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Action Comics #840: Seeing as I don’t have a lot of time
this weekend, I am limiting myself to only a few full reviews and handling the
others in quickies. Well, this is the finale of Superman’s ‘OYL’ Return and as
expected it is quite similar to the first part of this arc. Just as that was
mostly about Clark (his family and friends) with an opening for the main story,
this one is a closer. In short, Luther’s taken down (nothing new there), taken
in (same as before) and then he escapes to parts unknown (ditto). But that isn’t
what this issue (and arc) is all about. Its about giving Supes a proper ‘New
Earth’ opening, and that it does quite well…complete with a jumbo pretzel. One
thing I still don’t like is the adding of even more powers to what is already
(an essentially) bugling at the seams character. Why not just go ahead and
remove his kryptonite weakness too (permanently), ‘cause that’s the only thing
left to be done.
Conclusion: Nice closer to a great
arc. Lets see what comes next.
RATING: 8/10
Batman #654: As with the Super-arc (Up, Up, and Away),
this Bat-one (Face the Face) also draws to an end and as with the last part of
that (Action #840), this issue is mostly about winding down...but with a few
twists through...seemingly for good measure. I say seemingly 'cause I for
one could have done without the 'whimper' that was the big revelation. Really,
this character (not named) was the big fish behind all this? Really/ Couldn't
they have found someone who actually mattered...or at least came across as a
threat. Also, as for the last few pages, them I liked and would take it any day
over what's to come next....Talia's 'Demon' Spawn. I am seriously contemplating
passing on the next arc of this title. Well, it was good while it lasted.
Conclusion: I stand by my earlier
comment, 'the Detective Comics' parts were definitely better
than the 'Batman' ones'
RATING: 7/10 (Almost 7.5)
Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre #2: I’d do a full review,
but seeing as I am short on time, let me get a quickie. We continue with Crispus
Allen’s journey as/with the Spectre. I don’t have much (well…any) knowledge
about the first Spectre, except his name but I am quite enjoying this one,
especially the conflict within Allen himself and between him and the Spectre.
There are quite a few harsh lessons for the ‘human’ part i.e. Allen, both rising
from his past and from the present. Along the way, is developing a plot, the
foundations for which were (in a way) laid out in the Gotham Central series, and
it is this sub-plot which looks like its going to be the ‘fire test’ for Allen.
Conclusion: Still feel that this
mini could/should have been longer. I even wouldn’t mind a
maxi-series around these two, kinda like Ion.
RATING: 8.5/10 (Almost 9)
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #7: Continuing from the last
issue, this one too is a more of a telling of how MJ came to be how she is i.e.
how she changed herself since she first met Spidey and paid attention to Peter.
I like this title, even went as far as getting its predecessors, but frankly
this issue dragged….for me that is. It might work for the target audience, after
all, most of them won’t be as jaded or as me. That doesn’t mean all of it was
bad. The art was as good as ever, and the characters, especially Liz came across
quite well. But still, I can’t help but think that all this could have been done
in about 70-75% the space, if not half. But now that MJ’s flashbacks are over,
lets get onto what effect does Gwen Stacy’s showing up have on her…umm, well,
her ‘relationship’ with her study buddy-cum-tutor.
Conclusion: Not the strongest
issue of the series, but like I said, it would work for the
target (the younger demographic).
RATING: 7/10
Ultimate Spider-Man #96: Morbius, Part 2. Spidey fights
vampires, talking wolves...uh, I really don't feel like wasting the time on this
issue. Ultimate Spider-Man has fallen into a rut where everything is about the
Spider and (next to) nothing is about the Man...or the boy inside
it....except for the last couple of pages. What's next? Oh, yeah, yet another
Spidery Villain...Scorpion. Meh.
Conclusion: Just going through the
paces....just....aw, screw it.
RATING: (barely) 6/10
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