Comics

Batman Adventures / Scooby Doo Halloween Fest

bataman-scooby-halloween-freeOne of the free Halloween comics this year Batman Adventures / Scooby Doo Halloween Fest reprints stories from both comics. From Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #2 we get the Scooby Gang investigating the appearance of aliens at the Grand Canyon.

We also get a pair of short Batman stories from Batman Adventures #1 featuring a short origin of the hero and Batman taking down the Cavalier and Batman outwitting Hassan, a member of the League of Assassins, into revealing the location of Ra’s al Ghul from part of that story originally printed in Batman Adventures #4.

If you can still find this it’s worth picking up. The Batman stories work better for me than the Scooby-Doo one which feels a little forced with Velma’s lecturing about the importance of the Grand Canyon. However, I do give it credit for staying true to Scooby-Doo’s original premise that all bizarre happenings have a real-life (not alien or mystical) cause. Worth a look.

[DC, FREE]

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National Comics: Madame X

national-comics-madame-x-one-shot-coverOriginally created back in 1978, Madame Xanadu has moved around the periphery of the DCU for years, sometimes helping others and sometimes further her own ends. The character was reintroduced in the New 52 as a supporting character in Justice League Dark and now earns her own one-shot with National Comics: Madame X (a title referring to DC Comics‘ former name).

The new version of the character, with her name shortened to Madame X, works as a magical consultant for the mayor of New Orleans after briefly using her gifts for fame which destroyed both her life and her reputation. (I’m guessing somebody at DC really likes The Mentallist.)

The one-shot features Madam X brought in to solve a case involving the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans (who’s not really a voodoo queen), a zombie (who’s not really a zombie), and the murder of a local councilman.

The comic’s not bad, but certainly nothing special. And with a $4 price tag, it probably will appeal to only longtime fans of the character. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $3.99]

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Fables #122

fables-122-coverMy enjoyment for the recent Cinderella mini-series and Fairest has made me take a dip in the broader Fables Universe. Fables #122 begins a new arc featuring the Big Bad Wolf and the mysterious Green Woman who has the power not only to see one’s fate, but assign it as well.

The comic begins with the wolf chasing the young sorceress through the woods and granting her a reprieve only when she offers to tell him his destiny. Learning he only has three days to life, the most powerful beast in the land slips of in deep meloncholy until another creature informs him that his destiny isn’t written in stone.

The woman of the wood doesn’t see fate, but assigns it. And, more importantly to the wolf, she can reassign it if she so wishes. Written by Bill Willingham with some great art by Gene Ha, the first issue of the new arc works extremely well playing on half-truths and magic most fables are known for. I’ll be back. Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $2.99]

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The Flash #13

the-flash-new-52-13-coverThe Flash #13 begins the comic’s new arc “Gorilla Warfare.” With the newly reformed Rogues about to claim their first victory over the Flash all hell breaks loose as Central City is invaded by Grodd and his army of super-gorillas from Gorilla City. The scarlet speedster’s enemies have no choice but to team-up with the Flash or see their entire city laid to rubble (with them under the pile).

Part One of “Gorilla Warfare” is a hell of a lot of fun with tons of action as Central City’s hero and a collection of its most notorious enemies fight an army of attacking super-apes. The dialogue does a good job showcasing the incredulity of everyone involved with the situation they find themselves in, and once again the comic’s art by writer/artist Francis Manapul is terrific.

I don’t know if I’m ready to see the Flash battle Grodd for the next three months, but this issue certainly helps sell me on the idea of the multi-issue arc involving Grodd, the Rogues, and my favorite speedster. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Comic Rack

Comic RackIt’s a new week so it must be time to talk about comics! Welcome to the RazorFine Comic Rack boys and girls. Pull up a bean bag and take a seat at feet of the master as we offer you this quick list of all kinds of comic book goodness set to hit comic shops and bookstores this week from all your favorite publishers including DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Archie, Dynamite, Image Comics, and others.

This week includes Angel & Faith, Aquaman, Archie, Army of Darkness, Batgirl Annual, Captain Marvel, Fatale, Godzilla, Green Hornet, Happy, Hit Girl, Looney Tunes, Phantom Lady, Red Sonja: Atlantis Rises, The Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom, Star Trek, Steed and Mrs. Peel, TMNT, Whispers, Winter Soldier, the first issues of A+X, Bedlam, Charismagic: Death Princess, Freelancers, Joe Kubert Presents, Lot 13, and the final issues of The Green Hornet Strikes, The Mighty Thor, New Deadwardians, New Mutants, Star Wars: Darth Maul – Death Sentence, and X-Men Legacy.

Enjoy issue #196

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