JLA: Classified # 33
DC Comics
WRITER: Dan Slott, Dan Jurgens
ARTISTS: Dan Jurgens, Trevor Scot
COVER: Doug Mahnke
This is the second part of a five-chapter story arc about the Red King, an ordinary guy who managed to swipe Dr. Destiny's gem which makes dreams come true. Naturally, he is aiming for world domination, even if it means beating the Justice League. But the Red King is doing things rather differently: using his gem, he is exploring alternate realities, trying out different strategies to find the one where he is most assured of victory. In this issue, Red King tries posing as both a hero and a humanitarian, to get into the JLA and maybe into Wonder Woman's pants. The story is told mostly from the Red King's viewpoint, allowing us to see the League through the eyes of an enemy. The creative team does a surprisingly good job with the Red King's characterization. He is memorable without going over the top. And yet he remains truly villainous and never tries to play on our sympathies. The Royal Flush Gang is also used to good effect here, with a gimmick that takes everyone by surprise. The art is adequate although there are times when Wonder Woman's face looks a little puffy. Maybe they were trying to make her look sexier with bee-stung lips, but instead, she looks rather childish. That said, this issue still gets four stars out of five.
Action Comics #883
Nighwing and Flamebird make their public debut and start the hunt for Zod’s most dangerous sleeper.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…