Weird Science DC Comics: 2016-10-30

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Flash Gordon: Kings Cross #1 Review and Spoilers

Just a Man

Written by: Jeff Parker
Artist: Jesse Hamm

Colors: Grace Allison
Letters: Simon Bowland
Publisher: Dynamite
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: November 2, 2016
Review by: Ryan Douglas

Check at Ryan's Podcast HERE

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

First, we catch up with The Phantom and Jedda Walker at a movie theater where the news is being shown. There we get a short recap regarding Ming the Merciless being exiled and believed to be killed after attempting to invade Earth. We find the Phantoms bust in to arrest a man who was found guilty of poaching lions in the fictional African country Bangalla. By Phantom law, Jedda punches the man and leaves the Phantom mark on his forehead. Right after an earthquake starts to shake the theater.

Top 5 Fridays: Top 5 Political Leaders of the DCU

Welcome back to another politically charged installment of Top 5 Fridays! Unless you are one of the five readers from across the ocean, you should know this Tuesday is the presidential election. I don't think I'm the first to say how crazy of an election year it has been, especially with the two candidates. Now while I'm not going to talk about my political beliefs on a comic blog, I will admit that the election has made me reminisce on some of the political leaders in the DC universe. We have Kings, Queens, and even a teenage president running around the DC universe, so I thought I would talk about a few of my favorites today. As always this is an opinion based list, so if you don't see a character you like, I apologize. With that out-of-the-way, let's step into the ballot box and take a look at this list.

Weird Science DC Comics Podcast Spotlight: Catwoman Election Night Special #1 & The Flintstones #5

The spotlight is on and it's all about the Election...the one in Gotham and the other in Bedrock that is. Jim, Eric and Reggie get together to talk Catwoman, Prez and Flintstones, but try to avoid any and all real political stuff. Who wants to hear about politics from these guys anyway?!? Enjoy the spotlight and make sure to listen to the regular podcast that comes out Sunday Night where the guys talk about every single DC Comic that came out that week.

My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad

You know, it just occurred to me: by doing this article next week, I'm covering covers! Whoaa...nice batch this week, though it looks like some regular ones edged out the variants. One of them is sort of a personal pleasure of mine...why am I writing about the covers I'm going to write about? Read on and take a look!

Cyborg #4 Review and SPOILERS

A Nightmare At STAR Labs 2: Cyborg's Revenge

Written By: John Semper Jr.
Art By: Timothy Green II, Joseph Silver, Guy Major, Rob Leigh
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Cyborg's still having that same old problem where he's not sure whether he's a man or a machine.......... yeah, I know it's the same old story whenever anyone starts writing for our techno titan, but at least this time it's a little different to the point where I don't loath reading it....... I know, not the best vote in confidence, but Cyborg has at least been interesting, especially since we saw in the last issue that Dr. Silas Stone blocked some of our hero's memories when he was originally brought online and while these memories might unlock a terrible truth....... well, things are already terrible because somebody has taken control of Cyborg's body while his mind was shutdown to retrieve these memories so now it's a fight with the scientists at STAR Labs against a rampaging Victor Stone and a fight between Vic and the Justice League as he's trapped inside of his mind. Let's jump into this issue and find out if Cyborg can tell himself that it's only a dream or if he'll go all A Nightmare On Elm St. on us and die in real life because he happened to die in his dream. Let's check it out.

Why are you hitting yourself?

Written by: Chris Sebela and Brian Buccellato

Art by: Pop Mhan, J. Nanjan, Wes Abbott and Ben Oliver

Cover Price: $0.99

Release Date: November 1, 2016

Review by: Dillyn Chadwick

Check out Dillyn's Podcast, DC Bros. Podcast HERE

Dillyn here back at you again with another Injustice review. With such a lackluster chapter last week, I had much higher expectations with this one. Did it disappoint again or are we on a roll this time? Let’s find out!

Will Anything Happen?

Writers: Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti

Artist: John Timms

Colors: Alex Sinclair, Hi-Fi

Letters: Dave Sharpe

Cover: Amanda Conner & Alex Sinclair

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: November 2, 2016

**NON SPOILER AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Well the Skull Bags are sitting around and ready to go

They’re ready to go now, they got their guitars

And they’re gonna go down to the Villain Nightclub uh oh

And she just had to stay, she had to break a face

Well North Brooklyn really has it all oh yeah

Harley is a punk rocker

Harley is a punk rocker now

War! What is it Good For?

Writer: Mark Russell

Artist: Steve Pugh

Colorist: Chris Chuckry

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Cover Artists: Lee Weeks and Laura Martin

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: November 2, 2016

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Just think folks, one week from today the United States Presidential Election will be decided and, according to my social media feeds, the country will descend into an irrevocable firearm-fueled civil war regardless of which side wins. Isn’t that nice? What the hell has happened to people in this country and world? I feel like any nation where the majority of its citizens can still line up for the McRib every other year doesn’t deserve an armed revolt. And the thing is I’m not even pining for a day in my lifetime that politics wasn’t a crooked game of nepotism and backdoor deals—that day never existed as far as I know. I just want people to get back to being distracted by tech toys and reality television and stop threatening to shoot each other. They didn’t have that problem in the Town of Bedrock, namely because they didn’t have gunpowder or bullets. That doesn’t mean their election seasons went smoothly, though, as you’ll find if you read my review of the Flintstones #5!

What’s Apocalyptic Prophecy Between Friends?

Writer: Dan Abnett

Penciller: Brad Walker

Inker: Andrew Hennessy

Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb

Cover: Brad Walker, Andrew Hennessy & Gabe Eltaeb

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: November 2, 2016

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Good day, undesirables. My name is Mother Cetera and I am supposed to welcome you to the Tower of the Widowhood. Unfortunately, I am not accustomed to welcoming vile pieces of excrement, so you find me at a social disadvantage. You are attending classes in the Tower designed to transform you from putrid urchins into respectable young ladies that can comport themselves within civilized Atlantean society. Frankly, I am quite concerned. I do not think this feat can be performed successfully for the majority of you gathered before me today. I have half a mind to send this class to the military academy to become fodder for the churning war machine. For the time being, read this review of Aquaman #10 where the Tower of the Widowhood attempts to change a low-class strumpet into a woman fit for royalty. Are we successful? Don’t ask stupid questions, girls, read the review and find out yourselves.

School Haze

Shade the Changing Girl #2
"earth girl made easy, chapter 2: School is Hell"
Written by Cecil Castellucci
Illustrated by Marley Zarcone
Inked by Ande Parks
Colors by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: 11.02.2016

Having already been infested by a bird critter, Miss Megan must return to her life as a high school student. Watch as she roams the halls of Amelia Bloomer High School and has run-ins with old friends... and old victims.

In case you were wondering, Amelia Bloomer was a women's rights activist during the late nineteenth century. If her name makes you think about colonial underwear... there's probably a reason for that. On with Shade!

Vote Early and Often

Written by: Meredith Finch, Mark Russell
Art by: Shane Davis, Igor Vitorino Ben Caldwell, Marl Morales,
Jeremy Lawson, Michelle Delecki and Gabe Eltaeb
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

If there is one thing that I really try to avoid (besides foods rich in vitamins and minerals) it's politics. I'm not sure if it's because I know nothing about it or that I really don't care, but I'd say each of those fuels each other to make me a moron when it comes to the subject. So, when I heard that DC was putting out an Election Day issue, I figured Reggie would be reviewing it. Not because he cares more about the subject, but because he still blames Eric and myself for the demise of Prez! Well, I was half right. Reggie is indeed going to review the Prez part of this book (yes, despite the title, there is a Prez part) while I take the Catwoman bit. I do love me some Catwoman and will take her anyway I can, even if it does involve the "P" word. So, what did we think of this timely issue? Let's find out...

Dreams Really Do Come True

Written By: Sam Humphries
Art By: Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, Blond, Dave Sharpe
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

After seeing Frank Laminski's terrible fucking life in the previous issue and seeing how he was denied being a Green Lantern even though that's all he ever wanted, you can't help but root for the little nut case as we go forward in this issue.......... Well, maybe not root for....... actually, it's probably not wise to even encourage him because with him now being partnered up with the First Lantern: Volthoom, I'm guessing that old Frankie boy isn't about to be a damn boy scout when he lays his hands on the Phantom Ring. Let's jump into this issue and see if I'm proven wrong or if Frank should probably be kept away from a power ring just for his own and everyone else's safety. Let's check it out.

Falling Down

Written By: Tim Seeley
Art By: Javier Fernandez, Chris Sotomayor, Carlos M. Mangual
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Alright all you Nightwing fans, it's time to end our Rise of The Raptor arc and get on with what this series can possibly be. Yeah, that's a little negative right off the bat, but I've just been tired of reading about this strange ass character and his "do whatever I need it to do" gauntlet that I still don't understand. Raptor just hasn't been that interesting to me and I hate the way that Nightwing acts around him and now hopefully since Raptor kidnapped Bruce Wayne in the previous issue, we can get Dick Grayson back to being the hero we all know and love with him possibly parting ways with his short term partner. Let's jump into this issue and see the final conflict between Nightwing and Raptor and find out what drives Raptor to do the things he does. Let's check it out.

War Torn

Written By: Marc Andreyko
Art By: Aaron Lopresti, Livesay, Blond, Josh Reed
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Rann got a little less nice looking in the previous issue to this series, when Sardath and Alanna witnessed two Thanagarians show up and pull a suicide bomber act, starting up what appears to be a whole new Rann/Thanagar war. Now, I'm all about Hawkman and got excited as hell when starting this series last month, but damn did we get a whole lot of Adam Strange instead. I guess, we need to build up to an actual story, especially one where Hawkman and Adam Strange team-up, I just hope that we start getting a little savage with this issue because I've been seriously Hawkman deprived. Let's jump into to this issue and see what our two heroes will do to try and stop things before they escalate, but since we started out seeing them beat to hell in what already appears to be all out war, I don't know how well that will go. Let's check it out.

Highway to Hell

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Fernando Blanco, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Josh Reed
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

I liked the first issue of Midnighter and Apollo. There, I said it. Does that mean everyone can get off my case and realize that I don't hate Steve Orlando...I just am not a huge fan. It's all about his dialogue and while I've read other books where he is more than competent, when the words come out of Midnighter's mouth, something goes wrong. Worse yet, the guest stars hanging out around Midnighter become infected as well and out of nowhere, everyone is talking like the bad parody of a 90's action flick. That may sound cool, but believe me, it's not. So, does this issue rise above all that to give the reader some kick ass moments? Let's find out...

How To Make Friends and Intimidate People

Written By: Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason

Art By: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, John Kalisz, Rob Leigh

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: November 2, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

While this Superman run has been something that I look forward to whenever it's released, I have to say that it's this story here that I've been anticipating the most. We've got our Bat father and son and our Super father and son finally meeting up and with that, the new series Super Sons spinning out of it next year. Hell, I probably would have been alright with that series being called World's Finest because whether Damian and Jon are, Damian would surely take on that moniker and make sure to prove it. Let's jump into this issue and see if these two youngsters first meeting is all about pinatas and RC Cola or if they're anything like me growing up and have to fight someone in order to become good friends. Let's check it out.

Dial M for Murderousness

Written by: Ben Percy
Art by: Juan Ferreyra and Nate Piekos
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

Ben Percy has spent the last bunch of issues focusing on his individual characters without pushing the
overall story ahead much. Hopefully, that changes here with his “Murder On The Empire Express” story. While the whole Trans Pacific Railway concept doesn't completely jive in my mind just yet, I am willing to see what it's all about and where it is going. That being said, I am just glad to see Ollie, Dinah and Diggle together and with a little luck, Emiko won't be too far behind. I'm all for this Team Arrow and can't wait to see how Ben Percy handles them. Do I get to see any of that this issue and is it any good? Let's find out...

What a Hack!

Written by: Bryan Hitch
Art by: Neil Edwards, Daniel Henriques, Tony Avina and Richard Starkings
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

Another Justice League issue is upon us and after the two part "State of Fear" story, I am looking forward to this "Outbreak" arc. I know some of you are probably wondering what I mean after reading my other reviews, but I am a DC Comics fan who is clinging to the hope that Bryan Hitch will right the flagship and give everyone the kick ass book they want and deserve. Is that what we get here? Let's find out...

Breaking Great

Written by: Tom King
Art by: Mikel Janin, June Chung and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

Last issue of Batman was some pretty kick ass setup for Batman and his Suicide Squad. The Team may be a bit strange, but that's the main reason that I'm so pumped going into this issue. The group and the fact that they are heading to Santa Prisca to face Bane is just so damn cool that I really couldn't wait the two weeks between issues. I'm telling you, that hasn't been happening lately. So, now that the issue is here, was it worth the wait? Let's find out...

PREVIEW: Green Lanterns #10

Written By: Sam Humphries
Art By: Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, Blond, Dave Sharpe
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

“THE PHANTOM RING” part two! The Phantom Ring was never supposed to return from the place where the Guardians of the Universe hid it. Can Jessica and Baz control and contain its ancient power before it falls into the waiting hands of an unexpected new foe?

I really enjoyed the first part to this story and can't wait to find out what the Phantom Ring will do to rock the Universe and test our newest Green Lanterns beyond the point that they've ever been tested.

Written By: Marc Andreyko
Art By: Aaron Lopresti, Livesay, Blond, Josh Reed
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

Imprisoned on Rann and accused of being a spy for the enemy Thanagarians, Adam Strange finds a most unusual ally in his rescuer, Hawkman, who knows his people are innocent of the recent devastating attack on Rann and is desperately searching for the truth of who began this conflict...and why!

While we got a little more Adam Strange than I would have liked in a title called "Death of Hawkman" last issue, I do have to admit that I found the whole thing intriguing and can't wait to continue the adventure.

What's Light Got to Do With It?

Writer: Dan Abnett

Penciller: Brad Walker
Inker: Andrew Hennessy
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb
Cover: Brad Walker, Andrew Hennessy & Gabe Eltaeb
Variant Cover: Joshua Middleton
Cover Price: $2.99
On Sale Date: November 2, 2016

“HOUSE OF LIGHT”! Before Mera can marry Aquaman and become the Queen of Atlantis, she must undergo numerous trials to appease the ancient traditions of her adopted homeland. But not everyone in the court of Atlantis is keen to see an outsider ascend to the throne!

Ooh, after the previous two-part story that was lots of fun, we get to follow Mera through Finishing School! I am interested to know what's been happening over at the Tower of the Widowhood, though, what with Mother Cetera breaking Mera's balls all the time. Ever since that bloated opening arc for the book, my enjoyment of this series has increased with every issue. Let's see if this continues the trend!

Picture This

Writers: Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti
Artist: John Timms
Colors: Alex Sinclair, Hi-Fi
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Cover: Amanda Conner & Alex Sinclair
Variant Cover: Bill Sinekiewicz
Cover Price: $2.99
On Sale Date: November 2, 2016

“EAT TO THIS BEAT” part 3! Harley’s punk-rock epic concludes with her and her bandmates in way too deep on their undercover mission to take down a brutal gang of thieves and murderers!

Well, we know this three-part arc was re-titled "Undercover Punker," but the basic idea is still the same: this is the conclusion! It's been a lot of silly fun so far, so I hope it concludes on a high note. And no, I don't mean the sound Harley makes when she sits on an ice cold toilet bowl.

A Polling Stone Gathers No Moss

Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Steve Pugh
Colorist: Chris Chuckry
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Cover Artists: Lee Weeks and Laura Martin
Variant Cover Artist: Bengal
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: November 2, 2016

It’s time to “Bedrock the vote!” With the Bedrock mayoral race heating up, the local middle school decides to join in on the fun by holding their own election for class president. Will Ralph the Bully punch his way to victory? Or is there a new kind of candidate waiting in the wings to start a revolution? Meanwhile, Fred and Barney reminisce about their days fighting for their city as part of the Water Buffalo army.

Hey, this is timely subject, huh? In fact, Election Day in the U.S. is exactly one week away from today! So one week from tomorrow, we'll find out if we're run by a corrupt, mean-spirited, underhanded double-dealer, or the other candidate! One thing is for sure, whatever happens in a week will have no impact on the fictional events of prehistoric humankind!

Earth Girls Are Easy

Written By: Cecil Castellucci
Illustrated By: Marley Zarcone
Inks (pgs. 12-13) By: Andre Parks
Colors By: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letters By: Saida Temofonte
Cover By: Becky Cloonan
Variant Cover By: Chynna Clugston Flores
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: November 2, 2016

Shade has settled into her adopted human body, but the rest of her high school isn't sure how to deal with this strange new behavior from the girl they once knew. The more Shade learns about Megan's former life, the more she realizes everyone hates her. It's one of many fresh sensations Shade is getting to know. Being a human is galaxies different than being from Meta, and it's not going to be easy balancing all of that with the madness that brought her here.

Now that Megan has been infused with whatever Shade is, I guess it's time to get on with something that resembles a normal life. Unfortunately, I don't know that an American high school is the best place to do this. I'm sure there will be psychedelic hijinks aplenty in this issue and I can't wait to read it!

Written By: Tim Seeley
Art By: Javier Fernandez, Chris Sotomayor, Carlos M. Mangual
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

“RISE OF THE RAPTOR” conclusion! Raptor’s true colors have been revealed as he takes Batman hostage! Nightwing will have to use every skill he’s ever learned to save his old mentor from the wrath of his new mentor.

While I'm still a little interested in Raptor, I have to say that I'll be happy when this arc is over because I want to see what else this series has in store for Dick Grayson because I haven't really been enjoying myself with what we've been getting so far.

Written By: Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason
Art By: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, John Kalisz, Rob Leigh
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 2, 2016

“IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER” part one! For the first time, the Man of Tomorrow and the Boy of Steel team up with the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder in a father-son adventure you won’t want to miss! Damian Wayne has been hearing a lot about this mysterious new Superboy, and now’s his chance to find out who he is...

It's the beginning of the Super Sons right here and this is something that I've been waiting for since it was announced. This has the makings of being a great story and I'm psyched as hell.

Navigation

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Just a Man

Friday, November 4, 2016

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

A Nightmare At STAR Labs 2: Cyborg's Revenge

Why are you hitting yourself?

Vote Early and Often

Dreams Really Do Come True

Falling Down

War Torn

Highway to Hell

How To Make Friends and Intimidate People

Dial M for Murderousness

What a Hack!

Breaking Great

Tuesday, November 1, 2016