Fantastic Four #559 (Marvel Comics)
Fantastic Four kicks off this month with the Thing dropping by Letterman to watch his buddy the Human Torch perform with his new band. To no ones surprise the Human Torch does not make it to the performance. Now, the surprise happens when Psionics and the New Defenders show up to kidnap the Human Torch. We also learn new details on the second Earth as Alyssa and the Invisible Woman meet over dinner. It seems as though all the various arcs Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch are telling will over lap into one giant epic. Again, this was another Marvel book where you have no clue as to what is really going on, but I could not care less. These new Defenders have not only captured the Human Torch and Dr. Doom with relative ease but it appears as though they are using Galactus as a battery!
Batman #679 (DC Comics)
Grant Morrison’s Batman R.I.P. has been hit-and-miss, but this week he brings the noise! Batman unleashes on the Black Gloves super-villains under the guise of the Batman of Zur-en-arrh. More of his past is revealed and his insanity is starting to make him seem as if he were the only sane man. Bat-Mite is acting as his guide through all the insanity and I am beginning to wonder if Batman is not the only one who can seem him. This issue reveals new twists and turns, and Batman is brutalizing these henchmen in ways I have never seen. Morrison seems intent on burning down all the things that make Bruce Wayne human.
I am left with the impression not everyone is going to make it out of this alive and that we could see massive amounts of death by the time this series concludes. Fear for Alfred and Batman strikes me the most, as it seems the two of them are destined for a dirt nap with a new Batman soon to follow. Even Arkham Asylum is destined to be changed for the duration of Morrison’s run. Hopefully, next issue is as entertaining as this installment has been.
Final Crisis: Revelations #1 (of 5) (DC Comics)
It looks like DC Comics has allowed Greg Rucka fee reign to do what he wants with its villains, and what he wants is not pretty, as a massive body count has begun. Justice has been brought to the parties guilty for the death of the Martian Manhunter. All save one. Why he cannot do so remains to be seen but then again we know next to nothing about that person so I am sure that will not be revealed until Final Crisis itself is almost over. The punishment for each character varies in disturbing ways and I for one cannot wait to see what other villains, or heroes for the matter, he will kill. Philip Tan’s artwork is amazing as it is gory and beautiful all at the same time. You cannot help but be mesmerized at all the characters he tackles.
The Question makes her grand appearance in this title, going up against the order of the stone making nothing but enemies in her wake. For some reason, the Spectre will be after the Question next issue to add to his list of casualties. I never read Gotham Central, so I know next to nothing on the character of Crispus Allen besides the fact that he and Rene Montoya were partners. Now he has to kill his former partner after already having killed his son. God sure does not want to make his after life very easy. Great issue and I highly recommend picking this up.
Simon Dark #11 (DC Comics)
Simon Dark continually surprises me, with the high level of quality month in and month out from Steve Niles and Scott Hampton. The monsters you see on the cover are not your typical nasties as we learn their respective histories and they each have their own quirky personalities as well. Simon discovers who his creator is and how he was birthed into existence here. The shocking part was learning it was someone we have all come to know and love. Simon also learns his importance in the grand scheme of things.
Governor Dall Moss calmly tries to confuse and complicate Simon Darks past as he rehashes what has happened since his birth till now. Has the deceased governor used enough truths to twist Simon’s morals to his side? Simon Dark has a huge choice to make next month as Gotham’s very survival depends on his choice to either put out the epidemic or help burn the city to the ground.
Hellboy: The Crooked Man #2 of 3 (Dark Horse Comics)
The Crooked Man continues this month as new villains arise with blood curdling nastiness. We learn the devil owns the souls of this town as the witches come to greet Hellboy as he tries to help his new ally Tom perform last rites for his father. A few twists and turns occur as one of the damned is saved while it seems others are destined for a fiery destination. Nothing is as it seems here with some grand manipulator destined to attack our heroes. The forces of evil have gathered for a massive showdown with the vile Crooked Man at the head of this group. This books art is gorgeous, the writings solid and fresh. Definitely a must have especially with the funny backup page detailing how to make a witch ball.
Astonishing X-Men #26 (Marvel Comics)
Building on the hunt for the killer from last month we find the team in Chaparanga, where space ships go to die. I know a lot of people miss John Cassaday’s artwork but I for one love Simone Bianchi’s landscapes and the amount of detail that goes into every panel, especially the cute little new design to Armor’s armor, which looks like a robot kitty at times. Armor and Wolverine’s interaction is priceless with Armor always busting Wolverine’s chops on his drinking and how heavy he is. It seems Warren Ellis is tackling the entire major X problems with this book. Case in point Cyclops and Storm discussing killing and that it happens so just deal with it. This would be in reference to the fact that Cyclops has commissioned a hit squad with the new X-Force. Ellis is throwing some wild and new ideas at the book, which is exciting in the sense that you have no idea what is going on. I for one am intrigued and will be back next month to uncover more of the killer’s mysteries and to find out the deal with the box.
