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Hey comics-fans––this is the second unbelievably huge week in a row, so strap yourselves in and prepare to kick out some Christmas dough!

SPOTLIGHT ISSUES:

SOLO #8:

If you haven’t picked up an issue of DC’s innovative series, SOLO, you really should; it’s the perfect spotlight for well-known (and less well-known) artists. Each issue features around five stories of different genres, scripted by an assortment of writers who are usually paired with an artist they are famous for working with (Tim Sale’s SOLO book was partially written by Jeph Loeb, for example). The lead story in this book is written by none other than comics legend Neil Gaiman, who returns to the DC Universe with an incredibly strange Deadman story. Kristiansen’s art for this tale is stunning; it affected me so much that I wanted to go out and find It’s a Bird, the Superman graphic novel Kristiansen painted, and won the Eisner award for, last year. Buy this issue of Solo and savor the art and the stories; they are as good as they are eclectic. < Get Solo #8 for 50% off cover price when mentioning this column >

Daredevil #80:

I would like to get a court order that would keep Bendis from leaving this book. Yes, I enjoyed Spider-Woman: Origin, and I know that his ongoing Spider-Woman title with Maleev is going to be great. But my God, Bendis can write Daredevil––every passing issue of this book catapults him higher into the rarified Daredevil stratosphere. I have no qualms about saying that Bendis’ Daredevil has been as good as Frank Miller’s, and I don’t say that lightly. This issue raises the temperature yet again, as Ben Urich reaches a breaking point, and Bendis flicks out the bottom ace in the house of cards that is Matt Murdock’s life. I don’t want to say anymore about what happens, but believe me, you won’t be disappointed by this issue. Savor it, people - next issue is the end of Bendis’ run. He will be sorely missed.

FUN SIZE REVIEWS:

Spider-Man: The Other #9:

The good news: this issue of The Other takes place in Amazing Spider-Man, so the continuously impressive Mike Deodato, Jr. illustrated it. The bad news: I still have no idea what the hell to think about this book. Peter Parker is reborn (you know, from death) in this issue, after a nightmarish vision about the spider totem. He returns to Avengers tower, although his return brings more questions than it does answers: what exactly are his new powers? Is this really the Peter Parker we and his family know and love, or has his experience changed him drastically? If so, in what ways? They’ve got three issues to figure it out and let us know. Let’s hope it’s a good answer, or this series won’t really have been worth it, sad as it makes me to say so.

Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #1:

The other new thing going on in the world of webs, and in the whole Marvel Universe, is the return of a little romance. Joe Quesada has suggested that the old romance comics are something he’d like to see return, and he’s making it happen. I was a tad apprehensive about this, since I never read these books growing up. I will say that this title was good; time will tell for the others. It had that sort of cute, high-school vibe pretty much nailed, and the Mary Jane/Spider-Man relationship is one that is certainly capable of sustaining a series.

Batman #648:

Yet another stellar issue from the best Batman monthly on the shelves. This issue is not to be missed––if I had more to say about it, it would be a spotlight issue, but I’m still a little speechless. Let’s just say that there’s a Black Mask/Red Hood confrontation, and that it makes for quite nice reading, shall we?

All Star Batman and Robin #3:

Blech. Blech blech blech. That’s how I’ve felt about this series up until now. This issue, though, has me upgraded to a “meh.” The story of this one is mostly about Black Canary, with much less “I’ m the goddamned Batman” and Robin in it, which for me is a good thing. Even that relationship seems to be getting a bit more…feasible. The art, unsurprisingly, is amazing - although if you don’t want permanently scarred retinas you should probably avoid setting eyes on the truly hideous Frank Miller variant cover.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #26

: This is the concluding issue of the three-part arc Tomb of Namor. This arc has been the book’s first foray into true Ultimate-style innovation, making changes to the original story that make sense, and make for better stories. This issue sees Namor attacking New York, and Sue Storm making a sacrifice of sorts for the betterment of society.

Catwoman #50:

Zatanna makes a “startling” revelation about Catwoman in this issue that will rock the foundations of her character for some time to come. I use the quotes around startling because DC has been telegraphing this move for months––I understand some of the rational behind the move, but it seems it would have carried more weight had it been a surprise. Plus, the device, which I won’t reveal in case you aren’t aware of it yet, has been a bit overdone in the DC Universe, and it doesn’t make nearly as much logical sense with Catwoman as it did with some other characters. Still, it will prove a significant revelation in the course of the Crisis––worth checking out and forming your own opinions.

New Avengers #14:

This is a big week for Bendis, and this is the second of his three blockbusters coming out today. He and new artist Frank Cho begin their Spider-Woman arc with this issue. Over a year after starting this book, Bendis starts paying off some of the hints he’s been dropping, as they spin into big stories. Finally, we find out in this week’s issue what is going on with Spider-Woman, as we near the inevitable “outing” of the New Avengers to the public. Ultimate Spider-Man #88: This is the third Big Bendis Book of the week, and it’s pretty dang good, too. We find out if Peter will be able to avoid that random bag check he faced at the end of last issue, and he continues his hunt for Silver Sable and her crew. There’s also a hilarious double page spread towards the end that all Spider-Man fans will enjoy.

Hey all, no trade reviews or news again this week, as I finish catching up on columns. I promise there will be a bit more to read next week. It’s going to be a bit slower, so I’ll also be reviewing the miniature stash of comics I got for Christmas. See you then! As usual, send all comments/complaints to skio84@charter.net

Well, I’m back from a much-needed rest for Christmas and New Year’s, so I’ve got a bit of catching up to do. Bear with me for the next week or so as I flood you with series profiles, my Best of 2005 picks, and of course the regular weekly column. This week was pretty insane, so let’s dive in.

SPOTLIGHT ISSUES:

Infinite Crisis #3:

I still get excited when these issues come out, though I think I’m a bit hype-drained. I swear sitting down with an issue of Infinite Crisis feels at times a bit like reading the textbook of a subject I enjoy. Yes, there’s stuff in there that I want to know, that I need to know, that will be fun to learn, but it’s just so damn dense. Every page is crammed with details, with earth and universe-shattering revelations and references. Still, there are much, much bigger problems to have on your hands than getting too much bang for your buck. DC, Geoff Johns, and Phil Jimenez keep the heat on us as Batman gets a stunning offer, Wonder Woman gives a shocking order to her people, and the last two pages…well, let’s just say they’re a shock, as we find out the architect of the Crisis and the location of Martian Manhunter.

Ultimate Wolverine Vs. Hulk #1:

Or should it be Ultimate Wolverine Vs. Ultimate Hulk #1? You decide, I guess. This book was surrounded by rather massive amounts of hype, as it quickly became a quintessential Marvel book before it even hit the stands. They pulled the “Marvel Special” by nabbing a non-comics writer in Damon Lindelof, LOST co-creator, and paired him with an exciting artist in Leinil Francis Yu. Then they released preview pages that showed Ultimate Wolvie getting RIPPED IN HALF by the Hulk. This issue opens with that scene, then immediately heads to the magical world of flashback where we see what transpires to bring these two icons together. The set up is good, the opening scene is mouth-wateringly good, but it looks like we’ll have to wait a few weeks before the big action hits. Worth the wait, I say––this book shows a hell of a lot of promise.

FUN SIZE REVIEWS:

Justice #3:

After reading the third issue of Justice, I finally have the feeling that neither of the first two issues gave me; this book will stand up there with Kingdom Come, Marvels, and Earth X as one of Alex Ross’ great works. The art, a new style for him since he’s painting over someone else’s pencils, is fresh, and beautiful, and the story is gaining direction as we begin to find out what the villains are up to. This is the first truly don’t-miss issue in what is shaping up to be a don’t-miss series.

Batman: Gotham Knights #72:

Now that the (confusing) Clayface arc is over, we get a stand-alone story about Bruce Wayne’s father, before the title plunges back into muddled continuity following a Joker vs. Hush storyline. This issue was a nice change of pace, as it’s the one thing I feel like I’ve read from DC in a year or so that didn’t have bigger ramifications. I read comics because I love the characters, and I love seeing what good writers do with them––this, though it isn’t perfect, is a character story, not an intergalactic, universe story. It’s good to know DC is still interested in doing both.

X-Men: Deadly Genesis #2:

It is a pretty crappy time to be a member of the X-Men. Your ranks are falling apart, the mutants you’ve sworn to protect are dwindling, and this series promises to reveal a dark secret in no-longer-the-golden-founder Professor X’s past. In the second issue of this six-part series, the X-Men try to figure out what the heck happened in issue one, and who the mysterious man holding two of them hostage is. Don’t miss what looks like it could be a shocking death on the last couple pages.

Ultimate X-Men/Fantastic Four #1:

This issue, which speaks for its series quite a bit since the whole thing will be over in number two, is not great. The writing (done by Mike Carey) is of average stock, with nothing glaringly wrong and nothing spectacularly great. The art is average, and the story, as well as the interaction thus far between the two teams is average. This book doesn’t live up to either of the series it crosses over, and, to be honest, the feeling I was left with at the end of it was: what’s the point?

Adventures of Superman #647:

Sweet! In this issue, the second part of the two-part Rack and Ruin arc, Greg Rucka shows us why Superman is still someone to look up to, despite what (a-hem) other incarnations of himself seem to think. Plus, he’s really, really fast. Find out the secret behind Ruin as Rucka gives us the final word on the villain.

So normally this is the part where I do a trade review, and then give you some news briefs. Since I’ m a week behind, I’m skipping them this week, although look for more goodies in the coming columns.

How about the column this week: was it Supreme? A whole batch of Dax? Drop me a line and let me know, or ask questions, or give rants, or anything else you want, all at skio84@charter.net

Marvel introduces one of the last new titles in its post-House of M Decimation line, and DC more or less takes a week off before the next issue of Infinite Crisis hits stands: welcome to December 14th.

SPOTLIGHT ISSUES:

Son of M #1:

I haven’t really enjoyed most of the Decimation books: I liked the first seven issues of House of M, but the “no more mutants” spin-offs have been kind of boring for the most part. Finally, with Son of M, there’s a book that looks like it can hold my interest for six issues. Written by David Hine, the title of the series refers to Pietro Maximoff, unfortunate son of Magneto, formerly known as Quicksilver, and one of the world’s most reluctant brand new homo sapiens. His sister’s proclamation that there would be “no more mutants” erased almost all of them from the world, and Pietro was one of the unfortunates who went from extraordinary to normal. This issue shows him dealing with this violent, unfortunate transition, as he becomes not only someone who could outrun a bus by 100 times, but someone who can’t even catch one when he’s late. What really makes this issue (and hopefully this book) special, is watching Spider-Man try to deal with his own post-House of M problems, as he has to live with the fact that in his ideal world, he’s married to Gwen Stacy, and not Mary Jane. Now that world is gone, and he has to figure out how to look his current wife in the eye. The writing gets to the heart of these two disparate characters with equal skill, and the Maleev-style art perfectly matches the dreary tone of the story. Pick this one up, and hope (with me) that the next five issues are as good as this one.
< Get Son of M #1 for 50% off cover price when you mention this column. >

FUN SIZE REVIEWS:

Spider-Man: The Other #8:

Sell out after sell out for this series as it gets weirder and weirder––in this issue, it gets really weird. Mary Jane and Aunt May try to deal with the events of last issue while something unspeakably strange happens on the last page. While the writing of the various arcs remains pretty consistent, this issues art, by Pat Lee, doesn’t stand up to either Deodato or Wieringo, who are handling the art chores on the other two books. I’m curious to hear what any of you think about this book/series––email me at the address listed below if you’ve got anything to say.

Ultimate Iron Man #5:

This issue marks the last of Orson Scott Card’s first Iron Man mini-series, and if you couldn’t tell my reaction by the fact that it’s not a spotlight, I’ll lay it out in one word: lukewarm. I enjoyed the series overall, and I look forward to sitting down and reading all five issues back to back, as it seems like it will make a good book. But none of the issues seemed to stand all that well on their own, and Andy Kubert’s art frequently seemed to outshine Card’s writing. Nightwing #115: Things start to make sense in this issue, for those of you who have stuck through the kind of confusing run Devin Grayson has had over the last half year or so, with Nightwing becoming the “evil” Renegade. Grayson complained that DC’s overarching plans for Nightwing in the Crisis universe messed up her story, and it’s seemed like it recently. In this issue, especially the last two or three pages, big things happen that have me excited to read next month’s issue for the first time in a while.

JLA #123:

The third to last issue of this series is another stinker. Bob Harras, after the cancellation of his much better Breach series, must be an unpopular guy around DC these days. Breach got the can, and he’s been turning in meh-at-best scripts on this series, backed up by the less-than-lackluster art of Tom Derenick. The JLA (or what’s left of it) try to deal with the new threat of the Key in this issue, but if things don’t pick up soon, this landmark book will be going out with a whimper, not the bang it deserves.

What If? Featuring Wolverine:

Although I think they’re a far cry from DC’s superior Elsewords series, I admit a fondness for the occasional imaginative impressiveness of these What If? books. This next series coming up seems to have some good, original ideas, including Captain America as a Native Captain American (which, sure Neil Gaiman sort of did already). This issue, which is more or less What if Wolverine was The Punisher, is pretty good. Daniel Way, the current Wolverine writer pens it, and Jon Proctor turns in interesting, if not obviously good art.

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #198:

I really, really like this story, written by Catwoman’s Will Pfeifer. It’s in the vein that LOTDK was meant to be: ambiguous in time, with an inventive villain and plot. If you’re a bit exhausted by the huge Crisis push check out this, the second part of a three part story about a terminal cancer patient who’s determined to spend his last moments on earth taking down the Batman. One of the first times Batman’s faced someone who is both as smart and dedicated as he is.

TRADE REVIEW:

The Best of the Spirit by Will Eisner:

Finally, DC puts out a collection of Will Eisner’s The Spirit for fans on a limited budget. I’ve been a fan of Eisner’s for a few years, and have a fair amount of his other work (including the excellent Contract With God trilogy that any fan of the graphic medium should own), but could never afford to plunk down the cash for the Spirit Archive series, which runs something like $50 each for 17 volumes. This book, which includes 22 different Spirit stories (the origin of the Spirit being one of them) and is almost 200 pages, costs only $15, and has an introduction by Neil Gaiman. Eisner was, throughout all the decades he worked, somehow always ahead of his time. It’s unbelievable (with the exception of the occasional stereotype) that this book was written in the 40s, as the art at times looks like it was drawn twenty or thirty years later, and the writing outshines much mystery and action fare of our time. Gaiman says in his introduction that this should be on every fan’s shelf next to Watchmen, and other classics. I second.

NEWS BITES:

––Fair amount of movie news on the superhero front this week: first, Ghost Rider has been pushed back a few months, and now has a release date of February 2007, almost a year and a half away. The second, and more exciting news, is that a third studio is going to take a crack at adapting Watchmen, probably due to all the buzz surrounding V for Vendetta. Let’s hope Warner Bros., the brand new papa of the comics masterpiece, has more luck than the last two studios.

SPOILER ALERT ––The spoiler alert is because this news bite mentions some of the information DC has released to the public about the One Year Later jump. Again, this info is public, but if you don’t want to know the fate of a few major characters, avert your eyes.Judd Winick is planning some major changes for his books. When the OYL jump hits, Green Arrow will be the major of Star City, and the Outsiders will have publicly disbanded and become a covert-ops group, with a more Batman-disciplined Nightwing helming things. More news on these changes as they develop.

Did you think the column this week was a real stocking stuffer? A stocking stinker? Let me know–– send all questions or comments on the column or anything else to skio84@charter.net.

Lots of great books hit the stands this week, so I’ll try to give you a look at most of them, even though I’m bleary eyed from finals at CSULB and typing up my Sin City report.

SPOTLIGHT ISSUES:

The Ultimates #9:

This book may well end up being a spotlight pick every month until Millar and Hitch’s run is over. Every issue that comes out somehow raises the already boiling pressure by another ten notches. The first eight issues have seen executions, betrayals, traitors, and other truly shocking moments. This issue is no different, as we see the traitor finally revealed, and a series of stunning events unfolding around this betrayal. The Ultimates and America face the biggest challenge they’ve ever seen; even though my fingers are itching to, I won’t tell you what it is. Suffice to say, your socks will be rightfully and soundly knocked off by this entire issue, especially the last three pages. The most I reveal is that the name of this issue is Grand Theft America, and it delivers. Go read this now.

Batman and the Monster Men #2:

Another title that is shaping up to be a frequent flier on the spotlight section of the column is Matt Wagner’s soon to be classic Batman and the Monster Men. I said before that this book is the rightful inheritor of Frank Miller’s Year One book, and issue two does nothing but make me more confident of that proclamation. More important than its historical significance though, is the fact that this book is flat out great, and it’s coming out right now. We are watching the birth of a classic, a rare but worthwhile treat. The art is simplistic, and beautiful, and the writing is perfect. For both we can thank Matt Wagner, and the best way to thank him is to support this book. If you don’t normally like superhero comics, the best thing you can do to make them better is to tell DC what you want to see more of. I want to see more of this book, and you should, too.

FUN SIZE REVIEWS:

Jonah Hex #2:

Jimmy Palmiotti has been building up to this book for a while, working on Hawkman and inking various projects. When I talked to him at Comic-Con in San Diego last July, this was the one he was itching to get out on shelves. Well, it’s out, and it’s a treat to read. Finally, great stand alone stories with good writing and art. I savored every gunslinging page of this issue.

Marvel Zombies #1:

This book is one of the best decisions Marvel’s ever made, giving indie-zombie superstar Robert Kirkman the reigns to a Mark Millar-created Marvel Zombie Universe. This universe is filled with hungry zombies who just happen to be the biggest stars of the Marvel Universe (or used to be at least). When Millar left the world back in Ultimate Fantastic Four, Magneto was stuck surrounded by zombies. In this first issue, he squares off against all of them, with amazing results. Don’t miss this one, or the shocking guest appearance on the last page.

Superman Secret Files and Origins 2005:

I’m still torn about the DC Secret Files books. On the one hand, they cost way too much (five bucks) and the bio pages tend to be a waste of time except for the occasional new artistic take on a character. On the other hand, I like the freedom it allows the writers who do the stories. For instance, Devin Grayson’s opener in this book, about a kid who loves Batman and a kid who loves Superman, is a real winner and one that could never have been done in a regular monthly title. On the other hand, amazing as that story is, I don’t know that it’s worth the price of admission, since the rest of the book is pretty average.

Ultimate Spider-Man #87:

This is the second part of the Ultimate Silver Sable arc, which started pretty well last issue. In this one, we finally get to see Peter Parker and Shadowcat together, and some of the ramifications of that relationship for Peter and Mary Jane. Sable also has to deal with the mistake her men made last issue, and Spider-Man gets yet another unpleasant surprise on the last page.

Marvel Team-Up #15:

God bless Robert Kirkman. The soon-to-be world famous author gives us the League of Losers arc starting right here. All the major superheroes of the world have been destroyed, and now the overlooked, including X-23, Arana, Gravity, Speedball, and my favorite, Darkhawk, have to team up and save the world. This issue was really funny, and it should be a great ride.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #3 The Other (part 7):

This book is up and down, up and down– –last issue was very up, this one is definitely coming down. The art, by Mike Wieringo, is a difficult-to-swallow change of page from Deodato’s masterful illustration of the last issue, and the story, about the aftereffects of Morlun and Spider-Man’s battle, goes from weird to weirder. Amazing last shot though, and still worth it just to see where they’re going with this story.

TRADE REVIEW:

Eisner/Miller:

This book is comprised entirely of a recorded, day-long conversation between Frank Miller and Will Eisner. I hesitated longer than I should have in buying this one, because I thought the format would get tedious and boring. I was wrong. Miller and Eisner are two of comics’ greatest, and it’s amazing to read their comments on everything and everyone from the Comics Code to Stan Lee. Definitely worth the buy– –I got it out of the Pulp Fiction 50% off bin, so you’re too late for that, but check the bin out, there’s a TON of other great titles in there, and if you aren’t quick, I might end up spending all my dough on them.

How about the column this week: think it was Super? Did it drive you Batty? Drop me a line and let me know, or ask questions, or give rants, or anything else you want, all at skio84@charter.net. <<Get Ultimates Vol 1 for 50% off cover price in December if you mention this column>>