Weird Science DC Comics: 2014-05-04

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Batman Beyond 2.0 #20 Review

Written by: Kyle Higgins
Art by: Tony Silas
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: May 10, 2014

New Threads

After the last issue of Batman Beyond 2.0, there was one thing I wanted to see. Lord Batman Beyond. I guess I rubbed a magic lamp because I got my wish. At least I hope that was a lamp! The suit looks awesome and it certainly does the job against the Jokerz. Those Jokerz are a stubborn (stupid) bunch and still think they can take on the two Terrys. That gives Kyle Higgins and Thony Silas a chance to flex their muscles with a lengthy fight scene. Not only do we get to see the Suit in action, but Higgins uses a certain catch phrase to show the slight difference between the two characters.

Batman: Eternal #5 Review

Written by: James Tynion IV
Art by: Andy Clarke
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 9, 2014

Nanobots?!

I was so excited when Batman: Eternal was announced. Whether or not fans needed another Batman book, let alone a weekly, can be debated, but I couldn't wait for the first issue. Unfortunately, my fervor has wained since. To show you exactly where I stand on this book, let me describe you my week of reviewing books. On Wednesday, the first books I review are the ones I think are most "important" or ones I just plain enjoy. Eternal was tops on both lists. It has been the first book I review for the first four issues. Well, now we are on issue #5 and it's Friday. My second review on Friday. The book has really fallen down on my list. Did this issue reignite my passion. In one word, no.

Smallville: Lantern #9 Review

Written by: Bryan Q. Miller
Art by: Marcio Takara
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: May 9, 2014

(Not So) Mellow Yellow

John Stewart misses Hal, Oliver has a kick-ass printer, Superman changes his wardrobe and Batman never has good feelings. In the end, instead of Yellow Bane breaking backs, Bryan Q, Miller breaks my heart.

This weeks issue opens with John Stewart talking with Parallax, who seems to be channeling Dr. Phil...at first. He can feel John's pain. He misses his buddy, Hal Jordan. After John attacks the Entity ,with a proper construct for the situation, Parallax shows his true colors (or color, I guess) and unleashes the fear on my favorite Lantern. Yes, I just said it. My favorite Green Lantern is John Stewart. Always has been, always will.

With a title like this it's time to just sit back and wait for the shit storm to fly through the interwebs. You walk into a crowded comic book shop and yell this title, and it's the equivalent to shouting fire in a crowded theater. Pretty much it's bad times ahead, but fuck it let's start a ruckus. Kyle Rayner, since his inception has been a character that breaks ground, and has changed his powers and abilities more often than most of the DCU. Now I know you Jordan fanboys out there will talk about Hal's changes too, Green Lantern, Parallax, Spectre, and home again overcoming death in the process, but that's nothing compared to my boy Kyle, and I'll tell you why in this week's Top 5 Fridays Kyle Rayner Edition where we name the many ways that Hal Jordan can suck it. Okay I think that's enough pre-list abuse, let's get to it.

Batman/Superman #10 Review

Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Karl Kerschl and Scott Hepburn
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 7, 2014

Funtastic Voyage

Batman is in a coma and it's up to Superman and Ray Palmer to help him. When they discover a miniature spaceship/city in the Dark Knight's brain, it's time for a "Fantastic Voyage" that is full of fun and adventure for all ages. Jeff Lemire, Karl Kerschl and Scott Hepburn give readers a one-shot issue that's a throwback to a time when comics were goofy fun. But is it any good?

Justice League 3000 #6 Review

Written by: J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen
Art by: Howard Porter
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 7, 2014

A Long Story

Jerk off Superman sums everything up on the first page when he says, "Somewhere along the line...this stopped being fun." Yea, I kind of agree, jerk off Superman. I really enjoyed the first couple issues of JL 3000, but the mystery of the how and why of this Justice League has run thin. Here we are with issue #6 and we're not that much further along than when we started. It's not that I'm against a slow burn story, but what little info we have gleamed hasn't really been that interesting. Does this issue help that out?

Phantom Stranger #19 Review and SPOILERS

Written By: J.M. DeMatteis, Len Wein
Art By: Fernando Blanco, Norm Breyfogle
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 7, 2014

Living Words Hurt Too

Last issue we saw the Phantom Stranger go up against the Man of Steel, and as we all know, nobody and I mean nobody wants to fight Superman. But this time was a necessity because Superman appeared to be haunted by the ghost of Dr. Light, and all the people he's failed to save over the years. On top of that the issue got all Doctor Who on us with a crack in creation where these supposed ghosts came from. But in the end we find out it's all a ruse by Sin Eater, and all is well. Except for Zauriel the Archangel who collapsed out of nowhere, and Cassandra Craft who's books came to life in a glowing green light, but I'm sure that's normal. Let's take a look into Phantom Stranger's world of religion and magic as we jump into this issue.

Earth 2 #23 Review and SPOILERS

Written By: Tom Taylor
Art By: Nicola Scott
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 7, 2014

**Putting The Green In.... Oh Shit It's The Green Lantern!**

Last time we stepped into Earth 2 we saw our hero Green Lantern rise from the ashes left by the explosive death of Steppenwolf, and all I can say is, it's about time. We also saw Red Tornado and Hawk Girl trying to get Val to believe a man can fly, by soaking him in the sun and trying to get his powers to...... well power up. But their training was interrupted when Superman and a hoard of Parademons show up to spoil their nice day. At the end of the issue Superman was about to kill Val when Red Tornado shouted to him that she's Lois, and lucky for Val the head crushing was put on hold. Let's see how our heroes fair in The Kryptonian Pt. 3.

Green Arrow #31 Review

Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Andrea Sorrentino
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 7, 2014

The War is Over

Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino finish the Outsider's War with action, surprises, more action, some of the best art I've ever seen, heroic moments and an awesome preview of the next arc. Did I mention it has some of the best art I've ever seen? Plus, the duo do something I thought I'd never see in the New 52.

Jeff Lemire must take juggling classes. So much happens in this book and while some moments run a little thin, almost everything is satisfying. He has set up a great new mythos with the Weapon Clans and seeing them battle has been great. The Battle is over, but it feels like the War has just begun.

The New 52: Futures End #1 Review and SPOILERS

Written By: Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Dan Jurgens, Keith Giffen
Art By: Patrick Zircher
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 7, 2014

Fight The Future.... Oh God Please Fight The Future!

Alright we're already in the thick of things and issue #0 only came out last Saturday. Last issue we saw thirty five years into the future, where a handful of resistance fighters tried to survive in a world controlled by Brother Eye. Brother Eye assimilates every meta it comes across, and turns our heroes into the Borg mixed with the bugs from StarShip troopers, only metalier. The issue ended with Batman (who planned on traveling back in time to stop himself and Mr. Terrific from ever creating Brother Eye) being fatally wounded, and sending Terry McGinnis (Batman Beyond) back in time in his stead. But when Terry arrives to what is supposed to be our present, the world doesn't seem to look right. He didn't travel back far enough, and our story begins five years in the future. Let's get to the weekly event Futures End.

Aquaman and the Others #2 Review

Written by: Dan Jurgens
Art by: Lan Medina
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 7. 2014

Legacy of Gold

The last time we saw Aquaman and the Others, the Living Room (I actually like the name) was exploding from a missile attack. This issue we immediately learn a lesson about forming a super team ...always have someone who flies. The Others didn't get the memo and are plummeting to their deaths. Sounds like a great time to reintroduce the team, right? We go through the roster with one-liners and quips galore until we get to Sky Alchesey who has a plan. She opens a portal to the Ghost Lands where they all land safe and sound.

I realize that Jurgens is trying to get us to know this diverse group of characters a bit better, but the more I know, the less I like. Maybe it's just me, but it's been going downhill for me since their big Aquaman issue.

Teen Titans Annual #3 Review and SPOILERS

Written By: Scott Lobdell
Art By: Kenneth Rocafort, RB Silva, Tom Derenick
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: May 7, 2014

That's A Wrap!

It's bitter sweet being here for the last issue of Teen Titans of the New 52. Yeah we all know they'll be back in July, but this truly does feel like an ending, which this iteration of the title probably needed. Now I love the Teen Titans, I've always been fascinated by sidekicks joining up and doing their own thing, so I'm glad all you sidekick fans are out there so we get to take this journey together. Alright last issue the Titans got another member in the form of their old friend Skitter, their yacht home was destroyed by an old enemy Grymm, and Raven is finally free from Trigon's hold on her. For that last bit we have no explanation, only that since they came back from the future Raven's her own girl. Let's jump right into this issue because the sooner it's over, the sooner we'll have our #1 in July.

Batman '66 #32 Review

Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Jonathan Case
Cover Price: $1.99
Release Date: April 16, 2014

Gotham Goes Ho Ho Ho

The Joker and Catwoman have escaped Arkham using the Joker's laugh ray . After their uncontrollable laughter wears off, the Dynamic Duo and Batgirl do a quick switcheroo and are on the case. It's apparent that the Joker and Catwoman are not content with just freedom, but have a plan that involves pickpocketing, blackmailing the Mayor and more. To make matters worse, the Dynamic Trio quickly realize that the Joker is trying to take the plan to the next level with stolen equipment that will amplify the laughter. They do just that, aided by psychiatrist, Holly Quinn and send a direct invitation for the heroes to meet them for a showdown. Of course, the Joker is not going into battle empty handed.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #12 Review

Written by: Dan Abnett
Art by: Tom Derenick
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 30, 2014

What Lies Within Indeed

The issue opens with He-Man in a world of trouble. King Hssss and his snake men army are ready to toss him into the Star Seed to claim his power. Of course he fights back, but unfortunately it's to no avail. Meanwhile, Teela, Moss Man and Stratos try their best to fight the good fight.

When all looks lost, Teela shows again how badass she is. She hitches a ride with Stratos and attacks Hssss head on. You'd think the Snake King would be distracted, but he is better than that. Remember, this plan of his his was in development for eons and won't let anything ruin it, except maybe throwing Teela into the Star Seed? This is not going to work out for one of the sides, but which one?

No, this is not another story about the Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling. It is Tuesday and that means something Old Time. Old Time Radio always fits that bill nicely. This week we continue the Adventures of Superman Radio show with "Fire in the Sterling Building" which originally aired March 4, 1940. Superman gets all super this week and saves a woman from a burning building. Let's sit back, relax and make like Marty and Doc Brown as we go back in time...

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #11 Review

Written by: Dan Abnett
Art by: Tom Derenick
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 30, 2014

Hssss Story

Okay, last issue ends with a huge cliffhanger. I mean humongous. Randor is Hssss? Hssss is Randor? This issue clears it up...a bit. Hsss explains (more like taunts) to He-Man that the man he thought was his Father may have always been the Lord of the Snake Men. Or maybe it was just for a day. Or possibly a week.

Hssss is really messing with He-Man's mind and he responds with force. That gets him nowhere except in "exposition land". Hsss basically gives He-Man (and the reader) his full history and then reveals his plan. Surprise, he wants to rule Eternia with his snake men. It may be long winded, but I'm a fan of anything that expands the mythos. Then it's time to rumble.

Batgirl Annual #2 Review and SPOILERS

Written By: Gail Simone
Art By: Robert Gill, Javier Garron
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: April 30, 2014

An Ivy For All Seasons

Here we are with the second Batgirl Annual, and it's a very Poison Ivy heavy issue. This issue is a callback to when Poison Ivy was a part of Birds of Prey, and then left the team after trying to kill everyone. Just so you know up front, I never read any of those issues but I'll try to get the story across to any of you Birds of Prey fans out there, and try not to jump to any conclusions because like I said I don't know. So let's quit talking about things I have no knowledge of, and jump into this story.

We're done "How Bad We Had It In The 90's" month, and we all got through it relatively unscathed, like me you might need to repress certain things, but we should all be okay in the long run. This week it's time for something completely different. While it has the feel of the 90's, it's in the best way possible because it's in the animation style of a favorite cartoon of mine; Ren & Stimpy. That's right kiddos I'm talking about the Plastic Man animated series pilot that was never picked up and never aired, but might have had that wackiness that shows now a days like Adventure Time, Chowder, and others I don't watch have. I just really like the idea of a Plastic Man something because he seems like the red headed step child of the DCU, and it'd be nice to have the Eel O'Brian out there infecting kid's minds with his nonsensical adventures. One of my favorite Super Powers action figures as a kid was Plastic Man and all it did was you squeezed his legs together and his neck popped up, and it was the shit. But enough with memory lane, let's get to the fun. So for your viewing pleasure check out 2006's Plastic Man pilot episode Puddle Trouble. Boosh!

Weird Science DC Comics News: Free Comic Book Day Edition

I love free stuff, so when the first Saturday of May arrives I combine two loves...Free and Comics. Free Comic day was a hit for three members of the Werner Family. Two of my sons, Raef and Logan, went with me to our local shop, Tales of Adventure in Coopersburg, PA. I got my copy of Futures End which I really liked (review here). However, other than FCBD, it was a pretty slow week for news, but the show must go on. So without further ado...

On With The News

Dan Jurgens is Writing Booster Gold

Jurgens let it leak that he is indeed writing the September's Booster Gold Futures End issue. I like Jurgens and love Booster Gold so I can't wait. I also told Eric that I thought a Booster Gold monthly would follow and there are rumors that is the case. Let's cross our collective fingers because you know that will make it so.

Justice League Beyond 2.0 #19 Review

Written by: Christos Gage
Art by: Dexter Soy
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: May 3, 2014

Rumble in the Watchtower

Last issue of JLB 2.0 ended with Lord Superman and his fellow Justice Lords stepping out of the Watch Tower teleporter looking for a fight. Well, they found one. A big one. It's a battle royale of Hero vs Hero, but what makes it great, and a bit confusing, is that many are fighting their counterpart. The Justice Lords seem more prepared for this and take advantage of the confusion.

Navigation