Comic Thoughts - Week of June 20, 2007(Part II)

Short bursts of thought about comics I purchased and read the week of June 20, 2007. (Continued from Part I)

Robin #163: Adam Beechen writes his Robin as a smart, insightful, and funny hero. Just the type of hero I like reading about. Following a crook down a busy street Robin wonders off-handedly if –

“...any flying superheroes ever thought to moonlight as sky traffic reporters. Be a good way to make extra dough.”

This is the type of thought I’d have while out superheroing. This issue was both a great sentimental story – Tim and Bruce’s first Father’s Day together – and action showcase – Robin taking down twelve heavily armed, but not particularly bright, members of The Jury. It’s a fight that demonstrates Robin’s well-deserved place as the leader of the younger generation of DC heroes. I’ll be sad to see Beechen leave the title after the next story arc.

Shadowpact #14: An angel, Zauriel, and a demon, Blue Devil, fight to the death. Catchy intro, huh? In the background someone shouts, “Kick him in the nards!” I haven’t heard someone shout “nards” since I last saw Monster Squad, one of my favorite movies from when I was young(er), still waiting for a DVD release. Suckers! It’s nice to see Zauriel back interacting with the DC Universe. The former Justice Leaguer and Angel of God is forced to fill the spot left vacant in the Shadowpact as Blue Devil takes a leave of absence while he fights to free himself from his deal with the devil. All the while, Doctor Gotham finally prepares to attack the Shadowpact head-on.

Catwoman #68: Pfeifer’s Catwoman is a comic full of tension. Every issue reads like you are walking a tightrope, fearful of falling to your death. This issue appears to wrap up the “Catwoman Dies” storyline – and no, she doesn’t die – and maybe even Holly’s (backup Catwoman) involvement with this book. At least we see now why Holly is on the run, and on the streets of Metropolis, in the Countdown series. Good writing and moody art – I especially liked the atmospheric red rain scratching the panels this month. Very noir-ish.

The Incredible Hulk #107: While this was a great addition to the “World War Hulk” event, the issue suffers from some repetition, a common curse of the mega-crossover event. That repetition aside, we do get the extra characterization and expanded back-stories not possible in the main-event book. In this issue Amadeus Cho continues his recruitment drive for friends of the Hulk. After a meeting with the a-hole of the seas, Namor, the group arrives in New York, seconds too late. After the Hulk battles and defeats Iron Man, the group attempts to reason with him. Hercules takes a titanic beating before the Hulk takes notice of the small band of puny humans assembled before him. Will Hulk SMASH, or will Hulk accept these friends? We’ll find out soon, True Believers. Soon.

*I do not plan on collecting all the related tie-ins to the “World War Hulk” event – even thought I’ve been digging the Hulk over the past year and love the start of this event. I’ll read those Marvel comics I normally purchase, but I am not willing to throw away the buckets of money necessary to have the complete saga. I’m a DC boy, through and through. If I’m going to throw buckets of money away, it’ll be for DC-related comics. Sorry, Marvel.

Boneyard #25: Out and out, the funniest book I read currently. It’s a shame the book is only published quarterly. This issue kicks off a new story arc as Michael’s imaginary childhood friend, Lita – a fairie – comes to the graveyard seeking sanctuary. As you might guess, no good – at least for our band of merry monsters – comes of this. It is funny for us, though.