The Doorman #3 Review - Just for the Hell of it Review

Written by: Elliot Rahal and Daniel Kibblesmith
Art by: Kendal Goode
Cover Price: $3.50
Release Date: June 16, 2016
Publisher: Heavy Metal

With so many comics on the shelf today, one of the hardest things to do is create something new AND get noticed.  While fans cry that everything is the same, they just keep buying the same and we all get stuck in a never ending self fulfilling prophecy of comic book titles.  The truth is out there, people and it is found in books like The Doorman.  If you don't already know, the Doorman is a four parter from Heavy Metal that is a mix of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Stargate, Rick & Morty, Lethal Weapon, Doctor Who, Discworld, Neverwhere...seriously, if I haven't sold you on it yet, you have no soul!  Luckily for you, I'm only here to judge issue #3 of the The Doorman, and awaaaayyyyyy we go...

FIRST LOOK: The Hellblazer Rebirth #1

Get Back to Where You Once Belonged

Written By: Simon Oliver
Art By: Moritat
Cover Price: $2.99
On Sale Date: July 20, 2016

John Constantine’s lost weekend in New York City was fun, but London’s where his heart is—only a pissed-off demon and a curse on his soul stand in his way. Even Constantine’s questionable ethics are pushed to the limit when he puts eight million souls on the line to get what he wants….

Awwright! We've seen plenty of Rebirth titles for Johnny Capes n' Boots and Sally Punch 'Em Up, but this is the first time we've gotten a look at a title from DC's supernatural side, and I can't wait! I'm not too familiar with Simon Oliver, but with Moritat on the art I know I'm going to enjoy looking at it. I'm glad to see that John Constantine will still be cavorting around the DCU, frankly I think it was one of the better developments of the New 52. Check out a couple of unlettered (but colored) pages from the first issue, due out at the end of July!

PREVIEW: Superman: The Coming of the Supermen #6

The Story of a Boy and His Dog and His Demon-Alien Guardian

Written By: Neal Adams
Art By: Neal Adams
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: July 6, 2016

Superman’s final confrontation with the army of Darkseid is at hand! What will be the fate of the three new Supermen, and what is the secret of Krypton?!

You bet your sweet ass I cannot wait for the final issue of this miniseries. I don't know if I even want it to end, I just want to watch Kalibak getting his face caved by Superman in and Luthor laughing at Darkseid forever. Of course, Luthor was reduced to cinders at the end of the last issue, but it looks like he got over it in the beginning of this one. That's very promising for the possibility of a forthcoming Lex n' Darkseid book, where the two of them take odd jobs and get into all kinds of bumbling situations. The damn thing writes itself!

PREVIEW: Batman #2

Written by: Tom King
Art by: Matt Banning, David Finch
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 6, 2016

“I AM GOTHAM” Chapter Two: In issue #2, after a brush with disaster, Batman struggles to reconcile the fate he could be leaving behind for his city, and reaches out to the idealistic new hero, Gotham. But an evil is building that may overcome both Batman and his new ally.

Poor Gotham Girl!  We just were introduced to her and Gotham and she is already getting pushed aside. I will not stand for it!  I love Gotham Girl and her...her...costume and her flying around and saving planes and Batman.  Plus, I'm sure she has a catchphrase, right?  Maybe it's, "You've been Gothamed!"  No, that sucks...How about, "Gotham Power!"?  Come to think of it, I hope she doesn't have a catchphrase.

PREVIEW: Bloodlines #4

Slice 'Em Up! Skewer 'Em Through! Rah, Rah, Rah!

Written By: J.T. Krul
Art By: V. Ken Marion, Sean Parsons, Andrew Dalhouse & Sotocolor
Lettered By: Sal Cipriano
Cover Price: $2.99
On Sale Date: June 6, 2016

It’s carnage on the 50-yard line! As Eddie, Albert, and Dana try to deal with the enemy aliens gestating in their bodies, a more immediate threat strikes during the high school football game. Now is the time in BLOODLINES when the monsters come out to play. 

Our slasher film in comics form continues, and when better to enjoy a splatterfest yarn than in the summer? Some of the best horror flicks I ever saw were released in the warmer months, when school was out and I was unsupervised. I suggest you read this comic in the overgrown front yard of your neighborhood's haunted house or near the shimmering lake of an abandoned campground. For best effect, be sure to drink beer and have unprotected sex! Serial killers hate that stuff.

PREVIEW: Superman #2

Written by: Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 6, 2016

“THE SON OF SUPERMAN” Chapter Two: In #2, Superboy takes flight as he accompanies his father, the Man of Steel, on their first mission together to confront a creature more dangerous than anyone realizes. Will the duo triumph...or will they die when they face the lethal force of the Eradicator?

This is my favorite series of Rebirth so far and it's all about the Super Family dynamic going on.  Watching Pre-Flashpoint Superman adjust to being out and about is cool enough, but throw in Jon taking his fist steps to becoming Superboy is solid gold!  I love it and this preview shows that the hits are going to continue.  If you have been trying to figure out what series to follow since Rebirth started, I give Superman my full endorsement!

Weird Science DC Comics Podcast Weekly Spotlight: DC Rebirth Report Card

The week is an odd one with only 4 DC Comics, so instead of reviewing two of those and not having anything left for the main podcast, the fellas talk a little Rebirth. They discuss and grade every Rebirth series out already...Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lanterns, The Flash, Aquaman, Titans, Action Comics and Detective Comics.  Tell us if you agree or disagree and enjoy!

FIRST LOOK: New Super-Man #1

Written by: Gene Luen Yang
Art by: Viktor Bogdanovic
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 13, 2016

“MADE IN CHINA” Chapter One: An impulsive act of heroism thrusts an arrogant young man into the limelight of Shanghai as China begins to form its own Justice League of powerful heroes. Rising from the ashes of The Final Days of Superman, award-winning writer Gene Luen Yang and on-the-rise art star Viktor Bogdanovic introduce readers to Kong Kenan—the New Super-Man! When the world needed a new hero, China made him!

I am really looking forward to this book.  We got an early taste of things at the beginning of the Last Days of Superman and then the line went silent.  Because of that, we don't really know anything about Kong Kenan and that is exciting.  Here's a First Look to shed some light on the matter...

Weird Comics History - DC Retroactive

Right now, you might be thinking, "Weird Comics History?  Where are Reggie and Chris?!?"  Well, it couldn't be that I kidnapped them and locked them in a closet....right?  Right!  Nope, I just wanted to write this article and had no idea what else to call it.  Just remember, the following article contains information, opinion and lame attempts at humor that represent my own and not those of Reggie and Chris.  I will not be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misspellings, misquotes and/or jokes that fall flat without even a smile.  You have been warned and now you're ready to learn all about the "Event" that fell between Flashpoint and the New 52...DC Retroactive.

Top 5 Fridays: Top 5 Things I'm Excited for in the CW's Fall Season

Welcome back to another exciting installment of Top 5 Fridays! What a time to be alive in a world where you can watch a Superhero show every night of the week. If you're like me, you are a big fan of the DC Television shows. They make you laugh, they make you cry, they make you scream at your television set because they aren't following continuity, but in the end, we can't help but sit back and enjoy. The CW has created a fantastic universe that has many heroes within, and with the addition of Supergirl to the roster, it can continue to grow and develop. This week I'll be going over what I'm excited for on each of the CW's DC shows for the fall season. As always this list is opinion based, so if you don't see something you like, I apologize. Enough talk! Grab your arrows, capes, and lightning tipped masks, jump in the Waverider and lets go!

Teen Titans Annual #2 Review and **SPOILERS**

The Sisterhood of the Terrible Plan

Written By: Scott Lobdell

Art By: Cory Smith, Dean White

Lettered By: Corey Breen

Cover Price: $4.99

On Sale Date: June 29, 2016

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Sometimes we have encounters

That make us stop and wonder: why?

Like people that drink wheatgrass juice

Or have cheese with apple pie

A thousand-dollar sound system

To play bootlegged Grateful Dead

Having real, pure maple syrup

And choosing Log Cabin instead

A fireman that’s afraid of heights

It can make one lose their nerve

Like humanity’s worst examples

That have success, though undeserved

Like the executive board scapegoat

Who makes a mint by getting fired

Or the sleazy, lazy asshole

And the children that he’s sired

Why is living so unjust?

Why is there no manual?

Why does the fifth week of Rebirth Month

Have a Teen Titans Annual?

–      Randy Newman

Star Trek/Green Lantern: The Spectrum War #6 Review

Black and White

Written by: Mike Johnson
Art by: Angel Hernandez, Alejandro Sanchez and Neil Uyetake
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 2, 2015

I am never good at endings.  It's not just my laziness and severe ADHD that causes me to not finish things, with comics it goes beyond just that.  I think somewhere deep in my crazy brain, if I don't review a final issue, the series will live on forever.  It's something not reserved for just cancelled series either.  I loved this six issue mini and yet, haven't been able to review the final issue...until now.  Yep, once this review is over, I will have to close the book on Hal Jordan, the Lantern Corps and the crew of the Enterprise forever.  So, it's with a heavy heart that I give you my review for Star Trek/Green Lantern: The Spectrum War #6.  By the way, this introduction was a load of BS...I am just very lazy and am crippled by severe ADHD!

DC Superhero Girls Vol. 1: Finals Crisis Review

Super Cute!

Written by: Shea Fontana
Art by: Yancey Labat, Monica Kubina and Janice Chiang
Cover Price: $9.99
Release Date: June 29, 2016

I'm sure that if you read any other reviews for this graphic novel, you'll get a whole lot of "This really isn't my thing", "I'm not the target audience" and "Why did my editor make me review this?"  You won't get any of that here, not just because our site has no editor (suprise, huh?!?), but because this book is right in my wheelhouse.  While I haven't watched many of the Superhero Girls shorts or bought any of the merchandise, I really liked the FCBD comic (which is the first couple chapters here) because I love cute, fun comics with my favorite characters...and this book has them in spades.  Hey, it's an all-ages comic, right?  To me, that leaves plenty of room for a middle aged father of five boys to jump on the trolley with everyone else.  Did I enjoy the ride?  Let's find out...

Midnighter and Apollo Mini-Series Coming in October

Midnighter is back and he's bringing Apollo with him!  I know what most of you familiar with our site and podcast are thinking..."But Jim, You hate Midnighter!"  While it is true that I wasn't a fan of Steve Orlando's recently canceled series and garnered a whole mess of hate because of that fact, I'm actually glad about this news.  In my opinion, the best part of the entire series was when Apollo showed up at the end to show everyone (especially Midnighter) how much they belonged together.  Plus, they kicked major ass!!!  It goes beyond that as well.  While I had my ups and downs with the series (go back and look at my review for issue #1 HERE), other people simply loved it and I am glad they get their hero back for six more issues.  Hopefully, these people do more than just hoot and holler on Twitter and actually put their money where their mouth is this time because if it sells, we will get more.  You hear that people? Don't just praise the book...BUY IT!!!  Here is the official press release...

The Legend of Wonder Woman #7 Review - Print Edition

The Decision

Written by: Renae De Liz
Art by: Renae De Liz and Ray Dillon

Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 29, 2016

What better way to spend the time waiting for Volume Two of The Legend of Wonder Woman than
reading the printed edition of...The Legend of Wonder Woman?  I really can't think of any.  This book has been one of the best things to happen to Wonder Woman in a long while and if you haven't jumped on the trolley yet, you best get your ticket and join us all right now.  This issue isn't the best jumping on point, though, so I'd suggest you go back and read everything that led to this issue because as Glinda tells Dorothy, "It's always best that you start at the beginning."  Who are we to mess with a Witch, no matter how nice or pretty she appears to be?  Okay, enough of my nonsense, let's get down to the matter at hand...my review for the print edition of The Legend of Wonder Woman #7.  Is it good?  This book is always good, silly...the question here is "how good".  Let's find out...

Predator Vs. Judge Dredd Vs. Aliens #1 Review - Just for the Hell of it Review

The Hunt Is On!

Written By: John Layman
Art By: Chris Mooneyham, Michael Atiyeh, Michael Heisler
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 27, 2016
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

While I can't say that I have the deepest knowledge of Judge Dredd and all his crime fighting antics, I will tell you that I've read some comics over the years, made fun of Stallone's take on the character and find myself watching Dredd every now and again...... because who doesn't love Karl Urban?......  So that's enough knowledge right?..... Whether it is or not, I do happen to be a big fan of Predator and the Aliens so hopefully that at least gives me some street cred when reviewing this book....... and as we all know, street cred is all that matters in reviews.  So yeah, not a lot to say going into this book other than we've got three huge characters coming together for this story and hopefully Judge Dredd is able to set his Lawgiver on "Whoopass" and show these creatures from another world that he is in fact..... The Law.  Let's jump into this first issue and see what our setup is like.  Let's check it out.

Deathstroke Annual #2 Review

Double Sided

Written by: Phil Hester
Art by: Mirko Colak, Roberto Viacava, Michael Spicer and Dave Sharpe
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: June 29, 2016

It's funny saying this, but I am a fan of the Deathstroke book while not considering myself much a fan of the character.  Sure, I've grown to like him more and more with each issue I read, but it's more of the action movie vibe that makes me come back month after month.  That is the reason I was looking forward to this Annual.  Whether Phil Hester knows it or not (it is definitely the "not"), I am using this issue to gauge if I am indeed becoming more of a Deathstroke fan.  So, am I?  Let's find out...

Grayson Annual #3 Review

Clip Show

Written by: Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing
Art by: Natasha Alterici, Flaviano Armentaro, Christian Duce ,Javier Fernandez, Roge Antonio
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: June 29, 2016

I mentioned in my preview for this Annual that this is the craziest Annual I have ever looked forward to reading and I stand by that.  Sure, DC seems to be pushing the issue by giving Grayson it's third annual after only twenty issues, but if you can't beat them join them.  What does that mean?  I have no idea except I am jumping on the apple cart and enjoying the ride.  I really don't have much more to say, so let's get on with the review...

Weird Science DC Comics Podcast Ep 77: DC Comic Books, Lebron James and Ray Delane

We talk every DC Comic Book that came out this week as well as discuss the news, read listener mail and talk nonsense like Roadhouse, Cici's Pizza and of course, our favorite Daily Planet reporter, Ray Delane.  Sit back, have a laugh and maybe you might even learn something...like what a cheese curl is.  Enjoy!

Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Five Chapter #28 Review

If I Could Turn Back Time

Written by: Brian Buccellato
Art by: Tom Derenick, Rex Lokus and Wes Abbott
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: June 28, 2016

With all the Rebirth hype, the Digital First stuff seems to get pushed aside by most other sites, but as you know...we ain't like other sites.  Nope, we are much, much worse.  Yea, don't let anyone tell you different, we are awful human beings who take pleasure in other's misery and would laugh at the less fortunate if we weren't at the bottom looking up.  However, we do review just about everything DC Comics puts out each and every week, so we at least have that going for us.  In fact, that's why you are here, right?  You want to see what I think of the latest issue of Injustice and think I'm just going to tell you.  Sorry, from here on out, there's a toll in the hole!  Actually, there isn't.  I'm just trying to be tough.

PREVIEW: Grayson Annual #3

Written by: Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing
Art by: Natasha Alterici, Flaviano Armentaro, Christian Duce ,Javier Fernandez, Roge Antonio
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: June 29, 2016

Determined to find out the identity of Spyral’s Agent 37, detective Jim Corrigan gathers a collection of heroes who have seen the swirl-faced spy in order to hear their accounts. With guest appearances by Harley Quinn, Azrael, John Constantine and Green Lantern Simon Baz, get ready for some of Dick Grayson’s greatest hits! 

This might be the craziest Annual I have ever looked forward to reading.  Having another Grayson Annual feels off, but I'm excited by the craziest list of guest stars since Charo, Scott Baio and Willie Aames were on the Love Boat.  We all know how that worked out, let's see hope Lanzing and Kelly do even better!

DC Comics Rebirth Report Card - Month One

It's no surprise that Rebirth has been a big success for DC Comics.  The sales numbers are not all in yet, but everyone at the Five and Dime is talking about it and that is something that makes me pretty damn happy.  As we all know, though, sales numbers don't really tell the whole story.  Any #1 is going to sell and a reboot (soft as it was) #1 is going to sell even more.  The real proof is in the pudding and that's what I'm here to talk about...pudding.  I prefer chocolate and vanilla and detest butterscotch.  What?  You want to hear about the Rebirth books?  What about the pudding?!?!  Okay. you win.  Here are my grades for all the DC Comics Rebirth books...

Adventures of Supergirl Chapter 12 Review and **SPOILERS**

Written By: Sterling Gates

Art By: Emma Vieceli, Sandra Molina

Lettered By: Saida Temofonte

Cover Price: 99 cents

On Sale Date: June 27, 2016

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

I think when DC Comics asked Sterling Gates to write a digital comic to tie in with the Supergirl television series, they didn’t expect him to write a sweeping, long form epic where several digital story arcs are combined into a massive überstory that suggests a confrontation that could change Kara Zor-El Danvers forever. “Hey Sterling, you wanna write Supergirl again?” asked Mr. DC from his heavily-ornamented rickshaw. “Do I?!” exclaimed Sterling Gates, looking up at Mr. DC with moistened doe eyes and clutching his threadbare newsboy cap in his gnarled hands. “I’ve got this idea for a multi-issue fractal storyline where the first issue ties in directly to the last and the middle issue are really the first issues and…” began Sterling, but he was cut off by Mr. DC who peered at Sterling through a pair of diamond-lensed opera glasses with ostrich eggshell frames, “No no, my dear boy, this would be a digital comic. You know we reserve our best yarns for the print lines.” Mr. DC lit an expensive cigar made of mummy’s remains on an original, mint condition Confederate bill, and added as an afterthought, “That’s what I’m told, at least. Never did get around to reading the silly things.” Sterling Gates rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and shouted, “So I can write whatever I like, Mr. DC? No one will be paying attention?” as Mr. DC’s rickshaw driver picked up his carriage and began jogging away. “Quite right, my dear boy, I say I’m scarcely paying attention to you now!” And so that charged Sterling Gates with writing a Supergirl series to the best of his abilities, and his abilities are quite keen in that regard. Don’t believe me? Read my review and see for yourself!

Tales From the Darkside #1 Review and **SPOILERS** - Just for the Hell of it Review

Summer Bummer

Written By: Joe Hill, Michael Benedetto

Art By: Gabriel Rodriguez, Ryan Hill

Lettered By: Robbie Robbins

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: June 22, 2016

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

When I heard there was going to be a Tales From the Darkside comic book series coming from IDW publishers, I thought, “Great! I loved Tales From the Darkside on television as a kid!” Then I read further to find that Joe Hill was writing it, and I thought, “Fabulous! He’s a great author who wrote the horror novel Heart-Shaped Box!” Then I read yet further and saw it was being drawn by Gabriel Rodriguez, and I thought, “Spectacular! Gabriel and Joe teamed up on the incredible IDW series Locke & Key, and Rodriguez is one of the best artists working today!” It was then that I decided not to react to a press release until I had read the whole thing. I was a huge fan of Tales From the Darkside as a kid, I watched it as young as eight years old, when it would air on Saturday nights at 11 PM on WPIX, just before Saturday Night Live on WNBC. It was important to temper Tales From the Darkside with the sketch comedy show, like a chaser after a stiff belt of hard liquor, because the show would scare the wits out of me quite often. Even after not having watched the program in thirty years, there are still episodes that give me the chills to think of. Plus, horror comics are my most favorite genre of comic book! We’re learning so much about me in this intro, but will the review be as informative and one-sided? Read on to find out!

Astonishing Ant-Man #9 Review - Marvel Mondays

Get My Recap On

Written by: Nick Spencer
Art by: Ramon Rosanas
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 15, 2016
Review by: Paul B. (with intro by Spoon James)

With everyone grabbing up all the Marvel books, it was funny to me that nobody grabbed this book. I figured that both Ant-Man and Nick Spencer were pretty hot commodities nowadays and this would be one of the first books scooped up.  I was wrong.  As the day went on and the reviews started piling up, I figured "Someone will eventually at least claim this one for later", but again, I was wrong. So, I started catching up on the series and got to issue #7 when Paul sent me a message that he had written a review.  Paul, you S.O.B.!!!  Actually, I'm glad that someone with more knowledge of the character was reviewing it, though, now that I've jumped into the series, I am really enjoying it. Maybe I'll even get around to watching the movie!  Yea, like always, I'll be the last one to see it, if I ever do get around to watching it.  Some day.  So, here is Paul's review for Astonishing Ant-Man #9 and after I get done writing this intro, I'm going back to finish catching up myself. - Spoon James

Drax #8 Review - Marvel Mondays

In Space...

Written by: C.M. Punk and Cullen Bunn
Art by: Scott Hepburn, Marcus To, Scott Hanna, Antonio Fabela and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 22, 2016

Jumping into this series, I knew two things...C.M. Punk was writing it and Drax was my least favorite character in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie.  Luckily, my love of Punk won out because this comic book surprised the crap out of me.  What I thought was going to be just another ultra violent slug fest actually is a fun book with a colorful cast of characters and a real sense of humor.  Sure, the basics of the story are just that, pretty basic, but this book is all about the journey and the journey has been pretty damn hilarious. So, here goes my review for Drax #8...

The Mighty Thor #8 Review and *SPOILERS* - Marvel Mondays

The 1% of The 1%

Written By: Jason Aaron
Art By: Russell Dauterman, Matthew Wilson, Joe Sabino
Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: June 22, 2016
Publisher: Marvel Comics

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

While I was never the biggest fan of Thor growing up, what with my love for Greek Mythology and Thor having to go and be all about the Norse side of life, but even with that I always respected the character for being a sorta Superman to the Marvel Universe....... Yeah, that might piss off long time Marvel fans...... or just long time Thor fans, but it's the way I go about thinking of things since I'm a DC guy.  So yeah, while I never got on the Donald Blake trolley, now that Jane Foster is our "Mighty" one, I think that Thor has become a more interesting character, especially since our lead is dying of cancer........ That's a strange twist on our hero that I can really get behind because while before we had the son of Odin being all Metal by throwing down the lightning to smite his enemies from a world populated by Gods, now the character has been humanized to the point of actually being on the verge of death and nothing is more human that death.  Let's jump into this issue and see what Jane Foster is up to and what threats she'll have to Mjolnir the hell out of.  Let's check it out.

Rocket Raccoon and Groot #6 Review - Marvel Mondays

Sloppy Fist Bump!

Story by: Skottie Young

Art by: Brett Bean

Price: $3.99

Release Date: June 22, 2016

Publisher: Marvel

Review by: Paul B.  Check out his site HERE

This is a series that Jim's local comic shop owner tried pushing on him back in the day, and it pissed him off!! Is it sad that the my favorite stories involve Jim getting pissed off? Maybe it's the fact that he may be my Quakertown Doppleganger and we have the same crazy experiences. I think I need to make a comic about that, but that's for another time! 

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #8 Review - Marvel Mondays

Crush-tacean...Period!

Written by: Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder
Art by: Natacha Bustos, Tamra Bonvillain and Travis Lanham
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 22, 2016

When we decided to do this whole Marvel Mondays thing, there was a mad scramble to claim books to review.  As I've mentioned numerous times, I have no real Marvel pedigree, so I grabbed books that looked like fun and this was one of the first ones I claimed.  Is is wrong to admit that all the Spider-Man, Inhumans and Avengers books were still up for grabs?  I don't think so.  Marathoning through the series to get up to this issue was a bunch of fun and now I am ready to review the crap out of this book.  Now that sounds like fun, huh?  Well, here goes...