FLASH #28 DC COMICS
While I am hopeful that DC can recoup their losses in the way of character integrity, the newest Flash story arc is a hopeless miss mash of former storylines and plot ideas. And we are still obsessing over the villainy of Professor Zoom. The Negative Flash design is most assuredly based on a cross of the Black Flash character and the times the Flash has absorbed too much of the Speed Force and has lightning criss-crossing his body, mystery super-villain running things from behind the scenes. Iris and Barry fighting, Iris out of his life, the 25th century, uncontrollable powers? Been there, seen that. For one of DC’s flagship titles that is suppose to be ushering in the newest, I’m not seeing a lot here to work with.
I give it a 4 out of 10.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #12 DC COMICS
Another example of a DC flagship title not living up to its potential during this time of “Rebirth”. While I have questioned the membership of the Justice League many times over the years, Lobo still stands out as one of the more “WTF” moments. But nevertheless, this storyline is yet again another hodge-podge of former storylines and (forgive me) that God Awful Atom Armor from the Legends of Tomorrow TV show. I remember the somewhat weak storyline during the original series with the team travelling to the Microverse and it wasn’t all that impressive back then. Or how about when Donna Troy, Jason Todd, and Kyle Rayner went searching for Ray Palmer during the Countdown series. Again, been there, seen that. I keep waiting to see some great revelations to DC returning to some semblance of the good ole days. And I’m still waiting.
I give it a 4 out of 10.
NEWSBOY LEGION/BOY COMMANDOS SPECIAL #1 DC COMICS
A wonderfully charming visit to the later days of World War II and the third (if I’m remembering right) of the two most popular kids at war teams in the DC stable. And with the help of real life celebrities Damon Runyon and Walter Winchell, this is a well told story. And best of all, to let Howard Chaykin tell it all is a stroke of genius! Add in a wonderful reprint story featuring the Newsboy Legion and their mentor the Guardian introduced by birthday boy Jack Kirby himself and you’ve got a winner! Only thing I can think of that is missing is a guest cameo by the Kid Guerrillas of Unit 3 (google search it!)!
I give it a 10 out of 10!
NIGHT’S DOMINION ONI PRESS
Not your usual fare, Ted Naifeh brings us the other dimensionally adventures of the heroes Umber Knight and the Night. Set in the timeless city of Umber, this medieval backdrop provides plenty of character and intrigue. Picking up where Season One ended, we begin to find out what happened to the heroes and the people of Umber. An interesting follow up that provides a pleasant change of pace.
I give it a 7 out of 10.
