Wonder Woman #14 Review (spoilers!)

Warning, spoilers ahead - fair notice to readers.

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I have been eagerly awaiting this issue ever since I first heard Gail Simone was shifting over as writer. So eager in fact that I started seeing patterns with numbers that didn't have any connection to reality. So gleeful that I actually thanks Dan Didio in person earlier in the year for the move, and we had a brief chat about it (and Amazons Attack, but that's a different story).

So here we are, issue 14 (ruining my numerology).

I first have to say that I really enjoyed the issue. As a baseline it is far above what the title had been suffering through. Heinberg's arch wasn't bad, except where deadlines were concerned. The whole lead into, conflict, and aftermath of Amazons Attacked felt really arbitrary, coerced, and simply pointless. The only good thing I think to come out of it was the resurrection of Hyppolyta, which didn’t require all the bloodshed and mayhem – in character or not.

This new start is the beginning of a new title, but keeping the name. Simone barely gives any nod to the previous 13 issues, in fact only a few plot points are touched upon or carried over. I’m also glad she has kept her sense of wit she had on Birds of Prey.

I’m sure the albino apes will play into the future issues. Can anyone say “gorilla warfare” with the Nazi’s on Paradise Island? You know Simone would consider it. It’s just too good to ignore.

Also, Captain Nazi’s new outfit looks menacing. I sort of miss his old horrible green and yellow outfit, but this new one actually makes him look like a potent foe. Black looks good in an outfit anyway.

The art was fantastic. Nothing much else I can say.

I’m also glad the title will be in sets of four issues per story. That just feels like the right number for any ongoing story arch. Intro, buildup, peak, fallout. It’s also a bit kinder to those jumping into a title after having it suggested.

I feel like maybe I’m cheating myself by giving such glowing remarks on this book, but let’s face it. It’s about time.

Highly recommended.

Countdown issues

Is it just me, or does it feel like the writers of Countdown are not communicating with the other writing teams?

Personally, I find it annoying that the monitors are showing up everywhere with conflicting agendas. Maybe that's on purpose, but it isn't very smooth in any case. Nevermind the obviously inconsistancies with Black Adam.

Personally I would have taken him off the radar for several years, only to make a brief appearance during this new crisis - and then only after his upcoming miniseries. I mean, come on, I would have saved the return of his powerword to be the surprise twist ending of the mini. Here we are, spoiled as a silly plot device. I think it would have been better to bring out Eclipse, rather than have Mary joyride with Black Adam's lightning...

With 52 universes to watch over, the Monitors seem to be overly concerned with this earth. Why are they so worried about this Earth? Is Earth1 the hotspot for the multiverse's spring break and we need additional law enforcement or something?

Still, I can't be totally annoyed with DC over Countdown. I'm just annoyed that they seem to be in perpetual balance over what is good and bad. They let promising titles slide indo mediocrity, while the titles we like to laugh about actually gain promise - and the cycle repeats usually.

Justice League is actually decent now that it is crossing over with an already great title (Justice Society). 52 gave way to Countdown and lacks power, even with the awesome Dini driving it. Donner's Superman has practically vanished, while all-star batman is actually seen a new issue appear. Simone is moving from Birds of Prey to Wonder Woman, to bring that title out of a horrible slump - and hopefully BoP won't fall in quality...

At least I'm happy to say I'm through with Marvel. Only one thing could have tempted me back, but after hearing that DC maybe starting a norse comic I feel safe in saying Thor will not bring me back.

Norse Gods should not wear dinner plates as armor, nor should they be well groomed.

I think I'll post again

I have two things to say that bear mentioning, in my opinion.

1) It would have been far more interesting for the "twice named daughter of Cain" to be Cassandra Cain. I liked Kate Kane well enough to think she didn't deserve that. Instead she deserved a little something called character development.

With all the insanity surrounding her debut as a character, DC really jumped off the bridge when it had the chance to bring a little more diversity to the crime fighting side of the batclan. It would have been hilarious/awesome to see Bruce's reaction to her.

To think it could be considered a trade off for Montoya becoming the Question. Sadly, all she ever amounted to in a weekly comic was a plot device.

A high heeled, red headed, lesbian plot device.
Good job, DC.

2) Gail Simone leaving Birds of Prey? To think the end of the world shall arrive so soon...

Seriously though, as much love as she seemed to have for the title and the characters she is allowed to play with and fans to torment playfully she must have been offered a huge title.

People have been suggesting and hoping she will shift over to Wonder Woman. Simone has in the past said that her dream job would be a Blackhawks title, but for her to drop Birds of Prey for that doesn't make sense. That's something to start off with as a miniseries to test the waters or as a little treat for genre fans - like the recent Sgt Rock mini. I don't think she would drop an ongoing for a mini.

I honestly hope she has been offered Wonder Woman. First, DC reps have often claimed they want the title to be seen as an equal to Batman and Superman - and hasn't. It has a terrible reputation due to its reboot, and its no lie how it has been handled. It needs the type of talent Simone can bring to have it become a serious contender as one of the leading DC properties.

Simone consistantly brought BoP from mediocrity, despite Benes' art, to become an absolutely solid title that didn't need constant Batman or Superman cameos to make it sell. She made it sell by quality, and that's what a comic like Wonder Woman needs. It needs quality writing, by a person who knows what a monthly deadline is.

What I don't understand is why she dropped Birds of Prey and not Gen13...

Comics!

I feel like I'm really out of the loop, after having to adjust to not using the laptop. Every night I would sit down on the couch with it in hand, reading news sites and weblogs, chatting, and writing. Now, everything feels forced if it happens at all. I'm not used to writing on a desktop - it just isn't as comfortable, you know?

Anyway, this week was pretty average with the exception to two titles. Those being, of course, Catwoman and Birds of Prey. If anything could turn around an expensive day of mediocrity, it would be those two.

First of all, Catwoman has shot up in quality quite consistantly since I began reading it. This issue was probably the best I have read yet, and I place the blame solely on Film Freak. I'm big into film and such, so I really enjoy the antics of him. I also absolutely love the constant homages to old movies - so with last week's Psycho bit and this week's King Kong bit, I am in heaven.

Birds of Prey - Thank you, Gail Simone, for that rip on Frank Miller. I don't know if it was on purpose, but it sure felt that way. I don't like the return of 'classic' Batgirl, but I bet that comes from higher up. It isn't really classic Batgirl, as far as we know, but it is close enough. I am curious about the whole 'getting shot like the original Batgirl, but unaffected' thing going. Two Oracles are too many and silly, so I doubt that'll happen. Maybe this it just a really crazy misleading story to bring back Cassandra Cain. No way that's going to happen, but I can dream.

Also, we need shots of this Guy Gardner film. Have them go see the movie so we can see the movie.

Comics!

Last two weeks have been rough, so theres my excuse for skipping the reviews last week. This week, I have little excuse to post something.

Batman #655 - Morrison writing, right? Should be good, right? In my opinion this issue is fairly good, but one thing bugs me. The main story in this issue deals with plot that contradicts what is going on with the Man-Bat miniseries. Maybe the mini is out of the canon storyline, or maybe Morrison didn't have the same notes to work from.

Aside from that the issue was fun to read. Morrison is aware that Batman had given up his playboy image for a long time. Bruce Wayne has to retrain himself to become a fun loving guy again, and Alfred has to keep reminding him to lose his growl. 7.5/10

Action Comics #841 - I want to like Busiek's Superman, but his run so far feels very "long." What I mean is that the issue drags along, and I think it is from so much text to read through. It's good writing, I'll grant it that, but sometimes it feels like it is a bit too much. I like the concepts of the robotic intergalactic auctioneers, and it serves as an interesting background. Sadly, that's all it really feels like. 7.5/10

Birds of Prey #96 - First I have to say I like Black Alice. She's just one of those characters that doesn't get enough panel time to become a favorite, but I like it when she shows up. Aside from that there is a good dose of character work in this issue, and what I think is the only nod to Ted Kord since Countdown to Infinite Crisis. Also, that bit about Ted Kord is really well done and should be one of the selling points of the issue. The rest, im simply biased towards, thanks to Black Alice. 8/10

Supergirl #8 - Everything from the OYL arch is finally starting to make sense. Just be warned, as fun as the cover makes this issue appear, Powergirl and Supergirl do not actually battle it out. 7/10

Nightwing #122 - Stuff happens, but if you've been reading this arch you pretty much know how this has been going. Still, I suppose watching Jason Todd going Tetsuo at the end was interesting (as interesting as anything can be right now in the title). 6/10

Blue Beetle #5 - The story is still building, and it is still holding my interest. The villains so far are interesting, which makes it fun. 7.5/10

The Spectre #3 - The acceptance and conclusion of the miniseries. This story wraps up nicely in the 3rd issue, unlike other minis (Battle for Bludhaven, for example). The twist ending isn't unpredictible, but it does hit hard. 7.5/10

52 #12 - Still on schedule, still going strong. Insane Captain Marvel is a lot of fun. 7.5/10

Been a while...

Been a while since I last posted. Health issues and such keeping me from various things I put on a lower priority, such as these weblogs. I didn't post last week about comics that came out, and instead of trying to backpedal and cover them as well, I'll just stick with this week.

Best of this Week: Robin #148
I think this will be tagged 'the Search for Cassandra' by people, expecially after the way Batgirl ended, and the OYL startup for Birds of Prey. There is a real mystery here thanks to the jump forward, and I am fully invested. Cassandra is alive, it seems, and is staying way under the Bat-radar for some reason. Robin is now wanted to murder. Batman is...accepting of opinions? Tim is proving to be stronger and stronger of a leader, much like Dick. I also want to know more about this bonding trip to Budapest Bruce took Tim and Dick on, becuase it seemed to work wonders.
5/5

Second Best of the Week: Catwoman #53
Lots of homages to Earth2, and pulled off well. Holly is going to make a fun Catwoman, getting stuck in bad situations and getting herself out of them. Also, the image of Batman holding a teddy bear will never leave my mind - it is burned in there. (yes, Kal, the father has every right to give his daughter a gift, but it looks really out of character).
4.5/5

So, what else was good? Well, I'll refer briefly refer back to last week to Birds of Prey #92. Refering, of course, to my feelings of 'holy crap Society guy defecting with info? What the...Lady Shiva is alive? Cassandra didn't kill her, so she's still ok! Dinah is getting schooled, but it is strangely touching. Wait, Shiva isn't the new member advertised? Sleathed?' So, yeah, that would have been my pick for last week's best.

Also, Batman #651 was a fairly good issue. I like how smooth the teamwork has become thanks to that retreat in Budapest, that I hope gets explained at some point (likely near the end of 52). I also find it interesting how the covers are building up to a big poster, but that's a whole different realm of interest. The story is decent, and broken up well episodically. I don't really know who the villain that was killed in this issue was though, as opposed to Detective #817

Finally updated

So yeah, figured I should post now that so much craziness had come to pass and I have the time. Now that I'm posting, here's the run down of this week's comic run.

Birds of Prey #91
Good stand alone issue. Wasn't outstanding in anyway, but it flowed well and told a good story - and that's good for me. The ending where Barb hands down her ultimatum was a good ending.

Gotham Knights #74
Last issue, huh? Too bad since I liked this title for the most part. The story was jumpy and hard to tell what was going on chonologically. While I was reading I briefly thought there were two Jokers, and somehow one was going to be killed by Hush (being blackmailed person to play the part by the joker using the pacemaker plot). The flow was garbled by this lack of consistancy, which bothered me since this was supposed to be the explosive finale.

Still, as much as DC hyped the "all out battle" between Hush and Joker, I enjoyed the tension between them and Bats around the end. Though it was a good ending in my opinion....it's a cliffhanger....and that's very annoying in a last issue...

Action Comics #836
The "This was your life" story is getting good bit by bit, and I eagerly await the 3rd part of it. The covers themselves should sell the issues - well, at least this issue (I kept thinking I had sat on the first one). This story has the fractured timeline narritive laid out well, and it really held the idea through the issue. I liked the touching on Doomsday and the Death of Superman just enough to make the point it was trying to make, and not giving multiple accounts of what different Superman did. I enjoyed the string about how Superman turning dark, but I usually like watching characters slip against their nature into something worse (that's a thought for another day). I'm a little lost on the reason for having Jimmy Olsen tumbling through multiple realities, but I'm assuming it's part of the whole shifting aspect since Lois Lane was last time and Jimmy is Superman's pal afterall.


Other things to note, is that Transformers #2 came out last week and the series may be turning around. Might post tomorrow again after I get my Nightwing and Batgirl issues - screw up at the comic shop and I was unaware they came out.

Hopes for Cassandra Cain

Sadly, at the end of the most recent issue it looks like Batgirl is dead. Since Wargames, Spoiler seems to be her friendly neighborhood Grim Reaper, showing up to guide when she's near death. Spoiler carrying Cassandra, ever when it was really Shiva, is a very bad sign. However, it was really Shiva, leading the idea that Cassandra wasn't dead - she was mearly hallucinating thanks to blood loss. And, she has one issue left in her run.

My hopes are that she lives, and keeps her role to a degree. I doubt she will remain Batgirl until probably after 52 runs its course, the comic ends and so does her need to wear the suit. My guess is that her wound is in reality just as bad as it looks, and will be not unlike when Bane broke Batman's back.

It will take a while for her to recover, and until then she will have to live differently. After talking to Kalinara a bit on the topic, she had a few points that I liked that could fit into the saga of her recovery.

First of all she should finally learn how to read and write. I know she can't learn it the normal way thanks to how her brain is wired up, but now she she is out-of-action and thus has the extra time.

She can also spend this extra time developing relationships with normal people, as well as getting used to "normal" life. She has done this a little over time, but she can still work on these relationships. She's not normal, so the stories revolving around her coping and adjusting are interesting to me (I enjoy her figuring out words in her narrative, and observing normal people).

Anyway, this is just a best-case senario.

Not-so-good senario would be Cassandra Cain permanently falls out of the light to just appear as cameos in other titles. It looks like they are hinting that Barbara Gordon will get the use of her legs back, which may push her into returning to swinging around buildings in a black outfit...replacing the position of Batgirl (with a Batwoman, thanks Kal). I don't really want to see that happen, becuase I really like Barb in her role as Oracle.

Worst case is that we've lost yet another beloved character to the winds of change.

Weekly Comic Review: DC edition

Yesterday seemed to...vanish...and so here I am talking and commenting a day later than I planned.

I'll get the big ones out of the way first...

Infinite Crisis #4
Howleeeee Crap. Way to much happening to even beging to summerize it, so I'll only touch on a few points. I like that the Specter got "reassined" to the gunned down cop from Gotham Central, it's fitting and will hopefully lead into a very nice revenge arch.

The massive pile-on with Superboy Prime was a blast to see, and I loved how childish he was - again, the way it came off was very fitting. I'm a fan of watching characters fall from grace, so to say, so seeing him destroy what he stood for really appealed to me. It was also a nice was to get rid of a lot of little used characters. The bit with Sandy and Terra was a nice touch, though something like what they did should have been a few more panels. Still, the bits with all the Flashes going full speed was a more important (and more awe-inspiring, I'll admit). I doubt Superboy is gone for good, but wow was that an impressive exit

The splitting of the Earths was handled well. I liked the way they used the blue outline as the timeline split between the two Earths. The split also gave a good wrap to the issue, and gives me an idea on how this major arch will progress...

Green Lantern #7
I don't think this is One Year Later, but I may be wrong - the story really picked up like that though. I felt like I jumped into the middle of a story arch, but I have read previous issues of this run. I have read where the background of the story occurs, partly, so I had an idea of what was happening. Average read, and I like the twist at the end, which will be interesting how Lantern and Arrow recover for the next issue.

Birds of Prey #90
All I can really say about this issue is that it was "cute" - which can be good or bad, depending. I usually use the word cute is a bad descriptive, becuase...well...I'm a guy...I have to have some stereotypes apply to me. In this issue's case, it's used in a good way. Being more a fan of Batman, I was a little ticked off at Oracle standing up to him, even if she was right. I would have been just as happy with the outcome if Oracle would have simply provided a random, yet rational, excuse to send Batman back on his way - it's not like Batman has lied to his sidekicks to distract them when he knew what was really happening and in control...

Despite that, watching Deathstroke get a temporary defeat/victory was fun. Also, Batman getting humbled by Huntress's undercover work was just as fun. The sneak kiss on Batman was also a little cheezy, but the comments afterwards were priceless.

Gotham Knights #73
Not a whole lot happened in this issue, in fact Joker and Hush didn't even come in contact with each other. However, I really enjoyed the Joker explaining what he had been up to. Usually when the Joker is involved, the story is a fun ride, and this issue is no different. I'm curious if the Penguin will get word of what the Joker's been up to, and how he'll react - or, that may be all part of the joke knowing Joker. I love his chaos theory.

Nightwing #116
Jeez, the world is just falling apart for Dick. Excellent tie-in with Infinite Crisis #4. Like Gotham Knights, not a whole lot seemed to happen. It was generally Nightwing working his way through the aftermath of his city, surveying the destruction, and doing what little he can in the face of such odds - it really speaks for his character.

All-Star Superman #2
There is almost nothing I can say in the negative about this title so far, except that each issue is too freaking short. If only All-Star Batman & Robin had someone other than Frank Miller writing it. I'm really liking this title. I also liked the giant Joker penny, mirroring the giant penny Batman has down in the Batcave (though I don't remember seeing it recently, maybe it's the same coin?).

That's it for what I've read that's come out this week. I have Batgirl #73, but haven't read it yet on account that I have a lot of stuff going on. I'll get around to it this weekend, as well as posting on other things.