BATMAN/SUPERMAN WORLD’S FINEST #44 DC COMICS
Mark Waid and Mark Russell definitely hit upon a great idea for one-shot stories for in-between the main series. Their Robin/Supergirl ‘date’ issues always prove to be a hoot. But this issue has one fatal flaw in it. Robin, sent by Batman, to go undercover at Ardora Industries not knowing that it is under the control of LexCorp. This implies that Batman would have sent him in not knowing a real big fact. I find that hard to believe. But overlooking that one point, the issue is all fun and incredible feats of agility that no one could do. (Throwing the badge card across the room into the card reading slot using only his teeth? Really?) The second ‘date’ goes off just a little better than the first. With Superman summing up the first ‘date’ as fitting together like teeth and aluminum foil! But it the ending that will have you on the floor doubled over in laughter. No spoilers but many older reader will remember a term called parking. Say no more! Just a bit of fun until our next multi-issue storyline. 8 out of 10 Grahams.
GRIMM FAIRY TALES #100 ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT
So the second volume of the Grimm Fairy Tales title reaches the big 100 milestone. And it does appear to follow in many a issue 100 over the years. Multiple crossovers as the characters of the Zenescope Universe come together to battle Father Time and his Final Solution for the troubles caused by mankind. And while I can easily recognise an epic battle royale when I see one, the truth is that the Zenescope Universe has become a very confusing place. I remember a day when a classic fairy tale was told in dark tones including a buxomy beauty for a main character. But those days are long gone and while the main elements are still there, they exploded out into an expanded universe that frankly makes my head hurt. But in the here and now, the battle has neen won but the war is not over. Some of the realms are gone but things are now all on Earth (ala DC Crisis one Earth plan.) 7 out of 10 Grahams.
YULETIDE #1 ONI PRESS
It’s always good to check in on a new independant title. Yultide is a wonderfully twisted tale about the ‘real’ version of the holidays and the dark history behind it. And for some of the residents of Christmas Pennsylvania, that back story is about to come to life. As the witch-queen Perchta is released into the world with her evil associates. And while the forces of darkness are intriguing, my favorite has to be the Jolasveinar or Yule Lads who ranks include Door Sniffer, Window Peeper, and Sausage Swiper! How messed up is that! I love it. A rather detail oriented first issue, writer George Northy keeps the story in check. A strong start for this one. 8 out of 10 Grahams.