Comic Book Review: Justice League Generation Lost #18

Written By: Judd Winick

Artist: Aaron Lopresti

Inker: Matt Ryan

Colorist: Hi-Fi

Cover Artist: Aaron Lopresti & Hi-Fi

Letterer: John J. Hill

Editor: Rex Ogle & Brian Cunningham

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Good God I missed having Aaron Lopresti pulling the artistic duties of comics.  Having him work on Power Girl and the rest of the JLI is nothing less than a dream come true.  But now I’m faced with a major problem!  I picked up this issue of Justice League: Generation Lost because it ties in with the current arc running in Power Girl’s own title.  And after reading it, I’m regretting not following this miniseries when it started 18 issues ago.  Damn me and my ability to not spend shit tons of money on comics!

Power Girl is out for vengeance, but only because Maxwell Lord is sending false images into PG’s brain.  To her, Captain Atom looks like a psycho Superman who killed Magog.  This false imagery, provided by Maxy, also extends towards the rest of the JLI; giving Booster, Rocket Red, Ice and Fire a different look and personality in Power Girl’s brain.  It’s one of the deadliest and most intense hero on hero violence any comic has ever contained!  Will Power Girl kill her friends? Will Maxy succeed in his mind manipulation?  I’m sure you’ll be able to figure it out.

As most of you know, I love Judd Winick; his Batman arcs have been far superior to Grant Morrison’s, yet DC keeps hiring him to write for Batman more and more!  Judd Winick’s genius has been under rated by DC for as long as I can remember.  But here in Generation Lost #18, Winick once again proves that not even Morrison can keep him at bay!

We all know that Maxwell Lord is the bad guy (or one of the bad guys) within Brightest Day, but what his role is within the story has yet to be determined.  Winick, however, throws a monkey wrench in the works by causing us to rethink Maxy’s diabolical intentions.  Is he a bad guy or a good guy?  You can ask this question but you’ll never come to any solid conclusion because Winick leaves the playing field wide open!  Is Max really reforming or is he suffering from a misguided sense of justice? 

Within the last few years, DC has really utilized the sepia-toned flashback sequences to help set up a story.  Calling back to the friendship shared by PG and Captain Atom was the perfect Segway into the fight of fights between the two.  This led into a wonderfully angst-driven brawl where Power Girl was ready to pummel Captain Atom to the grave, and the JLI torn between killing Power Girl to save Atom, or going easy on her while Cappy shuffles off this mortal coil.  There was so much power put into this whole conflict, something very few writers are able to do in just 19 pages.

As stated above, Aaron Lopresti is one of my all-time favorite comic book artists.  I didn’t even realize he was sketching this book out until I opened up to the first page.  The panel toggle from What Power Girl was seeing to what was actually there was excellently executed.  Panels with the Max-vision goggles were typically darker while the reality shots were much more soaked in cooler, blue colors, helping me to understand the emotional impact of Power Girl’s dilemma.  Hi-Fi (Who names their kid Hi-Fi?) brought the colors together quite nicely and intelligently, never wavering in quality.

My only complaint with this issue is purely based around the fact that I had to buy an issue of Generation Lost in order to stay up to speed with Power Girl’s title.  Sure, it makes sense to do it this way, but why couldn’t they have kept it in Power girl?  I guess this sentiment follows along with my frustration with Brightest Day in general as it seems to be slapped on every comic book cover these days.  Or, who knows, maybe this is a hint that Generation Lost will be making it’s way into a on-going series.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I really enjoyed this issue, and my highly developed nerd brain tells me you will too.  But you might want to catch up on the events of Brightest Day if you aren’t too familiar with its goings on.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Comic Book Review: War of the Superman #0 [Free Comic Book Day]

Free Comic Book Day Review!

Book Information

Written by James Robinson, Sterling Gates

Art by Eddy Barrows, Aaron Lopresti, Gary Frank

My Thoughts

Free Comic Book Day is typically a time where comic book companies try to lure in new readers and long forgotten fans.  These FCBD comics are not always the most entertaining or well written.  Last year, however, DC broke the mold with the outstanding hit single, “Blackest Night #0.”  This started a new trend within FCBD, bringing more quality books to the comic book stores.  Now as War of the Supermen #0 is not the outstanding work that Blackest Night #0 was, it still maintained the quality that DC has brought to comic book stores everywhere.

While James Robinson scares the hell out of me, his team-up with Sterling gates seems to be paying off.  One thing Robinson established early in the WONK series was that Zod had ulterior motives; it was unclear if he did actually reform or was playing the entire city.  Robinson is, and always will be an “action” story kind of writer and this issue shows off Robinson’s style in full form.

The first half of the book isn’t that deep as it focuses mainly on Superman and Zod sizing each other up and going at it tooth and nail.  The mystery revolving around Zod’s motives was pleasantly revealed here, showing that Zod will never be anything more than an evil man.  My only complaint about this issue was the condensed storyline as ten pages into it, and after the mind bogglingly amazing two page spread of Kryptonians flying towards Earth, we move into the editorial piece where Lois Lane attempts to reveal her father’s evil and prejudice nature to the world.

Nothing new is revealed, which isn’t the purpose of the book.  Every page is a recapping of what has already transpired in hopes new reader’s will see the big blue “S” and pick this issue up.  But this isn’t unnecessary script writing as it all leads to the coming events in the Superman mythos.  This issue also leaves a lot of question running around in my brain.  What will happen between Earth and New Krypton?  Despite who wins the upcoming war, a decision must be made as to how the two worlds will interact in the future.  Will General Lane die before this series’ end or will he become a new arch enemy for Superman? 

Eddy Barrows delivers some fantastic artwork in the first half of the issue, giving off that same eerie feel he brought in the Blackest night tie-ins.  Superman bursting through the wall of Zod's domicile was breath taking and shocking!  The second half of the book, while still portraying some great art, was too distracting for me as I hate having to toggle between different art styles in the same book.

Overall

A lot of fun.  If anything were to get me excited about War of the Superman, this issue certainly did the trick.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars

Justice League: Generation Lost Incentive Cover

Wow, this is just way to cool to not post here....

Comic Book Review: Wonder Woman #41

Book Information

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Chris Batista & Raul Fernandez

Plot

Wonder Woman and Power Girl go in an all out, knock down brawl to the finish!  The two mightiest women in comics take each other out as the sinister sons of Ares go on a quest to destroy Wonder Woman’s social life style and her loved ones.  Can she fight off Power Girl long enough to put a stop to the demon children’s night stalking excursion, or will Wonder Woman loose one of her closest friends?

My Thoughts

This would have to be one of the weaker issues I’ve read from Gail Simone’s time on Wonder Woman.  While still being fun and engaging, the story seemed a little too forced, as if Gail didn’t have enough time to flesh it out.  Which she didn’t!  The complexity of the demonic children of Ares is way too big to contain it within a two issue story arc.  The battle scene between Power Girl and Wonder Woman was fun, but I felt the issue was too focused on that event.  I understand the use of having the fight, to distract Wonder Woman while the kids go out causing dissent and altercations among the people Wonder Woman has come to love, creating a wonderful sense of angst.  It was a nice touch too, the whole “avenging my father” ordeal, but it didn’t play out like I think it should have.

The inner monologues of the two heroines were interesting, especially on Wonder Woman’s side.  One thing Simone has done exceptionally well is building up the passionate, strong side of Diana.  She realizes Power Girl is being manipulated and has sympathizes with her, yet she is unwilling to lie down and let Kara pummel her to the ground.  The dialogue going throughout her mind is unspeakably sensitive and strong, portraying Wonder Woman as one of the strongest characters (emotionally and physically) in DC and in comics overall.

You know, I don’t want to say the art was below average because I feel I would only be saying that because of the standard made by Mr. Lopresti.  Chris Batista and Raul Fernandez, however, just didn’t bring anything worth while to the table.  There were a a lot of inconsistencies and detailing issues that became a huge distraction for me.  Very talented, but they had a pair of BIG shoes to fill.  It will be nice though to have Nicola Scott come later this month, who’s just as talented as Lopresti.

Overall

I’m going to miss having Lopresti consistently feeding us a monthly diet of outstanding artwork, but Nicola Scott will be a more than satisfactory replacement.  The story itself was flawed and not what I’ve come to expect from Simone.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming March 31, 2010

Gail Simone and fan-favorite artist Nicola Scott reunite for this explosive tale featuring the stunning return of a star-spanning threat from Diana's past! Can even Wonder Woman stop Earth from this world-destroying madwoman? Guest-starring the Green Lantern Corps! Don't miss "The Wrath of The Silver Serpent"!

Top Ten Comics For January 2010

10. Batman & Robin # 7 (7/10)

Written By Grant Morrison

Art By Cameron Stewart

Reason For Rating

I felt there was a lot of bad reasoning behind putting Dick Grayson in the UK.  Yes the Lazarus Pit is there, but it was a poor reintroduction to the British versions of Batman and Robin.  I also thought the artwork could have been found on a Saturday morning cartoon; very immature art with a mediocre storyline.

9. Superman # 696 (7/10)

Written By James Robinson

Art By Bernard Chang

Reason For Rating

The artwork was the main reason for this top ten placing, however James Robinson sure steps up his writing game with this issue.  However, Robinson still isn't the writer he needs to be to make a good Superman story

8. Secret Six #17 (8/10)

Written By Gail Simone & John Ostrander

Art By J. Calafiore

Reason For Rating

Simone's writing is the reason why this book has been placed so high.  However, Calafiore's artwork dumbs it down a bit.  If the artwork had matched Simone's writing better, this book could have been a lot higher.

7. Justice League: A Cry For Justice #6 (8.5/10)

Written By James Robinson

Art By Scott Clark

Reason For Rating

Robinson's shockingly good storytelling and Scott Clark's above average art work.  In a lot of ways, I like Clark's art work better in this title.

6. Batman #695 (9/10)

Written By Tony Daniel

Art By Sandu Florea

Reason For Rating

Daniel's wrote a true Batman story, that's all there is to it.

5. Green Lantern Corps #44 (9/10)

Written By Peter J. Tomasi

Art By Patrick Gleeson & Rebecca Buchman

Reason For Rating

I think shock was what did it for me with this issue.  I'm not surprised that so many have named this book "Best Comic of 2009."

4. Weird Western Tales #71 (9/10)

Written By Dan Didio

Art By Renato Arlem 

Reason For Rating

Dan Didio is just a good writer and can tell fantastic stories. 

3. The Phantom Stranger #42 (9.5/10)

Written By Peter J. Tomasi

Art By Ardian Syaf & Vicente Cifuentes 

Reason For Rating

No reason other than the fact that, like Weird Western Tales, this was a fun detective/mysterious fantasy story.  Bringing the silver age back to comics was a genius idea.

2. Supergirl #49 (9.5/10)

Written By Sterling Gates

Art By Matt Camp

Reason For Rating

If you write a good terrifying tale, you're going to get at least one fan...me!

1. Wonder Woman #40 (10/10)

Written By Gail Simone

Art By Aaron Lopresti

Reason For Rating

Gail Simone...Nothing more needs to be said.  She is the best writer in comics right now.

Everything she writes is personal, meaningful, educated, fun, artistic, etc etc.

Aaron Lopresti, arguable the best artist in comics.  While still remaining in the comic book style, Lopresti's attention to detail is never something one should question.

Wonder Woman, if it continues down this path of pure awesomness, will once again be in the running for Best Comic Of The Year for 2010.

Comic Book Review: Wonder Woman #40

Book Information

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Aaron Lopresti & Matt Ryan

Plot

Wonder Woman saves Earth from supernatural monster yet again, this time in the subway station where a serpent god named Quetzlotl hungers for human meat.  As the Amazonian Princess subdues the beats and sends it back to its celestial homestead, the creature warns Diana of an oncoming, yet unknown threat to humanity that compelled it to hunt for human flesh. 

Following the life threatening subway crisis, a series of sinister events occur including a burning building, an innocent by standard shooting himself in the head, and Power Girl shockingly attacking Wonder Woman.  Meanwhile, looming in the darkness is a strange quintet of young boys that can do nothing but smile with joy at the entire situation.

My Thoughts

This is without a doubt one of the best issue of Wonder Woman to come out in almost two years.  This issue contained everything I enjoy in a story…murder, demonic creatures, and a twisted, gothic undertone where there’s no happiness in sight!  Even amongst the evil that is surrounding this issue however, there is still that shimmering positive light that illuminates the Wonder Woman reputation as the friendship between Etta Candy and Diana is rekindled, along with some newly revealed and interesting secrets.  It was great too see Diana coming back to see Etta after the long hiatus from fighting beasties and demons.

The newest, and arguably the creepiest installments to DC’s list of villains I can only assume at this point to be the sons of the God of War, Ares, and the recently departed Amazonian warriors, calling themselves The Crows.  They have the semblance of those terrifying kids from Children of the Dammed, which is no new approach to gothic story telling as demonic kids have been a common literary and plot device since before my parents were born.  But these children have a mission, unknown of course, which they seem to enjoy every twist and turn that their antics take.  When it comes to horror stories, I’m very picky about what I accept into my film or literary collections.  This is twisted and evil, yet intelligent enough to gracefully accept into my comic book long box.

One of Simone’s strongest aspects is her narrative approach with Wonder Woman.  Far too often we get comics that are mainly pretty pictures, followed loosely by minimal dialogue.  The Wonder Woman team of Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti is perfect as we get amazing literature coming from every page as well as gorgeous and innovative artwork.  I’m mostly impressed by the subtle way Simone is turning everyone against Wonder Woman through her new villain vessels, the five demon children.  There’s a lot of truth in the statement made by one of the kids, “Shocking how people turn on their heroes these days.”  I’m wondering if this arc will have a small bit of commentary on how easily swayed people are when rhetoric and fear come into play.

Lopresti holds nothing back with his attention to detail.  From the crinkle in the Wonder Woman boots as she walks, to the exploding rubble coming from Diana as she pummels through the different layers of a parking garage.  Amongst the incredible detail, Lopresti has certainly had a grasp on what Wonder Woman looks like since he first came aboard on this title.  The last page is absolutely stunning, with her gorgeous shimmering black hair flowing in the wind, her eloquently chiseled abs and torso, her perfectly sculpted legs and arms, and her superbly Greek goddess-like face, Lopresti continually shows that a female super hero can portray a sense of respect, strength and beauty

Overall

You can’t go wrong by picking up this issue.  It brings in that popular Wonder Woman feel while bringing in some new, horrific storytelling aspects.  I’m surprised to see that this story arc will only span out for two issues though.  These evil children and the doubt building up within Wonder Woman’s fans has the potential of of being one of the better Wonder Woman story arcs to ever exist.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming February 24^th, 2010

It's a knock-down, drag-out war in the sky between the mightiest females in the DC Universe as Wonder Woman fights Power Girl! Meanwhile, that disturbingly creepy circle of hellion kids known as the Crows do everything they can to destroy Diana's life and loved ones!

Top Ten Comics For December, 2009

10. Justice League of America #40
James Robinson finally brings a quality Justice League book to JLA fans.  It's very moving and undeniably worthy of a top ten spot for December

9. Blackest Night: JSA #1
This book has a lot of fun moments in it as well as keeping it emotionally exciting

8. Supergirl #48
Supergirl whines a lot, yet the mystery set within this story is getting really good!

7. Secret Six #16
What can I say about Gail Simone except that she is the best writer with DC right now.  This issue rocks!

6. Power Girl #7
Exceptionally corny, yet quite original.  You'll laugh with every page turn.

5. Batman #694
Tony Daniels is truly keeping us on our toes with this edition of Batman.

4. Blackest Night #6
I definitely didn't see that one coming.  Nice job and shocking the crap out of us Mr. Geoff Johns.

3. Green Lantern #49
It was nice to see John Stewart get a whole book dedicated to him after so long.  This was a much needed issue.

2. Wonder Woman #39
While I was confused with a portion of the story, this issue really did bring down the house for me.  After reading it I said "yeah, this is definitely in my top 5 for December."

1. Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #1
Yes, Wonder Woman takes the top two spots, and reasonably so with Rucka and Simone writing at the helm.  This first issue of Wonder Woman's Blackest Night tie-in was truly incredible.  The emotions stemming through her could have brought down the mightiest mortal, but not her.  Wonder Woman also found a new way of killing the Black Lanterns, with her love.  It burned so bright that it singed the zombies to nothing but piles of ash.  Another clue that Wonder Woman has a big role to play in this series.

And one cannot complain about Nicola Scott's amazing artwork.  She is equaled with artists like Ed Benes and Jim Lee.  This was a perfect comic book.

Comic Book Review: Blackest Night Wonder Woman #2

Book Information

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by Nicola Scott

Cover by Ryan Sook

Plot

Wonder Woman fights with herself a she does battle with Mera.  Will Wonder Woman be able to break free of the black rings hold on her, or will she fall to the hands of a friend?

My Thoughts

After the first issue of Wonder Woman’s Blackest Night tie-in, I was really excited for this installment.  However, as good as I thought the issue was, I was a wee bit disappointed in its unnecessary storyline.

I opened up the first page to discover that this second issue doesn’t connect with the first.  This isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but it was quite a surprise to discover this.  The other tie-ins for Blackest Night have been series; where as Wonder Woman was more self-contained and segregated from each other.  I wasn’t sure why Rucka decided to do this, or why DC allowed this to happen.  Wonder Woman is such a power horse in the DCU and the potential that was this tie-in was wasted by constructing the three issue spread like this.

I did enjoy the triple dialoging that Rucka put into this story.  Observing Diana Struggle with herself was an interesting approach and a great emotional story telling tactic.  There she was, Wonder Woman fighting off Mera, but deep inside Diana was powerless to stop herself.  We’ve been given two major clues in this series to show that the risen lanterns, and the alive heroes who inherited black rings, aren’t actually themselves when becoming a Black Lantern.  The first was when Deadman’s body rose while his soul was still in tact, and now the second clue lies with Wonder Woman.  Something else is controlling the dead bodies of heroes, while their soul/consciousness remains the same.  Rucka is an incredible story teller, and this issue proves it.

Nicola Scott brings us another incredible display of artistic talent which is constantly portrayed in The Secret Six.  She’s completely on par with Aaron Lopresti and maintains a consistently fantastic array of clean lines and fully expressive faces.  Thank you Nicola for delivering such powerful artwork to DC comics.

I wasn’t sure if I understood the dream sequence Diana had.  What was the point of bringing Batman to her dreams in that manner?  I’m sure we all know that Batman has an even bigger part to play in this story, but it really didn’t make sense.  And having Aphrodite give Diana a Star Sapphire ring seemed rather strange as well.  Is Aphrodite a Guardian, or was it a way of making sense to Diana when she’s was struggling to be free of her Black Lantern state?  I don’t know, do you?  Please enlighten me.

Overall

It is wroth buying based on Rucka’s quality writing, with exception to a few little gripes about the story telling structure.  However, nothing new is pushed into the foreground which makes this issue easy to skip.  This issue would have been better served being published BEFORE Blackest Night #6.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming February 3^rd, 2010

Following closely to the events of BLACKEST NIGHT, this miniseries event concludes as the Amazonian Princess comes to terms with who she is and what her role is in the world. But will her acceptance make her more appetizing to the Black Lantern hordes – or could that emotion be their undoing?