AuburnComics.com

Grant Morrison and DC have done it again…yes, they have a released another book that leaves readers with more questions than answers. I don’t want to say too much about this book, as I am still trying to take it all in, but I do want to make a few observations/questions.

1. Orion is dead? How did this happen. Didn’t we just see him in Countdown a few weeks ago beating up his father Darkseid, one of the most powerful men in the universe? Now he’s dead?

2. What is going on with the Monitors? Countdown left me confused, and Final Crisis isn’t doing any better.

3. How could DC eliminate a character like Martian Manhunter in one page? One page!?!?! Granted, I don’t read EVERY book DC releases, so there might have been some background info available, but I don’t feel like I’m alone in my disgust here.

4. Is Barry Allen returning? Who knows?

Nevertheless, I am intrigued…Grant Morrison is the only writer who I can hate and love in the same book. Although I do have some serious questions, I am definitely awaiting the release of number 2 next month. I advise each of you to grab a copy of this book from John at Collector’s Corner as soon as possible while you still can. This series is going to be very interesting.

-N

For almost two years now, I’ve been following Grant Morrison’s run on Batman with great anticipation. I’ve constantly been asking myself, “Why does DC allow him to continue writing?” There have been several times when I have thoroughly enjoyed his stories, and other times (as in the infamous prose issue) when I have been left wanting. Nevertheless, I believe my questions are being answered…

Several months ago, I was at Collector’s Corner flipping though a copy of Previews, and I noticed a Batman cover with these words written above it: BATMAN: R.I.P. What!?!?!?!?!?! Is Batman, my favorite character, about to kick the bucket? Had DC learned nothing from killing Superman or watching the fan upheaval over the recent death of their rival’s Captain America?

Needless to say, I was skeptical of this story arc. I kept thinking, “How could DC do this? What is Morrison doing?”

Then came this issue…and I was amazed…

This particular issue has me intrigued. The emergence of the Black Glove and their desire to see Batman killed will make for several interesting issues in the future. Furthermore, Bruce Wayne’s full disclosure of his secrets to his new woman could lead to some potential big problems as well. Furthermore, is she connected to the Black Glove? Is the Black Glove aware of Batman’s true identity? This issue leads to these questions and others. Finally, how is the Joker involved in this plot to kill his long time enemy? I’m not sure because the last few pages, as is frequent in Morrison’s books, left me confused, yet intrigued.

Although I initially wanted to avoid this story arc, I am now greatly anticipating the next issue…If you do not currently read Batman, then I urge you to begin now. From what I understand, DC is authorizing a second printing of this issue for all of you who neglected to get it.I strongly urge you to read this…you won’t be disappointed.

-N

Looking out over my feet half covered in sand to the Gulf of Mexico made me stop reading comics several times. It took me almost an entire day to read two issues and I was ok with getting a little sand on them.

The first one was Titans #2 ($2.99). In Issue two we find out who has been trying to destroy all of the old Teen Titans and a bit of their big plan. It is Trigon as revealed on the cover and at the end of the issue we find out he has help. It is worth the read and worth continuing the Titans story for me. It will stay on my pull list and with the cast and current writing/art I think this one could be a long term pull.

The second issue I attempted to read on the beach actually went faster than the first one. Dynamite’s third issue of Project Superpowers ($2.99) pulled me back into the series. I have now read five issues of this title; 0 thru 3 and an un-numbered special issue from this years free comic book day. I was in at issue zero but one and two were losing me. The free special edition is honestly the only reason I picked up issue 3. I have to say that this issue pulled me all the way back in. It was the first issue of the series that felt like a winner from beginning to end. With the emerging Samson character and a big ending to this issue that will most definatly make issue four a big one it is definatly going back on the pull list.

-H
Post Edited:2008-05-31 16:58:51

The other night I was flipping through the TV channels, and I came across a showing of the first Hellboy movie. Having been a comic book reader for years, I watched a few minutes nd was intrigued, but I quickly went to bed as it was getting late. I had never read Hellboy before, as I thought it would be sort-of a tribute to the demonic and occult (which it is not - the name “Hellboy” simply refers to his appearance - not his religious beliefs). However, since I enjoyed those few moments I watched, I decided to buy a copy of Hellboy Volume 1: Seed of Destruction.

I must say that I was thoroughly impressed. Although I currently read books with more clearly defined lines and brighter colors (i.e. the current run of Green Arrow/Black Canary), I enjoyed the art and felt that it fit the story perfectly. The art was great - the bright colors on dark panels really seemed to leap from the page. There was not a single page which I thought contained sub-par art. Furthermore, I enjoyed the writing because it gave a good explanation of Hellboy’s origin as well as the other members of the BPRD (if you don’t recognize this acronym, then read this book or watch the movie!)

This is not the end of the story…after finishing this book, I went to Wal-Mart and found a three-disc, special edition version of Hellboy for $9. The movie, although containing some typical comic-book-turned-movie cheese, was very good. To my surprise, it also followed some of the story from Hellboy Volume 1: Seed of Destruction. pretty closely, which is not common in this genre of movies.

In conclusion, I will say two things. First, I am primarliy a DC reader, but I WILL buy more Hellboy books in the future. Second, I will also be seeing the second Hellboy movie, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army which arrives in theatres on July 11. I encouorage you to do the same.

-N
Post Edited:2008-05-31 16:49:10