2.5 Razors

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #14

/ / Comics

The fate of Casey‘s father! The secrets of the Utroms! The first appearance of the Technodrome! All that and The Shredder picks his new second-in-command… so why am I not happier with the latest issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

There’s a ton of story here as General Krang explains the history of his race, and his home planet of Utrominion in Dimension X. And, much to Karai‘s dismay, The Shredder announces he’s chosen his new protege – Leonardo.

We also get a philosophical discussion between Splinter and Raphael as to what fate should befall the abusive father of Casey Jones. It’s an important issue, and deserves the time the issue spends on it, but the writing does feel preachy at times when dealing with such a hot-button topic as child abuse.

My real problem with the issue is the art of Andy Kuhn which I like even less than I did in last month’s issue. It’s a big departure from the art of Dan Duncan without being any closer to the original look of the characters by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

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The Big Bang Theory – The Date Night Variable

/ / Television Reviews
  • Title: The Big Bang Theory – The Date Night Variable
  • tv.com: link

big-bang-theory-date-night-variable

The show’s Sixth Season premiere (holy crap, has this show really been on the air five full seasons?) gives us three fights, two dates, and one interloper. Dreading his contractual obligation to an anniversary date night with Amy (Mayim Bialik), Sheldon (Jim Parsons) enlists the help of the group’s lonely third wheel – Raj (Kunal Nayyar). Meanwhile Leonard (Johnny Galecki) tries to get Penny (Kaley Cuoco) to discuss the status of their relationship under the guise of a low-key night of all her favorites.

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Red Hood and the Outlaws #0

/ / Comics

red-hood-and-the-outlaws-new-52-0-coverJason Todd‘s origin (before he became the Red Hood) is the focus of Red Hood and the Outlaws #0. In the first-half of the comic writer Scott Lobdell fills in Todd’s past before he became Robin making slight tweaks to the character’s origins most notably removing the character’s post-Crisis on Infinite Earth‘s first meeting with Batman (by stealing the tires off the Batmobile).

Given the amount of backstory about Todd and his parents we’re given very little time to deal with his days as Robin – only four pages (and half of those focus specifically on “A Death in the Family” and the character’s death). The character’s resurrection is suggested but no detail is given (other than the mention of a Lazarus Pit) and his entire history as the Red Hood is ignored giving the zero issue a very incomplete feel.

Most troubling of all is the back-up story presented by the Joker (the super-genius Christopher Nolan version who relies on impossibly complex plans) where he states he is completely responsible for Todd’s history. It’s best ignored and forgotten. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $2.99]

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Batman and Robin #0

/ / Comics

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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Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine #13

/ / Comics

btvs-season-nine-13-cover“Guarded” comes to an end as Buffy has to save the life of her client from the demon she brought in as added muscle and destroy TINCAN, the Senior Partners sole connection to Earth. Oh, and she punches out her boss, too.

There’s plenty of action, and the arc is wrapped up satisfactorily. However, I am disappointed (though far from surprised) by the story’s epilogue. For a show, and now comic, about a character growing up and changing Buffy sure seems to be stuck in neutral as she chooses martyrdom and over the lucrative offer Kennedy offers her (which would also allow her to continue using her gifts to save people in need), even after the black eye Buffy gave her.

I know the point of the season is to return the character back to basics, and her decision sure wants to be profound, but it simply doesn’t come off that way. Instead it feels far too much like the old self-centered Buffy long before she learned to rely on others to help her with her calling. Hit-and-Miss.

[Dark Horse, $2.99]

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