Superman Facing Kryptonite Variations and The Predator Killing the Marvel Universe--Two Fun Comics!

I read two stellar comics that came out this week and wanted to spotlight them both! "Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum," and, "Predator Kills the Marvel Universe," both had their first issues just hit the stands, and they were each quite enjoyable.

"Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum," features the creative team behind the creepy-and-clever, "Ice Cream Man," series over at Image, W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo, and Chris O’Halloran. Published under the DC Black Label, this first issue features Superman discovering some new variations of Kryptonite and enlisting Batman to help him test them out--the reasoning being if anybody like Lex Luthor were to find other samples it is important to know what each iteration of the rock can do. 

Upon being exposed to Purple Kryptonite, Superman finds that his perception of time is impacted. This is cleverly portrayed within the comic itself as panels being out of order. It is an ingenious use of the comic-book format to portray a story concept, and I loved how it was done. The next issue will feature Superman testing out Colbalt-colored Kryptonite, and with such a wild initial issue, I can't wait to see what else happens! This is without a doubt 5 out of 5 Stars.

The comic, "Predator Kills the Marvel Universe," is a bit of a culmination of multiple other Predator-in-the-Marvel-Universe comics. It ties together plot strands from the one with Wolverine, Black Panther, and the most recent, "Predator Versus Spider-Man." The basic idea that has been built up to is that the Predators/Yautja want to claim Earth having checked it out in previous mini-series becuase there are only so many habitable planets--and Earth is perfect with how hot it has become from our treatment of Earth (the movies have made it clear the Predators like it hot) but still being possible to survive on. The problem is, Earth's heroes won't be giving up the planet easily, so things are gonna get ugly. 

Before the opening credits/splash, we already (spoiler alert) have the Guardians of the Galaxy brutally struck down, and it only gets increasingly vicious from there. As this story is a bit removed from the regular Marvel continuity, anything can happen, so I do wonder who will survive of the Marvel heroes--if any. Benjamin Percy is a fantastic writer, and Marcelo Ferreira draws the fights spectacularly, too. Can the Marvel Universe withstand the Predators? We'll know the answer soon enough, because I'm eagerly picking up the rest of these issues! Again, 5 out of 5 Stars.

A New Printing of, "The Filth," Has Been Released, so Go Buy it!

"The Filth," is a creator-owned comic that was published over 13 issues by DC's Vertigo imprint (when it existed). Written by Grant Morrison with art by Chris Weston and colors provided by Gary Erskine, it is my absolute favorite thing Morrison ever wrote--and they've written a ton of stellar comics. Describing, "The Filth," is incredibly difficult as there is a lot going on within its pages. Basically, it focuses on a secret organization known as the Hand who serve the World by removing or recruiting those who could pose a danger to the stability and safety of society. This results in stories about a massive cruise ship that descends into violent chaos, a hyper-fertile porn star with amnesia, living inks being used to create comic-book-inspired weapons, a Russian chimp that claims to have killed JFK, and more! Now, thanks to DC, you can get a new 2024 edition of, "The Filth!"

I don't use the word, "Masterpiece," a lot, but, "The Filth," is one. I'm pleased that DC has re-released this amazing comic--now under their, "Black Label." This printing also includes some extra content including pieces of artwork that did not appear in the original comic due to it being a bit too risque but which was included in certain other printings as backmatter--so if you like bonus stuff, this publication has it! The only strange thing is multiple sections refer to Morrison with male pronouns and a chunk of years ago they came out as nonbinary--a bit of an editorial oversight. I understand old review quotes would use he/him terms, but the biographic section too? That note aside, go get yourself a copy of this newest printing of, "The Filth," and enmesh yourself in its amazing weirdness.

"Plastic Man No More!" #1 Mixes Humor and Horror to Stellar Results

Back in June, I wrote about being excited about a newly announced Black Label mini-series titled, "Plastic Man No More!" Having read the first issue, it was as delightfully twisted as I hoped it would be. Plastic Man is often treated as a joker by the Justice League, to the point that once he is hit by a mysterious death ray and seems to be breaking apart it still seems of little worry to his fellow heroes. Writer Christopher Cantwell excels at balancing the seeming humor of our hero with some very dreary and gruesome scenes of his body quite literally falling apart. Alex Lins and Jacob Edgar both supply art, for the, "Happy," and, "Serious," moments, creating a great (intentional) tonal clash.

The first issue of "Plastic Man No More," is fantastic. It has jokes, it has pathos, and all the art is superb. This has the makings to become quite the wild little mini-series as it continues. I especially am curious about one little excerpt hinting at the body-part-goo Plastic Man is losing seeming to have its own volition--quite creepy. If you're into weirder-styled superhero comics, definitely check out this comic!

5 out of 5 Stars.

"Jenny Sparks," #1 is an Odd but Engrossing First Issue

For the first 2/3 of this comic, I wasn't sure what exactly was going on. We seemed to jump between Jenny Sparks, a superhero running amock, and a number of random people who didn't appear to relate to the story much (at first). Tom King is a stellar writer, however, so by the issue's end it started to click into place. Plus, it helps that Jeff Spokes is a great artist so the issue looked fantastic throughout even while it was a bit (initially) confusing.

This comic seems to be loosely related to earlier, "Authority," stories but doesn't require we have knowledge of them to follow along with this story well. The gist of things is that when a hero goes off the rails the other heroic folks call Jenny Sparks. Perhaps this is because it would look bad if Batman or Superman were spotted taking down one of their own--it isn't quite made clear--but Captain Atom is killing people randomly and seems to have gone quite mad, so Jenny Sparks is on the case. The comic cuts between Jenny, Captain Atom, and brief moments with the assorted folks who don't seem to tie in with the main story at all, but then as we reach the conclusion of the issue it all syncs up wonderfully--you just have got to be patient as you read this debut issue.

Why Jenny Sparks is alive in 2024, what exactly her arrangement is with the other heroes, and why Captian Atom is killing people are all still a mystery, but with Tom King and Jeff Spokes at the wheel, I'm excited to see where this metaphorical story-bus takes us for this mini-series.

4 out of 5 Stars.

DC to Publish a Mature Readers Plastic Man Story With Ample Body Horror? Yes, Please!

"Plastic Man No More!" is a new DC mini-series that will be a part of their Black Label (kind of like a new Vertigo). It, "...mixes hard-boiled noir with intense body horror," as over four issues Plastic Man finds himself, "Dying," in the sense his plastic form begins degrading. The talented Christopher Cantwell is writing it with Alex Lins and Jacob Edgar providing artwork. Plastic Man tends to be a bit of a humorous character who has a weird edge to him, so leaning into the stranger stuff should be really fun with a great creative team involved. Plus, as this is the Black Label no punches will need to be pulled with how gruesome Plastic Man's depolymerization could get! The first issue hits stands this early September and should be quite a wild read.

"Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham," #1 is a Treat of a Debut Issue

Rafael Grampá is one of the best artists around and when he makes a comic book it is bound to be a feast for the eyes. His latest series is for DC's Black Label and titled, "Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham." It features Batman trying to psychologically, "Kill," his Bruce Wayne persona whilst also figuring out a string of serial killings and fighting a new villain who seems to be unrelated to the serial killer but is also committing all kinds of violent crimes whilst engaging in an obsession with a decades-old cartoon. There's a lot of plot going on, and it is an interesting story for sure! That said, the thing that makes this comic really sing isn't just Grampá's plotting, but his art.

Whether Grampá is drawing an imposingly eerie Batman, an impressive new Batmobile, creepy baddies, or just a busy city street, the visuals are something you want to just enmesh yourself in. You can practically smell the dingy street, your eyes almost water seeing the chemicals in a drug lab, and every blow Batman delivers to the criminals he fights carries a heft through the illustrations you'd almost think you got socked in the jaw. Grampá is an absolute beast here with an intriguing story and incredible art. It's just fantastic stuff.

The first issue of "Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham," is stupendous. I'd highly recommend folks check it out and explore other works by Rafael Grampá as this is just another example of how stellar his work is. I unquestionably rate this comic 5 out of 5 stars.

The, "Fables," Comic and Copyright Law--A Complicated Tale

Bill Willingham is a comic creator known for his work on the, "Fables," series. It took a bunch of old fairy-tale characters and put them in a shared universe. Folks really dug it. I have to be honest and say I never read, "Fables," or any books that tied in with it. There is no real reason why I skipped it, but I have so much stuff I already struggle to read and by the time I knew of, "Fables," there was so much content I just kind of shrugged and figured I could miss out and someday give it a read. Willingham has had, "Fables," at DC's Vertigo and then the Black Label. He has apparently been having a lot of trouble with DC so he got pissed off and said, "Fables," is now in the public domain. He told folks to do whatever with it as he surrendered the copyright to fans.

Willingham could be considered a complicated author. Depending on whom you ask he leans a little right politically but is an okay guy regardless of his politics. That, or he is incredibly far-right and a huge bigot, some folks might tell you. He has fans of all kinds of political persuasions thanks to, "Fables," so it has been weird to see some folks who don't ever get along uniting a bit to praise Willingham for this action.

The thing is, DC has already said, "Not so fast!" and is making it sound like this is more of a case where Willingham is doing a meaningless symbolic gesture than a real case of releasing his copyright to the wilds. DC has made it clear they co-own the copyright with Willingham and if anyone tries to make a single cent on the, "Fables," property without permission with a movie/television show/comic DC will take action--e.g. sue your ass. It is going to be a long and messy process that I'm sure has some copyright lawyers salivating at how much money could get tied up in all this. It's gonna be a process.

The First Two Issues of, "Peacemaker Tries Hard," Are a Hoot

"Peacemaker Tries Hard," is a comic that will appeal to a variety of people. If you like the work of the very talented writer (and artist, but not on this comic) Kyle Starks, you're in for a treat. Should you be a fan of legendary artist Steve Pugh, you'll have fun. Perhaps you enjoyed the most recent, "Suicide Squad," movie and/or its, "Peacemaker," spin-off sequel? Well, this nails almost the exact same tone in its story of Chris Smith (his civilian name) struggling to make friends and otherwise feel appreciated for his unending quest for peace via extreme violence.

The second issue came out this week and between the debut and this follow-up, I'm simply having a blast with this mini-series. It is under DC's Black Label so it doesn't shy away from swear words, violence, and otherwise being over-the-top in its action while managing to feel a bit melancholy and grounded as its apparent despite all his bluster, Peacemaker really just wants a buddy. The first issue has him finding a dog who enjoys his company, but then Bruce Wayne (that's the dog's name) ends up kidnapped by a funny villain with an elaborate plan and things get increasingly zanier. The entire time Steve Pugh's art is just gorgeous so I tip my hat to him for such beautiful illustrations. Between how funny Stark's writing is and the beauty of Pugh's art this mini-series has been a treat already. I can't wait for the next issues!

5 out of 5 stars.

The Debut issue of, "Waller VS. Wildstorm," is a Fun Spy Thriller

I don't currently read a ton of DC titles but do like to sample the Black Label imprint books as they tend to be a lot more experimental and can tell some fascinating stories. The latest Black Label imprint title is, "Waller VS. Wildstorm," which follows a number of characters both working for and against Amanda Waller--someone often portrayed as being arguably one of the most dangerous non-powered people in the DC Universe. The comic follows a new-to-the-Daily-Planet Lois Lane in the Cold War era as she covers a tropical island in the midst of a political upheaval. She finds herself covertly meeting with Jackson King--a higher-up at the organization known as Checkmate--and learns a whole lot of shady stuff is going on thanks to Waller.

This is the comic-book debut of writer Spencer Ackerman, a National-security reporter. He gives us a story of political corruption full of hush money and power not too unlike the real World, just with some superpowers involved as another resource people are fighting over as well. Eric Battle provides some superb art, illustrating Lane and King conversing at a cafe as expertly as when a moment of action occurs where powered entities engage in combat. As this is the first issue only so much of the surface is scratched but it is clear that Amanda Waller is a power to be reckoned with. Whether the interestingly tweaked Wildstorm characters we witness will be able to take her on or end up all working for her remains to be seen, but I'm quite curious about where future issues will take us!

5 out of 5 stars.

"Batman and the Joker: The Deadly Duo," #1 is All Table Setting, but it's Gorgeous

It was back in August when I discussed how even if I found myself feeling a bit tired of Batman-themed comics (especially all the Black Lable imprint ones), seeing that Marc Silvestri was going to write and draw one did get me pretty excited. The, "Hook," as it were when I read descriptions of the comic was that Batman and the Joker have to team up so that a strange new foe who has kidnapped Harley Quinn can be stopped (with Commissioner Gordon in danger too so that Batman is even willing to work with the Joker). The first issue of his series, "Batman and the Joker: The Deadly Duo," has come out and the whole issue basically gets us to the point of the series. Yes, this is all table setting. That said, Silvestri's amazing artwork makes this a beautiful laying of a table.

Silvestri is a stellar artist. His illustration of Batman swooping down in one scene and then fluttering away as if he were a real bat is simply awe-inspiring. The mysterious new baddie who seems to have some Joker DNA yet be a monster all his own is terrifying to witness--lots of teeth and eerie eyes. Even if the entire issue basically just builds us up to the actual point of Batman and Joker being forced to be a team at least the comic is a treat for the eyes while we wait for the plot to go anywhere. The next issue will probably move the story along much more while continuing to be a visual feast, so I look forward to issue #2 eagerly. Decompressed storytelling aside, I just loved seeing Silvestri's work in this gorgeous book, and the bit of story we do get is solid. Therefore, I'd rate this...

4 out of 5 stars.

Another Batman Comic? This Time With Marc Silvestri Involved, Though? Fine, I'm Interested...

DC puts out a ton of Batman-related comics. Whether it is Batman himself, his allies, his villains, or something that is somehow related to Batman, it makes up a lot of their line. DC also has been putting out a number of snazzy Black Label comics...many of which have admittedly featured Batman. You would think I'd be tired of Black Lable comics featuring Batman or Batman comics in general, and I kind of am! However, when I read that Marc Silvestri is doing a Batman comic, I do actually get a bit intrigured.

Marc Silvestri will be writing and drawing, "Batman/The Joker: The Deadly Duo." It shall be a seven-issue series out of the regular DC continuity and you honestly had me at Silvestri drawing it. I know his art is a bit of an acquired taste, but I've always dug it. Ever since he helped found Image in 1992 the only DC work he's done is a short story in the, "Batman: Black and White," anthology back in 1996, so it has been a while since Silvestri has graced DC with his presence. The series will involve Batman and the Joker teaming up to help save Commissioner Gordon and Harley Quinn from some mysterious entity that has kidnapped them. As long as it looks gorgeous I'm eager to read it.

The First Two Issues of, "Aquaman: Andromeda," Are an Eerie Delight

"Aquaman: Andromeda," is a Black Label book from DC written by Ram V with art by Christian Ward. It is one of those snazzy magazine-sized comics DC sometimes does with their Black Label and as it is geared towards older readers has some F-bombs. The Black Label is what emerged from the remnants of Vertigo and while I don't read too much of the regular DC books I've really been liking the Black Label output. This, "Aquaman," comic with its mixture of a sci-fi and horror vibe has hooked my attention much like other Black Label titles.

The comic doesn't focus on Aquaman, instead having him serve more as an ominous force that exists in the Ocean, with our main characters being a crew on an experimental ship sent to explore a possible alien craft that has landed in the Ocean from outer space. Black Manta has been hired to inspect the craft as well and Aquaman clearly has an interest too. This results in a whole lot of folks converging in the second issue upon the mysterious vessel and a lot of things going horribly wrong in a most creepy manner.

Ram V fills the comic with a sense of dread, emphasizing how isolating and otherworldly the ocean can feel. Christian Ward's art is perfect too, portraying a cold and mysterious underwater landscape. Then in issue two, Ward gives the strange alien ship a bright and colorful yet menacing vibe. It's a fantastic mini-series so far and I can't wait to see where it goes as the ocean and what it contains only get more dangerous.

5 out of 5 stars.

"Rogues," #1 is a Fantastic Start to a Crime Caper Yarn

The Flash has a fun gallery of assorted villains. "Rogues," imagines if they were aged up to being near retirement age and trying to live relatively normal lives but failing at it. Mainly through the eyes of Captain Cold, we witness some worn-down villains hoping to pull one last, incredibly dangerous score (hint: it involves stealing from Gorilla Grodd). It's an equally dreary and funny read thanks to some stellar writing by Joshua Williamson and sharp artwork by Leomacs. The Rogues look suitably worn-down and exhausted by life, but when powers or weapons get used they fill the page majestically with fiery explosions or icy freeze-rays.

"Rogues," asks what happens to villains when they get old and are stuck as failures instead of dying in a blaze of glory or fulfilling a master plan. It then sets a fun heist in motion, gathering a uniquely skilled and desperate team who will undoubtedly face a lot of challenges in the remaining three issues of this four-issue prestige-sized series. The big pages really let the story and artwork breathe wonderfully, sprawling out across the oversized comic in a manner that pleased the eye. It's good stuff.

I had a fantastic time reading the debut issue of, "Rogues," and look forward to seeing just how wrong their last attempted heist might go. I'd give this great first issue...

5 out of 5 stars.

"Suicide Squad: Blaze," Has a Fantastic First Issue

The debut issue of, "Suicide Squad: Blaze," is a fantastic new title from DC. It is part of the Black Label, meaning it is out of regular continuity and can be more violent/sweary/etc. It is written by Si Spurrier, a writer whose stuff I am a big fan of. He wrote one of my favorite X-Men series in the form of, "Legion," plus tons of other cool stuff. The comic is illustrated by Aaron Campbell who has done a variety of comics but I recognize for the incredibly creepy, "Infidel," from Image Comics. 

"Blaze," as I will call it for short, focuses on a variety of convicts who sign-up for an experimental Government program that will give them superpowers but also kill them in three months or less. These new characters then work with members of the ubiquitous Suicide Squad to help take down a new superhuman who has been causing a lot of trouble. Seemingly capable of Superman-level powers this person is operating on little more than a primal instinct to rip apart and eat people around 3 times a day. As is pointed out in one clever moment, this isn't that big a body count compared to a superhuman who could blow up a city, but the optics are the issue. If some super-person isn't trying to do something based in society--robbing a bank for money, threatening terrorism for political gain--and is instead behaving more like a wild animal, that's scary to people who look at superpowered folks as humans with gifts as opposed to violent forces of nature.

Spurrier brings insight and plenty of humor while Campbell provides fantastic artwork. His King Shark is massive and scary, his Harley looks demented, and Amanda Waller (the head of the Suicide Squad) is sufficiently imposing and scary. When a moment calls for some impressive imagery of things blowing up or bloodshed then Campbell provides that as well. The extra-large size of the comic (it is physically bigger like a treasury edition and has more pages than a regular issue) really lets Campbell's art breathe and impress.

"Suicide Squad: Blaze," #1 is a fantastic debut issue of this mini-series from Spurrier and Campbell. I really look forward to the mystery of this cannibal-style superhuman being further unwound and witnessing what other fantastic artwork Campbell will provide. Definitely worth picking up.

5 out of 5 stars.

"Human Target," #1 Takes a Bit to Get Going, but then it Gets Extremely Interesting

I always give Tom King a chance. Ever since I read, "The Vision," I eagerly pick up whatever comic he is writing. Whenever one does that you're guaranteed amazing art and a story that either astounds you ("Omega Men," is another good example) a decent if flawed read ("Strange Adventures,") or an absolute mess ("Heroes in Crisis," springs to mind). King always gives it his all, however, and he and Greg Smallwood have something quite intriguing with this first issue of, "Human Target." This is a Black Label book so it is out of continuity, which makes sense as it follows Christopher Chance, a man whose whole gimmick is almost dying for people others are targeting...and now he's actually dying.

I won't spoil too much about who might have put Chance in the position of nearing death as when the possible suspects are revealed is when the book really clicked into place for me and became a comic I eagerly await the next issue of. Also, I won't spoil much as it seems this comic isn't on stands everywhere until next week. DC has had a very messy release schedule due to the paper shortage so some stores are getting stuff early, some late, and so forth. I've seen, "Human Target," #1 on some shelves but not on others. I can say that when it is supposed to be on sale everywhere next week you should pick it up.

King can run hot or cold, and here he seems to be running red-hot with a killer idea and a fantastic partner in the form of Greg Smallwood. Smallwood is among my favorite artists to draw Moon Knight and he excels at any task he's given. When drawing a variety of heroes and villains in the DC-Universe during this issue Smallwood continuously astounds. I can't say for sure that, "Human Target," will end as strongly as it has begun, but if it does, I'm eager to go on this wild ride.

5 out of 5 stars.

I Know I'm Late to Discuss this, but the First Issue of, "The Nice House on the Lake," is Amazing!

I am behind on reading my comics. I have a big ol' stack of them that I've lately been trying to make a dent in. I finally had a chance to read issue #1 of, "The Nice House on the Lake," and goddamn was that a crazy comic. It starts slowly, as all these people arrive at a beautiful house by a lake, then as the comic nears the end of its debut an utterly insane twist (which I won't ruin so that you too give this comic a chance) is revealed and now I've already been in the process of finding issues #2, #3, and #4 that are out because this book is wild. I should've expected a great comic as James Tynion IV is the writer and he's been on fire with some stellar books lately. Alvaro Martinez Bueno illustrates everything amazingly too. I am so delayed in being amazed by this comic compared to everyone else but this first issue of, "The Nice House on the Lake," helped remind me why I love comics and why I love horror too.

I've revealed as little as possible about the plot on purpose, but I will talk about how surprising it is this book is at DC under its Black Label as opposed to Image or BOOM! Studios where Tynion has his other works. As I understand it, this is a rare example of a new creator-owned book at DC. Long ago, in the early days of the Vertigo imprint (may it rest in peace) DC had that, but then Vertigo quit letting creators own their books and everyone went to Image whilst Vertigo withered away. Tynion has a hit book at three publishers right now, "Something is Killing the Children," is dominating the charts with BOOM!, "The Department of Truth," is a smash with Image, and now we've got, "The Nice House on the Lake," over at DC. Plus, he does self-published work with his Tiny Onion Studios and has a popular Substack. The man is on fire.

Anyways, I'm sorry I am so late to the party when it comes to singing the praises of, "The Nice House on the Lake." I'll be trying to get the issues that have come out so far post-haste so that I can immediately enjoy them!

5 out of 5 stars.

"Rorschach," #1 Review

A sequel series to, "Watchmen," is a dangerous thing to make. The television show pulled it off, but could a comic focusing-in on Rorschach work? The new Black Label series written by Tom King with art by Jorge Fornes in addition to colors by Dave Stewart is here and the answer is...maybe? This first issue has received glowing reviews, good reviews, okay reviews, and absolutely terrible reviews, so opinions are all over the map. One thing everyone agrees on is that Fornes and Stewart provide some amazing art and colors, that ain't up for debate. The art interestingly is not in the style of, "Watchmen," and its nine-panel grid, with it breaking free of that format giving everything a different kind of tone already. Even though the comic takes place in an alternate 2020 there is a strong 70's thriller movie vibe to it between the outfits, hairstyles, and again, general vibe. That's the art and colors, however. Why is the writing causing so much division?

"Rorschach," presents a mystery. A right-wing Presidential candidate has been targeted by an extremist leftist who wanted to kill him and that would-be assassin was dressed as Rorschach of all people. This is odd as Rorschach was known for being a quite right-wing objectivist who died years ago and became a symbol of sorts for those beliefs. This point leads to the first reason some reviews are mad--an extremist leftist? Really? You don't see those on the far-left usually trying to kill political candidates. You see right-wing domestic terrorists planning to kidnap governors or shooting-up peaceful protests, but I guess in the, "Watchmen,"-verse things are different. This, "Both sides have bad apples," kind of look has irritated a chunk of reviewers, however. Another reason some folk are upset at, "Rorschach," is because it exists in the first place against Alan Moore's wishes. Moore of course was supposed to get the rights to, "Watchmen," and all its characters, etc. back once the book was out of print. It became a huge hit and DC screwed him over, however. That alone makes some ready to come at the book with knives drawn.

A foiled assassination attempt leads to a mystery.

Putting aside some troubling political messaging and how the book existing is a slap in Alan Moore's face, I didn't hate it. The majority of the plot is spent introducing the mystery of the assassin and his female accomplice with any main characters (like a lead detective) being vaguely sketched-out with more character development to come later, I suppose. Again, this comic is gorgeous to look at, but as of right now there isn't much plot to speak of besides, "Who is this assassin, and how or why does he relate to the original Rorschach?" I didn't hate this comic, but it failed to do much for me either. This is itself a bit shocking as Tom King either usually is utterly amazing or absolutely terrible. I'm hopeful that with the basic groundwork laid for this mystery things will get in gear a bit more and if that does happen this could be a pretty snazzy read. As it is now though, it is a beautiful comic with a hopefully-not-pedestrian-for-too-much-longer story.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

"Three Jokers," #1 is an Intriguing Start

Ever since a strange mention of, "Three Jokers," some years ago in some, "Justice League," comics the idea of a project exploring this idea has been slowly cooking. The, "Meal," is finally served in the form of a Black Label mini-series of three issues that kind of is in continuity and kinda isn't, depending on whom you ask. Written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Jason Fabok, this thing has taken forever to come out, but here's the first issue, finally. The plot is interesting, but the art is what makes this worth the wait.

Fabok's art is not overly realistic or cartoony, it just is solid, detailed, and gorgeous. Fabok's art is the biggest selling point of this comic for me, with the mystery of how there could have been three Jokers this whole time sounding a little intriguing, but not worrying me that much. This isn't to dismiss the plot idea that multiple Jokers would explain his personality being different at various points, or cover why he seems to pop-up some many places so often, but I feel like no answer could truly be satisfying. Is it a chemical thing? A weird trick? Who knows, let's just enjoy the ride and admire the gorgeous artwork.

The bit of the comic where we do see these three different Jokers interact is interesting, with a criminal-minded one clearly being the leader and two that are more alike with slight differences--a comedian and clown following orders. Even if I think the answer about why we have three Jokers will be unsatisfying, I can still have fun seeing how they all function. Plus, as I said, every page is a treat for the eyes thanks to Fabok. I may still be concerned where the story could be going, but as of right now I'm entertained by the writing and amazed by the illustrations.
5 out of 5 stars.

A, "Rorschach," Comic is Coming

In news that did and didn't surprise me, we are getting a new, "Watchmen,"-themed comic. That part I could've predicted as, "Doomsday Clock," was relatively successful and the, "Watchmen," television show was a smash-hit. It is titled, "Rorschach," and focused on that popular character--again, not too hard to call. The part I would not have predicted is that Tom King will be writing it in the style of his 12 issue maxi-series that tend to be really good, with Jorge Fornés on the artwork. It'll be a Black Label book, as the other mature-reader lines are now dead (we miss you, Vertigo).

I'm intrigued about this new title as when Tom King is on, he is on with his works, and generally his maxi-series are his best work. Fornés is a skilled artist as well so the book is gonna look swell too. Seeing these properties used without the permission of Alan Moore--who was so horrendously mistreated by DC--fills me with a bit of dread and sadness, but at this point, DC clearly doesn't really care what Moore thinks and Moore is going to do his own thing as well. In the meantime, I hope King and Fornés give us something snazzy.

"Wonder Woman: Dead Earth," Has Been a Stellar Read

Daniel Warren Johnson has been both writing and illustrating the comic, "Wonder Woman: Dead Earth," and it is a fantastic comic so far. Two issues have come out in the large-sized prestige-format we've seen for a number of Black Label DC titles (of which this is one). I don't mind the bigger book with 48 pages of great content however, as the large size is especially perfect for the art of Johnson. The plot is pretty interesting, with Diana waking-up in a post-apocalyptic World and trying to figure out what exactly went wrong in-between fighting irritated monsters or dangerous human survivors, but the art is what steals the show.

Daniel Warren Johnson is an illustrator few can compare to, and he makes the end of the World look damn good, even if it is a lot of burned-out buildings and ruined brown soil. I believe this series may just be three issues total that come out every couple of months. This is a shame as after the two issues that have come out so far I'd be more than willing to read Johnson writing the travels of Wonder Woman at the end of the World till the World actually does end. With that said, I recommend picking up the two issues that have been released so far of, "Wonder Woman: Dead Earth," or to be sure to get it once the whole story is collected if you choose to wait until then.
5 out of 5 stars.