Bee Boy's Killer Sting!

Month 2 of the New 52s.

2011-11-13T02:02:00.000-08:00

I was actually quite surprised by how consistent the quality was between Months 1 & 2. Those I enjoyed initially remained high, and those I had a problem with remained so. That's fairly promising.

Platinum

Action Comics, Batman, Batwoman, Birds of Prey, Flash, Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E, Justice League, Justice League Dark, O.M.A.C., Stormwatch, Superman, Swamp Thing, Teen Titans, Voodoo, Wonder Woman.

The one real improvement here was Justice League; I got much more of a sense of what the new DC Universe is about. There's a lot more tension between the heroes, and they're not really that well regarded. The back-up matter was intriguing, with its hints to Wonder Woman's new status quo.

Speaking of Wonder Woman, can I go on record and say her title is the best interpretation of the character I've read in a long while? Good.

Gold

Animal Man, Legion Lost.

Animal Man only misses a Platinum because of the art. It's not bad, but can look quite ugly in places. Legion Lost needs a more exciting premise and to feel less like mini-series fodder.

Iron

Mr. Terrific, Supergirl.

Supergirl is unfortunately stuck in origins mode. It doesn't matter if the origin is new, or revised, I would have preferred that the story started after the fact and filled me in as we go. Mr. Terrific lacked any oomph.

Lead

Demon Knights

I really do want to like this book, but Cornell seems intent on making that not so. I am not engaging with any of the characters yet, and though Cornell seems to be having fun with his dialogue...I'm not.

Mercury

Legion of Super-Heroes

It pains me to say it, but the Legion needs someone other than Levitz. Everything about this is flat, and the art is not up to scratch. And still with those frakkin' caption boxes! Ugh!

Rating the New 52s.

2011-11-13T01:05:00.000-08:00

For those too young (or too old and senile to remember) the Metal Men were a team of robots built by Dr. Will Magnus, and given the properties of various metals. The team included Platinum (or Tina), Gold, Iron, Lead, Mercury and Tin (and a later robot built by Tin, Nameless). Perfect, I say, for rating the New 52s.

Using a very basic system, I will award points to each comic based on the story and the art:

Good=3

Indifferent=2

Bad=1

Fit only for lining a birdcage=0

So, for instance, Batman may be awarded a 3 for story and a 2 for art giving it a total of 5. On the Metal Men scale (see below), Batman would therefore be rated as Gold.

Platinum = 6 points

Gold=5 points

Iron=4 points

Lead=3 points

Mercury=2 points

Tin=1 point

Nameless=0 points

Everything clear? Good, so let's go rate month 2 of the New 52s!

....and finished!

2011-10-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

Teen Titans

Kids today, eh? Brash, reckless and self-absorbed, and they make me wonder why I’m reading a comic about a bunch of teenagers. It wasn’t bad, but I’m positive I’m not in the right demographic to care about these adolescents... so the hook for me is how this re-vamp of the Teen Titans concept fits into the New 52. We’ll see how that pans out.

Justice League Dark

A strong opening for the team that’s going to deal with the darker side of the New 52, with a varied and promising cast of characters; not sure I’m happy to see Enchantress turned mad/evil again, but the inclusion of June Moon gives me hope the two will be reconciled eventually.

Superman

Remember all those words that were missing from Supergirl? Well, this is where they ended up. I’m not complaining though, as I felt totally immersed in the reading experience - and that doesn’t happen a whole lot nowadays. Perez does a fine job establishing the new status quo for Superman and his (expanded) supporting cast, while throwing some decent action into the mix.

Voodoo

This is a strange one; by the end of the first issue the titular character can safely be assumed to be the hostile in a secret government agency/alien invasion mash-up, but the comic still retains enough interest to keep me coming back. It adds a different texture to the New 52 which is appreciated.

The Flash

This was completely charming, and Manapul’s attention to detail with the art and layouts creates a strong identity for the The Flash as a character and a comic book. Miles ahead of the previous Johns re-launch of Barry Allen.

....nearly there...

2011-10-16T03:32:00.000-07:00

Wonder Woman

Remember what I once said about putting a writer on Wonder Woman who wasn’t so damn in love with the character (well, I did)? It paid off! Certainly one of the briskest reads so far, but it’s a strong start. I also prefer the silver over the gold (gold is sooo cheap looking) and wish she was wearing the pants; short shorts and boots together looks party girl trashy.

Supergirl

Another brisk read! An intriguing beginning and at least the horrors of the jumbled Loeb origin (and the belly shirt) have been wiped. A few more words per page though, please? Words are good, despite what the ADD generation would have us believe.

Birds of Prey

A rock ‘n’ rollin’ kick-ass female-led comic book and nothing like the Gail Simone run (which is a good thing). I already like new character Starling and her interaction with ‘The’ Black Canary, and want the next issue now!

Legion of Super-heroes

Damn distracting info boxes (still!). The Legion book really could have benefitted from the New 52 refresh, but this just felt stodgy and re-heated. I don’t think if I wasn't historically invested in the Legion that I would continue past this opening salvo, because I am really not feeling it. It was a lost opportunity and a shame.

Batman

This read like an absolute dream; Snyder has confidently taken the reins of leading Bat writer (as Morrisson slowly eases out of the top spot) with a deft ear for dialogue and sure plotting; one of the best New 52s so far.

...and some more...

2011-10-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Legion Lost

Much like the Legion members crash-landing in the 21^st Century, the story starts with a bang and doesn’t slow down. The seven time-stranded members are name-checked and their powers adequately explained, and the set-up, with all its inherent drama, is nicely defined. The only niggle is it reads like the first issue of a mini-series, not an ongoing.

Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E

A delightful mash-up of old monster movie types and mad comic-book science, but what has Lemire got against pets (see Animal Man and the opening scene here)?

Demon Knights

Disjointed much? There was some fun dialogue (and some that grated to be honest), but trying to introduce seven leads in such a haphazard manner didn’t result in an entirely satisfying read. Can do better, and I hope Cornell will in future issues.

Batwoman

A visually arresting comic-book that showcases William III’s skill with different artistic styles and imaginative layouts; Batwoman inhabits a Gotham tonally reminiscent of Batman’s spooky adventures during the 70s, which sets it apart from the other Bat books and helps to establish an identity for Batwoman distinct from the rest of the Batman family.

Mister Terrific

Very intriguing; a nice, dense, read with some insightful character work mixed in with the requisite action. The script doesn’t shy away from introducing some controversial topics and the dialogue is only a tad heavy-handed. A nice start to a fresh series featuring the third smartest man in the world.

....and then I read some more...

2011-10-15T03:26:00.000-07:00

O.M.A.C

Kudos to Giffen and Didio for an entertaining comic-book, with balls-to-the-wall action throughout; re-mixed Kirby Koncepts are difficult to get right, but this was a mean, lean and punching re-imagining that begs further reading.

Action Comics

An exhilarating re-vamp of Superman which, while taking its cue from the Superman of 1938, is absolutely modern... and fresher than John Byrne’s re-vamp of the mid 80s.

Swamp Thing

Very creepy and disturbing, and Snyder wisely takes his time to build the character of Alec Holland with an atmosphere reminiscent of Moore’s seminal run. Nice.

Animal Man

That ending fucking freaked me out, but in a good way. Lemire expertly crafted an underlying tension to the veneer of Buddy’s happy family life, so that final page was like a kick in the gut. I don’t want to think about dead pets, I don’t want to think about dead pets, I don’t wan....!

I didn't read 52 comics, but I read some...

2011-10-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

I’ve only just received my New 52s, but I’d already decided I wasn’t going to review them individually, as single issues, but wait until the initial story arcs are completed.

That being said, there’s nowt wrong with boring everyone with my first impressions. It’s not like I’ll be the first.....

So, in order of reading;

Justice League #1

It was OK. I pretty much expect this from a modern team book, especially an origin. I might have expected to see the whole team, if the comic had started in the present, but as it’s an origin of the team spread over a few issues...I’m down with that.

Stormwatch #1

I liked it. Paul Cornell threw Warren Ellis’ Stormwatch and The Authority into the blender, gave it a good sieve, and served up a reader friendly comic about a group of super-powered individuals who are not super-heroes. Each character was introduced by name, and the majority got to show what they do. Add in an intriguing conflict and sub-plot, and I’m happy.

To be continued...

52 pick-up (Part 1)

2011-06-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

I have let a few weeks go by, to let the news sink in and for all the news to be announced. Initially I was a bit despondent, but as the solicitations were released, and various interviews with some of the creators were published, I have come around to thinking:

THIS JUST MIGHT BE A GOOD THING!

(Just not necessarily for me)

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS

Comics superstars Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make history! In a universe where super heroes are strange and new, Batman has discovered a dark evil that requires him to unite the World Greatest Heroes!

Unlike many, I am enjoying James Robinson’s Justice League and I’m sorry to see it go. I haven’t got a problem with a League populated with secondary characters; in a shared universe, where many of the top-tier characters are often taken off the table, it makes perfect sense to have a team that isn’t always subject to change brought on by what is happening in the solo books. Robinson never displayed much of an ego, rolling with the punches when characters were needed elsewhere, and focused instead on building up the ones he was left with.

That said, I can understand why DC might want to bring back a League with all the Big Guns. I’ll be buying it, but I bet as soon as Johns is off the book things will start to revert. Just look at what happened after Morrison and Meltzer left.....

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1

Written by DAN JURGENS

Art by AARON LOPRESTI and MATT RYAN

With the growing presence of super beings around the world, the United Nations resolves to create a new group called Justice League International.

Batman, Booster Gold, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, August General in Iron, Fire, Ice, Vixen and Rocket Red are charged with promoting unity and trust – but can they reach that goal without killing each other first?

Erm, no. Been there and done it, and it was not much fun the first time round. Plus, it has Fire and Ice.

AQUAMAN #1

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

The superstar creators from BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY reunite to take AQUAMAN to amazing new depths!

Aquaman has renounced the throne of Atlantis – but the sea will not release Arthur Curry so easily.

Now, from a forgotten corner of the ocean emerges… The Trench! A broken race of creatures that should not exist, an unspeakable need driving them, The Trench will be the most talked-about new characters in the DC Universe!

Can I be bothered? I like Aquaman, and I have bought enough of his previous series’, but some characters drifted into working best in supporting roles over the years, and Arthur Curry was one of them. Brightest Day (what I read of it) did not do much to change my mind on that. Plus, this series will be dead in the water (did you see what I did there?) if the focus is on underwater adventures.

WONDER WOMAN #1

Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO

Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG

The Gods walk among us. To them, our lives are playthings. Only one woman would dare to protect humanity from the wrath of such strange and powerful forces. But is she one of us – or one of them?

Now this, this is something to be enthusiastic about. I’ve been saying for years they shouldn’t put writers on Wonder Woman who claim an undying appreciation of the character – something I can’t see Azzarello doing. Azzarello and Chiang were also responsible for one of the best stories from the last five years, ARCHITECTURE AND MORALITY, a sure-footed critique of the ‘architects of the DCU’ at the time.

Plus, Wonder Woman is no longer dressed like a beauty queen pageant winner, and it looks like it might stick this time.

THE FLASH #1

Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO

Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can’t be everywhere at once, but what happens when he faces an all-new villain who really can! As if that’s not bad enough, this villain is a close friend!

I am buying The Flash now. It isn’t particularly enthralling, but The Flash is just one of those characters I always follow and I can’t see that changing. Manapul and Buccellato are unknowns, when it comes to writing, but it can’t be worse than Johns lacklustre run, can it?

CAPTAIN ATOM #1

Written by J.T. KRUL

Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II

Charged by nuclear energy, possessing vast molecular powers, Captain Atom has the potential to be a literal god among men – a hero without limits. But the question is: Will he lose himself in the process?

Don’t miss the start of a legend from writer J.T. Krul (GREEN ARROW, TEEN TITANS) and artist Freddie Williams II (JSA ALL-STARS)!

Nope. Nothing about that solicitation makes me want to read the comic.

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #1

Written by ETHAN VAN SCIVER and GAIL SIMONE

Art by YILDIRAY CINAR

Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond. These two high school students are worlds apart – and now they’re drawn into a conspiracy of super-science that bonds them forever in a way they can’t explain or control. The dark secrets of the murderous Dog Team and its Firestorm Protocol force them to put aside their differences to confront a threat so terrifying that it may lead to a new Cold War! Welcome to a major new vision of nuclear terror from writers Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone with astonishing art by Yildiray Cinar!

Yikes! It’s a Gail Simone comic. Moving on.....

GREEN ARROW #1

Written by J.T. KRUL

Art by DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND

Green Arrow is on the hunt. Driven by inner demons, Ollie Queen travels the world and brings outlaws to justice…by breaking every law.

Now, armed with cutting-edge weaponry and illegally gained intel (courtesy of his team at QCore), Green Arrow is shooting first and asking questions later.

....and I am judging first and asking no favours. Not for me.

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1

Written by TONY S. DANIEL

Art and cover by PHILIP TAN

Carter Hall’s skill at deciphering lost languages has led him to a job with an archaeologist who specializes in alien ruins – but will the doctor’s latest discovery spread an alien plague through New York City? No matter the personal cost, Carter Hall must don his wings and become the new, savage Hawkman to survive! Witness the start of a new action series from writer Tony S. Daniel and artist Philip Tan that will take Hawkman where no hero has flown before!

Remember what I said about Aquaman? Well, it goes triple for Hawkman.

MISTER TERRIFIC #1

Written by ERIC WALLACE

Art by ROGER ROBINSON

The world’s third-smartest man – and one of its most eligible bachelors – uses his brains and fists against science gone mad in this new series from Eric Wallace (TITANS) and Roger Robinson!

Michael Holt is the head of a successful high-tech corporation and an institute that recruits and encourages the finest minds of the next generation to excel. As Mister Terrific he inhabits a world of amazement few others know exists, let alone can comprehend.

This I will buy the first issue of, and it better be a world of amazement otherwise it won’t get a second chance.

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1

Written by PAUL JENKINS

Art by BERNARD CHANG

It’s the start of a new series spotlighting some of the DC Universes’s most exciting super heroes! First up is Deadman, straight from the pages of BRIGHTEST DAY, in a five-issue epic where the body-hopping hero meets his match in a new foe who wants to make sure the souls that Deadman helps out go straight to Hell!

Deadman? No. Paul Jenkins? No. Bernard Chang? Yes. One out three does not make a comic bought.

ACTION COMICS #1

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by RAGS MORALES and RICK BRYANT

Cover by RAGS MORALES

The one and only Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) returns to Superman, joined by sensational artist Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), to bring you tales of The Man of Steel unlike any you’ve ever read! This extra-sized debut issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe!

Yes. That RAGS cover makes me hope that the comic is set during The Great Depression and that Superman is timeless. Morales would be a perfect fit for that time period, and Morrison on a younger, socially aware Superman, will be nothing if not interesting.

SUPERMAN #1

Written by GEORGE PEREZ

Breakdowns and cover by GEORGE PEREZ

Art by JESUS MERINO

The new adventures of Superman begin here! What is The Man of Steel’s startling new status quo? How does it affect Lois Lane and The Daily Planet? There’s no time for answers now, because Superman must stop a monstrous threat to Metropolis – one that he somehow is the cause of!

George Perez seems an odd choice for writing duties on Superman #1. He’s definitely got the experience, but his stint on the Wonder Woman re-launch back in the 80s was a bit dull. Some good character play, but it lacked the kind of excitement you might expect from artist George Perez. Hopefully this will be different (I’ll be getting it anyway).

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Bee Boy's Killer Sting ! has been re-booted.

2011-06-19T03:25:00.000-07:00

Anyone clicking onto this blog over the last couple of years will have seen a certain lack of interest; I moved my attention over to http://mightyworldofbronzeagemarvel.blogspot.com/ and let this one slowly die.

But, inspired by DC's upcoming relaunch, I've decided on a scorched earth policy and re-booted. Here, hopefully, you'll find my thoughts on current comics and the shenanigans surrounding them.

I can't promise it will always be pretty, but it might be entertaining. First up, 52 new No. 1s.