Nightwing #51 Review (Second Opinion)

You can call me Gray, and You can call me Ric

Written By: Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza

Art By: Travis Moore, Garry Brown, Hi-Fi, Nick Filardi, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 17, 2018

I decided to do this second opinion review, not because Eric's review (HERE) was bad or anything, but because of the reactions I saw from other reviewers about this issue.  People really seem to be losing their minds over this whole "Ric" thing and I figured I'd give my two-cent opinion on the matter.  So, here it goes...

Chris and Reggie's Cosmic Treadmill ep. 112 - Twisted Tales (1987)

Werewolf Barmitzvah

Ghoul gravening, scabies and mental men! In this horrific episode, our haunted house scavengers Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) sift through the strange story of Eclipse Comics and the career of Bruce Jones, when they read Twisted Tales from 1987! After some background information--including why this unnumbered issue of a Pacific Comics series came out from Eclipse after Pacific's demise--they go through all three Bruce Jones-penned stories in the book, lending their arguable talents to the proceedings. This episode is scary enough to curl your toe hairs, you don't want to miss it!

Throwback Thursday: The Legend of Wonder Woman #1 Review (2015)

A Beautiful Beginning

Written by: Renae  De Liz
Art by: Renae De Liz and Ray Dillon
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: November 12, 2015


I am a huge fan of the DC Digital First line of books and feel that I am in the know when it comes to the lineup.  That's why it always amazes me when a book a big as this seems to materialize out of nowhere without much fanfare at all.  I really can't figure out why DC continues to treat their digital books with such a laissez-faire attitude, but I'm not here to climb on my soapbox, I'm here to talk about The Legend of Wonder Woman.  While I'll admit that Wonder Woman's multiple origins do present a problem to some, I never had an issue with it.  As long as the story I'm reading is good, I'm fine.  However, I am in the minority here and if this "definitive" origin story helps people enjoy the character more going forward, I'm all for it.  However, it isn't enough just to throw big words around, the story has to be good and make sense to be considered "definitive".  So, is it both of those things? Let's find out...

Throwback Thursday: Red Hood/Arsenal #4 Review (2015)

Home Is Where The Evil Is

Written By: Scott Lobdell
Art By: Denis Medri, Blond, Dave Sharpe
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: September 9, 2015

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

While I loved Red Hood and The Outlaws while it was going on, I have to say that this series has been a joy to read right from the get go....... yeah, I had some trouble with the art initially, I have since gotten over that because it seems that with each issue it keeps getting better...... and who doesn't love that?   The only complaint that I can make is all very personal because I loved the way our title characters looked before this title and I don't think that I'll ever get behind their new looks.  In the previous issue we saw our heroes for hire go to Detroit to meet their new employer, but it turned out that the business wasn't on the up and up when they found out their employer was the physical embodiment of evil itself, named Underbelly.  After giving this disgusting monster a old fashioned Red Hood and Arsenal workout, our two heroes decided to go to Gotham because if this thing can arise wherever evil is present, well there's no better place to go looking for him........ It's just too bad that Gotham has a new Batman in town who doesn't take kindly to vigilantes and outlaws.  Let's check out this issue to see how our heroes make out.  Let's check it out.

Throwback Thursday: Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1 Review (2016)

Lost and Found

Written By: Tom Taylor
Art By: Ethan Van Sciver, Jason Wright, Dave Sharpe
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 13, 2016

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

So our Green Lantern Corps have upped the ante by getting rid of their Lost Army moniker and replaced it with "Edge of Oblivion"....... which just sounds immediately more badass. To catch everyone up, we saw our Corps take on light pirates, who were trying to preserve their power in this dying Universe by siphoning off whoever had a little light left shining.  After it was all said and done, our band of Lanterns met up with a bunch of their Corpsmen fighting their own battle of survival, but at the end of this one, things went and got weird when a handful of Lanterns were converted to different spectrums and Mogo became able to rock all of them.  The final issue to Lost Army was fun and exciting, but for the most part, the series was lackluster.  Hopefully, this mini-series will right its path and our Lanterns will find a way home after John Stewart witnessed Hal Jordan closing the gate to them by fixing the rift within the Source Wall.  Let's jump into this issue and see what Tom Taylor has to say about our Lantern heroes and what he has planned for us.  Let's check it out.

Throwback Thursday: Batman '66 #67 Review (2015)

King of The Ring

Written By: Jeff Parker
Art By: Scott Kowalchuk
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: August 19, 2015

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Let's get back to the 60's where Batman might have just met his match with the introduction of Bane.  That's right the virtue-less venom vacuuming villain has made his debut into the Batman '66 continuity and as much as you just rolled your eyes at that alliteration, that shit was hard and I did it all for you....... don't roll your eyes at gifts!  Not only do we have Bane making his debut, but it seems that he's teamed up with The Riddler and besides for the theft of a crystal skull, it seems that Bane might have taken a cue from Knightfall and broken our wholesome Batman's back.  Let's jump into this issue and see how bad the damage to our Caped Crusader is and what The Riddler and Bane have planned with their new acquisition.  Let's check it out.

Throwback Thursday: Martian Manhunter #2 Review (2015)

"C" Is For Cookie, It's Also For Courageous

Written By: Rob Williams
Art By: Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Gabe Eltaeb
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

You know what the first issue of Martian Manhunter was?  It was solid.  Now I'm not going to lie to you and say that is was amazing, spectacular or you'll pay for the seat, but you'll only need the edge.  What I will tell you is that it really set up an interesting story that got me really interested in a Martian Manhunter solo book that I've been a naysayer about whenever the subject was brought up.  So yeah, I'm interested and Rob Williams is definitely someone I trust to rock this title, especially after he set up a worldwide terrorist attack being perpetrated by disguised White Martians and speculating that J'onn J'onzz has one of hell of a Secret Origin.  We've always known J'onn as the last Martian, but in the pages of this book we find out that he's more than that, he's also a weapon.  Let's get into this story and find out more about the White Martian attack and the strange character of Mr. Biscuits.  Let's check it out.

Throwback Thursday: Constantine: The Hellblazer #2 Review (2015)

The Frighteners

Written By: Ming Doyle, James Tynion IV
Art By: Riley Rossmo, Ivan Plascencia
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 8, 2015

*Non Spoilers and Score At Bits and Pieces*

If you would have asked me a couple of months ago if I was looking forward to Hellblazer, I would have told you that I liked the way Constantine was and re-branding it and getting a new creative team was crazy......... Yeah, I'm tired of being wrong all the time.  After last month's first issue I was completely sold on this getting back to the roots of Constantine style that this title is taking and even though I would have told you a couple of months ago that I was afraid that the art wouldn't do it justice......... again, the wrong thing we just talked about.  After seeing the tone that these creators took in the first issue, all my worries were put to rest as Constantine hit on anything that pleased him and dicked over an old acquaintance .......... a demon, but an old acquaintance nonetheless to prove that he wasn't one to be trifled with.  Just a great tone setting issue that any Constantine fan should check out.  As the issue closed, the ghost of Gaz told Constantine that something was out there killing the ghosts that haunt him.  Let's see what our brash Brit is going to do about his ghostbuster problem.  Let's check it out.

Throwback Thursday: Robin: Son of Batman #1 Review (2015)

Bat Whistle 

Written By: Patrick Gleason
Art By: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, John Kalisz
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 17, 2015

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Don't get me wrong here, I love Robin and I'm really happy to have Damian back from the dead and getting back to his super-heroics, it's just....... I love Batman and Robin.  Yeah, that's not the best way to start off with a title like this because it seems like I'm already dismissing it, which I'm not.  It's just that I was so happy to have the Batman and Robin title get back on track, only to have it immediately canceled was like a punch to the gut.  Batman isn't dead yet, but still, I guess Damian is going off on his own......which says wonders about Bruce's parental abilities.  So don't go expecting any cries from a boy over his father's passing.  No, just straight up Robin, doing his thing.  Let's get into this issue and see what that thing is.  Let's check it out.

DC Comics Best Covers of the Week: October 24, 2018

...or topless?

Fully-dressed...

We Don't Wanna Logo, Neither!

DC Comics did something new this week with their regularly-issued preview pages: along with the usual regular and variant covers, all of the regular versions were supplied as just artwork-–no logos or type anywhere. I suspect this is because there was a disparity in the attention these covers receive by yours truly...what other reason could there be? I won't, however, be judging these logo-less covers, since they're not the ones available for sale to you, my trillions and maybe zillions of loyal readers. Still, I was able to burp out a list of five swell covers! Check it out!

Old Lady Harley #1 Review

You Laughing at Me?

Writer: Frank Tieri
Artist: Inaki Miranda, Eva De La Cruz, and Dave Sharpe
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: October 24, 2018

I never expected the Old Lady Harley story to continue after Frank Tieri threw it at us in his regular run on Harley, especially after his run ended.  Well, here we are and here it is!  Even though this is a future Elseworlds type thing, I am so hoping that it gets the Harley groove back for me.  Well, did it?  Let's find out...

Books of Magic #1 Review and **SPOILERS**

These Pages (thankfully) Ain't Blank

Written By: Kat Howard
Art By: Tom Fowler
Cover By: Kal Carpenter
Variant Cover By: Joshua Middleton
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: October 24, 2018

This was probably the Sandman Universe book I was looking forward to the most.

I remember coming across the original run of Books of Magic and buying a handful of issues.  Then, a few years later wondering why the character I knew as Tim Hunter was suddenly goin' around calling himself... Harry Potter!

I mean... c'mon.

(and yes, this has been addressed... and Neil Gaiman is adamant that J.K. whatsherface did not crib her little wizard from our boy here... for whatever that's worth).

Anyhoo... let's meet him all over again!

Raven: Daughter of Darkness #9 Review and **SPOILERS**

Plot Twist

Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Pop Mhan
Colorists: Loven Kindzierski and Carrie Strachan
Letterer: Saida Temofonte
Cover Art: Julian Totino Tedesco
Assistant Editor: Michael McCalister
Group Editor: Marie Javins
Ship's Vampire: Joey Cavalieri
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: October 24, 2018

Before we get into the review, I want to once more lament the loss of Sassycat Merlin's "Grrrrrrrl" catchphrase.

I had hoped the last few issues were a fluke... but, it's looking more and more like it's lost to the ages... and back-issue bins.

If you were buying this issue in the hopes of hearing a "Grrrrl"... well, I've got some bad news for you.

Titans #28 Review and *SPOILERS*

A Book Without A Story

Written By: Dan Abnett
Art By: Clayton Henry, Marcelo Maiolo
Letters By: Dave Sharpe
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: October 24, 2018

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

The last issue of Titans was a damn mess. It was completely reliant on the audience to be reading other books at the same time. Now, I don’t like to judge a book by its cover, but this issue seems to have an issue that hints at the fact that this may not be a great stand-alone book on its own. You know, the run of Titans that started with Rebirth was far from perfect but at least we were getting full stories and characters that can properly develop. However, ever since the No Justice event, Titans has become more of a DC Universe Companion book than a Titans book. I don’t know who’s to blame for it but let’s just jump right in and see where this takes us.

The Flash #57 Review and *SPOILERS*

But You’ve Got To Have Friends

Written By: Joshua Williamson
Art By: Scott Kolins, Luis Guerrero,
Letters By: Steve Wands

Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: October 24, 2018

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

So the latest issue of The Flash was a bit underwhelming, to say the least. However, this issue is the finale of the current storyline that we find ourselves in. The Flash and Detective Burns are stuck in Heat Wave’s mind and Heat Wave is being manipulated by the Sage Force. Iris is still experiencing things from the previous timeline and Commander Cold has just saved them all from Iron Heights but has found out that the Sage Force threatens the entire city. Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about this storyline in general but I’m willing to give it a chance. Let’s just jump right into it and see where it takes us.

The Terrifics #9 Review and **SPOILERS**

The Doctor Dread You Know

Storytellers: José Luís & Jeff Lemire 

Colors: Michael Atiyeh 

Letters: Tom Napolitano 

Cover: Dale Eaglesham & Ivan Nunes 

Assistant Editor: Andrew Marino 

Editor: Paul Kaminski 

Group Editor: Marie Javins 

Cover Price: $2.99 

On Sale Date: October 24, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

I was so excited for this series, now I approach it with a shrug. The story is so convoluted, it’s become irritating. Now Rex Mason doesn’t even have powers? Whatever. I’m still looking forward to that Lemire/Giffen Inferior 5 we were supposed to get last June! For now, enjoy my review of The Terrifics #9, commencing now.

Wonder Woman #57 Review and **SPOILERS**

Be Keen to The Green

Writer: James Tynion IV 

Pencils: Emanuela Lupacchino 

Inks: Ray McCarthy 

Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr. 

Letters: Dave Sharpe 

Cover: David Yardin 

Variant Cover: Jenny Frison 

Assistant Editor: Dave Wielgosz 

Editor: Chris Conroy 

Group Editor: Jamie S. Rich 

Cover Price: $3.99 

On Sale Date: October 24, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Here’s the penultimate issue of this swell “Witching Hour” event, and I am chomping at the bit to read it! So let’s not delay with my review of Wonder Woman #57, and get right to it!

Batgirl #28 Review and **SPOILERS**

Sorry Daddy, I’m Batty

Writer: Mairghread Scott 

Penciller: Paul Pelletier 

Inker: Norm Rapmund 

Colorist: Jordie Bellaire 

Letterer: Deron Bennett 

Main Cover Artists: Julian Totino Tedesco 

Variant Cover Artist: Joshua Middleton 

Editor: Brittany Holzherr 

Group Editor: Jamie S. Rich 

Cover Price: $3.99 

On Sale Date: October 24, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Back to the “new look” Batgirl, currently skulking around Gotham City. It’s been a slow burn thus far, a few issues into Scott and Pelletier’s run, but it’s definitely kept me interested. I’m notoriously easy to distract, too. Let’s see if Batgirl #28 will hold my attention by reading my review, right here!

The Silencer #10 Review

Monster Party


Storytellers: Patrick Zircher and Dan Abnett
Art by: Patrick Zircher, Mike Spicer, and Tom Napolitano
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 24, 2018

Silencer and Quietus' bodies are still switched, and they've got a massive, raging purple dinosaur monster thing destroying Action Land. I quite liked this issue, so let's get on it!

Detective Comics #991 Review

Two for None

Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Carmine Giandomenico, Ivan Plascencia and Rob Leigh
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: October 24, 2018
Cover Price: $3.99

James Robinson jumped on this book a couple of issues ago and I really liked how his Two-Face arc started.  Now he has a couple of issues left and I am teetering on not caring as much.  Robinson's story so far has been really slow with not as much Two-Face as I had hoped.  Plus, I still am left wondering how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together, but that can easily be rectified by the story going forward.  Does this middle issue shed light on everything and get us jump-started for the stretch run?  Let's find out...

Batman: Kings of Fear #3 Review

Scared Straight

Writer: Scott Peterson
Artist: Kelley Jones, Michelle Madsen, and Rob Leigh
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: October 24, 2018

I really liked the first issue of Kings of Fear.  It may have been mainly because of my disgust with the regular book's run, but it felt like a fresh take of a classic story.  However, my enthusiasm waned a bit with the second issue, but I am looking to get back on the trolley this week.  So, did Scott Peterson and Kelley Jones punch my ticket with this issue?  Let's find out...

Batman Beyond #25 Review

History Lesson

Written By: Dan Jurgens

Art By: Cully Hamner, Marco Santucci, Val Staples, Travis Lanham

Cover Price: $4.99

Release Date: October 24, 2018

It's the special over-sized anniversary issue of Batman Beyond...... or some such nonsense that DC likes to call these issues.  That's not the important part though, we're getting the Joker back here and I'm sure that's getting everyone excited to jump back into this series...... and really, looking at the sales numbers, this book needs something to get the people to pick it back up again.  Alright, no more dawdling, let's jump into this issue, where it looks like the only thing you need to know going in is that Matt McGinnis has become Robin Beyond....... and of course, the Joker is still alive.  Let's check it out.

Action Comics #1004 Review

Oh, baby, baby, I Shouldn't Have Let You Go

Written By: Brian Michael Bendis

Art By: Ryan Sook, Wade Von Grawbadger, Brad Anderson, Josh Reed

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 24, 2018

Let's jump back into Action Comics, where Superman is on the hunt for a Red Cloud that's out and about and killing mobsters.  Okay, it's not exactly about that here, even though it's mentioned.  It's time to sit back and take a break from all the murder and mayhem as Superman tries to get his house in order as we finally discuss in this issue where Lois Lane has been since she's secretly come back to Earth and what the future holds for the Man and Wife of Steel.  Let's jump into this issue and see if Brian Michael Bendis can continue the trend of winning me over.  Let's check it out.

Justice League Odyssey #2 Review

Looking Good

Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Stjepan Sejic and Deron Bennett
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: October 24, 2018

Review by: Joey Casco

Issue #1 left off with our team stranded on a planet within the Ghost Sector... with Darkseid! He had lured Cyborg, Starfire, and Azrael thereby becoming a voice within their heads and using different motivations for each one.  Jessica Cruz, the Green Lantern sentry for the Ghost Sector, joined them upon their arrival.

Scarlet #3 Review

Are You the Hero?

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Alex Maleev Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: October 24, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99

Review by: Ray Price

We are back into the thick of the revolution. Scarlet and her revolutionaries versus the United States military. In the last issue, we see a possible confrontation on the horizon with Kit disobeying orders because she’s a badass or just a rebel. The last couple issues haven’t grabbed me yet. Will this issue finally get me invested in the characters and story?

PREVIEW: Wonder Woman #57

Wonder Woman is Under

Writer: James Tynion IV

Pencils: Emanuela Lupacchino

Inks: Ray McCarthy

Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.

Letters: Dave Sharpe

Cover: David Yardin

Variant Cover: Jenny Frison

Assistant Editor: Dave Wielgosz

Editor: Chris Conroy

Group Editor: Jamie S. Rich

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: October 24, 2018

“The Witching Hour” part four! As Hecate’s new world is born, Wonder Woman is under the goddess’ total control! This is magic’s darkest hour—one of the most powerful magicians of all time may not survive!

Whoa! If Wonder Woman is wielding Hecate-level power, I don't wanna see it. What am I saying? I can't wait to see this stuff! Check out some preview pages and get a jump on this.