EXTRA! EXTRA! (OCT 3-9, 2012)

AvX: VS. #6 of 6
(W) Kieron Gillen
(P) Jim Cheung
(I) Jim Cheung, Mark Roslan, and Mark Morales

As an experiment, AvX: VS was a learning experience more than anything - it showed what creators could do under a different set of rules, some more freeing, others more strict. AvX: VS #6 showcases the best of what the series has to offer, with the main event between Scarlet Witch and Hope Summers not only taking the prize for most interesting duel in the entire run, but also giving readers more than just a fight, which is what we wanted all along. The latter half is filled with awesome one-page bouts that we didn't get to see throughout the Avengers vs. X-Men event, but in a humorous light (like showdowns between Jeeves and Toad, the science-y characters in the Marvel U, Red Hulk and Domino, Iceman and Iron Fist, and lastly, Squirrel Girl and Pixie, whose magic dice may have caused more damage than they anticipated). This was a strong finish for a tumultuous series.

GRADE: 8/10

Before Watchmen: Rorschach #2 of 4

(W) Brian Azzarello

(P/I) Lee Bermejo

While I very much enjoyed Rorschach #1, this second issue has really mutated into something I now don't want to read - somewhere along the line, Brian Azzarello decided it would be good sport to make Rorschach as much like Batman as possible, except here, Rorschach talks in two-to-three word sentences exclusively. I seem to remember that good ol' Inky Face didn't like prostitutes that much - going so far as to kill them - yet here, he's readily defending a woman of the night against her pimp, albeit to get to a bigger catch, but it's hypocritical nonetheless.  Azzarello is now batting zero for two with Rorschach and Comedian, the two least enjoyable books of the entire Before Watchmen line. Seriously, just stick to the other four (and upcoming Moloch) series because these two are simply unnecessary and silly.

GRADE: 4/10

Stormwatch #13
(W) Peter Milligan
(P/I) Will Conrad and Cliff Richards

I love me some Stormwatch - it's a series that, so far, has been set literally and figuratively at the fringe of DC's 'New 52' universe. Stormwatch #13 starts a new arc for the title, as Peter Milligan gives us more and more connections between the Stormwatch organization and the group of heroes banded together in Medieval times over in Demon Knights. There has already been a lot of foreshadowing that the Demon's Knights eventually become that era's Stormwatch, but here, Milligan finally brings Etrigan the Demon into current day continuity! Demon Knights has been one of my favorite titles from DC's 'New 52', and Stormwatch has been getting better and better ever since Milligan took over and stared planting the seeds of this awesome crossover.

GRADE: 7.5/10

Uncanny X-Force #32

(W) Rick Remender

(P/I) Phil Noto

Uncanny X-Force is so good, it makes me excited and worried for Rick Remender's upcoming 'Marvel NOW!' titles - I know Uncanny Avengers will be good, but I'm concerned Captain America will suffer because Remender seems to only be able to focus on one title at a time, as evidenced by his lackluster arc on Secret Avengers. Uncanny X-Force #32 is another brilliant chapter in possibly the best series Marvel currently publishes each month. "Final Execution" heats up as Deadpool and Evan (clone of Apocalypse) are confronted by the Evil Brotherhood of Mutants as Deadpool tries to break Evan out of their stronghold. Wolverine and Psylocke offer back-up, but times are looking grim for X-Force, as the premonition of Evan's ascension to the Apocalypse throne seems to be getting closer and closer.

GRADE: 9.5/10

Uncanny X-Men #19
(W) Kieron Gillen
(P/I) Dale Eaglesham

Uncanny X-Men #19 is "The Passion of Scott Summers", a look at what the leader of the X-Men was going through - internally - as he amassed the cosmic power and became the Dark Phoenix, ravaging the world before being defeated by the Scarlet Witch and Hope Summers. I typically don't like stories being told exclusively in formulaic first person perspective, but Kieron Gillen does an apt job convincing me that Scott Summers (of all people) is actually thinking these thoughts. It's incredibly hard to convey the idea of omnipotence (obviously), but Gillen somehow finds a way to come close by showing that even with all his power, Scott is still just a person, mostly unable to control or understand how that power actually works. It's sad knowing that Gillen is moving off UXM (due, mostly, to it's cancellation), but he's moving on to the newly announced Young Avengers, which gives me high hopes for the series.

GRADE: 8/10

4-SENTENCE REVIEWS (AUG 15-21)

Avengers #29
(Bendis, Simonson)

Now in it's fifth month, Avengers vs. X-Men is beginning to become a little tiresome, and the evidence doesn't come quite as perfectly as in Avengers #29, an issue that focuses on Rachel Grey and the Avengers' attempt to sway her loyalties in efforts to retain a powerful psychic soldier of their own. If that sentence wasn't enough evidence that writers are now grasping for straws when it comes to AvX side-stories, I don't know what will. Seriously, Avengers #29 is so bland and full of unnecessary plot that even the die-hard event readers will have a tough time justifying this issue's existence; I understand this event is supposed to be affecting the Marvel universe on a grand scale, but where are the random bar brawls, or the anonymous vandalism directed at each team? Marvel could have made this whole crossover far more visceral and impactful, and Avengers #29 is the exact opposite of these ideals: it's long, boring, and useless.

GRADE: C

Before Watchmen: Rorschach #1 of 4

(Azzarello, Bermejo)

Rorschach is Brian Azzarello's second attempt at bringing readers a decent Before Watchmen series that isn't stuck in 1960s stereotypes and thought processes. Rorschach's adventures are far more interesting than those of Eddie Blake, but unfortunately, Azzarello simply can't seem to write an impactful story set in this universe. Rorschach is about our titular 'hero' going after a serial killer murdering whores throughout the city - instead of attempting to give Rorschach more characterization, Azzarello is content with simply giving readers more of the same. We already know that Rorschach doesn't like whores or killers, so why do I need to read a series that just reiterates these facts over and over again? (Here's a hint: I don't).

GRADE: C

Captain Marvel #2
(DeConnick, Soy)

One big problem with characters that are anything other than white American males is that they're expected to be ambassadors for their respective 'minority' group - African-American heroes tend to have race-related story arcs, teenagers get stories that emulate their awkward emotions, and women have to feminists, fighting for the greater good of women everywhere. There's nothing wrong with these practices, per se (diversity is usually a great thing), but they limit the scope and potential these characters have by forcing them to tackle such specific issues. Hence, my major problem with Captain Marvel so far has been Kelly Sue DeConnick's insatiable need to connect Carol Danvers to heroic women from the past, something that really isn't necessary for such an already-strong character. I want to go on record saying I really, really, really enjoy Captain Marvel - the art is fantastic and the narrative pacing is great - but it's still finding it's wings, searching for a voice for Carol that's not simply "strong female" and "girl power."

GRADE: B-

Green Lantern Corps #12

(Tomasi, Gleason)

After four rocky issues, Green Lantern Corps comes around with the conclusion to "Alpha War", an arc that saw the trial of John Stewart for the murder of a fellow Lantern, a lot of Guardian vagueness concerning the Third Army, Guy Gardner being Guy Gardner, and now, the end of the Alpha Lanterns. Green Lantern Corps #12 picks up from last issue with the Alphas facing a massive reprogrammed Manhunter golem, but slowly turns its attention to the emotional aspects of being an Alpha, and where those who investigate their peers stand when it comes down to what is right and what is wrong. While the rest of the Alphas are dedicated to their fight, Alpha Varix starts questioning their actions and soon becomes an ally for the Corps, sacrificing himself in the end to save the brotherhood he loved so much. While I wasn't impressed with most of this arc, Peter J. Tomasi really stepped up his game this month and brought a great conclusion that actually achieved emotional resonance and made me excited for upcoming issues.

GRADE: A

Red Hood and The Outlaws #12
(Lobdell, Green II)

Focusing all of his plotting efforts on Superboy and Teen Titans has made Red Hood and The Outlaws Scott Lobdell's best current series by far, where instead of worrying about cryptic, grand enemies, Jason Todd, Roy Harper and Starfire are involved in more character-driven stories that have built them up as people instead of a group of faceless masks. We're right in the middle of the current arc - where Starfire drags the boys into outer space to answer the call of duty from her home world of Tamaran - as the gang prepares for an assault on the surface of the planet to confront the Blithe, the alien species responsible for Tamaran's enslavement. The story itself is minimalistic and fun, but Jason Todd is starting to lose his personality; while the first eight issues highlighted Jason's fractured mental state and how he interacted with the rest of the world, he's becoming just another Batman ally, one who talks about "innocents" and "duty" a bit too much for my taste, especially after being a fan of his more dour behavior for the past year. Fortunately, Blackfire - Starfire's sister - is introduced in these pages, showing that the Tamaranian sisters have a solid relationship unhindered by past transgressions or rumors from across the galaxy.

GRADE: B+

Saga #6

(Vaughan, Staples)

Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples have been banging out a new issue of Saga every month since February, and the quality, scope, and grandeur of the series is palpable. As the end of the sort-of 'Act I', Saga #6 doesn't really answer so many questions as much as it brings closure to Marco and Alana's first major hurdle: escaping the surface into outer space. Prince Robot IV's future is alluded to, as he informs a high-ranking government agent that the Wreath high command is aware of the half-breed baby, leading to the agent informing IV that he's got to complete his mission before coming home - a goal IV has had since the first issue. Now that Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples are taking a much-deserved two month break, it's time to start rereading all six current issues all over again!

GRADE: A

Supergirl #12
(Green, Johnson, Asrar)

The initial six issues of Supergirl threw a lot of plot at readers - Michael Green and Mike Johnson did a adequate job mixing the Worldkillers story in with Kara Zor-El's personal conflict against herself and the alien world she finds herself in. Now- after beating the Worldkillers at their own game, finding a new Irish friend, and warding off the evil presence of Black Banshee - Supergirl takes some time to revisit Kal-El, who approached her and was rebuffed way back in issue two. In extended scenes fleshing out Kara's trip to Supes' new 'ice fortress', then down into the depths of the oceans, Green and Johnson do an incredible job with inner monologue, something many creative teams for the 'New 52' have tried and failed at producing effectively. Simon Tycho makes his second appearance (his first was back in Supergirl #3, when he attempted to convince Kara to be a lab rat) as someone doing anything and everything in his power to get to Kara, and it's amazingly creepy.

GRADE: A

(BEFORE WATCHMEN) NITE OWL #1 of 4

STORY: J. Michael Straczyinski
ART: Andy and Joe Kubert

Who doesn't love an old-fashioned origin story? The most successful entry into Before Watchmen so far has been Minutemen #1, an issue that simply gave a succinct overview of each member of the eponymous team. It's minimalistic, straightforward, and sincere. Nite Owl #1 almost reaches the same heights as Darwyn Cooke's series, but starts to falter when it's focus is split near the end of the issue.

Dan Dreiberg was always characterized as a hero with a decent level of restraint. He doesn't obsessively cling to his work like Rorschach or Manhattan, and he's not as strong as Ozymandias or Silk Spectre, but he does what he can. A look into Dan's childhood reveals a history of domestic abuse that obviously influences his decision to figure out the identity of Nite Owl. J. Michael Straczyinski does an apt job writing Dan's father, a stereotypical 'man's man' of the era who justifies his violent nature with bigoted ideals about the social order. One of the best elements of Before Watchmen is the backdrop of the 1960s, a time that significantly affected every member of the Watchmen, how they perceived criminal justice, and why they come together in the first place. 


Dan Dreiberg's friendship with original Nite Owl Hollis Mason is an obvious parallel of Dan Garrett and Ted Kord, the first and second Blue Beetle, respectively. And though this analog is strongest, the Nite Owls' relationship is meant to reflect on the nature of the 'Golden Age' heroes passing on the legacy to the 'Silver Age', and the simpler nature of good vs. evil in an age of more distinguishable heroes and villains. Jay Garrick and Barry Allen are another pair of heroes who come to mind - they share common ideals and strive for the same brand of justice. More than anything, Dreiberg and Mason's style keeps their respective teams grounded. While the other heroes tend to operate at extremes (think Comedian's merciless attitude, Rorschach's unstoppable drive), Nite Owl walks a fine line between heroism and blind vigilantism. Hollis Mason retires, for Pete's sake - a change not many heroes have the sense to make. 


The father and son Kubert duo of Joe and Andy is a superstar team that very much brings Nite Owl's origins to life in a dynamic and energetic way. The Kuberts always have a way of expertly capturing a mood or tone for whatever's written. Andy's work - from Ultimate X-Men and Ultimate Iron-Man to the Flashpoint and the 'New 52' Action Comics - is always fantastic and with his father finishing with the inks, the panels almost jump off the page.


Rorschach shows up in the latter half of the issue to befriend Dreiberg before they attend the first meeting of the Watchmen, an event that takes place in this very issue and seems to come and go a bit too quickly. Sure, Doctor Manhattan and Ozymandias also make their (cameo) debut appearances in Before Watchmen, but the entire scene feels rushed. This is the kind of the event that really shouldn't feel forced - isn't this kind of the whole idea behind this prequel event?

It's hard to reflect too much on an event that's only really getting started. 35 weeks is a lot longer than is sounds before you think of it as six solid months of weekly content. There's a whole lot more story coming that will weave into all the titles already begun. While last week's Comedian did an absolutely awful job creating a satisfying character history, Straczyinski and the Kuberts do a awesome job giving Dan Dreiberg and Hollis Mason meaningful development. It's also interesting to note that the seeds of Silk Spectre and Doctor Manhattan's relationship are planted within the pages of this issue, an element that's probably going to be a common one throughout this event.

GRADE

A-

Summer Blockbuster: Before Watchmen

Summer means different things to everyone. For kids and teenagers, it's a time of relaxation and pure bliss because there's no school. For college students, it's a time to work and maybe take more classes. For hippies it means festival season is in full swing, for water parks it means business, and for the comic book industry, it means big crossover events, and this summer DC Comics has the coolest one.

***

Issue #1 covers for all seven mini-series and back-up.

As reported by many news outlets, the biggest - and most controversial - of these  is Before Watchmen, a look into the world of the Watchmen before the events of the original series by Alan Moore over 20 years ago. With some of the industry's biggest names in writing and artwork signed on, DC is going all-out and releasing seven mini-series complete with an ongoing back-up story and a bookend epilogue at the end of the summer.

Watchmen co-creator and author Alan Moore has publicly stated his distaste with the new series, likening DC's actions to writing a "Bible II" without consulting God. Moore's stance reflects his feelings toward the live-action feature film version of Watchmen released in 2009 to critical and popular praise. Many of the writers and artists attached to the project have come to their own defense stating their intent to enrich the world of the Watchmen, not to sully it as Moore believes.

Each of the main characters from the original Watchmen has their own title - Rorschach, Nite Owl, Comedian, Silk Spectre, Ozymandias, and Dr. Manhattan - as well as Before Watchmen: Minutemen which will focus on the first superhero team, the Minutemen, who operated decades before the Watchmen. The seven mini-series will be released intermittently, one issue per week, throughout the summer months until they finish up with Before Watchmen: Epilogue. At the end of each issue, a two-page back-up story featuring the Crimson Corsair will run the entirety of the event and finish up in the pages of Epilogue.

Stay tuned to "The Endless Reel" for weekly coverage of Before Watchmen as it unfolds this summer.