Locke & Key, Volume 5: Clockworks

The epic story of the Locke children and the Keyhouse is almost complete. Before the finale there’s Clockworks, in which the Locke’s find a key that can turn back time. In doing so, we learn the origin of the Keyhouse, the keys, and why Dodge hated the kid’s father so much. We also learn why Dodge started out as a girl in volume 1 and why he’s been terrorizing folks ever since.

Joe Hill does a fantastic job with the plotting and helping everything finally start making some sense. The art continues to amaze and no matter how scary things get, the story always captures the human spirit giving the reader both hope and dread for the future of humanity. Papa Stephen King should be proud his genes are continuing to mystify the next generation.

I think once volume 6 comes out, I’m going have to read all the books prior in order to let this sprawling story come together as a beautifully terrifying mosaic.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Joker: Last Laugh Secret Files & Origins #1

While imprisoned in a ultra-high level security facility, the Joker learns that he’s got terminal brain cancer. Armed with the knowledge that his days are numbered, the clown prince of crime has a very tricks up his sleeve for some bucket list mayhem.

This “prequel” to the Joker: The Last Laugh mini-series (and cross-over) has a great opening chapter, several small vignettes that give insight into Joker’s demented mind, and character info of several key players. The biggest surprise is that of Shilo Norman, the replacement Mister Miracle. As the great escape artist, I am quite familiar, but as a prison employee in charge of preventing escapes, that’s a new slant on the hero and a very fitting one.

I like what I read so far and finding the Last Laugh mini-series is now a priority in my wish list.

Worth Consuming.

Justice League America #80

Welcome back to the party, Booster Gold. The futuristic hero returns to active status with a new suit built by resident League tinkerer, Blue Beetle. But, the new suit isn’t without kinks. Imagine Iron Man if Tony Stark was replaced by Curly from the Three Stooges.

Aside from that, the JLA is called to apprehend an crashed space ship said to house escaped prisoners. The President has called in his own enforcers in order to prevent an incident. Yet, Wonder Woman thinks that these criminals may not be as rotten as they’ve been led to believe and she decides to take a stand for due process.

This issue abounds with guest stars- Bill Clinton is actually the President in this tale and a long lost member of the League returns to do Bubba’s bidding.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Justice League America #88

After several issues of teasing, Bloodwynd finally gives his answer to Dreamslayer’s offer to become an Extremist. I love his response and I love the art and dialogue that goes with it.

Just what does Bloodwynd decide? That’a a spoiler that I’ve leave up to you to read and find out for yourself.

Worth Consuming.

     Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Justice League America #87

The League battles Dreamslayer and his New Extremists as the world crumbles under everyone’s feet. The plot with Dreamslayer trying to turn Bloodwynd into a traitor is supposed to be the main event. But it is the Blue & Gold who steal the show. Booster’s new battle suit has bugs in it and a reluctant Blue Beetle is literally repairing the blasted thing in mid-battle. It harkens back to classic Giffen/ DeMatteis Justice League that’s been missing for some time.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Justice League America #86

The global conspiracy that has the world fearing the end is near with false gods, disasters and Dreamslayer’s New Extremists is upping the drama to 11. The team is split with most of the League saving people from these natural disasters.

But a mysterious tower that has popped up literally overnight and contains some dangerous cultists has the League putting it’s 2 most powerful members, Captain Atom and The Ray, under the authority of the ATF and FBI to remove the cultists from their potential doomsday device. Just a few issues ago these two heroes were tearing each other apart at enemies, now they’ve got this buddy cop vibe going on that I love.

Too bad DC never decided to cash in on this idea with a Ray/ Capt. Atom mini-series.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Justice League America #85

The conclusion of the Ice story line has Ice pitted against her crazed brother in a battle to the death. It’s got some really good fight sequences and the conclusion is sufficient.

Meanwhile, the rest of the League tries to liberate this frozen kingdom from the usurper’s army. These scenes make me realize that the League has a lot of members right now with little to no super powers at all. I count 4 members at this time. That’s a bunch for what is supposed to be DC’s premiere super hero team.

From reading the editor’s notes at the end of the issue, some major changes are happening soon and I bet most of those powerless heroes will be out of work.

Worth consuming.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars