MONDOmagazine

Action Comics #880
Greg Rucka & James Robinson (w), Julian Lopez (p), Bit, (i), DC Comics

For everyone complaining about how intertwined the Super-books are right now, “Codename: Patriot” looks like it only going to make things worse. Up to this point, as connected as the books were, they all had a particular star: Action had Nightwing and Flamebird, Superman had Mon-El, etc. This issue brings everyone together. It also finally gets Superman back in costume. If you haven’t been picking up everything, though (And this is one of the few times you’ll hear me say this), wait for the trade.

On a separate note, I’m a big fan of DC adding back-ups to certain books. Captain Atom isn’t my favorite among them, but it’s a fun, if slightly confusing, story so far. And it’s always a treat to see more from characters who can’t support their own books. — James O’Connor

James’ rating: 3 out of 5

Adventure Comics #1
Geoff Johns (w), Francis Manapul (a), DC Comics

This is the Geoff Johns that I go nuts for. Oh sure, there is an appeal to the creepy, limb-severing, over-the-top stuff too, but I really like the introspective stuff full of quiet moments and careful character work. I’ve never cared too much for Superboy as a character. In fact, my first real introduction to him was when he was being killed off, but Johns’ skills are on display here, because I’m immediately hooked. Not only that, but Manapul’s art skills really step up an already great story. His landscapes are gorgeous and his character work is fantastic. This is a great book and I can’t wait for more. Also Krypto is there. This is great stuff, top notch. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4.5 out of 5
Isaac’s rating: 4 out of 5

Amazing Spider-Man #602
Fred Van Lente (w), Barry Kitson (a), Rick Ketcham (i), Jeromy Cox (c). Marvel Comics.

I think my problem with Amazing Spider-Man is that it’s been trucking along as a solid read for a long time now, so I’m currently underwhelmed by the series. I feel like I should be digging this more: Peter is in an interesting situation, Mary Jane’s return is going well, The Chameleon has never been more terrifying, there’s a fantastic cliffhanger. I also think Kitson is a solid artist — so what’s the problem? I guess I’m just spoiled. — Miles Baker

Miles rating: 3.5 out of 5

Batman #689
Judd Winick (w), Mark Bagley (p), Rob Hunter (i)

Judd Winick has never been a great writer. He’s been terrible, he’s been ok, and he’s been solid. This book doesn’t change any of that. He’s not going to win an Eisner any time soon. But right now he’s the person defining who Dick Grayson is as Batman, and he’s doing a smart job of it. After all, this is Robin as Batman. Of course he’s enjoying it more than Bruce would. Of course he’s more of a showman. It all makes perfect historical sense.

I only really have two problems with this book: 1) Winick writes for trade. I’m sure the gang war between the Penguin and Two-Face will be neatly resolved by the end of the sixth issue. There’s nothing here to feed the long-running nature of the medium. And 2) I dislike Mark Bagley. He gets the job done, sure, but in an unattractive, boring way. It’s always a let down after those beautiful Kubert covers. — James O’Connor

James’ rating: 3.75 out of 5

Blackest Night #2

For reviews on Blackest Night and Blackest Night: Batman, scroll down to the bottom for our Crossover Corner.

Booster Gold #23
Dan Jurgens (w), Dan Jurgens (a), Norm Rapmund (i), DC Comics

…and we’re back to another exposition-heavy, dull issue of Booster Gold. I swear, this book runs in cycles of dull and awesome. It’s like Star Trek movies. Booster Gold is a great character and this is overall a fun book, but sometimes it feels like it drags. This is one of those times. Next issue looks like it’ll be fun, continuing the cycle. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5

Deadpool #13
Daniel Way (w), Shawn Crystal (a), Lee Loughridge (c). Marvel Comics

For Deadpool, becoming insanely rich isn’t enough. After accepting an substantially large sum of money from Hawkeye, he’s off onto another adventure…on the seven seas. Lying low just wasn’t an option for Wade, so he’s decided to become a pirate. This particular issue was a goofy start to a new arc. If there’s anything that must be said about Daniel Way, is that he really gets Deadpool and who he is. It isn’t really filled with the action and gore of previous issues, but it’s somewhat understandable since we’re easing into a new storyline. I’m not a huge fan of the art style. Although Crystal does try to stay true to the fun, loony feel of the issue, there is something odd about his shadows. Perhaps I’ve just gotten used to Medina’s art. Regardless, this issue didn’t blow me out of the water, but it’s a decent start to what will hopefully be another fun adventure for Deadpool. – Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 3 out of 5

Fables #87
Bill Willingham (w),Mark Buckingham (p), Andrew Pepoy (i), Vertigo Comics

Welcome back, Fables! Well, to be fair, last issue was awesome, too — I just forgot to review it. This was great stuff: hints about the witches, action-adventure with a flying monkey, the monkey’s sidekick being the head of Frankenstein’s monster, it’s all good here. If you were disappointed with “The Great Fables Crossover” like I was then have no fear. The Fables you love is back. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

Gen 13 #31
Scott Beatty (w), Mike Huddleston (a), Darlene Royer (c). Wildstorm Productions.

Still love the cartoony art style — if a character is hurting then lightning bolts are zig zagging away from them, and it’s great fun. The previous story arc of fighting with teenage cannibal skate park refugees had more jokes than this issue — but it’s impossible to keep up with that arc, so you can’t even blame them. Here, it’s mostly set up the next bit of conflict. The Gen 13ers get a bit of an upgrade with their powers and get taken down by Gen 14. You could easily skip this issue and not really miss what’s going on. But it’s still a fun book — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Incredible Hercules #132
Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente (w), Reilly Brown (p), Nelson DeCastro (i), Marvel Comics

Alright, we all know that Incredible Hercules is great (right? RIGHT?), but what impressed me here was the fact that it’s now better than ever! The art is fantastic, Brown gets the comedy/adventure aspect of this comic completely, leading to some nuanced work with facial expressions that is up there with Amanda Conner and Keith Giffen. On top of that, this plotline is firing on all cylinders, to the point that Hercules is actually dressing up like Thor. This is amazing stuff. One of the best Marvel comics is now at a new height of awesome. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4.5 out of 5

JSA VS. Kobra #3
Eric S. Trautmann (w), Don Kramer (p), Michael Babinski (i), Art Lyon (c). DC Comics.

The switchover is finally made here from being a Checkmate-spies-and-intrigue book to a super hero-centric story, which is what I’m looking for when I purchase JSA — you’ve got Sandman using his geokinetic powers to analyze some dirt, and a showdown between Mr. Terrific and the leader of Kobra at the Starman museum. You heard me right — Starman museum. I’m kind of dissapointed that all the generic men that show up (and even some of the less generic ones) all look the exact same. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #4
Chris Eliopoulos (w), Ig Guara (a). Marvel Comics

I love this story! I love it to death and it makes me smile. Lockjaw and his friends are finally at the end of their quest and the only thing that stands between them and saving the world from a terrible fate is Thanos. This series isn’t one with great substance or juicy storylines, but it’s adorable and such a fun read. It’s just great to take a break from all the serious and intense plots and pick up an issue that does nothing more than just make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I’m also ecstatic to see that this will not be the end of the groups’ adventure, as they will be back in action in 2010. –Sandra Yao

Sandra’s rating: 4 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Marvels Project #1 (of 8)
Ed Brubaker (w), Steve Epting (a), Dave Stewart (c). Marvel Comics.

You know who is almost as good as that Ed Brubaker? Steve Epting. Granted they do different things and their skills aren’t really comparable, but these guy’s are working at the highest levels of their professions and they work amazingly together. Brubaker is blessed with some fantastic artists at the moment (Epting, Lark, and Phillips — geez, guy, leave some for the rest of the company). This issue mostly lays down groundwork for what’s to come, but there are lots of threads I’m interested: Namor angry at the Nazis for experimenting on Atlantians, the story behind The Human Torch’s creation, a one-eyed Nick Fury. It’s reminding me of the Ultimate Origin mini-series from last year, and that’s not really a bad thing but I’m curious to see how much of the same ground they’ll tread. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4.5 out of 5

Red Herring #1
David Tischman (w), Philip Bond (p), David Hahn (i), Guy Major (c). Wildstorm.

This might be one of the most overwritten comics I’ve ever read. Overwritten, with a forced a second-person narrative: “You need coffee,” “You have to do more lunges,” “That’s pretty much all you remember.” It’s like Tishchman is forcing your jaw open with a car jack, ramming this character down your throat, and screaming “IDENTIFY WITH HER!” over and over again. The effect is the exact opposite of that — it makes me hate her. I wish the editor had just deleted all the captions. There’s a scene at the end where the main character is attacked and if the page didn’t have eight caption boxes it would have been terrifying and gripping. Every word is pushing me away from Bond’s incredible artwork, and that’s a damn shame. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 1.5 out of 5

Red Robin #3
Chris Yost (w), Ramon Bachs (p), Guy Major (i), Guy Major (c). DC Comics.

This is a beautiful cover by Francis Manapul, it’s lightly alludes to what happens inside the book- I didn’t even realize that was Wondergirl on the cover. There’s still a distinct problem with the overuse of nonlinear storytelling. They’ve used it for the previous issues as well, and that’s very unusual for a book to keep this up for so long, so that means it will be an essential component of what happens in the future of this story (easily believable, time travel has to happen at some point to recover Bruce Wayne from the ancient past, and this storytelling method could be used effectively for sure) or it’s just the way the writer wants to tell the story, no rhyme or reason behind it. That would be less than great. The way Tim is pushing everyone he cares for away and inching towards darkness (to sound hugely melodramatic) is how the final story in the Robin comic SHOULD have been done. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

Sonic the Hedgehog #203
Ian Flynn (w), Steven Butler (p), Terry Austen and Jim Amash (i), Matt Herms (c). Archie Comics.

When Monkey Khan first appeared, he was basically the Six Million Dollar Monkey — but that was a little under a hundred and fifty issues ago by my count. Would the writers remember and utilize that fact, or was it just some random jargon at the time to give the guy his skills, and then move on? Well, when the bad guy of the book can control machines, and the usually brazen Monkey Khan is unwilling to go into battle, I was hoping the reason was due to his origins. Not only was that indeed the case, but he ultimately jumps in anyway to save someone before getting taken over as he feared. It’s a great setup for the next issue, and good use of his back story. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1
Brian Michael Bendis (w), David Lafuente (a), Justin Ponsor (c). Marvel Comics.

So what was the point of blowing up New York if you’re going to put it back together again a week later? I thought the Ultimate universe was supposed to be “more real” than that. Anyway, that aside, it’s nice to see Bendis setting up a new status quo for Ultimate Spider-Man, one that long-time readers and newbies could jump onto easily. Bendis seems to be moving to a place where all Spidey’s friends will live in his house and have wacky adventures and trade who they’re dating every 20 issues or so. Perfect for a modern Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends. Lafuente’s art is incredible, and he knows how to handle a Bendis script, which not all artists can do. — Miles Baker

Miles rating: 4 out of 5

Uncanny X-Men #514
Matt Fraction (w), Terry Dodson (p), Rachel Dodson (i), Justing Ponsor (c). Marvel Comics.

The problem with crossovers where you have so many characters is that things like motivation can often fly out the window. Characters do or say things and you’re not really sure why, they don’t really seem in character, but we’re stuck with them because the plot dictates motion. I’m really not sure why Cyclops and Emma just haven’t talked about what’s going on. A phone call would clear up a lot right now. And, like, when you live with someone and claim to love them you might give them a ring after stopping a riot or two: “Oh, hey honey. I miss you too. I’m good. Yeah. Stopped that riot that was led by that kid we used to teach. Yeah, he’s a douchebag. Listen, so, I’m working for Norman Osborn. I know. It’s messed up. I heard you threatened him last issue. Bold choice. Oh, look, I gotta go do more things that I’ll explain later. Tootles.” — Miles Baker

Miles rating: 3 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Unwritten #4
Mike Carey (w), Peter Gross (a), Vertigo Comics

The thing is, every issue of this series so far has been golden. It might seem a bit much that I give every issue 5 out of 5, and I’m sure someday that trend will come to an end, but when I really thought about it I realized that every single issue so far has given me an rich, exciting and satisfying reading experience. In the case of this issue I genuinely didn’t know what was going to happen. The slash/horror elements were fantastic, the intro with a Harry Potter-by-way-of-torture-porn sequence was unexpected and hilarious and the ending got me once again anxiously awaiting the next issue. Top notch work by everyone involved, this comic will be known as one of Vertigo’s classics along with Sandman, Preacher and Y: The Last Man. – Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 5 out of 5

Second opinion: The Unwritten continues to be one of the best written series out in the market. The concept is unique and the storytelling is absolutely fantastic. This particular issue of The Unwritten will really hail to the horror movie fan in you. Starting with the bloody Tommy Taylor intro to Pullman’s slasher moves, it all comes together to form a great issue. What’s great is that all the gory and bloody scenes work with the well-written dialogue to create a great story. There is nothing more to say. This is a great series and you should be reading it. –Sandra Yao

Sandra’s Rating: 4 out of 5

Crossover Corner
How important is this issue to Blackest Night? Enjoy our special “crossover relevance” rating scale: Essential, A Pleasant Addition, Take It or Leave It, Adds Nothing, or Completely Unrelated.

Blackest Night #2
Geoff Johns (w), Ivan Reis (p), Oclair Albert (i), DC Comics

Geoff Johns’ love for the DC characters is on full display here. How much mileage you get from this comic will largely depend on if your love for the characters matches his. If Green Lantern beating the Black Lantern Martian Manhunter with a “Flash fact” makes you smile then this is the comic for you. That said, I have to give Johns credit for the way he fills in newcomers, after all I knew very little about the Aquaman group of characters and left the issue feeling quite interested in them. I would say I was digging this issue and am anticipating the next one. One thing, though, I would really like to know what the book is about (besides a series of battles) very soon, so as to avoid the Final Crisis/Secret Invasion dilemma. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5
Owen’s crossover rating: Essential

Blackest Night: Batman #1 (Of 3)
Peter J. Tomasi (w), Ardian Syaf (p), John Dell & Vicente Cifuentes (i)

As great a writer as Geoff Johns is, his main blind spot in the DCU is Batman. He just doesn’t have the same understanding of the character that he does with, say, Hal Jordan. So I was pretty surprised how solid this was, until I realized Johns wasn’t the writer. Tomasi hits some strong, if slightly cheap, emotional notes, and get pretty much the entire Bat-family involved. He also manages to write an almost pleasant Damien, something I was starting to doubt was possible. Throw in Deadman with a staring role, and I’m happy. Now if only he and Dick would start swapping circus stories… — James O’Connor

James’ rating: 4 out of 5
Owen’s rating: 3 out of 5
Crossover rating: Take It Or Leave It

Green Lantern Corps #39
Peter J. Tomasi (w), Patrick Gleason (p), Rebecca Buchman, Tom Nguyen (i), Randy Mayor (c). DC Comics.

Maybe for the rest of the “Blackest Night” tie ins with this book they should call it “Green Lantern  CorpsE”. I’m not even close to funny. Not much happens to progress the story here, but it all looks great. The scene with Arisia finally leaving the planet Daxam was welcome because she needs to get into the Blackest Night stuff at some point, but also the fact that we’re not so mired in pointless crossovers to forget that there have been other stories going on in these books too. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3.5 out of 5
Crossover rating: Take it or leave it