Comics

Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures #6

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The final issue of the Atomic Robo anthology series gives us the conclusion (but not really the end) of the adventures of The Sparrow and Atomic Robo finally putting his training from Bruce Lee to good use. Although not bad, neither storyline finishes up strong enough to justify their drawn out conclusions.

Sadly, the standalone stories we get this month are equally unmemorable. We get a short tale on an experiment in Tele-Trans-Portation, the Project Daedalus’ invasion of the Helsingard facility on Sanak Island, and a republished Atomic Robo adventure against a giant crab monster.

Although the mini-series gave us some fun short stories over its six-issue run (which turns out to be at least two issues too many) we’ve seen the comic sputter to a finish the last few months with meandering stories, too many of which didn’t include Atomic Robo. What I’ll likely remember Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures for is some terrific covers and a lot of missed opportunity in terms of storytelling. For fans.

[Red 5, $2.75]

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Young Justice #20

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young-justice-20-coverFollowing the lead of the television show, the latest issue of Young Justice jumps out teen heroes five years into the future. Well, sort of. Issue #20 is an odd mix of storylines taking place five years apart.

Although the structure provides some fun comparision moments (such as Dick Grayson‘s birthday kiss from Zatanna on five years apart), it’s also a little confusing. The small character moments work well, and I really like the introductions of new characters such as Wonder Girl, Blue Beetle, and Batgirl.

Where the comic struggles is explaining how the bigger picture is connected between a young woman speaking out against the dictatorship of Qurac today and Superboy and Miss Martian‘s mission with Superman in the same country years before. Oh, and then there’s the sudden appearance of Braniac.

For the introduction of the new team, and particularily Nightwing’s interactions with them, the issue is worth a read. However, as a jumping point into a brand-new arc it’s a little messier than I’d like. For fans.

[DC, $2.99]

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Batman and Robin #0

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batman-and-robin-new-52-0-coverOne of the most frustrating aspects of the New 52 is DC Comics’ choice to alter timelines, costumes, origins, and motivations for characters without a second thought. Quizzically, the character DC Editorial decides to leave alone is Damian Wayne, someone whose origins could definitely use a little tweaking. Batman and Robin #0 is little more than a summarization of the beginning of Grant Morrison‘s “Batman & Son” 2006 arc which introduced Damian.

Not only do we get Damian’s bloody upbringing and the League of Assassins‘ army of Man-Bats (really, this needed to be included in the New 52?) but the final panels are directly ripped from artist’s Andy Kubert‘s work. Sadly, but not suprisingly, DC goes straight for Morrison’s take on Damian’s origins rather than the original (and far superior) graphic novel that introduced the idea of a Batman/Talia child – Batman: Son of the Demon.

Is it worth a look? Maybe. There one or two moments, although there’s little here for those who have already read Morrison’s story. For fans.

[DC, $2.99]

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It Girl and the Atomics #2

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it-girl-and-the-atomics-2-coverI really enjoyed the first issue of It Girl and the Atomics from Madman creator Mike Allred because it was off-beat without getting as weird as Allred’s other work. Issue #2 ventures a little further into that territory, and although I didn’t enjoy it as much as last month’s comic, it’s still worth a read.

After agreeing to test out Dr. Flem‘s Electrical Transference machine, It Girl finds herself outside her body in a different reality (not dissimilar to a STNG Holodeck) without her powers, shifting between corporal and incorporeal, battling the Skunk and the other members of his gang.

I’m unsure whether this was a look into the future, past, or an alternate dimension (and slightly miffed the comic feels equally unsure), but It Girl’s adventure keeps the humor and tone I really enjoyed in last month’s first issue.

I’ve also got to praise the variant cover by Darwyn Cooke which certainly helps sell issue #2. Worth a look.

[Image, $2.99]

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Scarlet Spider #9

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scarlet-spider-9-cover“The Second Master” concludes with the Scarlet Spider joining forces with the Rangers to battle Mammon, the monster Roxxon has unleashed while attempting to control an ancient, and sentient, power source that grows more powerful with each human host it takes control of.

Once again writer Christopher Yost and artist Khoi Pham provide lots of action with the smart ass style of humor (Kaine understanding he doesn’t know what he’s doing and plotting Peter Parker’s demise for trying to make him more responsible) we’ve come to expect from the new Scarlet Spider. Although Kaine does a little bonding over the course of the issue, we don’t have to worry about the loner joining the Rangers (or another other group) anytime soon.

The twist at the end involving Zoe Walsh (the woman Kaine saved, slept with, then discovered is all kinds of crazy) is also well thought-out, creating a beautiful but volatile enemy who knows Kaine’s face and has a reason (albeit a crazy-ass one) and near limitless resources to plan her revenge. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

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