Batman and Robin #1

August 23, 2012

Batman and Robin #1
Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray

At first, I hated the idea of Damian becoming Robin, but he's winning me over now.  The dynamics between Batman and Damian are interesting; they have such different styles and attitudes.  It's clear that Damian, although he may hate Talia, has learned a lot from her and has picked up on a lot of her attitudes.  Other pluses for this issue: an exciting new villain, and good illustrations.
Lastly, isn't it convenient how all the foreign "Batmen" are dying except for Batwing?

Bottom line: 3.5/5

Batman: The Dark Knight

August 23, 2012

Batman: The Dark Knight

David Finch, Paul Jenkins, Richard Friend

I liked this issue.  It starts out a little slow, but I got the impression that the writers have some good stuff planned.  I like the way they switch from the sophistication of the upper class of Gotham to the violence of Arkham Asylum - it's an interesting, dramatic contrast.  Overall, not my favorite Batman title (how can you beat Batman?), but I still think it will be pretty good.

Bottom line: 4/5

Batwoman #1

August 22, 2012

Batwoman #1
J.H. Williams III, W. Haden Blackman

I'm about to upset a lot of people, but I didn't like this issue very much at all.  Some of the art is striking (in a good way), and some of it is just plain weird.  The entire story seems to revolve around Kate and Bette Kane changing their clothes, and I'm sick of Kate's homosexuality constantly being forced into my conciousness.  She is a really cool character, and her writers don't need to rely on her sexuality to sell comics.  They've turned her into a one-trick pony, and I'm not into it.

Bottom line: 1/5

Detective Comics #1

August 22, 2012

Detective Comics #1
Tony S. Daniel, Ryan Winn

These guys don't waste time!  The action starts off immediately with Joker and Batman.  I think that's what I like about this issue: it sort of goes back to the good ol' days of Joker vs. Batman.  This title also seems like it's going to explore the more sinister, brutal side of Gotham (and, of course, Joker).  I'm definitely optimistic about this series.

Bottom line: 4.5/5

Batman #1

August 21, 2012

Batman #1
Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion

I have been waiting to read this for weeks, and it definitely did not disappoint.  This issue was probably my second-favorite #1 issue in the New 52.  The artwork was pretty good, the dialogue was great, and everyone was in character.  These writers don't waste any time in starting their story, and I'm super-excited to see where they take it.  The entire thing flows very well, and feels natural.  Awesome story!

Bottom line: 5/5

Supergirl #1

August 21, 2012

Supergirl
Michael Green, Mike Johnson, Mahmud Asrar, Dan Green

First off, I just want to say that I loved the art in this one.  Supergirl is more that just a super-heroine.  She's a real, emotional young woman.  The whole ordeal that she goes through as she figures out what's going on is pretty cool.  I hope the writers don't deviate too much from the Superman/Batman version of Supergirl, but so far things are looking good.

Bottom line: 4/5

Superboy #1

August 20, 2012

Superboy #1
Scott Lobdell, R.B. Silva, Rob Lean

I'm not usually a Superboy fan, but I think I could be if the writers stick to this type of story.  The characters were interesting, and the art was fitting for an aimed-at-teens title.  I really appreciated seeing Rose Wilson in there, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her.  The only thing I'm worried about is that they may have retconned Superboy's human donor; I hope it's still Lex.  All in all, pretty good.

Bottom line: 3/5

Can any of you tell me if Connor still has Lex's genes?  I haven't been keeping up with this series.

Superman #1

August 20, 2012

Superman #1
George Perez, Jesus Merino

Classic Superman!  The art, the story, Clark's character - were all classic, just like they should be.  My only complaint was Lois' boyfriend scene.  I prefer the "old-fashioned" Lois, but I guess they're trying to be more "accessible" and "modern."

Bottom line: 4.5/5

Batman #12

August 18, 2012

Batman #12

Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Becky Cloonan, Andy Clarke

I know this issue got stellar reviews from ComicVine and probably from everybody else.  But, in my honest opinion, it was just ok.  I liked the story, but I didn't see how it fit in that well with the Night of the Owls arc (apparently it was a back-up story, which makes a lot more sense).  Also, I didn't like the how the art style switched in the middle of the issue; it takes away from the fluidity.  I did appreciate the focus on the people of Gotham, but I'm tired of the pro-homosexuality theme that is so often present in the New 52.  I just think it's a gimmick used to look open-minded, and I'm tired of it.

Other than that, it was fine.  Not Snyder's best work (again, in my opinion), but good.  The biggest thought I take away from it is that I may have just been introduced to a new villain or vigilante, which is always exciting.

P.S.: Congrats to Becky Cloonan on being the first female artist on this series!

Bottom line: 2.5/5

Action Comics #1

August 15, 2012

Action Comics #1

Grant Morrison, Rags Morales, Rick Bryant

I was disappointed after reading this.  Since when was Superman a scary vigilante?  I didn't like his costume, either.  The ray of hope for me was seeing Lex Luthor in there.  I'm guessing his presence will turn Superman into his normal, law-abiding self.   The ending was pretty awsome, so hopefully that bodes well for this title.

Bottom line: 2.5/5

DC Universe Presents #1

August 15, 2012

DC Universe Presents #1

Paul Jenkins, Bernard Chang

I liked this one.  Deadman is an interesting character, especially after his role in Brightest Day.  This issue was more of an introduction (hence the title, duh) than anything else, but it was a good introduction.  My biggest question after reading this is: could Rama somehow be connected to Pandora?

Bottom line: 3/5

Hey guys, I haven't read any of the more recent issues from this title.  Can you tell me anything more about Rama?

Mister Terrific #1

August 14, 2012

Mister Terrific #1
Eric Wallace, Gianluca Gugliotta, Wayne Faucher

Ok, everybody knows that Mister Terrific was cancelled before the second wave of the New 52. 
I originally wrote this review shortly after the first issue came out, so if you feel like you're going back in time, you are (sort of).

Good story, good art.  I enjoyed getting to know Mr. Terrific a little better.  I have a hard time buying his grief over his wife when he's already replaced her with someone else.  I guess I'm just a little unclear about how much time has passed, but I'm interested in finding out more about him and his son.

Bottom line: 3.5/5

The Savage Hawkman #1

August 14, 2012

The Savage Hawkman #1

Tony S. Daniel, Philip Tan

I was pleasantly surprised by this issue.  The art isn't my favorite style, but it works well with Hawkman and his ancient warrior atmosphere.  I was sort of disappointed that Hawkgirl wasn't included, but maybe she's still busy being a wind elemental.  I think Tony Daniel got Hawkman's character pretty much perfect, and Tan's costume design really made him look like a warrior.  Interesting and action-packed, with good visuals.

Bottom line: 4/5

Green Arrow #1

August 14. 2012

Green Arrow #1

J.T. Krul, Dan Jurgens, George Perez

This was just ok for me.  I like how Ollie is portrayed; he's pretty much "in character."  But I don't like the Oracle-knock-off Naomi, or the villains he fights.  They just seem kind of second-tier, like B-list villains.  However, the fighting scenes were pretty good, and I think these writers could do something cool with Ollie.

Bottom line: 3/5

Fury of Firestorm #1

August 13, 2012

The Fury of Firestorm #1

Gail Simone, Ethan Van Sciver, Yildiray Cinar

I've only recently become a Firestorm fan, but I liked how this book kind of stayed on track with the Blackest Night/Brightest Day arc.  The art is good, too.  But what happened to Jason's girlfriend?  She's already been replaced?

Anyway, overall it's pretty good (although sometimes I just feel like slapping Jason and Ronnie and telling them to grow up).

Bottom line: 4/5

Captain Atom #1

August 13, 2012

Captain Atom #1

J.T. Krul, Freddie Williams III

My complaints on this one were mostly the art and the weird though-bubbles.  I never really understood those.  Aside from these, the story was actually pretty good, and I liked the intro to Dr. Megala, who I've never seen before.  Captain Atom didn't fit my JLU idea of him, but he was still an interesting and cool character, if not even more so than he was in the Unlimited Series.

Bottom line: 2.5/5

The Flash #1

August 13, 2012

The Flash #1

Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato

I enjoyed this one.  The story was a little confusing at times, but as a whole it was pretty cool.  I would have appreciated an introduction to Barry's friend Manuel, who I'm totally unacquainted with.  However, I'm really happy that we're finally back with Barry.  Ever since Blackest Night he's been my favorite Flash.  Let's hope these guys do him justice.

Bottome line: 3/5

Wonder Woman #1

August 8, 2012

Wonder Woman #1
Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chang

I'm going to be honest here, and completely disagree with most of you.  This issue disappointed me.  I don't really like this style of art, and the story was confusing at best.  It's too bad; I hoped for more in such a prominent title.

Bottom line: 2.5/5

Comment and tell me if the later issues are better, or if you think I'm crazy.

Justice League International #1

August 8, 2012

Justice League Internation #1
Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan

Somewhat predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless.  I like the way they're portraying Booster Gold, and I also enjoyed seeing Rocket Red in there.  The art was pretty impressive, in a very bright and happy sort of way.  I'm not a huge Guy Gardner fan, but I think I'm coming around, and I liked seeing Batman in there, of course.

Bottom line: 2.5/5

Batman #8 - Attack on Wayne Manor; The Call

May 18, 2012 Amazing, Again Batman # 8 - Attack on Wayne Manor; The Call What can I say about this series that hasn't been said? It's fantastic. Scott Snyder has been doing an amazing job with this title, and I can't say enough about how much I love the Court of Owls concept. I'm not even going to bother doing the Pros/Cons thing, because I already know I can't think of anything wrong with this issue. The story is great, the art is great (fitting in a Gothic way), the dialogue is great...yeah, pretty much everything is fantastic. This particular issue is especially exciting because of the back-up story, which is set in the past and features Alfred Pennyworth's father, Jarvis. Bottom Line: If you haven't read this issue yet, do yourself a favor and grab it soon.