"Superman/Batman: World's Finest"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This is the first worth consuming I have awarded with less than 4 stars. Why did I do so? I really was not the plot that is for sure. The purchase and selling of properties to use as training sites for orphans was more confusing that having to take a real estate exam.

But the art is great. How 2 different entities are compared and contrasted was brilliant. The portrayal of Metropolis as Heaven, was stunning. I like it all. For visuals only, this is worth consuming.

"Robin/Batgirl: Fresh Blood"

Great Story! I sure have neglected the Batman realm! But wow, WHAT A VISIT!
And this “NEW” Batgirl (Cassandra Kane) is way cool!
WORTH CONSUMING!

"Ultimate Fantastic Four, Vol. 2"

 

Ultimate FF is really growing on me and is high quality storytelling and art. Worth Consuming.

(Especially, since I’ve added to my wish list of series I want to collect the entire run of.)

"Ultimate Fantastic Four Vol. 1: The Fantastic"

I didn’t think I was going to like a re-launch of the FF legend, but this one rocked. Could it be that I like this reality better than the 616 one???

The answer is yes.

 Make mine Ultimate Marvel!

 

"Castle Waiting"

Castle Waiting is like dining at Ritz Carlton- it’s a 5 star affair.

One of the best stories I have read in a long time. Just when you think something tragic will happen- it doesn’t. Great stuff, very real personal characters, and the art while not Alex Ross or Jack Kirby detail caliber, it’s warm, inviting and very clean.

This is a worth consuming if there ever was one to consume.

"Essential X-Men, Vol. 3 (Marvel Essentials)" — 2006

 

The Shakespeare of Comics. Captivating stuff!

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

"Essential X-Men, Vol. 2 (Marvel Essentials)"

 

A great series, a woven tapestry of great characters, interesting lives, and action.

Chris Claremont is an amazing writer and the man who saved Xavier’s School For Gifted Children from permanently closing its doors. Required reading for any fan of comics.

WORTH CONSUMING!

 

 

"Essential X-Men Vol. 1"

An item I wish I still had was my X-Men coffee mug. On it was Wolverine, Storm, Havok, Colossus, and Rogue…maybe a couple more. I wasn’t a big X fan, but I loved the mug. - loved the characters esp. Colossus and Beast. But why not a fan of the series? Because each issues ended with the words “To Be Continued.” Now, thanks to Marvel Essentials, I can read every issue, in order, and never have to worry about TBC.

In its day, X-men was about to go belly up, but a certain genius named Chris Claremont changed all that and created a soap opera to end all soap operas. The plots are so good and the characters so amazing you don’t need a battle to rope you in. In fact some issues do not ever have villains or big battle scenes.

If you really want to learn about the X-Men, now is your chance.

WORTH CONSUMING!

 

 

"Essential Classic X-Men - Volume 1"

Not your X-Men, this is your Dad’s X-Men, but upon review, it’s quite good. I enjoyed it, even though Stan Lee (while a Legend), is no Chris Claremont. Even Kirby’s art was better than expected.

Biggest let down is issues 22-24, with a change in artists, Kirby’s replacement used very thin, fine lines, and the art seems faded in the reprints.

Worth Consuming, esp. for those who want to own every issue, like me, but not wanting to break the bank.

In fact, this book is Essential!

WORTH CONSUMING!

"What If?: Mirror Mirror"

Collects the 6 stories from 2005 Marvel’s “Othernet” series.

The stories are as follows (ratings based on a 9 point scale; 3=poor, 6=fair/good, 9=great)

What if the Fantastic Four were Soviets?/ 9pt.

What if Daredevil lived in Feudal Japan?/ 7pts.
What if Wolverine was Public Enemy #1 in 1920’s Chicago?/ 3 pt.
What if Thor was the Herald of Galactus?/ 8pts
What if Namor breathed air instead of water?/ 7pts
What if Capt. America lived during the Civil War?/ 4pts.

 The Wolverine issue should be retitled to what if Logan was the Punisher in 1920’s mob-land Chicago, that’s why I rated so low.

The Thor art was really awesome.

Worth Consuming.

"Mann and Superman"

— 7 years ago

WORTH CONSUMING!

One of the best Superman stories I have ever read. A touching morality play about the plight of the down and out and the struggle between the haves and have-nots.

The art is very late 1930’s Siegel and Schuster, but it takes place in the modern era- Clark and Lois are married in this- so remember you time frames.

Consume it!

"Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder"

This could have been a 5 star book, but in between the Very Cool Lethal Weapon Type buddy story of the first meeting of Sups and Capt. Marvel, and the poignant morality play finish, this story got all demonic and evil. And it dropped a star.

And Eclipso??? It’s like the dumbest super-villain ever, and not needed for this story.

Take note of this Judd Winick.

Still with an amazing opening and closing act, it’s worth consuming.

"Batman: The Long Halloween" — 2006

The best, most FREAKIN’ awesome Batman story, ever!

(I think it’s even better than Killing Joke and Dark Knight Returns, combined.)
This is a must read as well as a must consume!

"Superman& Batman: Generations 2, An Imaginary Tale (Elseworlds)" — 2006

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

Not as good as the first. Though it does tied ups some loose ends. I am convinced there will be a Generations 3, there’s too many secrets that have yet to be revealed. Secret #1, who is Bruce Wayne’s wife?

"Superman & Batman: Generations, An Imaginary Tale (Elseworlds)" — 2006

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

An excellent Elseworlds tale, powerful and moving. I was angered by some of the plot twists, and captivated by the fantasy. The story may not have evolved the way I wanted, but it had an ending I thought that should have happened for real in the DC universe.

"The Wee Free Men: A Story of Discworld" — 2006

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

The first 30 pages are hard to follow, but it is a wonderful read. A HATFULL OF SKY is a sequel to this.

"The Complete Frank Miller Batman" — 2006

WORTH CONSUMING!

This book contains three stories. Batman year one-five stars. Wanted: Santa Claus, dead or alive-five stars. Dark knight returns-three stars (great story, but art is downright goofy.)

Superman: The Man of Steel VOL 04

WORTH CONSUMING!

It’s so much better than volume 3. One of the few times a later volume provides more insight than an earlier. Worth Consuming. And you won’t believe who dies in this one!!!!+

 

 

"Captain America and the Falcon Vol. 1: Secret Empire (Avengers)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

A story that is as relevant today as it was in 1974. Written as

Marvel’s response to the Watergate scandal, this series of stories reflected not only Capt. America’s struggle to decipher the difference between American idealism verses American Imperialism, but our struggle for national identity as well.

The only thing I refuse to believe is that the Coup leader in 1974 could have been Richard Nixon (Marvel implied that Nixon was the Secret Empire’s mystery villain, but never revealed the leader’s identity) However, in today’s society, as a lifelong republican, it is shocking to admit that I DO BELIEVE that G.W. Bush and his cabinet was more than capable of attempting to overthrow our traditional government and replace it with a 1984-ish Totalitarian regime.

(To be fair, I think The Clinton’s were capable of the same, too!).

"Legion of Super-Heroes Vol. 1: Teenage Revolution"

 — 2006

WORTH CONSUMING!

There’s no loving or hating Mark Waid, because he’s never the same twice. Sometimes his work is really good, while some is real bad. I normally hate the Legion, but this story was fresh, interesting and makes me anxious for more. Brainiac 5 is now my new favorite bad-boy hero. He rules the series.

Superman in the Sixties

WORTH CONSUMING!

I don’t know what the guys at DC were smoking in the 60’s, but it was enough to create some of the craziest ideas every to be put to paper- and be commented as great ideas.

First before Superman “dies” he melts Antarctica in order to provide a place to live for the overcrowded population of Earth. Then, Batman sets off a nuclear bomb on a battleship as a game for Superman to prove if he is better than Batman. I don’t know what’s crazier- the ideas themselves or the fact that the world greatest superheroes thought that they were great ideas.

But it is still fun to read and very relaxing. So enjoy and learn how weird your folks were from reading this stuff.

"The Sandman Presents: Thessaly - Witch for Hire"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Not your typical comic. Very different. Didn’t like the ending, But I would read more in this series, if there in fact is more. Willingham is one of the premiere writers of today. It you like this, I recommend his Fables series. Also by Vertigo.