Princeless: Tales of Girls Who Rock! (Family Comic Friday)

Today's Family Comic Friday selection is a one-shot from a series that I know somewhat personally.

  The series is called Princeless and it's been hailed as the type of Princess story that Disney should have been telling all along. It's the story of an independent young woman named Adrienne. When she turns sixteen, her father locks her in a tower guarded by a dragon so that one day her Prince Charming will come and make her his bride. But Princess Adrienne craves adventure and along with the royal blacksmith’s half-dwarf daughter and the dragon, the three set out to free Adrienne's six other sisters held in towers their own of throughout the kingdom. Tales of Girls Who Rock! is a one-shot that focuses on some of the other fiercely independent young ladies that Princess Adrienne and here companions have crossed paths with in the past.

This one-shot is a fairly good starting point for new readers. You're not really expected to know much about the storyline beforehand and each short story is framed as independent from the various Princeless miniseries. However, some parts of these stories feels a little choppy to me, so I wonder if the book is like a primer full of condensed segments of the (so far) five or six miniseries under the Princeless banner.

    This is actually the first Princeless comic that I have ever read. But it's not my first experience with the series. Back in 2011 at a local comic book store, I actually meet not only series creator Jeremy Whitley, but the real life inspiration for Princess Adrienne, his then fiance-cum-wife, Alicia! I was just starting out the reading program charity at my wife's clinic and was so desperate for comics for girls that I bought six issues on the spot. Five went to the readers and one, which I got autographed, went into my collection.

 I had kinda forgot about Princeless for a while until about a year ago when I learned that the series had become a multiple award winner of the 2012 Glyph Awards for Story of the Year and Best Writer along with a couple of Eisner nods. A friend of mine also told me that my first issue, autographed and mint is probably worth a hundred bucks (ungraded), so I have left the book virtually untouched. So Princeless stayed shelved until I came across this book in a grab bag a few weeks ago.

   Don't make this mistake I did. Grab some issues or collected editions for the aspiring comic book collector in your family. A great series that girls and boys 7-14 will enjoy. But there is one thing parents should be aware of- the ads in the back of the book. There's at least 2 ads that tells of other comics published by Action Lab and not every title is appropriate for all ages like this one. The titles Molly Danger and NFL Rush Zone are kid friendly but you'll want to steer clear of the series Fracture and Jack Hammer until the middle or high school years.

  Worth Consuming.

  Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Frostbite #1

   57 years after the next ice age, it's a balmy -24 degrees F in Mexico City. Young Keaton, who grew up an orphan on the desolate ice plains, is the leader of a group that specializes in transporting goods across the frozen tundra to the few hospitable cities that remain. But the cold isn't the only thing that threatens mankind's survival. A new virus called 'Frostbite' is turning it's victims into living ice sculptures, freezing them from the inside out.

    Keaton's crew now holds the key to curing the Frostbite when they agree to transport a pair of doctor's to  a research facility on Alcatraz. It seems that one of them has a formula that could end the frigid plague. But on their tail is a powerful gang of marauders from Los Angeles led by a despot named Fuego. For whomever is in control of the cure pretty much will become the new leader of those few who manage survive...

   Frostbite is a brand new miniseries from Vertigo by Joshua Williamson (Captain Midnight) and Jason Shawn Alexander (Empty Zone.)  In this new world, heat is the new currency. Survival is a warm blanket and death hides within the corners of every snowflake. A cross between Mad Max, Ice Station Zero, and Dawn of the Dead, this apocalyptic tale is just a delight for someone like me who prefers to huddle in the snow to fun in the
sun. 

    Deep down this book is a thinly veiled allegory about climate change. But unlike other post-apocalyptic fodder out on the market today, this book isn't preachy. It also doesn't pull any punches. The gore factor hits 11 from the very first page. 

    I definitely have this book on my wish list. Whether I wait for the trade edition or will continue with first run issues might depend on my budget as I'm not sure how many issues is this mini slated for. But mark my word, this series is going to be huge. It's either going to become a major motion picture or the next Walking Dead. 

    If you want to get in on the bottom floor of the next big thing in comics, you better get started fast. I expect this first issue (which hit stores yesterday) will sell out quick.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #3

     Hal Jordan prepares for the suicide mission upon the Amazons on New Themyscira. Armed with a Queen Industries Green Arrow missile, Highball Jordan is the human race's last hope in stopping the Atlantean/ Amazonian War that's taken half of Europe with it and threatens to split the earth's crust in two. But he's not going alone as Carol Ferris will be his wing-man on this mission. Will she be an asset or Jordan's greatest distraction?

    A very good conclusion to this Flashpoint tie-in with fantastic art by Cliff Richards (All-Star Western) and I'm really digging the cover by J.G. Jones (52.)

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Supergirl #1 (Rebirth)

   Young Kara Zor-El is having trouble adjusting to her new life on earth. On Krypton, she was amongst one of the brightest students in the planet's history. On earth during the day, she's living under the name of high-school student Kara Danvers. This world is so primitive to her, she can't even operative something as simple as an over-head projector. She's also quite a bit homesick and it doesn't help that her adoptive parents, DEO agents Jeremiah and Eliza Danvers keep trying to bring her a little slice of Krypton and fail miserably at it.
    At night, Kara operates as Supergirl where she's a member of the Department of Extra-Normal Operations like her guardians. Under the DEO, life is a hard adjustment too. As the Maiden of Might, she wants to be able to take on the criminal underground like her cousin, Superman. But the head of the department, former Metropolis detective Maggie Sawyer, doesn't think she's ready yet.
     Welcome to the Rebirth era Supergirl. It's a fair mix of comic book legend and the CW television series. Along with the DEO which plays a huge part of the show, this new Supergirl comic has a large dose of Cat Grant, who sees Supergirl as a Superman wannabe. I have a feeling Kara is going to end up an intern at Catco, Cat Grant's media empire, in the next couple of issues.
     One character that's on the CW show but isn't in the comic is Jimmy Olsen. He's still a very large part of Superman's world. So taking his place is a new character named Ben. Ben is an African American student at Kara's school. Part jock, part nerd, Ben is intrigued
by the fish out-of-water Kara Danvers and is probably going to take the role of love interest.
     Of this first issue, I really enjoyed it. I haven't been able to get my hands on Supergirl: Rebirth and I really wish I had. There's considerable amounts of backstory in that teaser issue that is alluded to quite a bit in this book. While it would've been nice to have read that first, you can still enjoy this new take on Supergirl.
     Writer Steve Orlando (Midnighter) weaves a pretty good teen angst tale that has equal parts action, sci-fi, and humor. I'm very happy he's got the reigns to my all-time favorite female super-hero- so don't mess it up! The artwork however by Ascension artist Brian Ching is still up in the air to me. I'm about 60-40 liking it but it's also a bit too cartoony as you can see from the cover. Who knows, maybe it will grow on me.
     A fun read with a great cliffhanger that's got me ready to camp out at the comic book store on the eve when it drops in a couple of weeks.
 
    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.
   

Time Masters: Vanishing Point

If you read Bruce Wayne: The Road Home, you'll see Booster Gold, Superman, Green Lantern, and the lesser known Rip Hunter, Time Master following the Caped Crusader as he is displaced through time. You might think that’s the extent of their journey, but you’d be very wrong.

Time Masters: Vanishing Point is the other side of the story. Along with trying to find Batman, this volume gives us Rip Hunter’s origin, plus Booster Gold’s ancestor in guise as Supernova must prevent several time distorted villains from claiming mastery over time itself.

The Road Home isn't the only storyline that will make you want to read this story. Many of the events of this miniseries lead directly into Flashpoint and Issues 40-45 of Booster Gold. I had actually read this story a while back but I've been sitting on this review until it came time to read Flashpoint. Since I am almost done with Flashpoint, this seemed as good a time as any to post it.

A fantastic story that’s a little confusing, but mostly because of the twists and turns and rules of time travel. Thankfully, just about every plot loop is completed by journeys end and it makes for an enjoyable read.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Flashpoint: Project Superman #3

   Subject Zero has finally escaped from the Phantom Zone and has his eyes set on Kal-El! In a dramatic battle in the streets of London, it's a fight to the finish between Supermen with Resistance fighter Lois Lane stuck in the middle and no-one to tell her how many P's are in rapist! (See the first Superman movie for that reference.)
    Really great finish to a very unique and interesting take on the Man of Steel. I loved the very last panel of this issue. It's got a great iconic twist vibe going and I don't want to spoil the ending but the ending was truly epic.
   One of the best tie-ins of the Flashpoint bunch. Project Superman should be required reading for any DC fan interested in alternate takes of some of the most iconic characters in the entire DC Universe. Plus, the artwork by Gene Ha is fantastic. Why he isn't utilized more by the folks at DC is a mystery to me.
  
   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint- Secret Seven #3

  Together again and for the first time (?), the surviving members of the Secret Six confront their old leader, Shade. 
   DC's magic books or as some fans refer to them- Tales of the Weirdoverse- both fascinate me and confuse me. Maybe it's because I'm too simple minded or that I don't do enough drugs to expand my mind (a phrase used by both Alan Moore and Grant Morrison to describe those readers who don't understand their works.) 
    One thing I did get was how the Secret Six are a lot like the Seven Soldiers of Victory in that they were a team that didn't really know that they were a team. Though why this title wasn't Secret Seven is beyond me. Dang it- this title is Secret Seven but I keep confusing them with that team of baddies the Secret Six. Ugh- I am a dunce!
    A bunch of characters finally get what coming to them. That is except Abra Kadabra who really started this whole mess way back in issue #1 by outing the members of this team to the media.
     A shame that Flashpoint is over because I loved how this book ended and really wanted to know what happens next. 
  
    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: The Outsider #3

  The Outsider vs. a very not-so-nice J'onn J'onzz. The Martian has an axe to grind. Hey,  decades of experimentation and abuse at the hands of the Soviets will do that to a person. 
    Really was disappointed in the ending. The Outsider: I really hate that guy. He's worse than Lex Luthor and that's saying volumes. 
    This issue is concluded in Flashpoint #5, but I really can't figure out what good the Outsider is gonna be able to do considering how poorly things are looking out for Barry Allen, Cyborg, and their dwindling band of allies.

    Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Booster Gold #47 (A Flashpoint Tie-In)

  Booster Gold comes face to face with the man in control of the monster, Doomsday: General Nathaniel Adam. For Booster, whose from the unaltered DC Universe, it's like seeing an old friend and wondering whatever did he do to piss him off. For Adam, as a member of the Flashpoint, he's never seen Booster before in his life and the Air Force officer is convinced that this newcomer is a shock trooper from Emperor Aquaman's Atlantean forces. Now bound with metahuman resistant chains, how will the Hero You Never Heard Of find the ket to reversing the Flashpoint- Barry Allen!
    The thrilling conclusion to Booster Gold is not without it's detractors. For one thing, I hate that in the New 52! Booster Gold was merely a footnote as a member of Justice League International. I hope with Rebirth, he'll be a major player again. So, parts of how this book ended was bittersweet. I did however, LOVE that it's revealed who, how, and why those mysterious phrases were written on the chalkboard in Rip Hunter's base (see Time Masters: Vanishing Point #6.) Why they had to be written in code is still a mystery. But I at least was happy with how that plot point turned out. 

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #3

    Hiding from an army of Amazons tasked with finding the Helmet of Nabu, Boston Brand must bear the weight as Dick Grayson's new guardian while the lad's father slowly dies.

     An amazing finish to a great Flashpoint tie-in. Too bad the New 52! wiped out Flashpoint because whole this chapter ends, this would have been one hell of a series.
    
    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Revolution #1

      Transformers... G.I. Joe... Action Man... The Adventure Team... Rom: Space Knight, The Micronauts... M.A.S.K.- fighting either altogether or against one another. This is the type of team-up that any boy (and occasion girl) that grew-up in the 1980s wished would happen and if you happened to have all of these toys- it actually did. This is Revolution and it's the newest team-up from IDW.
  
     British operative Action Man has uncovered a plot in Greece that suggests someone on the G.I. Joe's has gone rouge. However, this plot, in the bowels of Mount Olympus, involves a rare mineral called Ore-13; the main power source of the Autobots and Decepticons. This suggests that the Transformers may have something to with the death of several Joes. It doesn't help that Optimus Prime recently made intergalactic strides at peace with the earth that sound an awful lot like a dictator settling claim to his newest territory. Thus, tensions between the governments of earth and the Cybertronians is at an all-time high. 
     The POTUS orders the Joe team to confront the Transformers in Portland as they attempt to save the city from a massive flood. But when Rom, the Space Knight appears on the scene, is he on the side of the Transformers or does he have an agenda of his own? One thing is for certain, by the end of this issue, a legend will die. 

Subscription Cover B by John Byrne, style
similar to the Marvel Handbook Covers.

     It was announced a few months ago that many of the HASBRO licensed toys were going to be contained within their own universe. Eventually, properties like G.I. Joe and Transformers are going to be appearing in live-action films together but those projects are a few years down the road. Revolution is the first step in achieving that goal and since IDW Publishing owns the rights to most of those properties, it makes sense that they are in a sense leading the HASBRO revolution.
     This first issue was a bit confusing to me. There's quite a bit of storyline that's taken place in previous issues of Joe, Transformers, Rom, and others that I haven't read. Thankfully, this book includes a refresher but it was put at the end of the book instead of the beginning. But once I read it, a lot of things fell into place. 
      This book wasn't on my radar. In fact, it wasn't until yesterday that I even knew that this series existed. The first issue, which I reviewed here, dropped today and I am so thankful that my favorite LCS was willing to hold a copy until I was able to get off work. I definitely want to read more and I think I will at least go one or two more issues before deciding whether to wait until later to complete the series from raiding the bargain bin or not. However, it's going to be tricky as IDW has it set up where you have to buy a series of one-shots along with the 5 issues of Revolution to get the whole story. But for now, I'm waiting on the edge of my seat to see what happens next.

    Worth Consuming
     
    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: The World of Flashpoint #3

   It's father against daughter as Traci Thirteen must take on her old man Dr. in order to stop a satellite from ending the Atlantis-Themyscira War and destroying what remains of Western Europe with it. This mission seems easy enough. Only her father has been consumed with dark magic, thus every time Traci uses her magic against him, her abilities slowly extinguish herself. Can Traci Thirteen stop her maniacal father before she runs out her bag of tricks? The young witch may have to rely on the father-daughter bond to end the menace of Dr. Thirteen!
    This was a thrilling conclusion to World of Flashpoint. At this point, it's one of my favorite (if not the favorite) of the Flashpoint tie-ins. Lots of magic, action, and shocking twists await. 
      It just kept getting better each issue. I can only imagine what I would rate this if it went to a 4th issue!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars. 

The Big Book of Urban Legends

 

  The escaped mental patient hiding in the backseat...
    Alligators living in the sewers of New York...
    The woman who microwaved her dog in the microwave...
   
     Urban legends. We've all heard of these stories. Whether we've told these stories around a glowing campfire or heard that these really happened (to a friend of a friend), our culture is filled with these stories. Some tales have were born from a bit of truth. Others are steeped in our fears or prejudices. But no matter where these urban legends came from, they've become a little bit of a guilty pleasure of mine.
     I found the Big Book of Urban Legends in a bargain bin in one of my favorite local comics shops. I've been a fan of the Big Book series, published by now defunct DC Comics imprint Paradox Press, for quite some time and when I can find one to complete my collection, I rarely hesitate to own one. Maybe I'm biased but this one just happened to have a little bit of a special history for me.
    The Big Book of Urban Legends was written by noted folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand. My mother, a lover of Gothic horror in her own right, just happened to own a trio of books devoted to urban legends and these books coincidentally were written by Brunvand!
     I remember one rainy weekend that I found my mom's copies and read them- no I devoured them! Some were scary. Some were weird. Some were even titillating. But above all, they were all captivating. As a result, I became a fan of urban legends and this was a fun trip down memory lane for me in a way.
    This collection features dozens of artists who tackled their favorite myths. Legends such as Joe Orlando, Dick Giordano, and Keith Griffin are just some of the talent found in this volume of over 200 different legends. Even this Madman's fan favorite Fred Hembeck illustrates a yarn about a car enthusiast and his jealous wife.  
      The Big Book of Urban Legends was a fun read. The only problem I have with it is that I didn't wait until closer to Halloween to read it and October just seems to me to be the perfect time to read urban legends and myths. But let's be honest folks, stories like the Vanishing Hitchhiker in which someone picks up a lonely girl on the side of a road only to learn she died years earlier, are NOT urban legends. Those are ghost stories and they deserved their own Big Book. But hey, it's still fun to read and maybe get a little freaked out.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
   

Doom Patrol #1

   Last November, I had the privilege to work security for some of the special events at NC Comicon. It was really cool to be in on the inside edge of comics. One such activity were the two-day Q&As with My Chemical Romance lead-singer Gerard Way.

   At the time, Way had had success with the Dark Horse series The Umbrella Academy, along with limited-issue sequel and a handful of short stories. But it had been a few years since the singer had delved back into the comic book world. But on the night of his first Q&A, Gerard Way announced that he had teamed with the good folks at DC and a new Doom Patrol series was forthcoming.
    For those of you not in the know, the Doom Patrol is often considered the forefather to the X-Men. A team of what the world would consider 'freaks' were recruited by the brilliant and mysterious Dr. Niles Caulder, who was confined to a wheelchair because of a previous injury. In the 90s, the team were revamped by Grant Morrison, who incorporated elements of surrealism, Dada, and dissected story structure. This new Doom Patrol was considered a massive hit and along with Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, the founding titles of DC's Vertigo imprint.
    It was Morrison's incarnation of the Doom Patrol that had a direct impact on Gerard Way's Doom Patrol. I learned in one of the afterwords of this issue that Way was an intern at DC in the 90s and worked under Grant Morrison. Way and Morrison became fast friends and the celebrated DC writer ;ater starred in a couple of My Chemical Romance's Killjoys videos as the super villain Korse. Obviously from reading this issue, Morrison's vision of the Doom Patrol is alive in well in this new series.
     So what is Doom Patrol #1 all about? Honestly, I'm not 100% sure but I'm not giving up on it either. Here's what I can figure out thus far:

1.     The hero of the series is a young ambulance driver named Casey Brinke.
2.      Her partner is a single father who has a theory that universes are hiding all over the place. For example, there might be another plane of existence hiding in the folds of his food truck gyro.
3.      Members of the Doom Patrol seem to be bleeding over into Casey's life. Are they from this universe or another plane of the DC multiverse remains to be seen.

    Doom Patrol #1 is the first issue and title of the newest DC Comics imprint Young Animal. Over the few months, Gerard Way and friends will release several more titles featuring some lesser known but equally bizarre characters in the DC Universe such as spelunker extraordinaire Cave Carlson and a female version of Shade: the Changing Man.

    The Young Animal books are touted as 'comics for dangerous humans.' These books are geared for adults and the cover has a rating of 'Mature.' Other than a few swears, the first issue was pretty tame. But if the super-secret sticker peel cover is any indication- things are going to get explosively cosmic! So, parents of little ones- use discretion, please!

     I enjoyed this read. Like I said, I didn't understand much of it. Gerard Way obviously has a plan for his Young Animal books. But it's impossible to establish a new universe in 32-pages (unless you're Stan Lee or Jack Kirby.) It's generally a rule of mine to give a new TV-series at least 3 episodes- because the Pilot normally sucks!  

    With that in mind, I am more than willing to give this series a couple of more issues to get established. What I read might've confused me a little, and I think that's part of Gerard Way's plan. But man this book sure didn't suck!

   Worth Consuming

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Dilton's Strange Science #1 (Family Comic Friday)

   For this installment of Family Comic Friday, I went deep into my vaults to find a book from my childhood. It was the Spring of 1989, I was 11 and Archie Comics was experiencing a zenith. The publisher had teamed with folks at NBC to release a New Archies cartoon series that had the gang in more modern dress and singing pop songs in MTV style music videos. 
   All of my classmates in 4th and 5th grade were in love with the show (though I was more partial to the comics, of course) and they would even dress up as the characters and give each other nicknames based on characters. Because I was the tallest in my class, I was Moose, though I really hated that. Moose was dumb. The character I wanted to be was the ever brilliant Dilton. More on that in a minute. 
   To coincide with the New Archie shows release, Archie Comics released a score of new and thrilling titles that showed many of the publisher's characters in a new light. The teachers at Riverdale High got a series called Faculty Funnies. Archie's wealthy girlfriend went global on a modelling assignment in Veronica. And the gang at large were sent a thousand years into the future with Archie3000. But my favorite of the new titles was Dilton's Strange Science.
   Though I hated going to the dentist, he was really a cool guy. Each patient got a new toothbrush and a comic book- of your choice! It made 45 minutes of misery worth it. One day, I got my hands on a copy of Dilton and I had the best drive home from the dentist.
     As a kid, I loved science (and art!) I got really good grades, loved doing experiments, and I also loved crushing the other kids when it came to trivia. So, I always favored Dilton from the Archie Books.
    In Dilton's Strange Science, the Archie gang's resident nerd gets a sleek look, an update lab, and even a girlfriend- the equally brilliant Danni. In this first issue, Dilton is showing Danni his new shrinking ray and a pair of very small aliens are looking to use it to conquer the earth.  (Hey, I know this sounds goofy, but shrinking was all the rage in 1989- why else was Honey, I Shrunk the Kids a blockbuster smash!?)
     By the end of this issue, filled with adventure, puzzles, history, and a science experiment or two to try at home, I was hooked and ready for issue #2. However, Archie Comics made a big blunder by only having their new titles come out only 4 times a year. So it was really hard to garner readership. (Archie Comics did have the smarts to make Veronica a bi-monthly title and sent her back to Riverdale, where she thrived for over 200 issues.) But alas, I never got my hands on another copy of Dilton's Strange Science and I don't think his girlfriend Danni was ever seen again after the series was cancelled in issue #5.
    So, why review a flop? 
    First of all, the series was good- it was poor distribution that led to it's downfall. I decided to review this book to let parents and guardians of aspiring comic book collector's know that the bargain bins of your local comic book shop and comic book shows are overflowing with Archie Comic gems like this. They usually can be found for a dollar or less. 
  'But, Mr. Madman With a Book- doesn't the cheapness of these books signify poor quality?' 
   Not one bit. See in the 80s and early 90s, publishers were putting out thousands upon thousands of copies of a title because speculators thought that every first issue was going to be the next Fantastic Four #1. People would buy dozens of copies of every first issue, like Dilton's Strange Science, thinking that they were sitting on a gold mine. To meet demand, comic book stores would up the price significantly. 
    By 1993, when the comic book bubble burst and people realized that they weren't going to be able to fund their kid's college with 25 issues of Faculty Funnies #1, prices sunk to epic lows. I know of some comic book dealers that are still stuck with dozens of issues of Marvel's football themed NFL Superpro #1. (They can't give the book away.) But if you have a young one whose not old enough to be reading most of the DC and Marvel stuff on the market yet, they can still get into the fun finding lots of kids and all-ages stuff from the past 30 years for very little money. 
    Hey, who knows? Maybe when Ryan Reynolds stars in a live-action version of Dilton's Strange Science, I just might be able to fund my graduate program dreams...

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #3

  After facing down a mutiny aboard his ship, Deathstroke uncovers a key piece of information that will finally reunite him with his daughter Rose. But to save her means that the pirate will walk into the most deadliest trap he'll ever have to face. Woe to those who hold his daughter captive because like they say 'hell hath no fury like a father scorned!'

    This was a very action packed closer to this Flashpoint tie-in. But it was also a little bit confusing. There were so many plans and then secret plans and then back-stabbings that I had to re-read this issue twice. Plus, it doesn't help having a character die and then have them come back for a couple of panels and then disappear again as if nothing happened. 
   I couldn't tell if this error was an accidental oversight on the part of legendary writer Jimmy Palmiotti (Marvel Knights) or the artists- or if maybe the editor dropped the ball. It could've been a subterfuge on the part of Deathstroke. But then why would he say that this character died in the captions, which are supposed to be thoughts contained in Slade's head? 
   I'm even confused writing all of this...
   Not my favorite closing chapter and by no means was it my favorite of the tie-ins. That's really disappointing because I thought the opening chapter was really strong. But it just went downhill from there.

   Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.
 

Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #3

Frankenstein and his Creature Commandos have survived the assault in Gotham City but it wasn’t without casualties. Now the team, along with the Bride of Frankenstein, must race to a secret lab in Romania if they have any hopes of saving their dying comrade. But the journey will not be easy as General Sam Lane has activated the J.A.K.E. 2.0, the ultimate GI Robot and it will stop at nothing to achieve its mission: TO DESTROY ALL MONSTERS!

    I loved this miniseries. It was really a fun read and it just felt right. It captures the spirit of the old Weird War Tales and War That Time Forgot adventures (from Star-Spangled War Stories) of the Golden and Silver Age of Comics really well. I enjoyed it so much that the short-lived New 52 series Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. is now on my wish list.

   There was one little problem with this story and it comes down to the smallest of nitpicks. In issue #2 of Project Superman, I mentioned that Gen. Lane disappeared. So, when does he come back? DC issued a suggested reading list and Project Superman #3 is down on the list as one of the last things I am supposed to read if I want to read the entire Flashpoint storyline in order (which I am attempting.) So, is having Sam Lane appear in this story a spoiler of things to come in PS #3 or does this story take place before Lane disappears?

   Right now, that’s a mystery that’s unclear but hopefully will be cleared up in the few remaining tie-ins I have left to read.

  Worth Consuming

  Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

  

Flashpoint: Abin Sur-The Green Lantern #3

 Sinestro, seeing the control of Barry Allen as his chance for ruling the galaxy, has Abin Sur on the ropes. His hand severed and his power ring out of reach, can the Green Lantern of Sector 2814 ever find a way out of this deadly scenario? He’ll have to muster all of the willpower possible to overcome his former best friend and possibly save the universe.

   Another dynamic Flashpoint tie-in finale. This one really kept me guessing- but in a good way. I must say I’m slapping my forehead not figuring out the identity of the mysterious entity that the Guardians hid deep inside the earth’s core. But the finale was so awesome that I didn’t want it to end.

  Worth Consuming

  Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: Batman- Knight of Vengeance #3

  Relive the terrible night in crime alley when a cowardly lugger pulled his gun's trigger and murdered young Bruce Wayne!

   The dramatic close of Knight of Vengeance with such an incredible twist as to who is the Flashpoint Joker.

  When it comes to spoilers, what's the rule of thumb before you can let slip a major plot point? This issue is 6 years old and I still don't feel right letting the ending slip. So, you'll just have to goggle it do yourself a favor and read this crazy storyline for yourself.

  Worth Consuming.

 Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint #4

   Spinning out of the pages of Hal Jordan #2, America's last hope to end the Atlantis/Themyscira War has failed. Meanwhile, Barry Allen's memories of the pre-Flashpoint universe have nearly been wiped from existence. For Thomas Wayne, that means that any hope of a universe in which his son Bruce Wayne lives is fading fast- and so to prevent that, the Batman has finally decided to lead Cyborg's coalition. But who will answer the call to save the DC Universe?
     The first half of this issue is filled with lots of interesting quantum theory and strategic planning. The last half is filled with dynamic action that pulls no punches and is filled perhaps some of the most shocking and graphic death scenes ever illustrated in the pages of DC Comics. When the cover says that it's rated Teen- the editors aren't lying.  
    The penultimate chapter of this universe changing classic. It may not be the most exciting (or my favorite) of the miniseries crossover event, but it's not to be missed either. 
     Note: the editors at DC missed a great opportunity by not having a miniseries based on the SHAZAM! gang. That's all I will say about that without giving away any spoilers, but DC dropped the ball on that one, folks. That's for sure.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.
    

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #2

Kid Flash and Hot Pursuit enact a plan to free themselves from Brainiac's twisted version of the year 3001 and restore the timeline. But how can you beat a foe that operates faster than the speed of thought? The answer is easy… run faster!

   Quick paced adventure that doesn't let up.

   Worth Consuming

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Lego Star Wars: Darth Maul's Mission (Family Comic Friday)

Yes- this is a children’s book! It’s either completely wayyyyyyy too young for me or I’m wayyyyyyy too old for it.

  Whichever.

  So, why did I check it out and read it? Well, it was placed in the New Arrival Kids Graphic

Novel shelf at my library. I had recently watched the Freemakers Lego Star Specials Cartoon Network and while geared for kids, I did find them very funny. That explains the Lego Star Wars part, but why is a 38-year old husband trolling the kids section. Over the years, I’ve been working on building up the graphic novel sections (in 13 years, it’s gone from 1 shelf to over a dozen, plus a kids and young adult section.) It doesn’t help that the librarians at my local branches don’t really know what’s appropriate for kids and what’s not. I mean, I found Watchmen in Young Adult once and Death: High Cost of Living in the kids section!

   Anyway, the book wasn’t a comic book or graphic novel by any stretch of the imagination. It needs to be shelved in young readers for sure. Even though the characters used word bubbles to speak, there isn’t any sequential action indicative of the comics medium.

  It’s a children’s book, through and through. Though, there are plot holes as the action goes from Naboo to Tattooine to a dance party on said desert planet and back to Naboo with no answer as to why Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan make the interplanetary u-turn in the first place. Talk about your suspensions of disbelief!

  Parents, expect many laughs and probably even more questions when reading this as a bedtime story.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: Project Superman #2

  

 Meet Kal…

       In another life, everything would be perfect for him. An adopted ma and pa who loved him very much. A devoted girlfriend who was nosy as she is beautiful. A best bud and a beloved dog with whom he could share his inner secrets with without fear of exposure to the outside world. It’s an ideal life.

      But this is the Flashpoint and life for the young Kryptonian boy, Kal-El is anything but.

      In the Flashpoint, Kal is put under the microscope by researchers affiliated with the US military, constantly tested in hopes of becoming America’s greatest weapon. Life is scary for the alien child. Project head, General Sam Lane is doing his damndest to make Kal’s life a little bit easier, seeing the lad as the son he never had. Playing catch, reading him bedtime stories, and allowing Kal time with his puppy Krypto, Lane is trying to give the youth the life he deserved, in another life.

      But when the General suddenly disappears, a new commander will assume ranks and any hope of a normal and compassionate life for young Kal will be a thing of the past.

     The origin stories are the best part of Flashpoint. This chapter of Project Superman is no exception. In Flashpoint #3, you see Kal’s life in the modern day Flashpoint universe- he’s extremely timid, fearful, and as gaunt as a starving man who’s been marooned at sea for months. After this big reveal,  you wonder ‘how did ‘the Man of Steel’ get this way?’

     This issue explains that and so much more.

     Plus amazing art from Gene Ha! (Top Ten.)

     What more can you ask for?

  Worth Consuming

  Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Deadpool, Volume 1: Millionaire With A Mouth

  In the 80s, Wendy's had a commercial that was ultra popular. In it, this old lady looks a this gigantic bun with a teeny tiny hamburger patty in the middle of it and she yells 'Where's the Beef?' Well, with this new Deadpool series, I felt like I was asking the same question only that Deadpool represents the beef in this hamburger of odd proportions.
    After the events of Secret Wars (of which I have yet to read), Deadpool is now the most popular superhero in the world. He's the de facto leader and benefactor of the Avengers with Tony Stark MIA. Plus, with being so busy and so sought after, Deadpool has started up his version of Heroes For Hire, with D-listers such as Foolkiller, Solo, and Slapstick wearing the Merc with a Mouth's costume for a slew of gigs (most of which don't pay.)
     With what little funds he receives going to the Avengers, Deadpool's employees at HFH are disgruntled, overworked, and a little bit on edge. But with a serial killer, dressed as Deadpool, on the loose in New York killing both friend and foe of Wade Wilson's, has one of these employees finally gone postal? Or has our insane hero finally snapped? 
    (My guess, probably both...)
     With 7 Deadpool's now, trying to fit them all into this story was a tough challenge for Gerry Duggan. Sadly, there are two things missing from this Deadpool series: Co-writer Brian Posehn and Deadpool. Posehn went back to doing stand-up. I don't know Deadpool's excuse. When your public is clamoring for more Deadpool and you've relegated him to brief cameos, you gotta ask 'what are you thinking, man?'
     The first half of this book is so light on Wade Wilson, it's a bit irksome. Not that the hired hands of Heroes For Hire aren't funny or entertaining. They are, but when you pay to see a superstar and all you get are a bunch of opening acts, you're going to feel a little gypped. 
    Thankfully, by the second half of this book, Wade Wilson is back in the spotlight. But it's just too little too late at this point. I've not given up on Deadpool. I just hope that by volume 2, he's back in the driver's seat. 

   Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: The Outsider #2

   After the assault on his supposedly ultra-secure compound (see issue #1), the Outsider tortures some poor schmo to death. As a result, the mysterious villain looks back on his rise to power and attempts to narrow down the list as to who really wants him dead the most. Needless to say, this list is quite long, but the deeper look into this incredibly unique (to the Flashpoint) character was very interesting and compelling. 
    Great artwork by Javi Fernandez (Magneto) with a killer cover by Kevin Nowlan (Metamorpho: Year One.) 

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #2

  After some careful planning, Mick Rory (Heatwave) enacts his plan to break out of the flying fortress known as Queen's Row. With a small band of prisoners and Eel O'Brien- the Plastic Man, helping him escape, Rory uncovers the secrets of the prison for super villains known as the Row and get reunited with his confiscated gear. But he's not done yet as Heatwave seeks to add some heat to old Detroit; home of his arch-enemy Cyborg!
    The gore factor in this series is proof that while Flashpoint is a great storyline, it's not the DC Universe. It's also not for kids. When the book says on the cover that it's rated for teens up, the editor's mean it! But if they ever decide to make this miniseries into a movie, they've got to have Tarantino helming this project! This has his name written all over it!
   Insane stuff that pulls no punches!

  Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #2

 Continuing from the pages of Flashpoint: Canterbury Cricket, the supernaturally powered members of the Resistance finally meet up with Lois Lane. But more of Wonder Woman's Furies have also discovered Cyborg's only spy behind the enemy lines of New Themyscira. Which side will prevail resulting in Lois Lane revealing the whereabouts of Resistance leader Penny Black? And even more important, who will discover the location of Penny's enchanted suit which has the power to finally turn the tide of the Atlantis/ Themyscira war in the favor of the human race!

   Where the stand alone issue of Canterbury Cricket was confusing as all get out, this issue of Lois Lane and the Resistance answered all sorts of questions. it even made me appreciate the Canterbury Cricket story that much more.

    Lots of twists- lots of turns abound in this issue, including a shocking cliffhanger that I really should have saw coming a mile away. But I didn't! Kudos to writer Andy Lanning for penning enough centrifuge that I wasn't able to put my finger what was going to happen until too late!
 
   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #2

 There's dozens of thrills and surprises in this issue. Nobody is safe and that's why I really don't want to get to in depth in this review, least I give away a major spoiler.

     Yes, I know that this issue is almost 6 or 7 years old, but with Flash season 3 being about Flashpoint, I know that there are others such as me reading this series in order to gear up for the TV version. So, really, there will no spoilers here!
   
    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
   
   By the way- I just adore the circus poster like cover by Cliff Chiang! Just magnificent!