A Sunday Review

Here are reviews of the DCBS comic books that I've gotten around to reading and reviewing, sorted by the original shipping date:

• May 20th
• Convergence #7 - There's the earthquake. Anyway, big ol' space creature talking with Superman, planet entering the solar system, and nasty magician vs planet. What's not to like?
• Convergence: Green Lantern Corps #2 - I'm not a big Guy Gardner fan, and this is focused on him, both as the twit he is and as a Green Lantern. It's nothing special.
• Convergence: Justice League America #2 - Aquaman, Zatanna and Martian Manhunter get to say "Here I come to save the day!" and rescue everyone by sending the Tangent foes home. Lovely.
• Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #11 - Well, Aquaman is mentioned... I hope he shows up in the final issue. As it is, not a bad continuation of the story.
• Empire Uprising #2 - The minions are suspicious that Golgoth is losing his touch, but he's created such an atmosphere of fear that they can't even say it aloud. This is a creepy book in many ways.
• Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency #1 - I have only read the original book once, and I wasn't much of a fan. This seems to me to be a guy very much like The Doctor, and the story seems to be one that goes its own direction without much sense. This is going to be a wait and see kind of thing, I can tell.
• Usagi Yojimbo #145 - Oh, this one looks to be fun. It's an Usagi reunion! This is part 1 of a three-part story, and I really am going to be counting the days until I get the next issue. Great stuff!
• Oddly Normal #7 - Oddly continues her look into her past, and manages a few things that her grandmother didn't think was possible. Then she gets an invitation. This is a really fun book, but I think this isn't an issue to jump in on, since it really relies on knowing the story so far.
• Peanuts V2 #28 - I never got my ears pierced because I never felt like having another hole in my head. But I had classmates who voluntarily went through this process, so I'm amused.
• Doctor Who 11th #12 - I like ARC, and Jones is not nearly as irritating as he was before, but I kind of wish I could have seen the events that led up to the start of this book. I feel like I was cheated out of something goofy and fun by the story starting where it did.
• UFOlogy #2 - This continues to be strange, building up a back-story that could either be something very traditional and ho-hum, or might be new and original. I'm curious to see the next issue, though, and that's a good sign.

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A Sunday Review

Here are reviews of the DCBS comic books that I've gotten around to reading and reviewing, sorted by the original shipping date:

• Apr 15th
• Convergence #2 - I had to look up Deimos to find out he's a Warlord character. I figured out he was a bad guy just by his look. So, what's next in this massive crossover from heck?
• Convergence: Aquaman #1 - Is it bad that the first thing I noticed was a possible continuity mistake? This version of Aquaman wasn't with Mera. In any case, this is ok. I like Convergence: Justice League a bit better, but this works.
• Convergence: Green Lantern Parallax #1 - So, this version of Hal is completely controlled by Parallax then? Ok. That's interesting.
• Convergence: Justice League International #1 - It's just very wrong for heroes to be fighting each other, which is why this whole event isn't really working for me. If all the "bad" universes were set up against "good" ones first, that would have worked, I guess.
• Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #10 - Whew, I wasn't really expecting Luthor to NOT be the big bad, so that's a surprise. And Hawkwoman comes back but not Aquaman? Not fair!
• Teen Titans Go #9 - Ok, that had some moments. I don't hate this version of Teen Titans, but I recognize that I'm really not the audience for the book. Usually that doesn't matter... for this book it does.
• Oddly Normal #6 - Climbing into someone else's memory, wow. Don't let's get too Harry Potter on this, please.
• Peanuts V2 #27 - Charlie Brown feels sick and goes to the hospital. It's a strange take on the whole set of characters and... well, the final bit feels slightly forced to me.
• Doctor Who 10th #9 - This one is simply painful on multiple levels. That's the problem with time travel. Life twists and turns and people get left on the long path while others take the shortcuts. Bittersweet ending. I've been enjoying this book.
• Doctor Who 11th #11 - ARC's secret origin is revealed! Sort of. There's a couple of questions remaining. Like why the heck Jones would even consider a clown costume.
• Doctor Who 12th #7 - The bad guys in this are suitably creepy and disturbing, but the really terrifying thing is that I'm not sure if the people getting converted are all dying. If so, that's an awful lot of people to sacrifice for this one guy.

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A Sunday Review

Here are reviews of the DCBS comic books that I've gotten around to reading and reviewing, sorted by the original shipping date:

• Dec 17th
• Justice League #37 - So, this was ok, but not great. I'm tired of most of the team just laying there, and I honestly would prefer something other than the "big three" leading the story. But it isn't horrible. Just not what I want from this book.
• Green Lantern: New Guardians #37 - Back to Kyle, who is an idiot as usual. And then there's a frontal assault on Highfather, who is as bad as Darkseid. So, are there any good guys in this book, really?
• Multiversity: Thunderworld #1 - A nice sweet Captain Marvel adventure... with Morrison twists in time to make it deeper and more worrisome than it ought to be. Eek.
• Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #6 - Still no Aquaman, but I like that the two plotlines have finally merged. And letting a viper on the team is interesting.
• Arrow: Season 2.5 #3 - Quite a cool final page with the return of an old friend... but I'm so tired of the Brother Blood stuff.
• Smallville Continuity #1 - Considering how little I like this series of series, I'm not sure whether I should be happy Aquaman is missing or upset.
• Teen Titans Go #7 - Robin, you really don't want to be a teen idol. At least Aquaman made an appearance in this. He seems to show up a lot in this version.
• Fables #147 - Not sure what bothers me more... that Brandish can't die, or that everyone just stands around letting him look for his own head.
• Doctor Who 10th #5 - I'm liking Gabby even more. She has a tendency to be kind, and that worked much better than expected. Having her get an open invitation like that at the end (two of them, actually) made for a nice turn of events.
• Oddly Normal #4 - Ah, bullies. Why do I feel like jumping in and attacking them? At least she found some folks who are friendly.
• Peanuts V2 #24 - Some decent little tales in this one, but how did Charlie Brown get off the ice?
• Grimm Fairy Tales: Tales from Oz #5 - Ok, the "guest" appearances in this one did get a belly laugh from me. Of course Glinda claims the only sane one. Nice.

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Past Sunday Reviews -- Comics at Amazon.com -- Previews -- My Wishlist -- My Kindle Wishlist -- My Camera Wishlist

A Sunday Review

Here are reviews of the DCBS comic books that I've gotten around to reading and reviewing, sorted by the original shipping date:

• Nov 19th
• Justice League #36 - Not much of Aquaman... just a patient. And Aquaman isn't entirely human, either, so I would have expected a different effect on him. Oh well, can't win 'em all.
• Green Lantern: New Guardians #36 - After all he went through to get the ring, Kyle just hands it over to the first pretender? No... just no. This is a silly part of the plotline.
• Harley Quinn #12 - Hubby-Eric got this one because of the Power Girl appearance. It appears we should have gotten more issues. This is a pretty fun, if very very odd, book. I like the pug.
• Multiversity: Pax Americana #1 - I have a feeling I would understand this book if I read it a couple more times, but I didn't like it enough to want to reread it. A conundrum.
• Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #5 - That beginning was such a tease for me. To almost show me gaslight Aquaman, but never get any closer than his people's ships? How dare they! As for the rest, fun. But I really need some Aquaman soon or I may have to drop this book.
• Batman '66 meets Green Hornet #6 - I have a feeling that Batman suspects Green Hornet's secret at the end, but it's hard to say for sure. I was certain he'd say he knew by the end of the mini.
• Batman '66: The Lost Episode #1 - This deluxe issue contains the story, the original penciled artworks (all of it!) and the original script for the episode written by Harlan Ellison. Wow. I'm amused by the story, and I enjoyed it overall. And it's nice to have the extras.
• Astro City #17 - A sweet little tale of sadness, one that I think made me fall in love with the book yet again. I swear, you want a super-hero book, this is the one to pick up.
• Fables #146 - Oh good, another origin story coming on the horizon. And in the meantime, Grimble appears to be having too much fun as a bird.
• Powers: Bureau #12 - So, that's the end. Sort of. As much as I've grown to like this series, I'm not willing to wait a year between issues. I may buy future trades, but I'm not going to go for single issues again.
• Doctor Who 12th #2 - Just how many wars did the Time Lords get involved in? Seriously, this race that didn't get involved seems to have often gotten their hands dirty, both within the regular series and in the comics. Sheesh. Maybe the Doctor really left to get away from the warmongering hypocrites.
• Peanuts V2 #23 - I'm not sure what to say about this book. It's good. It's consistent. I like the Schulz pieces the best, but there are times the newer stuff almost reaches those heights. It's nostalgic and fun at once. I like this comic.
• Nov 26th
• Aquaman #36 - Atlantis itself is an entity... ok. I like the method Aquaman picked to figure it out. It's turning into a nice little mystery. I'm fairly certain I won't like the end. Any time Aquaman's mother turns up... well, the track record just hasn't been that good.
• Secret Origins #7 - The Flash, Huntress and Superboy. I liked the first two, I couldn't make heads or tails out of the Superboy story.
• Red Lanterns #36 - Leave it to Guy to end up teleporting into the worst possible situation. The new 52 universe is still throwing me, I was a little shocked that Cyborg and Guy weren't friends, or at least associates, already.
• Batman '66 #17 - The art didn't work for me in this one. The story was cute and all, but the art just made me not want to read it.
• Batman Beyond Universe #16 - So, that's the end. Ok. I suppose it works out.
• Spider-Man 2099 #6 - Oh joy! Part of another crossover! Yay! *sarcasm off* This book made a little bit of sense despite being part of a crossover, but I'm really stick of crossovers, personally. But I guess that's a problem with being a comic book fan.
• Oddly Normal #3 - This book is awesome and I'm so glad to have it back. I remember a lot of it, but frankly I'm still pleased. I look forward to each new issue.
• Future Proof #2 - I'm still not sure what this book is really about, and this issue doesn't really clarify.
• Steampunk BSG 1880 #4 - And... that's that. It was a fun little ride. Not something that would be all that cool to people who weren't already fans of the original series, but neat and nostalic.
• Grimm Fairy Tales: Tales from Oz #4 - A done-in-one that explains the relationship between several characters. And why a witch became wicked in the first place.
• Usagi Yojimbo: Senso #5 - That final page made me squee in utter happiness. I don't know why, I'm not a particular fan of that genre of stories. But I was still in glee at seeing it.

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A Sunday Review

TV this week:

• Doctor Who: "Last Christmas" - A bit of a mess in some ways, but the dream within a dream within a dream concept is nice, if frustrating. Especially since the story starts with something dreamlike. As for the rest... it was nice to see "Strax" without the makeup. Nice to resolve whether or not Clara is returning. Lots of clever bits, including Shona's close questioning of Santa. I liked seeing another son of Troughton, as well. The Alien joke was also fantastic. In short, there was plenty to like. There were some possibly glaring plot holes and some questions left after the episode ended, but perhaps that's just how it's going to be. Only Who knows.

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Here are reviews of the DCBS comic books that I've gotten around to reading and reviewing, sorted by the original shipping date:

• Oct 22nd
• Aquaman #35 - So, someone gets his dearest dream, which leads to another problem. Nice. I also like Aquaman's way of dealing with the traitors.
• Red Lanterns #35 - More of the massive and annoying crossover. Not sure when this will be over, but I'm not really all that interested.
• Secret Origins #6 - Three characters I am not terribly interested in, although I don't dislike any of them. This was ok.
• Multiversity: The Just #1 - That is one completely screwed up universe. At least there was an Aquaman (or two) there. Good to see Garth again.
• Batman '66 #16 - Wow, Egghead is really annoying. And this one goes even further out-of-scientific bounds than usual. Still, fun to see Ape-Batman and Ape-Robin.
• Batman Beyond Universe #15 - It really feels like these stories are wrapping up, but there's still more to be told.
• Twilight Zone #9 - Starts out fairly normal. Still connected with the other stories, I see.
• Oddly Normal #2 - I vaguely recall this from the previous series, but I'm looking forward to another look at Fignation. This was definitely one of the good ones, it's good to see it back.
• Steampunk BSG 1880 #3 - And all the pieces are together, next we get to see if the colonials can win. Overall I'm enjoying this take on the original. Amusing stuff.
• Oct 29th
• Justice League United Annual #1 - I'm afraid I'm not a big fan of the Legion, but this is a fun sort of crossover. I'm pleased that both plotlines appear to be merging again.
• Sinestro #6 - Mega-crossover still, but I'm mildly amused that it's the Yellow Lanterns to the rescue. Ha.
• Groo vs Conan #4 - This book was strange from start to finish. I love the clash of artwork almost as much as the silly story. I just feel sorry for Conan. He may be a barbarian, but he's got way more in his head than Groo.
• Litle Nemo: Return to Slumberland #2 - Poor Jimmy. And yet... I've read enough of the original strips to feel like this has captured the heart of them. The art is exquisite. The characters are fun so far. I'm looking forward to the next issue.
• Grimm Fairy Tales: Warlord of Oz #6 - There's a story in there! It's a little buried, but this issue kind of pulls it together.
• Doctor Who 11th #4 - Alice hits the nail on the head with the Doctor. He tries, but he can really be a bit more lordly than he means to be. Meanwhile, Jones is a kick.

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A Sunday Review

Getting way behind again. I'll catch up eventually.

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Here are reviews of the DCBS comic books that I've gotten around to reading and reviewing, sorted by the original shipping date:

• Oct 8th
• Justice League United #5 - I like the new characters, but I hope they make sure Alanna and Miiyahbin stay distinct. Right now the costumes are way too similar. I forget, is this version of Martian Manhunter originally Justice League, or did he belong to some secret organization, or was it something else entirely? I'm getting confused.
• World's Finest #27 - The slightly different origins of Superman and Batman on Earth 2... ok, I get it. Interesting stuff. I like elseworld-type stories. This one qualifies for me.
• Earth 2 #27 - This definitely compliments the World's Finest issue. So, Kara and Val, huh? I really wish we could have afforded to get the Earth Two weekly.
• Green Lantern Corps #35 - If I had any notion that the New Gods were supposed to be good guys, this book takes that away. Not impressed.
• Arrow: Season 2.5 #1 - Reading this after I'm halfway through the new season means I'm getting whiplash from trying to remember the status quo from before the season started. I kind of wish I'd read this online as it came out.
• Smallville Chaos #3 - More and more chaotic. This book keeps popping the surprises out at you. Lex is a particularly annoying surprise in this one.
• Astro City #16 - This one hits you in the feels. (I think I used that slang right). It's a really good story, one that I think I'll probably read again. And hey, the last page reminds us of that other ongoing arc. Good stuff.
• Spongebob Comics #37 - All about dreams. I just wish we'd seen more of Mermaid Man.
• Tales of Honor #5 - I really enjoyed the source material for this series, which is why the series itself is so disappointing. It just isn't an adaptation: it's an illustrated retelling. The note in the back about doing something that is "less a pure adaptation" is good news. Perhaps they will actually take advantage of the comic book form.
• Doctor Who 10th #3 - I'm liking Gabby more and more. She's really together for a person who feels helpless in life. There was some intensity in this story as well, along with nods to the Weeping Angels. Fun. This is a great book.
• Oddly Normal #1 - I first read Oddly Normal in 2005 or so, and I loved it then. It's pretty good on the second go-round as well. I hope we get a LOT more of this book.
• Oct 15th
• Justice League #35 - Aquaman's at ground zero in this one. Literally. I enjoyed his bit, even if the general Lex Luthor plot is mildly boring. I'll be pretty annoyed if Aquaman is out of the story due to whatever the virus is.
• Green Lantern: New Guardians #35 - So Kyle-god meets Highfather-god and fun ensues? I'm still not impressed.
• Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #4 - Back to Cyborg, The Flash and Zatanna! And what a world they've ended up in. I really want to see that universe's Aquaman. The story then shifts to where the threat is from. Also cool, also a case of me wanting to see Aquaman. There really isn't enough Aquaman in this book.
• Teen Titans Go #6 - This is a fun book, despite the dumbed down versions of the characters. I like all the background characters in the bowling alley.
• Fables #145 - So, they faced the wolf. Still not certain how Bigby's tale is going to play out. I wish we'd seen Snow face him.
• Spider-Man 2099 #5 - Wow, a crossover I'm not interested in. Pity I didn't realize that when I ordered it. Maybe I would have skipped it. Although, Peter David generally manages to make even crossover issues slightly interesting.
• Peanuts V2 #22 - Ah, lots of fun. I like the classic strips in this one.
• Doctor Who 12th #1 - So, this is probably one of the many adventures she's seen having with the Doctor while hiding her activities from Danny. Not bad... I'm still vastly amused by the extreme number of alternate covers Titan is putting out, and happy that I have no desire to get them all.

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Comic Books

I haven't actually read many comics recently, thanks to various activities. But here's a couple of stuff I've managed to fit in.

The Black Diamond issues one and two: Larry was kind enough to send me these, even though he wasn't sure how much I'd like them. The answer, Larry, is that I like them well enough. The biggest problem is that the plot doesn't seem to move much in these first two issues. I suspect (hope?) that it will all read much better together. But to make up for the lack of progress in the main storyline, Larry included two GREAT back-up tales. I may not end up liking the main story as much as the fascinating side stories that have been built on the foundation of the Black Diamond. The world of the Black Diamond is a good one, with lots of potential in it. Larry is to be commended for allowing others to play in his world. My conclusion is that this is a solid book, well worth a look. If you get a chance to read it, give it a shot.

Oddly Normal: Family Reunion: "Wet Boy"!!!!!!! Ahem. I love this book. I finished the book and the first thing I thought was "When is the next installment? I wanna read it now!" I bought the first series for the Wizard of Oz reference (witches being hurt by water), and loved it immediately. Now this book has given me another character to appreciate, in the son of a superhero family who can turn into water. Another excellent book. Go read it, and the first volume.

Rapid Reviews - 30 March 2005 - Part II

Incredible Hulk #80: "Tempest Fugit Part 4 of 5": I don't get this whole flashback to young Bruce talking with Hulk thing, but it makes for interesting reading. It also makes the end of this one into a double or triple cliffhanger.

Usagi Yojimbo #82: "Vendetta's End": I'm sure if I go back and reread many issues, I'll find where Koyama Matabei first appeared. As it is, I wasn't really surprised when Usagi recognized him, since he knows everyone. An excellent story, well worth reading, even if you aren't familiar with Usagi Yojimbo.

Oddly Normal #1: The first two chapters of this story are presented in this book, where we meet Oddly Normal, the unfortunately named daughter of a witch and a perfectly ordinary man. Nice artwork, a fun concept, and a character you can feel for make this a good book to pick up. There's also at least one Wizard of Oz reference, which I did not know about when I ordered the book, so this one might possibly even make hubby-Eric's collection. In any case, check it out. Good stuff.

Tenjho Tenge Free Preview: There's not really enough in here to get a feel for the storytelling, but there is enough to get a taste of the style of characters. And my first response was fairly negative. A school of thugs, with a counter-thug group. Um. Ok. The whole sample seems pretty standard and even derivative, so I think I'll pass. When you add in the accusations that CMX is altering some of their books to make them more acceptable to a young American audience, I'm even less impressed. The only thing that really impresses me about this book is that the author is listed as "Oh! great". What a name.