Wonder Woman #10: While novelist Jodi Picoult (The Tenth Circle) writes a strong Wonder Woman, this whole Amazons Attack event - of which this issue is a tie-in - is playing out as only mediocre to me. The far superior levels of destruction witnessed in World War Hulk have me a lot more engaged.
Countdown #44: This was a slower week than the last couple. After a talk with Billy Batson (the former Captain Marvel – now something much more), Mary decides to pursue her destiny alone, while Jimmy Olsen seeks out trouble to better understand his random super-power appearances (this week channeling some powers that resemble those of Forerunner). And speaking of Forerunner, she listens closely to Monarch speak of her place as a warrior in the upcoming war. All this is fine and good, but what really impressed me this week was the art by relative unknown, Carlos Magno. He has some sharp-looking pencils – nice figures, dynamic poses, interesting panels. He also draws attractive women – something prevalent in this issue, especially the splash page of Holly finding help at an Amazonian women’s shelter. Here is an artist to watch. I hope he shows up in Countdown again. Soon.
Amazons Attack! #3: This issue reminds me a bit of the TV series, 24. The president has implemented the McCarran Act – allowing the government to arrest and detain suspicious individuals - any one with Amazonian ties, i.e. those women’s shelters I mentioned earlier. They did the same thing in 24 this season with anyone Islamic. What added a bit of spark to this mediocre series was the revelation of a mysterious second party urging this war on. The sudden appearance of Supergirl and Wonder Girl on the side of the Amazons – halting Air Force One in mid-air – gave us a nice little cliffhanger of an ending.
Blue Beetle #16: Another hilarious and strong issue. The issue features guest villain, Eclipso – the wrath of God – and guest star, Traci 13 – super-powerful teen magician/detective. I like how this series explores both being a teenager and a reluctant superhero. If I had to pick a book to recommend to someone new to comics – superhero comics – this would be that book. It also contained the line of the week from Traci 13’s banter with Eclipso:
“‘Cuz you suck. I’m not the only one thinks that. Batman’s file on you? ‘Eclipso. Power: Sucking.’”It’s just funny to imagine Batman having a file that says that.
X-Factor #20: This was a good conclusion to all that’s been building over the past 19 issues. I’m a bit concerned that the big X-Men event and crossover – “Endangered Species” – is going to mess with one of my favorite Marvel comics, but I’ll try a little optimism. Writer Peter David deserves that much simply for the fantastic job he’s done with the series thus far.
The Immortal Iron Fist #6: This is the conclusion to “The Last Iron First Story.” And it’s a doozy. I love me some kung fu, and this is one superior kung-fu comic. All of it, from the tough-guy noir writing of Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker, to the dark, moody art of Daniel Aja – all of it works together to dropkick you smack in the head. The flashbacks and sense of history – a legacy – have fascinated and interested me from the start. It reminds me a lot of Starman or JSA because of the depth a legacy aspect adds to all these series.
She-Hulk #19: The comic finally gets back to its superhuman-lawyering roots. And that is a good thing, that is what got me hooked on the series in the first place. We have the trial of the Leader (a Hulk villain) and the upcoming lawsuit against Tony Stark (Iron Man), so I’m sure we’ll get more of that lawyer-y fun. The issue also featured the return of Pug, who has a mysterious new job. Back to its root, make She-Hulk mine!
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