre's territory with exciting results.

It's a breath of fresh air to see Tony not being limited in location (i.e. not fighting every monster ever in New York), like his secondary series International Iron Man coming later in the month, we're seeing a different type of Tony Stark that gets around the Marvel Universe and serves up a different type of genre adventure wherever he happens to go.

Lex goes through the biggest change of them all inJustice League#45 when he meets a camp of "Forever People" believing he himself is the prophesied Superman. Shazam becomes a conduit for what seems to be all of the New Gods, and it's here the League is thrown into complete disarray with Wonder Woman to pick up the pieces. With the sudden threat of the villains at their feet, the threat of the Anti-Monitor still looming, and several members dealing with new found Godhood"the next chapter in this event sized title can't come quickly enough.

Justice League #46 continues the latest chapter in The Darkseid War rather well especially considering we don't make leaps this issue but, steps leading up to another fantastic Act opener in just two weeks! Justice League has been leading to this story and truly nothing will be the same after the Darkseid War concludes.

With the clock winding down and with only 3 issues in the War to go, not all of the characters are at the forefront in Justice League #47, but it works lest the already packed title become overstuffed with players. With the main artist back on to finish the event, the "Darkseid War" should begin to wrap up character arcs and pick up steam to change the landscape of DC Universe in issue 50.

Justice League#48is lax on the Big Bad enacting his final Master Plan for dominance, Mobius makes an impression on one character. When issue #49 arrives, he will have his hands and Shadow Demons full with another. With the clock winding down on the future of the DC Universe, and just how the "Darkseid War" will end up affecting everyone involved, Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok, and Brad Anderson keep the momentum going full steam as Act 3 reaches its peak to a universe shattering finale.

With the art switch up keeping pace with what came before and more of a focus on who, what, and where the Justice League are and facing after three issues of global action…this issue reaffirms the mystery of The Kindred and the overall arc before the conclusion later this month.

Justice League comes to the stands with a message and a renewed sense of optimism and grandiose storytelling that's making this title the only book DC Comics title you need to read, and it's only been one issue.

With the focal point of the inaugural arc coming into play, the furthered world building of different Heroes and their mythologies coming under fire, and moments of levity and adventure, what's not to love in Justice League?

Justice League continues to be THE DC title to read bi-weekly. These are cosmos shaking concepts being unearthed, character histories given a new light and added wrinkles to events long taken shape and remained.

Justice League as a title has never looked better and Snyder is making sure the Number One Superhero Team has a story to write home about with "The Totality".

Justice League #5 isn't the greatest break in the main plot due to Lex's motivations and filling out ground as to why some of the villains have joined the Legion of Doom, the art from Mahnke and inking from Mendoza isn't the best as some pages are more detailed and refined than others but it's still a serviceable issue of villainy that adds to the story but drags it's feet as things reach the conclusion.

Justice League remains at the top of the heap of DC books you need to read with every new issue because Snyder and the Art Team are crafting a title for the ages with an attitude of taking old characters and throwing them into new and unexplored depths with some grand cosmic ramifications in the process. That's life for you.

The Justice League is in very good hands with this creative team on board.

Justice League #8 aka another installment to the Legion of Doom's side of the equation is an issue that pushes the book forward with its history, villains, and main story all contributing to the overall narrative of Justice League.

This far into the run on Justice League, Snyder and his art team have steered a tightly wound ship that knows how to de-escalate the moments in between major story arcs to round out the overall story of The Totality and the ongoing battle between Justice vs. Doom. Even when most of the issue is composed of exotic locations and characters conversing, Jimenez and Sanchez make their respective fields look wonderful doing it. Even when the story is going through its downtime moment, Justice League maintains interest in the ongoing story while stopping to give the characters a chance to focus on the smaller things, fix damaged relationships, and get reminded that their bonds aren't the weakness, but their strength.

Justice League #14 focuses on a different kind of a trio of our heroes that finally begins to uncover the secrets of the Multiverse and what it means for them. The story from Snyder and Tynion puts the spotlight back on previous locations seen in Metal and events of the current Justice League run, making everything feel apart of the grand design the writers have in place. With art from Segovia and Cheung that gives their respective section the unique feeling they deserve, the issue sets up the adventure on Hawkworld quite nicely.

Snyder and Tynion are continuing on with their grand narrative and at least some of its secrets are about to be revealed.

One thing is for certain with the end to this crossover, a new age of magic is here and its characters connected to it are in for some exciting times!

The second installment for the first major DCU Rebirth event since it's inception completes the "Vs." part of it's name. The issue speeds through the obvious fighting and continues to lay seeds for surprising reveals down the line and pushes unlikely characters into the spotlight. While the issue is a fine next step for the crossover it's light on moving things alone to get the immediate Hero vs. Villain fight out the way ensuing more deception and danger for the remaining four issues. Williamson has a tight grasp on character voices and motivations with a vision on including ties to the larger DCU, Daniel and the rest of the art team make the best of providing fun to the fighting throughout picking up the pieces where Fabok left off. All in all, Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #2 shifts gears to giving fans what they want and more hints to what we'll be seeing sooner rather than later.

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad continues to build on previous issues of the event in every way. Character relationships are touched upon, teasers for story lines in the larger Rebirth spectrum are seen, and just when you think everything is as it appears… the creative team drops another bombshell and includes another wrinkle into the mix providing a last page that'll be sure to hold us over for another week.

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad continues increasing the stakes and grandeur of the DCU that has been plotted out since the first issue. With the finale in sight, the event that started out as team's finally interacting and coming to blows evolved into so much more with an explosive end to leave out on a high note next week.

The adventures of Nighthawk may have wrapped as he sits on the sixteenth floor of a construction sitebut, we won't have to look far because he has his hands in various pockets of the Marvel Universe. Something tells me Nighthawk and his cohort of justice will be making their return very soon.

All in all, the defining Marvel duo of this side of New York received a great first issue in Power Man and Iron Fist#1, a new direction to keep them grounded with the little guys and gals of the city, and a style all their own to give this book the voice it needs to stand out. That itself is cause for a "Sweet Christmas".

Robin War #1 may spin out of events in Batman and We Are Robin, but in this one-shot the events that transpired will ring across through all of Gotham for months to come and throughout all of December as every member of the Batman family will feel the wrath of the Robin War in their specific title.

Savage Things doesn't hold back from what it's set out to do. It's cold, calculating, bloody, demented, and mature like your favorite late night show on HBO. Jordan has the perfect art team for this dark and mysterious world of clandestine organizations and monsters set out to destabilize everything we hold dear. I don't think this series is looking for redeemable characters to save the day, these are bad people doing bad things in the name of saving the day. If this limited series can keep this first issues's sparks of intrigue, brutalness, and deadpan humor then I believe Savage Things will go down as a phenomenal story. Vertigo has a winner with Jordan and his Horror-Spy Thriller.

This is the series about bad people doing bad things in the name of saving the day.

When all is said and done, Bendis, Pichelli, and Ponsor have ushered in another fantastic entry in Miles Morales' stint as Spider-Man with Spider-Man #1. With a new universe to explore, joining the Avengers, and having the blessing of the label as THE Friendly Neighborhood Spidey, the future for both Miles and this title has never looked better.

Not to be completely outdone by his exciting alter-ego, Miles has trouble on the home front in the form of his Grandma coming into town because heroes can't maintain their grades and save the world at all in the Marvel Universe. Things are becoming more personal and risky for both parts to Miles's life, and we only await the next issue to see what Bendis and Pichelli will do to put our new Spider-Man through his paces.

Only three chapters in and Spider-Man is balancing the life of Miles and his Alter-Ego greatly. Bendis is breaking new ground with adding to his family and throws in a fan favorite from his Uncanny X-Men run to make things even more interesting than they already are! Spider-Man #3 lightens up on the action but keeps us reading for the interactions between the various characters and the new sandbox Miles is traversing.

Starbrand and Nightmask can hold its own as its own thing, but even with the guest stars you can feel the strings of connections to the wider Marvel Universe. It'll be interesting going forward to see how the two heroes can combat both classes and villains all over campus in this new series.

Artist Domo Stanton and colorist Jordan Boyd bring the right amount of cartoon like visuals to make it feel like they're waiting for Marvel to announce Starbrand and Nightmask: The Animated Series. The details on faces aren't the greatest, but they do capture emotions well to sell the more darker and villainous scenes. Stanton is really strong when it comes to both body types and diversity because the main background is a college campus mostly. All in all, Starbrand and Nightmask #2 fits the niche of being a slice-of-life comic with superhero undertones to great effect. Lowering two of the strongest Marvel Heroes to such a relatable level is an achievement, and let's hope the good times can continue for Kevin and Adam.

The revelations that round out Starbrand and Nightmask#3should give the heroes worry given these aren't enemies you can't exactly punch and blast, but forces of the cosmos that have been alive since the beginning of existence. With the endgame being Earth's destruction and college life slowly deteriorating, it'll be quite the read to see how our college cosmic freshmen survive the experience!

Everything clicks together for the Creative Team in their new arc for Superman.

The start of the new year brings more threats, more insane scenarios, and more often than not… more surprises aplenty for our heroes. Superman delivers on that wholeheartedly with no signs of letting up. "Multiplicity" begins with an interesting premise that connects old work with the current state of Rebirth, and if that doesn't show what the line has been about this entire time… I don't know what title does it better.

Now, how the two mysteries of Creepy Kal erasing the entire of existence of his other self and just who escaped Mr. Oz's prison remains to be seen. There are three chapters left in this Super Crossover with plenty of aftermath issues to follow in several books. The Superman Family of titles are prepping everyone for a story that'll be sure to have everyone talking when the dust settles, with chapter one now in the books, we can only look forward to both Action Comics and Superman to unravel the tangled web of cosmic and personal intrigue that started all those months ago.

Superman #19 finally let's the larger narrative include the other Superman Family titles that's finally showing some of the longtime payoff of the mysteries we've been asking since DC Rebirth started. Mr.Mxyzptlk has proven to be more than a pint sized foe for the family and the issue continues the synergy and pacing of Action Comics keeping everything lean and tight so nothing drags for to long. The art team has never been better putting all amounts of their energy into the backgrounds of this wicked game and the crackling energy that burns bright. Superman Reborn has been a crossover that's swerved expectations but hasn't disappointed so far. With the end in sight, the finale has a lot to answer for and it'll be a treat to see how the story wraps up.

"Imperius Lex" lays the groundwork for the next big Superman story arc with an interesting premise, stretching back to the finale of the Darkseid War and a more deadly take on the "fish out of water" trope with our Super Family.

Superwoman is a title that stands uniquely together and apart from the Superman line of titles and as far as ongoings go, has done great work at fleshing out another corner of Metropolis and its citizens, both super powered and non. Jimenez and company are nearly completed with the opening arc of Superwoman and the road to saving the day has paved with hard choices, good character moments, and an ending that could change everything for our leading ladies.

The Silencer is shaping up to be a stand out among "The New Age of DC Heroes" and this issue is another example of that.

The Terrifics have their own corner of personal stakes, science fiction pulp, and uniqueness to shine as a New Age of DC Book and issue four is the start of those pieces of goodness.

The Weatherman is a fine debut that sets up its main focus with ease and gives us plenty of reasons to come back.

The Wicked + The Divine is nearing the conclusion to all of these mysteries sooner rather than later as this arc signifies the road to the finale. With an opener like this we're hitting the ground running on some of the series bigger questions while still retaining the pop culture-infused comedy, character development, and colors that makes this series a vibrant comic from the warm colors of the desert to the cold and isolating cage of the Gods. The Wicked + The Divine is wonderful to look at and with Gillen's writing remaining sharp and quick witted with his cast and keeping up with McKelvie and Wilson's energy, the countdown to the finale of WicDiv is off to a great start.

The Wicked + The Divine eats up a lot of space with this issue where only the second part gets it on course again. The complete history of Persephone is great to see how, when, and where the God's have set up shop across history but ten pages dedicated to it wastes pages that could be used elsewhere and move the plot along. The pages dedicated to Persephone aside, it's another curious chapter of The Wicked + The Divine that answers questions, presents more, complicates the situation into another knot, and looks great and puts the characters first while doing it.

The Wicked + The Divine ends another arc as it sets up for its final outing and even when it prepares to answer the questions that have constantly been spread out across the series, we still get new surprises along the way that should be a treat for longtime fans of the series with the nature and rhythmic nature of the series.

Over the course of one issue, Omen has risen to the occasion as not being weighed down as just being the team's psychic. She's a fully capable woman that holds her own and Abnett has set her up for a very stressfulcharacterarc, on top of the ongoing problems of her teammates. Titans #12 was a great issue that spotlights a team members strengths to propel them into a new light and refocuses the title for the next set of story arcs for the upcoming months.

The comic comes to a close with Blue Marvel and Captain Marvel making small talk before being attacked by the source of their mission. The cover spoils our big guy and he's (pun intended) drawn to the most accurately sized scale since Jack Kirby first drew him. The pair comes to the "Devourer of Worlds" not as enemies seeking his destruction but, in an almost car salesman manner…want to help him with his problems. The last page will no doubt catch readers off guard even with Blue and Captain Marvel's faces looking on with nothing but determination. Al Ewing, Kenneth Rocafort, and Dan Brown have struck gold with this first issue. Every team member has something to do, no panel nor page was wasted with the most bombastic colors that have seen thus far in a rebooted Marvel title. The Ultimates solve the ultimate problems and together they solve the case of what a first issue should be.

Outside of the ending that should be making headlines everywhere, there is a sequence with Galactus that rather tragically sums up his origin story with Dan Brown using every shade of purple in the history of the color to signify this is none other than his story being told. We discover why he hungers, and why he destroys, for so long people have believed him to be a necessary part of how the Universe works. Flash forward to now with our team putting an end to that belief in a light show like you wouldn't believe, and Marvel fans will get something truly new all-new and all-different both in the story and what this means in the grand scheme of things.

The creative team for Ultimates definitely works in unison. While Ewing gives us the character beats and the story that will keep us coming back, Rocafort and Brown continue to assault our eyeballs with all manner of splash pages, colors, and inter-dimensional transport stars that are greeted by many styles of alien remains and a purple dragon to greet them. The Ultimates #3 proves that a team of past B and C list Heroes can be the next great thing in the right hands.

All throughout the issue, readers are granted a great example of colors from Richard Isanove, and how they blend to make each character look distinct. Every member of the Team has colors that render them dynamic and lets them exude a personality all on their own. If this issue is anything to go by, the Uncanny Avengers will be in good hands under Gerry Duggan's dialogue, character portrayals as well Ryan Stegman and the rest of the art team making the Unity Squad a team to look out for.

If Uncanny Inhumans is the flagship title to lead the charge of the wave of books concerning our Inhuman friends, then with the help of Charles Soule, Steve McNiven, and the rest of the art team, it'll be a welcome change of pace for the Marvel Universe.

Overall, the Uncanny Inhumans (featuring Johnny Storm and Beast) are doing big things in their corner of the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe. Soule puts forth the effort to include Beast, who is relatively new to the new cast, and have the cast interact with him to varying degrees in some fantastic scenes. The interactions between all of the players make the comic worthwhile given their history with one another. Johnny Storm being called out on his relationship with previously dating Medusa's sister Crystal is complicated, yet funny to think about in the light of the events of the story. Uncanny Inhumans#2 is another big step in Kang's plan of dominance, and another step for Charles Soule, Steve McNiven, and the rest of the art team to prove why the Inhumans are larger than life and can give the X-Family a run for their money.

Altogether, Uncanny Inhumans#4 stands out among the wave of recently added Inhuman titles, and expectations have never been higher for the royal family's flagship title.

Characters all move of their own accord either by their own doing or another force at play and it pushes the surprising developments forward to the halfway point that will be issue #3 next month. Vigilante: Southland is ramping up the action and the titular character slowly rising to the action despite the past coming back to haunt him in a way that's all to familiar to heroes of the same cloth as him.

We Are Robin is one of DC Comics' more off the beaten path titles given its place in the wider DCU, but that doesn't knock the impact of the comic because it's earned the spot of showing how real teens in a world of super powers can take the right to fight for their city into their phones and with each other. DC editorial is doing great work with the "lower-tier" Batman related titles and giving them their own crossover to play with in the form of "Robin War" next month proves even the little guy can make a big splash.

Michael Cray knows what type of book it is and doesn't lose focus along the way: all killer, no filler.

Michael Crayremains a consistently solid read of a book that is dead set on accomplishing reestablishing Michael Cray as a force in the Wild Storm Universe and doesnt lose focus along the way while it's trying to stay one step ahead of where you think both the story and characters are going to go.

Michael Cray is a book that has no business being this good of a book. Hill is doing a twelve issue character study and reinvention of Michael Cray and his corner of the world with twisted versions of DC characters along for the ride. Despite the simplicity in the story beats, the creative team makes up for in the world and the characters that populate it. Harris works very well in keeping dialogue heavy scenes filled with tension and intrigue and the coloring from Kelly fits the muddled, gritty, and at times clean sensibilities of Michael Cray. With another mission getting underway, Cray and his team are under a different kind of, more immediate threat and I can't wait to see the lengths Cray will go to get the job done.

Hill continues to unravel Michael Cray open by peeling back layers to his character, discovering what's making him tick, and putting him at odds with his supporting cast that could no doubt spell trouble for his remaining adventures.