Retro Review – Superman #243 (October 1971)

It’s 1971 and Superman is having a moment of Relevance. He’s not got much time to ponder life’s big questions as the exploding star sends him somewhere unknown, and Superman feels compelled to dive below the surface of a mystery planet. There he meets an unusual-looking fellow. Kond explains that, bored by life as a […]

Action Comics #989 review

While Mr Oz continues his attempts to persuade Superman to abandon Earth… … two of his agents have dark intentions for the Daily Planet. Lois tries to reason with the man, JB – who’s bought into some Trumpian ‘fake news’ agenda – stall him long enough for Clark to come and save the day. Sportscaster […]

Supergirl #14 review

Just two cousins hanging out. By a volcano. With a Superdog. It’s taken years, but DC continuity is finally back at my sweet spot, with Supergirl and Superman looking out for one another. And is that a hint Streaky, the Cat of Steel, is coming? I do hope so, I’ve no doubt writer Steve Orlando […]

Harley and Ivy meet Betty and Veronica #1 review

Hiram Lodge has a new money-making scheme – turn Sweetwater Swamp outside Riverdale into a university campus. Poison Ivy’s not happy about the idea – the place is heaving with unique fauna – and takes gal pal Harley Quinn along when she tries to persuade the millionaire to think again. So much for peaceable means. […]

Superman #32 review

Lois Lane’s recent interview with international hitman Deathstroke the Terminator looks set to be an award winner, having made headlines and pleased hard-nosed hack Perry White. Sadly, whatever understanding there was between reporter and assassin has faded as this issue begins, with Lois firmly in his crosshairs. Cue her very own guardian angel. Something similar […]

When We’re In Charge

I’m currently in Quebec, coming towards the end of a holiday. In a couple of days it’ll be Montreal, but last Thursday it was Boston, which happens to be the home of my pal Anj, who runs the Supergirl Comic Box Commentary blog. It’s also within driving distance of the home of Ryan Daly, the […]

Wonder Woman #31 review

There’s not a lot of Wonder Woman in the latest Wonder Woman. Normally, I’d be mildly rankled but new writer James Robinson kicks off the latest storyline in such an engaging manner that I don’t mind at all. We begin with Diana apparently fighting her bother. He’s unseen, and by page two we’ve flashed back […]

Blue Beetle #13 review

Welcome to the 31st century, Jaime Reyes, hope you survive the experience. Given he’s teleported up the timestream into a battle royale between the future Justice League and a mind-controlled Legion of Super-Heroes, there’s no guarantee he’ll make issue 14 of his comic… especially as it’s the last hoorah for writers Keith Giffen and JM […]

Action Comics #988 review

Mr Oz stands unveiled as Jor-El of Krypton. Superman doesn’t believe the mysterious figure is his father – he knows Jor-El died along with his mother Lara and the entire world of Krypton. But Fortress of Solitude guardian robot Kelex says this is the man who sent baby Kal-El to Earth. Superman still has his […]

Superman #31 review

This isn’t the originally solicited issue, it’s a fill-in. I rather like fill-ins. They give the regular creative team a break and the reader a chance to see someone else’s take on a series. Sometimes we get a story with the title character to the side, as here – Superman #31 is basically a team-up […]