Comics

Captain Atom #12

/ / Comics

captain-atom-new-52-12-coverCaptain Atom‘s brief rediscovery of his humanity ends all too soon when he discovers that giving into his dreams by recreating his human form of Nate Allen has unexpected side-effects for everyone else tied to the Captain Atom project.

While Nate indulges in his night with Ranita the body of Captain Atom subconsciously tries to give the scientists in the facility their own dreams and desires made real – with disastrous effects.

I’m a little sad that the Nate storyline ends so quickly as there was plenty of story to mine for several issues about how human this version of Nate actually is and how far his relationship with Ranita could have actually gone. That said, the immeadiate effects of giving into his desires to once again live his life as a normal man teach Captain Atom an important lesson as he knows now he can never go back to being who he was. The issue ends with another none-too-subtle Watchmen reference with our hero removing himself from the Earth while gazing back on it from the surface of the moon. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Supreme #66

/ / Comics

supreme-66-coverThe latest issue of Supreme plays on the concept of comic reboots and how that reality changes the worlds of the characters. In an homage to the final issue of Crisis on Infinite Earths we see characters from a different Earth stranded on a world not their own, fully realizing they may have no place on this one as Ethan Crane and Diane Dane walk the streets of a far grittier version of Omegapolis than they are used to.

The second-half of the issue deals the with brutal Supreme enforcing his idea of justice on the world. Suprema shows up to try and talk some sense into the darker version of her brother. When that fails the two duke it out until Supreme’s rage is stopped only by the unexpected appearance of Omni-Man.

The Extreme version of Supreme is certainly back in full-force here, but the amount of rage he takes out on Suprema (nearly beating her to death) feels more than a little unseemly and too brutal even for this character. That said, the story does set up a huge fight next month – Supreme vs. Omni-Man. Worth a look.

[Image, $2.99]

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #12

/ / Comics

red-hood-and-the-outlaws-new-52-12-coverI haven’t been the biggest fan of writer Scott Lobdell taking the Outlaws into space in Red Hood and the Outlaws‘ current arc. In fact last month’s issue was the lowest point of the series so far. Thankfully, things pick up here as the Essence back-up story has been dropped and Arsenal takes center stage in a somewhat ill-conceived rescue attempt.

Even though the current arc centers around exploring Starfire‘s past this issue is presented, almost exclusively, from Roy’s point of view. We also see that Arsenal and Starfire’s relationship has gotten more serious than either of them expected.

The logic of Arsenal getting himself captured, tortured, and telling his captors all about his days in space not withstanding, the story utilizes the comic’s offbeat sense of humor well. I’m pretty sure I’m going to hate whatever the hell the “Thirteen” is which is ominously mentioned at one point, but, at least the comic has gotten back on its feet after a horrible mis-step last month. I’m also happy to see Timothy Green II has taken over as artist for the title (even if some of the art here looks a little rushed). Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific #2

/ / Comics

atomic-robo-she-devils-pacific-2-coverThat’s more like it! Okay, I might be getting a little tired of Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures and its short and mostly unconnected tales, but The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific is exactly the kind of fun, imaginative, crazy, Atomic Robo story that I want to read.

As Robo spends more time with the She-Devils, including a trip to local watering hole full of pirates and thugs, he discovers a secret abandoned Japanese air base on one of the islands. Of course he accidentally blows it up while inside, but we’ll still give him credit for finding it.

Robo also has to deal with the news that Lauren, the She-Devil’s resident mechanical whiz, has cannibalized the prototype airship Robo was shot down in. Initially furious, Robo comes to find Lauren’s inventiveness and outside-the-box thinking infectious and agrees to help her redesign the jet packs using his technology. This brings peace back to the island, or would except for the arrival of the mysterious planes attacking the She-Devils’ hidden island. Must-read.

[Red 5, $3.50]

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Batman and Robin #12

/ / Comics

batman-and-robin-new-52-12-coverThe Bat Boys come out to play as Gotham finds itself under siege from the threat of the new villain Termius. While Batman goes all Iron Man to fight the armored dying madman obsessed with destroying Batman and Gotham before he draw his last breath Damian gets assistance from the former Robins as Nightwing, Red Robin, and even the Red Hood, show up to stop Terminus’ hired mercenaries and odd mutated creatures.

Okay, Batman and Robin #12 isn’t great, and there are a couple truly groan worthy moments, but it’s certainly high on action (even if it never bothers to explain the reasons behind Terminus’ obsession with destroying Batman and Gotham).

I like seeing the Robins together in this issue and if DC is looking for another Bat-title to replace one of the underperforming New 52 books may I suggest something along the lines of Robin Team-Up (featuring Robins current and past teaming up for short arcs – which would allow for the inclusion of Stephanie Brown, too). Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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