Fury of Firestorm #3

Firestorm is beginning to remind me of one of those Japanese robot shows. Powerful by themselves, but more powerful when combined.

Things I liked: Ronnie's not a bad guy.

Things I didn't like: not warming to Jason.

Flash #3

How the heck do you shoot the Flash in the head?

Things I liked: I love the way speed is portrayed in this series.

Things I didn't like: Flash saving the plane by vibrating it through the bridge was cool. But it still had to hit the ground or water.

Aquaman #3

The first page of this issue is stunning.  The new techniques in colouring make this sunset look amazing.  The rest of the story is just as good.  I'm enjoying getting a closer look at where Arthur comes from.  The tongue in cheek writing really helps it not take itself too seriously.

Things I liked: the police officer promising to make Aquaman look good this time.

Things I didn't like: how easily the biologist was able to track down where the monsters must have come from.

All Star Western #3

I forgot how much I enjoyed Westerns. This title has been nothing but enjoyable.

Things I liked: the glimpses into Gotham's origins.

Things I didn't like: the backup El Dorado feature.

Supergirl #3

What's happening to Supergirl is what I expected to happen to Superman if he hadn't been found by the Kents.  I feel sorry for her.  Not just because her cousin is a dick either.

Things I liked: her reactions all seem very authentic.

Things I didn't like: Superman just leaving her to her own devises to handle an emergency.

Legion of Super-Heroes #3

Nice to see some of the more familiar Legionnaires in this issue.  Even Sun Boy with his 70s popped collar.  I haven't read Legion in a while so I feel like I'm coming in part way through the story.  I don't get the feeling that this is a title for a new reader to just pick up and get in to, but something for Legion fans.

Things I liked: looking at the leadership structure of the Legion.

Things I didn't like: uh?  Why did Shadow Lass collapse after dropping her shadow on the Daxamites and Ultra Boy?

Green Lantern Corps #3

All the Green Lantern books seem to taking the same approach lately. They're showing why Lanterns are cool and then introducing something cooler. In this case, it's beings with immense will.

Things I like: the interactions between the different Lanterns.

Things I didn't like: the villain.

Young Justice #11

I've said before that this is about what happens between the episodes.  This issue is a prime example.  While the rest of the team is off looking for Dr. Fate / Kent Nelson Batman and Robin are doing the Dynamic Duo thing.

Things I liked: nice to see Robin in action with Batman.

Things I didn't like: it felt rushed.  I would've liked it to be drawn out a bit more so there was more story.

Wonder Woman #4

And now she's alone again.  Maybe I'm just so enthralled by the George Perez version of Wonder Woman's origin that I'm having trouble accepting this one.  It makes sense, Zeus would try to get in on the Amazons and Diana does have all the attributes of a demi-god.  But I miss the clay.  Looks like Diana does too.

Things I liked: I'm liking the versions of the gods.  It took a while to get used to the vision but now I'm quite enjoying it.

Things I didn't like: it's totally what Hera would do, but having all the Amazons as snakes and Hippolyta as a bronze statue is sad.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #4

So, Roy's an alcoholic.  I don't know if that's new or if they're downplaying the heroin addiction he had in the past.  This one was nice because it focused more on Roy and Kori.  He had his small interlude with Jason (and not following orders) and she had a knock down fight with a creature that hates aliens.

Things I liked: I'm still waiting for Dick's reaction to his best friend and his former girlfriend hanging out with the black sheep but unless Rich'ard is some Tamaranian with a remarkably similar name it looks like she hasn't put her former team mates behind her as was first feared.

Things I didn't like: you hate aliens yet use their DNA to turn yourself into an uber-alien?  Something doesn't add up there.

Nightwing #4

Poor Dick.  Barbara comes to town and his love life falls apart.  The girl he's currently sleeping with doesn't like him having other female friends and Babs has made it clear she's not interested in him.  Plus, she goes and tells Raya that Dick has feelings.  He can't catch a break.

Things I liked: a nice little team up between two characters that have a lot of history together.  I like that it's not being swept under the rug in this new 52.

Things I didn't like: would've liked a different villain.  Felt the shape shifter was a little too much and the use of a taser to turn him into silica and wipe the chips he was after was more than what Nightwing usually faces.

Justice League #4

I don't know how Hal got chosen to be the butt of every joke but it works.  I really like how they're building up the team and letting everyone in on everyone else's powers without just spelling it out.

Things I liked: Aquaman got one of the most epic entrances I've seen for a hero into a team.  Probably desperately trying to prove that he's A-list.

Things I didn't like: I'm still not convinced that the League needs angsty teens.

Batman #4

Thank goodness.  The death of the Waynes was not some kind of conspiracy.

Things I liked: nice to see Dick make an appearance here.  He was the main suspect for a bit at the beginning.

Things I didn't like: Bruce's first case as a detective.  Not that I couldn't see him doing it, but I'm not sure how Alfred lost him for a week.

DC Universe Presents #3

The good thing about this one is that each issue in the arc has been better than the last.  The bad thing is that it had to be.  I wasn't at all impressed with this series to start with.  Just keeping up until they switched focus but now I'm really curious as to what Deadman's plan is.

Things I liked: his conversation with the fallen angel.

Things I didn't like: I'm not sure I like where his plan is going.

Catwoman #3

The thing that makes Catwoman better than the other villain books is that she has a heart. It shows in how she reacts and what she chooses to do. I loved watching the conflict in this one. The emotions were so raw.

Things I liked: Selena's voice is so perfect here.

Things I didn't like: I can't think of anything. This one was solid.

Blue Beetle #3

I recognize some of Jaime's villains now as old Teen Titans villains. That does not make me any more interested in the story. I think it's finally lost me.

Things I liked: the story of the scarab is intriguing.

Things I didn't like: I just can't get into any of the characters.

Superboy #3

I'm hoping Superboy becomes a little dispassionate as he gets used to being out of N.O.W.H.E.R.E. It makes him seem personality free.

Things I liked: he keeps being put off his stride. Nothing is the way he thought it would be.

Things I didn't like: Red's outfit shredding. Hopefully the next issue explains some things.

Resurrection Man #3

Resurrection Man is beginning to remind me of The Princess Bride. Good job, I'll most likely cancel you this month. And then I don't. I want to find out what's going on.

Things I liked: the conversation between the Body Doubles as they watched him resurrect.

Things I didn't like: not sure about his dad's buddy.

Legion Lost #3

I like Timber Wolf. Not sure about anyone else on the team, but I do like him. He gets to say what I've been thinking. Sure they're stuck in the wrong time, but that shouldn't stop them from being heroes.

Things I liked: Timber Wolf's narration. It gave a lot if insight into his character.

Things I didn't like: that they're sitting around in a hotel waiting for the action to come to them.

Grifter #3

This book is not about what I thought it was about.  I thought there'd be a little more personality (he is a grifter after all) and a little less alien invasion.  No alien invasion at all really.  I don't know if it's a case of it not meeting my expectations or if I really don't like it much.  Except I kind of do like it, it's just not what I thought it was.

Things I liked: the aliens have a really interesting design.

Things I don't like: alien invasion by possessing people?  Right.

Green Lantern #3

They disintegrated Hal Jordan? There must be something else going on. I'm beginning to wonder if this isn't some kind of construct of Sinestro's mind. His ring seems a little too powerful and Hal a little too willing to go along.

Things I liked: Hal and Sinestro working together. It makes me laugh.

Things I didn't like: the ring getting new powers. It's not cool enough already?

Demon Knights #3

I'm beginning to really like Vandal Savage. This is such a large group and so far they're doing a really good job of teasing them out and kitting the reader get to know each of them.

Things I liked: Vandal Savage is starting to sound like the voice of Aquaman from Batman the Brave and the Bold in my head.

Things I didn't like: I wish they'd call each other by name more often so I could remember who they are.

Batwoman #3

Every page is a splash page in this title. It has such flow. The story is a little confusing though. Maybe if I read a bit more on this version of Batwoman I might have a better idea. As it is, I feel like I'm only slowly picking it up.

Things I liked: the supernatural element of the story.

Things I didn't like: she seems kind of quick to hang it all up.

Batman and Robin #4

It's not often this happens, but Damian is completely right. The secrets Bruce keeps from him are going to bring trouble. After turning Dick and JAson away from him he ought to realize that maybe his methods need some work.

Things I liked: there was some really good emotional intensity.

Things I didn't like: Alfred is turning into a dues ex machina.

Batgirl #4

I really like how Simone is treating Barbara being back as Batgirl. She is rusty from being in in the chair for 2 years. She's focusing on her strengths - her arms and her brain.

Things I liked: the relationship she's building with her room mate.

Things I didn't like: the amount of time they've given to Oracle.

Swamp Thing #3

Abby is a confusing character.  She's crazy.  First she fell in love with the Swamp Thing, now she's pointing a gun at Alec to try to prove that he is the creature that she fell in love with.  I guess this explains some of her craziness.  The Rot, or the Black I guess, is as much a part of her is the Green is of Alec or the Red is of Buddy.

Things I liked: Abby's little brother is creepy.  Not as creepy as Maxine, but still creepy.

Things I didn't like: Abby's little brother is considerably younger than she is.  It doesn't seem possible.

Stormwatch #3

I know Martian Manhunter is in this to link it more closely with the rest of the DC Universe but I feel like this is happening just off to the side of everything else. I'm still not sold on it but it keeps making me come back to see where the story is going.

Things I liked: the representations of the cities was neat.

Things I didn't like: still don't know who the characters are.

Hawk and Dove #3

What I wouldn't give for a different artist on this series.  I really like the story and the pacing and I look forward to that each month.  But I'd love to have someone drawing it who can do noses.  And large men that aren't massive.  Or women that wear a pony tail but don't look like they've stepped out of an 80s exercise video.

Things I liked: expanding the mythos surrouding Hawk and Dove.

Things I didn't like: boy Hawk and Condor are really huge, aren't they?

Green Arrow #3

Sadly, Green Arrow is mostly meh. I've made it through the first arc and it was a standard superhero fight. With some monologing from the hero. Green Arrow has always been a street level hero to me. These guys he was fighting and the way he was doing it just didn't draw me in.

The thing that makes Green Arrow different than Batman is social conscience. Batman fights crime. He doesn't do it to make Gotham a better place. He does it to bring justice. Green Arrow is all about society's ills. He's trying to make Star City a better place by dealing with the problems people bring. While I approve the move to the real city of Seattle , they lost track of why Geeen Arrow dresses up like Robin Hood and takes on the criminal element.

Things I liked: fast paced fight scene. Jurgens does know how to plot out one of those.

Things I didn't like: the lack of social conscience lost me. This Green Arrow is Batman with a different gimmick.

Batwing #3

The art here is so beautiful. Too bad it's so violent. It's not even that I consider myself a prude. It's just a little more than I'm used to in a superhero comic. It's why I'm still on the fence with this one. I want to like it. I start every issue thinking it will be my last and when I get to the end I want to read what comes next.

Things I liked: the story really draws me in.

Things I didn't like: why must every super team go bad?

Animal Man #3

So an avatar, huh? I guess it makes sense. She is still only four though. She just seems to know too much.

Things I liked: Buddy's wife and son have so much personality. This series is so much about the family.

Things I didn't like: Buddy's abilities in the red looked too weird.

Justice League International #4

It's the end of the world... Again. It seems like the first arc of any team comic has to be about world destruction. It's cliche but it means that there's a reason for a team. Jurgens has gone out of his way to show that these things are very, very powerful. I hope he hasn't written himself into a corner.

Things I liked: the small moments of humour to lighten the action.

Things I didn't like: their goop restraints looked silly.

Detective Comics #4

This month I learned that Batman is not adverse to giving swirlies to get information. I thought he was a little more intimidating than that.

Things I liked: I really like the "detective" aspect of Detective COmics. Daniel is making an effort to focus on the figuring stuff out aspect of the bat characters.

Things I didn't like: the timeline seemed a bit muddled in this one.

Superman #2

I don't know. I'm really enjoying the story here but not the way it's written. I want to find out what's going on but the writing is so stilted in places.

Things I liked: it's an engaging mystery.

Things I didn't like: Clark's "captain's log" was so not how anyone actually talks.

Supergirl #2

I like where this is going. Superman still comes across as a bit of a dick but Supergirl is reacting pretty much how I'd expect her to act. This looks like a great way to actually find out more about Krypton.

Things I liked: the conversation between Kal and Kara.

Things I didn't like: hat she feels she has to lead with her fists.

Savage Hawkman #2

There's a lot going on with this series. It's taking the archaeologist origin of Hawkman and trying to merge it with the alien origin of Hawkman. It's completely different than what I'd expect of a Hawkman story.

Things I liked: it keeps me guessing.

Things I didn't liked: the villain's name - Morphicius. I'm not even sure how to pronounce it.

Justice League Dark #2

Whose side is Madame Xanadu on, anyway? There's a lot going on this issue but the team isn't quite together and I like that they're taking their time.

Things I liked: seeing Dove here reminds me how much I hate Scott Liefield.

Things I didn't like: Deadman is a dick.

Green Lantern New Guardians

That looks painful. I'm not a fan of the Rainbow Corps but I'm glad that Kyle has something to do. I'm curious where this is going.

Things I liked: good build to the story.

Things I didn't like: Guardians are dicks.

The Fury of Firestorm #2

This was better than the first issue, but I'm still not sure where I stand on it. It was nice to see the meld but it still seems weird having two Firestorms.

Things I liked: I like the way the characters interact.

Things I didn't like: I'm not sure I actually like Jason. He is a bit of a jerk.

The Flash #2

This had one of the best sequences of super-speed I've seen. Between this and Teen Titans it's been great for us speedster fans.

Things I liked: top panel page 2. Beauty.

Things I didn't like: I'm not sure I'm liking the way they're trying to show super-speed thought.

Aquaman #2

Aquaman is turning out to be both funny and action packed. I'm really enjoying it and can't wait for the next issue.

Things I liked: the scene where Aquaman and Mera are looking through old family albums was very sweet.

Things I didn't like: I'm not sold on Mera.

All Star Western #2

Jonah Hex is awesome. He really is one of. Y favourite characters in the DC Universe. I'm just having a lot of fun with this series.

Things I liked: looking into DC's past.

Things I didn't like: the second story was food, but the art was horrible. I don't like paying extra for sub-par look.

Teen Titans #3

The team continues to be built. Bunker is an interesting character. Could be different having two "mouths" on the team. I'm not sure how Kid Flash and Soltice expect to hook up with the others, they're in Antarctica.

Things I liked: the sequence of Kid Flash's escape was inspired. The arrangement of the page made it seem like he was everywhere.

Things I didn't like: tried to do a little too much. The only character that wasn't seen was Superboy.

Batman: The Dark Knight #3

So it wasn't the Joker. It was Clayface. But he was working for this White Rabbit, who really just wants to be chased. Or maybe it's Poison Ivy. He's off to look into her next. It's like a romp through Batman's rogue's gallery.

Things I liked: nice to see a team up with the Flash.

Things I didn't like: don't know how I feel about the multiple villains. With the Alice references I keep expecting to see the Mad Hatter.

Legion of Super-Heroes #2

The problem I've always had with the Legion of Super-heroes is that there's too many characters. This new series doesn't look to be much different. I really like the look of this series but I'm not sure if I like the story. I'm still waiting for the first arc to finish to really make a decision on this one.

Things I liked: the art is great.

Things I didn't like: too many people to keep track of.

DC Universe Presents #2

I liked this one a lot more than the first. Seeing Bostan Brand navigate supernatural Gotham to find himself gave he story structure.

Things I liked: the Librarian is a concept I always like seeing.

Things I didn't like: the holes were tighter but I'm still seeing some.

Green Lantern Corps #2

It's Green Lanterns acting like cops!  That's what I'm enjoying about this one.  Plus John and Guy really get to show their stuff.  Their villain seems a bit odd though.  A species trying to rebuild their world one resource at a time?

Things I liked: the pacing of the story is really good.

Things I didn't like: too many characters to keep track of.

Catwoman #2

Back to Catwoman not knowing who Batman is. I like that. It's a bit brutal to have a 6 year old reading over my shoulder but I don't think he noticed.

Things I liked: doesn't matter, had sex with Batman. It should be a whole new meme.

Things I didn't like: the art's not as crisp.

Blue Beetle #2

I don't know what to do with this series. I'm totally uninterested in the first part and then it hooks me in the last three pages.

Things I liked: the art is great.

Things I didn't like: the chase after Jaime.

Batman #3

This book is so good. It's a mystery (which I see far too rarely in Batman comics) and it covers every aspect of his life. I can't wait for the next issue!

Things I liked: the detecting is done so well.

Things I didn't like: if the Whisper Gang's masks are soldered shut for a year, how do they eat?

Nightwing #3

I like it best when Dick is using his detective skills. He was trained by Batman after all. He seems to be relying pretty heavily on what Raya is telling him and I expect it to blow up in his face very soon.

Things I liked: I love the way Eddy Burrows draws Nightwing. In both identities.

Things I didn't like: who's the villain on the last page? Why can't I remember?

Red Hood and the Outlaws #3

This felt like a filler issue. It served to tell a little bit more about the heroes but didn't really move the story that far along.

Kori's treasured memory was finally standing up for herself. Spending a great deal of time as a slave I can see why that would mean something to her.

Roy's was the turning point of his addiction (though I personally think he's slipped). It took Killer Croc to show him how far he'd fallen.

Jason's was a night off from being Robin with Bruce. It's probably one of the nicest things I've seen Batman do. It almost seems out of character but maybe he learned something from Dick.

Things I liked: Kori defeating the giant demon and then flying off with the boys.

Things I didn't like: seems like they're writing Dick out of Roy's life. I've always really enjoyed the friendship these two heroes have had.

Wonder Woman #3

So Diana was not made from clay. That's a bit disappointing. It was always unique. Now she's just another child of Zeus.

Things I liked: the sequence where she confronts the Amazons on the beach. The tear pooling in her eye was a special touch.

Things I didn't like: Strife just hanging out with Amazons.

Young Justice #10

Not a strong back half to this story. There were a few too many holes in the narrative. It felt like they needed a few extra pages.

I'm also surprised that Robin, with his Bat-trained paranoia and facial recognition software, did not notice that Captain Atom and Captain Nate Adams were the same person. I knew he was using the team for his own personal gain. Also, I have no recollection of Captain Atom being able to look more human. As far as I knew he was trapped inside a metallic shell.

Things I liked: they went to Bibbo's while in Metropolis.

Things I didn't like: when going out in civilian identity, Miss Martian should probably try to look more human. Or at least not green.

Justice League #3

I continue to enjoy this series. The heroes are being introduced slowly, but not so slow that I feel like it's missing someone. This issue is Wonder Woman, and thankfully she doesn't arrive ready to fight the guys. She's there to help them.

Cyborg's origin is being drawn out. I still don't know if he actually belongs in the League but I'll see. It's mostly the origin I remember but they've teched it up.

Aquaman looks like he's spoiling for a fight.

Things I liked: there are so many moments that made me laugh out loud.

Things I didn't like: Darkseid being the villain almost seems a let down. All this build up and he hasn't been seen yet.

Superboy #2

Superboy is much more introspective than I expected. Still, he's also so naive, thinking that if he does what they ask they'll let him go. It doesn't work that way when you're not seen as a person.

Things I liked: Rose Wilson is an interesting character. I want to see more of her.

Things I didn't like: they're really playing up the whole weapon aspect of Superboy. He doesn't have much personality yet.

Resurrection Man #2

I feel like Mitch Shelley. I'm not sure who he is or what's going on. Seems he's got an angel after him, as well as two scantily clad "body doubles"? Hopefully it will start to make sense soon.

Things I liked: the body outlines in wherever he goes between resurrections was a nice touch.

Things I didn't like: the art on the cover is just so much better than what's inside.

Legion Lost #2

I like Fabian Nicieza and I like the team I'm just not sure I actually like this story. It has the potential to turn into a "villain of the week" scenario and I'm not interested in that. I was going it be more about them being lost in the past.

Things I liked: Timberwolf is stepping up to be a favourite character.

Things I didn't like: Wildfire is very angsty.

Grifter #2

I'm still trying to figure out where they're going with this. Alien abduction of a con artist / former black ops and now he can hear them talk. And everybody wants him dead.

Things I liked: at least they explained why he seems to be taking this all so well.

Things I didn't like: some of the dialogue was really stilted.

Green Lantern #2

Sinestro has so much contempt for Hal Jordan that I'm honestly surprised that he would recruit him to take down the Yellow Lntern Corps. It must be because Hal has kicked his ass so many times.

Things I liked: the way Sinestro treated Hal. Every time he talked to him I could hear the sneer.

Things I didn't like: did Hal's hair change colour?

Demon Knights #2

I'm liking this one. Vandal Savage and Etrigan are so very visceral and Madame Xanadu and Al Jabr are interesting. Not sure about the Shining Knight or Ex yet.

Things I liked: high fantasy adventure.

Things I didn't like: there's a lot of characters being introduced really quickly.

Batwoman #2

The art in this is really beautiful. It keeps me coming back. I'm intrigued by the story, it's a bit more supernatural then I'm used to from a Bat-title.

Things I like: the piece of advice from Batman about murdered sidekicks.

Things I didn't like: Batwoman's colour. I don't get it. No one is grey.

Batgirl #3

This is what I like about Gail Simone. She still makes them people even though they're in costume. The main villain is put on hold to look at the people who care about Barbara Gordon - Commissioner Gordon and Nightwing.

Things I liked: the whole flirty scene with Nightwing. It's how I picture these characters.

Things I didn't like: I'm still not sold on the villain. Or his motivation.

Batman and Robin #3

Batman is absolutely brutal when defending his son. As I thought he's be. It's not bringing him any closer to Damian, but it's how he shows he cares.

Things I liked: Tomansi continues to write Alfred out of the park. He shows why he's the Batman's batman.

Things I didn't like: Damian is underwritten. I don't think he's as out of control violent as Tomansi is portraying him.

Swamp Thing #2

This thing is so engaging! I just want to find out what happens next. I wonder if Animal Man and Maxine will make an appearance. It seems both the Green and the Red should be concerned by the Other.

Things I liked: the history of the Swamp Thing.

Things I didn't like: Abigail wants to kill him?

Stormwatch #2

Hmmm... Not sure what to think now. I wasn't that interested in the first half of the issue and then it picked up. The moon attacking the Earth was more interesting than the inner politics of Stormwatch or the recruitment of Apollo.

Things I liked: Harry's ploy to get the information he wanted.

Things I didn't like: the random quotation marks. It made everyone read sarcastic in my mind.

Hawk and Dove #2

Oh, Rob Liefeld, why must your drawing be so poor?

Another solid outing on the story. I want to like this, I really do. I just keep hoping they'll find someone else to do the art. I like what they're doing with the avatars. Sort of. I like that Condor and Swan have stripped someone of their power. Hawk and Dove have had a bird-themed villain in the past so it's not that new. But I don't like that tehy've given themselves new names, unless they've stripped more than one avatar. Curious to see want Comdor knows about Hawk and Dove.

Things I liked: nice to see Ren again.

Things I didn't like: most swans are mute.

Green Arrow #2

I like this new take on Green Arrow. Right now it's the character that's keeping me around, not the story. It's interesting, in the YouTube mad world sort of way. But it's not believable. I don't think it's that easy to post murder on the internet. Or I just visit the wrong sites.

Things I like: Ollie's growing on me.

Things I didn't like: few too many villains. I can't keep track if them all.

Batwing #2

I wasn't as impressed with this one as I was with the first. The "villain" hunting down former heroes is a stale storyline and I don't know if I actually like Batwing. So far he's not just a black Bruce Wayne but I don't knowing there's more to it than that. The next issue may be he breaking point on this series for me.

Things I liked: the art is still stunning.

Things I didn't like: they seem to be using violence as an excuse for telling a story.

Animal Man #2

Creepy little girl is creepy. It's so hard to not just go and buy #3 right now when I could. I want to wait the full month and get the discount but I also want to know what happens next.

Things I liked: looking I to why Buddy has his powers and what they really mean. He's sort of a B list hero, no great power but this series is making them deeper.

Things I didn't like: Maxine seems to be a little too in tune with her new powers. I hope it's more to do with her being told what to do than her being precocious.

Mr. Terrific #1

He's the world's third smartest man! I personally love the tag line, unfortunately that's all it really has going for it. It's not all about smarts, and Mr. Terrific runs into the problem that the people writing it are not as educated as their character.

Things I liked: the tag line.

Things I didn't like: never answered who was numbers one and two.

Green Lantern: New Guardians #1

I like Kyle Raynor, thought he always got short shaft as a Green Lantern. I like where this one is headed. The art is crisp, as is the story, and some time was spent to remind the reader where it all started.

Things I liked: the kid's critique of Kyle's costume.

Things I didn't like: not sure about the Rainbow Lanterns.

Green Lantern #1

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Hal Jordan is no longer a Green Lantern, but Sinestro is. He's too reckless to be a Green Lantern, or a test pilot and he was never there to stay in the military. Then he gets evicted. I think he's going to say yes to whatever Sinestro offers.

Things I liked: the deconstruction of the hero.

Things I didn't like: lack of realizing not everyone was reading Green Lantern before.

Justice League International #3

So I initially thought the the pairs the team split into were odd but I thought about it and it made sense.  I'm used to Fire and Ice always being paired, but to split them up gave each pair a powerhouse and a weaker hero.

Fire and Vixen - Fire acted as the distraction while Vixen got them in.  With the power of a badger.  They also had a little team bonding by discussing their powers and getting to a first name basis.

Ice and Rocket Red - Rocket Red is the power here, but he needed Ice to get to the place he could use that power.  Their descent gave them a chance to talk.  Which he used to see if Fire might be interested in him.

Godiva and August General in Iron - she comes off more whiny this issue.  I get that she's not used to world impacting heroics, but she's still a costumed hero.  She can't be all about the optics.  And the armour's not armour.  That's a little weird.  He totally Hulked out in here too.  I'm not sure that he actually grew or if it was just the way he was drawn.

Batman and Booster Gold - this was the one I thought was the odd pair.  They're the two leaders so I thought they would be split but I guess it makes sense to have them together.  Batman (or maybe Rocket Red) are the best equipped to find information on the Signal Men, being together gives them the best chance to co-ordinate.  Of course, this is also the one pair that only discuss the situation they're dealing with.  No character insight here.

Guy Gardner - is still hanging around.  He went into space to confront the ship the Signal Men are signaling.  And in the proud tradition of Green Lanterns got laid out by a giant axe.

Things I liked: I'm a fan of Dan Jurgens art.  It's simple but expressive.

Things I didn't like: getting tired of the final panel villain reveal.

Detective Comics #3

Ew. I've seen some disgusting Batman villains but this guy is nasty. Stitching together people is straight out of Frankenstein. Batman on the other hand, is just brutal. There is some hard core interrogation.

Things I liked: each new page was a surprise.

Things I didn't like: evil little girls.

Voodoo #1

I was with this one right up until she killed the law and took on his shape. She lost me there. I thought it was setting up a sort of Mulder and Scully thing with the two agents but then they killed half the team.

Things I liked: it was great art work. It has a lot of flow.

Things I didn't like: the strip club seemed a little over the top too.

Superman #1

I liked Superman way more than I liked Action Comics. It was as much about the people surrounding Superman as it was about Superman. I liked Clark set out by Lois. I liked that he was a little more comfortable than he was in Action, though I didn't like the blame people wanted to place on him.

Things I liked: the Daily Planet become part of a news conglomerate. It makes sense for modern times. It felt like an allegory of DC itself.

Things I didn't like: "Clark's" interview of Superman. I don't know how he became an ace reporter if that's his style.

Supergirl #1

There's a lot going on in this one. Supergirl's being reintroduced to the DC Universe and she has no clue what's going on. I thought from the announcement that this may be one that I might follow just based on the description and I do want to see what's going on, but I'm not sold on it.

Things I liked: the idea of Supergirl essentially being stranded.

Things I didn't like: where did Clark learn to speak Kryptonian?

The Savage Hawkman #1

I wasn't expecting to like this one. It is just Hawkman after all. But Tony S. Daniel surprised me again. This was not only very readable, I really want to find out what happens next.

Things I liked: the set up. This looks like it could be a really good story.

Things I didn't like: I'm not sure about the nth metal being part of him now. I suppose it makes sense.

Legion of Super-Heroes #1

I wanted to like this one, I really did. But the characters to introduce in the first issue would not be the ones I would have picked. Where's Lightning Lad, Saturn Boy and Cosmic Girl? It feels like it's trying to start in the middle of a story no Inez's read in years.

Things I liked: the characters are all very distinctive and it's easy to tell them apart.

Things I didn't like: what's up with Brainiac 5?

Justice League Dark #1

I limeall the characters here, and I really liked the art. I'm just not sure about the story. It's a first issue and it's trying to set the tone I'm just not sure.

Things I liked: that Zatanna came to Batmas to discuss the problem.

Things I didn't like: Shade's pretend girlfriend. That was a little sad.

I, Vampire #1

If I'd been able to write my thoughts after I first read this one I probably would have stuck around for the second issue. Now I realize I'm just not that interested. This is a very done story for me. I've read and seen too many stories about the one good vampire who's just trying to save the world from an old girlfriend. I know that I, Vampire was one of the first to do that story back in the seventies but they're even retreading themselves.

Things I liked: the art is quite nice.

Things I didn't like: I know where this story is going.

Green Lantern Corps #1

This book actually made me like Guy Gardner. I already liked John Stewart. It's nice to see it being the norm that there are two Lanterns per sector, 2814 doesn't seem so odd having four. Plus, Hal Kordan has been removed so it's just three. I still have to read Green Lantern to see what's up there. Good set up issue anyway.

Things I liked: nice bit of explanation on how the Corps is structured.

Things I didn't like: so there's something more kick ass than Green Lanterns out there?

Fury of Firestorm: the Nuclear Men #1

Not really a big Firestorm fan. Must be becaue of Gail Somone's writing that I been enjoyed this one. I don't know if I'll stick with it but I am curious as to where the plot is going. I don't know if I like both Ronnie and Jason being high school students, with Jason being the obligatory super genius. I'll see where it goes,

Things I liked: the dimensions given to the characters pre-Firestorm. Specifically the juxtaposition of their home lives where they talked to a parent about meeting the other.

Things I didn't like: separate Firestorms? He's supposed to be merged.

The Flash #1

I'm a Flash fan. I prefer Wally to Barry but this is what we're working with now. The art in this one is amazing. I love the way Francis Manapoul draws the Flash. The speed is in every drawing.

Things I liked: I like that they haven't changed too much about Barry but have made him more modern. He doesn't seem as much as a stick in the mud as I remember.

Things I didn't like: why does he have to be under suspicion of the police force? One of the things I've always liked about the DC universe is that their heroes are treated with a bit more respect. Having great powers does open them up to things so having a mask makes sense.

DC Universe Presents: Deadman #1

This is a tough one. From what I understand this will feature different characters and storylines, so some may be good, some may be bad, and some may just be OK. This one is just OK.

Deadman isn't that interesting a character to me. He is dead. And at some point you've got to wonder how he hasn't been able to do enough good deeds to get to the other side yet. Seems like he's wondering the same thing.

Things I liked: getting a deeper look at Deadman does increase my awareness of the character.

Things I didn't like: really? Threatening to commit suicide with the person you're supposed to be helping?

Catwoman #1

Hey! A villain comic I actually enjoyed! Catwoman's a bit different though. She's just a cat burgler. They said they were going to make her sexy and they sure did. She's not against using her body if it gets her what she wants. And she knows she's doing it. It's not a new aspect of her character. I don't know why people were surprised.

Things I liked: Selina's dialogue is how I expect the character to think and talk.

Things I didn't like: she's a bit more brutal than I recall.

Blackhawks #1

I admit it, I'm disappointed. I like the Blackhawks and I was looking forward to them being updated and made part of the new 52, but not like this. I liked the old Lady Blackhawk, not this one. I liked that they were based initially in World War II and I'm not sure tha's the case here.

Things I liked: there looks to be large cast.

Things I didn't like: really? Shooting water to reduce surface tension for impact? I'd have to see the Mythbusters on that 'cause I'm not buying it.

Aquaman #1

Geoff John may be a new favourite writer for me. I keep reading things that are great from him. He even made Aquaman cool! I'd heard that they were trying to get all he jokes out in the beginning. They may have succeeded, although I wasn't aware that Aquaman could super leap.

Things I liked: he kept Arthur's temper. He's always been a bit of a hot-head. And the updated origin from Flashpoint.

Things I didn't like: I'm reserving judgement on Mera. She's never been a character I liked.

All Star Western #1

Do I love Jonah Hex? Yes, yes, I do. I wasn't expecting much from this title because, well, it is western, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was really well written and still part of the DC Universe. Jonah and Arkham have a mystery to solve and I want to see the outcome.

Things I liked: Jonah's dialogue was always good, as was Arkham's field notes. They make an unlikely pair but it works.

Things I didn't like: had trouble telling some of the characters apart. The art could be a little more distinct.

Teen Titans #2

And the plot thickens.  What I'm liking about this one is that they're taking the time to build the team and to show them as both heroes and in the civilian clothes.  The relationship building between Tim and Cassie is interesting (if predictable) and I'm curious to see how the others will fit on this team.  I'm a little disappointed that Kid Flash is Bart, and that he has no connection to Barry.  I still miss Wally and I don't know how this Kid Flash fits in.

Things I liked: Tim's inner monologue continues to amuse.  Bart's opening in his prison cell was really funny, and I came to the same conclusion that he did in regards to the iron ball.

Things I didn't like: not sure how Skitter and Superboy will fit on the team.

Batman The Dark Knight #2

I can honestly say that the second issue was better than the first.  The story was a lot tighter and there were fewer plot holes.  It even kind of explained what was going on with the inmates of Arkham.  Although, the problem remains that Batman had to deal with two breakouts in the same month.  With the appearance of the others in the Bat family ( nice to see Nightwing and Robin working together again) it's hard to say this one is happening in the past like I first thought.

Things I liked: the art was so gritting in this issue.  They looked like they were really doing damage with their fists.

Things I didn't like: all the villains of Gotham turned into monsters.  And the Joker behind it.  It looks like the White Rabbit is not the Mad Hatter's new girl, but the Joker's.  Guess he had to replace Harley now that she's in the Suicide Squad.  The plot is more of a Joker scheme (I think there's someone higher than him in on it) but she does not fit in with Joker's theme.  I was so proud to have thought of the Lewis Carroll connection but I guess I was wrong.

Captain Atom #1

I like Captain Atom. Of the indestructible supermen he's one of my favourites. Maybe that's why I'm so disappointed. This is not a Captain Atom I'm familiar with. It's difficult considering he was in the issue of Young Justice I read this week too and there he was more like the Captain I remember. Here, he's like a cross of Dr. Manhattan and Firestorm. I didn't like Watchmen and Firestorm has his own series. Giving him transmutation powers seems unnecessary.

Things I liked: that they tried to give him his own series again.

Things I didn't like: the art seemed rushed and unfinished.

Blue Beetle #1

I miss Ted Kord. I was hoping that the new 52 would bring him back in some capacity but I haven't seen any sign of him yet. So that leaves me with Jaime. I was prepared to not really like this because I don't like the extraterrestrial origin of the scarab but I was surprised. I liked it enough to give it a chance through the first arc.

Things I liked: the artvwas engaging. The Beetle transformation looks really painful.

Things I didn't like: the scarab's name is silly.

Batman #2

The thing I really like about Scott Snyder is that he makes sure that each issue is a narrative, it has a beginning a middle and an end, even if it's part of a larger story.  This one is another good example.  The story starts and ends with Gotham Tower, explaining a building in a way that makes it integral to the story.

Things I liked: a Nightwing appearance.  Their relationship is so nicely done.  These two people really know each other.

Things I didn't like: I'm not sure I like this Lincoln guy who's trying to be the next mayor of Gotham.  Using the deaths of their parents at a young age as a way to find solidarity with Bruce Wayne may not be a political move, but it kind of feels like one.

Nightwing #2

With all the uproar about Starfire and Catwoman, people totally ignore that Dick has been seen in just his underwear in two consecutive issues and he has sex on a plane because he can.  I guess it's different for the male characters.

Looks like Dick is running into problems with his secret identity again.  Not only does Mr. Haly know who he is, he's also gone and told Dick's new villain.  He was tortured to give it up, but now the guy that beat Nightwing up in his first issue can follow him around in both identities.

I was wondering how Dick was going to get back with the circus.  Having it all left to him, and it to be the reason that someone is trying to kill Dick, seems a bit of a stretch but I'm willing to let it go to see where Higgins is trying to go with this.

Things I liked: the way Higgins writes Dick.  His soul comes through and that's always been an important part of this character.

Things I didn't like: letting Saiko know who Nightwing is.

Red Hood and The Outlaws #2

While the first issue was an absolute romp, this one toned things down a bit to start a story arc.  I did read A Death in the Family way back so I know how Jason died but I've not read how he came back to life.  It was sort of talked about in this issue.  I knew about Talia and the Lazarus Pit, but I didn't know she took him to be trained by a cult.  Possibly a mystical cult as Jason didn't seem all that surprised to see his teacher's ghost.

Things I liked: who knew that Jason actually cared for someone other than himself?

Things I didn't like: when did Roy become so manic?  I'm used to him being more stoic and serious.  More like Jason, actually.  I get why they wouldn't want three characters like that in one group (Starfire's being very stoic as well) but I hope he tones it down.  Right now he's coming across as a strung out junkie (which could very well be true) but if that's the case let's actually see some evidence of drug use.  It's rated the way it is for a reason.  And it's not just Kori's breasts.

Birds of Prey #1

I thought this one might be good, but I was wrong. Maybe if Gail Simone was writing this one too. All the chemistry that made the series great is gone. I don't like the team that Black Canary is gathering around her. I'm disappointed.

Things I liked: Black Canary.

Things I didn't like: the set up. I don't know where it's going and I don't really care.

Justice League #2

I'm loving the way these characters are being written! Johns has a good handle on the way these guys act, except maybe Superman.

Things I liked: what does Batman do? Keeps them on point.

Things I didn't like: Superman seems a bit too quick to jump into a fight.

Young Justice #9

The team gets a much needed lesson on espionage.  And then throw most of what they learned out the window.  That's not surprising.  At least they're working more like a team now.

Things I liked: Captain Atom was a nice addition.  He comes across as very stiff and he knows it so uses it to his advantage.  I like that he sent them after his own case.

Things I didn't like:  they made the they're/there mistake and it made it past the editor!

Wonder Woman #2

And here's where we get to see the origin of Wonder Woman.

The first issue did seem to begin in the middle of action.  The title character wasn't even present for the first act but that changes in this issue.  Diana is front and centre and Paradise Island gets a close look too.  Zola is an interesting character, and if she and her child survive Hera, I'm interested to see where the relationship between them will go.  It's nice to see Hermes wasn't killed.  I'm still not sure about the chicken feet but I can live with the interpretation.  He is a god and the stories of Zeus certainly show that gods can take many forms.

The conversation between Hera and Eris (Strife here) was well done.  It let Hera explain her motives and expound on why she'd be going after Wonder Woman in a natural way.

Things I liked: Paradise Island as a place to train warriors.  The battle between Aleka and Diana was a good way to show her abilities.

Things I didn't like: Paradise Island is very anti-male.  I would have thought that they'd be a bit more welcoming of Hermes.  And his comment to Zola that she keep her like of men to herself was telling of the Amazons attitudes.

Superboy #1

I'll admit it, while I don't like Superman I have a soft spot for Superboy. And yes, I recognize the irony. I'm not used to seeing as super genius though. I don't know if I can get used to that. It does connect to Teen Titans though which is.a plus. I like the feeling of connectedness that is happening in the new 52.

Things I liked: very organic origin. Everything felt as if it had a place.

Things I didn't like: the question of his parentage. Yes, Superman is the alien, but who's the human. Probably Lex Luthor, but maybe it's this "Red" that he seems to have a connection to. I hope it's not Luthor.

Suicide Squad #1

So this is the third title from DC that star villains. At least Suicide Squad has history of carrying a title, and I have enjoyed issues of it but not this one. First off, I recognize that Harley is a popular character, but she's insane. Certifiably. She should be in Arkham, not Belle Reve. Secondly, I don't know why they had to make her "sexy" but taking away three quarters of her clothing. And they turned Amanda Waller into a sexy lady too. What's wrong with a woman being a non-standard body type in comics. We're not all shaped like Wonder Woman.

Things I liked: it was well-written. I didn't catch that it was a test until just before the characters did.

Things I didn't like: they have to kill a whole stadium next issue? Where's the covert strategy in that?

Resurrection Man #1

This is an interesting concept that I wasn't quite sure how it could translate into a monthly series. I think if he dies every issue it'll get old fast but for now I'm curious to see where it's going.

Things I liked: good introduction to Mitch and his abilities.

Things I didn't like: I wish the art of the inside was as good as the cover.

Legion Lost #1

I like Fabian Nicieza, especially the way he writes teens but this one seemed a bit all over the place. I'm not quite sure what's going on and I hope that some of the gaps are filled in as the series continues.

Things I liked: Nicieza writes teen superheroes very well. I hope their personalities are developed more.

Things I didn't like: was this the best team to send to this period? I would have liked more character introduction.

Grifter #1

I really don't know anything about this character. He's described as a charming conman, which writers have to be careful with because their writing may not be as charming as their character. So I was not expecting the alien abduction. It's got me curious enough to hang in there.

Things I liked: there was enough to get me hooked but not too much to feel rushed.

Things I didn't like: and he's wearing a mask why?

Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E #1

I liked the Frankenstein portion of Flashpoint so I had hopes for this one. I was disappointed. The art wasn't as good and the story just didn't grip me. The idea has so much potential but it just wasn't realized here.

Things I liked: at least I know where Ray Palmer (the Atom) is.

Things I didn't like: the new origin of the Creature Commandos isn't as good as the one in Flashpoint.

Demon Knights #1

This was such a fun read! Funny in the right parts and adding action to keep from being slowed down by dialogue. Merlin comes off as a right bastard for the way he gave Etrigan to Jason Blood and who knew Madame Xanadu liked it rough. It was entertaining to see the many immortals in the DC Universe getting to play together.

Things I liked: the dialogue was very natural. They spoke as if they'd know each other for a long time.

Things I didn't like: Etrigan doesn't rhyme.

Deathstroke #1

I don't know why they do this. Deathstroke is a villain. He's not an anti-hero; he's an assassin. At least the Punisher is killing people that deserve. Slade doesn't care.

Things I like: the art was nice and it was well written. I liked the young mercenaries.

Things I didn't like: it's Deathstroke. I didn't think he could carry a title and I still don't think he can carry a title.

Batwoman #1

The art is beautiful for this title. Each page has been crafted and there are a lot of 2 page spreads. The story is a bit more supernatural than I'm used to in a Bat title but I liked it enough that I want to see where it's going.

Things I liked: Batwoman has her own sidekick in Flamebird. One thinks that Nightwing must make an appearance. Batman did.

Things I didn't like: it almost tried to do too much. Yes, Kate is a lesbian, does she have to get a date with a police detective in the first issue. Then there's the back story of her sister and father. It felt squeezed in.

I've heard that there was a complaint of cheesecake because the girls get dressed together. I don't think that's fair. They're getting ready to patrol and the. They get back again. Sure, you don't see the same scene in Batman and Robin but the two of them don't actually talk to one another.

Swamp Thing #1

Swamp Thing has always been an intriguing character for me. I read a bit of the Alan Moore classic run and I try to keep up with what's happening with him. I knew he had died, I knew they were trying to bring him back. I didn't know he was Alec Holland with memories of being Swamp Thing.

This first issue has me interested. It sort of feels like it's connected to the events of Animal Man. There the Red is in chaos and here, it's the Green.

Things I liked: the writing is very good. It has a good build up going.

Things I didn't like: I don't know why the men's heads had to be completely twisted around. People just aren't built that way. An insect villain is a good place to start with Swamp Thing though.

Batman and Robin #2

The Bat-sentimentality was really toned down in this issue, which was nice. Damian was more talked about than he appeared which was a little odd. It seems like all that's happening is to try and show that there are people out there who would use methods darker than what Batman would. I don't know if I like that. Compared to other superheroes Batman walks pretty close to the edge. Getting harder than him makes a villain. He's got an old training partner who's come to make that point. Although I do agree with him on the franchising thing.

Things I liked: Alfred's written really well this issue. He continues to be the one man that can really put Batman in his place.

Things I didn't like: Tomasi's making Damian out to be some kind of serial killer. Yes, he was trained to be an assassin, bit when he was with Dick I never got the feeling that he had an unquenchable blood lust. He doesn't kill because he can. The killing of the bat was not needed. Now Bruce has gone and bought him a dog and I'm actually concerned for its well-being.

Batgirl #2

I'm trying to figure out if this one got a new artist. Her costume seems a lot more articulated and armored than it did last issue. It looks more like Batman's costume now.

The writing is still really good in this issue. Simone is spending the time to let the readers really learn who Barbara is and why she does the things she does. I liked how she worked out how to fight Mirror even though she lacks the physical size of Batman.

Mirror as a villain I'm not sure about. We've been let into his origin and his motives now and it starts to make sense, for a Gotham villain anyway, but I don't know how Batgirl's name ended up on his list. Barbara's I get, she should have died when the Joker shot her, but what does that have to do with Batgirl? Shouldn't most of her activities not be known?

Things I liked: Simone's writing continue to impress.

Things I didn't like: the policewoman's continued vendetta against Batgirl. At least it pointed out the Gordon probably knows.

Stormwatch #1

This one actually intrigued me. I thought that DC didn't really need another super team with all the Justice Leagues running around but this one actually has a purpose I'll stick around.

Things I liked: good introduction to everything without being being mostly exposition.

Things I didn't like: not sure about the Martian Manhunter.

Static Shock #1

Mostly a generic superhero comic. I think it might be taking place in the future, but maybe it's just comic book tech. It feels like the next issue of a regular series but it's the first issue. I have no clue what's going on.

Things I liked: the scene with him st home with his parents and sister.

Things I didn't like: too many dialogue boxes.

Red Lanterns #1

So Green Lanterns work on will and Red Lanterns work on rage. Every time I've seen a Red Lantern they've come across as the bad guy. This issue doesn't change my mind. I don't know how they expect to have a whole series based on this group. They're so stereotypical as villains. It's even space sector 666.

Things I liked: the art was OK.

Things I didn't like: I don't like this as a concept.

O.M.A.C #1

Meh. I was expecting more from this one because I do like Keith Giffen but it just wasn't there.

Things I liked: Giffen's style is reminiscent of Jack Kirby.

Things I didn't like: it just wasn't good.

Men at War #1

This was really good. The art was well done, the story was great and they were using everything available to tell the story. Even taking into account how the existence of metahumans might change wars. It's too bad that I don't really like war stories. Otherwise I'd probably keep up with this one. I hope it finds a niche.

Things I liked: pretty much everything but the genre.

Things I didn't like: the backup story. It just wasn't as good as the first one and DC could have keep this to regular size instead of expanding and charging an extra dollar.

Hawk and Dove #1

I have a soft spot for Hawk and Dove and I so wanted to enjoy this. First up: the art sucks. Rob Liefeld does not know how to draw people. Their facial expressions are not natural or they look angry. All the time. Then there's the story. It's not bad, it's trying to start in the middle of action so that the rest of the issue with all the talking seems less boring. I don't like the way Hawk's being written, but I kind of like Hank.

I'll probably give this a second chance. I want to find out what Dove's hiding and why Hawk doesn't want to work with her.

Things I liked: the story eventually drew me in. How can she have a relationship with Deadman anyway?

Things I didn't like: Rob Liefeld.

Green Arrow #1

I went back and forth reading this one. I don't know if it's worth keeping up with. I like Ollie's new costume, but I miss his beard. He's not working alone, I don't know that I like his supporters. I think I'm going to give it a little time.

Things I liked: the art was quite nice and the story well paced.

Things I didn't like: not sure what really makes him different than Batman.

Batwing #1

I don't like the idea of Batman Incorporated. It doesn't sit well with me but I guess it's here to stay.

Batwing is the African Batman. He's more armored up than Bruce and he can fly but everything else seems he same. He's got a "Batwingcave", a butler and Batman's computer. Interestingly, his secret ID is a police officer. Makes me wonder about Africa's crime problems if a policeman feels he has to work outside the law.

Things I liked: the art is stunning. It's like a painting.

Things I didn't like: it was a bit bloodier than I expected.

All in all, I'm wiling to give it a shot.

Animal Man #1

Wow! I was aware Animal Man could be good. I remember back in the day when he was part of Vertigo and there were some cool stories being done but I never really got into them. That's why I didn't pick this up in print. I'm kind of sorry I didn't this was a great read. I wasn't sure about the beginning. It seemed like it was trying for a Watchmen feel, which I didn't like but it all came together in the end.

Things I liked: the medium was very well used. Writing, story, colour and lettering all had a part to play in this issue.

Things I didn't like: Buddy's new costume - too much blue and not enough orange.

Action Comics #1

So Superman is supposed to be more down to earth. Doesn't have all the powers (although they're developing) and is wearing jeans and workbooks. I guess this is part of the 5 years ago as Superman just appeared 6 months ago. I'll have to see how he's introduced in Justice League because right now it doesn't fit.

Things I liked: the art was pretty.

Things I didn't like: nope, still don't like Superman.

Detective Comics #2

I like the way Tony Daniel writes the relationship between Batman and Gordon. It has the feeling of a long partnership where they know each other well enough that they don't need to say everything. I find that Daniel is also really emphasizing the "playboy" aspect of Bruce Wayne. He holds a meeting on a rock wall and he has sex with a reporter in his office. Nothing much happens in this issue, it's moving forward to the next episode. Even the Joker's involvement in #1 seems to be a set up for another of Daniel's creepy villains. This one is the Dollmaker. I would have liked to see what happened to the Joker as #1 was a cliffhanger but I suspect more is coming.

Things I liked: the pacing and dialogue. Daniel really has a handle on these characters.

Things I didn't like: what makes Charlotte Rivers different from Viki Vale?

Justice League International #2

So the first issue was bringing the team together and the second issue is them facing their first villain. A very familiar villain.

The cover features a very large hand. I guess it's a Singleman, but I keep calling it a Sentinal. And it looks lime their big bad is Galactus. I hope that Jurgens stops mining Marvel for ideas soon. I like the characters too much for this story.

Things I liked: the characters continue to draw me into the story.

Things I didn't like: I've never been interested in the Galactus saga. At least the last time I read it in DC it was a parody.

Teen Titans #1

I was hoping for a bit more of an introduction for these characters, I'm not really familiar with them. I like Red Robin/Tim Drake so I'm willing to give it a chance.

So far we've been introduced to Red Robin - serious and the voice of the series. Wonder Girl - powerful, a thief and really doesn't like being called Wonder Girl. Apparently she got her powers from a dig in Greece. I'd like to see more of her origin.

Kid Flash shows up in homemade costume - nothing like what he's wearing on the cover. He's got red hair so he could be either Bart or Wally. I don't know which one I'd prefer it to be. He seems too young to be Wally, but I've never really liked Bart's character.

Superboy is he big reveal at the end. Maybe if I'd read Superboy #1 I'd have a better idea why he was in the pod.

Batman: The Dark Knight #1

This was my least favourite of the Batman books. The others all had clear directions while this one seems to be all over the place. Bruce Wayne is having trouble because of Batman Inc! Bruce Wayne is flirting! Batman has to stop an Arkham breakout! He has to stop Two-Face who's now become a monster! Nothing really connects.

The whole Batman vigilante thing seems like it should already been dealt with. Mostly because, as much as he pretends he isn't, Bruce is a smart guy and there's no way the legal ramifications of Batman Inc. (as dumb as it is) wouldn't have been worked out before he made the announcement.

Bruce flirting is expected. He had three girls hanging off him before the one he actually started flirting with arrived. But it just felt tossed in there. Hopefully, they won't try to make her a recurring character. Or worse, a love interest because we all know that will end poorly.

And that leaves Arkham. Either there's no connection between the books or Batman has had a very busy week. He already dealt with a prison riot in Batman. Maybe that's how he knew to look for Two-Face. Dick told him that they were planning something. I think Dick would've mentioned the Playboy bunny though.

Nightwing #1

This is the one I was waiting for.  Dick Grayson is my new favourite character of the DC universe and I really wanted to like him in his own series.  I liked him as Batman, I was sad to see Bruce come back , but now I'm curious to see how he'll handle being on his own again.

The art on the inside is much better than that on the cover so that was my first sigh of relief.  The second is that the story was really good too.  Writing a good Dick story is realising that he's not that different without the mask on.  Kyle Higgins did that.  Plus, brought in a whole lot of his past with Haley's circus.

Things I liked: Dick's inner monologue.

Things I didn't like:  Um... Maybe that it's another "Dick Grayson is a killer" story?  Unless it's somehow linked to the one Scott Snyder is doing in Batman.  But then I sort of wonder how much the book can stand on it's own if the two titles are sharing a new villain.

Batman #1

And another Bat title. What can I say? I like Batman.

Batman and Detective are kind of hard to separate. The theme for Batman and Robin is about teamwork, Batman and Detective are both more the solo stories. One would think that Detective is more about the detecting, but Scott Snyder has opened Batman with a mystery. A good one too! Someone is going to kill Bruce Wayne! And try to frame Dick Grayson for it!

For now, I say that Detective is going to tackle more Batman than Bruce Wayne and Batman is going to be the opposite.

Things I liked: always nice to see the whole Batclan together. I like that Bruce's idea of time off was keeping Dick undercover as the Joker in Arkham an extra day.

Things I didn't like: the artist seems to be having trouble with perspective. I like the art in general but he seems to have made Batman shorter, and Dick really short. He looked like a teenager in some panels. I know they're all younger now, but Dick was able to pull it off as Batman recently , he should look bigger than 16.

Red Hood and the Outlaws

I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this one. I remember when Jason Todd died. I read the story where Roy Harper lost his arm. But I really wanted to find out how Dick Grayson's angry, little brother, drug addicted best friend and ex-girlfriend could ever get along. If the rest of the series holds up to the first issue I will not be disappointed.

It seems that the trend in the DC new U is to make the aliens more alien. The preview for Supergirl say so and Starfire's personality here says so as well. She alludes to an idea that the people of Earth don't really like aliens but that she just likes Earth. Jason tells Roy that humans are just sights and smells and that Tamaranians have a short attention span. That lets Roy establish that the Teen Titans still exist, that Dick and Kory's relationship still existed and that she doesn't really care.

Jason lets us know that he was a former sidekick. His history is still intact and the plot for the first arc is established. Hopefully it's not something that has connections to Jason's past because I don't know much of Jason's history since he came back from the dead.

Things I liked: the writing. I actually laughed out loud at some of this issue.

Things I didn't like: Kory's become a slut. I don't know if I like it, but I can get used to it.

Wonder Woman #1

She just went through a re-imagining of her origin (which I didn't like) so I wasn't looking forward to another one. I was wrong. Brian Azzarello's Wonder Woman is not the naive girl that George Perez gave us in the 90's. This Wonder Woman is the warrior woman. The one that's ready to take charge and get out there.

He's keeping the Greek mythology in the series as well. It looks lime it's going to be the first arc. With Hera (I can tell because of the peacock cloak) hunting down a concubines of Zeus. Apollo (a sun of a king) making prophetesses to answer his questions and Hermes running the errands it's making myths modern. Exactly what the new 52 is trying to do!

Things I liked: Diana's attitude, from jumping right in, introducing herself as only Diana and her unconcern of nudity were all really well done.

Things I didn't like: c'mon! He can't kill Hermes in the first issue!

Young Justice #8

The origin of Artemis continues in this one. There were always a lot of questions with Artemis. Like, why did Green Arrow replace Speedy / Red Arrow so quickly? Is she really his niece? Red Arrow certainly didn't trust her and she has some connection to the League of Shadows.

Things I liked: the internal monologue. It gave a real chance for Artemis to shine through. She has a "tough girl" persona that seems like it may be an act. This gave her a chance to show what she's hiding.

Things I didn't like: I can't think of anything. This was a solid issue.

Young Justice #7

This one's kind of interesting.  Artemis hasn't officially joined the team yet and here is an entire issue devoted to her.  It clears up a lot of the mystery surrounding her and it manages to insert her right into the story in what looks to be a believable way.  It's the next issue that will really determine how seamless it will be.

Things I liked:  Artemis' voice.  Most of the story is told through dialogue boxes and not so much dialogue.  It's very internal and fits with how she's been portrayed so far.

Things I didn't like:  I thought that Artemis' mother had more of a hand in raising her.  It looks like she's just gotten out pf prison after 6 years of being away.  In Downtime it looked like they'd had more than a few months together to be used to Mrs. Crock's wheelchair and the absence of Artemis' father.

Young Justice #6

Well, how about that?  I was wrong.

They start with Robin reliving his story.  He doesn't tell it to his team his story, and his story is really the most tragic so far.  Aqualad wanted to be Aqualad, Kid Flash wanted to be Kid Flash, but Robin wanted to be just like the rest of his family.  They've added more Flying Graysons than just two I'm used to, I'm not sure how I feel about that.  I'm adverse to major changes.  Sure, his uncle is paraplegic, but so is Artemis' mom and she's raising her.  Maybe they put it in to have some bonding between Artemis and Robin in the future.

Miss Martian was not ignored!  She wanted to follow her uncle J'ohnn to Earth and competed for the privilege.  They even mentioned the white and red Martians to allude to her comic origins.  I guess she's supposed to be a white Martian.  I suppose she still might be but she went to pains to mention that both of her parents were green (even though she has nothing against the whites and reds).

Thankfully, Superboy's Superman-killing thoughts were kept very brief.  Sure, he only knows what Cadmus pumped into him from the G-Gnomes but I find they're really pushing this angsty, teenage weapon on me.

Things I liked:  Um...  I guess that Superboy's dream was so short.  There was a lot more that I didn't like about this issue.  Oh!  And that Dick spaced out when he was asked about how he became Robin.  That's the type of angst I go for.

Things I didn't like:  Dick has an uncle that I've never heard about.  The character's like 70-some years old and has a great origin story.  No need to add a family member we'll likely never see.

Young Justice #5

It's secret origin time! At least it was worked into the story so that they actually have a reason to tell where they came from.

Aqualad starts. His origin will essentially be told in Downtime, when they get that far, but this is more detailed.

Kid Flash's origin is a little different than the one I'm used to. It's basically the same, he's still Barry's nephew but both he and Barry tried to get superpowers from chemicals and electricity.

Robin's still not allowed to tell who he is and Superboy gets the "to be continued" because he seems to be the character they're pushing as the lead in this ensemble. Poor Miss Martian is probably going to be ignored.

Things I liked: Wally's telling of his origin was funny with his inability to think before talking on full display.

Things I didn't like: looks like a new art team. The panels have good flow but the colours are all too bright. The show is much darker than this.

Batman and Robin #1

When I heard that this title would be Bruce Wayne's Batman paired with Damian Wayne's Robin I wasn't sure how it would work out. The reason the Batman/Robin partnership works so well is because it pairs dark with light. The reason Damian worked so well with Dick was that he was the dark to counteract Batman's new lightness. Damian and Bruce? That's like dark and darker. Reading the two of them together though, it's like different shades of black.

Batman is dark, but apparently he's discovered a sentimental side. He's about stealth, and not knowing where he'll come from or what to expect when he finds you. Damian is the dark of arrogance and not knowing if he plans to let you live.

What comes out the most in this issue is that Bruce does not trust Damian. In return, Damian does not trust that Bruce accepts him. Dick's approach is so different than Bruce's that Damian is being forced to acclimate to a whole new dynamic, but so is Bruce. This could turn into a battle of wills.

Things I liked: Damian's attitude. I was worried that they might have tried to make him more of the comedic sidekick. Something that he's not. They've kept him as they same bizarre brat that I've grown to like.

Things I didn't like: Batman's sentimentality. He's been so immersed in remembering his parents' deaths that I don't know if he can celebrate their lives. Bruce might be able to, but I don't see the same for Batman.

Young Justice #4

And the second half of the story.  So far most of the Young Justice stories have been told in two parts.  It's nice that they actually have the opportunity to really get into the story.

So last issue Aqualad, Robin and Kid Flash had been captured by the League of Shadows and were being taunted.  Sure the heroes were not familiar with the villains, but the villains were not familiar with the sidekicks as they let Robin keep his utility belt.  You never let a bat keep his utility belt.  So of course they escape, and have a big fight where the boys actually learn that they need to work together.  Or at least learn that they need to make a plan.  Yet, when all is said and done, they lose.

They actually lose their first big team mission.  It's not like in most stories where they lose in the first part, learn from their mistakes and then triumph in the second part.  They lose.  They defeat the two assassins that they were tangling with but the target still goes missing (and is presumed dead) and then Hook and Black Spider are freed before the transport even reaches the holding cells.  It's refreshing.

Things I liked:  They lost.  These guys still have a lot to learn.

Things I didn't like:  Same as the last issue, they're still learning to work as a team but the hiccups are always portrayed the same way.  Along with Aqualad's big sigh that he knows this isn't going to work.  A mistake from Aqualad would have been nice.

Young Justice #3

Young Justice continues to fill in the blanks of the television series. This one looks at an early "team building" exercise with just Kid Flash, Robin and Aqualad. They're not a team, which is still picked up in the series. Robin does more of an active role here than he has, aside from one mission where he makes a play for leadership, in the series. It's watching dynamics develop.

The League of Shadows makes its first appearance. I think there's more of an explanation here than there had been on the show. They are more familiar with them in the show than they are here.

Things I liked:  Robin showing initiative.  I'm used to him being the leader.  He's not going to be for this incarnation of the team because he's so young, but seeing that there's flashes of competence is good.

Thinks I didn't like:  Some of it seems rehashed from the pilot.  Robin going off laughing, Kid Flash racing off.  I get what they're trying to show, there's just other ways to do it.  Like the scene where Kid Flash and Robin hit each other because they're used to working with their mentors in a different way.

Young Justice #2

The second part of the Joker story... And it was all a dream. It does let us know why Mount Justice was empty and why Superboy hates monkeys.

Things I liked: Superboy used brains rather than brawn to win the fight.

Things I didn't like: Still not a big fan of Superboy.

Young Justice #1

Another issue where they follow up from the series. They've been introduced to Miss Martian and then she and Superboy go off to find rooms. It reiterates that these two will be the only ones that live at the mountain full-time, something that the show didn't make clear. Once even M'gann is gone something odd happens to Superboy.

It's nice to have something that fills in holes from the episode. It makes that world seem fuller. I don't think you have to read the comic to watch the show, but I do think you need to watch the show to read the comic.

Things I liked: Joker's character design is awesome! I love the look. It makes him look a lot younger, which I'm not so sure about but the rest is great.

Things I didn't like: Superboy's still not a favourite and the whole issue focuses on him. The way it's set up, the whole of the next issue may be as well.

Young Justice #0

Since it's one of the titles to survive the DC New U I thought I might as well include it in my blog. It's not that far in so I'll just reread them and bring it up to date until I get the next issue.

So... #0 was incredibly hard to find. The series hasn't even aired in Canada yet so I only found out the comics existed by reading a comment on YouTube.

Young Justice is set on Earth-16 where superheroes have only been active for about 5 years (what the New U is starting too). The first episode of the series has the first sidekicks form a team: Robin, Aqualad, Speedy and Kid Flash. Except Speedy doesn't like being called a sidekick so he quits before the other three break into Cadmus and find a clone of Superman (looking 16 years old). This issue picks up form the moment that they are found by their mentors and declare themselves a team.

Most of the issue focus on what Superboy and Kid Flash did in the three days that Batman was pondering their fates. Wally has invited Superboy home because there was nowhere else for him to go but he's done it in a big-hearted way. Of course, being superheroes and teenagers they're not going to stay out of trouble and manage to wreak a good portion of Central City's mall just getting Superboy some new clothes.

Things I liked: slipped right into the series. The episodes are all time-stamped so this is an opportunity to fill in gaps that make for an interesting read but not necessarily a good watch.

Things I didn't like: Superboy and Kid Flash are not my favourite pairing. Superboy is just too one dimensional for me to really get behind him. I hope that changes as he's exposed to more normal things.

Batman Detective Comics #1

This is both one of the most exciting and creepiest books I've read in a while.  Tony S. Daniel has got his characters down.  They act and speak like I expect them to.  I can't wait to read more.

Detective seems to be holding true to its name in that Batman actually went and did some detecting.  I may be only mentioned in passing but it is part of his musings as he tracks down the Joker.

And the Joker! The Batman/Joker rivalry is the classic story for Batman.  Daniel certainly builds on what people expect after having seen The Dark Knight.  He's creepy and insane with just the right amount of cunning to make him dangerous.

Things I liked: Detective is about the detectives.  Both Batman and Commissioner Gordon feature in this book.

Things I didn't like: I'm not a big fan of Daniel's art.  I love his story telling, I like how he puts the panels together but the art itself seems rushed.  Ryan Winn's inks on this help a bit, but not my favourite artist.

Batgirl #1

Gail Simone is writing Batgirl! She's writing Barbara Gordon as Batgirl. I'm of two minds on that one. I like Barbara, but she's made such a place for herself as Oracle and this seems like a major rewrite of history to have her walking. This is addressed in the first issue. She's been in a wheelchair for three years and now she's not. I expect exactly how she's gotten the use of her legs back will be examined in later issues.

Things I liked: what she says versus what she's thinking. Simone has Barbara give a great internal monologue.

Things I didn't like: no mention of Dick? Kidding. It was actually the final panel. The policewoman accusing Batgirl of murder because she failed to stop one. That's kind of lame. I liked that Barbara froze when the gun was pointed at her. It felt like a natural reaction. I would think the policewoman's response would be more along the lines of accusing Batgirl being out of her league. Not murder.

Justice League International #1

When I was looking through the titles of the new 52 I was excited to see that Booster Gold would still have a place. I like his character and had been following his regular title. My only question was, "How the heck did Booster get chosen to lead the JLI when Batman was involved?". That got answered pretty quickly in he first issue - Batman isn't an official member. Having read Justice League #1 last week I now that the League has been acting for about 5 years but Batman seems to have really changed how he views other heroes. He actually approves of Booster's appointment.

So... Booster is the leader. They've dialed back his maturity a bit so that he's more the publicity loving celebrity seeker that he was when he first appeared. There's glimmers of a hero here but mostly he seems to be in it for the fame.

Guy Gardner walks out of the first meeting. He still seems to be the hot head I remember. I may have to glance at some of the Green Lantern titles to find out how DC now justifies the number of Lanterns Earth has.

Rocket Red and August General in Iron seem to be there to be the augmentative duo. It's China vs Russia all the time.

The women of the group are much less defined. Godiva is the flirt, Ice is the one that is a bit of a peacemaker and Fire and Vixen and just there. I hope in future issues they all get a fleshing out. The friendship between Fire and Ice was always a favourite of the old JLI and I'd like to see it continue. Plus, this League has most of the female characters in the DCU, I'd hate to see them merely be caricatures.

Things I liked: I like the line-up. I think it's a good collection of heroes with an international bent.

Things I didn't like: I don't think Batman needs to. E part of this team. It feels like he's there just to have an "A lister" on board.

Justice League #1

The flagship of the new 52.  The one that's released first and all by itself.

I haven't finished reading Flashpoint yet (I'm following it on my iPad) so I'm not quite sure how the world shakes out yet but so far it appears there's a little distrust of the superhero community.  The line up is pretty classic: Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, Superman and Aquaman.  Cyborg seems like an odd addition.  I've always associated him more with the Teen Titans.  This one is set 5 years before everything else in the new Universe which is an interesting concept.  It allows the authors some freedom because they don't have to worry what the characters are doing in their own books but I'm not sure it won't mess with continuity.

I was a little wary reading this because I read some online reviews before I got a chance to pick up my copy.  They were less than complimentary.  After reading it I think that some of them were disappointed fanboys who don't like change.

The story is also a classic origin.  It's practically the standard D&D beginning of having all the characters meeting in a bar.  The first issue is mainly Green Lantern and Batman.  They test each other.  Green Lantern clearly has something to prove.  The end of the issue sets up #2 for the introduction of Superman (it's even billed as Superman vs Batman).  I hope there's going to be more innovation than each member of the league getting involved with a fight with another member or members. 

Looks like the main villain of the piece is going to be Darkseid.  Good villain for this power level.  The challenge of the team up book is keeping Batman relevant.  Every other hero has a power but he's all about his mind and body.  A good writer can make Batman fit in.

Looks like it's going to be a new origin for Cyborg too.  I don't think his origin has been told since the 80s so for the least known in the team it makes sense for him to be introduced to new readers.  As I've said, I find him an odd choice for this league.  The core stays at 7 heroes but I feel that they're missing someone - the Hawkman or Martian Manhunter of the group.

Geoff Johns is the author for this one.  I enjoyed his work on Green Lantern and I like the way he's written both Hal Jordan and Batman in this first issue.  The artist is Jim Lee.  I know the name but I can't think of anything I've really seen from him.  So far I'm not liking how he's drawing Wonder Woman (at least on the cover) but Jordan's constructs and some of the facial expressions were amazing.

Things I liked: Batman snatching Green Lantern's ring off his finger.  It was just a small sample of why Batman is cool.

Things I didn't like: the cover.  I would've liked to see something that was more indicative of what was inside.  Or at least something that made physical sense.  Aquaman and Green Lantern should probably have switched places.  Then all the flyers would be together and it wouldn't look like Aquaman was leaping in from above.

Introduction - The New 52

I'm a DC fan.  I've been reading comics since I was a kid.  I've followed artists, I've followed characters and I've fallen away when things were too busy for me to keep up.  I've found my way back, and while I've been enjoying what DC has been putting out the last couple of years (Dick taking over as Batman was a favourite, Wonder Woman's new origin and costume was not) I'm very intrigued by the new 52.  It's not often I get to follow some of my favourite comics from number 1.

I have another book blog that I'd always intended to do reviews of comics on as well but I never did.  So I thought I might as well make another blog and start with the number 1s there too.

I won't be following all the new 52.  I don't have that kind of disposable income, but I will be following some in print, might be following some digitally and will probably pick up all 52 #1 (but most a month later on my iPad).  Then I'll come back here to gather my thoughts.