Grant Morrison on Action Comics Reboot

Here is the video that was shown at the Hero Complex Film festival, where Grant Morrison discusses Superman and Action Comics Number 1, vol 2.

Per CBR

 

Superman still stands For Truth, Justice and 'The American Way'

Still upset that Superman gave the American Flag the middle finger?

Well don't be.

The story seen in Action Comics 900 is not going to stick, nor was it meant to, rather it was a 'what if' story.

Not really sure what that means but Comicbookmovie.com claims to have talked to DC Comics Home Office and this is what DC (???) told them,

"the story itself was simply a look at what could be and not what is."

and per the site this is DC Comics official statement,

"This short story is just that, it will not be followed up upon. Superman will remain as American as Apple pie."

Action Comics 900: Maybe it's not really that big of a deal. Plus it sells out.

Since Action Comics #900 came out there has been a lot of talk about the Man of Steel's decision to renounce his U.S. citizen ship.

Many are making a big deal about this. Including us.

The debate surrounds Superman as an American Icon and what does DC Comics actions do for the hero famously known for his tag line "Truth Justice and the American Way"

Today CBR took a poll and it would appear that many agree with what Superman did or they already feel that Superman is a citizen of the world with a whopping 47.56% of the vote in favor of Superman's choice. (see the blue).

 

There still has not been any further comments from DC Comics but perhaps after seeing this poll there really isn't a need to.

But we will continue to follow this story as more information, opinions and reactions surface.

Also it was announced today that Action Comics #900 has sold out, and is going into a 2nd printing

Stay tuned Commuters.

Cape Town Community Mailbag: 'Action Comics' #900

Christian, one of our podcast listeners, shared his YouTube channel with us last week and we promised to feature his reviews here from time to time as he makes them available. In this clip, Christian gives his take on his overall enjoyment of Action Comics #900.  Click here for more of Christian's reviews of titles such as The Mighty Thor #1, The Walking Dead #84, Echoes #5, and Detective Comics #876.

Thanks for sharing Christian!

Comic Creators Weigh in on Action Comics 900

Via Newsarama  some of the industries creative talents have lent their thoughts on Superman's citizenship or lack of.

"Well, having actually drawn a small portion of Action #900, I actually read the story on Monday. I've said this a few times before: Superman not being an American citizen makes sense to me. The symbol that is Superman needs to be beyond borders and nationality. I've always seen Superman as a symbol of the world. Superman represents the best of us. Superman has always, to me, been the standard bearer of good. Truth and Justice aren't purely an American concept, and the term "The American Way" has been a nebulous concept for a very long time. no one seems to have a common opinion of what the "American Way" is supposed to be. The American Way was slapped in Superman years after his creation. Superman has and always should be about the everyday man, helping those who can't help themselves".

-Jamal Igle

 "I think that Superman felt so badly about the negative response to the announcement about his citizenship that he hunted down bin Laden and put a bullet in his head personally. No gun. He just shoved the bullet right in there by hand."

-Peter David

You can read more at Newsarama

As stated early this is a growing debate and it will be interesting to see where DC goes with this.

People are obviously very passionate about Superman.

Not bad for a superhero created over 70 years ago.

Action Comics 900: Wizard World Anaheim 2011 REACTION

This weekend we attended Wizard World/Comic Con Anaheim.

And whether with fans or fellow podcasters/bloggers Action Comics 900 was a major topic for discussion.

We heard everything from “DC made a huge mistake” comparing Superman’s action to burning the flag, to others saying “Good for Superman” with readers stating that Superman should be a global influence.

We didn’t take a poll but from those who we talked to most were pretty shocked.

As of Monday DC Comics has not released any further comments but I think it’s clear that fans and readers need something more from them on Superman’s future and his position on Truth Justice and The American Way.

Action Comics 900

In the pages of Action Comics 900 something happened.

Yes Superman fought Lex Luthor, Yes a surprising twist was brought to the “Reign of Doomsday” storyline and yes Action Comics now has 900 issues published.

But the story that is getting headlines is that Superman has renounced his US citizenship.

People are pissed.

In the story Superman is scolded by a member of the U.S. President’s Security staff when he shows up in Iran to take part in a protest.

The staff member gets into it with Superman about how his actions will affect America.

Superman then rips up his passport and craps on it.

No he didn’t do that. Superman makes the choice to renounce his U.S. citizenship rather than have his actions seen as a statement from any government or a country's policies.

Couple of things.

First off, I know Superman’s tag line or his banner rather, is Truth Justice and The American way.

So I understand that many will see this as Superman (or DC) spitting on the flag.

Secondly, think about it people, he’s Superman. Can he really be cut off at the country line?

He hasn’t in the past, and when he’s saving everyone from Brainiac or Mongul I am pretty sure he’s saving the world and not just the United States.

This is going to be a debate and it will be interesting to see how DC moves forward with this, but as a HUGE Superman fan I don’t see the big deal.

I actually hope this wasn't some small story not meant to be taken with a whole heart. I hope this turns into issue in the comics and both ideas are addressed.

But really, come on, he's Superman, the most powerful superhero in the world!

Not America.

This isn't a big deal.

Though his membership in the JLA might be revoked.

Nicolas Cage Reunited with Stolen 'Action Comics' #1

Nicolas Cage may soon be reunited with his 8.0 CGC-graded copy of Action Comics #1 (featuring the first appearance of Superman—as if you didn’t know). The actor purchased the comic in 1995, but it was stolen in 2000 along with other classic comics—including Detective Comics #27 (that’s Batman’s first appearance to the non-comics enthusiasts).

“It is divine providence that the comic was found and I am hopeful that the heirloom will be returned to my family," said Cage in a public statement. Is he allowed to say “heirloom” if he was only in possession of the book for five years?

The comic book is currently under lock and key with the LAPD while they carry out their investigation. The man who discovered it claims that it was among the contents of a storage locker that he purchased in an auction. When the man attempted to sell the issue, the authorities were contacted—an 8.0 copy of Action Comics #1 is not a common thing.

Alas, the Detective Comics issue is still out there somewhere waiting to be reunited with its owner.

Action Comics 900

900 issues and still super....

Action Comic is the longest running comic book in publication (but the way Marvel is releasing books these days that could change)...

Check out Adam Hughes's variant cover to issue 900, which hits the shelves on 4/24.

Super Buff at 73

C2E2: Is Paul Cornell Staying on 'Action'?

An interesting thing occurred towards the end of yesterday’s DC Nation’s Q&A session at C2E2.

According to Newsarama’s Live blogging, a fan asked if Paul Cornell was going to stay on Action Comics past the “Reign of Doomday” storyline. The writer answered “I don’t know.”

I certainly hope DC has big plans for the writer and Superman since his refreshing run on the Action has been so widely enjoyed by fans who probably didn’t expect a year-long Lex-centric book to be so good. Cornell brings Superman back to the title for issue #900 to wrap-up the “Black Ring” storyline—I’m crossing my fingers the writer stays on well beyond this.

More to come!

Podcast Delayed and Action Comics 902

Hey here Cape Town Commuters....due to some technical problems our regularly scheduled Podcast will be delayed for a few days...but don't worry we will up and ready for listening soon enough.

In the mean time enjoy this gorgeous cover to Action Comics 902 by the books new artist Kenneth Rocafort.

Happy Monday

Action Comics 899

Now, we can all agree this is awesome....two bald guys fighting over who's more villain-ier...

huh huh?

This uber fantastic cover comes to you from artist super star David Finch.

Paul Cornell on Action Comics

Here is a great interview with comic book writer Paul Cornell....here he talks about Lex Luthor, Superman's return and what he'd like to see with Legos...

Here is some of that interview,

"The use of an android Lois Lane was the idea of one of my editors. I think it might have been Wil Moss. But she works so well because Lex isn't going to trust anybody he didn't build. And it just happened to be Superman's wife, accidentally, without Lex actually knowing that. I think it says a lot about his unconscious processing, because he certainly doesn't know.

I really like the fact that she's a very sassy Lois. You know, she's a really punchy Margot Kidder Lois. That's an aspect of the real Lois Lane that is maybe turned down too much these days. I think people seeing her like that."

 "Issue #900 is really the climax of this story, but in a Jim Steinman way. It keeps on going up into another level into #901. So we finish one story and kind of start another act in the same issue, in #900."

"I can hear millions of fans who've popped up on message boards saying, "No!! We want Superman back!!" Because they have been saying that fairly consistently.

So no, I don't think there was a moment's hesitation in finishing this arc and bringing him back."

Paul Cornell has done some great stuff with Lex for sure...now lets just hope he can take all that creativity and put it towards Supes...

Beware Their Envy

Larfleeze vs. Luthor

Check out Action Comics 898 (shipping this week) for a confrontation that has been building since "Blackest Night".

PS: Larfleeze is one of my  favorite new characters.

Cape Town Capsule Reviews, 1/26/11 Releases

Age of X: Alpha

Marvel Comics

«««

The Age of X: Alpha takes our favorite mutants to a reality where the world “fears and hates” them. Times infinity.

This issue is an anthology, written by Mike Carey, that introduces readers to the characters and the world they inhabit. What a world. The book serves as a prologue to the action. We get something of a who’s who of the characters with the most time given to Cyclops, Cannonball, Dr. Rao, Wolverine and Magneto. The X-Men—looking a little different and acting a little different as they sit around the fire and share personal stories—each drawn by a different artist.

The best sequence features Cyclops—known as Basilisk in this story—who is held in a Mutant prison run by Arcade. His eyelids have been cut off and he is forced to murder mutants with an awful mask that opens at Arcade’s control. This is a far cry from Utopia folks. It will be interesting to see how Scott’s persona plays out over the course of the series. The worst story, mainly because of its protagonist’s distracting behavior, features Cannonball and his sister Husk.

The art in the main story was gorgeous by Mirco Pierfederici. I don’t buy variant covers unless that is all that is available but the Olivier Coipel cover is beautiful.

Alex Ross Gets in on the 'Action'

I am pretty easy to please when it comes to re-imaginings of classic comic book covers. I tend to enjoy work like this from Alex Ross than the paintings of famous characters staring into the camera with an imposing glare. Of course this is Ross' version of Action Comics #1 (below), which will serve as a variant cover for Action Comics 900th issue.

Action Comics #900 is scheduled for release this April with Paul Cornell and Pete Woods on the main story: a face-off between Superman and Lex Luthor (this is news because Supes has been absent for months from the title). A cadre of unnamed writers and artists will be on hand to usher in the milestone comic book.

Wednesday's Finest, 10/27/10 Releases

By Don M. Ventura

Incognito: Bad Influence #1
Icon

Incognito: Bad Influence brings us back into the life of Zack Overkill, a former villain who was forced into the witness protection program and then begins to fight crime for the thrills of using his powers. As the story begins, Zack is out of witness protection and has begun working with the S.O.S.

While the world Brubaker is writing is set firmly in the present, there are great flashes to the types of villains that were rose to prominence in the Silver Age of comics: G.I. Gorilla, Dick Deadly, Zhing Fu, and of course Dark Leopold and his Nuclear Nazis. Brubaker is having a good time on this book and it shows with some of these throwbacks, illustrated nicely by returning artist Sean Phillips.

Phillips draws grittiness quite capably and fits Brubaker’s style perfectly. Incognito has a classic pulp/noir comic book feel to the art and the story. Like Chris Samnee or Mike Deodato, Phillips uses shadow appropriately to capture the tone of the story.

There’s a great narration by Zack as he walks home with his groceries. “I guess another plus was I didn’t have a shitty day job for cover. But I still had to deal with the lame details… Paying rent, buying groceries, taking out the garbage… All the little human bullshit.” With that last line, the panel is a crossing signal. What says conformity to the rules of man like an illuminated “Walk” sign on a city street?

The story begins with Zack being taken into custody for returning to a life of crime. He protests, claiming to be set-up, but his arresting officer Zoe Zeppelin isn’t buying it. Brubaker flashes back to the beginning of the story to explain how Zack got into this predicament. Zack has inadvertently been set up to look like an unreformed villain and S.O.S. is going to use this to bring down Simon Slaughter, a rogue S.O.S. agent.

Brubaker is a master storyteller and it is enjoyable seeing him produce more creator-owned work. I’ve been following his recent titles (Secret Avengers and Steve Rogers: Super Soldier) but I enjoy the spontaneity of a book like this, where the fate of a character might occur at any point in the story.

Action Comics #894
DC

Of Paul Cornell’s run on Action Comics, this issue has been the strongest. Each month, Cornell has pitted Lex Luthor against a classic DC villain as Superman’s greatest enemy continues his search for a mysterious source of power.

The strength in this issue is that it showcases Lex approaching a problem in a manner that most people wouldn’t. That problem is that he’s dead. Cornell writes a good Lex as he becomes frustrated that he is dealing with death in too predictable a manner. “I feel helpless…” he says. “I can’t be helpless."

Cornell is not presenting a new take on the character, he’s using what has always been there and is saying to readers, “Well, this is what Lex would do in this situation” and it all feels true to the character. It’s the antithesis of what Straczynski is doing on Superman.

Pete Woods is back after a month off and his work is excellent as usual. Specifically with Death, a Vertigo character with whom I am admittedly not familiar. His Death is charming and slightly whimsical as she listens and explains to Lex throughout the issue.

Fantastic Four #584
Marvel

Man oh man, did this book have some good stuff for fans of Benjamin J. Grimm, arguably one of Marvel’s most beloved characters. This is the second issue of Writer Jonathan Hickman’s infamous “Three” storyline, but the focus is primarily on the everlovin’ blue-eyed Thing.

Ben has a serum that will allow him to become human-form Ben for one week every year. Hickman has all of the team’s voices down and he uses this to perfect effect in the Johnny/Ben scenes. But it’s the final scene between Ben and Alicia that is so powerful, so amazingly touching, that you will regret not giving this book a try.

Credit the appropriately simple dialogue and Steve Epting’s gorgeous artwork. Alicia’s expression and the knowledge that this is something that both character’s have longed for (for far too long) makes this scene so damned chilling. Add to this, an appearance by the Silver Surfer and his employer in the final scene and you have yourself one of the best books of the week.

Supergirl Annual #2
DC

Annuals. The Bald Eagle of comic books. A spare amount appear here and there every few months to remind readers of the olden days when most comic books had a big fat Annual or Special to end an ongoing storyline or tell a super-sized story.

I was surprised to see an Annual in my comic stack this week and I became immediately nostalgic—until I saw that $4.99 cover price. But Sterling Gates has brought another solid Supergirl tale. After leaving the Bizarro world in Supergirl #57, she crash lands in the future and meets up with the Legion of Super Heroes—only this is the Legion that Superboy grew up with.

Gates sets up a really interesting storyline in this issue as Supergirl, acting one hundred percent like a teenage girl, and snoops into her future… and her fate. I’m hoping this is something that doesn’t have to be wrapped up immediately because Gates is leaving the book in December.

Gates catered to my rule of using no more than ten Legionnaires in the book, which keeps things from becoming confusing. The art is split between Matt Camp and Marco Rudy, but the work is distractingly different. Camp has a crisp clean look to his work, while Rudy’s has a rougher quality and in some places rushed.

While regular Annuals might infringe on my ability to eat and drink, it’s a format that I would enjoy seeing more frequently.

Secret Avengers #6
Marvel

Brubaker can write straight superhero stories too, and Secret Avengers has been a good one. Of the three ongoing Avengers titles, this one is easily my favorite though it doesn’t feel like an Avengers book.

Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, makes an appearance in the first story of the “Eyes of the Dragon” arc. The story involves the reappearance of a sinister group called the Hai-Dai who have been using violent means to locate a magic scroll that will bring Shang-Chi’s evil father back to life.

I applaud Brubaker’s sparse use of characters in this team book. One of my gripes about Brian Michael Bendis’s Avengers books is that it has wall to wall characters that all seem to speak similarly. Brubaker only uses who he needs.

Mike Deodato as always is well paired with Brubaker. This book is something of a Special Ops superhero book and Deodato style of using a great deal of shadow helps convey the book’s tone. The story opens with great fight scene—Brubaker and Deodato demonstrate why nobody should wake Shang-Chi from his slumber.

Teen Titans #88
DC

Nicola Scott knows how to draw a good comic book. And Teen Titans #88, while not Earth-shattering, is a good comic book. Scott’s pencils are clean and energetic when they need to be. We’re treated to a great fight scene between the Titans and a marauding group of zombie-like men called the feral boys.

This is Writer J.T. Krul’s first issue as the ongoing writer on the book and this is solid start. He’s assembled all the familiar faces to the team and we are treated to a final panel (and another beautiful two page spread) with the newest Titan: Robin. Krul includes a great scene between Batman and Robin in the middle of the issue where Batman is concerned that Damian has no exposure to his peers.

Krul opens the issue by giving each of the characters enough face time, aptly demonstrating that he can write a good team book. Writers like Geoff Johns and Brubaker make it look easy. Krul gives us a peek at where he is going to be taking each of the characters over the course of the arc, and perhaps further, and he doesn’t seem to be throwing any of the characters to the sidelines.

This is my first trip back to Titans Tower in a few years. It feels as though I never left.

Wednesday's Previews, 10/27/10 Releases

Action Comics #894
Written by Paul Cornell; Co-feature written by Nick Spencer; Art by Pete Woods Co-feature art by RB Silva and Denis Frietas ; Cover by David Finch and Batt.

Guest-starring Death from Sandman! Yes, you read that right! Death! From Sandman! In Action Comics! Lex Luthor finds himself literally at Death's door, which leads to a fascinating look not only into the mind of one of the all-time greatest villains, but also at what Death means in the DC Universe…

And in the Jimmy Olsen co-feature, an alien race has chosen Metropolis to be the host of their millennial celebration! And who better to show them around town than James Bartholomew Olsen? But when the alien princess gets wasted and her brother starts picking bar fights, it's up to Jimmy to get things under control before all of Metropolis is destroyed!

Superman: Earth One
Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art by Shane Davis and Sandra Hope; Cover by Shane Davis.

Forget everything you know about The Man of Steel and brace yourself for a staggering new take on the world's most popular Super Hero.

Best-selling, Hugo Award-winning writer J. Michael Straczynski (Brave and the Bold, Thor, Babylon 5) and red-hot rising star artist Shane Davis (Green Lantern, Superman/Batman) team up for this exciting launch of the Earth One graphic novel series. Set in an all-new continuity re-imagining DC's top heroes, Earth One is a new wave of original, stand-alone graphic novels produced by the top writers and artists in the industry. The groundbreaking new line rockets into effect right here with the Super Hero who started it all – Superman!

What would happen if the origin of The Man of Tomorrow were introduced today for the very first time? Return to Smallville and experience the journey of Earth's favorite adopted son as he grows from boy to Superman like you've never seen before!

Teen Titans #88
Great jumping on point!
Written by J.T. Krul; Art and cover by Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood; 1:10 Variant cover by Adam Hughes.

It's here! A new day dawns for the Teen Titans, brought to you by the dynamic duo of J.T. Krul (Green Arrow, Blackest Night: Titans) and Nicola Scott (Wonder Woman, Secret Six)! Packed with action, steeped in emotion and featuring your favorite heroes, Teen Titans is ready to explode off the racks!

Starting right here, the team finds itself pushed in new directions and brought to new heights while also rediscovering its roots. With the rise of a mysterious new threat called the Feral Boys, Superboy, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Raven, Beast Boy and the newly returned Ravager will have the chance to rebuild their camaraderie in the face of all that might endanger it. But if they discover the truth behind the Feral Boys, will they be able to stand together to face it? Find out here as the new era of the Teen Titans begins in this perfect jumping-on-point issue!

Captain America #611
Great jumping on point!
Written by Ed Brubaker; Art by Filipe Daniel Moreno de Andrade and Daniel Acuna; Cover by Marko Djurdjevic.

"The Trial of Captain America" begins here! Nothing will ever be the same again, and this time we mean it. Award-winning writer Ed Brubaker and acclaimed artist Butch Guice continue to take Captain America to new heights!

Fantastic Four #584
Written by Jonathan Hickman; Art by Stephen H. Epting; Cover by Alan Davis.

It's the return of Galactus, a trip to Nu-World, the Old Kings of Atlantis and Namor, the all-new Yancy Street Gang, and the day the Thing becomes human again. Join Jonathan Hickman and superstar artist Steve Epting in "Three, Part 2: 'Congratulations, Mr. Grimm...You're Human Again.'''

Incognito: Bad Influences #1
Written by Ed Brubaker; Art and cover by Sean Philips.

Last year’s breakout hit finally returns! By the award-winning team of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. One of the biggest Hollywood options of the year, nominated for three Eisner Awards, Incognito is finally back for more! It’s apocalyptic pulp noir at its finest! It’s been over a year since Zack Overkill came out of Witness Protection to build a new life. But working for the government isn’t that different from being controlled by them, and his new secret identity is becoming more trouble than it’s worth! So what will Zack do when tasked with a mission that sends him on a hunt into darkest corners of the super-criminal underworld where he was raised? Also returning with Incognito are the exclusive Pulp magazine essays by Jess Nevins, Professor of pulp history, only available in the single issues of Incognito.

Wednesday's Second Chances
If you missed them the first (or second) time around, the third printing of Skull Kickers #1 (below), the second printing Fantastic Four #583, and the second printing of Artifacts #2 will be released this week.

Gorilla Grodd and Sydney Greenstreet: Separated at Birth?

Paul Cornell has been taking readers on a wild ride across the DC Universe as he presents Lex Luthor’s quest for an Orange Lantern ring in the pages of Action Comics. Along the way he has faced off against Mister Mind, Deathstroke, and this month he goes toe to toe with Gorilla Grodd (one of my personal favorites).

I was interested to learn that Paul Cornell hears Sydney Greenstreet’s voice when he pens Grodd’s dialogue. I don’t typically think about how that characters sound when I’m reading, unless it’s how Chris Claremont wrote Gambit or Rogue with their stereotypically thick Cajun and Southern accents respectively.

I’m a huge fan of Greenstreet’s work in Casblanca and the Maltese Falcon. He brought such an imposing presence to every scene, but he wasn’t the heavy; much like Grodd, he’s the brains behind the brawn.

If you’ve never heard Greenstreet, fast forward the following clip from Hollywood Canteen by 35 seconds. He shares a scene with famous co-star Peter Lorre. I’m wondering what villain Lorre might voice if he were still alive.

Wednesday's Finest, 9/29/10 Releases

By Don M. Ventura

Avengers Prime #3
Marvel

Brian Michael Bendis has left me hot and cold over the years. Sometimes I have found his writing to feel rushed and not structured enough for my taste. Last week’s Avengers, for example, seemed to take the characters everywhere but, ultimately, nowhere.

But then I pick up Avengers Prime and I am reminded how good Bendis can be at telling a story. Avengers Prime is a bi-monthly mini in which Steve Rogers, Iron Man and Thor are stuck in one of the nine realms of Asgard. They have been separated for most of the story but are back together again by the end of the tale and it is evident that Bendis is having a good time with these characters.

Hela, a classic Thor baddie, has super-amped powers and is doing a number on the God of Thunder. A de-powered Tony Stark uses his million dollar charm, to great humor, as a means of escaping from the dragon Fafnir. I love this scene because it demonstrates, like in last weeks Steve Rogers: Super Soldier, that the cbest heroes do not rely on their powers alone to get out of the tightest of binds.

Because snappy bantering is an art form at which Bendis excels, Tony and Steve are given several opportunities for a little back and forth in this issue as they attempt tracking down Thor. These two have been at odds for years, culminating in Marvel’s 2006 crossover event Civil War. For the past few years things continued to grow darker, until Norman Osborn was brought down in Siege. Now we are in the midst of Marvel’s Heroic Age, a much brighter 616.

This book is supposed to act as a catalyst, bringing these three classic Avengers back to the tight bond that once held Earth’s mightiest super team together. Bendis is achieving this with ease. The story does not feel rushed, he’s not throwing too much into the mix, he has got the voices of these characters down. With each issue I have grown more impressed.

But Bendis is not alone here in the storytelling. Alan Davis makes a rare appearance on this book and brings an old school appeal as story like this requires. Davis’s work has not lost any charm. His panels are exciting, especially as Tony barely escapes fiery doom from Fafnir. There is pin-up worthy opening splash page of Thor facing off against Hela and the undead that is really powerful—get Davis on another Thor project.

Marvel, led by Bendis, seems dead set on delivering an army of Avengers books to readers (I believe I count four ongoing titles and two minis). They are not all up to the quality of Avengers Prime, but I am enjoying enough of what is being published to say there’s something for everyone.

G.I. Joe: Hearts and Minds #5
IDW

This is the kind of book that reminds me immediately of the power of comic books as a means to tell a story. First, many casual readers passing by the comic racks would see the title and keep walking. Big mistake.

G.I. Joe: Hearts and Minds has been a wonderful series with the same two-story set up each month. The first half is a sparsely narrated tale of a classic Cobra baddie and a second similar story featuring a Joe. But writer Max Brooks’ approach is minimalist. Artists Howard Chaykin (Cobra features) and Antonio Fusso (Joe features) are as integral to bringing to life Brooks’ dialogue.

How does Cobra add to their ranks and how are they manipulated to join? Brooks demonstrates the ease in which people can be exploited when they have either lost their way or never had direction in the first place. The second story focuses on Blowtorch (guess what he does), as he ruminates over the power of fire and its discovery by the Cro-Magnon man. Fusso’s work here is powerful. He evokes first fear, then epiphany, at the realization of fire’s power by its discoverers.

Do not be turned of by the classic G.I. Joe Banner. Hearts and Minds continues to pack a wallop each month.

Chew #14
Image

Get into Chew. The Eisner Award-winner deserves all of the praises bestowed upon it. If you haven’t picked it up yet, this is the only book in memory that seems to be a good jumping on point at just about any issue, regardless of where it is in its story arc.

This happens to be part four of the “Just Desserts” arc in which Tony Chu is inching ever closer to bringing down his former partner, the hulking Mason Savoy. The story opens, as usual, with a flash back (or forward) that may tie back to the story in some way. Tony’s bipolar ex Mindy is introduced and we learn she goes to extremes in picking out personal gifts; this ties into the cliffhanger ending which is unusual for this series so far.

Much of the issue is set-up for the final issue of this arc as Tony battles to keep Amelia, his newest lady love, happy in their burgeoning relationship and tries to finally track down Savoy. Layman is writing what must be the most original book being published right now. The craziness of Layman’s world is complimented perfectly by the cartoonish artwork of Rob Guillory. Guillory creates the liveliest of panels each month, and this issue offers more of the same.

Action Comics #893
DC

Once Paul Cornell finishes this year long Lex Luthor tale, he should just go onto writing an ongoing Luthor title. How can this book continue to be one of the best Superman books in recent memory?

This issue features Gorilla Grodd, as Luthor, Robot Lois (don’t ask, it works), and his shrinking group of yes-people continue to search for the spatial anomaly discovered in the last issue. I forget what this has to do with Lex’s search for an Orange Lantern ring, but you’ll realize by the final page that rings and anomalies are the least of his worries.

Kudos go to Cornell who maintains an exciting and fun ride using a 70-some year old villain with no powers to carry the story. Sean Chen pencils this issue, instead of Pete Woods, and he fills in just fine. I loved his Grodd. Especially when he confronts Lex in the jungle with an enormously fearsome silver spoon (don’t ask, it works).

Wonder Woman #603
DC

J. Michael Straczynski has written a compelling Wonder Woman issue, as the Amazon princess searches desperately for her reality, accompanied by the Amazonian sisters she saved in last month’s issue.

Diana finds herself trapped in Hell after her soul is stolen by demons. The artwork by Don Kramer, Eduardo Pansica, and Allan Goldman is phenomenal in this issue. When Diana is lost in the underworld it looks like… well it looks a lot like Hell. But I have to nitpick. The book establishes the difficulty in getting out of Hell, so when she does it, it’s kind of lame. After I finished the book I thought, well what was the point of that?

Other than this flawed plot point, I am completely invested in Wonder Woman’s odyssey to regain her full powers and identity. Straczynski is writing one of the most interesting Wonder Woman stories that I can recall ever reading.