Comics

Worlds’ Finest Annual #1

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Worlds' Finest Annual #1Before they were Power Girl and the Huntress on another Earth they were Supergirl and Robin. More times than not comic annuals aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. Overpriced and often featuring multiple disjointed stories from more than one creative group, the standalone issues often don’t even fit into the series’ current storyline.

With the Huntress and Power Girl, however, there’s an entire vein of tales left untapped from their time as Robin and Supergirl from Earth-2. Other than a few short flashbacks, we’ve seen little of the heroines original time as heroes before becoming trapped on an alternate Earth.

We get three separate tales. The first gives us Robin’s first outing as Batman‘s partner. The second involves Kara enjoying a little normalcy before being unable to save her date for the evening. And the third story combines the first two as Helena and Power Girl work together to take on an evil Amazon (with an unusual connection to Wonder Woman) who is to blame for Kara’s recent misfortune. Despite the $5 price-tag, it’s still worth a look.

[DC, $4.99]

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Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #1

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Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #1For the first time since Serenity we get a glimpse of life in the Firefly universe after the events of the movie. Picking up several months after Wash‘s death and Mal broadcasting the truth about Miranda and the Reavers to the ‘Verse, Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #1 shows the consequences of those actions. As Serenity has gone into hiding far from the reach of the Alliance, a new movement growing is size and support has risen up against the established authority.

With both new friends and old enemies hunting them, the Firefly’s crew has their own issues to deal with including the birth of Zoe and Wash’s daughter, River taking over as the ship’s primary pilot, and the new romantic relationship between the captain and Inara.

I’ve been waiting for the future of Serenity to be explored, and things get off to a good start here. Penned by Joss Whedon with art by longtime Buffy artist Georges Jeanty that captures the right look of the ship and her crew, I can’t wait to see where the six-issue mini-series goes from here. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.50]

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Super Dinosaur #21

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Super Dinosaur #21In need of a chemical to help revive his mother from her suspended animation, Derek Dynamo and Super Dinosaur head out on a stealth mission to break into one of Max Maximus‘ old safe houses (which has been taken over by Tyrannosaurus X and his army.

The choice of Derek and SD for a stealth mission is pretty questionable and provides some fun (Super Dinosaur’s reaction to being seen, Wheels’ new flight mode) and head-scratching moments (Super Dinosaur inexplicably falling asleep in the enemy base – unless this is foreshadowing something more ominous down the line).

Honestly anytime I find a Super Dinosaur comic I’m pleasantly surprised as the series release schedule has become incredibly inconsistent. Writer Robert Kirkman and artist Jason Howard have been putting out only a single issue of the monthly title every four months. Although there are a couple odd moments here, there’s still quite a bit of fun to be had. Worth a look.

[Image, $2.99]

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The Flash #27

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The Flash #27Writer Brian Buccellato delves into the Flash‘s past with the discovery of grave filled with the victims of the city’s serial killer from two decades ago. Barry does a little investigating on his own and discovers the timeline and the man’s choice of victim point to what he believes may be the real killer behind his mother’s murder (which his father is still serving a jail sentence for).

First, although I’m still missing those beautiful splash pages from Francis Manapul, I want to thank artist Patrick Zircher for the minimalist approach to the New 52 version of our hero’s costume by only filling in the yellow piping when the Flash is in action. I can actual enjoy looking at the character again!

I don’t need Barry Allen needs a dark origin story help round him out as a character, but the issue does a good job of showcasing the drive that was born in him years ago. Although the reactions his captain and his father make me wonder if the comic is going to make his father ultimately responsible for the murder, I’m still holding out hope for Professor Zoom. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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The Shadow: Year One #7

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The Shadow: Year One #7Matt Wagner and artist Wilfredo Torres give us an extended action sequence to start of the latest issue showcasing The Shadow‘s origins as the dark figure jumps from the shadows aboard his Shadowcopterplanethingy to save Margo Lane‘s life. Before the final page of the issue we’ll not only get a shoretend history of the man who calls himself Lamont Cranston but also an explanation as to what he’s doing in New York City and his connection with Dr. Zorn.

Along the way Margo and Lamont Cranston’s relationship will turn romantic and we’ll also get a little more of the reporter’s investigation into Kent Allard who learns from a retired Colonel Clemons that Allard was a skilled spy who only took on the most dangerous of assignments.

With three issues left to finish the tale (now that the mini-series has been expanded to ten issues) the stage is finally set for the reporter to make a connection no one may believe and for The Shadow to track down Dr. Zorn and dispense some justice. Worth a look.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $3.99]

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