Move over James Bond, Hello Dick Grayson

By Ron of the Empire

Having read and enjoyed Convergence, I thought I'd give a few DC Comics titles a try.

I started with Grayson, issue 9. It reads like a spy thriller, codenames and all, and that's not a bad thing. With so many Robins around, this is a refreshing take on an old favorite. It also represents a refreshing break from heavy hero-villain storylines. Let's hope it stays that way for a while.

Not having read the first eight issues, I'm finding a few characters that are unfamiliar to me, however I'm certain I'll quickly become acquainted with them in the upcoming issues, which, incidentally, I'm looking forward to.

With this new take on Dick Grayson, suddenly his old school name fits perfectly (you may remember the tiring and now nearly three years old online conversation about whether his name should be changed). In fact, you can practically imagine him introducing himself in a Bondesque manner:

"Grayson. Dick Grayson."

My guess is that this spy prefers smokier spirit than martinis.

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter - Issue 1

By Ron of The Empire

Want to make me buy a book? Put a dinosaur, a robot, a monkey or an ape on the cover, or have Jae Lee draw the cover. It's that easy. Well, that, and I have a thing for Number 1's, or first issues.

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter is one of the comics in Dynamite Comics' reboot of the Gold Key Universe. The first issue certainly sets up an intriguing world where Turok faces bullies, dinosaurs, and something much worse.

The art, including lines and colors, is appealing. I'm looking forward to the second issue. Needless to say, Greg Pak writes a good story.

Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Mirko Colak
Colorist: Lauren Affe
Letterer: Marshall Dillon

Review: Smallville, Season Eleven, #6

Batman goes toe to toe against Superman and stands his ground, and he does it without kryptonite. So what's his secret? You'll have to read the issue to find out.

This face off makes the whole issue. The reason is personal to Batman. Clearly, he hasn't left his emotions out of it.

Later, Lex studies the match. Who knows where this will lead.

Get Rid of Otis!

I missed a few issues, but jumped into this one for obvious reasons. There's one major flaw to be found: Otis. Otis is a mistake. Unless there's a huge plot twist involving Otis, he needs to pack his suitcases. Otherwise, at this point, he appears to be the pointless character we've already seen elsewhere. One thing is certain: The Lex Luther of Smallville would never surround himself with the likes of Otis.

Let's hope the get back to the spirit of the original Smallville television series. Let DC not fool itself, the only readers of this comic book series are the fans of that show. Don't ruin it.

DC Comics' DIAL H - Issue 2 - Comic Book Review

By RonOfTheEmpire
Synopsis
Rating: Teen
DIAL H proves itself to be a schizophrenic rollercoaster ride, and it's fun. An out-of-shape man who knows he's wasting his life stumbles upon a phone booth that turns him into a different "hero" each time he uses it.

Each time he becomes a different hero -- "Double Bluff," "Control-Alt-Delete," "Shamanticore," and my favorite, "Iron Snail," to name a few -- he keep the memories, but slowly, seems to be losing his own identity.Still, there's nothing better than not being a loser. There's nothing better than being a hero, right?

Comic Book Review - Smallville, Season 11, Issue 2

By RonOfTheEmpire

Welcome Back, Smallville
Smallville fans rejoiced to learn that the series would continue as a comic book. Transitioning from television to comic books is nothing new; it's been done with Buffy, Angel, Firefly, and Dollhouse, among others (and to name all of Joss Whedon's properties).
Synopsis
After issue one introduced us to all our favorite characters, issue two moves faster than a speeding bullet into Lex Luthor creating conflict with Superman (Yes, in this series, Clark is finally in Superman costume)! In this issue,

Review: Stormwatch, Issue 1

By RonOfTheEmpire

I'm curious about Stormwatch. I had never read it before this New 52 issue, so I'm unfamiliar with its previous incarnation. I am however a Martian Manhunter fan, so they've got me there.

SYNOPSIS

The Stormwatch team goes on a recruiting mission, but the mission goes awry. "Apollo" spurns Stormwatch's advances and then receives another offer.

Issue one introduces you to Stormwatch's mission - "Protecting the world from alien threats" - and current threats to Earth's security.

Is Superman included as an "alien threat?" Is Stormwatch more than Earth's protector, perhaps a watchdog, protecting Earth from its own "superheroes?"

REVIEW

As with some other overhauled books in the New 52 library, this book offers 22 pages of introduction and set up, but it holds the promise of being an enjoyable sci-fi adventure. The issue moves at a good clip and keeps your interest. Let's hope issue 2 goes deep enough to keep us hanging on. As of this post, there are four issues available. The 5th issue hits stands in January.

DETAILS

Issue Date: November 2011

Rated T+

 

Writer: Paul Cornell

Artist: Miguel Sepulveda

 

Static Shock #1

Scott McDaniel's cover with Guy Majors' colors pulled me into this book. I'm a sucker for covers.

Synopsis

Static Shock's real name is Virgil Ovid Hawkins. He's African American and lives with his father, mother and sister. What do you know - he's not from a broken family!

Straightaway Static Shock faces unknown forces. Those unknown forces turn out to be more bad guys than one kid can handle - a crew of five baddies on Skittle-colored speeder bikes, the fish-faced menace Piranha, and uber-monster Virule.

That's a huge cast of villains for one little boy. Could Static Shock be DC's response to Spider-Man? Maybe just a little.

The Review

Static Shock is a superhero, but, sadly, I don't care about the character. The issue's pacing flows spasmodically, at times sluggish then manic. I think I would have preferred taking the first issue to get to know Virgil and his family. The issue attempts this but doesn't take enough time with it.

There's lots of static, leaving this reader in shock.

Why I Will Keep Reading

I'll pick up issue 2 for three reasons: 1. It has the potential to be a good sci-fi adventure story. 2. I'm an All Ages reader. While Rated T for Teen, the first issue comes across as an All Ages title, as opposed to a title like Red Hood, Rated T (but definitely more a Rated T+). 3. Curiosity. It had too much action, but it accomplished what it was supposed to do. It piqued my interest.

What Others Are Saying

Four issues of Static Shock are currently available. Reviews vary. IGN gives it 6.5 out of 10. CBR gives it 2.5 stars.

Dated: November 2011
Released: September 2011

Writer: Scott McDaniel and John Rozum
Pencils: Scott McDaniel
Inks: Jonathan Glapion and Le Beau Underwood
Colors: Guy Major

Supergirl #1 - Simply Good Storytelling

By RonOfTheEmpire

Supergirl #1

Story: Last Daughter of Krypton

November 2011

Rated T

Writers: Michael Green & Mike Johnson

Penciler: Mahmud Asrar

Inkers: Dan Green with Asrar

Colorist: Dave McCaig

It's simplicity is elegant. The story is poignant.

A young girl feeling lost in a nightmare awakens to an even more painful reality, and you, the reader, feel that pain. That's the story of Supergirl waking up on Earth.

Don't let the simplicity fool you. It's a powerful story you'll be glad you read, and along the way, you'll have enjoyed the perfect marriage of words, pencils, inks and colors.

That's my review. Yes, that's it. To say more would be to ruin it.

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Other Posts by RonOfTheEmpire

Abnormal Like Captain Atom

Not Your Grandpa's Aquaman

O.M.A.C. #1 - Rollercoaster Ride

Abnormal Like Captain Atom

by RonOfTheEmpire

Dated: November 2011
Released: September 2011

Writer: J.T. Krul
Artist: Freddie Williams II
Colorist: Jose Villarrubia

Synopsis

Pit one giant robot against one atomic energy man and you'll have a super-sciencey throw down.

Best of all, the combination of Williams' art and Villarrubia's colors cast a spell on your eyes, so that they won't want to turn away from the page. I'm no art specialist, but the softness of the colors has the feel of the most elegant colored pencils ever (if that makes any sense at all).

Captain Atom saves the day more than once, however as a result of using his powers, a serious problem develops.

For more background, read the awesome Captain Atom review at DadsBigPlan.com.

Review

There's no doubt in my mind that I'll pick up this book again - for the art and colors alone. At the same time, Krul also captured my interest. For a reason I'm unclear about, I care about Captain Atom. Perhaps it's because, his power - which could equally be called his "condition" - prevents him from leading a normal life, leaving him feeling abnormal.

And who doesn't feel like that.

Not Your Grandpa's Aquaman

By RonOfTheEmpire

Artist: Ivan Reis; Colorist: Rod Reis

Trust Geoff Johns' writing. You read and loved his run on The Flash and Green Lantern. Don't doubt him now (Sure, there was the Green Lantern movie bomb, but that can hardly be blamed on Geoff).

Immediately, in the first issue, Geoff turns the reader's preconceived, ill-conceived and misconceived notions upside down. The writing is art, the art is poetry, and the colors are vibrant. This is the Aquaman you were meant to read (if you can find it!). Aquaman is portrayed as strong, commanding and decisive. He is, after all, the ruler of 70% of the planet (as some quaintly refer to it, the seven seas). It's about time he gets some respect, and oh! he does.

If you need more information, Newsarama's interview with Geoff Johns will shed more light on what you need to know about Aquaman. The book has even received some positive buzz from USAToday.com and NYTimes.com.

All I can tell you is this: If Aquaman can eat fish and chips, then you can read Aquaman #1. Issue #2 hits stands on October 26, 2011.

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O.M.A.C. #1 - Rollercoaster Ride

by RonOfTheEmpire
Dated: November 2011
Released: September 2011
Story and Art by: Keith Giffen and Dan DiDio
Inks: Scott Koblish
Colors: Hi-Fi
Synopsis
O.M.A.C., like an army tank on legs, crashes through a mission. Some freakish creatures attack, then "BARR-SOOM," he disposes of them. Something or someone controls him. Who or what could it be? All the while O.M.A.C.'s peacockish mohawk blazes overhead like a national banner.

Review
O.M.A.C. reads like a sci-fi rollercoaster ride - you get in the car, it clanks to the summit and then Vrooom! From another perspective, O.M.A.C. feels like a one-man A-Team, and that's for real!

Reading is believing. Read this book for a rollercoaster ride experience. This one goes on my comic book saver. It's 100% saver worthy.
Incidentally, if you'd like a bit more background, you can read the O.M.A.C. review on Dubiosity.