Red Hood and the Outlaws #7

I don't know how I feel about the new supernatural bent to Jason's training. I like him being a self-made bad ass.

Things I liked: they're really starting to turn into a team. There was genuine concern expressed.

Things I didn't like: the whole Darkness thing. It's just a little over the top for me. Too many immortals.

Nightwing #7

When Nightwing said he'd had a bad day in Batman he wasn't kidding. I sort of wonder if the Flying Grayson Memorial has taken over top spot for greatest circus tragedy. Dick must also be a great liar. He can sell practically any cockamamie story to the police. Or maybe Gotham PD just doesn't care that much. Kind of a disappointment in the last few pages. It's just the same as Batman from a slightly different perspective. He's still a little complacent of his father figure's abuse.

Things I liked: Dick's thought process is something I really like about this series. He's always analyzing the situation and formulating plans.

Things I didn't like: they're pulling apart Dick's happy childhood in this series. He wasn't performing during the show that killed his parents. His happy grandfather ringmaster was actually kidnapping boys, faking their deaths and training them to be assassins. Pop Haley seemed like such a nice man. I don't know how Haley's survived if this was a regular occurance tough.

Batman #7

Epic Batman and Nightwing fight. Though, it does worry me that even when Dick is back handed across the face hard enough to knock out a tooth there's not even a cursory, "What'd you do that for?". It's like he expects it from Bruce. Classic sign of abuse.

Things I liked: the way Nightwing is drawn and written in this series (aside from what I noted above). He acts the way I would expect him to act.

Things I didn't like: while the fight was epic, it was a bit wordy and the words were a little groan worthy. Specifically the explanation for seeming immortality. Introducing heavy metals into the blood stream does not increase conductivity of human tissue. No matter how long the exposure. It's more likely to cause illnesses. This from the title that introduced the Mad Hatter to the DCU. The character based on the historical fact that the mercury used by early hatters could lead to insanity.

Justice League #7

Same writer, different artist.  I like Geoff Johns' style and I was really enjoying Jim Lee's work.  I think I can get used to the new guy.  It's a bit grittier than Lee but that looks to be the direction of the story.  Destruction of the Justice League is a darker move than I was expecting for the second arc.  They did bring the story up to current with the rest of the DCU, which is nice.  I think it'll be tough with all the various titles but that's always the challenge with this team.

There's a back up feature in this one to reintroduce Captain Marvel into the new 52.  While I like the idea that the wizard Shazam has been mystically abducting people looking for just the right host.  I don't like that the new Billy Batson is such a jerk, even for a 10 year old.  I know Shazam is not the greatest judge of character, seeing how he chose Black Adam, but you think he'd learn something after 1000 years.

Things I liked: the interaction between Hal Jordan and Batman.  Hal does get a bit of favouritism from Johns' but he clearly loves writing this character.  The relationship between Diana and Steve Trevor is also interesting.  I wonder if it'll be touched on in her monthly series.

Things I didn't like:  Cyborg seems a little too connected.  He gave Batman way more information that I thought he'd be able to access just standing there.  Some of it was more personal than what would be found in police records and public reports.

Another thing I liked that I was introduced to in this issue was the family update.  I had noticed that the titles are split into various groups, now there's a quick write up at the end of the book to let me know what's going on in the titles I don't necessarily want to follow.  I think it's a great idea to make the DCU feel more consistent.

Supergirl #6

So Supergirl has comes to terms with being a survivor of Krypton. I'd guess that she's going to make her base in New York once she defeats these Worldkillers. It's a bit tiresome that the ante keeps getting raised on her.

Things I liked: the look into Kara's life on Krypton.

Things I didn't like: I'm not sure how she escaped. She was out of range of a yellow sun and she had expended all of her energy. Touching scene of her parents but she went from totally defeated to flying through space a little quickly for me.

Green Lantern Corps #6

And Guy brings in the cavalry. This one was brutal. A lot more death than I expect from a Green Lantern comic. From John Stewart just killing his fellow Lantern to prevent him from revealing secrets to the giant pile of bodies the Guardians set the Keepers to burying.

Things I liked: Guy really goes all out on this one. He actually comes up with a good plan.

Things I didn't like: I really don't think it's possible to get enough traction while hanging upside down to break a man's neck. He's killed instantly and it didn't seem right.

Catwoman #6

Selena is a damaged person. Her self-worth is tied up in things that are so far beyond her control. She thinks that Batman is only with her because she's a good lay. She thinks she has no one that she can count on and she thinks that she doesn't deserve to live. I hope she's able to work through it with her friend.

Things I liked: Catwoman's false bravado is very convincing. She's always looking for that angle.

Things I didn't like: that she is so broken. I suppose it makes sense for a romantic interest for Batman, but she normally seems so put together.

Superboy #6

I liked it better when Superboy was given his name with a sense of acceptance. Kara giving him his name because he's an abomination in the house of El is less satisfying. I am curious if he's expected to become a killing machine simply because he's a clone or it's because he's a Kryptonian clone.

Things I liked: Superboy feels a part of the world. Things in Teen Titans and Supergirl happen here. I expect Superman to show up soon.

Things I didn't like: what's up with Kara's uniform? Her suit doesn't look to be fitting very well or very comfortably.

Resurrection Man #6

I'm a little confused. I thought that after the angel killed him he went to hell, which was represented by Arkham Asylum. It seems that he's actually been sent to Arkham Asylum. And that he doesn't exist.

Things I liked: the description of him by the Arkham staff. That's exactly how I'd expect them to treat him.

Things I didn't like: he's aimless again. At least before he was on the run from actual entities. Now he seems to be just on the run.

Legion Lost #6

It's nice to see the Martian Manhunter show up and not only be recognized but also let the Legionaires know that their time travel trip was one way only. He didn't have much to do, other than let them know that the government agency they were being held by actually holds a lot of dead aliens.

Things I liked: hopefully this is more of a plot point than the search for Alastor and his disease.

Things I didn't like: the escape of Alastor was a little too easy. I would like to think that Tellus has been compromised but I suspect shoddy storytelling.

Grifter #6

Seems to be an art upgrade this issue. I don't notice a change in the team, this just seems to be a higher standard.

Cole now has a new mission and it's moved beyond him running from the aliens and everyone being surprised at the other's existence.

Things I liked: is it wrong to like that his girlfriend got snatched and will likely not return? 'Cause I do.

Things I didn't like: he's gotten rid of one female hanger on and has picked up another. One that's ethnic because she sprinkles Spanish in, even when she's totally just talking to herself.

Green Lantern #6

Poor Hal Jordan, even when he tries he can't stay away from the Green Lanterns. And poor Sinestro can't stay away from Hal. It's verging on Brokeback Mountain.

Things I liked: there's always at least one moment where I laugh out loud. Here Sinestro throws a back handed compliment Hal's way by comparing him to a suicidal nemesis.

Things I didn't like: Sinestro's vision of the future requires that I know a bit more Green Lantern lore than I actually do.

Demon Knights #6

I love reading this series so much. It's always a fun read.

Things I liked: the characterizations are interesting. Each character has a unique view of the situation.

Things I didn't like: Vandal Savage was fun as a hero. It's hard to see him as a villain.

Batwoman #6

I don't know, Batwoman seemed almost manic this issue. It also felt like a really quick read. Hopefully, it's the beginning of something big. A lot of pieces were put into place.

Things I liked: a very touching scene between Colonel Kane and his niece. It made him much more human than Kate's description.

Things I didn't like: Kate's new armour. Not only does it make her bullet proof, against Bat philosophy, but her belly button shouldn't be visible.

Batman and Robin #7

I was really concerned that Batman was going to go against one of his cardinal rules.  I thought he was going to kill Nobody to stop him from going after Damian, or the rest of his family.  He didn't, he left that to Damian.  The coming issues should be interesting if they choose to deal with how this killing affects the two of them.

Things I liked: another effective use of splash pages in a bat family title.  Used sparingly here, like with Damian's death blow and then apology the next page, they can really change the pace of the story.  It's like a heavy pause in the action.

Things I didn't like: Batman did threaten to kill Nobody.  I hope he remembers that when dealing with Damian.

Batgirl #7

Some absolutely stunning art in this one. Great use of splash pages.

Things I liked: Gail Simone does a good job remembering the history Barbara has as both Batgirl and Oracle.

Things I didn't like: totally have to agree with Black Canary - too much whining about not being in a wheelchair anymore.

Swamp Thing #6

Argh! Must exercise self-control and not purchase #7 right now. I want to see where this is going and I don't want to wait.

Things I liked: the emotion in this issue was really well done. Everything was hitting just the right notes.

Things I didn't like: Abby's little brother is very creepy. I don't mind that so much, but I didn't like him licking her.

Stormwatch #6

I'm glad I gave this series a chance.  The first arc I was not that impressed by, but this one I already feel excitement about.  It's a bit more of the behind the scenes I was expecting when I heard what they do.  The new attitude of their base I think has potential as well.

Things I liked: the Midnighter is becoming a favourite.  I like this he really doesn't care what others think of him and that he is on top of things.

Things I didn't like: the new alien hatred in the DC Universe.  They're blanketing all things alien as bad.  After 5 years of Superman I didn't think they'd do that.

Hawk and Dove #6

How utterly arrogant! Rob Liefeld didn't even take the time to learn how to draw Robin so he looked like Damian and not Tim. Such a disappointment with the end of the series coming. I hope these two get better representation later in the new 52.

Things I liked: Hawk wasn't as single minded and stupid this issue. He's learning.

Things I didn't like: the whole issue was a wash for me. Art-terrible. Story contrived and foolish. I feel like Rob Liefeld corrupts everything he touches.

Animal Man #6

Unfortunately a bit of a filler issue until they can catch up to Swamp Thing. On the bright side it is a reminder that Buddy Baker was an actor/stuntman before he was Animal Man.

Things I liked: I get the feeling that "Tights" is sort of how Cliff sees his dad. I don't think this cross country trip is the first time he's watched it.

Things I didn't like: that it had to be a filler. I want more story.

Justice League International #7

Feels kind of early to revamp the whole membership of the League but that's what seems to be happening here.  Rocket Red is dead, which is too bad.  Vixen may never walk again; not a big loss there, I wasn't that fond of her character.  Fire's in a coma and Ice has multiple fractures.  They could both recover which is good.  Godiva's not hurt at all, but is questioning her involvement and Guy was never really part of it.  The only constant seems to be Booster.

Things I liked: focusing on Booster as the voice of the League.  It lets his more mature side shine through.

Things I didn't like: Batwing.  I don't like this character and I don't really want him in the League.  If he is joining, hopefully he'll take Batman's place.

Detective Comics #7

Twins separated at birth, who would have suspected?  Actually, I found that this was a stupidly elaborate plan for the Penguin to get his hands on money.  I'm sure there were easier ways to do it.

Things I liked: it's a different look for the Penguin.  He comes across a bit better than I'm used to.

Things I didn't like: convoluted plots are hard to follow a with a month in between.  It was overly complex.

Justice League #6

I'm still not sure about Cyborg on the team.  He seems out of place to me.  I conceded that the story was constructed so that he'd have to be there for them to actually win, but the League has defeated Darkseid plenty of times without the ability to speak the "ping" language of the mother box.

Things I liked: Flash's suggestion of the Super Seven as their team name.  He's in the spirit.  I also enjoyed Hal's snarking of the president's speech.  With Batman actually seeing the merits someone has to be the pessimist.

Things I didn't like: Batman showing up for the press conference.  Way to maintain the urban legend status, dude.

Superman #5

There's something about Superman that seems to make the extremes plausible. He's either perfectly good, or perfectly evil. I think it may be because he is so powerful but people love to write him as the dictator.

Things I liked: the new, up dated Jimmy Olsen. He's just the right combo to make him young, but not childish.

Things I didn't like: Superman must have been replaced, but I'm not sure if the incredibly stilted dialogue reflects that or if it's poor writing.

Savage Hawkman #5

It's almost a shame. This really isn't the Hawkman I know but Tony S. Daniel is such a compelling story teller that I can't put it down. Though I wonder if it's intentional that the "Renfield" here is named Digby. We haven't seen either stretchers or Shriners in the DC Universe yet. Well, maybe in Mr. Terrific but I'm not sure.

Things I liked: nice intro to a new Gentleman Ghost. Very creepy.

Things I didn't like: I miss Shiera. I don't like his new supporting cast very much.

Justice League Dark #5

I want to like this title, I really do.  But, as much as I like the characters, I don't think it's working here.  For one thing the story doesn't seem to take into account what's happening in the rest of the DC Universe.  Resurrection Man and Animal were in no way able to participate in the world wide events that were taking place in Justice League Dark.  The world cataclysm was only taking place in this title and that doesn't work for me.

Things I liked: John Constantine shone in this issue.  It was a fun read.

Things I didn't like: inconsistency.  I just can't get past the fact that they're not connected.  Justice League gets away with it by virtue of setting itself in the past.  Teen Titans acknowledges what's happening in other titles.  Stormwatch says that they prevent news from leaking to more conventional sources.  All the team titles work to make themselves part of the overall continuity except Justice League Dark.

Green Lantern New Guardians #5

I still dont know where this story is going. Kyle is what holds it together for me. I barely know what each corps is supposed to represent.

Things I liked: Kyle's reference to the "Skittle brigade". It's exactly howi feel about the multi-coloured lanterns.

Things I didn't like: there's a little too much certainty that the reader knows all the players. I'd like a little more exposition.

Demon Knights #5

Yay! The Amazon isn't dead and there's still some hope of learning more of here story.

Boo! I was getting used to the idea of Vandal Savage as a good guy. I'll miss his leadership. Unless this is a double-double cross.

Things I liked: the Horsewoman seems to have an interesting story. I like what's been teased out so far.

Things I didn't like: I thought tht the approaches by Mordru and the sorceress were a little weak. It was convenient story telling to advance the plot but didn't feel right.

Fury of Firestorm #5

Im totally with Jason on this one. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Ronnie got a nice portrayal out of this one, he seems very mature in tht he knows his strengths and can recognize when someone has more talent than him. I thought it was great hat he left the decision up to Jason even though it's been quite clear that Jason does not think very much of him. There's a real friendship developing here.

Things I liked: tha the ante has really been upped here. Something goes wrong and there really could an explosion that kills people.

Things I didn't like: I thought it got poured on a little thick for the steps the organization was willing to go to to get the Firestorms. And I still don't trust them.

The Flash #5

The visuals in this book are amazing.  I love just looking at how the speed is portrayed.  The final story for this arc, on the other hand, let me down.  It started strongly by devolved into pretty standard melodrama.  The escape from the maximum security prison was glossed over, I thought that it had potential to be the next arc in the series.  The resolution of Barry's friend's problem was quick.  And I'm still not quite sure why he was so upset that his clones were no longer trying to kill him.  He went from hating Mob Rule to feeling like they were his children.  Finally, the set up for the next arc is the standard - stop using your powers or you could destroy the Earth.

Things I liked: the art continues to impress.  I keep going with this series for that alone.

Things I didn't like: Mob Rule just dropping dead from an EMP pulse.  I'm not sure of the physics behind that but it didn't seem plausible.

Aquaman #5

Still really enjoying this take on Aquaman. Stranding Aquaman in the desert has the potential to be cliche, but a johns pulls it off here. Aquaman is so lost and vulnerable that it adds dimension to his character. He doesn't normally have that.

Things I liked: that he still acknowledged the potential for cliche by having a late night talk show host make fun of the Navy saving Aquaman from the desert.

Things I didn't like: Mera's disappearing shirt. The artist coulnt seem to decide if Mera slept naked or in a bikini.