DCU Comic Book Reviews

WEDNESDAY COMICS #9

September 2nd, 2009

Written by Various

Pencils by Various

Inks by Various

Cover by Various

A Brief Introduction by Binkley (e-mail)

When this weekly series was first introduced, I immediately started to brainstorm how I would review these issues.  There were 15 stories per comic, so it seemed to make some sense to write reviews for each of the 15 stories.  I came up with a variety of different ways to present the text, but ultimately I decided to wait until I actually read the first issue before making a decision.  After reading it, what struck me the most is that a single page of a story is not enough to write a review.  There just isn’t enough to critique the plot, structure, or character.  And then it hit me.  I can provide my impression of the stories, my thoughts and ideas of what struck me as I was reading.  So, that is what you’ll get each week.  However, when the weekly series is done, I will go back and review the entire story, much as I do for a single issue of a comic.     

Impressions by Binkley (e-mail)

This week, The Flash takes the big spot on the cover, while Green Lantern (last week’s big circle) and Hawkman (the rotating circle) move around.   

What is with the pea soup green in the background of almost every panel of Batman.  I generally like Risso’s work, especially his use of shadows in 100 Bullets, but the lack of background here is very startling and very much disappointing. 

While there is an in-story reason while Superman is being so melancholy and reflective, it still doesn’t excuse the previous strips, which were flat and boring. 

Hey, look!  A naked man in Green Lantern.  So, what? This is the second strip to feature an alien invasion force flying towards Earth?  Hopefully, Hal won’t have to battle a dinosaur.

It is weird to see Deadman in action.  He is usually ghost and when he does spring into action, he is in someone else’s body.  I do have commend Bullock and Heuk for remembering Deadman’s gymnastic background. 

I don’t really know what to say about Teen Titans.  I’ve lost interest pretty much early on and the bait and switch with the main villain didn’t endear me to the strip.  I mean, really, what was the purpose of revealing all those different villains only to remove them the very next week? 

I like reading Strange Adventures, it is always fun and the art is soft and undefined, but it works for the story being told with the blue aliens.  But I will be hard pressed to understand what exactly is the central conflict, why was Adam captured in the first place. 

Batman can take some lesson from Hawkman on how to be a bad ass.  That last scene is just so freaking cool.  “I’ve got this! I’m Hawkman, dammit!”  That T-Rex is so screwed.

Maybe I’ve said it before, but I love Amanda Conner’s art on Supergirl.  Just look at the first panel with the Owl’s missing feathers and nasty look at the dog and cat, who is also grooming himself (or herself, not quite sure which).  Anyway, this is charming and amusing as it has always been. 

I loved The Flash with the various trips through the Sunday comics, although I am a little surprised that Calvin and Hobbes wasn’t used.  I also like the way the top of the page with the title and credits is used as the lead-in.

We spend several weeks watching Sgt. Rock try to escape and we get this?  I am at a loss to explaine what the Kuberts are trying to do with the story.  Still, I like the art.  Kubert can draw a beat face with the best of them. 

The Demon and Catwoman is marching relentlessly towards its conclusion.  There is not much else I can think to say about it. 

Not much happens in Metal Men other than to reset the plot and story.  It felt like a transition, with exposition to set the danger to the Metal Men and the almost impossible scenario they face to save the day. 

More of the elemental table from Metamorpho and gang.  I think if I were a science geek in any way, I might’ve enjoyed this more.  And while I applaud the ingenuity of the stunt, it wasn’t really readable.  Thankfully, its over. 

I am disappointed with Kamandi.  I wanted more with the Lions, rather than then the quick exposition that they went to the Command D bunker and then attacked the Gorillas.  Although to be fair, I was amused that monkeys had overtaken Capital Hill.  Some things never change.  

And, once again, I didn’t bother to read Wonder Woman.  Yeah, I know.  I stare at it for a few moments and think maybe I should give it a chance, but then my old-man eyes can’t quite make out the lettering and I give up.