MONDOmagazine

Adventure Comics #517
Paul Levitz, Jeff Lemire (w), Kevin Sharpe, Marlo Alquiza, Mahmud Asrar, John Dell(a), Blond, Pete Pantazis (c). DC Comics.

It’s the same format as the last issue, an “early days” Legion of Super Heroes story with an Atom backup. The Legion story focuses on Saturn Girl and on her desire to be as good as the boys on the team, whose powers are more offensive compared to her telepathy. They avoid the obvious solutions to the story, like having the problem become something only her telepathy could solve, one or both of the guys admitting to trying to keep up with her, etc etc. This would be a nice change, except it means Saturn Girl looks really bad, like how she thinks as she’s working out: “those two crazy legionnaire boys… must have been exercising since they were toddlers to get those bodies” and then we never get to see the boys be that impressive, or work to deserve that kind of praise. The whole story is Saturn Girl being dead weight and vowing to not be dead weight. And then, because she’s a silly girl I guess, she sleeps with Cosmic Boy and erases his memory of it. It was an insulting story is what I’m saying.  The Atom backup I can praise for answering some super science questions his powers bring up… of course they did it in a way that raises MORE questions, but they’re trying. A lot of pretty lame flashbacks happened though. If I had to choose between seeing little Ray Palmer win at a science fair with some shadowy hints that his smart uncle is evil, or between seeing the Atom fight through germs and fly through electrical current, well I’d rather see the latter part. At least, let me read that part when it’s an Atom story in front of me! – Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 2 out of 5

Booster Gold #35
Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis (w), Chris Batista, Rich Perrotta, Patt Olliffe (a), Hi-Fi (c). DC Comics.

We get some validation from the JLI era characters in this issue — Blue Beetle recognizes Booster Gold as from the future (as opposed to being a goof that can’t tell when someone is years older than they should be) and Big Barda says something nice about Booster and Beetle. Of course since it’s Giffen and DeMatteis writing that’s just like patting yourself on the back. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Dan Didio wrote this book? Now that’d be a pat on the back. The asides that take place with random characters seem out of place within a modern sensibility, but are familiar to those who have read comics for over a decade. The biggest weakness in the book, as far as I’m concerned, is the bad guy. He just doesn’t manage to come across as much of a threat, and that’s even with a device to blow up the planet they’re on. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 3 out of 5

Daredevil #509
Andy Diggle & Antony Johnston (w), Roberto de La Torre (a), Matt Hollingsworth (c). Marvel Comics.

So last week I really panned Shadowland — because it fucking sucks — but the tie-in Daredevil issue isn’t so bad.  Like, I’m still not appeased with these plot shenanigans, but at least this feels like the world I’ve read and loved for the last eight years. I also have to give it props for sinking up well with Shadowland plot-wise. This issue helps explain the actions of the characters in the main book — which shouldn’t be needed but that’s another story. So… still hate this crossover but I can’t give this book a totally bad review. Also, way, way better art in these pages. People with different shaped bodies?!?! I can’t believe it! Fucking Tan. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3 out of 5

Daytripper #9
Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba (w + a), Dave Stewart (c). Vertigo.

Super neat. This series just paid off in a big way. The last nine months I’ve been saying “Good, pick it up when it comes out in trade,” but now I say that you were suckers all along for not getting it month to month. Spending nine months gently contemplating each issue as it’s own thing, rather taking them as chapters in a book is the right way to read this story. So, when you get it in trade, read it slowly, take a lot of breaks, and let the story sit with you. Trust me, it was better like this. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 5 out of 5

Justice League: Generation Lost #7
Judd Winick (w), Joe Bennett (p), Jack Johnson (i), Hi-Fi (c), DC Comics.

Winick is killing it on this book. He’s a perfect fit to work on these characters. He nails the action, the comedy and the subtle hints that underneath it all these guys really love each other. I’ll admit that I had my doubts when his name was first linked the this project, but now that we’re seven issues in and Winick is now rocking this book without Giffen — I will admit that I was wrong. My only complaint about this issue is about the helmets the characters were wearing. What was up with those? Sometimes there was a visor on the front, sometimes it seemed like they were wearing red goggles and sometimes there was no face covering at all. I guess that maybe the helmets had retractable visors or something, but if so there needed to be a sound effect or a visual cue to show them retracting. I’m not sure if it was the penciller’s fault or the colourist or what, but it was seriously distracting. Otherwise, top-notch issue. This series just keeps getting better. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4 out of 5

Morning Glories #1
Nick Spencer (w), Joe Eisma (a), Alex Sollazzo (c), Image Comics.

There’s nothing quite like reading the first issue of a new series and loving it. From the moment I heard about this book I had a good feeling about it. The teasers were great, the creators gave excellent interviews selling it and who doesn’t love a book set in a creepy private school? The book is here and surprising no one, I loved it. The introduction to the characters was handled perfectly, giving us enough characterization to care about them but leaving room for mystery. Eisma’s art didn’t totally blow me away (it’s drawn very much in line with the current Image Universe style, similar to books like Invincible or Dynamo 5), but some of the stuff he did with layouts was very clever. If I had one (very minor) complaint it would be that the first page is a little unclear, I’m not sure when or where it’s set or why Spencer wanted to start the book that way. Still, it’s a very minor problem with what was an extremely strong start to a promising new series. I can’t wait for more. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 4.5 out of 5

Northlanders #31
Brian Wood (w), Riccardo Burchielli (a), Dave McCaig (c). Vertigo.

You know, sometimes I really like reading about people who are profoundly fucked up. The main character of this story is just a dumb, stoned monster — but I’m really interested in him. He’s nuts but I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do next. It helps that Burchielli’s art is gruesome and effective. It’s great to see him work with larger panels than he gets to in DMZ. I think he’s loving it too because this is one well-drawn book about terrible people. Highly recommended. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 4.5 out of 5

Sonic Universe #19
Ian Flynn (w), Tracy Yardley (p), Jim Amash (i), Jason Jensen (c). Archie Comics.

Although Antoine is still a bit too a-scared for my liking, his interaction with Tails is really fun, and, in fact, reminds me of some of the best bits from the old Sonic cartoon. But still every advantage plot-wise is given to the heroes. One of the good guys is mistaken as a double agent (not that she was trying to pass herself off as one) they need to find a way into the bad guys lair… cue the goons talking a little too loudly with the useful directions. It’d be one thing if this were the most brilliant/ridiculous trap ever. But it’s not. I may be judging this too harshly — I should read some more Marvel Adventures books for contrast, but really, those have always held up pretty well as far as I’m concerned. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 2 out of 5

Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier #2
Ed Brubaker (w), Dale Eaglesham (a), Andy Troy (c). Marvel Comics.

I definitely liked this issue more than the last one. I think Eaglesham adjusted his style better for a spy book, but it doesn’t really work for me. He’s an artist that used to drawing things happening in daylight. There are some great panels here and there but he’s a good artist on the wrong book (though, I will also admit, his style isn’t to my taste). And the story isn’t quite working for me yet, but I have faith in Brubaker. He so rarely lets me down. — Miles Baker

Miles’ rating: 3.5 out of 5

Superman #702
J. Michael Straczynski (w), Eddy Barrows (p), J.P. Mayer (i), Rod Reis (c), DC Comics.

I’ll admit it, I’ve been a little easy on this book. I just want to like it so badly. I love nice-guy Superman and I love uneventful character exploration stories but I don’t think I can do this anymore. All of the lessons feel forced, the concept doesn’t ring true and the scenes are extremely cheesy. I love some cheese, but one scene after another back-to-back starts to wear me out. I admire Straczynski for trying something adventurous with the character, but this isn’t working for me. And, hey, this book is always worth discussing, so chime in below if you have some thoughts! — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 2 out of 5

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #15
Roger Landgridge (w), Chris Samnee (a), Matthew Wilson (c), Marvel Comics.

Landgridge and Samnee are doing a cool thing, here. They’re writing fun, awesome, all-ages, non-continuity Marvel comics. Yeah, I know, the Marvel Adventures line has been doing that for a while and the Ultimate line… used to do that. But this is the first one I’ve checked out. It’s good stuff, too. In fact, if you know someone who wants fun, all-ages superhero stuff (like my fiancée, who LOVES this series) then this is a good place to start. Great art, tight writing, I liked it. — Owen Craig

Owen’s rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Unwritten #16
Mike Carey (w), Peter Gross (a), Chris Chuckry (c). Vertigo Comics.

This could serve as an excellent finish to the series — Tom Taylor meets up with his father (basically his goal all along), is cleared of his murder charges, and defeats the crazy guy following him. There are plenty of places to go from here, but it’s nice to get a narrative “quiet time” as a base line from which we can rev up the action again. Well, that’s what I anticipate for the next issue. For THIS issue we’re treated to a narrative concert. It was action packed is what I’m saying. And what’s interesting is that most of that action is created through a kind of undercurrent, it’s subtle. No explosions. The fight scene is mostly one sided — it’s the reveal of a book “Tommy Taylor and the Day of Judgment” that is the most exciting thing to me. It’s the counter action to the sinister plan of the last few issues, and a triumph. — Isaac Mills

Isaac’s rating: 4.5 out of 5