Justice Society of America Annual 1

Now here’s a fanboy’s wet dream. Well, an old fanboy’s – I can’t see readers under 30 being as excited as I was at the prospect of Power Girl’s return to Earth 2. As a very pre-Crisis reader, the idea of DC’s Golden Age Earth having survived, and moved in on Peege’s absence, was thrilling. […]

Reign in Hell 1 review

Having given a lot of attention to its space heroes over the last few years, DC gives its supernatural sector a shot at greatness. The guiding light in hell is writer Keith Giffen, who helped make Marvel’s cosmic crew popular again with the Annihilation series. He’s joined by penciller Tom Derenick and, in what I […]

Uncanny X-Men 500 review

Can a comic be too pretty? It seems so. This anniversary issue features the artwork of Terry & Rachel Dodson and Greg Land & Jay Leisten. It’s gorgeous, especially in the case of Land and Leisten – characters have perfect skin, beautiful smiles, angelic grace . . . but little life, no real dynamism. Whether […]

Ambush Bug Year None 1

DC’s greatest character is back after nearly 20 years. Yes, ‘Mazing Man is in this comic. OK, it’s not a very flattering portrayal of the little guy, but it’s good to see him. It’s also good to see Ambush Bug back, breaking comics’ fourth wall and pointing out the industry’s cliches, silliness and general foibles. […]

Superman 678 review

Atlas came to Metropolis last issue and challenged Superman to a fight, and here the brawl continues. Hero and antagonist get down and dirty, watched by Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. We learn how Atlas got from ancient times to today, and how his nature changed from noble hero to power-hungry Titan. It’s a meaty […]

Batman and the Outsiders 9 review

Ah Looker, proud possessor of the worst name, shallowest personality and nastiest costume in DC history. Probably. Certainly, as created by Mike W Barr and Alan Davis she was a contender. All she wanted out of life was to move from plain to zoftig, and when her powers gave answered just that wish she adopted […]

Birds of Prey 120 review

I’ve been looking forward to this issue, the official debut of Infinity, a new character previously seen only in a cameo. And she wins me over straight away by being British, like me . . . yeah, shallow, I know. I also like her skill set – not only does she have phasing powers a […]

Rogue’s Revenge review

The first Final Crisis tie-in, Requiem, was a very nice surprise, but can DC keep up the standard? The second, Rogue’s Revenge – a three-parter rather than the one-off devoted to the Martian Manhunter’s life, death and legacy – sees the return of acclaimed Flash creative team Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins, so it’s off […]

Detective Comics 846 review

What makes a great Batman villain? The Joker – face of an evil clown, puts a smile on the face of victims. Scarecrow – dresses like his namesake, overwhelms enemies with fear. Caqtwoman – garbed in a catsuit, works as a cat burglar. Hush – wears bandages and, er . . . tells people to […]

The Last Defenders 5 review

I’ve always loved the Defenders, no matter which version. Hulk, Dr Strange, Silver Surfer, Namor; Hulk, Strange, Nighthawk, Valkyrie, Hellcat; Angel, Iceman, Cloud . . . really, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a ‘non-team’ or a would-be team, the book has always had something – at the very least, a great mix of characters; at […]