Tag Archives: Mike Johnson

Review: Superman/Batman #52

Disclaimer: The story doesn’t matter. I’ll say it’s fun and cute and we’ll move on.

This is the world of the Lil’ Leaguers:

Heh, I don’t actually want to review this comic. I just want to post my favorite moments, like this one: Joker discovers giant-sized violence in this giant-sized world.

And this one: I call it PUNCH IN THE JUNK!

(Sure, he doesn’t nail him exactly in “the junk”, but it’s close enough, and clearly, the intent is evident.)

Or this one: Batman’s on monitor duty… whether he likes it or not.

All that stuff was great, but the Batman/Lil’ Catwoman scenes were my favorites:

But truth be told, this issue wasn’t all fun and games. There was some serious stuff too. “Super” serious, to be exact. After Lil’ Superman sacrifices himself to save both Leagues, we’re treated to this sad lil’ series of panels:

You see, in our world, when heroes die they don’t wake up. Um, wait, what? Well, that’s not entirely true, but I can forgive the writers the obvious lie since needlessly addressing the “continuity” or “pray for resurrection” debate kind of misses the point. And then this next panel, GOSH, I almost cried:

OH MY GOSH! LOOK AT THE LITTLE “SUPER-COFFIN”!!!

After the Lil’ Leaguers leave, Bats and Supes have a little heart to heart and the main storyline of the arc comes to an end… but wait, there’s more! Lil’ Joker! You cad! Hey, what’s up with the “FOR NOW…” at the bottom of the page? Just how many freaking Jokers we got running around the DCU?

DC editorial, clean up your toys! Is Joker turning into the new Wolverine? Maybe they’re all Skrulls…

Green and Johnson have been kicking the crap out of this series since the “Kryptonite” arc and I could not be happier, and the sudden appearance of talented writers makes me glad I sloshed my way through all the terrible stories between their run and Jeph Loeb’s. The K trade should be out soon, so if you liked anything you saw here, be sure to check that out. Next issue is the start of a new arc, “Super/Bat”, with art by Rags Morales. The synopsis implies that Batman and Superman switch powers? Very interesting. I love me some what-if stories told in the classic World’s Finest tradition.

Quick Note: Actions Comics, Superman (it’s not terrible), Supergirl, Detective, Batman, Superman/Batman… all solid reads, yes? Can anyone remember the last time this many Superman and/or Batman books have been this good? I think it was never ago.

Foilball’s Review Roundup #49

Air #1 (-)

I can’t really review this book… I have no idea what happened!!! Somebody, anybody… please to explain!!!

The Amazing Spider-Man #568-569 (*****)

“New Ways To Be Awesome” is more like it! Dan Slott, what took you so long to land this gig? Your Spidey rocks! These first two parts did not disappoint, the Mark Waid Venom story in the back did, but that doesn’t detract in the least from the overall story. You could just not read it, or if you’re like me, immediately foget you did. DCBS was thoughtful enough to send me the variant covers for these issues, and usually I could care less, but I like this story so much if they don’t follow through on the variants for parts 3-6 I’m gonna be mighty sore!

Jack of Fables #25 (*****)

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Yes, indeed, my good friend Prof Dresser… the funny is back! Although, I don’t think I buy Robin Page falling for Jack. It’s funny, but seems way out of left field, even with the labored 5-page explanation. However, I do like Priscilla Page finally growing her metaphorical balls. That was cool. The Book Burner? Kind of “meh” on that guy. But still, Jack’s final word balloon of the issue totally made up for it. Heh.

Superman/Batman #51 (****)

I just really loved the art. I loved the 5th dimensional impiness of the Lil’ Leaguers. This is another one of those books that works so well (now that Green and Johnson have taken over) BECAUSE it’s out of continuity… for the most part. It may not have the prestige of Action Comics, but it makes up for it with “Super Funtime Stories”. Isn’t that what comics should be?Yes, I think so.

Quick Hits:
• Action Comics #868 (*****): Another solid issue in the Gary Frank run. Brainic is frightening and cool. Finally.
• Daredevil #110 (*****): It’s hard to believe how mediocre this book used to be. Will the quality change survive Rucka’s departure? Never can tell.
• DC Universe: Last Will and Testament #1 (*): A complete and utter waste of time. I wouldn’t have minded it if the story was even remotely cool or interesting. It wasn’t, so I did mind its terribleness. I minded it very much.
• Doktor Sleepless #8 (****): The quality of this story has steadily been on the rise. My favorite scene in this issue was when DS basically told his ex-gf that he was, in point of fact, not sane. I kept waiting for some hint that the good Doktor was still just playing the part of “Cartoon Mad Scientist”, but no such hints were forthcoming. Great choice, Ellis. I’m finally on board for the duration.
• Final Crisis: Rogue’s Revenge #2 (*****): WOW. Best. Comic villains take note, this is how you villain it up, dudes. I love this mini, but I’m glad it’s only three issues. Thanks, Johns.
• Gravel #4 (****1/2): Gravel continues to be the best title Ellis is writing and at the same time not writing.
• Justice League of America #24 (*): As of a month from now, this title is dropped. DO. NOT. CARE.
• Justice Society of America #18 (****): This, on the other hand, could not be better. KUDOS.
• Robin #177 (***): I like the writing, but color me confused? RIP is still running, isn’t it? Red Robin isn’t Tim or Jason? Methinks lame.
• Superman #679 (***): The less “super” of the two Superman books. James Robinson, why do you suck? Is it a style choice? I just can’t get into this book, it feels like it’s trying to hard. The Lois/Clark conversation/pseudo spat and the “…avenger me!” line were ludicrous. Although, I did really like the final page, and I’m not even a dog-lover!
• Ultimate Spider-Man #125 (***): Bendis continues with this tale I could give two tugs of a… right, I didn’t play the game, but still, that doesn’t mean the comic has to be boring. Am I right?!?
• X-Force #6 (****): Everything we expected to happen happened… and then something unexpected happened to boot. Um, Rhane EATING her dad? There’s no way anyone expected that. If you disagree with me, you are made of lies.