el kryptonians

drive-by readings

Superman: The Last Family of Krypton #1 (DC) "The Last Family of Krypton, Part One/Part Two" Cary Bates Renato Arlem Allen Passalaqua Pat Brosseau Felipe Massafera (cover)

what we learned: not sure if this should have just been released as a one standalone volume trade, but money talks, thus we have a three-parter. but i like it: Kal-El and his parents crash-land in Metropolis and after a tense confrontation, manage to convince us Earthmen that they want to make this their new home. so instead of just a Superman, we get a Super-family. eventually, with the demands of the new world weighing down on them as miracle workers, they decide to have Kal be raised by a set of worthy Earth parents (choices include legendary DC Editor Julius Schwartz and Dr. Thomas "I Could Be A Murderer or A Saint, Am Not Sure Yet" Wayne), settling for - ta-dah! - Jonathan and Martha Kent. against Jor-El's wishes, Kal grows up to be Clark Kent, mild-mannered student with a secret.
oh shit moment: not to sound crass, but Renato Arlem draws a mean Lara El with a damn fine booty. sorry.
what's next: twin siblings, Lex Luthor, and would B(rainiac) turn into a villain?


that invention would have made Luthor a billionaire.

you hit like a girl #18

"for the last time, Magog, look at me when i'm talking to you!"

-----
JSA Annual #2

showing the seeds

drive-by readings

Justice Society of America #31 (DC) "Old Blood, New Blood, Spilled Blood: Bad Seed, Part 3" Matthew Sturges Bill Willingham Jesus Merino Allen Passalaqua Rob Leigh

more mysteries, and the only thing that woke us up was ... oy! that would be telling. suffice it to say that the cockfight between Magog and Wildcat ended ... well, in an adult manner. ohhh, maturity! we're not sure yet why Stargirl is the target of the bad guys, and why this All-American (Wussy) Kid did what he did. there is a master villain waiting in the wings - and i sure hope to Kingdom Come it's not Amos Fortune, or Roulette. or the Key. wait, wrong Justice book. let me also just say Jess Merino draws an awesome Magog - who would not be scared stiff at the sight of this golden horned armored god? ok, moving along ...

drive-by readings: Justice Society of America #30

Justice Society of America #30 (DC) "Hot Pursuit: Bad Seed, Part 2" Matthew Sturges Bill Willingham Jesus Merino Allen Passalaqua Rob Leigh

this is what we waited in bated breath for? ("well, who asked you, jerk?" - Billingham & Matturges, Inc.) team's on the ropes, Mr. T bleeding to death, then (the newest) Dr. Fate steps in and villains turn tail. the problem with a team book (grudging agreement here) is that more often than not teammates inevitably clash, and that's what we're left with - Magog and Wildcat going boot to paw over strategy and principle. did i mention this was just part 2, hence prepare to be bored in spots?

drive-by readings: Justice Society of America #29

Justice Society of America #29 (DC) "Bad Seed: Chapter 1, Fresh Meat" Bill Willingham Matthew Sturges Jesus Merino Allen Passalaqua Rob Leigh

now there's a team book. thank goodness the JSA can still be name-checked. although it may be headed for changes too, as this is the debut issue of Fables writing team of Billingham and Matturges. and what a debut. the team gets ambushed once, even with an almost full deck (yes, i know, Hawkman isn't here - you know why), and are on the ropes. much worse, they get ambushed twice, with Mr. Terrific back home investigating the devolvement of Obsidian into a stone, getting knifed in the back (that's not Fair Play!) by a mind-controlled recruit. the whole thing reads just like Fables, and other fans may need to get used to it. no matter, excellent cliffhanger and we all await with bated breath for the next issue to arrive. and oy! welcome back, Jess Merino! haven't seen you in a while.