Wonder Woman Wednesday #5

So I still think the new Wonder Woman costume isn't that bad, but I am in that very large crowd of people who would like to see her return to that classic costume, strung out with stars and bright colors.

I don't know, it's been apart of her for so long that it's hard to see her in anything else.  In fact, the trinity of DC has very defining costumes which have stood the test of time for over 60 years.  So many of the other younger heroes who have made a name for themselves have gone through constant costume changes and stuck with them.  But the one costume change that Supes, Bats, and Wondy have gone through haven't stuck do to the unpopular opinions from fans.  Will This new costume of Diana's stick, or will it dissipate like fans are hoping it will?  If this photo is, in fact, a glimpse into the future of Wonder Woman, I think fans can sit back, relax, and soak in the fact that their worries and fears are unmerited.

But we shouldn't give up our hopes, it is very possible that DC plans to take this new costume and ride it out as long as they can.  Lighting conductor Superman was around for some time before going back to the classic red, yellow and blue tights.  It's quite possible that Diana could be strutting her new duds for a while before DC caves into fan demands and gives back her old wardrobe.

But, then again, maybe Megan Fox would be more willing to play Wonder Woman with the new suit rather than with the old one.  If that's the case, then I pray to God DC makes the right decision.  Hint; Fox should never play Wonder Woman (or anything character for that matter) and take up a career in "not" acting.

I'm sorry, I trailed off a bit.  That usually happens with me when it comes to Megan Fox or James Cameron (yeah, you knew I was going to throw in a Cameron knock down.  My blog, my rules.)  Let me get back on topic.

Wonder Woman, despite what her costume may look like, will always remain one of DC's underestimated heroes.  Never doubt the writer behind her purely based on the costume.  As long as a competent writer is taking care of her run, Wonder Woman will always be a great book.  Now, if only Gail Simone would return to the title.  JMS us doing great, but...no offense...I want Simone back.

Comic Book Review: Wonder Woman #604

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Penciller: Don Kramer & Eduardo Pansica

Colorist: Alex Sinclair

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Kramer with Sinclair

Editor: Brian Cunningham

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

So into the fire we go!  Could it be?  Did a hint of Alan Moore seep into the pages of WW #604?  I could have sworn I saw good ol’ terrorist “V” standing, screaming for redemption amongst the flames of magical irony!  But of course, this isn’t so and V never makes a guest appearance. Diana comes face to face with a burned up colonel who serves a higher, and unknown master.  But just as Wonder Woman finds herself in the palm of death’s firm and ashy grip, a surprise guest makes her way onto the fiery, desert stage in fine style!  Now Diana stands in front of her first adventure in this new era with her head held high while her butt cheeks fight off that drastic blue pants wedgy!  But the question still remains…What does it all mean?

Don’t worry folks, you aren’t going crazy, this arc really HASN’T made Wonder Woman worth much these past few months.  Sure, it’s fun to see Diana being pushed in a new direction, and I really am enjoying this arc, but I don’t see what purpose this new reality is serving in the Earth Prime universe. 

And that could be it right?  Maybe JMS is so “gun-ho” with his very successful Superman: Earth One graphic novel that he couldn’t help but give Wonder Woman the very same treatment.  All the characters are the same, yet very different.  The story feels so disconnected from the DCU that I can’t imagine how this is going to make sense in the end.

Now it does not mean this individual issue is bad by any means. The story itself is still actually quite interesting despite Mr. Scared and Seared’s exceptionally boring back story.  (question, is he an alternate version of old lover-boy, namely Steve Trevor?)  I guess I’m just a sucker when it comes to battle sequences where the hero is challenged beyond what they handle, only to find themselves with a newly discovered ability to transcend their fears and anxieties.

There’s still this feeling of “newness” though that hinders Wonder Woman from becoming the hero Gail Simone made her out to be, which is a very depressing aspect to the WW world of JMS.  Wonder Woman seems more like a black haired, blue legging, multiple shoulder straps wearing Kryptonian Supergirl who’s still trying to figure out life through a series of trials and tribulations. But most confusing for me is how Diana seems to remember and not remember her life and experiences.  Why this is, I don’t know.  Four issues in and I still can’t decide if I should drop the book and wait for the REAL Wonder Woman to return, or continue with JMS’ run and see where it leads.  (Then I remember that I subscribed to this title, so I don’t have a choice…wink)

Two pencillers, two different styles, yet consistency is the best way I can describe this artistic endeavor.  You can most certainly tell the difference between each style, but never does it become so painfully obvious of a change that your eyes begin to bleed.  While the 7^th page was hectic and full of chaos, it took my breath away with the amount of detail, color, depth and foreshadowing splashing throughout it.  Take a high five from me Kramer and Pansica!

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

So here I sit, thinking and remaining puzzled by JMS and his approach to Wonder Woman.  What will happen?  How long with this last?  Will things start to make sense sooner rather later?  Why is it I enjoy something so disconnected from continuity and the DCU?  Fingers and toes are crossed JMS, please don’t disappoint.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Writing: 7.5

Art: 8.5

Themes: 8

Graphic Novel Review: Super Earth One

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Artist: Shane Davis

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

It’s been described as DC’s answer to Twilight; Superman carrying a dark and lifeless persona, often hiding his face in the shroud of his red hoody.  He has trouble coping with life due to his uncertainty of who he is and where he comes from.  Even after Clark learns of his alien heritage, it does nothing to comfort him and even brings him into a deeper state of solitude as he now knows that he is the last of his kind.

As Clark goes through many trials and tribulations, having no luck in landing job, unable to maintain certain friendships, and feeling as if he has let Pa Kent down, and alien army commences in an attack on Earth.  Their leader, Tyrell, is in search of the last son of Krypton and vows to find him or he will destroy Earth and all its inhabitants.  Now it’s up to Clark to not only save Earth from total annihilation, but risk ending his own life before he is ever able to discover anything about it.

I’ve been excited about this straight-to-hardcover graphic novel since I first heard about it almost four months ago.  I love the idea of it, giving us a much darker Superman, verging on being just as secluded and scared as the Dark Knight.  I was lucky enough to have had my local comic book shop hold a copy for me as they sold out the day of its release.  And my expectations were met with glorious results! 

This story presents Clark Kent at a much younger age, closely resembling that of Peter Parker when he first discovered his spidey-abilities.  This gives Straczynski an incredible opportunity to hone in on the fragile mind of a 20 year old boy still coping with the uncertainty of his life. 

I found myself doing a compare and contrast of the Superman we know vs. the Superman of Earth one, as I’m sure everyone who read this was and is still doing.  The interesting thing I discovered is that, despite one being exceptionally nerdy and told to hide his abilities, and one acting just like himself and using his abilities to gain an advantage over everyone, both Clark Kents still feel disconnected from the rest of the world.  It will be interesting to see how different Earth One’s Superman will be to Earth prime’s. 

In many ways, this origin story is much more enjoyable than the familiar one.  We still have a head strong Lois Lane and an ambitious Perry White, but giving Jimmy Olsen a much more confident demeanor, resembling that of actor Chris Evans was a nice touch. But what this story does exceptionally well is not bring in familiar villains for the sake of having them in the story.  In fact, a new villain we’ve never heard of is brought into the mix that has the semblance of Lobo and David Bowie.  This was a very useful change in the story as it allowed for enough difference to occur so that it didn’t feel like the story was being regurgitated for Earth One’s Superman.

Very little is revealed about Krypton, but one thing seems to clear, the Krypton of this universe seems to be much more technologically advanced.  The connection the technology shares with Kryptonian DNA certainly helped to aid the story and add an interesting and retro feel to the story.

Shane Davis really didn’t impress me when I first began reading the book, but as I got further along in the story, the more the art grew on me.  Davis takes a much more photogenic approach, given the characters a more realistic feel and tone to them.  The dark, shadowy city as well as the darker color that covered each character helped to add to this displaced feeling that was obviously apart of Clark’s character.  This story is supposed to feel very different and unique from the one we all know and love, why not make the art feel different and unique? 

This graphic novel does present the possibility of more stories to be released based on the Superman of Earth One much of the story was left in the shadows.  Many things were even stated that were left unexplained, which leads me to believe there’s still more to come!

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

This book is going to have its critiques, its haters and doubters, but there’s definitely a very fresh and rejuvenating feel to this literary endeavor on DC’s part.  One could argue that this is the best origin story reincarnation that’s ever been published by DC Comics.  I for one assert that very sentiment.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

Comic Book Review: Superman #703

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Penciller: Eddy Barrows

Colorist: Rod Reis

Letterer: John J. Hill

Cover Art: John Cassidy & David Baron

Editor: Matt Idelson

Superman Created By Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Last review I stated that, as good as this story arc is, JMS will really need to focus it into something different and new every month if it’s to last and be successful enough for the reviews.  Being the culprit of the subscription service, my Superman books come to me anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks after they hit the comic book stores.  I’ve read the reviews and the reactions have been less than stellar.  So, naturally I was a bit worried as I waited for my Superman #703 to be placed gently and elegantly into my mail slot.  As I tore away the packaging and opened up to the first page, I found myself in bewilderment because I actually enjoyed this issue where as the rest of geekdom seem unfavorable towards the “Grounded” arc.

The story starts off with Superman staring at us dead in the face with a death glare that would give Batman a run for his money.  We quickly learn though that this was, in fact, a Dark Knight tactic in scaring the sexual predator out of an innocent bystander.  The only difference?  Superman can dangle villains MILES above solid ground, and in mid-air. 

After the deed is done, Batman wanders onto the scene either wondering if he was out of a job or if Superman was beginning to see the light.  Either way, Batman’s concern for our Man of Steel comes into play, begging Superman to rethink his walk across America due to the fact that his very presence among civilians puts their lives in danger at an exceptionally high rate.  With stuff to think about, Superman continues his walk and runs into a possessed drunkard who temporarily received powers that equaled Superman’s.  The fight destroyed an entire block and it’s now causing people to wonder if Superman “among them” is actually a safe thing or not.

How many of us want to see Superman dubbed the bad guy?  I’d be safe in assuming hardly anyone wouldn’t I?  People expect batman to play the bad guy; his dark and menacing persona helps to personify that and we accept it, typically in a favorably way.  But Superman is our golden boy, why would we want to see him deemed a villain?  This is where the “grounded” story arc’s potential will lie.  After this issue, Superman’s fan base will be splintered off into two groups; those who love him, and those who think him a menace.  JMS may have found his nitch, now he’ll have to stick with it and create an amazing storyline filled with angst, drama, and conflicting questions that both the characters and the readers will have to answer before this arc is over.

JMS really does force us to ask a serious question, can someone famous truly be apart of the regular crowd?  Superman is a savior, but can he actually live among the people AS Superman without drawing attention to himself and those around him?  With his walk across America, will his enemies use this tactile advantage to strike knowing full well that Superman has a weakness for helping the helpless?

But even more prevalent is how much the destruction of New Krypton seems to weigh on the minds of the people.  Two worlds have been destroyed of which Superman would have gladly called home.  Will Earth see the same fate simply because Superman is a part of it?  We all know the answer to that question is no, but the rhetoric of fear will always outweigh logic within the minds humans.  What’s crazy for me, however, is the fact that Superman recently won back the hearts of his fellow Earth dwellers after the whole fiasco with New Krypton.  Now he’s on the verge of loosing them again, but not due to his connection to any alien race, but because of what could be called the “Superman Curse,” where Superman is always followed by death.

There’s nothing I can say that I haven’t said about Eddy Barrow’s work.  He did a fantastic job on War of the Supermen, and an even better job on Blackest Night.  Nothing Barrows attempts is poorly done, always utilizing the appropriate amounts of shading and light in order to create a certain emotional effect.  Gary Frank will always be THE iconic Superman artist for me, but barrows comes a very close second.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

This arc seems to be an all or nothing deal for fans according to reviews.  They either like it or hate it, and it seems people are becoming more and more prone to hate this arc.  For me, I’m loving it; it’s a fantastic new approach for Superman and much needed if the “700’s” are to signify a new dawn for the Man of Steel.  You still get your punching and heat vision action, but this is a much slower paced Superman story so I would suggest giving it time and let it grow on you before you toss it out the window as garbage.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

Superman: Earth One Hits Stores Today!!!

Go get your copy today!  This should be super exciting!

The following synopsis comes from Hickoryrecord.com

A fresh new take on Superman is set to hit the shelves today. It’s a graphic novel called “Superman Earth One,” and it was drawn by Statesville native and DC comic book artist Shane Davis.

Davis said his publisher won’t let him give away any of the plot secrets, but he was able to provide a hint of what it’s all about.

The story is based on the familiar Superman story originally penned in 1938, but Davis has produced a down-to-earth Superman set in the modern day while being true to the spirit of the original source material.

Davis’ partner on the book, writer J. Michael Straczynski, best known for his work on Babylon 5 and a host of other TV shows, penned the story.

“It’s the most human incarnation of Superman I’ve ever read,” Davis said of Straczynski’s story.

“Superman Earth One” begins with Clark Kent as a 21-year-old man going from Smallville to Metropolis for the first time – a journey similar to the one Davis made when he left Statesville for New York to work in comics.  Davis started out by drawing minor characters for the comics like Robin and Nightwing before landing a job drawing a Spiderman comic for younger readers.

Comic Book Review: Wonder Woman #603

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: J, Michael Straczynski

Penciller: Don Kramer, Eduardo Pansica, Allen Goldman

Colorist: Alex Sinclair

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Kramer & Sinclair

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

The problem with comic books is its 22 page limit.  Once a month we pick up another installment of a storyline that typically falls short of what we’re hoping for due to the limited space writers have to use per book.  The same thing is happening with Wonder Woman in her all new adventures, three issues in.  However, keep in mind that what feels like a waste of time, or an excuse to push the story into too many monthly comics could very well be purposeful lead-in to a very pleasant and satisfying end.

But we don’t have to like it, do we?

It’s clear that Diana is going through a drastic change, which obviously means a journey, or right of passage is in order to successfully enact this new direction for Wonder Woman.  But, in all honesty, Gail Simone gave Wonder Woman that new direction.  Fans were beginning to respect her character again, what does Straczynski hope to accomplish that Simone did not?  It seems we’ve detracted back to when Wonder Woman was a mere child, still trying to figure herself out.  In #603, Diana still has the attitude and edge, but she now seems a little more like Power Girl than Wonder Woman.  (Although, PeeGee is still much feistier.)  I can’t imagine what is hoped to be accomplished by bringing her back to the beginning when she had been doing so well as a woman and not some child running around with her head cut off.

With all of that said, this issue is still enjoyable to read.  Diana, always the leader, leads a band of Amazonian refuges through the desert only to be met by mythological demons of death and dragged into Hell; fighting past a horde of lost souls, some flying Keres’, and a three headed pooch!  Action packed is the best way to describe this story, and leaves you wanting more; especially after our mysterious figure walks towards Diana in the shadows.  (We all know it’s Satan!)

I didn’t actually notice a difference in artistic style until after I read the whole comic.  I somehow skimmed over the fact that two other pencillers were enlisted to finish up this book in Kramer’s absence.  Either way, I guess I wasn’t phased by the change in art at all.  I was even engaged with this issue artistically, more so than usually.  It’s hard to get over Lopresti being gone, but I’m not dying.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

So what do I do with this issue?  It’s got a lot of gusto, but with a sour taste to it.  This doesn’t feel like Wonder Woman, yet I’m enjoying everything transpiring within #603.  It’s a little hard to swallow at times to be honest.  This story is a perfect fit for Princess Diana, but the new direction in Wonder Woman’s life isn’t coming through like it should yet.  A proper balance between the well written story and the development of Wonder Woman’s new character is where the improvement needs to occur.  I give Straczynski props for trying something new, but something does need to happen that helps explain everything going on REALLY soon.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Writing: 7

Art: 8

Themes: 6

Comic Book Review: Wonder Woman #602

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Penciller: Don Kramer & Eduardo Pansica

Inker: Jay Leisten, Michael Babinski & Ruy Jose

Colorist: Alex Sinclair

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Kramer & Babinski with Sinclair

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

So in this issue, Wonder Woman flies in and splits some serious wigs in trying to defend her fellow Amazonian sisters.  JMS brings the fighting Simone style Wonder Woman to the open pages of issue #602 in full force.  But JMS seems to have gone back a few steps and purposefully detracted the work Gail Simone put into Wonder Woman.  Instead of a Wonder Woman, we seem to now have a Wonder Girl.  While most fans have made up there mind about the quality of this change in Diana’s character and what they think of it, my mind is still up in the air.

What isn’t clear to me is Straczynski’s purpose and goal for Wonder Woman.  JMS gives Wonder Woman a look of what’s to come but uses both new and old material to boost her forward.  The new image and costume seem to suggest that Wonder Woman is heading in a new direction, but by trailing back into a much more “girlish” demeanor.  She no longer seems wise, just more inquisitive, much like Gates’ Supergirl; she’s dead set on saving everyone, but is unsure about life in general.  This works for Supergirl, But Wonder Woman is an established adult who always had a much better handle on life than, well, any other superhero in comics.  Now JMS has given her a semblance of a teenaged girl who has more questions than answers and allows that to dictate her mood and maturity level.  While I’m a little disappointed by this literary decision on the part of JMS, the purpose behind this change has yet to be revealed, and I’m willing to give JMS a chance to explain everything in hope that it will make (awesome) sense.

JMS is still retaining some of that attitude we all loved about Wonder Woman pre #600 as she gives the gods (or the voices in her head) a fierce reprimand.  Wonder Woman has always been great at telling the gods when their stupidity is overpowering their intelligence and it’s nice to see that JMS is keeping that aspect of the new Wonder Woman around.

I was very unimpressed by the art this month.  Kramer and Pansica did such an amazing job in August that I was expecting at least an equally entertaining job for #602.  But nothing like that happened.

I did enjoy the moment Diana strip off her jacket to reveal the full extent of her new costume.  I don’t know what it is that fans don’t like about the new costume but I feel it’s appropriate and not out of touch with her character.  But now, seeing what was to behold underneath her leathery covering, it now feels even more in tune with the Amazonian comic book hero.  The starry, armored underwear has been replaced with the black leggings, and her bustier has a much more solid look.  I do questioned the number of straps going from her shoulders down to her elbow, but other than that, the costume itself seems so much more consistent with the modern standard that Wonder Woman has become to fans.

My biggest irk with this book however is with the cover.  No, it’s not because I think it’s poorly drawn or because it looks cartoonish, I find it to be quite artistic in fact.  What irks me about it the most is the unoriginality of it.  How many times have we seen this pose used in comics?  Hmmmmm, let me think…

I understand why, but honestly, do we have to use this bullets and bracelets image every time Wonder Woman goes under some drastic change in her character?

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

This is a conflicting issue, no lie.  JMS certainly has a lot of “Splainin” to do.  Biggest question in my mind…what will stick and when will we see the real Diana come back to us?

Rating: 7.67 out of 10

Writing: 7.5

Art: 7

Themes:  8.5

Comic Book Review: Superman#702

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Penciller: Eddy Barrows

Inker: J.P. Mayer

Colorist: Rod Reis

Letterer: John J. Hill

Cover Art: John Cassaday & David Baron

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

I loved Superman #702, no doubt about it.  But can I just say if I were a non comic book reader, that the cover of this issue would have turned me off completely?  Holy shit!  Please DC, higher me instead of Cassaday and Baron; I can deliver a cover worth looking at.

Ok, sorry, I had to vent.  Typically, comic book company attempts to make the cover the most appealing visual aspect of any comic book they publish, which is why this cover vexes me in ways I’ve never experienced.  I think my gag reflex is about to initiate!  This is one moment where I can truly say my talent level far surpasses what was displayed on this issues cover.

Artistic frustrations aside, #702 finds the Man of Steel still on his walk across America in hopes to “find” himself.  With some unique encounters on the way, like a team of miscreant high schoolers playing basketball, an alien family in hiding, and a tired older man whose level of obliviousness surpasses my own, Superman displays both his need to help those in need, and his condescending inferiority complex in fine form.

Straczynski hits the nail right on the head with his depiction of Superman as a caring person whose conservative outlook on life can make him look like a complete asshole!  Was Mark Miller right with his Red Son storyline from Elseworlds?  If the circumstances were changed, would Superman have become an evil dictator?  #702 certainly causes me to ponder on that very fact.  His boastful attitude as he basically tells the aliens that they have no right to live on American soil without contributing to their community in some way definitely set off my ASS alarm.  I certainly wish the alien family had been more assertive towards the Man of Steel in explaining why he’s an arrogant, pompous prick, but that is the Superhero enigma isn’t it?  Every superhero must go through this guilt trip of knowing they are expected to help the people of the world since they do, in fact, have the ability to stop evil.  Like Ben Parker continually stated before receiving a bullet to the chest, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”  I don’t like it any better than the next guy, but when you know you can do something to help, it’s hard not to feel compelled to do so. 

Now while I understand Superman’s motives, I can’t agree with his methods of persuasion.  “Look here, I have a dead man in my arms!  If you don’t help him, you have no moral standing.”  Thanks for the guilt trip Man of Steel, your rhetoric is impeccable.  I guess I felt like Superman was suffering from a “high and mighty” complex which sickened me a bit, especially after how Superman has grown as a character in the last few years.

It was nice to see that Superman and Lois are still making time for each other.  I still think that if I were Lois, I would have put my foot down and told him to forget about it, but it seems they have a genuine respect and love each other enough to fight through this stage of life Superman is going through.  And can I just say that I love that the aliens attitude towards the series finale of Lost mirrors my own?  Straczynski definitely won some points with me...

Apart from the horrendously awful cover, everything seen within is gorgeous.  The alien armored suit flying down into the basement layer of the alien’s home was so good I might have to find a way at blowing this up and making it a poster for my already cluttered office at home.  I was wondering how in the world this could happen without the rest of the world knowing.  But then we see the boys wondering if there was an earthquake happening in their own backyard which quenched my inquisitive feelings towards the whole situation.  And Superman’s basketball game where he plays against the entire band of young adults was wonderfully impressive, even if he broke the rules of not using powers just a tad.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this month’s Superman edition.  It’s hard to imagine taking on a project like this without worrying how it will be received by its readers.  I am happy with how things are going but I do wonder, if this indeed is a 12 month arc, how this is all going to end up on the road ahead.  Oh well, gotta keep my fingers crossed.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Writing: 9

Art: 6 (That cover just killed this rating)

Themes: 9

Wonder Woman Wednesday #2

It's new comic book day!  But since it's Wednesday, we pay homage to the Amazon Princess, who may or may not be a princess any more.  This cover comes from Wonder Woman #602 and the new back story that she's under going.  You have to wonder, do the bracelets still represent the Amazons time in slavery, or has that concept been dropped?


I'm still keeping my fingers crossed with this new storyline JMS, I think it has a lot of potential.  But part of me wants the old Wonder Woman to come back, even only after one issue of the new and "improved" one.  Oh well, in any case, I'll survive and continually read this classic comic book.

Comic Book Review: Wonder Woman #601

Book Information
Written by J. Michael Straczynski

Penciled by Don Kramer

Inked by Michael Babinski

Colored by Alex Sinclair

Lettered by Travis Lanham

Wonder Woman Created By William Moulton Marston

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

So…remember about two months ago when I was worried what would happen to Wonder Woman when Gail Simone left?  I wasn’t just worried…I was TERRIFIED!  Simone set a precedent that will never be equaled by any writer, she redefined Wonder Woman for the modern age and gave her the type of humanity and love that I can only hope will transcend throughout time.  Now, with Mr. J. Michael Straczynski at the literary helm, my hopes have been fulfilled and terror subdued.

Now the truth of the matter is you can love or hate the new (temporary) look and direction Wonder Woman is going through, it’s your choice.  However, when you allow the changes to dictate your overall feeling for the story in and of itself, you’re allowing your nostalgic bias to interfere with enjoying what Straczynski is bringing to the table.  I find this new direction to be strange and out of touch with the legacy of Wonder Woman.  But the literary structure of #601 is everything a comic book fan (and a Wonder Woman fan) wants and needs to satisfy the comic fix. 

The mystery in this issue is fantastic, causing us to wonder what the Hell is going on, why Wonder Woman’s life is different all of the sudden, and where this new approach is going.  This isn’t some aimless direction on the part of Straczynski and DC Comics however; there is a method behind the madness. 

The story starts off by showing images of a painful end to a once beautiful and glorious Island brought down by the wraith of a mysterious shadowy figure whose purpose is unknown at this point.  Diana begins her quest at discovering what happened and why she’s having difficulty remembering her past while continually being bombarded with random images of what she was before the drastic change in threads.  Straczynski is purposefully calling back to the Wonder Woman we are familiar with, showing that this change has its purpose, we just have to give the mystery time to unveil itself.  (Which you can bet will be at least another five to eleven issues.)

Diana is obviously being portrayed in a much darker tone; having been ripped of her past, her memories while is being crushed with everything the Oracle (who is this oracle by the way) is telling her, who wouldn’t be pissed off at the world and want answers?  Don Kramer nails it on the head with his incredible depiction of confusion, anger, resentment, and determination all over Diana’s face.  Aaron Lopresti did just this, but Kramer is giving it a much more negative and dark feel, much like the Dark Knight.

Straczynski doesn’t dwell on the past very much; we have very few images showing us what happened to Paradise Island.  He pushes forward with a lot of intensity, giving us more to wonder about.  This is the best type of comic book storytelling!

My Awesomely Climactic Conclusion

It’s early yet, and I’ll probably knock on wood after writing this, but I think the future of the Amazon Princess is in good hands.  This new era is different and interesting enough that my attention is hooked!  I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited for the outcome of an arc since Starbreaker first attacked the Justice League back in the early 90’s…and that’s saying A LOT!

Ratings

Writing: 10

Themes: 10

Art: 10

Overall: 10 out of 10

+1 Incentive Point

Comic Book Review: Superman #701

Book Information
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Penciled by Eddy Barrows
Inked by J.P. Mayer
Colors by Rod Reis
Letters by John J. Hill
Cover by John Cassaday & David Baron

Superman was created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
Let us trail back in time a bit, ok? How many times have we actually seen Supes fly down and walk among mere mortals? Sure, he’s had brief moments where he has found himself in the middle of a human huddle, but never (at least in my life time) have I seen Superman actually take the time to descend from his heavenly plain and use his two feet. I don’t know about everyone else, but this feels like Supes has finally made a decision based more on what HE needs rather than what the people need.

As reporters huddle around him and throw out question after question, Superman responds with no more than one word answers, not giving them the satisfaction of some out-of-this-world response to explain his actions. He’s decided to do something different which he feels doesn’t need an explanation. Who cares right? The world cares more about Michelle Obama’s love for dogs than they do about poverty in 3rd world countries. Now we have the world more concerned about Superman taking a casual walk than the recent catastrophic events of New Krypton blowing up. It’s a common occurrence within American society and Superman is unintentionally showing the people that it shouldn’t matter if he decides to be normal or not.

Of course, Superman doesn’t allow the people to forget that he still maintains his super powered abilities by fixing car, lifting a Fox News-like reporter into the air, and burning some drug dealer’s stash with his heat vision, but the difference is he’s not intervening like he used too; he only told the old man that something was wrong with his heart, he only told the over confident car enthusiast that the fuel line was busted, but it was up to them to actually fix their problem. Now Supes did actually clean up the restaurant owners store room, and he did actually stop the hoodlums from dealing in that particular community, but this type of intervention is on a much, MUCH smaller scale than normal. Even with the young woman on the verge of jumping off a tall building, Superman only chats with her; he doesn’t force her down or try to stop her from actually jumping, he just listened to her and let her decision to jump or not be her own without any interference on his part. This new approach to Superman much resembles Gail Simone’s treatment of Wonder Woman, showing Superman’s more human and compassionate side.

There was, at times, some confusion on my part as to whether or not Supe’s walk on the sentimental side is more for his own edification, or the people’s. Maybe it’s both, I don’t know, but there is a mystery ahead as to whether or not this is the start of a new way of life for the Man of Steel.

I did become puzzled by the fact that Lois is just letting her husband pursue his own little walk-a-thon without even consulting her. Yes, Lois realizes that being married to a superhero comes with a certain amount of unpredictability and the willingness to let him do what is needed in the name of justice, but good grief, he just got back! I would think Lois would want him to stick around for more than one day right? If I were Lois, I’d have totally pulled out a can of whoop ass and tell it to Superman straight! This is not so much of a down side to this issue, just something that makes me tilt my head in wonder.

As for the art, Eddy Barrows is nothing less than a perfect artist. His use of light and dark has always been a pleasant highlight for me to enjoy. And with the help of Rod Reis on colors and J.P. Mayer giving the perfect amount of inking to the entire look of this issue, this is a great comic to stare at.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion
The question to ask now is, where is Straczynski going with this? This was a wonderful change in the typical Superman storytelling crusade, but I can honestly say that getting a year long diet of this sentimental walk across the country, with all the cliché one liners and inspirational jargon that could potentially permeate throughout this whole run, really won’t sit well with me. I really enjoyed this issue make no mistake, I think it’s one of the better issues of the month, but hopefully something different occurs that gives this run meaning that’s fresh and inspiring.

Ratings
Writing: 9.5
Themes: 10
Art: 10
Overall: 9.83 out of 10

Comic Book Review: Superman #700

Book Information Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI, JAMES ROBINSON & DAN JURGENS
Art by EDDY BARROWS, BERNARD CHANG, DAN JURGENS & J.P. MAYER
Cover by GARY FRANK

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
Just like Batman, #700 has finally come within the Man of Steel’s clutches. It’s hard to believe that the corny, all American “good ‘ol boy” has been able to last this long. Don’t get me wrong, I love Supes, but there are times where I wonder how the heck a character as cheesy and goody two-shoish as he was able to last in our modern society this long. Just goes to show you how much people, deep down inside, truly want someone like Superman to exist.

#700 brings us three entertaining stories all written (and drawn) by numerous people. The opener brings us the Parasite running after Lois Lane (our proverbial damsel in distress if you will) because she stuck in her nose where she shouldn’t have. I’m not even sure what the heck Parasite and Prankster were trying to do, but it didn’t truly matter did it? All that mattered was giving Lois and Clark that one true intimate moment they have been lacking for over a year. At first I thought Robinson was going to really kill it for me, but instead made this entire section worth every penny in the $4.99 price mark. I think if Lois and Clark ever leave each other, it will truly be the end of comics as we know it. Out of all the comic book couples, Lois and Clark are the icons; the only true lasting phenomenon that has rooted itself within the DC Universe that will never be pulled up. Robinson wrote the greatest reunion of these two that will never be mastered by any other writer. Not even the great Geoff Johns or Gail Simone could have done better.

Bernard Chang in addition made this section that much better. Chang has excelled so much within this last year, but this issue marks a gold medal achievement for him. His attention to detail and clean artistic approach cannot be described as anything but perfect.

With a few turns of the pages, we come to the second feature by Dan Jurgens entitled, “Geometry,” Purposefully written in the classic story telling style, Jurgens brings us a tale where Robin goes out on his own despite Batman’s (Bruce Wayne) orders to stay home. Grayson gets in trouble and it’s up to Superman to save the Boy Wonder. It’s a pleasantly funny story with very corny ending that gives me an idea of what it must have been like reading comics when my parents were kids. I was worried at first that Batman and Robin were taking over this part of the book, but luckily Jurgens made everything come together quite nicely. And the art really gave the story that much more of an edge.

The final section of this book gives the new Superman writer a chance to show us what’s in store for the Man of Steel. With his recent return, people are flowering Superman with praise and bombarding him with questions about what life was like away from Earth. Being as humble as he could, Superman still meets a hateful and unloving slap to the face by an innocent civilian who blames her husband’s death on Superman’s absence. While the crowd is bewildered and offended at this lady’s actions, Superman takes her words and actions to heart and begins walking away, dwelling on the whole situation.

Even though I find this transition into Superman #701 a little too “Forrest Gumpish,” the message behind this transition is very powerful. After all Superman has gone through this past year, the one thing that pulls at his heart strings the most is the fact that he was unable to save a man who died of a tumor. This woman who so suddenly confronted him made a foot print in his heart that may never disappear. I appreciated this approach by Mr. Straczynski even though it’s only going to lead to a long, drawn out “coming-of-age” walk across America, but I think I can bear through it. I can at least give it a chance right? Especially with Eddy Barrows helming the art!

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion
In the same degree of Wonder Woman #700, Supes #700 brings an incredible amount of profound storylines to boost him into a new era of Superman stories. All we can do now is hope that Michael S. can do what James Robinson was unable to do.

Ratings
Writing: 9
Themes: 9
Art: 10
Overall: 9.33 out of 10