Weird Science DC Comics: 2016-09-18

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Suicide Squad's Most Wanted: El Diablo and Boomerang #2 Review and SPOILERS

Over and Out

Written by: Jai Nitz, Micheal Moreci

Art by: Cliff Richards, Oscar Bazaldua

Release Date: September 21, 2016

**NONSPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Do you want to know something about the characters of the Suicide Squad? In my mind, each of its members is set to fill out a particular type of story mold for me. If I want something more emotional, I look to Harley, Killer Croc, or in this case El Diablo as those characters are more sympathetic. For a roaring adventure, I look to Deadshot or Boomerang, because they're awesome when it comes to action. If writers can stick to these molds, then there's a good chance you'll get a decent score. If you can do something new with the character, you'll get a better one. However only one of these stories tries something new with their character. Not that it's a bad thing, in fact, one could argue it's better. What do I mean by that? Let's dive in so I can explain...

Written by: Eliot Rahal and Daniel Kibblesmith

Art by: Kendall Goode
Cover Price: $3.50
Release Date: September 28, 2016
Publisher: Heavy Metal

I think when Eliot Rahal and Daniel Kibblesmith come up with the concept of The Doorman they just said to each other, "How about we make a book that's a combination of everything that Jim Werner likes, yet make it fresh and original to boot". I'm sure they'd deny this, but I know better! If you are a fan of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Doctor Who, Red Dwarf, Stargate, Rick & Morty, Discworld...really, just about everything up to and including Small Wonder, you need to read this book. The best and worst thing about the series is that this is the last issue (for now) so it's easy to jump on board right now. So, does this finale kick as much ass as the previous issues and make me start wishing for more issues right away? Let's find out...

While Night of the Monster Men has just gotten underway, DC is already showing us what's ahead for Batman. It's I AM Suicide and I can't wait! Hey, I am not as against crossovers as some other people, but I really want to get back to Tom King and the regular Batman run. Well, here is a preview and press release that makes the wait feel even longer...

Welcome to the Weird Science DC Comics Comic Books of the Week column or maybe I should call it the Superman Celebration! Yep, the Man of Steel is hitting hard this week and I love it. I'd also like to welcome Eric Shea to the festivities as he usually isn't seen in these parts...he is known as the "Tough Scorer" of the Weird Science Get Fresh Crew. In case you wondered, Reggie is known as the "Cute One" and I'm known as the "Quiet One". -Jim

Black Hole Sun (Cause Why Not)

Written By: Mike Mignola & Chris Roberson

Art by: Stephen Green, Dave Stewart, Mike Huddleston

Letters: Mike Huddleston

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 21, 2016

Review by: Ryan Douglas

*Non Spoilers and Score at the Bottom*

I haven't read a Hellboy book in awhile. So I was excited to jump into this new series. We get to see what shenanigans the red devil will get into. Since the issue is a number one, it's a great jumping-on point for new readers and old fans.

Top 5 Fridays: Top 5 Questions I Was Left With In Injustice

Welcome back to another exciting installment of Top 5 Fridays! Well since Trinity has come out its time for a list of the times I've scratched- oh you readers know I'm kidding. This week injustice finished up, and I will say it's been one memorable ride. It's had its highs and lows. It's had moments where it had me tear up and moments where I screamed in anger(*cough cough* Constantine is a jerk). There's one other thing the series left me with nitpicking questions! Today's list will include SPOILERS for the Injustice series and is opinion based, so if you see something you don't like I apologize. Enough talk! Let's put on out thinking caps and jump back into the early years of Injustice one last time!

Apple Computers Presents the iEye

Written By: John Rivera, Gerard Way
Art By: Michael Avon Oeming
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: October 19, 2016

Cave Carson has done it all: survived countless adventures below the Earth’s surface, met the love of his life, and gotten a cybernetic eye...somehow. After he and his wife, Eileen, sent their only daughter Chloe off to college, Cave was ready to become just another mundane member of the surface world. That is, until Eileen got sick. Newly widowed, Cave tries to piece his life back together when a knock on the door of his secret underground lab pulls him back into a past that he and Eileen thought they had left buried deep within the Earth.

Let me tell you folks something: I don't know anything about Cave Carson. Actually, that's not true. In researching the Doom Patrol for this week's Cosmic Treadmill (on the main Weird Science DC Comics Podcast every week!) I learned that Bruno Premiani co-created the character. Beyond that, I am at a loss. The art looks cool, and the idea of anyone with a cybernetic eye is pretty great, so I have high hopes. But I don't have anything to add beyond telling you to check out some covers and early preview pages below!

Weird Science DC Comics Podcast Spotlight: Trinity #1

Jim and Eric get together to talk about Francis Manapul's new book, Trinity #1. Did they like it? Is Jim really sick? Does Eric get upset about continuity? Find out all that and more and if you like what you hear, download their main podcast that sometimes goes as long as 11 hours, but is always up and running each and every Sunday Night! Enjoy!

Same Old Song and Dance

Created By: Tom Kapinos
Directed By: Nathan Hope
Written By: Joe Henderson
Starring: Tom Ellis, Lauren German, D.B. Woodside, and more.
Air Date: September 19, 2016
Channel: FOX

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Lucifer has returned and I’m honestly not sure if that is a good thing or a bad one. I know many people did not enjoy watching the first season of Lucifer. That said, I found the show to be something of a mixed bag myself. Sure, they took a character and made a typical cop procedural drama out of it and that sucks but what they did with it has been somewhat nice. That said, the big thing last season was the fact that Lucifer was becoming mortal and could be killed. They managed to harp on this idea for most of the season and it got old really quickly. When Lucifer is powerless, he is no longer the epic and threatening being that we are all entertained to watch. Instead, he becomes the overcompensating douche that we have to put up with. That said, after last season when Lucifer was spared from death, I am hoping that storyline would be put in the past or at least put on hold. Does this new season bring new and exciting storylines and leave the old and stale ones behind? Let’s find out.

We’ve Got You Covered

Yet another week of solid comics from the folks at DC Comics, and a lot of them were wrapped in swell covers! You want to see them all? You’ll have to dig through previews or go check them out at the store, I’m only going to do five here. But I do want to give a special mention to Trinity #1: while the regular edition’s cover was good, it didn’t make the list. But if this grouping was for comic book interiors, Trinity #1 would win, hands down! Absolutely gorgeous book, you should take a look. But don’t get too distracted yet, take a look at my best DC Comics covers of the week!

Weird Science DC Comics Podcast Ep 89: Dc Rebirth Week 14, Comics and Daddy Issues

Week 14 of Rebirth is here and it's brought with it a TON of books! A ton = 16 and Jim, Eric and Reggie tackle them, but who really comes out a winner? They hope it's you! Enjoy this long ass episode that hopefully will remain their longest for a long time!

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Written by: Brian Buccellato
Art by: Mike S. Miller, J. Nanjan and Wes Abbot
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: June 20, 2016

This is the end, beautiful friend

This is the end, my only friend, the end

Of our elaborate plans, the end

Of everything that stands, the end

No safety or surprise, the end

I'll never look into your eyes, again

So play the game "Existence" to the end...
... Of the beginning, of the beginning
Of the beginning, of the beginning
Of the beginning, of the beginning
Of the beginning, of the beginning

Yadda, Yadda, Yadda, Gods, Yadda, Yadda Yadda, Fate

Written By: Paul Levitz
Art By: Sonny Liew, Lee Loughridge, Saida Temofonte
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Who's ready for another mediocre issue of a superhero who should be wowing us month after month instead of making us wonder why the hell this series is still going on. Yeah, I may seem a bit harsh here, but this series has just been nonsense nonstop and besides for introducing Kent Nelson into the story, it's really made no strides in giving us a competent hero or even one that's likable....... I mean, Khalid is so underdeveloped that I don't know anything about him besides for the fact that he has aspirations of being a doctor, whines a lot and doesn't get any off of his girlfriend. That may be fine for some, but each issue just seems to be something thrown together that doesn't matter in the overall scheme of things. Like in the previous issue we saw Central Park overrun with mummies and while our hero did save a couple of people, he was primarily just trying to get to his girlfriend, while Kent Nelson did the heavy lifting of stopping the threat........... But I have no idea what the threat even was or how it happened. All I know is, at the end of the issue a scary glowing dude walked out of a portal and by the stink face he had on, he wasn't there for a party. Let's jump into this issue and see who old stink face was and what he wants out of Khalid.

Don't Tell Mom I'm A Green Lantern

Written By: Sam Humphries
Art By: Ronan Cliquet, Blond, Dave Sharpe
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

I know I've probably said this at the beginning of all my reviews for Green Lanterns, but here it is again. This was the title that I was looking forward to the most when the Rebirth titles were announced. After reading a bunch of issues though, I wasn't impressed at all. It was just the same thing over and over again and that includes characters, who were constantly bickering or yelling about how they couldn't do something. Thankfully, in my mind, that all changed last issue, where we saw Jessica finally step up and become the Green Lantern we all wanted her to be and to my surprise, we also saw a change in Simon, where he was legitimately happy for Jessica and with that, the bickering turned into congratulations and general happiness, which I just freaking loved! Let's continue our journey with the characters we saw from last issue now that they've destroyed the Hell Tower and Simon introduced his family to his partner, who he's proud of. Let's check it out.

A Night Out At The County Fair

Written By: Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason
Art By: Jorge Jimenez, Alejandro Sanchez, Rob Leigh
Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: September 21, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

While I wasn't the biggest fan of the Eradicator story in the previous issues of Superman, what I was a big fan of was the family moments between our Man of Steel, Lois and Jon. I could sit and read about them just doing day to day stuff, like running errands, cleaning the house and even waiting at the DMV to get their licences renewed...... but maybe that's just me. I love the Superman family and with us jumping into a new story, I hope that we can continue the things that I love, while also getting to see a little bit of Superman going on........... Okay, that's enough pretending, that's exactly what we get here so let's jump into this issue and check it out.

The Road to Considering the Planning of Action

Written By: Dan Abnett

Art By: Scot Eaton, Wayne Faucher, Gabe Eltaeb

Lettered By: Pat Brosseau

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: September 21, 2016

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

The thing about politics is that it is so flipping boring. And it must have been designed that way, right? Core principles have been obfuscated by layers of interpretation and bureaucracy, so that even the great accomplishments or nefarious misdeeds of our representatives have little palpable effect. At least in the immediate sense. Government policy of the last several decades has hinged on putting off until tomorrow what should be considered today, allowing the platforms of successive candidates to be built on correcting the mistakes of their forebears. Am I emulating C-Span yet? This issue of Aquaman begins a new story arc, and you know I was no great fan of the previous one. But I believe every yarn is a new opportunity to dazzle and delight me, or at least not bore me to anger. Let’s take a look, shall we?

We're Gonna Need A Bigger City

Written By: Steve Orlando, Tim Seeley
Art By: Roge Antonio, Chris Sotomayor, Carlos M. Mangual
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

It's time for the second part of the Night of The Monster Men story.......... if you missed part one, go see the review for Batman #7...... or you know, just read the book. Anyway, Gotham is under siege from big ass monsters and it's taking all of Batman's Gotham allies to keep things cool and calm, since we've also got a hurricane going on that the city hasn't seen the likes of since Zero Year. Yeah, it seems that Hugo Strange set all of this up pretty flawlessly, especially since Batman still doesn't know what these monster are or what is making them tick. Let's jump into this issue of Nightwing and see if our titular hero takes center stage in this book or if it's like Bryan Adams told us when he said "It's all for one and all for love"........... When is Bryan Adams ever wrong though? Let's check it out and see our heroes beat the shit out of some monsters!

Half the Man I Used to Be

Written by: Benjamin Percy
Art by: Stephen Byrne and Nate Piekos
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

Overall, I have liked the Rebirth Green Arrow book and while some people scoffed at this Emiko story, it is already a highlight for me. Maybe it's because I am an Emiko fanboy or just that Benjamin Percy wrote a pretty kick ass first issue to the arc, but I couldn't wait to get this issue in my grubby little hands. Now that I've smudged it up with a combination of bacon grease and mayonnaise (don't ask), was the wait worth it? Let's find out...

You’re Moving With Your Auntie and Uncle in the Bay Area

Written By: Marv Wolfman

Art By: Alisson Borges, Blond

Lettered By: A Larger World

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: September 21, 2016

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

For as long as I’ve read various iterations of the Teen Titans, the one character I never cottoned to completely is Raven. I don’t hate her, but she always spends so much time away from the team, sulking in her room or actively telling people to bug off, that it’s hard to understand what makes her tick. Like yeah, I understand, she’s the daughter of a hell borne abomination dedicated to pure evil and destruction—but what’s her favorite flavor of ice cream? What kind of books does she read, besides the Necronomicon? Does she listen to Metal? There’s no better scribe to explain all of that to me than the character’s co-creator Marv Wolfman, in a six-issue miniseries titled Raven. And you can read all about the first issue of that miniseries, right here!

I Want Justice!

Written by: Bryan Hitch
Art by: Tony S. Daniel, Sandu Florea, Tomeu Morey and Richard Starkings
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

I have not liked this book since Rebirth. If you have, I am glad for you and I bet that I couldn't convince you otherwise and vice versa. That's fine because I am not here to tell you what to think, but give you my review, for what that's worth. I will give Bryan Hitch credit, he came out of the box swinging and has tried to give fans a BIG story worthy of the Justice League (I almost wrote "Earth's Mightiest Heroes"). Yes, I said "tried". The biggest problem I have had with this book so far is the lack of any real information when it comes to the this threat. Sure, it seems big, but what the hell is it really? So, Bryan Hitch has one last issue to show us all what this story is all about. Does he pull back the curtain and make it all make sense or is it just another confusing entry in a book I want to drop? Let's find out...

A Day in the Life of Harley Quinn

Written By: Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti

Art By: Joseph Michael Linsner, Alex Sinclair

Lettered By: Dave Sharpe

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: September 21, 2016

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

One oversight in the membership of the Gang of Harleys—and yes, I know this is a review for Harley Quinn and not Harley Quinn and her Gang of Harleys—is that there’s no Gnarly Quinn. Seems like a lay-up to me. A Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Harley Quinn style. The character can be female, that’s fine. This comic’s already got plenty of weed jokes “rolling” around (see, I can do it, too!), I don’t see why we can’t just have a pot head Harley. Or an alcoholic with a penchant for artisanal beer called Barley Quinn. Gosh, writing comics is easy! I see why Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner do it. And boy, they do it pretty well, as you’ll learn when you read my review of Harley Quinn #4!

Monster Mash

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Riley Rossmo, Ivan Plascencia and Deron Bennett
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

Batman has been one of my favorite Rebirth titles and while I was excited about the Night of the
Monster Men crossover when it was announced, now that it's here, I kind of wish we could just continue with our regularly scheduled programing. I guess I can't really complain as this is the first crossover since Rebirth started, but since when do I need a reason to bitch and moan?!? I promise I won't let any of that taint my overall score, but I wanted to let you know where I stood going in. So, does Steve Orlando and company have what it takes to wow regular readers and start this crossover with a bang? Let's find out...

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Written by: Francis Manapul
Art by: Francis Manapul and Steve Wands
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

There are only a couple of books that I've been waiting for to debut in Rebirth and this is one of them.For the longest time, Eric had claimed this for review, but the way the books fell, he was overloaded this week so I snatched it away from him. I am a huge Francis Manapul fan and I am so hoping that this book can take the place of Bryan Hitch's lackluster Justice League book. Now that it's here, does it? Let's find out...

Soul Quest

Written By: John Semper Jr.
Art By: Paul Pelletier, Tony Kordos, Scott Hanna, Guy Major, Rob Leigh
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

For story arc after story arc we've been dealing with Cyborg questioning his humanity and wondering exactly where his place in the world is, but hopefully with this new arc we're dealing with, we'll finally get Vic to stop moping around and realize that while he may be a machine, he's all man where it counts........... in his soul, you sickos. That's what we're going to be dealing with here, while that strange ass cyborg that looks like Vic's father tries to put an end to humanity by creating a cyborg uprising, which apparently needs our boy Cyborg to be the catalyst. Let's jump into this issue and see if Vic's moping around can be flipped on it's head so that our hero can be one with humanity right when we need him the most. Let's check it out.

PREVIEW: Justice League #5

Written by: Bryan Hitch

Art by: Tony S. Daniel, Sandu Florea, Tomeu Morey and Richard Starkings
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

“THE EXTINCTION MACHINE” part 5! In this concluding chapter, the race to the corners of the Earth is on for Aquaman as he holds the key to saving our planet from destruction—if he can make it in time before the last doomsday machine powers up! Can Superman survive his trip to the Earth¹s core? Is this the final battle between the Justice League and The Kindred—or just the start of something far worse?

Written by: Benjamin Percy
Art by: Stephen Byrne and Nate Piekos

Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

“THE KILLING TIME”! In a tale from happier but no less dangerous times, Green Arrow labors to train a new apprentice who’s every bit as deadly as his fiercest villains: a teenage girl. But before Emiko and Ollie can embrace as brother and sister, they have to save Seattle from a foe that can see the future of anyone he chooses—anyone, that is, except for Emiko Queen…

Written by: Steve Orlando

Art by: Riley Rossmo, Ivan Plascencia and Deron Bennett
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

“NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN” part 1! The first crossover of the “Rebirth” era is here! As a huge storm approaches, Batman, Batwoman, and Nightwing try and prepare Gotham City for the worst, but nothing can prepare them for enormous tall monsters rampaging through the streets! Batman will need all of his allies to unite in order to stop these mad science monsters from tearing their city apart!

Written by: Francis Manapul

Art by: Francis Manapul and Steve Wands
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 21, 2016

“BETTER TOGETHER” part 1! Together again for the first time! Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The core of the World's Greatest Heroes…but with a new Man of Steel, the bonds these three share will be tested and redefined by super-star writer/artist Francis Manapul. In this premiere issue, see the trio travel from Metropolis to Gotham City and beyond to learn what forces launched their heroic careers. But how will this journey of discovery lead them to a new threat?

Navigation

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Black Hole Sun (Cause Why Not)

Friday, September 23, 2016

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Same Old Song and Dance

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Yadda, Yadda, Yadda, Gods, Yadda, Yadda Yadda, Fate

Don't Tell Mom I'm A Green Lantern

A Night Out At The County Fair

We're Gonna Need A Bigger City

Half the Man I Used to Be

I Want Justice!

Monster Mash

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Soul Quest

Tuesday, September 20, 2016