Comics

Black Canary #1

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Black Canary #1I had serious doubts about DC’s new Black Canary once I heard the concept of turning the hero into the lead singer of a traveling rock band running into problems at every stop (rather than, you know, let her be a super-hero). It’s kind of like Scooby-Doo without the necessary zaniness to sell the concept. Gail Simone’s transformative version of the character seems long forgotten at this point by DC Editorial.

Black Canary #1 puts Dinah and her self-titled band on the road showcasing violent episodes the group has had to deal with at every stop including the latest where monsters appear to attack a young girl the super-hero has taken under her wing.

Those expecting to see Black Canary kick ass will be disappointed as most of comic deals with the behind-the-scenes of a traveling band (which may be interesting but isn’t really why you pick up a comic titled Black Canary). I’m happy to see Dinah get her own title but at the same time I disappointed that it had to be this one. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $2.99]

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Robin: Son of Batman #1

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Robin: Son of Batman #1Taking place outside of the events of various other Bat-books, Robin: Son of Batman #1 introduces a new storyline for Damian as well as his own sidekick in the monstrous Goliath whom he must rescue after his pet breaks out of his cage.

Robin: Son of Batman #1 is a mixed bag. Skeletons from Damian’s past resurfacing seem to be the major theme introduced in this first issue as Damian accepts responsibility to deal with the mysterious “Year of Blood” which is tied to his birthright as the grandson of Ra’s al Ghul. He’ll also have to deal with he daughter of Nobody who has a vendetta against the Bat-brat for what Damian did to her father.

It appears that Damian’s short-run with super-powers has come to an end (thankfully), forcing the character to return using his deadly skills and brains to deal with whatever situation might arise. I’m more sold on the Nobody arc, and the addition of Goliath, than the Year of Blood (which is vaguely hinted at), but I’m not sure that’s enough to keep me on board for more than a couple of issues. For fans.

[DC, $3.99]

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Secret Six #3

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Secret Six #3Four months after the release of the last issue the adventures of the new Secret Six continue with the recently thrown together team moving into the suburbs together. Needless to say they make quite an impression on their neighbors.

Although I’m still not completely sold on the make-up of the new team, writer Gail Simone has fun bouncing the various group members off each other under the same roof for the first time. While the comic doesn’t have much in the way of action it does reveal a traitor among the group as well as the true identity of Mockingbird this time around.

Sadly the issue does have its problems starting with the incredibly disappointing look at Catman in his new costume. The early scenes involving the bare-chested warrior (whose run in with the cop could have been toned down a bit) bring back the character Simone masterfully brought to the forefront of the DCU, but his new duds (making him look like a failed back-up dancer for a Michael Jackson tribute band) are the worst thing to happen to the character since Kevin Smith. For fans.

[DC, $2.99]

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Starfire #1

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Starfire #1Starfire is a difficult character to get right (you need look no further than the backlash Red Hood and the Outlaws created). The new series by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti seeks to strike a difficult balance of the sweet yet still highly-sexualized Tamaran princess turned slave turned hero. Going back to basics, the writers embrace Starfire’s fish-out-of-water tendencies used so well on Teen Titans Go! by transporting Starfire to Key West to begin a new life post-Outlaws.

Starfire #1 is quite a fun read. Although there’s nothing all that special about the story of Starfire meeting the local sheriff and a few of the townsfolk, there’s a twinkle in the character’s eye that has been missing in comics for some time. Emanuela Lupacchino’s art certainly helps sell the vivacious character who is equal parts innocent girl and strong woman.

I enjoyed Palmiotti’s work on Ame-Comi Girls (a female-character-driven title I was sad to see disappear for DC’s digital line-up) and the team-up with Conner seems to be a good match. I’m curious to see where the pair and Lupacchino choose to take the character from here. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Arrow Season 2.5 #9

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Arrow Season 2.5 #9A ghost from the Queen Family comes calling in the latest issue of Arrow Season 2.5 when Caleb Green, the son of a man laid off from Queen Consolidated years before whose fortunes quickly dropped from bad to worse, comes looking for revenge against the son of the man who ruined his life. Oh, and did I mention, he’s also completely out-of-control and super-charged on Mirakuru?

…

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Arrow Season 2.5 #9 Read More »