Comics

Kung Fu Panda #3 (of 4)

kung-fu-panda-3-coverEven if it’s far too expensive for a comic aimed at younger readers, I’ve got to say I enjoyed the hell out of the latest issue of Kung Fu Panda. The main story finds Po and the Furious Five taking on the warriors known as the Five Elements (an ape, leopard, spider, crocodile, and pink flamingo) who have returned as foretold in legend.

We’re thrown right into the action as the Five Elements show up to claim their place as the rightful defenders of the valley. Although the first battle doesn’t go well for our heroes, they regroup and expose the con artist for what they are.

The back-up story by Deron Bennett gives us another tale of a great Kung Fu master: Master Rhino, Slayer of Ten Thousand Serpents. It’s not as good as the main tale but it still works well.

Once again the art is terrific and the detail on the various animals used and the intrinsic humor in their designs really helps sell how fun crazy and fun this series has become. Even given the cover price fans of the characters should try and track these issues down. Best of the week.

[Ape Entertainment, $3.95]

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Justice League #2

justice-league-new-52-2-coverAlmost without exception the second issues of the DC Reboot have been an improvement. The stories are better written, the art feels less rushed, and the writers more effectively use the characters. I say almost without exception, because the second issue of Justice League feels like a step in the wrong direction.

The first issue did a fair job in introducing us to the New 52 versions of Green Lantern and Batman before promising Batman and Superman‘s first throwdown in issue #2. Here’s the problem, the first fight between Batman and Superman, incomprehensively, takes place off-panel between issues.

That’s right, by the time this issue picks up the action most of the Batman/Superman fight is already over. Who at DC thought this was a good idea? And that’s not the only problem as most of the takeaways are equally questionable. Batman is pushed around, Superman shrugs off Green Lantern’s best constructs without much effort, and we learn that Cyborg‘s dad is one huge dick. Is this really what I waited seven weeks for?

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Supreme (and friends) returning to Image Comics in 2012

supreme-returnsOver the last year or so I’ve myself intrigued by more Image titles than ever before and the news that my favorite Image Comics character is returning from a 12 year hiatus makes me very happy. Along with Supreme, Prophet, Glory, Bloodstrike, and Youngblood will all be returning to Image in 2012 as part of the Extreme Universe. Image currently has a free online look at the Extreme Preview here.

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Darkwing Duck #17

darkwing-duck-cover-7The series-ending “Dark Currency” crossover arc which began last week in DuckTales #5 continues here as Darkwing, Launchpad, Scrooge McDuck and the kids crash into Quackwerks (literally) and begin their search for Gizmoduck.

As you would expect for a crossover event made to send both titles out on top this one is filled to the brim with appearances by Darkwing’s rogues gallery (Megavolt, Bushroot, Quackerjack, The Liquidator, Ammonia Pine) all suped-up on the dark magic from Magica and the Phantom Blot (and you really don’t want to know its effect on the good guys!).

The writing and art is a little more consistent than in last week’s issue (as it falls squarely on the shoulders of the comic’s regular team of Ian Brill and James Silvani this time around) and it certainly doesn’t skimp on action. One of may favorite panels includes Darkwing and pals looking up at the oncoming storm of some of his powerful villains descending on them. If the point of this crossover was to send both comics out with a big event it’s succeeding.

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Green Lantern #2

green-lantern-2-coverThe theme for issue #2 of the new Green Lantern series seems to be Don’t Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth. Sinestro offers Hal Jordan his own power ring (or a close approximation of it) and Hal’s response is to try and take his former mentor’s head off. Classic Hal.

The issue does a good job riding the mutual animosity the two characters have for each other as well as giving us a situation dire enough for them to be brought back together. Hal wants his ring back, and, whether Sinestro wants it or not, the Green Lantern needs Jordan’s help to save his home planet of Korugar from his Sinestro Corps.

Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this storyline that seems to continually undercut Hal Jordan’s standing in the Green Lantern Corps. Before the DC Reboot, even with his “issues” (you know, killing half the Corps and trying to reform reality in his image), Hal Jordan was regarded the greatest Green Lantern of all-time.

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