COMIC: Top of the Stack - Fairest #14 (Review)

Writer: Bill Willingham
Artist: Barry Kitson & Inaki Miranda
Cover: Adam Hughes

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

Taking nearly a year away from reading and reviewing monthly comics has left me a tad clueless on most storylines outside of the scant few books that I followed due to their overwhelming quality, and FAIREST was on that list. The latest issue #14 stayed true to my expectations and did not disappoint, making it an easy selection as the top book of my weekly comic stack.

Writer Bill Willingham is the mastermind of this title and the book it spun off from, FABLES, that is well over 100 issues published and is still going strong. I had always heard good things about that title but was intimidated by the huge amount of issues already in place. So when FAIREST started, it seemed like the perfect way to jump into his universe of characters and not feel completely lost.

And this latest issue is proof and point of that, as not having read the last few issues I had no problem jumping into the story. This seemed to be a standalone tale featuring the tree nymph, Princess Alder, and her frustrating time attempting to have a social life. She has an avid listener in Reynard the Fox, who wishes nothing more than to help the nymph and gives a try at solving her dating woes personally with some embarrassingly results!

Even if you have never read an issue of the series, the decision to have Adam Hughes do covers was such a brilliant move and it is rare that you will find a book with a more gorgeous front the week FAIREST comes out. The interiors by Barry Kitson and Inaki Miranda are equally amazing, between the look of Reynard the Fox and the little details to Princess Alder, like her leaves and the wood-like texture to her body.

With a wonderful combination of story, characters and art, FAIREST never disappoints and is always one of my favorite books to look forward to reading every month. Whether the series is easy to jump into I will find that out next month most likely, but for anyone curious about the series and Willingham's tone for the world, this issue is definitely a perfect chance to try it out and see if it is something you like. And I think you will.

You can buy FAIREST #14 digital comic on Comixology for $2.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Earth 2 #1 (Review)

Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Nicola Scott & Trevor Scott
Cover: Ivan Reis, Rod Reis & Joe Prado

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99

If there is one thing that I am always open to when it comes to fiction stories, it is alternate universes. Characters are what attract me even when astory sometimes falters, which is probably the reason I read a lot more books than I probably should.

But when I found out that there was new ongoing series coming to DC that centered around an alternate universe, I just had to read it. And I was not let down.

EARTH 2 #1 by James Robinson was exactly what I was looking for. A different take on the characters I know and love, put into situations that would not happen in the main universe.

Robinson is a veteran DC writer with many notable works having been created over the years: STARMAN, and lengthy runs on SUPERMAN & JUSTICE LEAGUE. I have not had a chance to read the former but I did read his JUSTICE LEAGUE run that may not have wowed many but I loved his use of characters.

And it is the characters that carry this first issue. Seeing the trinity of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman put in the situation of a fight to the end, or a tearful goodbye between Batman and his daughter, Robin, and then let us not forget the peeks at a young Alan Scott and an even younger Jay Garrick. This world is different and I love it.

As if the concept of the story and the quality of the writing still is not enough to win you over, then how about the great art by Nicola Scott. Her attention to detail is clear with ever panel and character, muscle tone, body positioning, how the clothing falls on characters. The pages were crafted. The emotions shining through capes and cowls during the heavy moments and the action scenes fluid and diverse.

I know this will not be the book for everyone but everyone should give it a read. It is amazing how much a story can be changed even when the characters seem similar, and when the changes give you the opportunity to read something unique, it is worth the chance.

Look to buy the EARTH 2 #1 digital comic on Comixology for $2.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - All-Star Western #8 (Review)

Writer: Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Artist: Moritat
Cover: Jose Ladronn

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99

It might seem a little strange for people that know me to see ALL-STAR WESTERN #8 reach the top of my stack this week. I was not a regular reader of the JONAH HEX series that preceded it, and outside an issue here and there or an appearance on an animated DC property I was not entirely that familiar with the cowboy vigilante, Jonah Hex.

I am familiar however with the creative writing team of Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti. Their run on POWERGIRL a few years back was such an entertaining ride and made a supporting character capable of carrying her own solo book.

They have been attached to Jonah Hex for even longer and when the New 52 relaunch was going to remake the JONAH HEX title into ALL-STAR WESTERN, it seemed like the perfect time to jump aboard and give it a try.

This issue has Hex continue his attempted infiltration of the anti-immigrant terrorist group, August 7. He impresses with his fight against Z.C. but the flaw in the plan is revealed to be Doctor Arkham, leaving Hex in over his head.

The art by Moritat complements the story, where the terrifying can look so, the action can look fluid, and each character can look unique from the others.

When it comes to reading books where I do not have an attachment to the main characters, sometimes I find myself drawn to the supporting characters that pop up in the story. Like with ALL-STAR WESTERN, I am enjoying the fighting gal, Z.C. Branke that was introduced in the previous issue and has an entanglement with Hex in this one. I also love the backup stories that have been attached to the book starring Wild West heroes Nighthawk & Cinnamon.

Action, danger, fun. Every time an issue can deliver on each of those you know you are in for something special and the potential is there whenever I pick up ALL-STAR WESTERN. Westerns might not be your thing but I think the uniqueness of Hex, and his current involvement with aspects of Gotham City back in the Wild West is as amazing as it sounds.

Look to buy the ALL-STAR WESTERN #8 digital comic on Comixology for $2.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Supergirl #8 (Review)

Writer: Michael Green & Mike Johnson
Artist: George Perez
Cover: George Perez

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

This was a week where it was going to take an outstanding issue to make it to the top of my reading stack, and when I read SUPERGIRL #8, there was the right mix of adventure, action and relationships to win me over in the end.

From the creative writing team of Michael Green & Mike Johnson since the starts of the New 52 relaunch, SUPERGIRL has become a book about discovery and adventure as much as action with Kara adjusting to her new home. And I have been enjoying the ride immensely which is not that much of a surprise considering Green and Johnson also wrote some of my favorite issues of SUPERMAN/BATMAN.

For this issue Kara is surrounded by the military and seems destined for another misunderstanding when a silver-haired (and tongued) girl gets involved and tries to help Supergirl out. We meet Siobhan Smythe, a girl from Dublin with a remarkable skill for languages, and the two strike up a friendship as she helps Kara hide in plain sight. Of course, there is more to her story and the rug gets pulled out from under the two by the end of the issue through the aid of fatherly intervention.

In a nice surprise, legend George Perez was the guest penciller this issue and the art was solid. The girls looked just like that and when the other shoe drops at Siobhan's gig the art suitably picks up on the creepy factor. The spectrum of emotions are really covered between Kara's angry red eyes to the looks of terror on their faces near the end of the issue.

One of the best things to come from the New 52 is that all of these Superman Family books exist in the same time but they all feel differently and there is no real feeling of reading the same story even when the characters might cross paths. I have always tried to read SUPERGIRL but I definitely cannot remember a time I was enjoying the character more.

I really hope that when this current story with Siobhan finishes that this is not the last we see of the two together. Even if it was only one issue, I enjoyed the friendship that was being built there, and it definitely felt different from any other Super relationship I have yet to read. This was definitely an issue you can pick up without having read the ones before so please give it a try if you have not yet.

Look to buy the SUPERGIRL #8 digital comic on Comixology for $1.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Fairest #2 (Review)

Writer: Bill Willingham
Artist: Zander Cannon & Phil Jimenez
Cover: Adam Hughes

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

There are weeks sometimes as a comic reader where the standouts are few and far between. But for the second straight month FAIREST delivered a stellar issue and I could not justify putting any other book on top of it this week.

Of course the book is written by Bill Willingham, the creative brain behind FABLES, and if there was one thing you can take as a definite is his mastery of the fictional world he has been working on with these characters.

I have wanted to jump into the FABLES world for awhile now, so when FAIREST premiered last month I immediately grabbed on for dear life, looking for a long and wild ride ahead. And if the first two issues are any indication, FAIREST shall deliver.

This issue, FAIREST #2, jumps ahead in time a bit, bringing readers to Ali Baba and Briar Rose on the run from the raging Snow Queen. The consequences of the thief Ali Baba awakening the women captured by a goblin army with his "true love's" kiss in the first issue has him now being chased by one mad woman and escaping with the other.

While the story is apparently connected to FABLES, if from my enjoyment alone can be a measuring stick it does not seem to ruin the story if you are familiar with the circumstances surrounding Briar Rose's capture.

If you are looking for a good cover on a comic it is hard to beat Adam Hughes as the artist for such a task. I just love his art style and wish I could see him more often but it can only help draw eyes to this well deserved series. It is a large job to match up to such art, but Zander Cannon & Phil Jimenez did just that and even more with the interiors. From human characters to ice monsters, and from dark shadows to the bright white snow, or closeup moments to the step back scenery panels, the art is brilliant, really giving the book an epic feel. Something any fantasy story should have.

So far this series is two for two and after hearing so much acclaim for FABLES, I have no doubt that this book will achieve similar success. And it does not hurt that it focuses on the "fairer" sex. Fantasy is big in TV and films right now and I see no reason why this cannot be just as big within the comic book audience. I am just finding my way around the characters and still loving the hell out of this series.

Look to buy the FAIREST #2 digital comic on Comixology for $1.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Wonder Woman #7 (Review)

Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Cliff Chiang
Cover: Cliff Chiang

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

It is arguable to say that the best thing to happen to WONDER WOMAN was the new DC 52 relaunch. Considered one of the big three characters at DC (Batman & Superman being the other two), Wonder Woman as a character has not matched her companions growth.

She only has one ongoing compared to multiples upon multiples for the other two, and outside of a 1970's live-action TV show and appearances on various DC animated properties Wonder Woman does not have the expansive media library either.

That is not to say DC has not tried, over the last few years attempts at making a film and a TV show have failed, and the ongoing book has had numerous restarts with high profile names like Jodi Picoult, Gail Simone, etc but it was not until this nearly blank slate fresh start with the New 52 that the book has seen a jump in popularity with readers.

And for good reason. With acclaimed writer Brian Azzarello, who has been behind Superman and Batman stories along with his own 100 BULLETS series, WONDER WOMAN has been given an interesting new direction with the decision to make her the daughter of Zeus. It brings a new dynamic to the character and possibilities to take her story and that is what Azzarello has done since the first issue.

This issue, WONDER WOMAN #7, continues that path as the ramifications of the last issue has Wonder Woman seeking passage to hell and crossing paths with Hephaestus, and discovers something significant about the Amazons that she did not know about. Throw in a monster from hell and complicated feelings and you have the best book in my reading stack.

Cliff Chiang happens to be one of my favorite artists, so it is a godsend to have him on the interiors of WONDER WOMAN delivering near perfection with every page. It is easily one of the best looking books month in and month out, and it is just exciting to have Wonder Woman looking so amazing - how it should be.

As long as this creative team is on the book, the sky is the limit for WONDER WOMAN. Any reader that had given the ongoing a try in previous iterations and did not like it should definitely give this new incarnation a look. It is by far the most entertaining the book has been in years, and I definitely think the next attempt at a feature film might have to look at this volume for its source material.

Look to buy the WONDER WOMAN #7 digital comic on Comixology for $1.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Legion Lost #7 (Review)

Writer: Tom DeFalco
Artist: Pete Woods
Cover: Pete Woods

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

One of the more complicated superhero titles to follow are ones that deal with the Legion of Super-Heroes. With a pool of so many characters available for creators to pick from, most of the time Legion books are not new reader friendly, but I would continue trying out issues hoping to get hooked.

Before the DC 52 relaunch I had come to enjoy several of the stories Paul Levitz told in ADVENTURE COMICS but since the New 52 started I had yet to find one Legion issue to reach that level of enjoyment until now with this week's LEGION LOST #7. It was inevitable for this series to eventually win me over, the premise of a small team being trapped in a time not their own being so appealing, reminds me a little bit of the Marvel series EXILES that I used to be a big fan of.

Like GREEN ARROW last week, LEGION LOST features a change from the relaunch creative team welcoming a new writer to the series, Tom DeFalco. A long-time comic writer, former Marvel Editor-In-Chief and creator of the Marvel character Spider-Girl, having DeFalco take over the reins continues the theme of having a veteran writer creating the stories for this team

And immediately this story went in a place I was not expecting. Most of the members were sidelined when it came to action but Timber Wolf covers that aspect more than enough and the focus of the issue was more on Tellus' psychic adventure as it turned out it should be. It was an unexpected twist to find out what exactly was the cause of the distressed, imprisoned woman but the story takes the reader to an emotional place that you cannot be prepared for.

Pete Woods on art, what more is there to say? He draws beautiful pages, and the interiors of LEGION LOST are some of the best to look at on a monthly basis. One of the great things about having Woods do a majority of DC work for the last decade is being able to see him do characters like the Legion all the way to the big shots of Superman and Batman.

As long as Woods is doing the art the series will always have a chance to be special. When stories match up like in this issue, it is easy to recommend this book to people even if they have no clue about the Legion and its world. Under the right hand this book has plenty of potential and DeFalco is starting off on the right step.

Look to buy the LEGION LOST #7 digital comic on Comixology for $1.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Green Arrow #7 (Review)

Writer: Ann Nocenti
Artist: Harvey Tolibao
Cover: Howard Porter

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

Sometimes when you try something new, there is that risk that it might not be what you wanted it to be, and I think for some DC readers the relaunch of GREEN ARROW it was like that. I did not fall into that camp but I will admit there did not seem to a be a connection to the character when I was reading the issues. While some of the concepts for this younger Green Arrow has potential, the execution left some to be desired. It felt like a title putting out its 300th issue, not the first arc.

That is why I embraced the arrival of a new creative team, hoping that they would be able to take what worked and take it that extra mile it needed to bring excitement and fun to the title. And with the very first issue, GREEN ARROW #7, I had the most fun reading this story than any other book this week.

The incoming writer for the series is Ann Nocenti, a long-time comic creator, former Marvel editor and even co-created the Marvel character, Longshot. Coming on to handle the art is Harvey Tolibao, who has run the comic company gauntlet in his time as artist having gone from drawing STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC for Dark Horse to THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN for Marvel just to name a few.

Immediately any reader can jump onto the series with just this issue, as you get the basics right out front. Oliver Queen is a young billionaire owner of a Seattle tech company by day, and a reckless vigilante hero by all the other time of day. He delegates most of his responsibilities for the company to his two trusted associates, so much so that it draws the ire of Emerson, the man appointed to run the company until Oliver is "ready".

What was so fun about the episode was Green Arrow's interaction with Skylark, a set of dangerous triplets that have more in store for him than even Oliver imagines. Between their first meeting, to them trying to illustrate ways they can improve Green Arrow's arsenal or the fun they have on his jet, and finally when things take that inevitable turn once they have Oliver where they want him, in just one issue there are these characters that I immediately want to see more of in this world of Green Arrow.

The art Harvey Tolibao puts on the pages has a much more fluid, static feel to it than what the title was getting before. I am reminded of issues of Justice Society of America last year but this is much more polished and fitting for the new youthful vibe to the character.

I am optimistic. I always thought Green Arrow before the DC 52 relaunch had so much baggage that he had almost become a caricature of himself, he was so predictable. Now with this fresh slate, I like the ambitiousness in relating his wealth towards current technologies and opening him up to a world with new characters in Seattle. Giving that level of grey where Oliver might make mistakes but you will not know until he does. I will be reading and I hope you will be too.

Look to buy the GREEN ARROW #7 digital comic on Comixology for $1.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Voodoo #6 (Review)

Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Sami Basri
Cover: John Tyler Christopher

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

One of the things that always excites me when it comes to that time in the week to read through my stack of comic books is finding that title I have been hoping would come around and wow me finally do just that. I would say about half of my stack is usually filled with series that are not exactly my favorites but I find something interesting about them and am waiting for that issue to prove my investment right.

That happened this week when VOODOO #6 decided for me that it would end up at the top of my stack when it was all said and done. VOODOO is a book filled with characters I was not familiar with at all prior to the new DC 52 since it used to be a Wildstorm book, and while I find myself learning on the go and still getting lost now and then, it has been a fun adventure to follow with visually unique characters.

The creative team consists of writer Joshua Williamson, who joined the title last issue replacing the writer of VOODOO's first four issues, Ron Marz. Williamson has been writing for DC an UNCHARTED mini-series based on the video game series of the same name, as well as XENOHOLICS for Image Comics. On art since the book's launch is Sami Basri, who most recently drew POWER GIRL - one of the main reasons I continued to read that book after the creative team change.

In this issue, the recently revealed to be a clone, Voodoo, continues her chase of the truth while the original is still imprisoned in a high security facility that is currently under attack by one of the more intriguing characters, Black Jack. Voodoo is seeking an audience with the war council on the Daemonite spaceship where intel missions to Earth have been going on with alien agents while the original needs her own use of aggression to break out of the situation she is in.

Any time Basri is on art, the pages are guaranteed to be gorgeous to look at and the interiors of VOODOO have not disappointed. Like staying on POWERGIRL, it was Basri's involvement on the book that helped keep it in my reading stack while I struggled with getting a hold on the story and characters. And I am glad I stayed with it because now that the story is developing, the fantastic designs of the characters and panels just makes it a breeze to read.

I am excited to see where this book goes with the story. That the original Voodoo goes from one imprisonment to another for her 'safety', it definitely feels like her life is in a whirlwind and that does not even take into account the clone that is going around doing her own thing. If there is one thing I like to embrace is a comic book that does things differently and I definitely feel that way with VOODOO.

Look to buy the VOODOO #6 digital comic on Comixology for $1.99

COMIC: DC Brings Back Smallville for Season 11 (News)

Comic books are quickly becoming the afterlife for geek TV shows that end their run but have a following still wanting more about those characters.

In the footsteps of shows like BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and ANGEL, that found new life in comic book form for Dark Horse & IDW respectively, now the former CW mainstay show, SMALLVILLE, is making a transition to ink and paper.

Officially called SMALLVILLE SEASON 11, the comic book will pick up where the show ended in last May's finale with Clark being Superman and Lex Luthor back in the mix. Writing this next chapter of SMALLVILLE will be Bryan Q. Miller, former writer of BATGIRL who has experience with the Smallville universe having written several episodes over the last few years. Drawing the interiors is another BATGIRL alum, Pere Perez.

The other unique aspect to this new book is the method of release. It will be a digital first series starting on April 13, 2012, nearly one year after the show's two hour finale as smaller than a regular book digital chapters. These chapters will be released weekly with a print collection of the chapters being released starting on May 16.

The print cover artist will be Gary Frank (SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN) and on the digital Cat Staggs. Here is a look at the first cover by Cat:

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Birds of Prey #6 (Review)

Writer: Duane Swierczynski
Artist: Javier Pina
Cover: Jesus Saiz

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

7 for 7, another different title makes it to the top of my reading stack this week and I am starting to think that 2012 has brought on a renaissance with team books because I cannot get enough of them!

DC Comics makes its return to my weekly pick after a few weeks away with the release of BIRDS OF PREY #6 from Duane Swierczynski and Javier Pina. I have been a reader of BIRDS OF PREY for many years, since around the latter part of Chuck Dixon's run on the original volume but for the most part of that time I was reading the book despite its stories because of how much I loved the characters (or their potential) that were a part of it.

Now that we are firmly implanted in the new DC 52, the BIRDS OF PREY has gotten a new lease on life and I am loving every bit of it. Still on the team from its previous incarnation is Dinah Lance, the Black Canary, who also is wearing a new look, one that slightly resembles an old costume between her fishnet stockings outfits. So far six issues in I consider this almost a perfect book for those who wanted a solo Black Canary story and found her feature in the GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY book lacking. Sure it is a team book but she is by far one of the main characters.

Also on the team is Katana, who is slightly different in the new DC 52 and has a soul stealing mystical sword; Poison Ivy, who has not turned a new leaf but coexists with the group despite her crazed ways. She adds to the level of greyness surrounding the team; Starling, a 'master spy' who is as dangerous as lovely; And Batgirl, who seems determined not to be a part of the team but finds herself involved more than she'd like.

The man behind this team would be writer Duane Swierczynski, who besides having written several novels was previously an exclusive writer for Marvel and had a long twenty-five issue run on CABLE roughly three years ago. Along with artist Jesus Saiz, a veteran DC artist who worked on books like THE OMAC PROJECT, the two have been on the series from the start and have provided a solid foundation for the future of the title. Filling in for Saiz this month is Javier Pina, who collaborated with the previous issue's art and has worked on DC's MANHUNTER series back in the day and more recently BOOM! Studios' SOLDIER ZERO.

In this issue the Birds further plunge themselves into the sleeper agents cell they uncovered, focusing on a character that was introduced in the very first issue of this new run. Readers get a nice explanation just how complex the webs woven by this mysterious 'Choke' who created these sleeper agents without the very people being used knowing it happened.

The art is perfect for a book featuring many beautiful heroines. Sometimes I see books that feature women characters get illustrated with styles that do not match with them and not look pretty but that is not the case with BIRDS OF PREY. Each character looks unique, looks great and even better, look awesome in action. There is no stiffness or forced poses that can sometimes seduce artists that draw women. The pages really give off a feel of excitement and adventure that reminded me a lot of another great heroine book at one time, Bryan Q. Miller's BATGIRL.

I do miss some of the old members of the team, like Dove and Lady Blackhawk, but I have to admit that I am enjoying getting to know this new cast of girl power surrounding Black Canary. Poison Ivy has always been one of my favorite DC bad girls, Katana was one of the few reasons I would pick up THE OUTSIDERS book back in the day, and Starling just seems like a great other voice for Dinah in the vein of Huntress with the prior group. I cannot wait to see what trouble these girls will find next, I mean of course once they handle 'Choke'.

Look to buy the BIRDS OF PREY #6 digital comic on Comixology for $1.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Teen Titans #5 (Review)

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artist: Brett Booth & Norm Rapmund
Cover: Brett Booth & Norm Rapmund

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

It looks like it only took a month of being back to reviewing comics on a weekly basis for a company to put together successive weeks of wowing me with a book that would keep them at the top of my reading stack and this week it was DC tightening its hold on top with the release of TEEN TITANS #5.

And I seemed to be in a team book haze this week as I also enjoyed DC's other legendary team book, JUSTICE LEAGUE #6. And while that issue with the adult team mixing it up with Darkseid was almost my choice, it was the intrigue in TEEN TITANS #5 that is Superboy as an unknown factor in the battle against the teen heroes that was just too great to pass up.

Writer Scott Lobdell has been at the helm of the series since the relaunch of TEEN TITANS in the New 52 DC initiative, and at the same time is pulling double duty by being the writer on SUPERBOY as well and readers of both are seeing the two series intertwine as N.O.W.H.E.R.E throws Superboy at the Titans.

The great thing about this issue's battle is how several of the characters get a moment to shine as they take on Superboy before the eventuality of Superboy gaining the upper hand takes place. For someone like me who is not too familiar with several of these new Titans - not including oldies like Red Robin, Kid Flash and Wondergirl who have new twists to their character in the DC 52 to learn about as well - it is great to get a feel for what Bunker and Solstice can do.

And the underlying theme so far in the series of that destruction seems to follow the teen heroes stays true in this issue as the battle with Superboy is really wrecking things around them and even Solstice's save of Kid Flash involved damaging a battleship in the harbor.

A perfect match for the story is the art in this book. The individuality of each character's abilities really come out on the pages, whether it be Superboy's tactile telekinesis or Bunker's psionic bricks, Kid Flash's speed, the action just looks fantastic.

I have always been a fan of team books, and especially that of the Teen Titans. It has been ages though since I've enjoyed the title and now with the fresh start of the DC 52 I think the series has a chance to do something special like the Titans books of decades ago and I can confidently say this is a great beginning so far.

Look to buy the TEEN TITANS #5 digital comic on Comixology for $1.99

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Tiny Titans #48 (Review)

Writer: Art Baltazar & Franco
Artist: Art Baltazar
Cover: Art Baltazar

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

If there is one thing I have learned in having written a weekly comic year for nearly two years is that I have a type of book that will almost always blow me away when I read it.

If it is fun, makes me laugh and want to read it forever like this week's TINY TITANS #48 then it will find itself on its way to the top of the stack by the time I read everything else.

And that is what happened this week. No other book really competed with the miniature heroes. There were a few solid issues, like IDW's STAR TREK #5, which does such a great job of capturing the world and characters from the new movie universe, or DC's BIRDS OF PREY #5, which kept me guessing as to what was really going on and is such a great looking book art-wise, but both seemed to miss that special sparkle that I always seem to see when a new issue of TINY TITANS graces my presence.

The longstanding creative team of Baltazar & Franco continue to weave an all-ages masterpiece with this series. As the cover teases, Baltazar & Franco have the TINY TITANS characters take on the idea of secret identities in only the way they can. By making use of pairs of thick-framed glasses, just like Clark Kent wears!

From Barbara taking of her cowl and finally revealing her full face and red hair - of which Robin seemed to be a fan of - to the titans taking a trip to Barbara's Secret Bat-Lair to try on vintage clothes found in her dad's old trunk, the story flowed from one silly moment to the next never losing the momentum of fun in the pages.

But best of all may be Wondergirl and her oranges. First the secret orange that tells her secrets and then her own wacky dream of Secret Oranges vs the Just Us Cows ... those pages steal the show and take the hilarity to another level.
STORY

The art continues to carry the energy of the characters and could easily translate to the animated world (if dreams would come true!) with the easy to recognize design of the characters and the ability to make anything seem possible in the TINY TITANS world.

I LOVE this book and any fan of DC or fun in general should give this comic a read. Easily something I would give to a younger relative, with quick, clever stories that get right to the punchline that also have nods to the older fans that know the DC Universe quite well. This is my favorite DCU title and it should be yours too.

The TINY TITANS #48 issue is not available digitally yet (BOO!) but look to buy the first 40 digital comic issues of TINY TITANS on Comixology for only $0.99 each.

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Booster Gold #45 (Review)

Writer: Dan Jurgens
Artist: Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund
Cover: Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

The second week of June brought several contenders for the top of my weekly comic stack. DC continued its Flashpoint presence and had a few intriguing titles like several Green Lantern movie prequel books and FLASHPOINT: FRANKENSTEIN CREATURES OF UNKNOWN #1, which gave off heavy Hellboy vibes.

I am not a fan of Marvel's direction with Ultimate Spider-Man but the newest issue of JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY, #624 continued to deliver superb story and art. And from the smaller companies, I thought MEGA MAN #2 from Archie Comics was another solid issue.

But in the end it was the presence of Flashpoint that seduced me and led to BOOSTER GOLD #45 being the book that finished on the top of my stack. The great Dan Jurgens has been the main creative force behind the book for now his second issue after being away from the title for awhile.

As Booster Gold learns more about the new world he has found himself in, he has unfortunately been labeled as an Atlantean by the military and continues to be attacked by the controlled monster Booster remembers by another name, Doomsday.

What I enjoyed about the issue was the detective work Booster did and the conclusions he was able to come to on his own about Professor Zoom and the time stream being why the world is like it is. And to end on the situation created when Booster got help from his Greek lady friend, who unknowingly disabled the military's control of Doomsday, leaving Booster to face a monster unleashed in the next issue.

Jurgens has been connected to Booster Gold for a long time so seeing his art on the book and character again feel like this is how the character is meant to look and read. The action scenes looked great and there was a constant variation in the use of angles to present how the story was unfolding for Booster and the rest.

I have been encouraged by how this title has embraced Booster's role as the unsung hero, and I am looking forward to finding out how he looks to solve the problem of Flashpoint or at least play a part in how it wraps up. A solid issue.

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Adventure Comics #527 (Review)

Writer: Paul Levitz
Artist: Geraldo Borges & Marlo Alquiza
Cover: Eduardo Pansica & Eber Ferreira

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

It was event week to start off the month of June with the releases of FLASHPOINT #2 and FEAR ITSELF #3, but neither title wowed me and it was actually an event side book that gave the most competition for top of the stack with FLASHPOINT: THE WORLD OF FLASHPOINT #1 and its star Traci 13.

In the end however it was ADVENTURE COMICS #527 that won me over with its spotlight issue on one of the Legion Academy's residents, Comet Queen.

Veteran DC creative staple Paul Levitz has been the series writer for awhile now and his presence on the book is one of the reasons I have continued to read the book since its relaunch as a Superboy title to its transition to Legion of Super-Heroes stories because of his take on the legendary team is laced with fun, adventure and excitement. In fact, this he may have written his best issue yet this time around.

The story surrounds the character Comet Queen and her entire life, from her origin to how she landed in the Legion Academy in her own words as she tells the story to another star seeking character Her days as a child falling in love with space and gaining a crush on the Legionnaire, Bouncing Boy. And then her plan to become a Legionnaire by learning the origins of every Legionnaire and figuring out which would be a feasible path to follow - fate choosing for her to go through a comet like Star Boy.

Mix in a present time training scene at the academy where Comet Queen helps Glorith followed by an explanation why CQ is still at the Academy explaining her time with the League of Substitute Heroes, then Titanfall and what Saturn Queen did to her leading to a lot of her memories being gone for good. It was a well-rounded story that really had me as a reader connecting to this character that I knew very little about before the issue and now after the issue wanting to see her character around a lot more.

Geraldo Borges did the pencils for the issue and Marlo Alquiza was on inks, and the art inside the pages was solid. Drawing a Legion book can be a tough task given the wide variety of characters that might come up on a panel given the enormity of the group even for a team book but there was no drop off in quality with all these characters on the page. Each had their unique look and feel and never was there a moment when the identity of a figure could be confusing to the reader.

I find ADVENTURE COMICS to be one of the underrated series in the DCU and I will continue to be a faithful reader of the title as I find it slowly teaching me about the Legion Universe, an aspect of the DCU I was never terribly familiar with. Others is the same seat that I once was should give this series a shot.

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Flashpoint #1 (Review)

Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Andy Kubert
Cover by Andy Kubert

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99

A change had been on the horizon, something that was in the making for a long time now ever since Dan Didio, Jim Lee and Geoff Johns were elevated to positions of control inside DC and while the 'New 52' is starting to appear as I write this review it is interesting to look back at the second week of May and the release of FLASHPOINT #1, the event book that was the beginning of the end to the DCU fans were familiar with.

There were two all-ages titles that were very strong that week - MEGAMAN #1 from Archie Comics, and ALL-NEW BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #7 from DC - but while fun and entertaining neither had the emotional pull and shattering revelations that FLASHPOINT #1 had in its pages. Usually I am not too enthusiastic with the first issues of event books, they tend to say a lot but show little - looking at you, FEAR ITSELF #1 - but this book seemed to change that formula around, showing a lot of what's different and leaving it to the reader to keep up with the story of the new world.

Writer Geoff Johns is no stranger to big event books, having just written last year's DC event, BLACKEST NIGHT, and a few years before he helmed the DC Universe through INFINITE CRISIS. Teaming up with Johns for FLASHPOINT is big name artist, Andy Kubert, who DC fans will remember drew the two issue Neil Gaiman written Batman story, "What Happened to the Caped Crusader?".

In the issue, the premise for the event is simply laid out for the reader. A brief history of the Flash is told with a narrator readers are not told immediately who it is. Barry Allen awakes from a nap at his job and finds himself in a world he is not familiar with. Patty Spivot was there in the lab, but it took Barry stumbling down the stairs when he realized he was not wearing his Flash ring and landing in front of his alive mom to really bring the fact that things were not the same to the forefront.

The world is different, the Justice League doesn't exist, no one has heard of Superman, but there is still a Batman so Barry does the logical thing, head to Gotham City to get Batman's help. But in Gotham readers learn that the world beyond Barry Allen is drastically changed, with the likes of Aquaman and Wonder Woman leading their respective kin in wars against the world in attempts to overtake it. Throw in the threat of Professor Zoom lurking in this new world, and the final page reveal in this issue and I have no doubt that FLASHPOINT will be as entertaining as it is momentous.

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Brightest Day #24 (Review)

Written by Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason, Ardian Syaf, Scott Clark & Joe Prado
Cover by Gary Frank & Rod Reis

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99

For the last week of April once again my stack of comic books waiting to be read was well over 15 titles. And it was a very good week with several titles contending for Top of the Stack recognition. Those just falling short were Marvel's MIGHTY THOR #1 and SPIDER-GIRL #6, both worthy of being at the top on any other week but there was an emotional beat in another comic that made it impossible not to be the one at the top of my stack.

I'm talking about BRIGHTEST DAY #24, the final issue of the series and for the second straight week a title makes it to the top for consecutive issues. The writing team of Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi have masterfully maneuvered readers for a whole year with this story about twelve heroes and villains being resurrected by a white light, leading to an ending no one could have expected when the series started.

In this extra-sized finale issue, the previously reborn heroes that had been turned into elements now combined with the skeletal remains of Alec Holland and one more dead hero to bring about the return of the true Swamp Thing to defend the planet against the corrupted version of Swamp Thing. But the emotional fallout from the events that needed to happen for the light to succeed is what truly puts this book on a whole other level.

Finally seeing the dreaded moment readers had been teased about for most of the length of the series - Captain Boomerang throwing at Dove - happened but not with the result feared yet one just as painful. Deadman stepped in the way and took the hit, dying for Dove and being the final piece for the white light's plan. The moments between a dying Deadman and Dove tug at your heartstrings and again after the battle when back into his Deadman ghost form, Dove is still able to hear him and they declare their love for each other.

That and the return of the elemental heroes: Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Firestorm and Hawkman, with the latter two not having the happiest of returns. I do not think you can read this book and not be affected by the story.

And the army of artists that have worked diligently on the series the entire time, again knocked it out of the park with quality that matched the high level of writing. Some might feel it is a bit awkward now that all of these artists are working on the same parts now that the character they had been doing separately for the whole series but they are all so talented that for such a huge concept story it worked perfectly.

BRIGHTEST DAY ranks right up there with 52 and SUNDAY COMICS as brilliant concepts that also turned into great executed series that readers miss once they are done. Anyone that was hesitant to commit to such a paced out story or were discouraged by the slow start of the story in the early issues should definitely look to pick up this series when it gets collected because it continued to get better with every subsequent issue and makes you care about some of the less promoted characters of the DCU. It made me care about Deadman and Dove, two characters I only had faint interest in prior to BRIGHTEST DAY. Read it, you will not regret it!

COMIC: DC 'The New 52' Trailer (News)

DC's new comic universe is getting ready to debut in a few weeks (52 new #1 issues) and the marketing campaign is ramping up with the release of a video trailer that will air in movie theaters as part of National CineMedia’s “FirstLook” pre-feature programming.

Here is the extended trailer:


The first issue of DC's new initiative, JUSTICE LEAGUE #01 comes out on August 31, 2011.

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Tiny Titans #39 (Review)

Written by Art Baltazar & Franco
Art by Art Baltazar
Cover by Art Baltazar

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

*In an effort to get caught up this month (August) for next month's DC Reboot, the piles of unread comics - four months worth - will begin to be gone through and hopefully this is the first of many reviews.*

April's third week actually ended up being a huge week of comics with over 20 issues in my stack. There was a wide variety of contending comics worth Top of the Stack status: two mini-series, WOLVERINE & JUBILEE and SKARR: KING OF THE SAVAGE LAND were in the running, two regular contenders, DARKWING DUCK and GREEN LANTERN had solid issues, but in the end it was another comic very familiar with being at the Top of the Stack that came away with the win for the week, TINY TITANS #39.

The regular TINY TITANS creative team of Art Baltazar and Franco continue to produce an entertaining comic with witty words and adorable art, the perfect combination for an all-ages title and raising the bar when it comes to the expectations for adult fans when it comes to reading such comics.

In this issue it is laundry day for the Tiny Titans and Alfred and the penguins have taken the Bat Family and Super Family costumes for a wash. Unfortunately the penguins have not figured out the need to separate colors and as a result the Super Capes got mixed in making everyone's uniform pink! Of course this causes the most trouble for Batman, Robin and Superman.

Because of the story plot, pink takes a big focus in the issue, with most of the costumes being now pink or the characters themselves being pink like Plasmus. Robin's experiment with food coloring also brought the introduction to a rainbow-colored Nightwing outfit and Superman got to debut his 'man clothes' , which funnily enough may have been the inspiration for the new look Superman is wearing on the cover of September's ACTION COMICS #1.

TINY TITANS has been around for over three years now and I think it is safe to say that I will never tire of reading this universe and its unique take on the DC characters and the fun little adventures they get themselves mixed up with. If there is one book that I would like to see go on for the forseeable future it would be this one, so go out and read this series, you will not regret it.

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Brightest Day #23 (Review)

Written by Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason, Ardian Syaf, Scott Clark & Joe Prado
Cover by Gary Frank

Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

Heading straight ahead toward its story climax, BRIGHTEST DAY #23 ran away from the competition to open up the first week of comic book releases for April. Even the first issue of Marvel's big company event, FEAR ITSELF, was no match for the penultimate issue of DC's post-event series.

The cover teased appearances of recently fallen heroes from the pages of BRIGHTEST DAY to reappear in new forms, and the story by series writers Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi did not disappoint. The issue picks up with Boston Brand aka Deadman continuing to try and hold back the power of the white lantern and ring from doing to Firestorm and Hawk and Dove what it did to the likes of Hawkman and Hawkgirl.

But as has been the story with Deadman, he is only a pawn for the white energy and with the dark avatar arising, the need for Earth's defenders becoming necessary. With Air, Water, Fire and Earth, BRIGHTEST DAY was only one heart away from bringing forth Captain Planet.

Instead however came representations of the 4 elements to try and hold off the approaching darkness: Hawkman and Hawkgirl representing Air; Firestorm for Fire; Martian Manhunter for Earth; and Aquaman for Water. While they battled the darkness at the edge of Star City Forest, it was left to Deadman, Hawk and Dove to defend the tree with a last page reveal that had to surprise everyone reading.

There laid Earth's ultimate savior, Alec Holland aka the Swamp Thing.

The art continues to be a collaboration between several artists yet the book flows smoothly without any of the jarring transitions seen sometimes in books with multiple artists. The high level of quality talent on the book is a sure contributor, with even the cover being drawn by Gary Frank who created a stunning piece with the 4 elementals that debut in the issue.

With only one issue left before the end, BRIGHTEST DAY has been a surprisingly consistent title over the last year - something I did not entirely expect from such a long story. Like the art side of the book, having top writing talent was definitely a factor of the quality and while BRIGHTEST DAY is coming to an end I will definitely be reading the next big books Johns and Tomasi put their focus on.

If you have not been able to keep up with the series, a BRIGHTEST DAY collection is certainly something to keep an eye out for when trade paperbacks for the series are released. An entertaining must read for comic book fans.