Superman: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jesus Merino, Tanya & Richard Horie, Rob Leigh, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Rod Reis

So here we go…the new staff. I was really worried here, given how much we know how I like Dan Jurgens’ work (go take a look at my Justice League International reviews). Keith Giffen’s up in the air, really. But it’s mainly because of how much I enjoyed the take on the Superman books the previous team came up with. Well, it turns out my fears were confirmed in that they are taking away the huge media aspect from before, and also removing the “outside looking in” viewpoint of the people of Metropolis watching Superman. We’re thrown right back into Superman’s perspective. It was fun while it lasted, I suppose. HOWEVER. I will say that there were several points of this issue about which I was very pleased. Let’s discuss those. First of all…check out that opening splash page of Superman protecting the mother and her son. That’s excellent stuff right there. Jurgens isn’t my favorite artist, because he does this thing with faces that I’m not real keen on. But still, some of the art in this issue is pretty darn good. I liked how invincible Superman is in this issue. He’s really powerful, and that definitely comes off to the reader. It makes it even more effective when Helspont is able to take him down. Next, we still do get a slight taste of the public mewling over Superman as they bum-rush him at the beginning. Not quite the same as the previous issues, but still acceptable. Next is Helspont, and his whole technical whizzows calculating Superman’s biology and everything. That was fun to read, and it sounded very techno-scientific and all. Felt good. The following scene at the Planet was very amusing, and it really did capture this feeling of craziness that I’m sure poor Clark has to deal with all the time. Even with his superpowers, he’s too inundated with requests and demands from Perry, Lois, and even Jimmy that he ends up agreeing to several different things without realizing it. This really reminded me of the feeling from the Superman movies, which is a huge plus. The suit transformation thing was really cool, and I liked how Superman goes up against Helspont like a boss. Like there’s no threat. Because he’s freaking Superman. That seems a bit more in-character to me. Reminds me of the 90’s cartoon, which earns big points. Finally is Helspont’s rant about Earth and his Daemonite people. This was a lengthy speech, and while it didn’t make much sense to Superman - or me for that matter - it had the flavor of a raving madman, which I did perceive Helspont to be. These are all pluses, I’d say. So…in the end, not too shabby for the new writing team.

Superman #7, the verdict: While I lost some of the magic that really attracted me to this book in the beginning, I did gain some really cool flavors and feelings with the change in staff. Is it enough to keep me coming back? I cannot say. I’ll have to check out the next issue to see if it’s something that’s consistent and obvious. As of now, this isn’t a book I’m planning on buying, so I’ll have to read in-store to figure it out. I’m satisfied with Action Comics, and I think one Superman book’s enough.

(Photo Source: Inside Pulse)

Justice League International: Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan, Travis Lanham, Hi-Fi, David Finch, Rich Friend, Peter Steigerwald

URGH. Nope. No more. This is the last issue of this series I bought. I just can’t. If the Finch cover weren’t bad enough (what with his faces that look the same), the interior is seriously lacking. So the bomb went off last ish, right? Well now Booster and the others are recovering and trying to get all sorted when, all of a sudden…ENERGY CREATURES!!! Wait, wha-?! Seriously, Batman just all of a sudden tells Guy to take care of some energy creatures!! OUT OF NOWHERE! I checked, in the panels leading up to that sentence, there is literally ONE appearance of these energy creatures (which weren’t even in the last issue at all…not even hinted at!): and it’s so tiny and in the background that it’s so easily overlooked. So that’s both bad writing and bad artwork to not somehow make that more obvious. Following this comes the big surprise death on the team (and yes, I’m spoiling it), Gavril. Iron General just comes out carrying him, sets him down, and before even touching him, Batman declares him dead. I want to know just how the hell Batman knows that just by looking at him. He then covers Gavril with his cape…only to have picked it back up like five panels later. What was the point of that?! And then comes the icing on the cake: Batman actually says, “Justice calls.” OH MY WAT. I can’t even. After that, the UN officials are found dead, conveniently with their IDs lying next to them, intact. Guy will later, conveniently, ask about all three of the dead in one word bubble so Booster can confirm all three deaths with just a simple, “…They’re gone.” UGH. It feels so unnatural. Then when Lightweaver shows up to whoop Booster, Booster recognizes the samurai construct and says Lightweaver was at the UN before the bombing. Um, no? Looking through ish 6 again, he’s not there at all. I have no idea what’s happening right now. Terrible.

Justice League International #7, the verdict: Don’t even get me started. This is just full of bad choices and conveniences. I hated every panel of it. I stopped doing this a little while back, but this just flies in the face of everything “Justice League International” used to be - especially the excellence of Brightest Day. At least I can say the art has improved somewhat…the characters are not totally resembling each other anymore…but there is still some of that. Very little facial variation. When that happens, you lose characterization and identification. Thus, I’m not connecting with any of these people. Though it’s true this isn’t totally Lopresti’s fault. It’s the writing. The dry, cliche dialog, the weak storyline (which really does have so much potential), and the constant occurrences of convenient storytelling and sudden appearances of new plot devices to move the story along. It reads kind of like a fanfic.

(Photo Source: iFanBoy)

Superman: George Perez, Nicola Scott, Trevor Scott, Brett Smith, Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jesus Merino, Tanya & Richard Horie, Rob Leigh, Brian Buccellato

Supergirl! She arrives to save the day, or rather save Mr. McCoy. She’s horrified by Superman’s destructive and violent actions in the last issue (she must’ve read it too), and has come to tell him off. She originally wanted to ask about the Superboy clone, but they never get that far. Instead, they get to beating each other’s faces in. But, apparently, the Superman fighting Kara isn’t Superman. It’s some kind of copy…while the real Superman is up in orbit, covered in little black dots. There’s a psychic link between the two Supermans, and we discover where the faux-hero came from. It goes back to Action Comics’ current plotline, with the Collector of Worlds. There was a civilization of tiny nanobots that were about destroyed aboard the Collector’s ship. When Clark shows up, he takes some Kryptonian battle armor, which becomes his Superman costume, on which is a tiny stowaway. So, technically, this is all Clark’s fault. Superman and Supergirl continue to throw down while Metropolis watches in horror. Supergirl’s almost at the end of her rope when Superman - the REAL Superman - swoops in suddenly to save her. We get a total explanation of the previous aliens that came in issues before (thank GOD), and a Kryptonian battle worthy of the record books. Superman also gains the support and approval of Supergirl, which is great. But it looks like something else is coming on the horizon, of course, as we prepare for the next arc with the new creative team. Though there are a lot of credits on this issue, don’t let that deter you. It actually doesn’t affect the book as a whole, because the other team is working strictly on page 23, the last page. The art is still fun…I love Scott’s pencil work, and (other) Scott’s inks. And look at how them, combined with Smith’s colors, make the Kryptonian armor suits shine! So nice.

Superman #6, the verdict: Finally done with the first arc. It feels like it’s been going on forever. Granted, it has been going on since the first issue…but still. It’s really cool to see how it all happened, and get the explanation at last. Because that was pretty confusing. Though I like how intricate it was, and how in depth it took the characters involved. It was cool seeing the other Metropolis characters interact, and how they handle these incredible situations. To me, that’s one of my favorite parts to this new “Superman” series: the point of view on Superman’s actions of Metropolis and the media. Media has played a crucial part in this book so far, and, with the change in staff, I hope things don’t change in that manner too much. To next month!

(Photo Source: Evil Squirrel Comics)

Justice League International: Dan Jurgens, Marco Castiello, Vincenzo Acunzo, Travis Lanham, Hi-Fi

I most likely won’t be looking into this book much further. It really depends on how issue #7 does. This issue really didn’t do a whole lot. It, logically, goes to the next step of the UN deciding what to do about the JLI after their first mission together. Of course they say it was a flop and could have been executed much more professionally, but Booster makes a good point that - had it been the Justice League - it would have been done better. But they’re not the Justice League, and that’s why the UN needs them. Sadly, it only convinces one of the three on the panel of UN members in charge of the team (yeah, why isn’t it the WHOLE UN?). And I say “sadly” because I think it’s sad that these UN peeps aren’t bowing at their feet. Personally, I think that’s more realistic. The JLI just whooped butt and saved the world…not to mention superheroes in general have been around for years now and operating in the public. So why are these three puny people on the UN feeling like they’re somehow better? Like they get to pick and choose what heroes they’re given? They made their choices, now they have to live with it. The JLI saved them. Period. Get over yourselves. Beyond that, though, the whole Hall of Justice bombing is addressed…and it somehow gets turned into this thing about some kind of group that’s attacking the heroes and the UN in response to the forming of this team. See, originally, I thought it was just those two yahoos we saw plant the bomb at the Hall…but no. It’s apparently some kind of grassroots organization that’s planting bombs all over the place to try and take out the JLI and the UN officials. That……seems unlikely. Is this in response to the current social unrest America is facing toward their own government? Or the civil issues that are being faced in any number of countries around the world? It does seem like government, in general, is constantly taking flack these days. So is this plot line supposed to be some kind of smart commentary, at the end of which we’ll see that, no matter how difficult it gets to go along with government, without them we’ll fall and we need them after all? Because I hate comics that do that. That stuff happened in the 70s and 80s and they have no place here in today’s stuff. Just give us the action stories we pay for. The art is improved in this issue with guest penciller Castiello. I like his style better than Lopresti’s. I realized it was different when I found I could tell characters’ faces apart.

Justice League International #6, the verdict: The end of this issue gives us such a “whaaaaaaat” moment, and is so disappointing, that I’m really not sure what’s going to happen in the next issue. I’m not excited, I’m not highly anticipating anything, really. All I’m waiting for is for the characters to come out of the rubble and dust themselves off. I would be shocked if anything super serious happened, like a death or something. Because that’d be completely out of character for this book, and go in a direction that I don’t think DC would allow at this point. But maybe they’re desperate. The next issue will decide the future of this series in my collection.

(Photo Source: Comics Bulletin)

Green Arrow: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Ignacio Calero, Ray McCarthy, Tanya & Richard Horie, Rob Leigh, Howard Porter, Allen Passalaqua

Admittedly, I loved this issue. For a brief moment, I was really hoping that Porter’s cover art would be featured in the issue because it’s SO FANTASTIC, but sadly it is not. But then I realized that the interior art by Ignacio Calero is ALSO FANTASTIC! So there’s that. Seriously, I liked this Arrow better than Dan Jurgens’ Arrow. There was something that felt so urban about Calero’s art, even his people felt this way. It’s really hard to explain, so I hope that gets my point across okay. What I loved about this issue so much, aside from that eye-candy artwork (by the WHOLE team), is how much ass Green Arrow kicks here. It really reminds me of how incredible Arrow was in the first issues that Krul was writing. He could take down bad guys two at a time without a single problem. And that Arrow is back now. It’s refreshing. I loved the twist we get from the Blood Rose story, and what the truth is concerning her trash-heap lover. Let’s just say the caption on the cover is really apt. Team Arrow makes a very good impression on this issue, with some really funny moments as well as pitching in to help Arrow out on the field. They’re a really good asset to Arrow’s campaign, and I’m glad they’re here in the series…they are definitely living up to their purpose, and not just floundering and taking up panel space. I have to also say that I thought it was hilarious when we find out what those gold canisters are he carries around on his belt. That actually made me laugh. I’m very happy that this is continuing to be a good book, and not something that I hesitate to buy each month. I was really afraid of that when Krul left the title. However, we have a new creative team coming up in issue #7…so we’ll have to see how it progresses from here.

Green Arrow #6, the verdict: It’s a very good end to a short run. I loved the action between the characters, and it was nice to see Green Arrow not only come out on top, but WAY ahead of our villains here. The only problem I see with the ending is how they say living in Metropolis will be better for them, suggesting they’re moving on. Though…why would they do this, when Blood Rose’s whole goal was to get to Oliver Queen? Queen’s not in Metropolis, he’s in Seattle. So that didn’t make much sense, unless we’re cleaning house with the creative team change coming up. And, in that case, why? Why not just keep these guys on reserve for a while? I was really excited to see that they might return, only to see that they’re choosing to leave. A bit disappointing.

(Photo Source: Comic Vine)

Justice League International: Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan, Hi-Fi, David Finch, Rich Friend, Peter Steigerwald, Travis Lanham

Oh goodness, I don’t even know anymore. I’m about ready to check out here. On a positive note, we finally get an explanation to what the hell is going on here with the giant robots and alien dude in space. Great. Apparently, this Peraxxus dude goes around to planets that all have these “Signal Men” (the robots) buried within them, left by a super-ancient alien race that’s since died out. He found the tech and is using the Signal Men to destroy the worlds they inhabit in order to pick through the pieces for precious resources. It works in a few ways. It shows that Peraxxus is this cold sonuva mother who doesn’t regard life in the slightest. It also explains why he wouldn’t just enslave the human race and such, which someone suggests in this issue. No, he just wants to blow the damn thing up. Finally, he poses quite the substantial threat…and must be defeated at almost all costs. The bad part is…there’s more negative than positive, I think. Speaking of Peraxxus, he has some of the worst lines. He has those corny “villain” lines. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him say, “Curses!” when he’s finally foiled. There are some other lines that made me cringe in this issue, too. Booster’s, “If we go down, who’s left to save Earth?” for one. I mean, are you serious? Did you forget about Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the Justice League? Or any other superhero that’s still left out there? Speaking of…where are they?! Don’t they see these giant Signal Men threatening all these cities? Get Captain Atom out there! Get Flash and Green Lantern out there! Superman could tear them to pieces! I mean, come on, this hack of a team is not Earth’s final solution. Guy’s lines seem forced too…he’s cocky and headstrong, sure, but he doesn’t feel like the seasoned Green Lantern he’s supposed to be. He feels way too…well…green. Not only that…but he also spends half the issue missing. After Peraxxus teleports himself and Guy to the cave with the rest of the JLI team, he’s GONE for all the action until he just randomly shows up again going “DERP DERP” and not lending anything useful to the team. GLs are powerful and capable of taking on huge threats. So why Guy is just completely unable to take down Peraxxus is way beyond my comprehension. Not to mention Ice and Booster, Rocket Red and General in Iron…these are all the heavy hitters of the team, and Peraxxus just sweeps them aside like they’re nothing. Yet he doesn’t kill them. Why not? If they’re bothering you so much, just squash them – he seems to have the capabilities. So I’m having a really hard time believing this book right now, and it’s just putting me way off. I also don’t understand how, when we’re only given reasons that Ice and Batman can break out of the rock stuff, everyone else is able to also. I’m still not impressed with the art, really, sorry. I’m especially not a fan of Peraxxus’s design. We’ll see if this title improves at all after this whole Signal Men arc is over (besides, I thought the New 52 was doing away with multi-issue arcs, but whatever).

Justice League International #4, the verdict: I had such high hopes for this book, and I’m so immensely disappointed. I have this pressing need to understand what’s going on in here, but it’s difficult and it’s just not believable, even for a comic book. It would be interesting if the “regular” Justice League had to step in and help, creating a plot for later when it looks like the JLI can’t hack it and everyone’s in trouble of losing their jobs, but apparently the JLI is the only team of superheroes in the world. I know there are other people who are equally disappointed in this book, and I think a lot of it has to do with what we were led to expect after the “Brightest Day” run by Keith Giffen and Judd Winick. Instead, we’re just left with wondering….just how much does a superhero get paid, anyway?

Green Arrow: Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, George Perez, Tanya & Richard Horie, Rob Leigh, Dave Wilkins

Hats off to Dave Wilkins on this cover. I love how Ollie looks. The costume looks pretty badass, the hair is great, the mask looks awesome, and the armor is spectacular. Now, to be honest, I was sad when J.T. Krul announced his leaving this title, and I was concerned about the future of Green Arrow. However, this issue was great. Giffen did a great job in picking up and delivering a really good story. It had some great dialog between Ollie and his team, which is always amusing. The only thing I want to keep mentioning is…how are people not aware that Ollie is Green Arrow? It’s so obvious! There’s a point in this issue where the new villain, Blood Rose, is staring at a close-up picture of Green Arrow and she outright dismisses even the possibility of a connection between the two. I mean, come on, lady, you’re staring right at his face. They look exactly alike. I think it’d be a little more believable if Green Arrow wore his hood more (or at all). Or if the pictures of him were blurred and not very clear. It doesn’t look like Green Arrow’s been operating for very long, and so it’s hard to believe that there would be all these pictures and documented cases of his actions and activities. He’d be more of a rumor at this point, I think. What if his Team Arrow guys came up with some tech that fit into his domino mask, and it emitted some kind of frequency or light that would scramble his face for cameras. That’d not only be totally bad-ass, but it would absolutely fit into the high-tech flavor this book has going for it. That’s pretty much the only problem I have with this title…is how obvious it is that Ollie is Green Arrow. This Blood Rose character is slightly interesting. And she remained merely slightly interesting until the very end of the issue…then she got really interesting. There’s definitely more going on here, and that’s truly exciting. I like that Ollie is facing a foe that definitely out-powers him. Previously, we saw Green Arrow go up against enemies were definitely had more power and strength than him, sure, but he was always able to put them down with his tech and arrows, no problem. Here, now, we see that this girl doesn’t go down easy…and can take multiple hits without even being phased. Team Arrow comments on this, too. So I like the challenge here…and I like that it’s a girl. Part of me really wants the lady-killer in Ollie to woo her and there could be this Batman/Catwoman relationship going on – that’s pretty much the only thing missing from this book is Ollie’s “playful” nature. But Blood Rose hates both Green Arrow and Ollie Queen with such a passion that we’ll probably never see that play out. I have to also comment on the art here. Dan Jurgens has been drawing this book since #1, and this one is his best, easily. I love everything I see in this issue. Especially, where the sprinklers in Q-Core go off. All the water effects were outstanding. I loved how Blood Rose touches the computer monitor, and we see the water around her, and how it distorted all the text and graphics on the screen. It looked so real, that I hope Dan Jurgens isn’t shopping for a new computer of his own, having used his as a reference in drawing this. Excellent work here.

Green Arrow #4, the verdict: I like where this is going. We had a knockout blockbuster start with Krul writing, and now that Giffen’s taken over, it proves to be just as exciting, and just as tech-heavy. I’m glad, because Krul has a knack for his tech in his writing. To see that Giffen’s handled that just as well is a relief. The story is interesting, but we don’t know really anything about this new villain…and I’m always skeptical until I find out more, so we’ll see how Blood Rose plays out. I loved the art in this issue; I think it’s the best one so far. I’m excited about this book still, and my concern with Krul being off the book is abated. I can relax now. Well done, to the whole creative team.

Grifter: Nathan Edmondson, Cafu, Jason Gorder, Andrew Dalhouse

Alright, so I’ve made a decision. Just because I don’t buy certain titles anymore doesn’t mean I shouldn’t read them and still review them, for the benefit of everyone who reads my reviews. So I’ve done that here with Grifter #3. I was intrigued by #1, but not thoroughly thrilled. I liked #2 better than #1 - because it was different than Resurrection Man that time, and the action in the beginning with the diner was better. But, still, there just wasn’t enough there in terms of character to make me like Cole Cash and want to stay with him on his journey. The first two issues felt too alike and I wasn’t seeing much more than the same action, and, “nobody believes me!” style dialog. So I was turned off. When I picked up #3 and read through it, I found some pretty interesting stuff. I was relieved to find some really good dialog and character revealing through the heated discussion Cole has with his brother, Max. There’s a lot of stuff hinted at here, and I can’t help but wonder just how deep these conspiracies go - and how close are these daemonites related to the military organization through which Max and Cole were “baptized with fire”? SUDDENLY, LAYERS! I’m, again, intrigued! Then more daemonites appear, and Cole tries to convince his brother that they’re real…but things go south. Really south. I’m both upset at the decision made in this scene, and I’m excited. It gives Cole purpose, but it cuts certain things off for him. He continually alienates everyone around him, and it’s creating this extreme isolation for Cole. I kind of want him to have some allies in this fight. I’m no longer as interested in the lone warrior. He just won’t make it by himself. However, I’m more into this guy now, and I kind of want to know why these things are after Cole. And, apparently, they’re coming out of Seattle, WA, and have a location near/within Q-Core. Huh. That explains why one of the covers for this series features Green Arrow. I’m wondering if Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens, now in charge of Green Arrow, will incorporate this into their title somehow. If they’ll intersect.

Grifter #3, the verdict: I’ll end up buying #3 this month, but I’ll be reading them before making my final decision. I want to see where things are going. I want to see how things are related to Q-Core, and to the other parts of the DC Universe. I want to find out where these daemonites are coming from. So I’m still interested…but it’s a finer line, I think. I’m just scared that the resolution won’t be worth the wait. I hope this title really fills out all the details it’s hinting at, over time of course, and takes its time doing so. That way we can really enjoy everything the plot and the characters have to offer. I see other books in DC’s New 52…and they’re all pulling out these crazy plots, events and actions that are affecting tons of characters right in their first issues! It’s a little too much to take in right out the gate. We have time here, I think. Let’s use it. In summary, #3 was much better and this thing’s got wheels now.

Justice League International: Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan, Hi-Fi, David Finch, Peter Steigerwald, Travis Lanham
The cover of this issue blows my mind. It’s a shame nothing like this happens in the issue. I mentioned before how I thought half the team should stay behind and investigate the Hall of Justice bombing (like Batman, Godiva, and Vixen). The heavy hitters should go after the giant robots. But no. I have to say that I did enjoy seeing Andre squirm in his seat. He’s taking over the “Max Lord” role as behind-the-scenes team leader guy. He’s upset, he’s frustrated, he’s scared. He’s finding he has little real control over this team and feels they’re making bad choices. I like his reaction, I like where that may possibly take him some day. We get to see Booster in more of a leader role, with a lot of help and encouragement from Batman. I’m still not on-board with this whole thing - why does Batman think Booster’s the right man for the job? Why is he pushing him and holding him up like this? The only thing I can think of is if Batman is trying to retain control over this team for his own reasons, or to protect the other heroes on the team, which is a very “Batman” thing of him to do. Guide Booster, encourage Booster, then later use that against him to make decisions Batman wants. But that’s very late-career Batman…and this relaunch has him more mid-early career. The team splits up to investigate each of the robots around the world. Rocket Red and Ice take Russia. Makes sense. But they get into this underground chamber beneath the sea that doesn’t start flooding when Gavril breaks through. I’m not sure why. Guy is still around, and he’s taking more of an interest in the team. He goes off to investigate the spaceship belonging to the apparent master of the robots - maybe their architect? One by one, the teams go down. Bea and Vixen are taken, then Batman and Booster. The only ones we don’t actually see go down are Rocket and Ice, and August and Godiva. It seems like August General and Godiva found something other than the hundreds of tiny rock-minions like everyone else did, too. I’m more intrigued by Guy getting ambushed by this Peraxxus dude (I’m guessing his name by the tease at the end). And, funny enough, this is a plot that seems to belong more in a GL title. Like I’d expect to read this in the pre-relaunch “Emerald Warriors” book. I’m also more interested in the Hall of Justice bombing. What happened to the guys who did that? Did they celebrate? Are they regretting it? What’s going on there? None of the JLI members seem to care (yeah, I get the threat of the robots takes precedence), but emotion would be nice. Maybe Godiva could ask August General why he thinks someone would do that. The dynamic of the team members is fleshing out more (finally), which is nice to see. But the action is meh in this issue, and I was hoping for more than a page per team on which they get taken out. It’s like they barely put up a fight. Booster’s plan here is weak. Why split up the team to investigate each giant robot…when you could have the FULL FORCE of the JLI go after just ONE of them? They wouldn’t have been so easily overwhelmed, and I’m sure that taking out one of the giant robots would throw a major wrench in Paraxxus’s plans! It looks like each robot is emitting a unique form of energy (they’re all different colors)…so surely his plan cannot function as well when it’s missing one of these colors. Batman’s putting his faith in the wrong leader, I think. Maybe that’s the plan: maybe he’s encouraging Booster to fail so that the JLI is disbanded. Maybe Batman doesn’t want another Justice League team…especially one backed by the UN. That makes Bat-sense.
Justice League International #3, the verdict: I’m still not fully on-board with this book. I’m starting to get over my mourning period where I’m sad this isn’t the follow-up series to “Generation Lost,” so I can stop holding that against Dan Jurgens and this book. But there are still plot problems with which I’m not sitting well. The team is making poor choices, and I get that this is a new team and they’re not used to working with each other…but each one is bringing a history of superheroics with them to the table. You’d think their combined experience would make them more formiddable than this. The first issue had the Russian representative to the UN saying “Nyet! No rookies!” - which suggests that none of these people are new to the game. Let’s keep that in mind as we go forward. I’m still half-and-half with the art as well. I’m still seeing faces that look similar, especially on the women. But it’s still pretty good art. It’s clean and very modern. It’s not a bad style. Guy’s face on the last page is great! I’ll be reading #4 before buying it, though. This book just doesn’t make enough sense to me to keep spending money on it month after month - especially since it’s not the book I had hoped for.

Green Arrow: J.T. Krul, Dan Jurgens, George Perez, Ray McCarthy, Keith Giffen, Tanya & Richard Horie, Rob Leigh, Howard Porter, Allen Passalaqua

I weep. I weep because this is J.T. Krul’s last Green Arrow issue. How am I to survive with only one Krul-written comic book a month? I already have to deal with one Sterling Gates-written book, and one Brett Booth-drawn book! So check this out, a Green Arrow cover where he doesn’t have the face-fuzz that makes him look like a werewolf. This cover is really cool, there’s a lot going on. I like that Rush is chucking a parking meter like a boss. Again, Krul makes great use of today’s technology and the impact it has on our lives as part of the central purpose of our villain. This is a really clever idea that feels unique and genuine to me. I don’t remember getting much of a motive from Rush, but I get the feeling he’s just a psychopath who craves the attention, and gets a…well, a rush from being on the cameras. I bet if this were a more mature comic, Rush would use the footage of his fights in a much more personal manner later. He’s very much a narcissist, what with running around with his jacket open and no shirt. He’s always playing to the cameras and showing off. But that’s not any reduction in how much of a threat he is. This guy is strong and durable, it seems, and will present a real challenge to the emerald archer. I like what Krul’s done here: in the first 2 issues, we saw Ollie take on metas on his own and had literally no problem at all in taking them down and apprehending them - even when he was outnumbered. So we’ve seen that he can handle himself against a crowd…but now, in #3, he’s not only outnumbered, but he’s outgunned and - eventually - he’s cut off from his arsenal (no, not Roy). It looks grim, but we’ve seen Ollie pull out of worse, right? I like that the viewers watching the footage live were all for it. They rooted for Rush. They really did want to see Green Arrow murdered, much like Alpha was in #2. This feels like the real deal here. I think that the majority of people who spend their time online would honesty shout for blood like that, even if they didn’t have anything personal against Green Arrow. They seek the blood just for the sake of it. In contrast, I liked Team Arrow’s disgusted comments as they also watch. It was a good back-and-forth, I thought. Krul seems like a very net-savvy writer, and it really shows through in this issue. The action here in #3 is really well-thought out and a lot of fun. I love the mix of arrows Ollie displays here…including getting to use the “airbag” arrow. Finally, the art is just as good as it was in the first 2 issues. I like the style here. It’s very modern-looking, and the layouts themselves are large and lend themselves to big, sweeping action panels. The one thing I would mention is that, in the scenes taking place inside the warehouse, we don’t see Alpha’s body strung up anymore, like we did at the end of #2. Consistency-wise, that caught my eye. But other than that, this was a very, very well-drawn issue. I love the lighting effects the camera drones give off too.

Green Arrow #3, the verdict: This was a great send-off for Krul. It ends on such a high note, with Ollie preparing for patrol. I’m looking forward to the next issues, and hope we can match the great fun we’ve seen so far. It’ll be interesting to see how the new writer decides to develop the characters in place. I want to know more about Team Arrow, where they’re from and what they’re all about. There’s a new villain coming that really knows how to crash a party, and I’m definitely intrigued. Great job to this team for issues 1-3.

Justice League International: Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan

I mentioned before that this series could very well disappoint. I’m so bitter, I guess, about not getting the JLI book that was supposed to follow the “Generation Lost” series…that I’m going to hold that against this relaunch title. I shouldn’t…but maybe you don’t understand how much I LOVED that series. Here’s what I DO like about the new JLI: I like that there’s a huge plot cooking right now with these giant robots, and whoever this space dude is, it’s definitely giving us the kind of scale that the UN-controlled team is going to deal with on a regular basis. Stuff that’s going to require this fully press-recognized team to handle completely in the spotlight. I like that - the team that’s supposed to be all over the TV and news instead of the superhero community that’s still somewhat new and trying not to catch all that attention. However, if that’s the case - I don’t understand Batman’s presence. We get a little bit more into the characters here, learning more about Ice and Guy, Booster, and such. But, to me, it’s not quite enough yet. It feels like the cast is too big and, right from the start, everyone’s included and so they’re not all getting equal time. Sure, they may get equal lines and word bubbles in the book, but that doesn’t count if they’re just quick quips to be witty during battle. They need development - especially right after a relaunch like this where we could potentially know very little about all these familiar faces. Like Booster. We know he’s still from the future, and still uses Skeets, but we know almost literally nothing else - except that, for some reason, Batman believes in him very adamantly. So far, this book isn’t making a lot of sense. The bombing on the Hall of Justice is currently more interesting than this giant robot thingie right now. I think half of the team should stay behind and investigate that while the power-hitters do the robot thing. So, Godiva, don’t go fighting robots…seriously. I hope this starts making more sense, and the characters begin developing more. I seriously don’t know about half of this team. A few are from the Brightest Day JLI series, so I have a rough idea…but again, with a relaunch, things could have changed for any of them. Lopresti does a great job with the art…but the one thing I have to say is how similar some of the women’s faces are. I feel like if you gave them all the same hair and eye color, you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. Batman could also be Booster under that mask.

Justice League International #2, the verdict: I think it’s time to stop reading this book. It’s getting to the point where I need to start weeding out books because the cost is getting to be a bit much. Not to mention all these books are taking up a lot of space. If it ain’t “wowing” me, I should probably reconsider. I like the potential this book has, but I don’t see any indication that it’s going to be explored. I know it’s only issue #2, but I don’t know if I can wait.

Green Arrow: J.T. Krul, Dan Jurgens, George Perez

Another nice display of power by Green Arrow here at the beginning of #2. Looks like there’s nothing this guy can’t handle! Multiple metas? No problem! But I love where this book goes. Getting ahead of myself, though. #2 helps to establish some other information. We still don’t get much on his origin yet, and I’m thinking that’s because J.T. Krul decided to leave the title after next month’s issue (#3). So leave it to the next writer to handle, yes? Makes sense to me, honestly. We get a look at how the board at Queen Industries likes Oliver, and how he reacts to being called a slacker. Let’s face it, though: Oliver, you’re a slacker - when it comes to Q-Core. I think he’s being a big baby about it. It’s like all he wants to do is go out and “have fun” being Green Arrow, and ignore the responsibilities his alter ego has. That’s a good way to run himself right out of that business. Perhaps not ironically, the pre-relaunch Oliver Queen ran his company into the ground. Something Bruce Wayne would never tolerate. I don’t think Oliver sees the importance of his company like Bruce does. They seem to be major competitors of sorts, as Q-Core is mentioned in other Batman titles. So the fact that Oliver isn’t concerned about Q-Core’s performance is a little bothersome, but makes sense for the character. I guess I just want him to grow up, personal opinion. Oh, and we also learn that Oliver plays basketball with an NBA star or something. Now, when it comes to writing, Krul isn’t afraid to show us the gritty stuff…the nastiness of villains. We meet this excited kid calling himself “Alpha”…just to watch him meet a not so fantastic fate. No mercy, eh, Krul? The art here is just as good as #1. Oliver isn’t as “werewolf-y” as he is on the cover, much like issue #1, but I fail to see how people aren’t putting it together that he’s Green Arrow. I mean…it’s just a domino mask. With his distinct hair and stubble…it’s all but obvious, lenses or no. That’s why I think he should utilize the hood…but he never does. It’s frustrating. I like the hood look. Beyond that, I love the lighting effects with the villain Limelight, and the full layouts displayed whenever Team Arrow reviews multiple screens. It looks very neat, and implies a sort of virtual space that they operate within. It’s very Oracle in a now Oracle-less world.

Green Arrow #2, the verdict: I’m sad that this is going to be J.T. Krul’s second-to-last Green Arrow issue, as he leaves to focus on Captain Atom and an as-yet-unnamed DC title. But this showdown we’re promised for #3 definitely has me more than interested. I’d say the first issue was more exciting than #2, but it did give us some other content involving the Queen Industries side of things, which I really hope develops more in the future. I do want to see that side of this book and how it affects the rest of the world, and vice-versa. For now, though, this is shaping up to be a fitting blow-out for writer Krul.

Justice League International: Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan
Let me start by saying that I never read too much of JLI way back in the day. I think I have ONE issue, where the cover depicts the Ray fighting Captain Atom. It was a cool issue. Then, after “Blackest Night”, DC released the Brightest Day: Justice League International: Generation Lost title…which was OUTSTANDING. Are you kidding?! The return of MAX LORD and his subsequent plan to make everyone in the world forget he ever existed, EXCEPT THE JLI!? This was a GREAT series. 24 issues, go pick them up. At the last issue of that series, DC announced an ongoing JLI title. Well…then came “Flashpoint” and the relaunch of the entire DC universe. So long, JLI title. I shall miss what could have been. Instead, we’re given this new JLI series. I’m a fan of Jurgens, and I like his style. I’m definitely interested in what this series will bring. It’s a good premise, with a UN-controlled super-team, and I like how the characters interact. At times, it’s a bit hammy and overplayed (like the Russian and the Chinaman constantly bickering), but it still works through the issue. I’m bummed about a couple of the team members who didn’t make the cut (especially two from the “Generation Lost” series), but the others that fill out the roster are definitely going to make the dynamics of the team very interesting…and unstable. This book seems very politically driven, which is definitely a new direction, and I like it. It not only deals with how the nations of the world must work together in order to keep the world safe, it also touches on how politics - even the politics of superheroes - affects the public opinion…and the outcomes that stem from that reaction. There’s a moment where, not only are the people making a statement against the JLI headquarters, it appears that Dan Jurgen is making a statement on behalf of the comic fan community who’ve been complaining ahbout and jeering DC’s relaunch - but in a more satirical way, if that makes sense. The actual plot of the first issue isn’t all that interesting, it’s really more confusing…but it has promise to really put the team to the test right there at the start. It’ll also be fun watching Booster Gold try to take that leader position the UN wants him to have…as there are a couple reservations about the assignment, as shown by Gardner. I like Booster - I think he’s an interesting character…probably one of the more flawed of this book. The art is VERY good. I really the style here, how people look a little more realistic, and they definitely stand out from one another. Faces aren’t repeated or similar, really…everyone has their own unique look, which is really great on an ensemble cast. And the colors are really bold too. I like it when each person on a team can be easily identified just by their “color”, like the Power Rangers or something.
Justice League International, the verdict: When it comes to this book, I’m afraid that it will always disappoint because it’s not the series I loved during “Brightest Day”, and it’s not the series that was meant to follow. But, because I do like the characters, I’m going to give it a try and take a look at #2. For fun, dysfunctional team dynamics, check this book out. I really hope Max Lord comes back. ;)

Green Arrow: J.T. Krul, Dan Jurgens, George Perez
Is that a werewolf on the cover? No! It’s a scruffy, “I-haven’t-shaved-in-a-few-days-and-I-still-can’t-grow-a-proper-beard”-faced Green Arrow! (Trust me, Ollie, I know your pain) So, fresh off his run of GA during the “Brightest Day” event, J.T. Krul returns to breathe new life into the brooding, isolationist Ollie Queen. I’m happy Arrow got his own title in the relaunch, I’ve grown to love the little guy. It’s no lie (and no secret) that I’m a big fan of J.T. Krul, and he doesn’t disappoint here, either. This issue had me laughing out loud, with little “HA!” moments every time Ollie pulled out a different kind of arrow. His innovation in this issue is amazing. The tech involved is outstandingly brilliant and, in some cases, wholly original. I spoke with J.T. about that, and he’s really excited about, in a later issue, getting to use a “boxing glove” arrow. It was sad to hear that J.T. Krul will be leaving the Green Arrow series after the 3rd issue, after the first arc. He’s been writing for him for so long now. So, as I take my first look at the new Oliver Queen here, I LOVE the new costume. It just looks so badass, and is fitting of Ollie’s new tech’d out persona. I only wish he’d wear the hood more, because he kind of looks too much like Dolph Lundgren. In this issue, Green Arrow proves himself to be not only a formiddable archer, but a great CQC artist and acrobat as well. It was fun watching him rough up some baddies with ease. I wanted to get to know more about Ollie’s past, and what drove him to become Green Arrow, but it’s really only hinted at here at first. I want to know if it’s going to be like his original origin with the trip to Africa (beautifullly retold in Brightest Day: Green Arrow #7). But I really dig the whole “Team Arrow” thing that’s going on here. Each of the characters is interesting, and I’m hoping that the new writer takes this someplace, and explores the options available. The art is very good. The characters all look good and unique (in fact, Ollie himself looks like a cross between Dolph Lundgren and Michael Biehn, now I look at him some more), and the colors are bold and very present.
Green Arrow, the verdict: Overall, a great action/tech book. It has definite promise. Everyone has their own thing going on here, and it’ll be interesting to see these things played out in the future. I love how “Bruce Wayne” Ollie is here, with using his company to develop tech for Team Arrow to use. Honestly, I want to follow this series…just because I’m a fan of Ollie, but without Krul there behind the wheel…I can’t say I’m as interested. Also, and this is something else he and I discussed, Ollie’s no longer as introspective and brooding as he was before (especially during “Brightest Day”). He’s a more outward, fun-and-fancy-free guy. It was one of the factors in his leaving the book for another project, he said. So we both seem to be of the opinion that it’s kind of a different Oliver. I’ll be reading his 3-issue run, that’s for sure. And you should too.