Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #3 Review

Written by: Amanda Deibert
Art by: Cat Staggs
Cover Price: $0.99

A Very Special Episode

We are still getting our feet wet with Sensation Comics, so coming into this one-shot I wasn't sure what to expect.  The appeal for me with a weekly book like this is getting different creative teams take on a character.  Gail Simone started the series by showing that Wonder Woman doesn't need to change to be relevant and in this issue, Amanda Deibert says the same thing about her fans.  I'm glad we have a book that allows us to get nice little stories like this.

Batman Beyond 2.0 #31 Review

Written by: Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel
Art by: Phil Hester and Thony Silas
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: August 30, 2014

Exit Wounds

Boy, the Mark of the Phantasm story has been non-stop awesomeness.  Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel have given fans of Batman Beyond (and the DC Animated Universe in general) a new masterpiece.  It may sound like I'm a gushing fanboy, but if the shoe fits... This issue we see the aftermath of all the crazy events of the arc and get a few surprises as well.

DC Comics Best Covers of the Week 8/30/14

There were plenty of books this week so that of course means plenty of covers, as well.  This week's best covers are a good mix of regulars and variants and once again, I really liked a selfie cover.  It's so odd because when they announced them it seemed like a stupid idea whose time had past.  I guess I was wrong.  Next month I heard they are going to have "Teens React" covers.  I can't wait.  These are my picks for best DC Comics covers for the week ending 8/30/14.

Top 5 Fridays: Top 5 Worst Jobs In The DC Universe.

This week's Top 5 Fridays is inspired by most people's three day weekend in America, thanks to the wonderful Labor Day.  Yes, while you're enjoying your time off from work, thinking about how nice it is to get out of the daily grind and possibly how much you hate your job, make sure to think about how well you have it compared to some of the jobs that exist in the DC Universe.  Yeah work sucks, but it could be so much worse.  Now people in other countries might not have this holiday, I don't know, I just know that it would take more research to find out and I'm just going to assume that they don't because this is my Labor Day weekend, so get off my back.  So if you don't know what Labor Day is, it's an American holiday that celebrates the workers of America, by giving them the day off.  You know good stuff.  So sit back and relax on your three day weekend and check out some of the shitty jobs of DC Comics with Top 5 Worst Jobs In The DC Universe.

Red Lanterns #34 Review and *SPOILERS

Written By: Charles Soule
Art By: Alessandro Vitti, J. Calafiore
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 27, 2014


End of The Red War

Last time in Red Lanterns we saw the culmination of previous month's Atrocitus War stories come to a head as Atrocitus released thousands of red rings onto the angry populace of Earth.  Many battles took place and we saw Skallox switch allegiances from Gardner to Atrocitus seemingly to get back to his lady love Shadow Thief.  Now I don't remember the two having a real love connection, especially due to Shadow Thief's xenophobia, but Skallox seems to love her and now that she's a raging Red Lantern, he plans on taking her back to Atrocitus's new blood lake.  Too bad that my favorite character Zilious Zox sacrificed himself and the Red Lantern flagship, The Kaalvar to destroy Atrocitus's foothold in the galaxy.  We also saw Rankor come back to his senses when we found out that a Red Lantern parasite was controlling him and don't worry he took care of it by ripping it out of his mouth and squishing it, so Rankor is back in the mix.  In the end Bleez tried to use the blood magic to take control of all the new human raging Red Lanterns, but Atrocitus's kung-fu proved to be better and we saw a gigantic army of Reds versus Gardner and Bleez.  Yeah it's a pretty bleak ending, but let's check out this conclusion where anything can happen.

Superman #34 Review

Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: John Romita Jr.
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 27, 2014

Do Superheroes Dream of Electric Villains?

There was so much hype leading up to Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. starting their Superman run.  Three issues in and I personally think they've lived up to it.  Yes, Johns' pace is a little slower than I expected, but he's already given readers a Superman infinitely more likable than any in the series up to now.  As an added bonus, he has given Superman a nice ally and after this issue, a new mysterious villain.  I admit that I'm a Romita Jr. noob, but I've liked most of what I've seen so far.  That my friends adds up to a winner in my book.

Justice League Dark #34 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: J.M. DeMatteis
Art By: Andres Guinaldo, Walden Wong
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 27, 2014

Second Star To The Right and Straight On Till Morning

Last issue of JLD we focused in on Deadman after he received a vision of the destruction of Nanda Parbat.  As you'll remember after Forever Evil: Blight, Nanda Parbat disappeared into another dimension and no matter what Boston's magical friends tried to do, they couldn't find the current location of Nanda Parbat, to check in on the mystical city.  Eventually our ever lovin' Dead Man met up with Brahma Dass, who's the re-imagined person that grants Dead Man the chance to do some good with his life and become the ghost we know him to be.  So Dead Man get's a luck dragon to ferry him to Nanda Parbat, where we found out that Brahma Dass wasn't Brahma Dass.  No this impostor turned out to be a gigantic monster known as Pantheon, that intends to destroy the mystical city, so that's not any good.  Also the rest of the JLD followed their friend and made their way sans luck dragon to Nanda Parbat and Dead Man is alive.  Yeah that's right, he's alive and well, but stuck in a dungeon.  So a lot of mixed feelings from Boston Brand.  Let's see how the JLD will save the day this month.  Let's check it out.

Catwoman #34 Review

Written by: Ann Nocenti
Art by: Patrick Olliffe
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 27, 2014

WOW

Okay, the day I've been begging for has finally arrived.  Ann Nocenti's final Catwoman issue.  I know I've joked around through the (too) many issues of her Catwoman run that it may be the best/worst comic I've ever read.  It is always so unintentionally hilarious with it's awful characterizations, terrible dialogue and incomprehensible plots.  I know I'll miss the old gal in October when the new creative team takes over, but in my heart, I know it's the right thing.  At least us fans will always have this issue to remind us how god-awful this run was.  

The Flash #34 Review

Written by: Robert Venditti and Van Jensen

Art by: Brett Booth

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: August 27, 2014

Running to Stand Still

The Flash is one of my favorite characters and books.  I loved Brian Buccelatto and Francis Manapul's run so much and have been pleasantly surprised with Robert Venditti and Van Jensen's take so far.  Yes, this whole "Mash-up Killer" story is getting old and Wally West is an obnoxious ass, but I love seeing Future Flash trying to right his wrongs as the Speed Force collapses around him.  Of course, Brett Booth's art makes it easy on the eyes and worth getting all on it's own.  This issue continues everything I love and everything I'm getting tired of with The Flash.  Unfortunately, there is more of the later this Month.  It's still easy on the eyes.  Thanks Brett.

He-Man and The Masters of The Universe #16 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Dan Abnett
Art By: Pop Mhan
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 27, 2014

Deja Vu

This story line began with issue #13's look into the past and the death of King Grayskull.  We learned that King Hiss disguised as one of the trusted Gar people, set up a revolt that led to the murder of the fabled King, from the hands of his most trusted handmaiden, a girl he saw as his daughter.  Now we jump to the future where Adora is trying to figure out her place in the world since she learned the truth about who she was and her journey led her to the forbidden island of Anwat-Gar, the home of the treacherous Gar people.  To make sure she got where she was going, the new Sorceress Teela sent He-Man to escort his sister and the two made their way past a Fright Zone and rescued Adora's new friend Swiftwind, as they made their way to the island.  Let's see how the siblings of power fair on an island that Eternians haven't stepped on in a thousand years.  Let's check it out.

Harley Quinn #10 Review

Written by: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmotti
Art by: Marco Failla
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 27, 2014

Skate and Die

The first rule of Harley Quinn (the book) is you have to enjoy yourself.  Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti make sure of that. Harley (the gal) is outrageously inappropriate and I love her for it.  It's not just fart jokes that make the book so much fun. It's the fourth wall braking pop culture references that crack me up and this issue has both and more.  Skate Club may not have any rules, but as long as it has Harley, Sy Borgman and the rest of the gang, I'm in.

The New 52: Futures End #17 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Dan Jurgens, Keith Giffen
Art By: Patrick Zircher
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 27, 2014

The Man Behind The Mask

Lately we've been dealing with the Helmeted Superman fighting Rampage to learn the location of Ethan Boyer and you know to stop her from rampaging and all.  Last issue we were given a huge revelation on the speculation front about the identity of this Superman, when Rampage broke the bottom of his helmet showing a white mouth and chin.  So sorry all you Val-Zod speculators.  Constantine has been searching for the robot monster Brainiac thing, or more accurately the thing that the robot monster is in search of.  On Cadmus Island the team of Fifty Sue, Grifter and Deathstroke are in search of stealth OMACs and someone who is causing glitches in Cadmus's systems.  So that's all you need to know on your current expedition into the strange land of Five Years From Now.  Let's check it out.

Batman: Eternal #20 Review

Written by: Tim Seeley
Art by: Emanuel Simeoni
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 20, 2014

Wild Animals

I have enjoyed Tim Seeley's recent run on "Baternal" mainly because of the awesome team ups.  Of course, Batgirl, Batwoman and Red Hood is a match made in Heaven and could be a book on it's own, Killer Croc, Lt. Bard and Batman come in a close second.  Well, close enough.  This issue continues the fun and even adds another team and a big Spoiler.

Trinity of Sin: Pandora #14 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Ray Fawkes
Art By: Tom Derenick, Francis Portela
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 20, 2014

Vampires 2: The New Batch

Last month in Pandora we took the time to watch some of Pandora's flashbacks and see Marcus Severin and her's greatest hits throughout time.  Once we got that out of the way though, we jumped right into Pandora casting a spell over Marcus's dead body so that he'll be kept from heaven and resurrected into a boy being born at that moment.  All it makes me think of is how many times Pandora has kidnapped a child from it's parents just because that child happened to be her old dead friend.  In the end after all the hoodoo we find out that Baltimore is on the verge of a vampire apocalypse and Pandora joins forces with Agent Kincaid and Giganta to take down the undead menace.  Let's see if starting a new story was the best plan for a final issue.

Injustice: Year Two #21 Review

Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: Mike S. Miller
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: August 26, 2014

Screaming for Vengeance

The War is on and last issue was a heartbreaking start to the casualties with Jim Gordon sacrificing himself for his Daughter's identity. Tom Taylor pulled on the heartstrings by taking advantage of his long form character building and it was so good, but so sad.  Dry your eyes, little buddies because this week we get back to a bit of the old ultra-violence.

Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #15 Review

Written by: Dan Abnett
Art by: Tom Derenick
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: August 25, 2014

Justice League of the Multiverse

Infinite Crisis continues to be the most frustrating read for me each week.  It's not because it's bad.  No, then I cold just write it off and move along.  It's because it's so damn inconsistent.  I just never know what to expect.  Well, this week sticks with the team of Mecha Superman, Zatanna, Flash and Cyborg, but unlike last issue, this one is pretty good.

Green Lantern: New Guardians #34 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Justin Jordan
Art By: Brad Walker, Rodney Buchemi
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 20, 2014

Playing God

Last issue of New Guardians we saw the return of the presumed dead Kyle Rayner and it was just in time too.  For this story arc, we're exploring the re-imagining of the Psions, the lizard like creatures that the Guardians created eons ago and who have since their creators left been trying to perfect their genetics to embody the perfection of their creators.  So you know how the Guardians are tiny blue humanoids, well the Psions are nothing like that.  To try and create perfection in themselves they've altered their bodies with other species genetics and cybernetic enhancements.  So yeah gigantic cyber-reptile monsters with daddy issues.  Now it's up to Carol Ferris and Kyle Rayner to get through the Psion's maze like ship and find the Guardians of the Universe before the Psion's can do to them, what they did to the kidnapped Guardian Quaros.  Last issue we saw Quaros all kinds of hooked up to machines and he's looked better honestly.  So let's check out the conclusion to this story and see if the Guardians of the Universe and our heroes make it out of the clutches of the Psions.

The Flash #34 Preview

Written by: Robert Venditti and Van Jensen
Art by: Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 27, 2014


Time is getting closer as Future Flash reaches the point that broke his spirit – Wally West’s death – while Wally meets his uncle Daniel, the Reverse Flash, and Barry Allen is trapped in the middle!

Just For The Hell Of It Mondays: The Penguin

Being Batman fans, We've been given the opportunity and privilege to see a character we love in all forms of media unlike any other superhero in history and with that we've gotten to see one of the things that makes this character so great, his rogues gallery.  Now when I get to know someone who is a fan of comics or at least knows something about comics, I ask them "Who is your favorite Batman villain, other than the Joker?" and usually I get a big blank stare, or we have to have a couple more drinks so the person can think about it.  Oh I forgot to mention, I pose these questions usually at the bar, when I first start talking to some one.  So for everyone reading this think to yourself or say out loud I don't care, which Batman villain is your favorite other than the Joker?  I've asked myself this question a lot in my life and the one villain I keep coming back to other than Two-Face, is the Penguin.

Futures End Event 3D Cover Preview: Week One 9/3/14

The Futures End Event is just around the corner so I thought I would preview the 3D covers that will have fans shelling out big bucks for.  The first week of the event has some of the books I'm really looking forward to like Grayson and Action Comics.  We also learn that five years in the future, Batwing is no longer canceled.  Here are the covers:

Batman '66 #41 Review

Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Craig Rousseau
Cover Price: $1.99
Release Date: August 20, 2014

Highly Illogical

Jeff Parker finishes his two part Bat Robot story this week and it's good fun, but also a poke at all of us who are slaves to technology. Give us hell, Jeff.

I mentioned in my review for Batman '66 #40 that I was waiting for things to go horribly wrong with the Bat Robot.  It's a robot designed with the help of a criminal, for Pete's sake.  I had visions of the Joker taking it over and wreaking havoc throughout Gotham. Boy was I wrong.  Jeff Parker does one better by making the Bat Robot (I still like calling it the BatBot) a victim of it's own design.

Batman '66 #40 Review

Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Paul Rivoche
Cover Price: $1.99
Release Date: August 6, 2014

Danger, Will Robinson

Jeff Parker returns to Batman '66 and he brings a pretty cool friend with him.  Seriously, a Batman Robot is a little boy's dream come true and while I'm far from a little boy anymore, the thought of it takes me back.  While I'm sure that not everything is as great as it seems, Jeff Parker gives fans a fun start to a new arc.

The issue starts off with the Clock King, so you know we're in for fun.  It gets even better as Clock King gets offended that an Art Dealer insinuates that he's only interested in time pieces...and then he steals the guys watch!  Great job Jeff Parker.

Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #2 Review

Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: Ethan Van Sciver
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: August 20, 2014

(Non)Identity Crisis

I was a bit harsh in my review of Sensation Comics #1, but that wasn't because I didn't like it per se.  What upset me was the focus. For a Wonder Woman book, the issue seemed to be hijacked by the Gotham Rogues with Wonder Woman trying to be too much like Batman.  Well, we get the second part this week and Gail Simone shows that she had a plan all along (of course she did!) and makes me not only love this issue, but appreciate last week's as well.

DC Comics Covers of the Week 8/24/2014

I know the old saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover", but that isn't the case with comic books, or is it?  I know a cover doesn't guarantee quality or even a story that matches it, but a great cover certainly peeks a buyers interest when it's sitting there on a shelf. These are my picks for the best DC Comics covers for the week of August 24, 2014.

Cover of the Week: Multiversity #1 (Burnham Cover Variant Edition)

Seriously, I can't look at this cover without smiling. Captain Carrot alone makes this the cover of the week, but put him in a crazy version of the most iconic cover ever and this may be the cover of the year.  Chris Burnham nails it and sets the tone for the craziness that is Multiversity.