Comics

Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific #4

/ / Comics

atomic-robo-flying-she-devils-4-coverWhen we last left our robot scientist-adventurer Atomic Robo had managed to get himself captured by the Chokaiten, the secret organization created by the brightest scientist and military minds of Japan, who have no intention of losing the Pacific. While a prisoner Robo learns a little more about the organization, and their plans to attack the United States with “Earthquake Bombs,” before our intrepid hero gets himself fried and almost loses his head to a pair of Chokaiten scientists.

When we last left the She-Devils of the Pacific the group was reorganizing after the surprise attack by the Chokaiten made the jet-pack wearing, gun-toting, ladies of the Pacific abandon their secret island. Looking for a little payback, the She-Devils hit a Chokaiten base, rescue and reactivate our hero, and help him decipher the villains’ plans to attack San Francisco in five days time.

Issue #4 sets up the events of next month’s series conclusion, reunites Atomic Robo and the She-Devils, and provides tons of action and a couple of very amusing moments. In other words, exactly what you’d expect from Atomic Robo. Worth a look.

[Red 5, $3.50]

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Batman #14

/ / Comics

batman-new-52-14-coverWriter Scott Snyder’s Batman #14 is problematic as it seems to suggest, but carefully never directly prove, that the Joker has far more knowledge about the true identities of the men and women who are part of the Bat-Family than has ever before been stated. Is this simply the writer toying with us, or is Snyder about to implement yet another major New 52 deviation that I simply can’t get on-board with?

The classic take on the Joker is a villain obsessed with Batman who doesn’t want to know the Dark Knight Detective’s secret identity, as that would ruin all the fun. This is exactly what happens in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker when the Clown Prince of Crime admits that he wished he had never peeked under the cowl.

Snyder is careful by giving us an alternative explanation for the Joker’s abduction of Alfred as well as the Joker never naming names when he “reveals” he knows Batman’s secret identity. I’m hoping for a huge bait-and-switch. But seeing how the New 52 has given me very little of what I actually want, I’m not too hopeful. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $2.99]

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47 Ronin #1

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47-ronin-1-coverDark Horse Comics founder Mike Richardson has been obsessed with bringing the Japanese legend of the 47 Ronin to comics for the better part of a quarter of a century. Now, with the help of artist Stan Sakai, he succeeds in beginning his tale of the Japanese legend (based in historical fact) of 47 former samurai turned ronin who attempt to avenge the honor of their former master.

Stan Sakai is the perfect choice to bring the story to life, although I’ll admit it does take a little getting used to him drawing humans rather than katana-wielding rabbits. As good as his work is here, for someone going through months of serious rabbit ronin withdrawal (Sakai’s work on Usagi Yojimbo was halted for him to work on this project), I can’t wait to see him return to new stories of his creation.

The first issue of the five-issue mini-series is presented in a way that should appeal both to those who already know the story and those discovering it for the first time. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.99]

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Batman and Robin #14

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batman-and-robin-new-52-14-cover“Death of the Family” continues (albeit without the Joker) as Batman and Robin #14 concludes the story from last month by focusing separately on both Damian and Batman fighting with the army of hungry zombies kidnapping citizens for food. Even putting aside my dislike of zombies in general, I’ve got to say this is one of the most uninspired comics I’ve read so far this year.

Most of the comic focuses on Damian actually acting like a hero and fearful and irrational Batman needless berating him, first over the comms and later in person, before a 180-degree so fast it will give you whiplash.

Aside from Damain actually doing some justice to the Robin name (and not being the complete tool the New 52 has been so focused on delivering month after month) there’s almost nothing worthy of notice. The story is completely forgettable and the mix of both Patrick Gleason and Tomás Giorello’s art makes the comic look and feel uneven at best. Pass.

[DC, $2.99]

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Super Dinosaur #15

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super-dinosaur-15Super Dinosaur #15 concludes the Inner Earth storyline as Derek is able to escape the clutches of The Exile, reconnect with Super Dinosaur and his friends, and make his way home. The action is certainly fast and furious, but Derek’s reunion with his friends does feel a little rushed compared to the amount of time the arc has spent with the other aspects of this story.

Although Derek, Super Dinosaur, and the other children manage to make it back home from Inner Earth safely, writer Robert Kirkman lays down quite a bit of foreshadowing and the events from this arc are likely to have long term consequences for everyone involved.

The Exile is imprisoned but his theory on life on the surface has been proven and he has plenty of time to plot his revenge. We also get SD finally making a connection in Inner Earth when the group is saved thanks to help from another Tyrannosaurus rex, only to have to abandon his new friend to help Derek get safely home. It may be a bit rushed, but Super Dinosaur #15 is a good conclusion to the arc. Next month: Super Dinosaur in space! Worth a look.

[Image, $2.99]

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