Underwinter #4 Review

What's Under There?

Written by: Ray Fawkes
Art by: Ray Fawkes
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 28, 2017


I have found the bane of my existence and its name is Underwinter. I have made this series my cross to bear regardless of how much I’ve disliked it. I just keep waiting for something to click that suddenly make me look at it differently, for it to have some kind of effect on me. We left off from the last issue with the group starting to be more outwardly effected by the creature they play for, will this issue show those effects take a more meaningful turn? Will we learn more about the characters to make us actually care? I really hope so. Find out, along with me, after the jump.

Secret Weapons #1 Review

 

Cause You Got Strange Powers

Writer: Eric Heisserer
Artists: Raul Allen, Patricia Martin
Letterer: Patricia Martin
Cover Artist: Raul Allen
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 28, 2017

Review by: Ryan Douglas

Secret Weapons has been on my radar for awhile now. When the news was released Arrival screenwriter was joining Valiant, I was pretty jazzed. Arrival was one of my favorite films of last year, which spiked my hype around this book even more. This should be a great jumping on point, introducing new characters and a new story in the Valiant mythos. The train is leaving folks, let’s get into it.

Weird Science DC Comics Spotlight Podcast: Action Comics #982

Jim and Eric get together to talk about Action Comics #982...It's the beginning of the Super League vs the Superman Revenge Squad.  Enjoy!

Top 5 Fridays: Top 5 Moments of DC Rebirth Year One

Welcome to another exciting edition of the Top 5 Fridays! Do you want to know something surprising? It has been a year since the launch of DC rebirth. In that year we have gone on amazing adventures with the superheroes we know and love, as well as new heroes. There have been moments that made us inspired, made us cry, and just flat out kick ass action. To honor the one year anniversary of this re-launch from our favorite comic company, I will be going over some of my favorite moments throughout the series. This was actually a very difficult list to make; there have been so many memorable moments that it was difficult to bring it down to five. That's why I ask you, the reader, to put down some of your own favorite moments. As always this is my personal opinion, so if you don't  see a moment you love, leave it down below. Enough chitchat! It's time to get going with this list...

Throwback Thursday: Divergence FCBD Special Edition #1 Review

Sign Me Up!

Written by: Scott Snyder, Gene Luen Yang and Geoff Johns
Art by: Greg Capullo, John Romita, Jr. and Jason Fabok
Cover Price: FREE
Release Date: May 2, 2015

When this FCBD issue came out, we were getting done with Convergence and heading off into the DC YOU.  I was pretty excited for what was to come...it seemed cool to have a Mech-Gordon Batman, an outed Superman and the start of a huge Geoff Johns' story.  So, it didn't all work out, but I didn't know that then.  I ran to our local comic shop and grabbed this issue and reviewed it that Saturday afternoon and loved it.  It also was the beginning of me and Eric wondering who "Jason' was in the Darkseid War preview.  Later, we figured it out and we still get giddy that we did that all on our own.  Enjoy!  - Jim

Throwback Thursday: Superboy #22 Review (New 52)

Does Superman know that You Raid his Wardrobe?

Written by: Justin Jordan
Art by: Gui Balbi, Marlo Alquiza, Don Ho, The Hories and Travis Lanham
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date:  July 10, 2013

Way back when we started the site, Eric jumped on this book right away.  I wasn't fighting him for it or anything, but he still demanded that this was his to review.  The guy loves Superboy so much...but I really do think he misses Kon.  Sure, he loves Jon and all, but this is his Superboy.  Maybe we will get him back soon...  - Jim

DC Comics Best Covers of the Week 6/28/17

Covers, Covers, Everywhere, and Not a Drop to Drink

Boy, there were plenty of comic books from DC Comics this week! And lots of great covers to pick from. There can be only five favorites, however, so here's mine. As usual, this is a definitive and inarguable list of supreme quality for the week, so read with confidence!

Throwback Thursday: Batman and Catwoman #22 Review (New 52)

Come for the action, stay for the nagging

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, John Kalisz and Carlos M. Mangual
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date:July 17, 2013

The months following Damian Wayne's death were an odd time for the Batman and Robin title.  It seemed like his death shocked everyone...even DC Comics and especially, Batman and Robin writer, Peter Tomasi.  I can only imagine his reaction when he was told that there was no longer a Robin, but he had to continue his book while things were sorted out.  Enter the "Stages of Grief" issues.  This one was the Catwoman issue that was listed as "Despair".  It was also my first written review ever, so keep that in mind as you continue.  -Jim

The Flash #25 Review

Flash Fact

Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Carmine Di Giandomenico, Neil Googe, Ryan Sook, Ivan Plascencia, Hi-Fi, Dave McCaig and Steve Wands
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 28, 2017

Now that I've gotten used to Reverse Flash being alive, I am ready to see what Joshua Williamson has in store for us.  The big thing for me is finally letting Iris in on Barry's secret, but that thing usually comes at a price...and that may be death!  Yea, Iris and Thawne are in the 25th Century and if Barry chases them, somethings gotta give.  So, did Williamson deliver the goods?  Let's find out...

Mother Panic #8 Review and **SPOILERS**

Impossible... but True!

Mother Panic #8
"Victim Complex, Part 2"
Writer: Jody Houser
Interior Art: John Paul Leon
Interior Colors: Dave Stewart
Letterer: John Workman
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: June 28, 2017

Impossible... but True! indeed.  How is it the book I, at one time, most dread... I mean, really... when Reggie would tell me "Hey, next week's Mudder Paneek" I'd get a pit in my stomach... is now one I'm actually looking forward to?

The thought, early on, of reading about a horribly unpleasant character... dodging "F-bombs" (and lemme tell ya, I hate the term "f-bomb") left and right... and dealing with somewhat unclear art made following and covering this book a real chore.

Now, whether I'm just softening... or, more likely, the book and character are becoming more likable, I can now say with confidence that I no longer try to convince Reggie and the gang that I'm "coming down with something" every fourth Wednesday.

Teen Titans #9 Review and **SPOILERS**

Don't Underestimate Your Dear Old Mom

Teen Titans #9
"Blood of the Manta, Part One"
Script: Benjamin Percy
Layouts: Phil Hester
Pencils: Khoi Pham
Inks: Trevor Scott, Craig Yeung
Colors: Jim Charalampidis
Letters: Corey Breen
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: June 28, 2017

It's always strange coming off a crossover... especially one that only interrupted our flow for a single month.  It feels like it's been forever since we last discussed a "regular" issue of Teen Titans... though, maybe that's more of an indictment on how much I enjoyed the Lazarus Contract.

Either way, it's good to be back!
How good?  Let's find out.

Justice League of America #9 Review

Monster Claws

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Felipe Watanabe, Scott Hanna, Hi-Fi and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 28, 2017

Alright, here I am for my first review of Justice League of America!  I just flew in from Quakertown and boy my arms are tired.  This may be the first written review, but if you listen to our podcast (like my man, Iceman3113), you know that I've read every issue and am ready to roll.  So, did the Man from Monster Valley end on a high note?  Let's find out...

Action Comics #982 Review and *SPOILERS*

Put Him In A Body Bag Johnny!........ I Mean, Zod!

Written By: Dan Jurgens

Art By: Jack Herbert, Jose Luis, Ray McCarthy, Hi-Fi, Rob Leigh

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: June 28, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Let's jump back into some Superman Revenge Squad action, where we saw in the previous issue that after Superman's jaunt into the Black Vault, he was left blind from its effects.  Yeah, I don't really know why and believe me, this issue won't tell you, but our Man of Steel is blind and he's going up against some of the biggest and baddest Superman villains that ever lived.......... Yeah, the odds don't look too good.  Hopefully though, Superman will get himself some super lasik surgery and he'll be able to put a good and proper whoopin' on these baddies before it's too late.  Let's jump into this issue and see if Superman stands a chance.  let's check it out.

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #23 Review and **SPOILERS**

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Face/Off

Writer: Robert Vendetti 

Artist: Ethan Van Sciver 

Colorist: Jason Wright 

Letterer: Dave Sharpe 

Cover: Van Sciver & Wright 

Cover Price: $2.99 

On Sale Date: June 28, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Durlans, Durlans 

What you gonna do? 

What you gonna do 

When Lanterns come for you

It don’t matter if they’re green or they’re yellow 

Lanterns are united to fight 

Any form of cheat or injustice 

Beware their power, Lantern’s Light

Khundans, Khundans 

What you gonna do? 

What you gonna do 

When Lanterns come for you

Suicide Squad #20 Review and **SPOILERS**

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Leader of the Lost

Story: Rob Williams 

Art and Color: Stjepan Sejic 

Lettering: Pat Brosseau 

Cover: Otto Schmidt 

Cover Price: $2.99 

On Sale Date: June 28, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Now they they’ve finally cleared the place of General Zod and probably de-stinkified the place (did he ever shower once during his imprisonment), hopefully things can get back to normal at Belle Reve. Meaning: it’s going to be insanely violent and disturbing. Can’t wait to see it for myself! You can read my impressions in my review of Suicide Squad #20, right here and now!

Batgirl #12 Review and **SPOILERS**

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It’s Fun to Stay at the Y

Script: Hope Larson 

Pencils & Inks: Elonora Carlini 

Colors: Chris Peter 

Letters: Deron Bennett 

Cover: Dan Mora 

Cover Price: $3.99 

On Sale Date: June 28, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Looks like this is a one-off issue, folks, which is a real roll of the dice. In a story arc, the score is cumulative, and sometimes the overall score for an arc is lower than one or two of the individual issues. But a one-off comic book must stand on its own. Sink or swim. It can be spectacular or forgettable. So let’s find out, shall we? It’s all in my review of Batgirl #12, which directly follows this spiel.

Jonah Hex / Yosemite Sam Special #1 Review and **SPOILERS**

A Rootin’ Tootin’ Bloodbath Massacre

Script: Jimmy Palmiotti 

Art, Interior and Cover: Mark Texeira 

Color, Interior and Cover: Paul Mounts 

Letters: Saida Temofonte 

Back-Up Script: Bill Matheny 

Back-Up Art: Dave Alvarez 

Cover Price: $4.99 

On Sale Date: June 28, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Oh these Looney Tunes crossovers are so random…”Wonder Woman and the Tasmanian Devil,” or “Lobo and the Road Runner,” or “Jonah Hex and Yosemite Sam,” why…that one actually makes sense. Of course, Yosemite Sam portrayed everything from a pirate to a spaceman in the cartoons, but he did have several episodes on the Old West. Okay, let’s see what this is all about. Jimmy Palmiotti certainly knows how to write Jonah Hex. Take a gander at my review of Jonah Hex/Yosemite Sam Special #1, right here!

Kamandi Challenge #6 Review and **SPOILERS**

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Bear With Me 

Writer: Steve Orlando

Penciller: Philip Tan

Inker: Norm Rapmund
Colorist: Dean White

Letterer: Clem Robins

Main Cover Artists: Andy Kubert & Brad Anderson

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: July 28, 2017

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Alright, a brand-new creative team for the new issue of Kamandi Challenge! Let’s take a look at the credits an…oh. Huh. Well, there’ll be a new creative team next issue. See what I thought of #6 in my review, right here!

Batman Beyond #9 Review and *SPOILERS*

No Jubilation For Imitation

Written By: Dan Jurgens

Art By: Bernard Chang, Marcelo Maiolo, Travis Lanham

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: June 28, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

While the reveal of Damian Wayne actually being the Demon's Head was pretty telegraphed, I have to say that the inclusion of Damian in this series actually gives this book a bit more weight in my mind because while it is in the proper Rebirth continuity, only thirty-five years into the future, it really felt isolated from the rest of the DCU and yes, that may be because Brother Eye went and wrecked house on the world, but even with that, we know that the Justice League Beyond is out and about from the previous series and getting more characters entering the fray is exactly what we need in this series to keep it fresh and not so doom and gloom all the time.  Yeah, we're still dealing with the doom and gloom because of the prototype suit that Terry's wearing, that seems to be altering his judgment and in the process could get him killed, but having Damian be a part of this book just gives me hope that we'll continue on this path and see more familiar faces from the ghost of Gotham's past.  Let's jump into this issue and see how Terry fares now that Damian's identity is revealed to him and now that it seems the two want to kill each other.  Let's check it out.

Batman / Elmer Fudd #1 Review

...I'm Hunting Bats

Writer: Tom King
Art by: Lee Weeks, Loven Kindzierski, Deron Bennett, Byron Vaughns and Carrie Strachan
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: June 28, 2017


Before the Looney Tune and DC crossovers were even announced, this was the one book I was looking forward to the most. Between being a big Tom King fan, a big Looney Tune fan, and being possibly a little more fun than we’ve seen from Tom since Grayson, this book seemed completely geared for me. So without further ado did it live up to my expectations? Let’s find out.

Blue Beetle #10 Review and *SPOILERS*

Out of the Frying Pan........

Written By: Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis

Art By: Scott Kolins, Romulo Fajardo Jr., Josh Reed

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: June 28, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

After last issue of Blue Beetle, I started having dreams about a book that could finally be something that I would be all about each and every month that it came out and one that people who were "iffy" on the title finally going out and picking up themselves to enjoy because while the story really hasn't changed since the series began, we had J.M. DeMatteis on script duties now and it seemed to really tighten up the story.  Hopefully, those dreams continue to come true because after so many issues that were underwhelming in my mind, I finally had fun in the previous issue, where Jaime, OMAC, Ted Kord and Teri Magnus went down in the bowels of Arion's domain to take the sorcerer on.  It wasn't all pinatas and RC Cola though because Teri sped off with the helmet of Fate to go reunite it with Kent Nelson and Jaime was lured away from the fight with Arion's Horde by a strange voice.  Let's jump in this issue and see if OMAC and Ted Kord can hold their own and see if our heroes can bring the big bad Atlantean sorcerer down.  Let's check it out.

Wonder Woman #25 Review and *SPOILERS*

Same As It Ever Was

Written By: Greg Rucka

Art By: Liam Sharp, Bilquis Evely, Romulo Fajardo Jr., Jodi Wynne

Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 28, 2017

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

The end of our Greg Rucka run on Wonder Woman is here and while it's been a ride that's consisted of a lot of ups and downs for me, overall I think it was a bit of fun.......... even if it didn't have the impact on the character that I originally believed it would.  Yeah, we've gone and cut out most of the New 52 continuity and left the doors wide open for something new to come out of Wonder Woman, but it didn't have the weight that I thought it would because in the end all we were left with is........ Yeah, those things were lies, you never returned home and were never the Goddess of War.   Hopefully, this final issue of Rucka's run will give us the gravitas we've been looking for, while keeping things at least easy for the new writers coming in and doing whatever they have planned for our hero.  Let's jump into this issue and see if Wonder Woman gets her lasso back and if there's any big surprises awaiting us now that we've gotten past Year One, learned all about the Lies and the Truth and have shutdown Godwatch.  Let's check it out.

Detective Comics #959 Review

Ytterp Nmad Doog

Written by: James Tynion IV
Art by: Raúl Fernández, Alvaro Martinez, Brad Anderson and Sal Cipriano
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 28, 2017

Poor Azrael, the guy can't catch a break.  He finally gets his moment to shine and all anyone wants to do is talk about Zatanna!  Hey, I love Zatanna as much as the next guy, but I am actually interested in this story for Jean-Paul.  Of course, an equal mix of the two wouldn't be that bad either.  So, do we get that?  Let's find out...

Injustice 2 #12 Review

Writer: Tom Taylor
Art by: Mike S. Miller and J. Nanjan

Cover Price: $0.99

Release Date: June 27, 2017

Last issue we got a big setting shift as we jumped to the origin of Kara Zor-El as the planet Krypton was being attacked by Brainiac. Although the circumstances of the planet's demise seemed changed it wasn’t until the end of last issue where we saw a possible big shake up in the character of Supergirl. How will it follow up the cliffhanger of Black Adam being to finder of Kara’s crashed ship? Find out after the jump along with my thoughts.

PREVIEW: Action Comics #982

Written By: Dan Jurgens

Art By: Jack Herbert, Jose Luis, Ray McCarthy, Hi-Fi, Rob Leigh

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: June 28, 2017

“REVENGE” part four! General Zod takes command as he leads Cyborg Superman, Eradicator, Mongul, Blanque and Metallo against Superman—but his real motives are yet to be revealed and may have far graver consequences for Superman than anyone imagines.

PREVIEW: Batman Beyond #9

Written By: Dan Jurgens

Art By: Bernard Chang, Marcelo Maiolo, Travis Lanham

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: June 28, 2017

“RISE OF THE DEMON” part four! Can an older, physically weakened Bruce Wayne come out of retirement to rescue Batman? As Terry battles a renewed and more deadly Ra’s al Ghul in Tibet, only Bruce knows that Terry is facing two life-threatening menaces—Ra’s and the experimental Batman suit that he’s now wearing. It’s a race against time and a battle against impossible odds.