All-Star Western #5

Jonah Hex makes this series.  Although Arkham's running commentary about why he shouldn't be following Jonah is very funny.  Jonah puts him in his place with just a few words and Arkham knows that he's only still alive because Jonah hasn't let him die.  Jonah also conveys a sort of world weariness that speaks of someone who believes he was cursed.

Things I liked: the dialogue is very crisp in this one.  A pleasure to read.

Things I didn't like: the backup feature.  It's not that it's bad.  It's just not as good as the main story and I have very little interest in it.

Teen Titans #6

Seems an awful lot of work to get Kid Flash a new costume.  The issue was all over the place and touched off a few too many plot threads.  Kid Flash needs to be saved.  He and Solstice have a connection.  New villain for the team.  Bunker and Skitter have a connection.  Wonder Girl wants to leave.  Kid Flash is from the future and wanted by the authorities.  And that's not even counting Red Robin and Static.

Things I liked: that they confirmed Kid Flash's future origin.

Things I didn't like: the way this issue seemed thrown together.  There was a bit too much filler and, as I've already said, too many plots started.

Batman: the Dark Knight #6

I read the original Knightsfall series when it first came out. The introduction of Bane and the subsequent introduction of Azrael as Batman was a big event. What most people seem to ignore when using Bane since is that he was the man with the plan. He wasn't just a steroid junkie who got lucky and took down Batman. He worked at it. David Finch has tried to resurrect that story but, in my opinion, he's failed.

He had some of the elements in place. Getting Batman running around after Arkham inmates was a Bane move, but he forgot to let the audience in on the move. If we knew that Bane was planning to break Batman again then there might have been more investment in the story. It wasn't there.

Things I liked: Superman's and Flash's cameos were well done. They felt like they were a part of the story rather than a means of getting guest stars like some of the previous issues.

Things I didn't like: I don't get what Bane is trying to do here. He's already broken Batman once, and the man came back. He doesn't seem the type to do the same thing twice.

Supergirl #5

I liked the flight to Argo City.  I liked the disbelief Kara has about the fate of her planet and her new found abilities.  I wasn't crazy about the villain that was introduced.  I know they're trying something new but I don't know if this is the right direction.  What's Kara's motivation to stop Reign from destroying Earth?  All Earth has done has pretty much torture her.  If I were her I wouldn't be saving Earth either.

Things I liked: her inner monologue is great.  I like seeing what's she's feeling.

Things I didn't like: the blue skinned alien that's actually a weapon, with the implication that it was her father that created it.

Green Lantern Corps #5

Seems like someone has been watching too many Die Hard movies, or the equivalent where a group of badasses needs to storm a superior force.  Guy is such a dick that I almost enjoy him.  Much less enjoyable is the dickishness of the Guardians.

Things I like: I like the idea that there are Green Lanterns that the rest of the Corps look up as being the biggest, baddest mothers of their group.

Things I didn't like: the Guardians are not coming up in the best light in the things I've read recently.  From essentially lobotomising one of their own in Green Lantern New Guardians to dooming an entire planet in this one they don't see like the beings I want looking over the universe.

DC Universe Presents #5

An the first arc is done here too.  The whole thing struck as a problem that was created specifically for this team to solve.  Deadman has never bemoaned any kind of connection to the people that he possess.  It's been more of a Quantum Leap thing.  He goes in, makes things better and then leaves.  To suggest that there was some kind of question that a god was using him to answer seemed to come out of nowhere.

Things I liked: Deadman's question.  It is something that I don't think a god would consider.  It was insightful and an interesting dilemma he presented.

Things I didn't like: when he asked her to show him her real form I was hoping it would be significantly different than how she presented herself.  The gods in Wonder Woman are a good example.  Even then, they're not in their true forms, just very different ideas of what they should look like.

Catwoman #5

I've come to expect more out of Catwoman.  One of the things that makes her a successful thief is the same thing that would make her a successful gambler - she knows when to hold them and she knows when to fold them.  Making a mistake like she did this issue is unexpected.  Of course, she admitted as much herself.

Things I liked: dirty Gotham cops.  It never gets old.

Things I didn't like: I sense the plot coming - cop that's obsessed with catching her will work with her to bring down the dirty cops who brought her in.  I don't like when the plot is that obvious.

Batman #6

So, Batman's really taking it in the face in this story. Something seems off about it. I'm hoping there was some hallucination involved.

Things I liked: there's a lot of story here that's really good. I want to know more about the Court of Owls.

Things I didn't like: the art was really freaky this issue. I can only guess that they were trying to show Batman's view due to lack of food and water. At least I hope so.

Nightwing #6

I feel so sorry for Dick. He already has a persecution complex and this is just going to feed that. His girl, and an old friend he thought was dead, have just murdered a boatload of people who only wanted to attend a memorial for Dick's parents.

Things I liked: the writing is so crisp in this series. Nightwing does talk a lot, but it doesn't slow anything down.

Things I didn't like: he was looking kind of lumpy in the art this issue. Not attractive. I also would have liked to see him a bit more involved with the circus before it exploded. I like Dick as an entertainer. I don't think he would sit on the sidelines if he could help it.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #6

Little early for a flashback issue but it does lend some insight into the characters. Answers the questions of Starfire's ever thinking of Nightwing, whether Jason was a Robin and if Roy and Dick worked with Starfire's before.

Things I liked: Kori's not an airhead. She just lives in the moment. Seeing Jason does bring back memories for her since Jason looks so much like Dick. I want to see Nightwing in this series just to see how he reacts to these people he knows.

Things I didn't like: why does Kori's spaceship have all of Dick's old clothes?

Wonder Woman #6

I don't know if she realises quite what she's gotten herself into.  I'd think that she, of all people, would know how unwise it is to make deals with the Greek gods.

Things I liked: I continue to enjoy how the gods are imagined.  It's very unique.

Things I didn't like: the colouring was off this issue.  It was much brighter than it has been and it gave the whole thing a very cartoonish look.  I hope the more draub colours return in the next issue.  It works better with the art style.

Young Justice #13

I can't help but feel like this issue was to show the thoughts behind Aqualad's sudden need to return to Atlantis. It does make that episode make more sense.

Things I liked: seeing Artemis go undercover withhold meet Icicle Jr.

Things I didn't like: Aqualad is not my favourite. He's just a little boring.

Superboy #5

Superboy is not falling for their lies. I like that. I'm still not sure of his motivations but I want to see where this is going. The "cull" has me worried though.

Things I liked: Superboy choosing not to kill anyone.

Things I didn't like: that it was a choice for him.

Resurrection Man #5

Oooo... So Mitch was was a bad, bad man, huh?  Good thing he remembers nothing.  Though I 'm looking forward to find out how he managed to get to Arkham or if it's just a construct of his mind for his soul on the way to hell.

Things I liked: how upset Suriel was that she may have accidentally killed Mitch.

Things I didn't like: the art seems rushed. Sometimes it's hard to tell who's who.

Legion Lost #5

Never been a big fan of Tellus.  This one was hard to get through because it was all in his thoughts and mostly about Dawnstar, quickly becoming my two least favourite members of the team.  With a new creative team coming in I don't like the look of it as much either.  If they manage to keep Timber Wolf's personality intact I'll stick around, right now, it's in doubt.

Things I liked: um... the Alastar story line is coming to a close?  There weren't many positives this issue.

Things I didn't like: Gates is back too.  Killing two characters in the first issue was something I thought was bold and would give the sense of danger to these lost Legionnaires.  Now, both Yera and Gates have popped back up (from nowhere in Gates' case, at least Yera was forecast a little) and I wonder what the point of "killing" them in the first issue was all about.  It was pretty clear that they were dead - Tellus confirmed he couldn't sense them anywhere and Timber Wolf smelled their DNA in the ether.  So why were these two wrong?

Grifter #5

I'm a sucker for a good alien invasion story.  That's probably why I keep reading this one.  Plus, I like Cole Cash.  He seems to have slipped into the role of costumed vigilante much easier than I would have expected and I'd like to see a bit more of moments where he questions exactly what he's gotten himself into.

Things I liked: the command structure of the Daemonites.  It's got a corporate cult feel to it.

Things I didn't like: how quickly Cash lets people into his confidence.  He's a grifter - I would think he's naturally suspicious of others.

Green Lantern #5

If I can say one thing about Sinestro, it's that he's a dick.  He's so much of a dick that his planet would rather use the power he gave them to turn on him than to save the planet.  And, while he's looking down the barrel of hundreds of Green Lantern rings, he can use his time to put in an not so subtle dig at Hal Jordan.  Top that off with the classic, "I said you could keep the ring, I didn't say anything about the battery" he's perfected dickishness.

Things I liked: that being said... I did like the dig at Jordan.

Things I didn't like: when does Hal get his ring back?  I don't want this title to be the stories of Sinestro.  He's still a villain as far as I'm concerned.

Batwoman #5

The art of this book is so beautiful. I'm glad I get this one digitally becaue it really lets the colour shine through. Batwoman is much more about the supernatural than I expected. I think she'll be happier with the DEO than she would be with Batman Inc.

Things I liked: the confrontation with her sister's spirit. It gave resolution to something I'd been wondering about.

Things I didn't like: I don't like Bones. I agree with Batman, it won't go well for her.

Batman and Robin #6

Payoff!  Damian is not the demon child (even if the cover proclaims it).  He knew what was going on.  He wasn't purposefully going against everything his father was trying to teach him.

Things I liked: Damian revealing that he knew the gun wasn't loaded.  A weight lifted as I realised that he wasn't as far gone to the dark side as I was fearing.

Things I didn't like: once again, this is a pet peeve of mine, the cover does not reflect the story.  There is no battle between Batman and Robin.  Not in the skies of Gotham City.  Batman is tracking down his son to save him, both literally and figuratively.

Batgirl #6

I love the cover to this issue.  It says so much about the relationship between Batgirl and Batman.  He surrounds her, but she's not in his shadow at all.  He envelops her but she's still completely visible.  It even reflected the story that was on the inside of the book.

Things I liked: all the conversations between Batgirl and Bruce/Batman.  They were all great fun to read.

Things I didn't like: Barbara's mother coming back into the picture.  I'm just not that interested in her.  I hope there's payoff for this subplot.

Stormwatch #5

Finally! A breakdown of everybody and their powers. I finally feel like I know what's going on. And then they go and change everything.

Things I liked: a good recap of where things stand. I think there's more to Harry than there seems. Like why couldn't the Shadow Cabinet pierce his lies?

Things I didn't like: pretty harsh. Fail in the field and then they kill you... So you can join them. Which didn't really make sense.

Swamp Thing #5

This book is so the opposite of a superhero book. There's still the action and the fight between good and evil but this book strives to bring emotion into the equation.

Things I liked: Abby and Alec kissing. It felt like it was supposed to be.

Things I didn't like: William appearing out of nowhere. This is the first issue tha felt rushed.

Hawk and Dove #5

Weird week for me, read three different break ups for Dove and Deadman.  The one from Justice League Dark seemed the most like Deadman, the one from Brightest Day is the one that started it all.

As for this issue, it's nice to see it all tied up.  I don't think the author put much effort into tying it up (seeing as the whole thing is going to be cancelled in a couple of issues) but they came to the end of the Condor story without telling us anything more about the Council of War.

Things I liked: the face to face conversation of Hank and Dawn.  It's nice to see him with a bit of introspection now and then.  He's usually so one dimensional.

Things I didn't like: Scott Liefeld has no idea how to draw women who wear bras.  Dawn needs a bra the way Scott Liefeld draws her.

Animal Man #5

I'm really enjoying this series.  It has just enough of the creepy to draw me in and hold me tight.

Things I liked: the story is so engaging.  I really want to find out what's going on.  I can't wait until Buddy brings the Swamp Thing into this too.

Things I didn't like: Maxine is too mature for a 4 year old.  She just catches on to things much faster than I would expect.  And, she's more aware of her own actions than any four year old I've met.

Justice League International #6

This ties up the first arc and sets up the second, which seems to be more about the move against the JLI.  One thing I was pleased to see was Batman bowing out.  I don't think he needs to be in another title and he's not a team player anyway so he really didn't fit.

The interpersonal relationships between the characters is really why I'm interested in following this title.  August General in Iron and Godiva had a great conversation.  As did Guy and Ice.  I want to see where these go.

Things I liked: Batman's words to Booster.  He's passing down some good advice based on his experiences, and really just walking away.

Things I didn't like: I've been harping on covers lately but this one bugged me too.  Ice can't fly and Batman is not a member of the team.

Detective Comics #6

Most of this one was filled with detecting.  Which I like (although the ad for "Detective mode Batman from Arkham City" amuses me).  And, surprise, Batman's newest flame is caught in the middle.

Things I liked: as I said, Daniel is really pushing the detective nature of Batman.  It does slow the action down a little but it's nice to see.  He just has to be careful it doesn't turn into a "cop procedural drama".

Things I didn't like: once again, bait and switch with the Penguin.  He was at least in this issue but the story has nothing to do with a showdown between the Batman and the Penguin.

Superman #4

I think Superman is being punked.  The last time he got hurt he flew off to his Fortress of Solitude and the computer is putting him in a simulation while it treats his injuries.  It makes as much sense as what's actually going on in the series.

Things I liked: Lois putting the pieces together about Superman's identity.  About time.

Things I didn't like: Clark's slacker wardrobe.  It just doesn't seem like him.

Savage Hawkman #4

Hey!  It looks like Hawkman may be an alien after all.  It's sort of interesting that Daniel is trying to tie all the tortured origins of Hawkman into his title.  I hope it comes together.  I wasn't really satisfied with his treatment in Darkest Night / Brightest Day but I don't know if he can really pull off "reincarnated Egyptian alien".

Things I liked: it's a really good story.  I want to see where it's going.

Things I didn't like: it still doesn't feel like Hawkman.  I like Tony S. Daniel though so I'm willing to see where it goes.

Justice League Dark #4

Justice League Dark seems to be building up to something, I'm juts not sure what.  I wish I had a better handle on some of these characters because I think it could be really interesting.

Things I liked: the "dark" in the title is really coming through.  There are some really disturbing images going around.

Things I didn't like: it doesn't seem to connect to anything.  The characters don't even seem to interact much let alone other places in the DC Universe noticing the craziness.

Green Lanterns New Guardians #4

This one is another surprise.  I enter each issue thinking that I'm really not that interested and then by the end I can't wait for the next installment.

Things I liked: that Ganthet admitted that the multi-coloured corps are an abomination.

Things I didn't like: not a fan of Larfreez, or Bleez, they can both leave and I'd be happy.  The other Lanterns I'm warming up to though.

Fury of Firestorm #4

I like the characters and I want to see where this is going but I'm not sure I actually like the story.  Having two Firestorms with no one merged is not what I think of when I think of Firestorm.

Things I liked: don't trust her Ronnie!  Don't believe her lies.

Things I didn't like: the fake eyelashes drawn on Ronnie's cheeks.  They're really distracting.

The Flash #4

Mob Rule has a very unique origin.  Sprung from the severed limbs of Barry's friend.  That's a little more gruesome than I was expecting from the Flash.  I don't think I've seem something like that before.  Aside from maybe Greek myths.

Things I liked: again, panels were very imaginative.  How the story is presented is telling the story as well.

Things I didn't like: Barry thinks a lot.  In some ways it slows things down, which doesn't work with a character that's all about speed.  He spends a lot of time explaining what he's doing rather than just doing it.  Which is why he explains they managed to shoot him in the head last issue.

Aquaman #4

And Aquaman neatly ties up the ends on his first adventure where locals were being kidnapped by deep sea creatures for food.  I was unsatisfied with the end.  It felt like it wasn't so much a conclusion as it was just running out of steam.  And now Aquaman and Mera have a dog.  That can't swim.

Things I liked: the police officer who doesn't know when to let it lie.  Telling Aquaman that he of all people ought to know when he's being told a joke is hitting a little low.  I'm surprised Arthur didn't clock him.

Things I didn't like: normally I really love the art for this book, however, this wasn't working for me.  The alien spacecraft that looked like a cliff wall was one thing but the king and queen that looked like just one creature was another.  Unless Mera was speaking figuratively "of king and queen" but referring to a king or queen.  Very subtle language that.

All-Star Western #4

This one was so cinematic.  I could hear the characters speaking and I could see the action.  It's one of my favourites for the month.

Things I liked: the way the whole thing was presented.  If only the Jonah Hex movie had looked like this I might have actually gone to see it.

Things I didn't like: the back up feature.  It's not that it's a bad story, it's just not as good as the main one and I have to pay extra for something I didn't really want.

Teen Titans #5

I thought for sure that they would have dragged Superboy over to their side by now. I'm surprised that they're letting this run out as slowly as they are. It's refreshing, along with Justice League and Justice League Dark, the teams make sense in how they're growing.

Things I liked: Red Robin continues to impress and I want to find out ,ore about Soltice.

Things I didn't like: Barrier. Dumb name, dumb power and over the top.

Justice League #5

Wow, Batman let Hal in on his secret identity. Hal's going to be moressed at how rich the man is. Once he figures out who he is. They're really starting to come together as a team. I like the slow build, and using Darkseid.

Things I liked: Batman's speech about baseball and football.

Things I didn't like: I think he let Hal know too soon. I'm used to the paranoia.

Batman: the Dark Knight #5

The art in this one is really crisp.  I didn't check but it looked different from the last couple of issues.  The Scarecrow actually looked really menacing.  Although he didn't have a good handle on how to draw Superman.

Things I liked: Scarecrow psychoanalyzing Batman during their fight.

Things I didn't like: the Superman / Batman fight.  Even with the serum Batman cannot stand up to Superman, and he certainly wouldn't draw blood.  As much as I like seeing Superman punched in the face, I didn't like this.