Adventures of Superman #641
Writer: Greg Rucka
Art: Karl Kerschl

Having not really read Superman books for a while, I was a little behind the times. Apparently Pete Ross was president after Luthor, and now he sits in jail with accusations of murder among other things. He get's a visit from a local police officer who is interested in something other than questioning him. hot on her heels is Clark Kent, to visit his friend and promise his help. Then things get a little out of hand. An escape attempt by the offspring of the Parasite (?) and an attack by one of the O.M.A.C., and Superman has his hands full. Oh, and Pete seems to have gone missing. A lot going on in 22 pages.

AEIOU
Writer: Jeffrey Brown
Artist: Jeffrey Brown

I really hope that Jeffrey has some success with the ladies soon. Three of his books so far have dealt with his experience with the ladies, and all of them are quite charming (I know what kind of word is that to use in a review). Each of them gives the reader a little insite into the author, and the somewhat primative artwork lends to the intimacy of the experience. Jeff excells at being the human doormat without giving up any of his self respect, because he is guilty of nothing more than feeling. After reading this, I suggest you also check him out making fun of his own work in the short book "Be a Man", that one is $3 well spent, just like the rest of his work.

Birds of Prey #83
Writer: Gail Simone
Art: Joe Bennett, Jack Jadson and Adriana Melo (cover)

The Huntress back in Gotham, seeming to take up the role of crime boss, since her father was actually in charge at one time, it seems like a natural progression. Black Canary and Wildcat are attempting to cement their relationship with a Singapore drug lord, and Oracle, the growth that she has kept secret, finally takes control as she begins to look for Ted Kord. This book is alway solid, art and story wise.

Batman: Dark Detective #4
Writer: Steve Englehart
Art: Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin

While Batman fights against the fear toxin from the Scarecrow, Silver St. Cloud delivers her devistating news to her mayoral candidate fiance. Batman finally figures out how tro deal with the toxin, but will he have a chance to deal with his discovery? Silver has been kidnapped by the Joker and the ransom is her candidate boyfriend droppping out of the race. But why woudl a man who was just dumped be inclined to do such a thing? Two more issues to go. Too many Batman titles.

Conan & The Jewels of Gwahlur #3
Adaptation by: P. Craig Russell
Art: P. Craig Russell

The concluding chapter of Russell's adaptation of the Jewels of Gwahlur stroy, ends just as solidly as it started. Granted the whole make a choice of going for the riches or saving the girl thinig at the end has been done over and over, it's Conan's optimism of another payoff down the road that makes it work. Blood thirsty barbarian and eternal optomist, quite a guy.

Day of Vengeance #3
Writer: Bill Willingham
Art: Justiniano, Walden Wong and Walter Simonson (cover)

The Spectre's battle to destroy all the magic heats up even more, and it brings him face to face with Captain Marvel, while everyone else battles Eclipso in an effort to weaken her hold on the Spectre, and the monkey looking guy (3 issues and I still can't remember his name) and nightshade, are looking for the ally that may just turn the tide.

Daredevil #74
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Alex Maleev

Despite what I say about Bendis and his talking heads, this is one title that I thouroughly enjoy it. Granted there is not a lot of action taking place as far as battles go, but Bendis does do a good job with the characterizations. It will be interesting to see what happens with this title after the next arc is done. I will definately miss the gritty feel of Maleev's art, it goes well with the tone of this book.

Ex Machina #12
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Art: Tony Harris and Tom Feister

Who would have thought that Mayor Hundred had such a shocking vice? Of all the secrets that he is hiding, I'm willing to bet the one revealed in this issue is the one that will prove his undoing. While that secret is unveiled, a mysterious new character is introduced that claims to be a creation of the "Great Machine". This book is consistantly good.

GLA #3
Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Paul Pelletier and Rick Magyar

Squirrel Girl takes center stage in this issue (I never thought I would write that sentence) as the team looses another member as a unexpected villian takes his vengence. Another solid issue by Slott and Co., making the wait for the relaunch of She-Hulk that much harder.

 

 

JLA Classified #8
Writers: Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
Art: Kevin Maguire and Joe Rubinstein

Only one more issue of this story arc, and I will be very sad to see it go. It is somewhat rare that a book utilizes so many tools, in order to tell an story that advances the characters while being thouroughly entertaining. It reminds me of what exactly I find good about comic books. A story that truly entertains on so many levels. Who is doing the Defenders for Marvel in a month or two???

Seven Soldiers: Klarion the Witch Boy #2
Writer: Grant Morrison
Art: Frazier Irving

Klarion finds himself searching for his father, and ends up in what seems like our world. Out of all of Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers, this is the book I have the hardest time with. It just doesn't grab me like the others, but it still quite readable.

Mnevermore #3
Writers: Hans Rodionoff and Ray Fawkes
Art: Mike Huddleston

Kaley is not the only one having troubles in her world. Whatever creature is behind this, is starting to influence people outside of Kaleys immediate circle. This book suprises me with each issue. If you can find the first two issues and get started before it goes on too long.

Powers #11
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Michael Avon Oeming

I keep trying to walk away from this title. I stop ordering it through Diamond, but each month find myself picking off the stand and coming back for more. This issue is definately one of the most interesting so far. The developments with Pilgrim's character, seem to have her moving in a direction that will put her at odds with her partner.