Batman Beyond 2.0 #27 Review

Written by: Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel
Art by: Craig Rousseau and Phil Hester
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: August 2, 2014

A Matter of Trust

Batman Beyond 2.0 has been one of my favorite comics since it started.  Kyle Higgins has given the readers such a consistently great book because his love of the source material fills every digital page.  However, nothing prepared me for the Mark of the Phantasm arc. Higgins and Alec Siegel have elevated this book beyond anything I could have imagined.  It's as if everything before was just a warm up. I don't know Kyle Higgins, but my guess is that this is the story he's been wanting to write all along.  I may be wrong, but it's already a story I can't wait to read every week.

Smallville: Chaos #9 Review

Written by: Bryan Q. Miller
Art by: Agustin Padilla
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: August 1, 2014

Is This On?

Last Week it looked like Lex was ready to push the button to start a Crisis.  Funny thing is, everyone may be in need of a little do over. What, with Eclipso spreading like wild fire and Superman and Lois jumping between Earths. The only one who seems to be sitting pretty is Lex, himself.  So why is he so eager to change things?  It looks like a classic case of Lex being Lex.

Top 5 Fridays: Top 5 Robin Costumes In The New 52

This week's list is going to be a little different than usual.  Normally I use my extensive nerd knowledge to create a decent list that uses character attributes, stories and background to round out a list, plus a lot of research on the interwebs when that knowledge fails me and I'm left singing happy birthday to myself in the corner.  But that's neither here nor there.  No for this week even though every list is Weird Science opinion based, this one has to be the mother of all opinion based Top 5's.  We'll be looking at all the Robins and I'll be deciding which New 52 costume I like the best of all the sidekicks.  Now on other lists you guys could totally call shenanigans, but I'd have some info to back up my claims.  Here it's right out in the open and you might think I'm a lunatic for choosing the costume I chose, but it doesn't matter because I have an asshole or however that saying goes.  So let's jump into this lunacy as we check out the Top 5 Robin Costumes In The New 52.

Batman: Eternal #17 Review

Written by: Ray Fawkes
Art by: Dustin Nguyen
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 30, 2014

Same Taste, More Filler

Ray Fawkes and Dustin Nguyen are back for another scary trip through Arkham Asylum featuring Batwing and Jim Corrigan.  I have enjoyed Fawkes supernatural take in this book and I love Batwing, so why didn't I like this issue?  There are actually quite a few reasons.

This issue's main reason for existing seems to be to tell the origin of Deacon Blackfire.  An evil priest taking advantage of the needy for his own demonic needs sounds interesting if not a bit generic, but then Batman shows up.  "Shows up" may be misleading, but believe me when I say it is totally out of character for him to be in the position we find him in.  His presence ruined the origin story, in my opinion.

Harley Quinn #8 Review

Written by: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by: Chad Hardin
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 30, 2014

Craptacular

Harley Quinn is a hard book to recommend.  It's not because I don't like it because I really do.  I think it is downright hilarious, but that's the problem.  It's potty humor that gleefully breaks the fourth wall and loves referencing Pop Culture.  In other words, the perfect mix for my tastes.  If you are one of those highfalutin types who think "This American Life" crosses the line of decency, run from this book (and review) right now.  This book is not for you.  If you have my tastes, you are awesome and should read on.

Justice League #32 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Doug Mahnke
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 30, 2014

Gooble Gobble

Last issue of Justice League saw some badassery that I've only recently stopped drooling over.  Lex Luthor calls Bruce Wayne out on being Batman and even uncovers the secret grandfather clock entrance.  Also the Earth 3 power ring has found a new host in a scared agoraphobic woman named Jessica Cruz.  Once the ring firmly places itself on Jessica's finger, it goes off on a rampage destroying a city and before the Justice League could arrive to save the day, we see the new Doom Patrol.  New because the first iteration was killed during Forever Evil, but this team is the old classics you all love.  Robot Man, Elasti-Girl, Negative Man and the not so classic Element Woman.  Yeah Element Woman has returned from her M.I.A. time after Forever Evil, so let's see what this group plans on doing against the powerhouse that is Power Ring.

Aquaman Annual #2 Review

Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Yvel Guichet and Alvaro Martinez
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: July 30, 2015

They Live

Anyone up for some good old fashioned monster hunting?  I am a huge fan of Aquaman and Wonder Woman and I loved the grotesque gallery of Giant Born monsters whose story started in Aquaman #29.  They all come together for Aquaman Annual #2, but something seems lost in the translation.

Like a superficial jerk, I love the Giant Born for their looks.  They are a cross between MadBalls and Harryhausen monsters and are just fun to look at.  However, when they open their mouths, I lose interest.  Even when they showed up in Aquaman #29 and #30, I felt the same way.  That pretty much spells disaster for me and this Annual because we get the conclusion to a story that I honestly hadn't given a thought to in three months.

The New 52: Futures End #13 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Dan Jurgens, Keith Giffen
Art By: Patrick Zircher
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 30, 2014

I Hope Something Bad Happens To Fifty Sue

Okay the prime info you need for this week's issue is that Grifter was recently attacked by a stealth OMAC, which is odd because Fifty Sue says there aren't any stealth OMACs.  Red Robin now works at a bar and created a whole new life for himself after faking his death during the war and now goes by the name Cal Corcoran.  Lois Lane is on Tim/Cal's ass about his identity and even though he tells his girlfriend that he isn't Red Robin, I don't think she's buying it.  Batman Beyond recently joined up with Plastique, Coil and Key to break into Terrifitech so he can see if Brother Eye has made his appearance yet and Green Arrow's teenage sister has found Big Barda hiding out in Canada.  Yeah that should do you for this issue.  Let's jump Five Years From Now and see what DC has in store for us this week.

He-Man and The Masters of The Universe #15 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Dan Abnett
Art By: Pop Mhan
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 23, 2014

Highway To The Fright Zone!

Last issue of He-Man we saw Adora's return as she began making her way to the forbidden island of Anwat-Gar, to figure out what her connection is to a handmaiden from a thousand years ago that killed King Grayskull.  She won't have to make the journey alone though since the new Sorceress Teela has sent He-Man to meet up with his sister to make the trip go a little smoother.  But the journey won't be easy as the two realize that they have to make their way to a port town that has been transformed into one of Hordak's Fright Zones.  Let's see if  Anwat-Gar is in our heroes future or if they fall short of their goals.

Batman: Eternal #16 Review

Written by: Ray Fawkes
Art by: Dustin Nguyen
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 23, 2014

It's Magic

Last week, Eternal's main story was a creep show staring Batwing and Jim Corrigan.  It involved blood fountains, dismemberment and unfortunately, the Joker's Daughter.  It ended with the crazy Mr. Bygone who may let things go, but he certainly had a pretty good hold on Corrigan.

Ray Fawkes continues his spooky story this week.  Mr. Bygone is going through a bit of a transformation and really wants to meet the Spectre.  As is the trend, Jim Corrigan has a different idea.  Meanwhile, Batwing is being held up by the Joker's Daughter.  If you have read my reviews or my mind, you know I hate the Joker's Daughter with a passion usually saved for the Dallas Cowboys or Boston Red Sox.  This week gives me another reason to hate her when she displays her new "magical power".  I call shenanigans.

Wonder Woman #33 Review

Written by: Brian Azzarello
Art by: Cliff Chiang
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 28, 2014

Gods and Monsters

It's almost over.  When the New 52 is in the rear view mirror and nerds in their virtual basements argue about which book stands the test of time, Wonder Woman will be it. Why?  Because Brian Azzerello tells it as a timeless classic that mixes mythology and comics into a blend that gives us the best of both Worlds.  Plus, it's just damn good.  To make the playing field even more uneven, Cliff Chiang's art now defines the character and her mythos.  In a more perfect reality, these two would be giving us Wonder Woman stories for centuries to come.  However, our reality is far from perfect and it all ends soon.  The upside of that is Azzerello and Chiang get to end their story and we get to read it.  Reading this issue it is clear that the end is near, the War has truly begun and not everyone is going to survive.

Injustice: Year Two #17 Review

Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Mike S. Miller
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: July 29, 2014

Guy Gardner, Voice of Reason?!

Injustice: Year Two has all built up to this.  Superman has allied himself with some pretty nasty fellows, specifically Sinestro and his Corps.  Of course, Team Batman has some heavy hitters as well and it's all about to hit the fan. You would guess that the time for talk has long gone, but Guy has a different idea.

Trinity of Sin: Pandora #13 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Ray Fawkes
Art By: Francis Portela, Tom Derenick
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 23, 2014

The Many Deaths Of Marcus Severin

Last issue we saw the newly mortal Pandora fight Vandal Savage, after he broke the neck of her lover and
weaponsmith Marcus Severin.  Even though the fight seemed uneven when it started, Agent Kincaid leveled the playing field when she shot Vandal Savage with the immortal killer that she had previously shot Pandora with.  Well as even as it could be when you're facing Vandal Savage.  No the real turning point of the fight was when Giganta showed up out of nowhere and pitched Vandal Savage blocks away into a river.  When we left our heroine, she was broken and beaten and Giganta threatened to end Agent Kincaid if she didn't save Pandora.  Let's dive into this issue and see if Agent Kincaid is still breathing and for that matter if Pandora is as well.

Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #11 Review

Written by: Dan Abnett
Art by: Tom Derenick
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: July 28, 2014

Slow and Slower

Infinite Crisis has not been very good.  In fact, I've contemplated just dropping it and spending my Monday nights doing other things like, I don't know, Spending time with my kids or talking with my Wife.  I wouldn't say I had high hopes for the title, but I had at least medium hopes that it would be some mindless good fun.  It's been pretty mindless, but I'm still waiting for the fun.  Last week, Dan Abnett gave us Cyborg, Flash and Zatanna facing Mecha Superman and crazy huge Doomsday.  It wasn't as much fun as it sounds which was a real shame.  This week we stay on Earth-44 and hopefully some fun shines through.

All Star Western #33 Review

Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Art by: Staz Johnson
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 23, 2014

A Bloody Good Time

It's almost over.  One of the best, if not the most unique book, is coming to an end.  No matter how many times I promise Eric not to say it, this is the penultimate issue of All Star Western.  It's been a hell of a run for Palmiotti and Gray stretching back before the New 52.  Jonah Hex has literally seen it all, but he's back where he belongs to give a proper goodbye.  You can take the anti hero out of the Old West, but you can't take the Old West...you know how it goes.  Last month, Jonah and the awesome Tallulah Black, did the old back-and-forth with a bounty and each ended up stripped of their iron, on a horse, all-tied up with no place to go, except maybe to Hell. Then things got worse.

Just For The Hell Of It Mondays: Jerk Off Superman's At It Again

I've stated before that I watch a lot of videos of superheroes on the interwebs and I figure most of you do too.  I love fan made shorts and parodies dealing with my DC obsession and seeing the different takes that people have for the characters.  With that there seems to be a general consensus within the fan community that when we're going to parody Superman, he's going to be a jerk off and when we parody Batman he's going to be a dumbass, or someone who has power envy, or both.  Now I can get behind the whole Superman's a jerk off thing, that seems to be a staple in people's minds, but how the hell did we begin this trend of Batman being a dumbass during probably the best heyday of the character's existence?  During Chris Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, the interwebs were swamped with Batman parodies that just played the character off as dumb and even now it seems that this is a cliche that everyone else is using as well.

Batman '66 #39 Review

Written by: Tom Peyer
Art by: Dave Bullock
Cover Price: $1.99
Release Date: July 23, 2014

The Sheriff of Crime

Batman '66 doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't.  It's campy fun with quick stories made to put a smile on the reader's face.  There's something to be said for that.  For the most part, it is clear that the creative teams involved love the source material and are having a ball telling their stories to fans who feel the same.  Add Tom Peyer to that list.  On the surface, this weeks issue is the usual fun, but if you look deeper, it's a great homage as well.  It's an issue working on a couple levels at once, but is it good?  Let's find out.

Someone has stolen hi-tech crime fighting equipment from the Gotham City Police Department.  To add insult to injury, it was right under Batman and Robin's collective nose.  They did leave a calling card on the scene, an arrow.  The Archer, of course!  But why would the would be Robin Hood steal from the police?  The Dynamic Duo figure it out, but it still may be too late.

Aquaman #33 Review

Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Paul Pelletier
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 23, 2014

The Creature from the ...Triton Base

For months now, this book could rightly could be called "Mera".  She has been a pillar of strength, fighting off would be assassins and keeping Atlantis running while her husband is off gallivanting with the likes of Swamp Thing.  I'm not saying that everything Arthur has been doing is all fun and games, since last issue left him in grave peril at the hands (or mind) of Chimera.  The Chimera, for those not reading, is a Frankenfish combination of human, sea creatures and sea CREATURES.  Seriously, it has the brain of a centuries old monster, the Karaqan.  This thing is scary, disgusting and has it out for Aquaman.  So, this month, Mera gets put to the side (boo!) so Parker can center on Arthur and Chimera.  

Weird Science DC Comics New: SDCC Edition

San Diego Comic Con is not quite over, but the news waits for no one.  Every year I wait for jaw dropping announcements on new books and creative team changes and every year I end up disappointed.  SDCC is more about people talking about how great they are, how much they like each other and big movie and tv news.  I'm a comic fan, dammit!

Personally, I've gone to two comic cons in the past.  Wizard World in Philadelphia and one that may have been called the "Great Allentown Comic Con". Allentown was a long time ago and I forget things in my old age.  Wizard World was okay, but it was basically paying to get into a place so that you could spend more money.  Kind of like a strip club with old comics and weird hats.  My kids did get to take pictures in the '66 Batmobile and we bought a bunch of old comics and weird hats.  See what I mean.  The Allentown Con pretty much sucked.  It was a bunch of fat guys standing around fold up tables selling crap.  I did get a copy of my favorite pen and pencil RPG, "Feng Shui".  Yea, I'm that kind of nerd.  Enough nonsense,