New 52

Green Lantern #8

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green-lantern-new-52-8-coverFor a storyline entitled “The Secret of the Indigo Tribe” it’s sure seems like the comic would rather tease us then give us any real answers as to who the Indigo Tribe really is or explain their connection to Abin Sur.

Although the story arc continues to be intentionally vague in order to draw it out over more comics than necessary, it does have some moments including (finally!) showcasing Hal Jordan‘s ingenuity in how he finds away to recharge his ring without a power battery.

Hal’s search for Sinestro leads him into the Indigo Tribe’s sacred temple where he finds a giant statue of Abin Sur as well as altered Sinestro, who is now part of the tribe.

After months of treating him as little more than a guy who never bothered to learn what his ring could really do, writer Geoff Johns finally showcases Hal Jordan and his ability to make it through several Indigo Lanterns with only a partially charged ring. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Batman and Robin #8

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batman-and-robin-new-52-8-coverI really enjoyed the last issue of Batman and Robin but was put-off by the final panel which saw a tortured Damian kill Nobody in front of Batman. I was skeptical as to how this event would play out, but I have to admit Peter J. Tomasi gives us a thoughtful follow-up that includes a frank, and loving, conversation between estranged father and son that should lead to a fresh start for Batman and Robin.

The issues is definitely light on action but character is brought to the forefront as Batman and Damian lick their wounds and discuss Batman’s desire for deadly vengeance and his promise to his parents to never let that happen.

The issue doesn’t ignore Damian’s actions from last issue, but it also doesn’t condemn him for it (as I expected it to do, further driving a wedge between the two). Instead Bruce uses the opportunity as a lesson for his son to move both of them forward. By the end of the issue we’re given a Batman and Robin I really want to see more of, and that’s really all you can ask. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Stormwatch #8

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In the last two issues the new team of writer Paul Jenkins and artist Ignacio Calero have breathed some new life into one of DC’s most inconsistent titles. Next month writer Peter Milligan takes over the writing duties and it seems the art will alternate bewteen Calero and original (and unimpressive) title artist Miguel A Sepulveda. For now, however, we get one pretty good story that pits the Stormwatch team against the Gravity Miners and two of the team’s most dangerous members against each other.

I actually liked the scenes between Jenny Quatum and Midnighter, you know, before he tried to kill her and all. Although the logic of the Midnighter’s turn works okay, it’s not sold as well as I’d like and something this big (we’ve already had one traitor on the team) should have been foreshadowed. That said, I’m curious to see what the New 52’s view of a pissed off pre-teen Spirit of the 21st Century might look like.

The comic’s still rough in a several areas, but I like how Jenkins used the characters over the past two issues (with exception of another decidedly insipid Jack Hawksmoor subplot). Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Justice League International #8

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justice-league-international-new-52-8-coverWith several of the team members still out of action, and the United Nations Security Chief still doing her best to dismantle the team before more trouble lands on her doorstep, Batman reaches out for some help by bringing Batwing in on the case.

Although Batwing certainly makes sense with the makeup of the team being from countries all over the world, it is a little too coincidental that the African hero just happened to be in town right when Batman needed him. (And why wouldn’t Bats go to someone close by, like say his former partner Nightwing, for help?)

After taking an almost immediate dislike to Booster Gold the three heroes fight off Lightweaver as Breakdown escapes custody. Things are no easier for the heroes still at the hospital as Guy Gardner, Godiva, and August General in Iron try to stop a rampaging O.M.A.C.

There’s plenty of action, and the inclusion of two more New 52 characters, but the execution is only so-so. Still, it’s worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Flash #7

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flash-new-52-7-coverThe Flash is able to stop Captain Cold and save Patty but not without a cost. In order to save as many passengers from the boat as possible the Flash must break his promise to Dr. Elias to control his speed use. And although Barry is able to save his girlfriend, Iris and several other passengers are lost in a wormhole the Flash unintentionally created.

The main story is well told and terrifically laid out by writer/artist Francis Manapul and co-writer Brian Buccellato. There are also several interesting nuggets scattered throughout including the Flash’s first run on the cosmic treadmill (or at least the New 52 equivalent), our first look at the reimaganed natives of Gorilla City (who…are religous zealots? Hrm.), as well as a tease at the new Pied Piper.

Seeing how the next issue is going to be firmly centered around the speed force this issue did a good job of ending the Captain Cold story and starting a new problem for Barry with Patsy‘s now firmly anti-Flash stance. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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