Awhile since I did these sorts of reviews, but …
Another attempt at the 40-word review.
Review code format: [writing (3-1, faboo to mediocre) / art (3-1) / suitability for jumping on as a new reader (3-1) / suitability for hooking a non-comics reader (3-1) / and and eagerly waiting the collected TPB (Y/N). ]
Teen Titans/Legion Special #1 (DC) w. Geoff Johns, Mark Waid; a. Ivan Reis/Joe Prado, Barry Kitson [2/2/3/1/Y]
Wraps the Superboy-in-the-Future arc, as well as the end of the current Legion incarnation. (Huzzah for Waid on Legion, but, gads, another reboot? Oddly anticlimactic for such a big cosmic issue. Too many cooks, but still fun.
Loki #4 of 4 (Marvel) w. Robert Rodi; a. Esad Ribic [3/3/1/2/Y]
Loki finally admits success isn’t happiness, and decides to break out of his (and Thor’s) destiny. Alas, it’s too little, too late. Nice (non-canonical?) story, fabulous art. A must for any Thor fan — better than the recent Jurgens work.
Queen & Country #27 (Oni) w. Greg Rucka, a. Mike Norton [2/2/1/2/Y]
Relatively dull second chapter of “Saddlebags.” The plot thickens … slowly. Politics at home, international scandal (industrial espionage, or military?), and conflicts between field agents dominate a tale more cinema-worthy than suited for comics. More excitement next time, one hopes.
Green Lantern #181 (DC) w. Ron Marz, a. Luke Ross [2/2/1/1/N]
Hal Jordan’s coming, so we have to clear away Kyle. A “final” confrontation with Major Force provides a way — but haven’t we seen this angsty whining before? Bookends well with Marz’ intro to Kyle, but not a good era change.
Wonder Woman #208 (DC) w. Greg Rucka, a. Drew Johnson/Ray Snyder [2/2/2/1/N]
Medusa attacks Diana at a Washington function, making an interesting mix of magic, combat, and dignitary schmoozing. A bit of politics, some slowly plodding C plots, and threats to the moderately loved supporting characters makes for a decent, if undistinguished, issue.
Daredevil #65/445 (Marvel) w. Brian Bendis, a. Diverse Hands [2/2/3/2/N]
It’s DD’s 40th Anniversary, so let’s … recap Bendis’ tenure. Ho-hum, with mixed art. It’s okay, but we’ve had so many recaps already, the overall plot feels tired even while Bendis does his usual sterling work with dialog.
Runaways #18 (Marvel) w. Brian Vaughan, a. Adrian Alphona/Craig Yeung [3/2/1/3/Y]
A “last” hurrah from this “fugitive mutant kids” title, as the remaining Fugies adjust to life with foster parentage. No longer on the run, can they find happiness? Three guesses. Can’t wait for the next chapter in 2005.
PvP #9 (Image) w/a. Scott Kurtz [3/3/3/3/Y]
One of the most consistently funny web comics around, this earlier chapter includes Skull as an experimental gorilla and a “panty raid” on a not-quite-sorority. *Snork* There are few geeky topics that don’t get loving lampooning here. Triffic fun.
Nodwick #25 (Dork Storm) w/a Aaron Williams [2/2/3/3/Y]
Piffany meets the “Clerics In Black” over french toast, recapping some past reality-twisting fantasy tales and foreshadowing the next arc of stories. Typical fun, along with a PS238 backup tale.
Outsiders #16 (DC) w. Judd Winick, a. Dan Jurgens/Nelson [2/2/2/1/Y]
Nightwing and Arsenal bicker over team leadership. Someone has other plans, though, along with a new member. Oh, and some bad guys get beat up. This second-tier title continues to produce better people stories than many higher-profile team books.
Superman/Batman #12 (DC) w. Jeph Loeb, a. Michael Turner [1/2/1/1/N]
Supes/Bats take on a brainwashed Supergirl (bleah) and Darkseid. Surprisingly ho-hum, except when Bats gets tough with the Apokalyptan … and, I suppose, the “shock” (ho-hum) ending. Not one of Loeb’s better efforts. A sad conclusion to a mediocre arc.
Batman #632 (DC) w. Bill Willingham, a. Kinsun/Aaron Sowd [2/2/1/1/N]
Part of the “War Games” cross-title arc, which looks to be intended to clear the decks of various Bat-cast and subsidiary heroes. Oh, and a crusading journalist is turning the city against Bats. Again, ho-hum.
New Invaders #2 (Marvel) w. Allan Jacobsen, a. C.P. Smith [1/1/1/1/N]
A muddled, muddled mess, as a bunch of second-string and refurbished heroes do goofy black ops. Lots of folks you don’t know, and the ones you do don’t actually behave they way you expect. Edgy? No, just dull. [On my drop list.]
Exiles #52 (Marvel) w. Tony Bedard, a. Jim Calafiore [2/2/2/1/N]
Ego! Celestials! A sentient Earth! The Exiles! The FF and Doom! Hard to mess that up. Still, we we end up with something only moderately interesting. This title continues to coast, and I hope it improves (or is canceled) soon.
Wolverine #20 (Marvel) w. Mark Millar, a. John Romita, Jr./Klaus Janson [2/3/2/1/Y]
Begins Millar’s new tenure and year-long arc, as Wolvie gets captured — and, we learn (bloodily), effectively brainwashed by Hydra . A good, solid start, though I’d rather do it not inside of Logan’s head — and I’ll miss Rucka’s more personal tales.