Comics

Battlestar Galactica #1

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Battlestar Galactica #1With Battlestar Galactica #1 Dynamite Entertainment launches a new comic series based on the original late ’70’s sci-fi series. This means we get the classic versions of the characters, the original Colonial uniforms (including those kick ass jackets I’d kill for), and the design of the original Cylons.

As a fan of the original series I was cautiously hopeful, but despite a kick-ass cover from Alex Ross and a completely insane plot about Temporal Weapons (missiles used to make enemy starships disappear from existence), the first issue is a bit of a disappointment.

The art by Cezar Rezak isn’t bad but certainly doesn’t do much to make a story that’s focused mostly on explaining the basics of the classic storyline for new readers all that interesting. And despite the absurdity of time missiles, the plot to this first issue by co-writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning feels sluggish and even, at times, uninspired. As much as I’d like to give this title time, there’s not much here to prompt me to pick up next month’s issue. Pass.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $3.99]

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #20

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #20Red Hood and the Outlaws #20 picks up with Starfire and Arsenal trying to convince the magic monk who has wiped Jason Todd‘s mind clean to return his friend’s lifetime of horrible memories, whether he wants them or not. The question of whether or not we are more than the sum of our memories and whether bad memories are better than none at all is debated as it appears the New 52 editorial staff have decided what’s best for Red Hood is a clean slate.

We get flashbacks into Roy Harper’s first meeting with Jason Todd as well as the revelation that Starfire’s short-memory has been largely exaggerated (which should quiet some of the critics for this version of the character). I don’t like the idea of taking such a drastic step with the character after the hard road to redemption Jason Todd earned.

Whether or not it’s good for the character, or for the New 52, we’ll have to wait and see, but my initial reaction is this is an easy choice for DC Comics to give the character a completely new direction while thumbing their noses a decades of history. Well, this is the New 52. Pass.

[DC, $2.99]

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Green Hornet #2

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Green Hornet #2The second issue of Mark Waid’s Green Hornet focuses on the vigilante continuing to try and uncover the true identity of “The Voice,” a dangerous new player intent on sabotage and damaging the United States war efforts at home by targeting docks, steel plants, and rail lines involved in the making and transporting of war material to be used overseas.

While the Green Hornet targets The Voice for moving in on his criminal empire by reminding local thugs that he owns this city, even going so far as to stage a scene of burning a cop alive before their eyes, Brit Reid uses the resources as a newspaper editor to talk with close friends and political allies to try and figure out where The Voice’s true motivations lie.

Waid’s take on the character continues to focus on the theatrics of the Hornet going to further and further extremes while also showcasing the power of the press and the threat from saboteurs in a world at war. Worth a look.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $3.99]

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Supergirl #20

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Supergirl #20After finally allowing the pair to meet in the last issue, Supergirl #20 introduces Power Girl to Supergirl‘s little piece of Krypton on Earth – her hidden underwater Kryptonian Fortress of Solitude known as Sanctuary. There isn’t much time for small talk however when the sentience of Sanctuary throws a shit-fit at seeing two versions of Kara and tries its best to kill the one it believes is a clone.

For an issue about an out of control computer intelligence trying to kill two young women, Supergirl #20 is a hell of a lot of fun. We get a fun moment with Supergirl calling Power Girl on her choice of a new costume as well as the growing frustration of each woman when one and then the other is targeted for extinction.

Writer Michael Allen Johnson does a great job in showcasing both similarities and differences between the Karas of different Earths while providing a thrilling and amusing issue full of stark humor and life and death stakes that costs Supergirl something precious but introduces someone even more valuable into her life. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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The Shadow #13

/ / Comics

The Shadow #13After enjoying several issues of writer Victor Gischler‘s take on the character the series brings in a new creative team with writer Chris Roberson and artist Giovanni Timpano taking over the reigns of The Shadow and introducing a new a new figure of “The Light,” a mysterious shimmering woman with a knack for slicing up sinners with a pair of swords.

While investigating four seemingly unrelated murders, and calling on the help of his vast web of eyes and ears around the city, The Shadow comes upon the spectral figure about to dispense more justice. The Shadow #13 does a good job of presenting a new mystery for the character to solve (even if the back-up story strongly hints as The Light’s true identity), although the comic comes to an end just as our hero meets the city’s self-appointed angel of death.

It may not be quite as good as the last few issues of the series, but it’s still worth a look for fans of the character. It will be interesting to see how complex The Light’s motivations truly are, and how she views another “soul stained by darkness and shadow.” For fans.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $3.99]

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