Savage Hawkman #8

You know, he is a lot meaner than I remember him being. I remember stoic, even a little stiff, but this Hawkman is willing to bash skulls.

Things I liked: his inner monologue. Tony Daniel is really good at getting into his characters' heads.

Things I didn't like: kind of a concourses plot. This girl that's been trying to kill him hasn't really been trying to kill him. Oh, wait, yes she is.

Green Lantern New Guardians #8

A place holder issue. They're just looking for a way to get to the next part of the story. I understand the need but I'm always disappointed when they happen.

Things I liked: if I were Kyle, I'd be concerned if Bleez wanted to be my personal escort.

Things I didn't like: Arkillo on Korugar. The yellow lanterns are not my favourite, I'd like to see them disappear.

Fury of Firestorm #8

I feel like I'm missing something here.  Ronnie's story seems to be exactly where I left it - being tortured by another Firestorm protocol.  But Jason's is very far afield.  What's he doing in Paris?

Things I liked: I wish a bit more time was spent on Ronnie this issue.  I think he's reaching a very interesting point that will turn him into a much different person.

Things I didn't like: a few too many Firestorms around.  And it seems like Firehawk and Hurricane are actual government licensed weapons, which is what I thought made Jason and Ronnie unique.  They got all the powers without the decline that seems present in the copies.  That they had a more pure matrix.

The Flash #8

I don't think I like the Speed Force as an actual place.  It's never really made that much sense to me and now it makes even less.  I like the premise for this story arc, just not the setting.

Things I liked: I don't think they've really explored the consequences of Flash's speed before.  There as an arc during the 1990s with Wally as the Flash that did the physical effects, but not something on this scale.

Things I didn't like: Turbine's echo.  I don't know if it's because he's crazy or slightly out of time, but it's annoying.

Aquaman #8

Reading Aquaman should not be this much fun!  It's Aquaman!  I'll admit, I've always been a bit of an Aquamn fan, I've always liked his look, but there's never been much there to be interesting.  This guy is difinitely interesting.  I'm looking forward to finding about more about his past.  I don't think much has been done with thise era of Aquaman, aside from maybe a mini-series in the 80s that put him in an Atlantian prison.

Things I liked: the pacing.  There's a page that's just a throw away joke, but by putting an extra panel in of Mera just looking at him it added a layer of timing that makes it work.

Things I didn't like: Mera has jumped on the jealousy ship hard.

All-Star Western #8

ZC is hella crazy. I like it. This is a great story. It really illustrates the pit bull nature of Jonah Hex. Even if it sounds crazy, he'll do it to get his man.

Things I liked: Dr. Arkham's psychoanalysis of his fellow inmate was hilarious. He's so out of his depth following Jonah around.

Things I didn't like: Arkham in the opium den was a little overdone. I get why he was there, I just thought it went a teeny bit too far.

Also really enjoy the Nighthawk and Cinnamon backup. They're a great team.

Teen Titans #9

Why do I have the horrible feeling that Harvest is Red Robin from the future?  It's not just the wings, or that Tim is the most likely Robin to actually become a villain (Jason doesn't count, he's not a villain, just very, very violent).  It's the elaborate plan and the too great knowledge of what will happen to them in the future.  It's the targeting of teen metas and the comment that the two of them would make a wonderful team.  When it happens you can tell people I predicted it.

Things I liked: the Superboy/Cassie team is fun to watch.  They're leaning a little heavily on the flirt but just watching the two of them kick ass is neat.

Things I didn't like: unlike "The Night of the Owls", "The Culling" is not self-contained in each title.  I feel that I've missed something by not having the latest Superboy or Legion Lost or especially The Ravagers.  It'll make more sense when I catch up I guess.

Batman: the Dark Knight

I keep expecting this series to be better than it actually is. As a crossover with "Night of the Owls" it's interesting. The Talon is the main character of the story and I now feel like I have a better idea of what motivates them. I like how Haley's Circus and Dick Grayson are the central figures for so many of these stories.

Things I liked: I actually almost felt some sympathy for this Talon. He reminded me a bit of Jason; not as good as Dick and trying to hide that fear.

Things I didn't like: the cover has zero relation to the story. I thought Red Robin would be getting his chance to take down a Talon. Instead he was in one panel! I hate that kind of misdirection. Of course, Tim should be busy with the Culling so I'm kind of surprised that he showed up at all. They at least made the effort to get Jason to Gotham.

Supergirl #8

I remember Silver Banshee. Alas, I remember her as a villain so I can only assume things go very, very wrong.

Things I liked: they're taking it slow. Kara still doesn't have control over her powers or even know the language. I like the fish out of water they're playing with right now.

Things I didn't like: I think Superman should have a bigger role. I can't imagine him letting New York do this to his cousin.

Green Lantern Corps #8

Poor Guy, he's being used and he doesn't even know it. I don't trust what the Guardians are up to and I don't like these Alpha Lanterns.

Things I liked: the relationship between Guy and John is fun to watch. Too bad Hal isn't in this too but I think he might disrupt what these two have.

Things I didn't like: the Alpha Corps is new to me. I know at least one of the Lanterns in it and you'd think someone would have noticed that she's transformed her body into something that's more energy than it ought to be.

DC Universe Presents #8

I am completely disappointed in this story. There was no resolution. Them finding Prof and getting him help was done in the background so that another adventure and another Challenger death could be shown. There was no explanation of the "living on borrowed time" concept that is key to the Challengers and they've even changed the core group so that it's practically unrecognizable.

Things I liked: at least Red didn't die.

Things I didn't like: if the story had been told right, and had been given the space to do so, it might've reintroduced the Challengers to the DC Universe and to a more modern audience. Instead it was disjointed and disappointing.

Catwoman #8

I like when Catwoman stops to do good, I'm not sure how I feel about her new partner. I think she's very right to not trust him too far.

Things I liked: I really like Catwoman's voice in these stories. She's got a lot going on in her head.

Things I didn't like: the art can be a bit cheesecakey at times. Her suit is able to get wet, why the bikini?

Batwoman #8

I never know what to make of Batwoman. The art is stunning, but the story is a little disjointed. The stuff with all the monsters is interesting, the stuff with her dad seems out of place, and her job with the government is unbelievable. I wish it would decide what kind of story it wants to tell instead of trying three different stories.

Things I liked: the cover was beautiful. I love how everything is in black and white except Batwoman's red.

Things I didn't like: Batwoman taking on the police because of her government contacts. I'm not a fan of conspiracies.

Justice League #9

While I'm not liking the premise of this story (being mad at the League because they're not able to save you against a medical problem seems extremely petty) I am liking how he's going to go about getting his revenge. I think it's a great way to look at the people behind the heroes and something that I don't expect from a team comic. It's a refreshing change.

Things I liked: Flash's complete inability to play bad cop.

Things I didn't like: Steve Trevor seems to be the weak link in all this. He is a trained military combatant. He should have an advantage.

And on the Shazam back story, Billy Batson is not a complete dick! Though I'm not sure how he was able to take down four boys by himself. We all know why he'll be chosen by the wizard, the how is being drawn out.

Nightwing #9

Why is it out of all the Bat Clan Nightwing is the most likely to wind up in a pool of his own blood? He's capable but always seems to come on the losing end until he can rise above.

Things I liked: this has been the most in depth and intense story for "The Night of Owls". This title, along with Batman are really the driving force for the plot. This issue was very well done for moving the story along and revealing the motives behind the actions of the villains. Though I will miss the Gypsy aspect of Dick's heritage. I always thought him having Romani blood was interesting.

Things I didn't like: I have a hard time believing Dick let himself get best to a pulp hoping that the Talon would drag him into the subway so that he could use the cooling vents as a weapon.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #9

This may have been one of the more enjoyable crossovers for "The Night of Owls". I don't understand why they would target Mr. Freeze but I did like that there was no overblown story of the Talon involved.

Things I liked: Jason in his old stomping grounds. He was a bit different and I don't think that even he could explain why.

Things I didn't like: I don't understand why the Talon would just let himself be killed (and I don't necessarily think that Jason's gun would have been enough). Jason wasn't that close to catching him, he'd nearly made his target and things seemed to be going his way. I didn't think the Talons could have a crisis of conscience.

Wonder Woman #9

I have to agree with Hades.  If Diana is simply faking the whole thing and hasn't actually been affected by Eros' arrows (bullets?) it'll be epic.  Since she's being faced with her own Lasso of Truth (which she just found out is more about her than the lasso) which is actually kind of a nice throw back.  I don't remember the days when her only weakness was being tied up by a man, especially with her own rope, but this hearkens back to it.  Plus, the whole noose aspect seems to be going a bit far.

Things I liked: I'm kind of digging Strife.  When she was making trouble for Diana by telling Hera about Zola, and then telling Diana herself about Zeus being her father, I pictured her as the villain of the piece.  I should have had more confidence in Brian Azarello.  Strife is just chaos.

Things I didn't like: the way Zola was being drawn around Aphrodite.  Unless, of course, it was to show how women perceive themselves when around Aphrodite, but that seems far fetched.

Voltron #4

It starts to become clearer, but I'm still not sure. I want to see adventures of the Voltron Force, not Zarkon.

Things I liked: Keith's connection to his lion. I like the idea of sentient machines.

Things I didn't like: once the pieces are in place the story's sort of transparent. I know where it's going and I'd like to expect a surprise, but I don't think that's going to happen.

Voltron #3

So, Voltron was constructed on Earth, eh?  From Arusian technology?  I don't think I like that one at all.  Unless The Man From Arus is giving the knowledge used to build the vehicle Voltron patterned after the ancient Voltron but I doubt it.  He was the first Voltron pilot so there are implications.

Things I liked: this was the weakest of the series so far I think.  Mostly because the things I had been expecting (but didn't agree with) were happening.  I do like that they're in their lion colours.  Lance wearing blue but piloting Red, while Keith was in red piloting Black was always hard to explain.  Allura's pink was always terrible.

Things I didn't like: Voltron being made on Earth, not being ancient (100 years is not that long) and Zarkon being human.  I hope it all starts to make sense with what I'm used to.

Voltron Year One #1

It's all about the Voltron Force before they became the Voltron Force!  And it's narrated by Sven!  I felt bad for Sven as a kid, he was part of the team, then got injured and shipped off to another planet.  I always wished there was more to his story.

Things I liked: Most of the characterisations are spot on.  I really like Sven's voice being the voice for the series.

Things I didn't like: Lance seemed off.  He's never been one to follow orders, yet Sven says he follows orders too well.  I hope that something happens in the story that makes him more the Lance that I'm used to.

Voltron #2

2024 seems too soon for the Voltron Force.  I suspect it's always been that way but the year 2000 was a lot further away in the 1980s.

Things I liked:there's a lot of story going on here.  It's more than just the monster of the week and the team trying to take it down.

Things I didn't like: still a little unsure of what's going on.  There's only 4 issues so far so I hope it clears up soon.

Voltron #1

Wow! This is what Voltron looks like in my head. It's so much cooler than the reality of the Voltron I actually watched. The spreads of the Ro-Beast fight are so detailed and have so much energy.

Things I liked: it's Voltron, but more dangerous. The killing is more upfront and the level of destruction closer to inhabited areas.

Things I didn't like: not used to seeing them out of the lion ships while Voltron's fighting. I hope there's a good explanation because while I like the lions sentient, I don't like them independent.

Superboy #8

So that's how he gets where he is with the Titans. Crossovers make me wish I wasn't a month behind.

Things I liked: he's becoming a real boy.

Things I didn't like: it jumped around a bit. Made it hard to follow the threads.

Resurrection Man #8

Good to see that Mitch isn't trying to find out who he was by being a dick. Even if he was a probably a dick before.

Things I liked: the art really had me hooked this issue. The two styles of the people looking for him were well done.

Things I didn't like: I really don't think he needs to die every issue. We get it.

Legion Lost #8

That was one kick ass fight! Everybody got a little love and the action was terrific. I know what happens to them from Teen Titans but I can't wait for the next story.

Things I liked: the story within the story. There's lots of things going on here and that makes it more enjoyable than a simple superhero story.

Things I didn't like: I'm not that fond of Wildfire. He's much more wishy- washy than I remember.

Grifter #8

Cash seems to be running around in circles. First he wants to kill all the Daemonites, then he doesn't. Now he does again. It's too bad, I really thought this title had potential but it's just rehashing the same stuff now.

Things I liked: didn't make Sofia into a new LI. They just went ahead and killed her.

Things I didn't like: where'd he get his guns on the plane (and the sub machine gun in the end)? And where did he find the time to put on his mask.

Green Lantern #8

Hmmm... I wonder where I can find whatever arc the Indigo tribe was first presented in because I have no clue what's going on.  At least Sinestro isn't a Green Lantern anymore.

Things I liked: Hal's never give up attitude.  Every problem is just something to overcome.

Things I didn't like: I wish there was a bit more background information presented.  I get that people that have been reading Geoff Johns' Green Lantern for a while will get it, but I don't.

Demon Knights #8

I was curious as to how Madame Xanadu and the Demon became and item. Having a whole issue devoted to the story not only slows down the story but gives the impression of time passing for their journey.

Things I liked: Vandal Savage trying to prove his innocence.

Things I didn't like: the many different Camelots, there seems to be a few too many.

Batgirl #9

I'm enjoying the histories of the Talons that are part of the story.  I liked this one better than the one in Batman and Robin, probably because it had more connections to the characters.  Again, this is a former Haley's Circus product.  Also, the target in this one is Commissionaire Gordon which for one makes sense and for two there's an emotional attachment that wasn't present in Batman and Robin.

Things I liked: the concern that Gordon has for his daughter.  I don't think he knows she's Batgirl, or even considers it yet, but maybe after seeing her in action again.

Things I didn't like: the end game of the Talons to change the Bat signal into an Owl signal.

Batman and Robin #9

The Night of the Owls continues and this time Robin is out on his own.  I'm not sure why he's out there all by himself but he was.  This has been the one that's disappointed me the most so far.  It's just a big fight scene.  And it's not even over someone that I'm actually familiar with so there was no drama.  It was just some army general.

Things I liked: some of the patter between Damian and the soldiers.  He was really in his element.

Things I didn't like: it came out of left field.  Damian patrolling by himself, the Owls knowing where the general was doing maneuvers, the general doing maneuvers.  Even Damian's little retrospective seemed out of place.  He took the time to say he felt he was like the Talons.  I think we could have all seen that coming.

Batman #9

The Night of Owls ticks right along. Batman's able to handle two targets in one night thanks to a crossover with Detective. Of course, he doesn't get there in time to help the second target.

Things I liked: using the backup story to give more information. I can't wait to see how Alfred's father fits into this.

Things I didn't like: sometimes Batman has a few too many gadgets. I can accept the robot suit, the robo-dinosaur is a little harder. Especially since it seems he has it automated.

Swamp Thing #8

It seems the avatars have to be torn down before they can rise back up again.  Animal was demolished in the last issue and Alec Holland had to die before he could be Swamp Thing again.  This Swamp Thing seems to be much more in control and less of a monster.  He can talk and think, although there seems to be a primal side to him that he has to keep constrained.

Things I liked: the dialogue this issue was superb.  Each page was a treat to read and the end came too quickly.

Things I didn't like: Swamp Thing with wings.  It's just not very plant-like.  And I get that he can change his body to whatever, but I don't like the wings.

Stormwatch #8

I can't beleive what Midnighter tried to do to Jenny Quantum!  I didn't think that he could stoop so low.  Sure, she's still a kid but he likes her!  I didn't think he was so cold.

Things I liked: the non-mission interactions between the group.  The conversations felt real and were funny.  I liked the juxtoposition between Jenny confirming that the Midnighter likes Apollo and the Engineer using talk about boys to distract the ship while she looked for information.

Things I didn't like: I still wish I had a better handle on their characters and powers.  I often feel lost reading this comic.

Hawk and Dove #8

This is it. The last issue and one of the first causalities of the new 52. It's too bad really, a really great idea was set up in the series but they were just never able to capitalize on it.

Things I liked: the idea of bird avatars and something greater beyond them. I wish that had been explored more and there had been less fighting.

Things I didn't like: if this hadn't been a digital edition I would swear the pages had been stuck together and I'd missed something. There were points where there was no logical consistency in the story.

All in all, I'm going to miss the characters of Hawk and Dove and hope they find another place in the new 52.

Animal Man #8

Oh, this looks bad.  I have full confidence that Buddy will somehow throw off the Rot (he is the hero of the story) but right now, his whole family is in trouble.

Things I liked: perfectly creepy.  There's a squirk factor reading this one.

Things I didn't like: still haven't found Swamp Thing.  It's sort of getting old, every issue is "If only we could find Alec Holland".  Of course, Holland is having his own troubles.

Detective Comics #9

One of the things I'm really enjoying about Detective Comics is that it doesn't always have to be about Batman.  For this "Night of Owls" tie-in it focuses on Dr. Jeremiah Arkham.

Things I liked: the look into the various prominent citizens of Gotham.  I'm very curious to discover where the Owls got their list.  I'm confident that Tony Daniel will develop that part of the story.

Things I didn't like: I didn't like Arkham, but I don't think I was meant to.  He's as much of a nutcase as some of his inmates.  A plan to escape built on letting the inmates out is a poor plan.

Justice League International #9

Godiva's a character that's really grown on me, she's so superficial on the outside but seems to be growing into a hero. Just as Booster's growing into a leader.

Things I liked: Batman's trust in Booster. He's got his back, in his own special Batman way.

Things I didn't like: it's sort of a general problem that I have with the new 52, I want to know more of the history of the characters. I know most of them from before but there seems to be changes.

Teen Titans Annual #1

And so the Culling has begun. Seems a bit over the top and it makes me wonder why no one other than Red Robin seems to have noticed.

I do suffer a bit because I'm a month behind with Legion Lost and Superboy. These things haven't happened yet.

Things I liked: seeing new takes on some classic Titans. Too bad Artemis died in her first appearance but Beast Boy, Terra and Thunder and Lightning were fun to see.

Things I didn't like: the story seemed disjointed. The motivations for a lot of the actions were missing. I hope the holes are filled.

Superman #7

How many aliens are just going to randomly show up in Metropolis? Does it appear on some kind of road map?

Things I liked: Clark's meekness shows up strong in this issue. It was a quick view into how the office treats Clark like a doormat.

Things I didn't like: Clark's not big enough. He looks much broader in his Superman outfit, so much so that I don't believe they could be the same person.

Savage Hawkman #7

I'm really enjoying this run on Hawkman. I'm going miss Tony Daniel when his run is done.

Things I liked: the way the story teases itself out. It never feels rushed although the ending was anticlimactic.

Things I didn't like: arbitrary team up with Static. I didn't like the series and I wasn't too excited to see him here.

Green Lantern New Guardians #7

Kyle was very, very talky this issue. I think he was trying to make a point but was using way too many words to do it.

Things I liked: Invictus's question, "How many colours do you people come in?"

Things I didn't like: I thought Kyle was out of character. I've never really seen him as the type to over analyze a situation. He's more like Hal and jumps in with both feet.

The Fury of Firestorm #7

I like Ronnie, way more than Jason, but I don't like what they're doing to him. At least he dialed down the rhetoric.

Things I liked: Ronnie's mom's reaction. It's mostly to whump Jason but I felt it was a true emotion expressed.

Things I didn't like: the heavy handed treatment of Jason. I don't think Zither has to be quite the bitch to get him to do the right thing.

The Flash #7

Barry's got a complex. It's a big one. I have to admit when I saw that he was going to find someone in the Speed Force I was kind of hoping it would be Wally. I miss him. With Earth 2 starting next month it would have been the perfect opportunity to introduce the concept, especially giving that it was the Flash who first started the whole thing.

Things I liked: Patty's growing on me. I think the girlfriend who hates the alter ego is cliched, but she's growing in me.

Things I didn't like: blaming the Flash for things his villains do. This isn't Marvel.

Aquaman #7

This looks like it might be a story between him leaving the lighthouse and declaring himself a superhero. I honestly don't know if much of Aquaman's history has really been developed. I did read some things in the early nineties but it's been awhile since he's had the opportunity to be examined.

Things I liked: the way the story is being presented has really intrigued me. I can't wait to read the next issue.

Things I didn't like: not much honestly. This story was tops across the board.