DC Rebirth (Salvo 1) Rapid-Fire Review

Hello my brothers and sisters!

    I AM BACK! We had a great, short family vacation. It was pretty awesome.

   Just as I promised, I'm here to give you the skinny on my feelings on the opening salvo of DC's Rebirth titles!! I have compiled all the like titles into one corresponding number to make things a bit shorter. I hope you don't mind.  :)

   So without further ado, let's get into my rapid-fire DC Rebirth review!


1. "The Flash: Rebirth" #1 and "DC Universe Rebirth: The Flash" #1 - Barry Allen is doing his best to fight crime in Central City but he has a feeling that something's not right with the world. After pulling the original Wally West out of the Speed Force, saving his life, Barry enlists Batman's aid to find out what, or who, has been tampering with the timeline and the memories of the people in it.

   Joshua Williamson writes a competent Flash story here which shows Barry as less light-hearted, and as a hero somewhere between Superman's boy-scout-ishness, and Batman's beautiful mind. Carmine Di Giandomenico's pencils are pretty, but wispy and a bit overdone.  But this is definitely a solid beginning to a good Flash story.

RATING: 7.5 out of 10

2. "Titans: Rebirth" #1 - After Barry Allen saves him from death in the Speed Force, Wally seeks out his former allies, and best friends, The Titans (Nightwing, Aqualad, Roy Harper, Lilith and Donna Troy). But will they reunite with him, or kill him before he finds out who, or what, stole ten years of their lives and memories away?

  I usually love Dan Abnett (especially when he's working with Andy Lanning), but this book had lots of the feels without much of anything else interesting to add to the Rebirth storyline. Brett Booth does action and anatomy well - but all of the characters' faces seemed too similar to me at times.

RATING: 6.5 out of 10

3. "Aquaman: Rebirth" #1 and "DC Universe Rebirth: Aquaman" #1 - Aquaman is the king of the greater part of the planet, and he feels it's time to start acting like it by focusing on working for peace with the surface world as a representative of his entire kingdom. He is determined to make diplomacy work - but Black Manta has other, far more sinister plans.

Dan Abnett focuses on Aquaman as a husband, monarch and diplomat. Aquaman comes off as really likable and sincere, but the story itself doesn't balance out Aquaman's personality as well as the previous series did. Pencillers Scott Eaton and Oscar Jiménez ("Aquaman: Rebirth) deliver gorgeous work. Brad Walker also delivers great work in "DC Universe Rebirth: Aquaman" #1; however, it is often stiff with anatomy that is sometimes off-putting.

RATING: 6.5 out of 10

4. "Wonder Woman Rebirth" #1 and "DC Universe Rebirth: Wonder Woman" #1 - Wonder Woman is unsure of her origin story, she is unsure of her lineage and her entire history. She uses the Lasso of Truth on herself which leads her to Olympus where she meets a violent welcome, which in turn leads her to seek out Cheetah (Barbara Ann Minerva) to help her find her way back to Themyscira. Something is wrong with her history, with the story of the world. Someone's made the world into a lie, and the Princess of the Amazons will have the truth.

Greg Rucka is back, writing Wonder Woman with the power and sensitivity that should always have characterized her. Unfortunately, outside of the protagonist, the story itself just isn't very compelling. Both books feature great artwork; however the art in "DC Universe Rebirth: Wonder Woman" is consistently the better of the two. "Wonder Woman: Rebirth" #1 has various artists, and the contrast between the work is sometimes a bit jolting.

RATING: 7 out 10

5. "Green Arrow: Rebirth" #1 and "DC Universe Rebirth: Green Arrow" #1 - Oliver Queen is in Seattle, trying to save the city by day through many philanthropic strategies, and by night as the costumed vigilante, Green Arrow. When Green Arrow finds out someone is kidnapping the homeless of his city to be sold on a vile black market, he goes on the warpath. Lucky for him he's got the beautiful, talented and deadly Black Canary fighting by his side. What Oliver doesn't know is that someone knows his secret and is stalking him ready to strike!

Benjamin Percy lights up the pages with this cool, classic take on the far-left leaning Green Arrow, side-by-side with a slick, rock-star, sassy Black Canary. The characters are fun, and so is the way they interact with one another, and the story really had me locked in. Pair these up with Otto Schmidt's playful, cartoony pencils, and you have a winner.

RATING: 9 out of 10


6. "Green Lanterns: Rebirth" #1 and "DC Universe Rebirth: Green Lanterns" #1 - Hal Jordan has to leave planet Earth, but before he does, he ensures that Earth's protectors, two rookie Green Lanterns, Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz, will work as a team. Jordan fuses their power batteries together, making it impossible for them to recharge their rings without the other present. Jordan leaves Earth in their hands, trusting that they will overcome their differences and keep it safe...But Atrocitus has other plans already in motion.

   Geoff Johns and Sam Humphries are on on writing duty here - Sam Humphries has made the transition from sci-fi writer to superhero scribe well. Sometimes it's hard to believe that he is the same guy that wrote the groundbreaking, but unsettling, sci-fi sleeper hit, "Our Love Is Real" a few years ago. Pairing up Baz and Cruz is brilliant - I enjoy reading about their personal hang-ups, and struggles, and the tensions that are produced when they are forced to work together and depend upon one another. Of course, Ethan Van Sciver's and Ed Benes' pencils are on point as usual, and surprisingly, Robson Rocha (unknown to me) does just as well soloing "DCU Rebirth: Green Lanterns." These books look GREAT.

RATING: 8.5 out of 10


7. "Superman: Rebirth" #1, "DC Universe Rebirth: Superman" #1, and "DC Universe Rebirth Superman: Action Comics" #s 957 and 958 - Superman is dead. The Superman born in the New 52 is no more, but this universe will still have a Superman...Because the Post-Crisis Superman will take up the mantle once more to face both a Lex Luthor bent on taking the fallen Superman's place, and the Post-Crisis DOOMSDAY!! All this, while running a farm, being a husband, and the being the father of a half-human, half-Kryptonian boy whose powers are starting to kick in. And who is the new, mysterious man claiming to be none other than Clark Kent?!

Peter Tomasi, and comics legend, Dan Jurgens write these THRILLING, SPECTACULAR stories putting the Post-Crisis Superman back in the saddle, which also puts Superman back on my pull list! And the art in each one of these books is absolutely top-notch! It's good to see a stronger, more mature, more confident Superman on the scene again, even though he's struggling a bit to get his footing on some new ground (a new universe, a wife, a super-powered kid and Lex Luthor as a hero?!).

RATING: 10 out of 10.


8. "DC Universe Rebirth Batman" #1, "Batman: Rebirth" #1, "DC Universe Rebirth: Detective Comics" #934, and "DC Universe Batman: Detective Comics" #935 - Jean Paul Valley, highly trained vigilante and ex-assassin, has been nearly murdered. As Batman investigates, he finds that he may be in the middle of the beginnings of a clandestine war against his Bat-Family. He enlists the aid of Batwoman to help him to train several young warriors for the war to come. Tim Drake (Red Robin), Duke Thomas, Stephanie Brown (Spoiler), Cassandra Cain (Orphan), and Basil Karlo (Clayface) all agree to be pushed to their limits to save themselves and Gotham. But that's not all. Two new superpowered heroes, Gotham and Gotham Girl, arrive in Gotham just in time to avert a plane crash and save Batman's life. But are they truly friends to Gotham, or something sinister?

   Several writers are rocking the mic here: Tom King, James Tynion IV, and Scott Snyder, and boy, are they hitting the ball out of the park! Batman faces villains who seem to have to have his number, and almost the entire Bat-Family has to get in on the act and go hard. Again, the art is unquestionably top-drawer here as well - even David Finch is back! Batwoman is getting a big push in these pages (sweet!), as the writers seek to paint her as an equal to Batman (which I'm not ready to buy into yet). These books have got engrossing stories, mysterious villains, and great art. Love them!

RATING: 10 out 10

Top of the heap for TEX: The Superman, Green Arrow, Green Lantern and Batman titles.

Confused questions: Why all the first issues, when these issues like "Superman: Rebirth" #1, "DC Universe Rebirth: Superman" #1, just seem to be issues #1 and #2? And why do "DC Universe Rebirth: Detective Comics" #934, and "DC Universe Batman: Detective Comics" #935 have consecutive numbering, but different titles? Was the "Batman" in "DC Universe Batman: Detective Comics" #935 REALLY necessary?

So, which DC Rebirth titles did you like most?

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She-Wolf #1 IMAGE

G'day all (been awhile, been busy...)

Well this is another odd book from image, The artwork is in a crazy abstract style. The back cover has a pentagram with a werewolf in the center that says alot as to what to expect.

Gabby is 18 yrs old & she is still at school, A wolf (werewolf) attacks her. She cry's out Brian over & over. Brian...the wolf scratches her across her right eye. 

The police corner the beast & she maddeningly jumps in front of it to protect it. The offices shot & killed it . She has dreams & visions she can't explain for a time (changing to a werewolf on a beach in front of her friends & then thinking she needs there flesh).

I liked this, Very thin book (not unusual for Image now'a'days) Written by & Drawn by Rich Tommaso. He did Dark Corridor (which i gave a dismal review), But this seems different. A much better book for sure, Has a huge "An American Werewolf in London influence"...If one hasn't watched that movie then sucks to be you!

Best part of this short book is she see's what the school counselor is really thinking when talking about her future in that institute (*quite uncanny to see, I have not seen that shown much in modern books at all). 

It says for mature readers only...But it's not that bad. If your a fan of the above mentioned An American werewolf in London or Underworld series then it's only for you...

Rating: 8/10.

" La Muerta #1: Descent" Review

"La Muerta #1: Descent" from Coffin Comics -

     Maria Diaz is a decorated combat veteran who has just returned home from her final tour in Afghanistan. Haunted by sinister dreams of her time there, Maria is looking forward to a normal life, returning to the common, everyday world. Unfortunately for Maria, and her family, her younger brother, Xavier, has fallen in with the local cartel which is run by a bloodthirsty, malevolent woman named Mama Z. When Xavier steals money from the Z Cartel, he signs not only his own death warrant, but those of his entire family. Maria, killed along with the rest of her beloved family, somehow miraculously revives, and is nursed back to health by a mysterious vagrant named Faustino. After eight months in a coma, she awakens to a very different world - a world in which all she ever loved is now gone. One night, Maria  is visited by La Santa Muerte, the personification of death itself, and commanded to seek justice upon those who killed her family and destroyed her life. Maria Diaz is dead. Now, there only remains...La Muerta - the Dead Woman. And there will be blood.

    Collaborating with Mike Maclean, Brian Pulido is up to his old tricks in the first issue of "La Muerta." If you've read any of Pulido's other works, like Lady Death, Evil Ernie, or Purgatori, you already know what to expect: lots of darkness, and lots of blood and gore. This is a pretty by-the-book revenge story with supernatural overtones mixed in with some great, classic Mexican religious iconography and Aztec mythology. Sure, this comic is VERY derivative - it's reminiscent of James O'Barr's seminal work, "The Crow" and Javier Hernandez's cool, but lesser known work, "El Muerto (The Dead One)," which was made into a cheesy, fun feature film starring the talented Wilmer Valderrama:

     

But just because this comic is a bit unoriginal, doesn't mean that it's not enjoyable. It is. "La Muerta" has a strong female protagonist, who needs to fleshed out more, and it has lots of antagonists that you can't wait to see meet horrible fates, because they are horrible people. It's that simple. The art here is done by Joel Gomez, and is at times gorgeous, gory and moody...As well as being a bit stiff in some panels. But overall, "La Muerta" #1 is pleasing to the eye - Gomez is more than competent, and Ceci de la Cruz's colors are perfectly done. It is important to mention that "La Muerta" #1 also touches on some very real issues - issues which in 1920's America led to the rise of hard-boiled heroes, which ultimately gave rise to masked pulp heroes, and eventually the American comic book superhero. In "La Muerta" you see good people trying to survive and do the right thing in an environment plagued by crime, violence, and the corruption of the very people elected to look out for the citizens. The Z Cartel reminds me of Los Zetas, a once powerful cartel that operated in various parts of Mexico until just last year. It makes sense that a hero, like Maria, when pushed to extremes, would do heroic things. I dig that.

RATING: 7 out of 10. If you are a fan of Pulido's earlier works and style, you'll definitely have fun with this one. 

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"Archangel" #1 Review

"Archangel" #1 from IDW -

     Our leaders have destroyed the world. Everywhere - from Tokyo, to Moscow, to London - we have scorched the world. Luckily, the the greatest scientific breakthrough that the world has ever known was made in the knick of time. The Splitter is a behemoth of a machine that has created an alternate reality timeline, and punched a hole into it so that people for our world can clandestinely slip into the other. The last remaining leaders of America, including the devious Vice President Henderson, have hatched a plan to invade the power system of this world in the 1940s, and take it for their own devices. Vice President Henderson leads a small team to the other Earth via the Splitter; however, unbeknownst to the would-be usurpers, some of their own are not willing to allow them to twist and destroy an entire other innocent world. This small group of dissenters hatches a daring plan to enter the alternate time-stream and stop Henderson. Unfortunately, the dissenters' incursion into the alternate timeline ends in a conspicuous disaster, prompting the British Ministry of Information to dispatch a young, beautiful Royal Air Force officer to gather intelligence via her connection with a young Army captain in American Intelligence. What none of them know is that the Vice President has already infiltrated the Pentagon, and he is on his way, intent on doing whatever is necessary to bring his plans to fruition. August 1945 is the month of the Allies greatest victory...In this alternate timeline, it may be the time of their greatest defeat. And no one would ever know. 

    William Gibson, one of the most important science fiction authors of our day (often credited as the creator of the cyberpunk subgenre of sci-fi), makes his first foray into comic books teaming up with writer and actor, Michael St. John Smith, to pen "Archangel." "Archangel" reads a bit like a novel, giving exposition, and excellent character development from the first page. Even if the first issue feels a bit slow-paced, it doesn't really matter because the characters are so relatable and multi-dimensional that I was entirely immersed in the worlds that Gibson and Smith created. I was instantly reminded of the films, Timeline and Invasion of the Body Snatchers - this comic feels like a bit of a cool mashup of those two films and the literary works that inspired them. Master artist, Butch Guice provides the pencils in his beautifully detailed style, which gives this book a hefty 1940s atmosphere, and makes it feel a bit cinematic as well. The first issue of "Archangel" seems to promise the reader a classic, well-thought-out, well-executed alternate-timeline, sci-fi adventure. This is a journey that I would love to take. Count me in. 

 FUN FACT: In a panel in this comic, an issue of the pulp, Astounding Science-Fiction, is seen in the desk drawer of one of the main protagonists, young Royal Air Force doctor, Naomi Givens. In it is a short novel written by one of my favorite authors, Robert Heinlein, called, "If This Goes On--." It is about a theocratic future society ruled by fundamentalist religious prophets - and the revolution against them. I wonder how that fits in here. Self-righteous future dictatorships looking to suppress the will of the people, and remake society in the image they want, maybe? I am not sure. What I do know is that having that book may identify Doctor Givens as a person who would not have trouble believing in other worlds. Coolness.

This book is very good - but, if it picks up the pace in subsequent issues, it has the potential to be great.

RATING: 8.5 out of 10. 

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Chavo Guerrero's "Warrior's Creed" #1 Review

Chavo Guerrero's "Warrior's Creed" #1 from Lion Forge Comics -

     Chavo Guerrero, Jr. has wrestled his last match. After a grueling battle against the man-mountain, Adirondack, he receives devastating news: not only will he need yet another surgery, but this time, his career cannot continue. Heartbroken, Chavo says goodbye to the squared circle, to the arena, to thrill of battle. Professional wrestling is in his genes, it's a family tradition, it's his life's blood, it's been who he was for decades of his existence. Like a true warrior, Chavo keeps a stiff upper lip, choosing to look at the bright side - he will finally get to be the father that he never could be as a pro-wrestler. As Chavo prepares to make the best of his new life, he doesn't realize that dark forces are closing in on him and his family. A sinister group called The Fortune is hunting down members of the Guerrero family looking for an ancient power in their blood called, "The Hunter's Fury" - a power that gives it's possessor abilities far beyond those of a mortal warrior. Now, The Fortune has set its sights squarely on Chavo and his family...And they will stop at nothing...Dead or alive, they will have  his blood. 

   A new superhero emerges in...Chavo Guerrero's "Warrior's Creed!" 

   Comics legend Fabian Nicieza (co-creator of Deadpool) writes this comic that brings wrestling legend, Chavo Guerrero, Jr., to the world of comic books. This seems to be more than just a comic - it looks as if Nicieza and Chavo have been having some serious heart-to-heart discussions about things that have to weigh heavily on Chavo's as he gets older: his children growing up without him, mounting injuries, the arrival of the day when he'll never be able to wrestle again, and the fact that he wants his sons to follow their own paths in life, whether those paths lead then into professional wrestling (lucha libre), or not. The last one has to be tough, with a family whose name is synonymous with lucha libre. As a protagonist, Chavo is instantly likable, heroic and sensitive - I did not expect to be so enraptured by a comic book about a contemporary pro-wrestler. Eddie Nunez's art does magic for this comic - it is simply gorgeous. I love the straight-forwardness of the pencils and the characters that are just a bit exaggerated. 

  Chavo Guerrero joins the likes of El Santo, Blue Demon, El Solitario, Místico and other great luchadores who have been translated into comic book superheroes. Luchadores and superheroes go together like peanut butter and jelly. "Warrior's Creed" is a classic superhero origin story with a great protagonist, mysterious enemies, and an enigmatic, blood-based ancient power that I REALLY want to know more about because I have a feeling it will be linked to the Aztecs, and I LOVE Aztec-based mythology. This comic has heart, it's uncomplicated, and it is just a whole lot of fun. Fans of pro-wresting/lucha libre are sure to dig this book. Best of all, it's 100% A-OK for young readers. Sign me up for this one.

FUN FACT: Lion Forge Comics also published a Spanish-language version of this book (which I bought):

NICE.

RATING: 8 out of 10! Lucharaaan!

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"Wacky Raceland" #1 Review

"Wacky Raceland" #1 from DC Comics -


   In the near-future, the entire Earth is a desolate, unforgiving wasteland filed with danger - irradiated lakes, cannibalistic mutants and things you can't even imagine. Yet, some humans have found a way to survive. Of the survivors, there is motley group of Racers - men, women, beasts, and everything in between - who have one but goal: to make it into the winner's circle and be allowed entrance into the last vestige of civilization on this desiccated planet: Utopia. What are the rules of the race? Simple. There are NONE. Lie, cheat, steal, set traps - some of these Racers will do whatever they have to do to survive and win. And that is just how "The Announcer" likes it. He is the unseen and omnipotent voice that saved each Racer from a grizzly fate, equipped them with powerful sentient vehicles, and set the game in motion. The race is on. A whacked-out race, for a whacked-out world. It's pedal-to-the-metal insanity in "Wacky Raceland!"


    Ken Pontac pens this mad, violent, whack-a-doo story that is equal parts Death Race, and Mad Max, with very little of the spirit of Hanna-Barbera cartoon that inspired it, Wacky Races, thrown in...Well...Just because. The story is fast-paced, if a bit disjointed, with all the bouncing around from the past to the present. The characters are familiar faves like Penelope Pitstop, and Dick Dastardly and Muttley, along with their corresponding vehicles - but, boy have they been updated in some ways that were unexpected; however, Pontac hit some of the inclusivity high-notes of current comics (which is almost never probelmatic for me): Penelope Pitstop is tough, smart and capable, say goodbye to the damsel in distress...But Peter Perfect has gone from chivalrous gentleman to a screaming milquetoast; Private Meekly is now transgender, the Red Baron is a PRONOUNCED bigot, Muttley is a murderous monster-dog, and Lazy Luke is a hopeless alcoholic.

  And the violence and sexual innuendos? A Teen Plus rating for "Wacky Raceland?" What did I buy, here? I had to check the cover again.

 These choices kinda left me scratching my head.

  A bright spot was the artwork by Leonardo Manco bolstered by the rich colors of Mariana Canzone - WOW! Gorgeous, with amazing details and busy panels that will make your eyes POP. This book is very pretty to look at. And the story is actually pretty good; it had lots of action, interesting characters, humor, and a curious, if a bit derivative, plot. But putting the Hanna-Barbera brand on this, creating totally new characters and slapping the names of old faves on there...Basically, just calling this comic "Wacky Raceland" is quite a bit of a stretch. The spirit of the work of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera are nowhere to be found in these pages. If you dig films like Mad Max and Death Race, this comic will probably float your boat. If you are looking for any vestige of the original Wacky Races, you might want to leave this one alone - you will probably be sorely disappointed.

This will be the first time I give a comic two separate ratings, but I want to be fair:

1. RATING AS A FAN OF THE WACKY RACES CARTOON : 0 out of 10

2. RATING FOR THE COMIC ITSELF: 7 out of 10 (the artwork is 10 out of 10).

Here's a taste of the zany hijinks of the classic cartoon series:

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"Future Quest" #1 Review

"Future Quest" #1 from DC Comics -


    Dr. Benton Quest knows that something evil is punching its way into our universe, and he aims to stop it.

    Years ago, while working for Inter-Nation, Dr. Quest's wife was murdered by a saboteur's bomb. Now, he works in solitude, accompanied only by his young, adventurous son, Jonny, a brave, young Indian orphan he has adopted named Hadji, and Race Bannon, one of the world's best elite operatives, assigned to guard Dr. Quest against all attempts on his life. Having spent years studying vortices that an evil, extra-universal entity has been opening in our world, Dr. Quest calls on Inter-Nation to warn it of the grave threat. In response, Inter-Nation sends two of its top agents, Deva Sumadi, and one Ray Randall...Codename Falcon 7, a man who has a legendary secret identity. However, Dr. Quest isn't the only brilliant mind studying the vortices. Dr. Zin, head of a science-based terrorist organization named F.E.A.R is also studying the vortices, capturing samples of its power, and learning to bend it to his diabolical will. It looks like Dr. Quest's team is outnumbered and outgunned...until a black-masked man clothed in white appears wielding power-bands of unimaginable might. He is bent on stopping the evil entity at all costs...But is he a friend to our universe, or foe?


   Jeff Parker takes us more "mature" folks back to those halcyon days of our youth, when cartoons ruled the morning airwaves on Saturdays! "Future Quest" is a whole heap o' fun, lovingly resurrecting some of the greatest characters that William Hanna and Joseph Barbera ever blessed our young eyes with. Although some characters are just seen through vortices, others are center stage, like the Quests, Race Bannon, and Birdman. Best of all, we even get a thrilling glimpse into the tragic secret origin of he who is probably one of Hanna-Barbera's most recognizable creations: SPACE GHOST!! Evan Shaner and Steve Rude are rocking the pencils on this stellar adventure; and those pencils are pretty darn spectacular - it's like watching Saturday morning return in comic book form. Fans of the old cartoons will love this comic - and it is a great jumping-on point for those just discovering the awe-inspiring universe of characters that Joseph Barbera and William Hannah thrilled young minds with many years ago. This book is THE BOMB-DOT-COM, baby! I gots to have it.

RATING: An enthusiastic 10 out of 10. It makes me so happy to see the return of the bright, shiny heroes of those Hanna-Barbera Saturdays. Maybe these characters can show the modern American comics and TV animation industries what they are missing: fun, complex, engrossing series with GREAT artwork that CHILDREN CAN ENJOY which whisks them away, stimulating their imaginations with worlds of adventure.

That's right Cartoon Network. I'm talking to YOU.

Here's a look a the intro to Hanna-Barbera's World of Super-Adventure:

See what I mean?

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