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Unboxing: Power Up Box July Premium 2015

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Brett

We open up and check out the July premium box from Power Up Box. After skipping a few months, we’re back reviewing one of the more impressive premium geek box services out there.

There’s lots of comic goodness in this month’s box.

You can check out the service and order your own Power Up Box. For those interested in getting one for someone as a gift you can find that here.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site.

The Strangest Members of the Justice League

Posted on July 10, 2015 by

The Justice League of America is best defined by its core of main characters. As opposed to other major superhero teams like the X-Men, Avengers, or Teen Titans, the core seven members of the team are considered as almost sacrosanct. Without Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter, the League is considered to not be at full power (though Manhunter has been somewhat replaced on this list by Cyborg.) That being the case, the membership of the League has mostly remained constant over its publication history, but as with every team there are always the odd ones that find their way in.

Snapper Carr – The modern reader of comics might not recognize it immediately at a glance, but the history of comics is the history of trends. Characters that might seem to represent some diversity in the modern day such as Power Man/Luke Cage or Shang Chi were in fact added to comics as they helped to capitalize respectively on the popularity of blaxpoitation and kung fu films. One character long before them was Snapper Carr. Although he existed as a sidekick more than actual superhero, he was nonetheless a vital member on some missions, (such as the first involving Starro). The character was inspired by the Beatnik generation which was somewhat popular at the time, and for those that might look for a related Marvel character, they would be wasting their time, because the trend of beatnik characters came and went long before Marvel got established.

Dale Gunn – After the X-Men took over the medium of comics in the 1970s it was determined that the Teen Titans became DC’s best hope to fight against this success. After the youth oriented book performed well it was decided to give the Justice League a makeover as well, and what resulted was what has become known as Justice League Detroit, a weaker version of the team, but one focused more towards the street. Out were Batman and Wonder Woman, in were street level characters like Gypsy and Vibe, the latter of which was enough of an attempt to cash in on the breakdancing genre that was actually popular for a while, for those that remember their Electric Boogaloo. The stranger character though was Dale Gunn, introduced as a ladies-man character that was the custodian/tech expert for the new team, who wore a superpowered suit of armor in his first appearance, but then just faded into the background. Zatanna and Vixen both fell in love with him almost from the get go, but his impact was never really noticed after a few issues.

Maxwell Lord – Whereas the X-Men had Dazzler and the Outsiders had Looker, the Justice League never really managed to capitalize on the big hair and big money 1980s, or at least they wouldn’t have except for the influence of Maxwell Lord. The character was essentially a Gordon Gecko rip-off, and one whose moral code was also somewhat skewed. He served as the bank roll for the team, but had delusions of heroism at times, and eventually went bad when he almost had every superhero killed during Infinite Crisis.

Blue Beetle – The Justice League of the post-Legends DC Universe was one very different from what came before. Legends was kind of an attempt to do the final clean-up on what had happened during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, and it resulted in a new Justice League. Whereas a lot of titles were getting darker at the time, or at least geared more to a mature audience, this team went the opposite route, becoming goofy. Another trend at the time was that the Justice League becoming a dumping ground for characters who couldn’t hold their own series. Thus the League assimilated Booster Gold, Blue Beetle and Captain Atom among others, but it really became the Blue Beetle and Booster Gold show, with their not-so-serious antics proving to be the fodder for most issues as opposed to real threats. The character had been serious before, but never really recovered before being killed off.

Zan and Jayna – The so-called Wonder Twins didn’t come from the Justice League exactly, but instead came from the children’s show spin-off, the Super Friends. It might have seemed likely that the characters might have just retired into obscurity as many others did, but they were actually revived for a time in the 1990s. As a bit of a running joke before hand they never really caught on, and were used for only a few issues.

Dr. Fate/Guy Gardner – These two are not exactly the strangest characters exactly, except in how they were used. Once again another influence of the post Legends Justice League, the writer Keith Giffen was a big enough fan of gender swapping some of his characters. Not as in the usual sense of making a separate character like Supergirl or Batgirl, but in simply finding a way to switch genders. It was done first with Doctor Fate and recently with Guy Gardner.

Ambush Bug/Super-Chief – After Infinite Crisis the creators promised to give exposure to pretty much every character that had ever shown up in the pages of DC Comics. This meant that some strange and obscure characters had to be brought in. In this case it was a Firestorm led Justice League that contained among its members the Ambush Bug and Super-Chief. They showed up for a couple of panels and then were never seen of again.

Poison Ivy, Lex Luthor and Captain Cold – It turned some heads in the pages of the Waid led JLA when the rotating cast of team members included what was kind of Catwoman for one issue. People wondered how it was that a thief was allowed membership to the team, even when she didn’t really join. This was later rendered somewhat moot in the era of rooting for the bad guys in comics. In the modern day, many series focus on villains, and Lex Luthor, Captain Cold and poison Ivy have worked alongside the Justice League, the latter in the most recent issue of Justice League United. As villains become the new cool characters, it is not surprising to see some join the ranks of the superheroes.

To read the list of the strangest members of the League is partially a way to read the trends which have defined the medium of comics since the team’s inception. There have been characters that have been stunts, or put in place to take advantage of what was happening in popular culture. The team usually goes back to the main seven, but it is interesting to note that they are not always there, and sometimes some odd choices are made.

Review: Justice League of America #2

Posted on July 8, 2015 by

There is perhaps no better superhero team book than the Justice League, though that claim comes with a caveat. While Marvel has the more approachable street level characters, DC is often said to have the characters that better resemble gods. When it counts, for the biggest of the big events, DC tends to do them best, and with its premier superhero team, and mostly because that is how they are best employed, dealing with the big threats by throwing down fights with superpowered characters that are often considered to be overpowered. While there were some drawbacks in the first issue of this series, that is pretty much what it did, taking a decent threat in the Parasite and throwing the League against him.

This second issue though is quite different. After the events of the last issue, three of the seven members are missing, and without them the focus rests on those that remain. More so this issue focuses on Rao, the Kryptonian sun god who has come to Earth. The resulting story is broken more or less into three segments. The first focuses on Batman and Cyborg trying to figure out what is up with the Infinity Corporation which was first seen in the first issue. The second deals with Aquaman dealing with representatives of Rao who seem to want to proselytize his people, and the third focuses on the relationship between Superman and Rao as he ascertains why the sun god has returned to Earth. The focus on Rao’s near omnipotence is the theme of this issue though even when other things are going on in the background.

While the first issue worked well enough in the classic Justice League framework, this second issue seems to have lost its focus. The appearance of Rao will obviously play into the bigger story in the series, but at the moment it is pretty confusing after the new story points introduced in the first issue. Although the feeling of grandeur is still here, it also kind of feels like the focus is lost as characters have gone their separate ways. It is only with the reappearance of Wonder Woman later in the issue that there is a better sense once again of the grandeur, and of the supposed threat posed by Rao. As it stands it is not the best entry for the second issue of this series which left readers a little puzzled to begin with, but it is probably at least enough to keep the readers interest until the next issue when hopefully some answers and some better direction are present.

Story: Bryan Hitch Art: Daniel Henriques, Andrew Currie and Bryan Hitch
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Around the Tubes

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Brett

HeroesCon has come and gone. We’re getting closer to San Diego Comic-Con! We’ll have some of the news that came out of this weekend today, and you can catch some of that news right here too.

Around the Tubes

The Beat – HeroesCon: Deconnick to End Run on Captain Marvel; Milkfed Criminal Masterminds Talk New and Upcoming Issues – Boooo! And Yay!?

Around the Tubes Reviews

CBR – Doctor Fate #1

ICv2 – In Search of Lost Time: Swann’s Way HC

CBR – Justice League of America #1

Talking Comics – Letter 44 #17

Talking Comics – Runaways #1

The Beat – Thors #1

Around the Tubes

Review: Justice League of America #1

Posted on June 17, 2015 by

The DC Comics Universe is in a bit of flux at the moment. Superman has been depowered to a degree and Batman is presumed dead and Jim Gordon has replaced him. With DC’s two most popular character out of commission, it makes the present continuity a little challenging, especially as a few of the other major characters are undergoing some changes as well. Some simply don’t recognize these changes, as the Darkseid War in Justice League attests to, but other series are trying to stay current with the changes elsewhere. This newest series of the Justice League acts as a bit of middle-of-the-road approach to giving fans the heroes that they are used to. Superman is still Clark Kent in his secret identity at the Daily Planet, Batman is still alive, and Wonder Woman’s costume hasn’t changed. In short this story is based sometime in since the founding of the Justice League and the beginning of the new 52, a period which is said to be five years but which has not been explored in great detail thus far since the DC relaunch.

This oversized issue has two basic plot points that are presumably somewhat linked together. In the first Superman is dealing with a mysterious organization led by a mysterious scientist who is somehow pulling a dead or dying Superman out of the timestream, but on numerous occasions, and appeals to the present Superman to find answers. Meanwhile the remainder of the Justice League has been drawn to a power plant in Metropolis as a supervillain unknowingly lies in ambush for them. While the first half of the story adds a bit of intrigue, it is soon taken over by the second half and this quickly turns into an all out brawl that the League is best known for. A relatively significant developments occur and the characters are left at the end to deal with a new threat.

The approach here is an interesting one. While there is change underway with the heroes elsewhere at DC, this is evidently a case of “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it.” By throwing the heroes back to an earlier time the die hard DC fan can get their dose of their favorite heroes while DC also tries to appeal to some new fans with the different versions of Batman and Superman in other places across its universe. As it stands this works pretty well, a relatively common story for the Justice League, but also one which pulls out all the stops and goes for a big show as opposed to a slower approach. It is big and brash but also a lot of fun, and worth a look for those that miss their usual heroes.

Story: Bryan Hitch Art: Wade Von Grawbadger and Bryan Hitch
Story: 8.3 Art: 8.3 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Read

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Brett

Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Brett

Top Pick: Prez #1 (DC Comics) – A teenager is elected President by Twitter in this future send-up of the state of politics. Working in politics I found myself laughing, and cringing at how accurate the series was, especially in its more satirical moments. It hit close to home, which is a good thing. A fantastic send-up perfectly timed for the 2016 Presidential race.

The Kitchen #8 (DC Comics/Vertigo) – I’ve loved this series since the start. It’s a take on the mob genre, except set in the 70s, and it’s the women in charge. The last few issues have had twists and turns of double crosses and all sorts of deals. This final issue of the miniseries is going to be explosive and entertaining.

Letter 44 #17 (Oni Press) – It’s WWIII people!!! Writer Charles Soule has gone all out in this series focused on a President dealing with first contact with aliens, and the crew that’s doing so. The story has been amazing and when I think I have things down, the series throws a curve.

Princeless: Be Yourself #1 (Action Lab Entertainment) – It’s a new volume of the fantastic series that has a young princess saving herself, as well as her sisters. Destroying tropes, pointing out the idiocy of some accepted things in entertainment, and doing it while entertaining too!

Southern Bastards #9 (Image Comics) – One of the best (if not the best) comic on the market right now. The writing, the art, all of it is beyond amazing. It’s the homecoming game, but there’s also been a murder. It’s never too late to hop on and check out this Southern noir series.

Chris

Top Pick: Ei8ht # 5 (Dark Horse Comics) – Travelers lost in time, check. Selfless heroism, check. A merciless opposing force, check. This time travel thriller has its bases covered. The art style consisting essentially of black and white shading with contrasting color to provide surface texture may drive away those interested in other titles with bright colors and intense detail. However they would be missing out on an intriguing tale of time travel where the character connection across time and place are more than meets the eye.

Archie vs. Predator #3 of 4 (Dark Horse Comics) – Even without reading the previous two issues this comic immediately called out to me as a must read. I have to admit that my love for Predator and comic mash-ups is to blame for that. Right away I could see this is not the Archie I was expecting. This issue has it all classic Archie humor, blood and gore, and a captivating storyline complete with satirical introspective of those stuck in a horrific movie like situations.

Ghostbusters: Get Real #1 (IDW Publishing) – The beginning of a 4 part series where our heroes are unknowingly transported to an alternate dimension when the will of a God is thwarted. To return home they must work with their counterparts from this dimension who luckily just so happen to have experience with this sort of adventure. Reference Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Ghostbusters. This issue lays the ground work for what I expect to be yet another great series from the Burnham, Schoeing and Delgado team over at IDW.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey & April #1 (IDW Publishing) – Love TMNT but tired of the Turtles then this comic is for you. Take all the turtle powered action and replace it with a teenage love story between Casey and April. While this reviewer is not regretting the time spent reading this issue, it did not rouse much more than a fleeting interest in the series. This issue is a definite pass in my book.

Edward

Top Pick: Prez #1 (DC Comics) – DC is committed to trying something new, and while that hasn’t necessarily worked so far, this new #1 looks like an intriguing updates on the short-lived series from 1973, as a teenage twitter sensation becomes the next President of the United States. Hopefully it is equal parts social commentary and Bartgirling.

Alex + Ada #15 (Image Comics) – The finale to this engaging series is here and we get to find out the final fate of the unlikely lovers.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #4 (Marvel/Disney) – Did you ever watch a Disney movie and think to yourself that it is pretty entertaining despite the G rating? That same feeling permeates this series.

Doomed #1 (DC Comics) – Another DC #1, this series looks at a person that can change into Doomsday. Part of the problem of the appeal of Superman stories is that they lack the street level outlook that some readers like (with the present Truth storyline only sort of helping that.) Maybe this series is DC’s way of finally shaking up its Superman mythos.

Grimm Fairy Tales 10th Anniversary Special #2 Red Riding Hood (Zenescope) – Zenescope’s least celebrated superhero, Britney Waters, gets another chance to shine here. Just when will they give her an ongoing series?

Elana

Top Pick: Black Canary #1 (DC Comics) – Spinning off of the hip, young Batgirl series is a new series featuring one of the all time best characters in comics. It’s about time she gets a solo series. The book’s premise is that our super powered vocalist becomes the singer of a rock band, goes on tour and fights bad guys on the road. The awesome rock and roll outfits get my approval.

Wu’s art is hip as hell– the line at her booth at Special Edition was enormous. Fletcher star is rising fast (see hits like Gotham Academy & Batgirl for starters). This is a creative, modern duo writing for an inclusive audience. The future of super hero comics. So I was pleasantly surprised to read in an interview with Fletcher that some of the legacy of the great Silver Age social issues comics series Green Lantern/Green Arrow is continued in this book. Here’s to a new generation’s “hard traveling heroes“.

Ms. Marvel #16 (Marvel) – The multiverse at stake so who will take care of Jersey City? Kamala is breaking my heart with this cover. Who needs a hug!?

Runaways #1 (Marvel) – Noelle Stevenson’s series Nimona is a runaway hit on the Internet that appeals to a younger and often female Fanbase. This is her big two debut. Her work on Lumber Janes is going to win an Eisner. Having her write a Runaways story about kids with super powers sounds like a match made in heaven. And boy do I miss these kids.

Secret Six #3 (DC Comics) – I need to know what the hell is happening! Gail’s original Secret Six series is kind of the best thing ever. The new series had a good premise but it’s been a rough go. I will keep giving this a series chance. I still have faith!

Thors #1 (Marvel) – Because unlike the Highlander there CAN’T be only one. Most excited for of course our female Thor and Storm. Cute detective story premise seals the deal.

Mr. H

Top Pick: Thors #1 (Marvel) – Jason Aaron has been on fire lately and if he’s that good with one God of Thunder, I’m dying to see what he does with a whole roster! In brightest day, in blackest.. oh wait. Nope just pumped for this book! Go Thors!

Justice League of America #1 (DC Comics) – It’s by Bryan Hitch, the man who brought us the cinematic epic which was The Ultimates, I’d like him to take the true Ultimate team in comic books, let him cut loose and see what he can do.

Old Man Logan #2 (Marvel) – Wolverine is dead. Long live a more cranky, aged and badass version of Wolverine. Dystopian futures always bring me a semblance of hope. All I can say is, yes.. and SNIKT!!

Robin: Son of Batman #1 (DC Comics) – First off it’s got Damien Wayne, A Giant Pet Man-Bat, it’s written and drawn by Patrick Gleason. Umm did I mention a Giant Pet Man-Bat??

Wonder Woman #41 (DC Comics) – So far the Finch’s take on the Iconic Amazon have intrigued me. While I don’t think they are at the top of what they could do, I’d like to see what they have further in store. This book has been a guilty pleasure of mine and my gf Ms. B too. Plus, I hope to get some reasoning behind Diana’s new costume.

Pharoah

To Pick: Ms. Marvel #16 (Marvel) -This is my top pick of the week just because this character has been nothing but fun since she entered the universe, and it looks like Secret Wars, has come to Jersey City, definitely curious to see how Kamala Khan will be tested!!!

Astronauts In Trouble #1 (Image Comics) – As a company, Image is basically the Jerry Bruckheimer of the comics world, producing blockbuster after blockbuster, and with Charlie (Walking Dead) on this, it definitely has high hopes.

Black Canary #1 (DC Comics) – Brenden Fletcher (BATGIRL) and Annie Wu (HAWKEYE) bring this character to the forefront, after her much needed exposure on the show, Arrow, she finally gets her own shot in this DC reboot.

Mad Max: Fury Road: Furiosa #1 (DC Comics/Vertigo) – After watching the newest Mad Max movie, it definitely has one curious about that whole universe and this comic aims to explore the origin of The Furiosa and it definitely has cred, as it is written by mad Max creator, George Miller himself.

Ghostbusters: Get Real #1 (IDW Publishing) – this sounds so cool, as the film versions and cartoon versions become part of the same world in what can only be interesting chaos

Epic. Widescreen. Hitch. Are You Ready?

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Brett

Superstar comic artist Bryan Hitch is writing and drawing new tales of the world’s greatest heroes in Justice League of America, the first issue hitting shelves June 17th!

It’s massive widescreen Justice League of America action and adventure from legendary writer/artist Bryan Hitch! In the extra-sized debut issue, the League comes up against an armada of aliens heading for Earth that claims to be a peaceful religious tribe. But something sinister is lurking under the surface… Something with ties to ancient Krypton!

This amazing kick-off issue is available with seven different variant covers by Hitch, each spotlighting one of seven core members of the JLA, plus an incredible seven-panel foldout variant cover that presents all seven covers together into one giant panoramic battle scene!

All seven of the variant covers just made their debut today. Check out all seven covers below!

Are You Ready for JLA?

The Week in Comic Reviews

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Brett

It’s been a while since I’ve done some quick comic reviews, but I do read a hell of a lot each week, and I don’t have time to do long reviews for each. So, I decided to bring back my quick reviews to give everything I read their due, and let you know what I think. These won’t be in depth, but you’ll get an idea of what I think of each.

The 7th Sword #2

In the aftermath of a vicious attack, Zenzion’s new leader, Kathleen Galway, seeks out battle-weary Daniel Cray to help defend her people and her home. But will the reluctant warrior pick up his Malathane blade one final time?

The series is two issues in and have been pretty interesting. This is a western/samurai tale set on an alien world. Each issues has been good, but I think the greater story together is what to measure this one by. Still, good for those who enjoy either genre.

Story: John Raffo Art: Nelson Blake II
Story: 6 Art: 5 Overall: 5 Recommendation: Read

Artifacts #37

When someone uses math to access an ancient and evil power, it’s up to Tilly Grimes to find the answer to stopping them. But even with Tom Judge and the Rapture on her side, this may be too big a problem for the Numeromancer to solve.

While I generally thought the story was ok (though resolved rather quickly), my biggest issue with this story arc has been the art, which is WAY too dark at times to figure out what’s going on. Artifacts has seen better days in story and art.

Story: Dan Wichline Art: ROM
Story: 6 Art: 5 Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass

Axe Cop: The American Choppers #1

President of the World Axe Cop reunites with Super Axe, an old friend from college, and the two of them decide to start a superteam of axe-wielding heroes to defend America, called the American Choppers. They are joined by Captain Axe, Axe Girl, Axe Woman, Axe Dog, and other axe-wielding heroes. The only problem is that there are no bad guys left, but that all changes when mysterious giant creatures attack the city!

I’m very new to the whole Axe Cop thing. I watched the ADHD cartoon series, which lead me to this. My “first issue” and it’s enough for me to come back for more of the Axe family. For folks who are reading this after seeing the cartoon, does Axe Cop now sound like Ron Swanson?

Story: Malachai Nicolle Art: Ethan Nicolle
Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

B.P.R.D. #119

As Manhattan erupts with Lovecraftian demons, a young psychic must lead the remaining B.P.R.D. crew through the monster-packed streets of New York back to headquarters for safety, as Liz Sherman goes supernova.

This arc comes to a close, and it’s a solid ending. There’s a lot here that gets wrapped up, and that’ll lead to what comes next. I think all those threads that are left hanging are partially why I have this as a read. There’s some plot points I wish were a bit more completed. B.P.R.D. fans should be happy though.

Story: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi Art: James Harren
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Brain Boy: The Men from G.E.S.T.A.L.T. #1

Agent Price’s new mission pits him against a doomsday cult leader with a political agenda that poses a direct threat to the president. But a mysterious hive mind has more menacing plans for Brain Boy. He’ll have no choice but to go head to head—brain to brain—with the mysterious Men from G.E.S.T.A.L.T.!

To say Brain Boy is fun is an understatement. There’s a mix of pulp, there’s a mix of modern action. This second volume starts off with a bang and I’m sure this second volume will be as exciting as the first. I mean, the first part of the issue is really exciting, and what a twist.

Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Freddie Williams II
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

East of West #12

A last ditch effort is undertaken to avoid a war between the nations by the most unlikely person on the planet. The remains of the Chosen reassemble.

I’m not sure what I like more, the story or the art. So much happens in this issue, and those actions will reverberate for a long time. An amazing series if you haven’t had a chance to check it out. It’s not too late… though it might be for the nations.

Story: Jonathan Hickman Art: Nick Dragotta
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Flash Gordon #2

As Flash’s heroic reputation grows across the cosmos, his fantastic talents are tested by the Beast Men Of The Outer Lands Of Arboria!

The classic character is back and Parker is doing it with some retro pulp fun with an updated story. If you’re a fan of the character, do yourself a favor and check out the series.

Story: Jeff Parker Art: Evan Shaner
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Forever Evil #7

It’s evil versus evil in the shocking “take-no-prisoners” conclusion to Forever Evil! What will be the fate of Lex Luthor and his Injustice League? Who will live – and who will die? And why is The Hooded Man the most feared being from the Syndicate’s world? Do not miss this startling finale that will leave the DC universe reeling and reveal the secrets to the future!

The DC event wraps up. But something seemed a bit off. While there’s some cool moments, everything wraps up quickly, and the titanic battle I was expecting doesn’t happen. The ending is good, just not as great as it could have been… and we’re not going to go into the delay.

Story: David Finch Art: Richard Friend, David Finch
Story: 7.25 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Invincible #111

A new beginning for Invincible as things take a turn down a dark path. Everything changes as Invincible is betrayed by one of his own. You won’t want to miss this explosive issue #1… 1… 1! It packs the punch of THREE relaunched number one issues!

Wow what a brutal issue. I know I’m late to the series, but holy crap is this issue good. It’s a brutal starting point that shakes up the Invincible universe.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Ryan Ottley
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Justice League #30

It all changes here with the first chapter of “Injustice League”! The next era of the Justice League begins as heroes quit, villains join and a Justice League roster you’ve never seen before emerges, led by the world’s greatest hero — Lex Luthor?! As the dust settles and the bodies are buried, the violent consequences of Forever Evil must be dealt with — while a mysterious new force sets its target on the League. But is this force friend or enemy? And why does he want Luthor dead? (If you ask Batman, it’s a long list.)

If you want to know where the DC universe goes post Forever Evil this is a good comic to start with. Villains are heroes. Heroes are villains. It’s very interesting, and a great issue to kick off where DC goes next.

Story: Geoff Johns Art: Joe Prado, Ivan Reis
Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Justice League of America #14

In the wake of Forever Evil, the Justice League of America’s mission has come to an end – so where do they go from here? No one’s survival is assured!

As a follow up to the major event, there’s nothing wrong with the series, it’s a good bridge to what comes next. The issue is the fact we already have two issues of Justice League United out, so we know what has happened for the most part.

Story: Matt Kindt Art: Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Magnus the Robot Fighter #3

How do you kill a robot fighter? Send a human. LEEJA CLANE: HUMAN HUNTER! Her guns are huge! Her car is fast! Her theme music is awesome! How’s Magnus possibly going to survive against an opponent with no robot parts?

The return of the classic character has been fun so far, but I’m waiting to figure out exactly what’s going on with this world and Magnus. It feels a bit like the Matrix, but with Robots, which is kind of cool.

Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Cory Smith
Story: 7.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Original Sin #2

WHO HOLDS THE EYE? WHO KNOWS ITS SECRETS? The cosmic manhunt for the Watcher’s killer continues. More bodies are discovered. The killer’s trail leads to the far corners of the universe and beyond. And just when Nick Fury and the Avengers think they’ve cornered their murderer… EVERYTHING EXPLODES, unleashing the Marvel Universe’s greatest secrets.

So far this new Marvel event has been interesting, and in the second issue we get one reveal. Overall, the series has been good, though it’s a bit choppy jumping around so much between the various investigative teams.The individual issue is good, I think the overall story will be much better.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Julian Totino Tedesco
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: Recommendation: Buy

Saga #19

Saga returns! New planet, new adversaries, and a very new direction, all from the same old Hugo Award-winning team.

So, so, so, so, so, so good.

Story: Brian K. Vaughan Art: Fiona Staples
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.75 Recommendation: Buy

Solar: Man of the Atom #2

In the stunning wake of Issue One’s shocking climax…where is SOLAR? What will massive doses of unstable radiation do to his family? And even if they survive, what horrors are lurking in the stars?

The first issue was good, this second issue has really caught my attention. Where this series goes from here, I’m game and want to see.

Story: Frank Barbiere Art: Joe Bennett
Story: Art: Overall: Recommendation: Buy

Transformers: Windblade #2

Cybertron UNDER FIRE! Someone is out to kill Windblade—but discovering who means turning to some less-than-savory ’Bots. Can Windblade trust her informants enough to stake her life on them? And who will she turn to when the events of Dark Cybertron come back to haunt them all?

A breath of fresh air for the Transformers comics. The look and style of the story are both very different from what’s come before. The style has a manga/anime feel about it, and the story is more of a detective story. Both are very cool, and that, along with such an interesting new character have created an awesome new Transformers series.

Story: Mairghread Scott Art: Sarah Stone
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Undertow #4

Anshargal and Ukinnu Alal dine with a cannibal god, but it’s more than Kingu can stomach. Zikia’s rescue team is closing in, and so are the deadliest killers ever indoctrinated by Atlantis. The secret origin of the Atlantean missing link as the exploration action roars on!

The excellent series continues into the second half of its miniseries. There so much going on including a discussion of god, country, and so much more. It’s been a fascinating read for four issues, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Artyom Trakhanov
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

V-Wars #2

With the Vampire Wars burning hotter and bloodier with each new day, Reporter Yuki Nitobe is abducted and brought into the vampire underground. When Yuki is shown the world of these new species of vampires, she realizes no one has been telling the truth! Does she risk everything by exposing both sides or file the report that she knows gives her the biggest ratings?

This series, which is also a book, and soon to be television series, is an interesting mix of politics and action. Here, the vampires are a minority persecuted by normal humans. Are they as innocent as they claim? Is there some greater conspiracy? The second issue continues to look at that bigger picture, but it’s a bit disconnected from the first issue.

Story: Jonathan Maberry Art: Alan Robinson
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Velvet #5

The first arc draws to a shattering conclusion. This series has been absolutely been amazing from start to finish. The art, the story, the amazing female lead, all of it has been fantastic, and makes up one of the best series on the market.

Story: Ed Brubaker Art: Steve Epting
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time on DVD May 20

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Brett

Prepare for a battle of the ages when the Justice League takes on its archenemies, the Legion of Doom, as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros Animation, and DC Entertainment unleash JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time coming to DVD on May 20, 2014.

After crafting a monumentally over-the-top plan to take over the world by expanding the polar ice caps, mastermind Lex Luthor is missing and widely presumed dead. One thousand years later, Luthor is discovered and memorialized in the Legion of Super Heroes’ museum, where the teenage super hero, Karate Kid, accidentally releases him. The museum contains both the knowledge of Superman’s secret identity and a way to time travel, in the form of the mysterious Time Trapper. Once Lex Luthor is free, he quickly sets out on a mission to permanently erase Superman from the time stream.

For the Justice League – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman – along with Robin and teen super heroes Karate Kid and Dawnstar, the stakes have never been higher. Facing the deadliest rescue mission to date, the future lies in the hands of the Justice League as it struggles to confront its most critical challenge: the threat of having never existed!

JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time is directed by Giancarlo Volpe (Green Lantern: the Animated Series) from a script by Michael Ryan (Scooby-Doo! Wrestlemania Mystery). The film features the voices of Diedrich Bader (Batman), Peter Jessop (Superman), Jason Spisak (Flash), Grey DeLisle Griffin (Wonder Woman), Dante Basco (Karate Kid), Laura Bailey (Dawnstar), Corey Burton (Time Trapper), Kevin Michael Richardson (Black Manta, Solomon Grundy), Fred Tatasciore (Lex Luthor), Travis Willingham (Gorilla Grodd), Avery Kidd Waddell (Cyborg), Liam O’Brien (Aquaman), Thomas Gibis (Toyman), Erica Luttrell (Cheetah), Michael Donovan (Bizarro) and Jack DeSena (Robin).

JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time Enhanced Content includes 2 bonus cartoons from the DC Comics Vault: