THE FLASH #47 DC COMICS
This is one of those storylines that I should love but I don’t. In fact, it acts a reminder of all the issues I have with DC current continuity. A multiple Flash crossover including Rogues and time travel would have made the 1970’s me scream with delight. The fact that the team up is with Wally West – Flash, Barry Allen – Flash, and Kid Flash is nothing exciting. One major problem is the age dynamic is not there. A classic Flash crossover is the elder Jay Garrick, the middle age Barry Allen, and the youthful Wally West.This is more like a group of guys who used to hang out together before one of them got married. And while Wally’s lost history and mental deterioration is exploited for every last tear, the interaction between he and Iris is awkward at best. The other main problem is that this title keeps dropping hints of DC history being restored to some version of its past shelf but yet doesn’t deliver. While Wally’s flashbacks are reminders of a bygone era, they never fully materialize. The bottom line truth is in a FLASH WAR between New 52 version of Barry Allen and a confusing version of Wally West, I really don’t care who wins. I give this one a 6 out of 10 Grahams. 
BLACK HAMMER AGE OF DOOM #2 DARK HORSE COMICS
Writer Jeff Lemire seems to be channeling John Robinson and Neil Gaiman as Black Hammer’s journey continues in this interesting read. Going from the waiting room between comic stories to Hell to Dreamland, Black Hammer proves that she has what it takes to find her way back. But the question is still why is all this happening to her? The mystery continues but manages to keep the reader’s interest while revealing nothing. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS #1 ASPEN COMICS
Blake Northcott’s story is a perfect extension of the previous volumes of Iris. Still hauntingly beautiful and an expert on causing pain, this older Iris is finding that the modern era is catching up with her and not for the best. Secret lifestyle is impossible in a world of cellphone cameras and corporations that have a monopoly on tech and resources. So when the big boys some to call what’s a girl to do? Donny Tran’s pencils rely less on the cheesecake art and more in the details. And cudos to colorists Omi Remalanti Jr. and Luis Guerrero for discovering the perfect color of a depressing airport terminal. This new title seem to off to a good start. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
IRON MAN #600 MARVEL COMICS
Wow, Bendis ends his run by throwing everything at us including the kitchen sink! And while I the to admit it, this is what a milestone issue should be. Iron Man, Doom, Riri, War Machine, Tony’s real parents, guest stars galore, Leonardo DiVinci?! And an overwhelming group of artists to illustrate that is out of control. To the point where the mind cannot accept some of the art styles as you jump page to page. I only have two complaints here. The first is the rather bizarre ending. And the second is the fact that there will be no issue #601 next month. We’ll be back with another #1 issue this time called Tony Stark, Iron Man. Guess Marvel finally ran out of I words to put in front of Iron Man. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
BLACK PANTHER #1 MARVEL COMICS
Another version of the Black Panther this time in the vastness of outer space? Lost and alone without his memories except for one, our hero becomes a member of the resistance. I guess with a hit movie still on the movie screens, it would be inevitable that Marvel would be putting out a new book. The bad part is that this seems like an ok story and the art is certainly top notch but is it really necessary? I have read through many versions of the Black Panther. From his days travelling with a time travelling from statue, to his battles with the Klan, to his marriage to Storm of the X-men. This time around it’s not a sure thing. And since we’re in space, does that raise the potential of a Guardians of the Galaxy crossover in the future? I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
BARRIER #4 IMAGE COMICS
I do love a challenge and this title certainly lives up to that description! Aside from being taller and narrower with an up and down page presentation, the book itself presents us with characters that only speak Spanish. Literally! No translation panels, no nothing. Kind of a ballsy move on Image’s part but it still works. Polish up on your high school Spanish people cause this is one title that’s going to make you earn it. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
