New 52

The Flash Annual #2

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The Flash Annual #2The second Flash Annual gives a look back at the first meeting between the Flash and Green Lantern, their first mission together to Arena World, and the pair’s return a couple of year’s later to make due on the promise Hal Jordan made to save the two heroes and the dozens of Earth’s children kidnapped to be turned into future gladiators.

Although the annual is missing the ongoing series’ artist and co-writer Francis Manapul (who does give us the issue’s cover), writer Brian Buccellato and Sami Basri offer up a strong Flash/GL team-up longtime fans of both characters should enjoy complete with their trademark banter.

The aliens return to hold GL to their deal and the pair of heroes are stuck fighting in a gladiatorial combat. When the Flash’s speed slowly begins to wane and Green Lantern gets taken down, Hal offers Barry the use of the ring. Although his super-sped-up brain allows him to master it relatively quickly (which is pretty cool), he’s unprepared for how much a single will-power-induced construct can take out of a guy (by targeting the enemy’s crotch).

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Larfleeze #2

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Larfleeze #2There’s both good and bad news for Pulsar Stargrave in the latest issue of Larfleeze. The good news is he is finally free of his service to his insane master Larfleeze who bit off a little more than he could chew when he attack Laord of the Hunt who has journeyed to this dimension after killing his way through his own. The bad news is Pulsar now finds himself in service of the genocidal hunter.

Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis make a great team. For the second month in a row Larfleeze, a comic centered around a character I have no great affection for, turns out to be one of the best books of the New 52. We get the tail end the battle between Larfleez and Laord to begin the issue, but nearly the entire comic is focused on Stargrave, his current fate, and his befriending of Lou (the hound of Laord not killed by Larfleeze) and Loard’s lackey Herb.

I’ve been bemoaning the lack of humor and fun in the New 52 for nearly two years now and, at least for the first two issues, that’s exactly what Larfleeze delivers. Crazy, absurdest, space adventure wackiness. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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The Flash #22

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The Flash #22When the Speed Force killer kills again, the Flash sets out to protect the only other person besides himself who he believes is still tied to it, Iris West, by cloaking her in a suit like his own, which for some reason has hidden the hero from the Reverse-Flash.

After racing around with Iris, Barry calls on the help of Patty Spivot to watch over her while the Flash takes a closer look into the recent activities of Dr. Elias whose Speed Force engine has drawn the unwanted attention of the Reverse-Flash leading to the first meeting between the villain and our hero.

After teasing the confrontation for months the comic finally delivers with Barry pretty much getting his ass kicked by the Reverse-Flash. But I’m betting the Flash gets his second wind. After setting up Elias as a future villain it will be interesting to see what the loss of his invention means going forward. Iris suit, logic not withstanding, provides for some fun panels including her racing around with the Flash on his investigation. And leaving her with Patty allows for a tense conversation between the pair about Patty’s relationship with Barry. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Batman and Catwoman #22

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Batman and Catwoman #22The constantly revolving door of Batman and… brings Catwoman to town with a secret mission from the Justice League of America to break into the Chinese Embassy and rescue the young daughter of a defecting biological weapons designer from those who want to use the girl as leverage for force her father to return to his work in China.

The more brutal Batman we’ve seen over the past few months is back in action, although he does find it in his heart to set the young girl’s fears at rest and even crack a smile. Artist Patrick Gleason makes good work of shadow panels as Batman and Catwoman make their way through the embassy’s guards. He also provides a nice splash panel celebrating the successful rescue.

Catwoman helps break Batman out of his funk as does Carrie Kelley whose continued perseverance at talking to Damian forces Batman to go to extreme lengths to continue the pretense that his son is still alive. I’m not sure where Carrie will eventually fit in, but any comic with her instead of Harper Row has to be counted as a win. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Supergirl #22

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Supergirl #22With Krypton gone and her place on Earth uncertain, Kara searches for a new safe harbor while still feeling the effects of the Kryptonite poisoning that is slowly killing her. This leads her to I’noxia, a planet of near infinite possibilities which can recreate anything based on a person’s memories – even Krypton.

Although Kara has mixed feelings at bringing her home, mother, and friends back to life with a simple thought she has to admit to feeling at peace for the first time since leaving Krypton. However, she soon discovers what the Cyborg-Superman wants in return for her shiny new life and must admit she’s got pretty bad taste is men (especially those offering her a return to her homeworld).

Whereas most of New 52 Superman titles still feel a bit off as the character on display still hasn’t grown into the iconic Man of Steel, I’ve enjoyed the Supergirl issues I’ve read. They haven’t quite grabbed my attention to add it to my pull-list every month, but in the gritty New 52 Kara’s humor, self-deprecation, and willingness to not take herself too seriously is a welcome salve. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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