Drive In, Drive Out

I know I posted a bit ago I'd be reopening, and that is still true. It's just a really hectic time right now, personally and the time of year. I want to start doing my mini-reviews again, if nothing else to keep my writing skills sharp. So some stuff coming up - mini-reviews, why I am disenchanted with DC right now, and various other comic related stuff. I am looking to change the blog title to reflect more of a comic feel, ideas welcome. One thing I do not plan to do is post about what I ate, my crappy day at work, or anything like that. I want to keep it strictly comic (or at least focused) realated.

Cheers,

Mike

Hey all - I'll be re-opening very soon, for those of you that stuck around and still check in.

Slower week overall, but I branched out and put on some Marvel pants this week. There may be some spoilers, so be warned. I tend to ramble about whatever is crossing my mind as I type.


Detective Comics #819

Part 5 of the 'Face To Face' arc. Again, another great issue. Not quite as much Batman as I'd hoped, but still good, nonetheless. B & R have a little spat with Killer Croc, and find that Orca is the next villain to die. There is a neat 'backup story' involving Jason Bard (Batman hired him to be his 'daytime eyes') talking to Orca's significant other, and we get a more 'human view' of her. Another solid book, with special mention for the stellar artwork.


Infinite Crisis #7

It's finally over, and ended with quite a bang. Things were wrapped up, but left open enough for 52 (which I am still not sure I'm sold on, yet.) to pick up the pieces and keep going. Superman, for once, gets the best line (Like Hell! - read it in context, it's an awesome moment) and things are finally set right. I loved they way they brought the Joker in at the end, and what he did...just read it, I don't want to spoil too much. I am curious about what happened to Doomsday...one moment he's there, and the next....just gone. Maybe I missed something, I'll be re-reading it again.

Civil War #1

I won't pretend to know what's going on here, since I am not a Marvel reader, but what I do know - this was an excellent story. The government wants to start a 'hero registration' act, and it's causing heroes to take sides, is how I'd sum it all up. Those of you who read Marvel are probably laughing at me, but there you go. The artwork in the book was some of the best I've ever seen - you don't even need to read it, really. Just drool at the art. Anyhow, since this isn't really a review, I will say I am thinking of picking the New Avengers back up, and maybe checking out a couple Captain America issues. I really like how he is portrayed here.

IGN has a Justice League: Heroes article, for you following the game.

I've dropped a couple books from my pull list - Catwoman & Nightwing. Nightwing is no big deal, I was just trying it out. I am not at all thrilled with his One Year Later story, and to be honest, I don't really like how his character is portrayed. Next.

Catwoman, on the other hand, stings a bit more. I've been getting that one for awhile, but now...it's just not the same without Selina being Catwoman. The story is ok, but nothing great. Once she puts the costume back on, if ever, I'll check it out again. Some might say 'just hold on, it will get better' but I don't have a limitless budget for comics, and there are too many other stories happening that are much better right now.

At the behest of my wife, I picked up Shrugged: Beginnings, by Aspen Comics. Anytime she shows interest in a comic, I am there, grabbing a copy. I quite enjoyed the small amount of info given, and it's got some sweet art. We are looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

Batman #652 - What a fantastic return-to-form run this has been. If there is any doubt that the days of 'Batdick' are over, just read the exchange between Batman and Bullock. Batman and Robin are a much more cohesive team now, and with Gordon back, it's just like old times. I really hope they can keep this momentum going once Robinson leaves, and the Morrison & Dini take over. If this months Wizard is any indication, I don't think we have much to worry about. Short summary - we are getting closer to solving the puzzle of who is killing the various villains, Harvey is walking yet another thin line, and Robin traded blows with Killer Moth. How can you not like a bad guy named Killer Moth?

Catwoman #54 - I'll be honest, I am not 100% sold on Selina's One Year Later story. I am still a little miffed that she's not wearing the mask anymore (or at least right now) and I am sure they will keep us hanging for awhile, so it's much more dramatic when she finally puts it back on. How this will happen now that she is a mother, is up in the air. I am sure it will occur once the inevitable kidnapping of her baby happens. Either way, this issue confirmed that Holly is the current Catwoman, Angle Man is still around (sigh) and it looks like there may be another incarnation of Film Freak. I am not giving up yet, I just hope the book returns to form soon.


LODK #204 - I didn't feel this issue at all. After the last two stellar stories, #204 left me feeling a little flat. The art didn't grab me, and I found my mind wandering while reading. Something about a mind-control in the guise of a faith healer, and Bruce (who looks REALLY SMALL here) finding a secret room in Wayne Manor which contained some manner of drug, and finding tapes that his father left which may or may not tie into the faith healer business. It wasn't terrible, it just didn't grab me.

Fill in the blanks with your favorite disparaging word. Geesh.

Anyhow, I've finally started reading some of the trades I've got sitting on the shelf. Right now I am reading Superman/Batman: Vol1 - Public Enemies. I came in a little late to the series, and have sort of been waiting for a good place to start, so the beginning is as good as any, I figure. So far, I am really enjoying it. I really like Ed McGuinness' artwork - but in small amounts. His heroes are a bit too big and bulky for my liking, but still done very well. I am a big fan of Jeph Loeb (his defection to Marvel angers me, but good for him, I guess) and his writing here is sharp as usual. I've always enjoyed his take on Batman. Once I pick up Vol. 3, I'll have the entire run collected.

Any of you looking forward to Justice League Heroes? Not much info has been released, but I've got faith in the developers, Snowblind Studios. I've enjoyed their past games, so hopes that they handle this well are high. I'll be picking it up, regardless, my only decision will be what platform I'll get - PS2, or for my shiny new PSP. Right now I am leaning towards PSP.