The black-costumed, Kingdom Come-universe Superman stars in JSA #10. He doesn't know how or why he got here, and the JSA is understandably suspicious. They lock him up, but the little son of a gun gets out and saves some random emo girl. Meanwhile, Jay (geezer Flash) and Wally (comparatively younger Flash) discuss the possibility that a parallel universe may have survived the DC editorial staff's best efforts to eliminate them.
The ultimate test of any writer is what he can do with a crappy concept. The ultimate test of any reviewer is his ability to avoid grandiose generalizations, but I’ll ignore that fact. Anyhoo, this story arc is Geoff Johns' ultimate writer’s test. A phenomenally talented writer, Johns has already resuscitated countless lifeless characters. Now it’s time to see what he can do with an unsuccessful story.
Kingdom Come was a terrifically illustrated miniseries that collapsed under its own pretentious weight. The tradition-heavy tale was more than a hymn to DC’s characters, it was a Versailles court drama with Superman playing Louis the 14
th’s part. This is all to say that hero-worship substituted for story in Kingdom Come, so I don’t hold out much hope for this current JSA storyline-- but if anyone can save this turkey, it’s Geoff Johns.
Dale Eaglesham’s consistent quality is mostly here, though a few action sequences come across as rushed. Alex Ross contributes a few paintings, which, of course, are fantastic.
Worth the money? Not this time--wait and see how #11 looks.
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…
