Wow.  Really, any other words chosen to describe just how good Dark Avengers #12 is would be understated and would not do the issue justice.  Brian Michael Bendis has once again provided the masterstrokes in the ongoing Dark Reign.  Just as "event fatigue" may have started to settle in and wavering thoughts of the upcoming Siege were starting to simmer, Bendis gives us Dark Avengers #12.  Seriously, 'nuff said.

However, if you are looking for more reasons to read this issue.  Let's begin with Mike Deodato's pencils and Greg Horn's assists on a few pages when delving into the psyche of one Norman Osborn.  Victoria Hand has been stepping up more and more in recent issues and in Dark Avengers #12, she is there in literally all her glory.  This one has the Molecule Man and a huge showdown with the Sentry.  It's got the goods.

All I can say, after reading this issue, I wanted more.  And I am officially on the "can't wait for the Siege" bandwagon.

Taking a Look at Batgirl

Five issues in and this new incarnation of Batgirl has been a pleasant surprise. Bryan Miller has done a nice job transferring the flag from Cassandra Cain to Stephanie Brown. Another neat touch by Miller is Barbara Gordon's mentorship of the former Spoiler. Babs was a lot like us at first, probably not wanting to invest ourselves in another Batgirl, but just like us she can't just help herself after getting to know her. And honestly, there is something endearing about the character that makes you root for her.

Miller did a nice job of letting the title get its own feet before bringing Batman and Robin into the title for a cameo, or whatever, this month in issue #5. To be honest, this issue was definitely the most-fun I had of all of them - the interaction between Damian and Stephanie is worth the $2.99 (now a bargain) cover price alone.

Add in Lee Garbett's pencils and Trevor Scott's ink and Batgirl is a good title to be added to the monthly pull. Operators are standing by ...

Better than it has any business being.  This has been my tagline for Marvel's Ultimate relaunch.  And while I feel this is true for Ultimate Comics Armor War and Ultimate Comics Avengers, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man is a little different.  First it has Bendis at the helm which screams quality storytelling, and considering how long he has been on the book that is quite an accomplishment to keep going.  Not that the book was suffering before Ultimatum, but the narrative jump forward has definitely benefited the story.

With the relaunch comes a new artist at the helm - David Lafuente.  His style takes some getting used to with its anime-type feel.  I don't mind it as much as others, it does not distract from the story at hand, which has been fun.

Issue three dropped this week and the story has been a good one since the return of Peter Parker, who was thought killed at the end of Ultimatum.  A weird bait and switch to the character if you ask me (unless they reveal him to be a clone of a clone or something stupid like that, but I digress ...).  Anyway, without giving too much away, a lot has changed in the life of Mr. Parker.  He has a new job and NYC is rebuilding.  And another thing, the city that never sleeps loves its resident super-hero. So things are moving along for the character.  But as much as things are the same, there has been other changes that will make you scratch your head (but in a good way).  And thanks to the jump forward, we get to figure out what happened and why the new dynamics.

One new dynamic introduced in issue two and explained a little more in three is the addition of Johnny Storm to the Parker household.  Only can be good for more interesting adventures.

The relaunch has also seen the addition of an iconic Spidey villain in Mysterio.  The Ultimate version is a lot of twisted fun and definitely a good foil for our favorite webhead.  He is not an easy win to say the least.

All that being said, if you are not reading Ultimate Comics Spider-Man for some reason other than you did not realize it was out, now's the time to jump back on board.  Only three issues out, all still available.  Would I steer you wrong (don't answer that)?

Invincible Iron Man #18

Masterful. That one words sums up my description of Matt Fraction's efforts on the Invincible Iron Man. And this week issue's (18) did not miss a beat in what was the 11th chapter of the "World's Most Wanted" storyline. Most comic stories are plotted and written to occur in five or six issues, making them a perfect sell for a trade paperback. Sometimes we see a story go 12 or even 18 issues, but usually the pacing is not so good and the story generally suffers for it (R.I.P. or New Krypton anyone?). But Fraction's subdued storytelling in Invincible Iron Man reminds me of the subtle style that J. Michael Stracynski has displayed in the Thor relaunch.

Most Wanted is one the real interesting tales born from Dark Reign. Desperate to keep Norman Osborn's hands off of the database that contains the real identities of Marvel's good guys, Tony Stark embarks on destroying that database. The only catch, all of the information is contained in his brain. Thus, Tony needs to lobotomize himself, but like any good storyteller, Fraction has decided that he can't just blow his brains out, but rather it must be a slow burn-off, which benefits us a readers.

So, Osborn continues to send his minions to hunt down Stark's whereabouts, while Maria Hill and Pepper Potts work on their own to assist Tony is destroying his mind. Trust me, its really compelling storytelling. Think about the depths of which Stark is willing to go do to the right thing. Everyone's favorite whipping boy after the Civil War is reminding everyone why he is truly a hero. It will be interesting to see how Fraction finally resolves this story and what the ultimate confrontation between Stark and Osborn will bring.

Add to story the terrific art of Salvador Larocca and you will truly be in for a unique comic experience with Invincible Iron Man. Who knows, it might even make for a terrific third film Mr. Favreau ...

Spotlight on Fantastic Four Visionaries

Excelsior! It seemed only fitting to begin with a nod to Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee. It is Lee and his partner in crime, Jack Kirby, that we think of when we think of the Fantastic Four. And it is understandable that we do think this way since the duo worked on 100 issues of the World's Greatest Comic Magazine.

However the legend that is the Fantastic Four did not end with Lee and Kirby (obviously). About 10 years after, John Byrne began a run that would last six years and watch him put an indelible mark on the quartet that today rivals the creators time on the book.

Beginning with issue #232 when Byrne assumed both writer and drawing chores a masterpiece was about to be weaved that would not just changed the way we look at the Fantastic Four (the Invisible Woman, Galactus munching on the Skrull homeworld, the death of Reed Richards), but also impact the very fabric of the entire Marvel Universe.

Marvel in its ultimate wisdom (and we mean that in a great way) decided to collect Bryne's entire run in Fantastic Four Visionaries, John Bryne. Brave New Worlds has the first seven volumes in stock, with almost all of them available at the low price of $10! That is a great deal for such an amazing run of what has yet to been rivaled since.

Brave New Worlds Second Look on Cloak & Dagger

Aw Yeah I'm back with a review, and Aw yeah Cloak and Dagger is back as well in a new Premiere Hardcover, Cloak & Dagger: Child of Darkness, Child of Light, collecting the initial four-issue mini-series by Bill Mantlo, Rick Leonardi and Terry Austin. This was before Cloack & Dagger were revealed to be mutants, but rather victims of a drug experiments gone bad.

This is another classic 1980's tale from the Marvel Universe. The duo made their first appearance in the Spectacular Spider-Man as anti-drug vigilantes. The mini-series explained their mission further and reveals both characters roots and origins.

It was definitely a simpler time in terms of storytelling, but Mantlo's writing holds up, while Leonardi lends his unique artistic talents to leave an indelible mark on one of the Marvel 'verses more unique crime-fighting teams.

Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade

by Victoria.

This six part mini series opens with the Man of Steel engaged in a heated battle with arch enemy Lex Luthor who is over powering Kal El thanks to his giant sized robot. Luthor proclaims his robot specializes in draining Kryptonian strength and the only way to destroy it would be a rocket from another dimension. What are the odds of that happening? Enter Kara Zor El whose rocket ship happens to slice through Lex’s machine and accidently saves the day. After stumbling from the ship into a mob of inquiring reporters and discovering she has super powers, she is whisked away by Superman. The cousins exchange stories and Kara reveals that she ran away from home and asks that Superman return her to Argo. Because he has no knowledge on how to cross a dimensional barrier it appears Kara is stuck on our planet.

Kara assumes the identity of ‘Linda Lee’ and enrolls in Stan Hope Boarding School where she struggles with fitting in, a mean principle and learning about life on Earth (which often leads to her asking embarrassing questions). After an accident in detention involving some kryptonite and a light projector, she finds herself face to face with her evil dark haired twin. Belinda Zee (the evil twin) proceeds to make school life even more miserable for our Girl of Steel. When it seems the whole school is against for being socially awkward and due to the pranks courtesy of Belinda, one student stands in her defense and offers her hand in friendship. Lena Thorul and Kara not only become best friends but roommates as well. Kara is unaware that Lena has a big brother who was recently sent to prison and holds a grudge against earth’s greatest hero.

Belinda gets her hands on some red Kryptonite and begins causing chaos that includes giving all the students super powers and time travel. Lena and Kara’s friendship is tested when a super powered cat appears causing even more mayhem. Mind wipes, a bizarro student body, a future Supergirl with a Legion flight ring and a principle is disguise all lead to the final showdown in issue six.

Written by Landry Q. Walker with art by Eric Jones, each 32 page issue sells for $2.50 each. Much like the popular Tiny Titans, the story is fun for all ages and not just targeted for children. The writing is smart and full of humor with strong messages about friendship, self esteem and fighting for what you believe in.

Superman/Batman #59 Review

The previous issue of Superman/Batman found The Man of Steel going head to head with the Prankster who shrunk our hero and is stranded in a microscopic world called Nanopolis. Time in this world moves differently and although it appears Superman has only been missing for a few hours, on Nanopolis it has been two months. Our hero soon encounters hostile machines and must fight for his life.

 

With the assistance of John Henry Irons, formerly known as Steel, Batman is shrunk  to microscopic size ( along with his sub) and is on a rescue mission. After crash landing he is helped by locals who claim  The Dark Knight's arrival was prophesied long ago. The Nomads have been waiting for a savior who would "match the metal ones power".  They  help Batman in tracking Superman's location but when Bruce finds him it appears to be too late.

 

Issue #59 will conclude this three part story written by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning and Mike Johnson. The pencils are done by superstar artist Whilce Portacio (BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL) and are pleasing to the eye. Find out what happens when #59 hits store shelves April 29!

 

Beyond Wonderland #6 Guest Review

Beyond Wonderland issue 5 ended with a cliff hanger for fans; Calie (our heroine who goes by the alias 'Lacy' in the series) was being forced back into Wonderland through the infamous looking glass by The Mad Hatter. This occurs on the top of the Empire State Building and issue 6 opens with a flash back of Calie, her brother Johnny (now the Mad Hatter) and their grandfather enjoying the sites on top of that very building. What ensues next between the two siblings is dramatic, gory and will not disappoint.

 

The Zenescope writing team closes the series with a shocking event that will no doubt continue in the next series lineup. Three new one shots centering on the Chesire Cate, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb and the Red Queen are slated for a Spring 2009 release as well as the Wonderland Annual.

 

A few bonus features are in this issue; a five-page preview of the new Zenescope title 'Salem's Daughter' and a preview/interview of the new Calie Wonderland statue sculpted by Clayburn Moore. Calie is by far my favorite Zenescope character and I won the Zenescope January Girl of the Month  for my Calie Liddle costume so please excuse me as I drool over this statue.

Brave New Worlds Second Look - Angel

It is a tale as old as time, a tale of a vampire (or two) with a soul on their eternal quest to redeem themselves, and look good in the process.  Of course I am speaking of Joss Whedon's Angel, which the nice folks over at IDW Comics were kind enough to give us all new adventures picking up from the conclusion of the series finale a few years back.

Angel After the Fall picks right up from last we saw Angel and the gang getting ready to rumble with the worst Wolfram & Hart had to offer (which included, but was not limited to, a dragon - just wait until you see how that ended for Angel).  

The series has almost completed year two and after a bump in the road seems to have righted itself with some fresh new story telling.  The After the Fall storyline, written by Brian Lynch with plot points provided by Mr. Whedon himself, was decent.  It started off very interesting but seemed to get mired in its own mythology after awhile.  I am not sure if Lynch or IDW realized this, or planned to come out of it the way they did, but the conclusion was satisfying and sort of restarted the series allowing casual fans to jump back on board now under new writer Kelley Armstrong.

Now that Angel has saved LA from Hell, he is a celebrity with everyone happy to have this vamp on their side.  Some of the group has dispersed, but Connor is back and Gwen in hanging around.  And Angels' season one buddy, Kate the Cop, has returned to assist Angel in his continuing mission - to help the helpless.

If you are a fan of the TV show and if you have been enjoying Dark Horse Comics Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, give Angel a try.  Its not as solid as Buffy, but still entertaining and is doing the characters proud.

Spotlight on New Mutants Classic

Magick is back.  Long Live the New Mutants.  Many comic readers might not realize this, but there was a time about 20 years ago when there were only two X-books produced by Marvel each month - the Uncanny X-Men and the New Mutants.  

At the time, it was like nirvana for comic fans yearning for more stories of the children of the atom.  After successfully dodging cancellation with the release of a new team in Giant-Size X-Men #1, the franchise took its first and next logical step into Marvel lore with the beginning of the New Mutants.

As was the case with everything mutant back in the day, Chris Claremont found himself at the helm as he created a new team for a new audience.  These characters were similar in age to the first X-team of Scott Summers, Jean Grey and friends.  They were also similar in experience.  However the New Mutants did have the benefit of the older team to learn from, and "intern" with if you will.

One of the classic early stories was when Professor Xavier decided to "demote" Kitty Pryde to the junior circuit even though she had proved herself time and time again in battle.  Remember that whole thing with the brood.

As they have done with some of the other titles in their vaults, Marvel has slowly been collecting the original New Mutant stories in trade paperback in New Mutants Classic.  Volume four was released a few weeks ago and reprints up to issue #34.  This new volume shows the team in its heyday of the team with Magick, Warlock, Cannonball and Bill Sienkiewicz providing masterful strokes as the artist.

With the upcoming release of New Mutants #1 now is a perfect time to go back and re-read the classic first adventure of Marvel's second mutant team - The New Mutants.

It's a brand new day, and no we are not talking about a certain friendly neighborhood web-head.  We are talking The Outsiders.  For the second time in a year and a half, the Outsiders are enjoying a reboot and now is a perfect jumping on point.

As we all know (Warning Spoiler Alert if you have been living on a deserted island the past six months) since Batman's demise the entire DC Universe (and the Bat books in particular) has been topsy-turvy.  With all the uncertainty and new directions the one title that seems to have gotten stronger is The Outsiders.

Despite the loss of Batman, the dark knight's blueprints are all over this new team beginning with its selection and new leader (a certain butler who has a lot of time on his hands now), as seen in Batman and the Outsiders Special #1.

Peter Tomasi has returned The Outsiders back to its roots with original team members Halo, Geo-Force, Black Lightning (fresh from slumming it with the JLA), Katana and Metamorpho.  He's also added some fresh new faces in Owlman (who looks a lot like the Watchmen's Owlman) and the Creeper.

The current issue (#16) has an excellent explanation of why each of them are on the new team.

Lee Garbett supplies some very consistent pencils and Trevor Scott and Livesay take care of the inks.  I like the style of art in this book.  Too many titles (especially the Marvel ones) have this real fluid look to their titles that makes them look a little too real and not as much a comic.  But that's just me ...

The Deep is the current storyline which began in Outsiders #15.  The new squad is just finding its leg and learning to trust its new members and relearn to trust some old friends.  However, no one ever tells the bad guys that the good guys need a breaking in period and there are some new interesting Powers That Be that are proving to be an interesting foil for our new team.

So that is my story and I am sticking to it.  A lot of people have been questioning the quality of the DC books lately, and while I have not been overwhelmed by much of their product lately, the latest incarnation of The Outsiders has been consistently good and I am enjoying it more than I was when it was called Batman and the Outsiders.

Watchmen (Spoiler-Free)

 Zack Synder gets it. He really gets it. For me Snyder's take on the Watchmen hit the nail on the head. To start, I am not what you would say a disciple of either Alan Moore or the Watchmen. I read the book when it originally came out, issue-by-issue, month-by-month. I remembered most of it. I liked it. At the time I probably did not appreciate or realize the true impact the story were to have on all future comics.

That being said, it was with anticipation that I awaited the release of the big screen version of Watchmen. I was a little nervous, remembering the severe miss of League of Extraordinary Gentleman and the not so close job that V for Vendetta was. But the trailers for Watchmen intrigued me. At the end, Watchmen was the closest adaptation of what Moore intended than anything that has come before on the big screen, and that is a compliment to Snyder and the suits at Warner Brothers for allowing Synder to make the movie his way.

As far as other compliments, the movie is also a perfect companion for the book. There is so much that looked as if it were lifted directly from the page, and panel. There were some omissions, but the movie was two hours and 40 minutes long. They could not include everything (although a director's cut DVD is already scheduled for July and will add another 40 minutes to the film).

I was talking to a few people after seeing it, and the more we discussed it, the more I liked it. It was a really good movie. Stepping away from the source material, Watchmen is a good-old fashion murder mystery. It's just the victim was a super-hero (sort of). It's an epic tale that has a real edge (please note the "R" rating for violence, gore, nudity and sex - staying true to the book).

Snyder's inclusion of the pop soundtrack worked for me, with many of the songs also being pulled from the book. He also put his mark on the film with some of its slow motion action scenes that were done in a way that we really have not seen before, making the movie even more unique. I for one like it when they slow down those scenes because I can actually see what is going on. It does not always have to be a Jackie Chan, wham-bam, thank you ma'am fight.

And the visuals and CGI work were stunning. Dr. Manhattan looked good in all his glowy-blueness. And the Mars scene pays off for fans the way the first fight between the Alien and Predator paid off in Aliens vs Predator.

Here's the thing, even if you have never read the book or like super-hero movies, Watchmen is still a very well done movie with an interesting story that should keep all viewers waiting for what will happen next. Now you will have to excuse me, I want to go read Watchmen again.

Brave New Worlds Second Look on Cable

It has been 19 years since Cable made his first appearance in New Mutants #87 and over 20 since we first learned of the birth of Nathan Summers to Scott Summers and Madeline Pryor. Cable has called the Merc with a mouth a partner and has jumped back and forth thru the timelime. But it was not until Duane Swierczynski got a hold of him that I was really ever interested in a Cable story.

Last year saw the Cable/Deadpool series come to an end at the same time as Messiah Complex. A new solo series loomed on the horizon and I was so not feeling it, and then it happened on one of the last panels of Messiah Complex. Cyclops handed the entire premise of the crossover event to his son and told him to protect the future of all mutants. Cable jumped away, Bishop followed and I was intrigued.

But even though I was going to read the first issue, there were no guarantees I would come back for issue two or three. Well Swierczynski’s story hooked me almost immediately as Nathan Summers, with baby in hand, valiantly attempts to avoid detection from the obsessed Lucas Bishop.

The first couple of issues moved slowly, a pace which I liked because it allowed the story to build without any outside distractions. Swierczynski, with masterful art provided by Ariel Olivetti, was like a chef putting together a five-course meal over a three-month period. He painstakingly built the momentum to this series issue-by-issue.

It has been phenomenal and I liken the current run to that of another Marvel series, Thor. Each issue moves at a nice pace as the story takes its time to cook. And while Cable protects the baby at all costs (and just who is the baby? My money is on Rachel Summers), Bishop fanatically attempts to corner them somewhere in time.

I can’t wait to find out who the baby is and what will happen when Bishop and Cable meet again. I do know one thing, in Swierczynski’s hands it will be interesting and entertaining.

The Five for January 28, 2009

There is the world, and then there is way that each of us chooses to look at the world. Generally when I look at the world, it is through rose-colored (or Bobby Clarke colored) glasses. It is just who I am. This explanation will serve to rationalize my top five comics of the week (and my surprising rant at the end of my review). Thus without further ado …

How does the old joke go? How about any old joke for that matter? What do you get when you let the lead singer of My Chemical Romance write a comic book for Dark Horse Comics? How about a pretty damn good comic as The Umbrella Academy: Dallas #3 hits shelves this week.

If you have yet to pick up The Umbrella Academy, don’t start with this issue. There is too much history in the nine previous stories before this week that you would be totally lost. Go and pick up the Apocalypse Suite which is now available in trade paperback. Then when you realize that you have been missing out on one of the finer comics in the ‘verse, you can pick up the first three editions of the current run.

I read this week’s issue and as I turned each page I could not believe Gerard Way was capable of such storytelling. This week’s issue (“Television or Are You There, God? It’s Me, Klaus”) is just as much fun as the previous two in this story arc. Ever since they saved the world in Apocalypse Suite, the surviving members of the Umbrella Academy are shells of their former heroic selves, none more so than Space Boy (and wait until you see what happens to him this week).

And before I forget, Gabriel Ba’s artwork is a magnificent compliment to the tale of Number Five, the White Violin and the Séance (just to name a few).

It has been a long time since the New Avengers have been good. I am talking the beginning of Brian Michael Bendis’ run on New Avengers oh so many issues ago. The previous arc was okay but felt like filler for Secret Invasion. Now we are into the good stuff as issue #49 finds Luke Cage dealing with the consequences after he just agreed to a deal with the devil (or Norman Osborn for detail’s sake).

Just as he did last week with Dark Avengers #1, Bendis pens a tale where I think one thing is going to happen only be surprised once again, especially by the actions of everyone involved on the last panels. Without giving any specifics away, you have to love when Norman states “Guess who just made the list.” This issue needs to make your list, and fast.

Once again this poor title was way down on my reading list, and once again The Incredible Hercules proved just how incredible Greg Pak and Feed Van Lente are at story-telling in the ultimate buddy book of the millennia. I have to admit I was a little more than confused as to what was going on as the end was worth my befuddlement. Let’s just say that Spider-Woman, a female Wolverine, Ms. Fantastic and the White Phoenix all make appearances in a topsy-turvy world that is upside down for Amadeus Cho and our hero Herc. Ever since this title was turned over to the God during World War Hulk it has been a solid performer every month. Issue #125 does not disappoint.

Sometimes I think I take Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s run on Fantastic Four for granted. Sometimes I feel the story is sort of dragging or not as grandiose as I expect from this duo. But I was reminded today by my friend George just how good and how much we both always look forward to the FF coming out each month. And for the longest time that was not the case.

Fantastic Four #563 hits shelves this week and it’s a nice break from all the commotion that has been going on in the title since the dynamic duo took over about a year ago. This is a classic FF tale with it centering on the family and what is happening in the world as the bread crumbs to the new threat are starting to be found. I think Stan and Jack would be particularly proud of this issue. There are no Earth-shattering moments, just a good-old fashion FF time.

Last but not least, Nova is like The Incredible Hercules for me. The title always works its way towards the bottom of my reading pile, and I am always astounded at how much I enjoy it. This was literally the second to last book I read tonight. It was so much more than where it was located in my stack.

Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning have done a terrific job with the story of Richard Rider, who used to be the sole remaining member of the Nova Corp. In the last few issues, Worldmind has decided to restart the Corps much to Rider’s chagrin. Not being able to do anything to stop an ever-growing powerful Worldmind, you get the feeling reading Nova #21 that things are not going as they should.

Abnett and Lanning allow me inside Rider’s head and I feel the dread he has as the events of this week’s tale unfold on the page. And wait until how the issue ends.

I have never been a fan of the sci-fi comics (Green Lantern, Nova, etc.), which is a real surprise since I am a Star Trek nut. That being said, I need to start moving Nova up higher in the read pile.

And now my rant for the week and if you had not noticed no DC books made it into my recommendations. And there is a reason for that as they dropped the ball, big time. Superman was decent, but really only got going until the end. Batman, which was the second part of the Heart of Hush follow up by Paul Dini, saw a disappointing end at what was a very enjoyable eight-issue arc (and a complete waste of a great Catwoman appearance).

But now I take notice with The Powers That Be at DC Comics and ask what were you thinking? I know there are business decisions that need to be made. Books that don’t sell well need to be retooled, cancelled or what have you – and such was the case of the poor-performing but entertaining (at least for me) Legion of Super-Heroes.

Hope was restored about a year ago when Jim Shooter regained the reigns to the title that made him a comics’ legend. DC decided Legion had enough time to prove itself recently and that it was going to end. Shooter’s current story was planned to end around issue #54. DC decided issue #50 (this week’s book) was the end. So this week when I opened up the issue to see that Shooter and artist Francis Manapul were not even involved with the finale’s production and were replaced, I was beside myself. It is insulting enough to not allow Shooter to finish what he started on his terms. Finish the story in an annual or special ala Superman Last Son. Show the man, and book, some respect.

And don’t even get me started on the farce that was Final Crisis #7. Don’t forget to tip your clerk at Starbucks – Peace.

Daredevil: Born Again

Frank Miller was on his game in the mid-1980s. There was his Dark Knight Returns for DC, which established Bats into what he is today and set the tone and changed the way authors write everything in comics.

And then there was Daredevil: Born Again, which Marvel has recollected this week as part of its Premiere Hardcover collection. Born Again is the seminal moment for “the man without fear.” Just like Gwen Stacy’s death at the hands of the Green Goblin in the 70s established Peter Parker and Spider-Man, Born Again is the blueprint for everything Matt Murdock and Daredevil.

Born Again ran over seven issues and collects all eight Daredevils (#226-233) that Miller and artist David Mazzucchelli collaborated on. This is not the first time Daredevil’s life has been changed by Miller, as it was the writer’s earlier stint that killed off Murdock’s love in Elektra at the hands of Bullseye.

And while Elektra’s death was stunning and heartfelt for the blind lawyer from Hell’s Kitchen, Daredevil went on about his business. His every decision afterwards was not filled with guilt over her death (like Spidey’s with Gwen Stacy). Part of the reason I believe is that Elektra knew the deal when she was putting on the costume.

Born Again is the moment in Daredevil lore when everything changes and it is the ultimate Kingpin story. There is betrayal, loss (and a lot of it) and rebirth. It has Foggy Nelson (of course), establishes Ben Ulrich and reintroduces one Karen Page (and boy have we missed what was going on her life). Why are all the best Daredevil stories with Karen Page (Yellow, Guardian Devil)?

Miller pens a terrific tale of deconstructing a character and then picking them back up. It is a shame some of that beauty can not translate into what he has done recently – i.e. The Spirit and All-Star Batman and Robin.

I have never been a huge fan of Mazzucchelli’s artwork, but in this story it works really well. He has a gritty style that combined with Miller’s hard-boiled story telling becomes the perfect complement to the letters on the page. After experiencing this story all at once (I read the original month-by-agonizing month) and taking in Mazzucchelli’s splash pages, I have to think today’s artists whether knowingly or not took a page (or two) from Mazzucchelli’s run on DD. Simon Bianchi, Jim Lee – I am talking to you.

Anyway, that’s all I have for today. Remember to tip your waitress on the way out – Peace!

The Five (Plus One Yo)

It is a dark time in the world of comics. (I felt like old Ben Kenobi just then, except I am not talking about the Rebellion or the Empire, but then again maybe I am). Anyhow, with both the Marvel and DC comic ‘verses plunged into Dark Reign and Faces of Evil things are just plain bleak right now on some of our favorite comic pages. Thus begins my five picks of the week …

If you are not familiar with my weekly reviews, let me begin by stating that they are always spoiler free. I very rarely get into specifics on the book lest to give something away before the audience gets to read them.

By nature, I am a pretty cheerful and positive sort and all this evil that is afoot and in charge brings me down a little bit. I know for some in comicdom this is a dream come true with the villains ruling the roost. And it’s not like we have not been teased with the Old Man Logan storyline or Kingdom Come. That being said, there were some real good stories this week with some real nasty individuals in the middle of things.

My pick of the week is a toss up between Faces of Evil Deathstroke and Dark Avengers #1. I was not prepared to like the Deathstroke book in the least bit and to be honest the only real reason I even gave it a go was because Georges Jeanty was supplying the artwork. Mark McKenna’s inks do not do Jeanty’s pencils justice, but it was still enough to get by. David Hine meanwhile was crafting a masterpiece on old Slade, who last we saw was dying after his encounter with Geo-Force on the pages of DC Last Will and Testament. FOE was a nice follow up to a not so great first story.

For fans of Deathstroke, you will be happy because everyone’s favorite DC Assassin is back baby, and possibly more dangerous than ever when we get to the last page. Of course there are family issues to wrestle out in this one before the Terminator can move on, but honestly, when are there not issues in that family?

Meanwhile, another evil dude – storming Norman Osborn – is just getting started at the havoc he is capable of playing in the Marvel hood. Brian Michael Bendis is at it again. How does someone who writes so many titles get it so right with everything he touches? Mike Deodato’s art works perfectly with this story. To be honest I thought the issue was going to be Tony Stark getting the gang back together to go after Osborn. I could not have been more wrong on so many levels. Trust me this is one issue you don’t want to miss.

Next is another book I was not ready to like. I am not a big Dan Slott guy, just never have been. I pretty much stayed away from his entire run of Avengers Initiative and only grudgingly read his Amazing Spidey issues. This week, the Scarlet Witch was on the cover so I had to find out what’s what. And it looks like Mighty Avengers is going to be existing on its own from the other books for awhile. And from the looks of this week’s issue #21, it is going to be fun. Khoi Pham supplied the understated pencils and did his usual bang up job.

Coming in this week at number four is a shocker as well. I tagged Justice League of America #29 by Len Wein with a story on Starbreaker. The only real reason I liked this issue was because it felt like such an old school tale – might have had something to do with Wein penning the title this month. It was just good to see the old JLA back in action with orange and green uniform Aqauman, pre-married Ollie and Canary, and oh yeah the Atom Baby! But wait, there’s more. As much fun the old tale was, the last two pages and its reveal pay it off even bigger for the next issue. I can say no more.

Last but not least are two titles. That’s right I am going with a tie for fifth place. Unlike my previous occupation which frowned on ties, I am going with the tie. To stay with the theme of this article once again I was so not wanting to read this comic or expecting to like it. Although the latter is a lie but we will get to that in a second. Punisher Frank Castle #66 came out this week written by Duane Swiercyznski.

Not to name drop, who am I kidding let’s name drop away. Duane frequents the store I work in a bit. We got to talking and he told me about his upcoming arc on Punisher and that it was going to take place in Philly. Remember how I am not a Slott guy, well I am even less a Punisher guy. The only time in comics that I even liked the character was when Captain America was kicking his ass in Civil War. I just don’t care for the title.

But a funny thing happens to me when the name Swiercyznski is on the cover, I have to read it. I never really liked Cable, but have been enjoying the current run immensely by our aforementioned writer. Iron Fist is immortal, who cares. Well, Swiercyznski makes me care. So there we have it, the slippery slope that is the Punisher. Still don’t care for the character after reading this issue, but loved the story and where it’s going.

What title tied this week for a mention on my Top Five, well that would be Angel After the Fall #16 or Season Five of the television show. IDW has given it the old college try. This title is not as strong or good as Buffy Season Eight, but it still gives me more stories in the world of Whedon and for that I am grateful. This month’s issue sort of hits a reset button and I hope after meandering around for a year and a half that Brian Lynch will finally takes us somewhere. And please keep Franco Urru on the art or bring David Messina over, otherwise just don’t publish for that month because no one else in the IDW pen can really get the likenesses down that well.

That’s it for this week boys and girls. Don’t know if you agree or not, but hopefully they and I will keep you entertained.

It's time to have a little fun with the Dark Knight. I know what you are thinking; the Dark Knight, as in Batman, as in the Dark Knight from the movies this summer? He's the one.

Cartoon Network's latest animated offering from the DC Universe is Batman: Brave and the Bold and I have to admit it is a lot of fun.

For the animated Batman purest out there I only have one thing to say, get over yourselves. Granted, the animated series was a classic that has been off the air for what seems like forever.

Brave and the Bold will not sully TAS good name.

Brave and the Bold is the ultimate in team ups as each week Bats gets to work with not one, but usually two different DC Comics heroes. Usually in the teaser before the title credits we join Batman and one of said heroes already in progress taking down some evil doer. Then after the titles we get another hero and our main story. There have only been five episodes so far, and again, they have been a lot of fun.

So far we have seen the classic Green Arrow, Blue Beetle, Ice, Guy Gardner, Plastic Man, Demon, Aquaman and Red Tornado with the Outsiders and many more on the docket. The jazzy score gives Batman: Brave and the Bold a classic 60s cartoon feel without the poor animation from that decade.

So if you like good cartoons and want to check out something fresh and fun, go to Cartoon Network on Friday nights for Batman: Brave and the Bold, or download the episode from iTunes on Saturday morning and watch it in your pj's while you are eating some Captain Crunch (the preferable way to watch cartoons).

And now a public service announcement. For every good and fun animated journey into the world of superheroes, there is an equally hard to watch one. The new Wolverine and the X-Men falls into that category. I think the cartoon Gods knew this in advance and is the reason the show first aired in Canada and will broadcast on Niktoons in the States by the end of the month.

I decided to take a peek on youtube as a couple of people uploaded a bunch of the episodes that have aired north of the border. Wow, this one is bad. I actually could not watch an entire episode. The animated is decent, but I have no time for rain in cartoons that show windshiled wipers on and no rain falling. But that's not the hardest part, its the melodrama of the episodes that remind me of the old Fox series from the 1990s which I SO can never watch again (I am still trying to get the funk of the original out of my mind).

Because Wolverine and the X-Men is so bad, I can no longer spend anymore time talking about it ... Peace.