Unwinnable

In my very early days, I listened to a lot of Power Records, a known quantity series of comic book and record sets that chronicled the adventures of Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Superman, The Six Million Dollar Man, Star Trek and a few other properties. They either came as a smaller 45 RPM record with one adventure or a larger 33-1/3 RPM record with up to four adventures. The 33-1/3 record sleeves were like proto comic book trade paperbacks. (more…)

Mara #1

(Image – writer: Brian Wood; art: Ming Doyle)

With titles like DMZ and Northlanders under his belt, Brian Wood is a sure commodity for a new comic. Wood’s new book, Mara, is the story of a volleyball champion in a futuristic world and the day she seemingly develops super powers. (more…)

Growing up, I read about Jean Grey’s sacrifice so that the Phoenix would not consume all. I read in horror as the Joker beat Robin to a bloody pulp with a crowbar and then blew the Boy Wonder up for good measure. I read as Aunt May confessed to her nephew, Peter Parker, that she knew he was Spider-Man right before she passed away. All of these climactic moments ended a story, but they weren’t the end.

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Green Lantern: New Guardians #14

(DC – writer; Tony Bedard; art: Andrei Bressan and Amilcar Pinna)

For a “Rise of the Third Army” tie-in, New Guardians is a more of a character story than a tale of action. But this is what makes the comic worth the buy and a surprisingly good read. I say this not because Tony Bedard is not an adept writer – he is – but because the “Third Army” tie-ins have lacked the same spark found in previous tie-ins for “Sinestro Corps War” or “Brightest Day.” Yet where other writers have failed to keep the story interesting, Bedard succeeds due to the way he builds the story to show how far-reaching its effects actually could be for the rest of the Green Lantern universe. (more…)

Amazing Spider-Man #692

(Marvel – writer: Dan Slott; art: Humberto Ramos)

Sidekicks are a pervasive and important part of comics. Batman has Robin. Superman has Superboy. Aquaman has Aqualad. The sidekick plays a vital role in helping the hero but, where most heroes eventually gained sidekicks, Spider-Man has always been a lone wolf. Not because he’s aloof like Wolverine, but because the character was so intriguing on his own that a sidekick was unnecessary.

Until now. (more…)

Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1

(DC – writer: Len Wein; art: Jae Lee)

Len Wein was the editor of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ original work on Watchmen, so he has a more direct connection than any other writer involved in Before Watchmen. The work he turns out, therefore, reads as more authentic and captures the feel of its master strategist, as Wein takes his turn at telling the story of the world’s smartest man.

Ozymandias is word-heavy and a dense read. It hearkens back to Alan Moore’s tightly-packed narration in Watchmen, but the story is told by Adrian Veidt the day before he murders the Comedian. In one issue, Len Wein is able to bring readers up from Adrian’s childhood to his current position as head of his own corporation, as he sits in front of his wall of televisions in his Arctic retreat. (more…)

Amazing Spider-Man #684

(Marvel – writer: Dan Slott; art: Humberto Ramos)

I’ve been lukewarm with Dan Slott’s Amazing Spider-Man as of late, but this latest issue really sold me. While I still roll my eyes at some of the dialogue and nonsensical moments, I have to credit Slott for writing what is one of the most unique Spider-Man stories in recent history, and creating what I think is one of the best teamups in a Spider-Man comic. (more…)