Comics

Checkmate #4

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The chess game between Checkmate and Leviathan continues in issue #4 as Green Arrow and Manhunter are able to fight off Leviathan agents Guardian and Merlyn who infiltrate the abandoned JLA Watchtower for unknown nefarious purposes. Not only are the heroes successful in driving out the invaders, but they are able to obtain a sample of Guardian’s blood which offers a clue to Mister Bones recognizing a rejected DEO program of splicing alien DNA into agents which may help explain how Mark Shaw has created his own little army.

Although he appears in the cover, we don’t get much from Superman here other than acting as a sounding board for his wife and helping Lois Lane make a discovery which seems important (but I’m not sure how it fits into this storyline). The issue ends on a cliffhanger where Leviathan comes after Checkmate suggesting things are finally heating up.

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Once and Future #20

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Stuck in the Otherworld, Duncan, Rose, Bridgette and the survivors from the retirement community travel to Grail Castle. Although far from safe, it does have the advantage of providing sanctuary from Zombie Arthur who always finds the location just out of reach. The layover provides a moment of respite for the heroes, and for Duncan and his Gran to talk, before Rose (who is the new Gawain) enlists their help to save her parents in Bath setting up next issue’s new monster who has a particular way of dealing with men.

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Once and Future #20 Read More »

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #286

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G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #286

G.I. JOE turns the spotlight on the most famous Arashikage ninja in G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #286 as Stalker narrates a flashback tale back in Vietnam and the first time Snake Eyes laid eyes on Storm Shadow (which, of course is one-hundred times better than anything we got from the Snake Eyes film.

While the issue doesn’t offer the chance to see either character in classic costume, issue #286 does give us an interesting look back at the early relationship between the quiet Snake Eyes and the only friend who ever got him talking (and became the major source of what the other soldiers learned of Snake Eyes’ past). Plus there’s plenty of fun moments for fans of G.I. JOE such as discussion about Tommy’s tattoo and unwillingness to talk about his family business.

[IDW, $3.99]

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G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #286 Read More »

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #4

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Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #4

“The Muscle” introduces a new mercenary to Gotham City. The Muscle arrives in Gotham Harbor, silencing a witness and destroying a yacht for his latest client, before setting his sights on his next target: Detective Renee Montoya.

The first attempt from a rooftop sniper’s perch is broken up by the timely arrival of Detective Harvey Bullock. And Bruce Wayne manages to thwart the second attempt after a fundraiser, earning him an overnight hospital stay for his trouble. 

Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Two #4 offers an enjoyable single-issue tale featuring a mysterious new villain and some terrific artwork by Jordan Gibson whose style meshes wonderfully with that of the show and knows just how to use shadow to frame the characters.

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Red Sonja: Black, White, Red #3

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Red Sonja: Black, White, Red #3

Red Sonja: Black, White, Red #3 offers three more separate tales of Red Sonja in black and white… and red. The third issue of the anthology is notable for offering not one but two separate tales without any dialogue.

The only tale with dialogue, “Small Tales,” is notable for having a character that won’t shut-up when Sonja comes across a young girl who manages to momentarily snare Sonja in a trap. Our heroine helps the young girl home, only to discover she is not the orphan she claimed to be but a runaway who hoped to meet her hero.

“Dawn of a Crimson Day” from Gail Simone offers snapshots across Sonja’s timeline, beautifully rendered by Walter Geovani, giving us Sonja as a child and a distant future featuring a one-eyed She-Devil with a Sword continuing her adventures.

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