Comics

Astro City #15

/ / Comics

Astro City #15Wrapping up the two-issue arc begun last month, Astro City #15 reveals the history of Eleanor Jennersen and how the leading mind behind robotics became the owner of a robot scrap yard in the middle of nowhere. Pulled before a judge for the crimes caused by the robots her nephew decided to use for a quick profit, Ellie breaks out of prison (thanks to the help of her metal friends) and clears not only her name but those of her rebuilt robots as well by revealing the true threat behind the plot: her old college roommate Vivi Viktor.

The Reed Richards/Victor von Doom elements of the story are fun to see played out as the unassuming and noble Ellie is revealed to be one of the most brilliant people on the planet despite Vivian’s attempt to shatter her mind and steal her secrets decades ago.

Despite every motive to seek revenge from the woman who stole her life, Ellie proves to be a hero in every sense of the word not even accepting the praise or help of the world’s heroes once they realize the true story. As always, worth a look.

[Vertigo, $3.99]

Astro City #15 Read More »

Nova #21

/ / Comics

Nova #21Although his actions will have serious consequences for when he returns home to Earth, Nova takes the day off from school to fly into the heart of the Chitauri Empire and search for his father whom he has learned had been living as a slave forced to battle in the alien race’s gladiatorial games.

Sam makes it to the race’s heavily-guarded homeworld of Chitauri Prime, but discovers his father has already led a prison break and is now lost somewhere in space aboard a ship with limited capabilities which the young Nova cannot track.

Although Nova #21 doesn’t reunite Sam with his father, it does confirm for Sam that the former Nova is still alive and (like many other of the former gladiators) searching for a way home. It will be interesting to see how long the comic keeps his father lost in space and just what happens to Sam’s space-fairing extra-curricular activities once he does return to Earth. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

Nova #21 Read More »

New Warriors #9

/ / Comics

New Warriors #9With the set-up of the team settled and the New Warriors victorious over the High Evolutionary I decided to pop back in on this title and give it a look. New Warriors #9 has two things going for it: lots of Scarlet Spider and an insane giant basketball mascot intent on proving himself a hero. This my friends is a good time.

Returning Kaine to Houston against his will Vance Astronik attempts to sell the hero on staying with the team when the city’s former basketball mascot, transformed into a giant 100 ft. insane bear, shows up to take down the “super-villains” and prove himself the true hero of the city. Scarlet Spider vs. giant stuffed bear? Yeah, that’s pretty awesome.

The B-story involves the rest of the team blowing off some steam by hitting a nightclub in Prague. Although it gives the various other characters less a role to play (which is fine by me with Kaine picking up the slack), this lighthearted subplot does foreshadow dark times ahead for one particular member. Must-read.

[Marvel, $3.99]

New Warriors #9 Read More »

Velvet #7

/ / Comics

Velvet #7Although she doesn’t make an appearance in this issue other than in a flashback, Velvet Tempelton‘s spirit can be found of every page of the latest issue of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting’s Velvet. Where the previous issues were spent to set-up the premise and the mystery of searching for the truth of what happened to the super-spy turned secretary, Velvet #7 is focused on the woman herself and how she’s viewed by the two men leading the search to find her. Even if, for the first time, we aren’t seeing the world from her perspective, the latest issue arguably offers readers the clearest picture of the character yet.

Velvet’s continued actions baffle Colt and Roberts who are only beginning to suspect that there’s likely far more to the story than the simple frame job suggests. Colt’s perspective gives us a glimpse at the dangerous false trails one finds while searching for a master spy while Roberts more analytical approach searches for assets and leverage which can be used against Velvet, although he discovers just how far he’s been lagging behind his target in the final couple pages of yet another terrific issue. Best of the Week.

[Image, $3.50]

Velvet #7 Read More »

Smallville Season Eleven: Chaos #2

/ / Comics

Smallville Season Eleven: Chaos #2The second issue of Smallville: Chaos focuses on the misadventures of Lois Lane and Superman dealing with being trapped on a parallel Earth under control of the Manhunters while back home Lex Luthor capitalizes on the Man of Steel’s absence to put his plan into action.

The storyline involving Eclipso continues as well, but it’s not given much space to develop and feels somewhat neglected given the focus on various other storylines happening here. We do get more of Booster Gold in action, stepping in to be the hero of the hour in Superman’s absence along with Hank Henshaw (although neither appears ready to step into Superman’s shoes just yet). Sadly don’t get more of Zatanna this time around.

The main takeaway from Smallville Season Eleven: Chaos #2 seems to be that no matter what Earth Superman may find himself living on, his dead computerized father is still a giant jerk. For fans.

[DC, $3.99]

Smallville Season Eleven: Chaos #2 Read More »