DC COMICS WRITER: Jeph Loeb, Denny O'Neil ARTISTS: Doug Manhke, Mike Farmer, Ed McGuiness, Dexter Vines COVER: Alex Ross
This is another tribute issue to the late, legendary comic book editor Julie Schwartz. The two stories take off from a classic Schwartz comic cover of the 1960s showing the Flash asking the reader not to miss this issue as his life depends upon it. The writers are supposed to craft their stories based on this premise. The first story by Loeb and McGuiness sort of cheats on the rules. Basically, it is a clever tale with Barry Allen using his super-speed to complement his skills as a police detective in order to trick a baddie into revealing himself. Some nice cameos by classic villains and charming art to go along with it but no real attempt to match the outrageous concept of a comic character telling the fans his life depends on reading his book.
The second story by O'Neil and Mahnke is a little more faithful to the cover. Julie actually makes an appearance in this story where the Flash gets hit by an alien weapon that will cause him to cease to exist unless he can make enough people believe in him. The plot is the height of contrivance, not up to the best of Gardner Fox or John Broome but at least there is a strong sense of fun to the whole thing as well as an educational look on how comics are created. The art is fittingly light-hearted, quite appropriate considering the absurd situation. Both stories are pleasing tributes to the Silver-Age, when Schwartz was revolutionizing comics. But they also show that they just don't make em like they used to.
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…
