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One Month Later

One Month Later

Well, the first month of One Year Later releases is done (okay, except for the delayed Teen Titans, which is rumored to be tied in to the events of the delayed Infinite Crisis #6 and Supergirl, which is in scheduling heck), so I think itd be nice to grade the month.

Lets begin!!

Okay, Im going with four categories - Recommended Without Reservation, Recommended With Reservaions, Not Recommended and Recommended That You Dont Buy It. In addition, for each issue, Im giving a one sentence Plot Synopsis and a Review, along with a "Jump-On Factor," which judges an issue on how well it works for someone who just started reading the book. A 10 would mean it was highly accessible, while a 1 would mean, if you didnt read the previous issues, youd be completely lost.

Recommended Without Reservations!

Robin #148

Plot Synopsis: An old foe is killed by perhaps an old ally, and Robin is framed for the murder!

Jump-On Factor: 7

Review: The only knock on this issue for Jump-On Factor is a fairly significant one, as the bad guy in the comic is a longtime Batman ally, Cassandra Cain, the former Batgirl. Knowing who she is gives the story a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT more depth. Writer Adam Beechen tries his best to fill you in on what youre missing (in particular, a great scene where Batman shows that he knows that Robin COULDNT have done the crime he was accused of, killing Batgirl, because Batman knows Robin couldnt BEAT Batgirl - classic scene), but knowing the backstory would help a LOT.

Adam Beechen has been knocking the ball out of the park with his comic book stories based on the Justice League Unlimited cartoon, and he doesnt miss a beat moving on to Robin, with this very interesting issue with a great premise/hook - Robin is wanted for the murder of Batgirl - but Robin knows that the woman dressed up as Batgirl ISNT Batgirl, but rather, a former nemesis of his, Lynx. Meanwhile, he wants to find Cassie Cain, who was Batgirl, but what Robin doesnt know is that it is most likely that it is Cain, now driven mad, who has framed him for the murder of Batgirl.

Its an interesting game of cat and mouse, and Beechen handles it quite well.

Meanwhile, in a bit of downer news, the great art in this issue by Karl Kerschl will not continue, as a new penciller will pick up next issue - but this issue was great!

Batman is used well in the comic as well. Just a great issue. Quite probably the best single issue on the book since Dixon was writing it.

Recommended With Reservations

Birds of Prey #92

Plot Synopsis: The Birds of Prey try to bring over a Society traitor while former team member Black Canary begins new training.

Jump-On Factor: 3

Review: Here are the reservations:

1. Killer Croc does not exactly have a long history (only 25 years or so), but Paulo Siqueiras depiction of Croc has got to be the worst version I have ever seen. It is like no one gave him any reference material, so he just made up a character on his own. Besides Croc, though, Siqueira really isnt that bad. I am just exagerrating for effect. For most of the issue, he gets the job done. He isnt HELPING the book, but he also isnt actively HURTING the book.

2. This really isnt a Jump-On issue. There are certain moments where the book seems like it is TRYING to be, so I will give it credit for trying, but for the most part, like Catwoman, this comic seems to just be continuing the storylines that the book was dealing with pre-One Year Later.

Okay, those are the two reservations - Not great art and not a jumping on point.

Besides that, I found this to be an enjoyable, action-packed story with a lot of great dialogue, and a clever use of Lady Shiva (who steals the issue as, I am sure, was expected). In fact, the basic concept of the Birds of Prey facilitating a member of the Society changing sides is quite interesting, and makes for a great premise.

I like Gypsy, so I liked her cameo.

Meanwhile, Black Canary is undergoing training a la Lady Shiva, and that was interesting as well.
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Action Comics #837

Plot Synopsis: Clark continues being a hero, even as a non-powered reporter, with assists from some very Johnsian guest-stars

Jump-On Factor: 9

Review: I liked this issue a good deal more than the first part of the story, because there was a lot more going on, as Clark actually, you know, DID stuff in this issue, as compared to the previous part of the story.

The art from Pete Woods, as usual, is amazing.

The only drawbacks to this story, as far as I saw it, was that the superhero guest-stars really seemed out of place in the comic. I think the whole "Clark is a hero even without powers" motif would be a lot better expressed if he was not hanging out with superheroes all the time! Yes, Hal had to be there for the ending, which WAS pretty interesting, but really, I think a full issue of Clark doing action reporting would be more interesting than what we ended up.

Still, I would recommend this issue, as it has some good Clark action scenes, plus some really good work with Luthor (and a new Toyman!).
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JSA Classified #10

Plot Synopsis: Vandal Savage deals with the fact that his life is soon going to end, leaving him time for just one act of revenge.

Jump-On Factor: 4

Review: Here are the two reservations:

1. The story is about Vandal Savage.

2. Paul Gulacys art is not that great

Besides that, Stuart Moore writes a very well-crafted story about Vandal Savage finding out that he is dying, and when all his avenues to resolve this situation run out, he knows he can only revenge himself upon one enemy - and he chooses Alan Scott.

First off, what a cool moment that is!!! Choosing one enemy to revenge yourself on before you die - thats a classic concept. Great job by Moore.

Meanwhile, though, Moore fills the issue with scenes from Vandals past mixed with scenes of Vandals present, showing where he came from, and how he is likely to handle his current situation.

I am no Vandal Savage fan, but I would actually recommend this tale.
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Manhunter #20

Plot Synopsis: Kate has grown into her role as a vigilante, but finds herself at odds with her new legal assignment

Jump-On Factor: 2

Review: Of all the books that could use a Jump-On Point, youd think Manhunter would be one of them, as it does not sell all that well. Thats why it is particularly galling that this issue doesnt really have a glimmer of a hint of a jump-on factor to it. The ENTIRE issue is WHOLLY dependent upon you being a regular reader of Manhunter!!

How just patently silly is that?!?!

In fact, its so irritating that I considered putting this into the Not Recommended section, even though it was a well-told story with very nice art, but then I realized that about the only thing this book had going for it IS people recommending it, so I figured Id put it here. But please note that I am highly disappointed in Marc Andreyko not making this a good jump-on point. The whole book is Easter Eggs for current readers of Manhunter. While, as a current reader of Manhunter, I appreciate them, I just dont think it was the right way to handle this.

ANYhoo, the comic is well-written, as Andreyko fits in a lot of characters and a lot of plot all into one issue, and makes sure to fit some action in, as well. Meanwhile, there are plenty of nice character bits and a great twist at the end (which is not THAT much of a twist with the cover as it is).

Javier Pinas art, by the way, continues to grow. He had some big shoes to fill when he replaced one of the best artists DC has, Jesus Saiz, but Pina has really come into his own as of late, and this issue is a great example of this - very nice artwork from Pina.

So, people, support this book!

Not Recommended

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #16

Plot Synopsis: The team deals with their new status while a strange visitor shows up.

Jump-On Factor: 4

Review: The only reason this issue, which literally is just a continuation of the previous issue, is ranked THAT high on Jump-On Factor is because I think Mark Waid did a very nice job making the issue seem accessible (as much as he could, that is).

Early on in the issue, though, Waid continues with one of the main themes of this book, and its a really weird main theme - which is that adults are assholes. And not just assholes, but assholes for, like, no reason. Cruella De Vil had better motivation that some of the adults in this title.

I have to say, I am enjoying Mick Grays inks on Barry Kitsons pencils. Takes some of the sharpness off the pencils. Its a good look.

Anyhow, one of the best attributes of Legion is the inter-relations between the characters, and there is a good deal of that in this issue, as the group deals with the agreement Lightning Lad made last issue (making the Legion part of the United Planets). Meanwhile, a mysterious comet is approaching Earth, and the Legion is ready to defend against it!!

Obviously, the comet somehow involves Supergirl, and her intro was pretty cute. And the end cliffhanger was interesting, to say the least.

Pretty good issue. Just THIS shy of being recommended.
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Green Lantern #10

Plot Synopsis: Hal Jordan deals with the new international rules about super-powered activity, while also facing demons from his past.

Jump-On Factor: 5

Review: This was probably the most interesting issue of Johns Green Lantern run so far, and, for the most part, I found this to be a pretty engaging issue.

Johns uses a lot of concepts at once, which is interesting, as he usually tends to dwell on one or two concepts for a longer period of time (with the notable exception of Infinite Crisis), so I was pleased to see him throw a lot of cool stuff at the readers right off the bat, especially the Sinestro Corps. Thats just brilliant!

Also, the whole "Hal not using his ring while he flies biting him in the ass" bit was clever.

However, I think the time-jumping in the story did not help the comic much, and while Ivan Reis is good at drawing action sequences, he is not the most nuanced character artist (at least as inked by Marc Campos), so when asked to do that, he is a bit of a liability. And there was a lot of that in this issue (I also think the character pieces were a drawback to Reis on Action Comics, as well). However, the action scenes were sparkling!

As for Jump=On Factor, for the most part, Johns was pretty good, setting the plot up very well, I thought.

But then...the end plot point turns out to revolve around Emerald Twilight.

A story from 12 years ago.

Not a good way to move forward.
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Superman #650

Plot Synopsis: Clark Kent enjoys life as a normal human.

Jump-On Factor: 9

Review: I thought this was a VERY well-illustrated story whose only flaw just happened to be a fairly major one. The only flaw I have with this comic is that not much of note HAPPENS in the comic.

I dont mind the Kryptonite Man. Hes fine by me, and I dont mind a fight being contained to one issue, but it did not seem to GO anywhere. Supergirl shows up and has a pretty boring fight. Thats not enough action!!

Meanwhile, Clark isnt DOING anything!

I dont mind character enriching scenes (I loved the Superman movie Clark and Lois were watching - VERY clever), but I think this comic had too many character enriching scenes, and not enough action by the main character. I get that Clark does not have his powers - thats fine by me, but Id like to see Clark DO something - have some action in the comic!! Investigate something! ANYthing!

The Luthor scenes were quite good, though. I enjoyed them a lot.

Overall, for a first issue, I would have liked to have seen more than some bridge-building for later issues. Still, a lot of the bridge-building was great fun.
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JSA #83

Plot Synopsis: The JSA are visited by ghosts.

Jump-On Factor: 6

Review: I have to say, Abhay has now officially ruined Rags Morales art for me! Now, whenever I read a comic by Rags Morales, I just keep looking at Morales faces - they are just TOOO goofy! Especially when he is trying to convey some sort of emotion. These big goofy eyes and big goofy smiles - it is too much!!

ANYhoo, Paul Levtiz is an old hand at writing stories that refer to past issues but make sure that a new reader can pick up whats going on, and thats what he does here. I would have him ranked higher in Jump-On Factor, but nowhere is the basic idea of what these people are doing together is explained. Just a quick nod is all I want!

However, while Levitz is quite professional, and theres a lot of really nice character moments in the issue, thats ALL there is - just a few different segues, all combining to form, well, nothing much. I mean, even the threat is not all that scary - just ghosts? Thats, well, not that scary.

In fact, tying it to the Gentlemen Ghosts origin reminds me of those old goofy Marvel comics in the 70s where a whole two-parter was devoted to reconciling some old piece of minutiae.

Still, a professional job by Levitz. Nothing Id go out of my way to recommend, but solid work, nonetheless.
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Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #40

Plot Synopsis: Arthur Curry is recruited for an epic task.

Jump-On Factor: 10

Review: I dont remember the last time Ive seen Jackson Guices art look this sketchy. The past 8 years or so, hes had this photo-realistic thing going for him, and it is interesting to see the sketchy art. Not bad, but just different.

The story is very much an introduction issue, and as an introduction, it works pretty well. I especially like when the narrator tells Arthur his destiny, and its all done in the shape of aquatic life, so when he shows his future with the Justice League, the JL members are all seen as aquapeople. Its only a minor scene, but I thought it was quite well done.

Anyhow, this is the only 10 for jump-on factor because this book is basically a new #1. However, while Busiek does an able job of framing the introduction (fitting a lot of into into the comic), the basic setup just doesnt seem all that interesting.

However, I freely admit that my tune might change once I see the cast embark upon their journey. Now, though, it was not all that engaging.
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Blood of the Demon #13

Plot Synopsis: Two Demons means Too Much Trouble To Believe!

Jump-On Factor: 2

Review: You gotta admire the sheer brashness of John Byrne. Hes the only writer so far who basically has not let One Year Later interrupt his plot, like, at ALL. This issue is One Year Later only ostensibly, as Byrne pays lip service with some cosmetic changes (like Harry not having an arm and the Detective being in jail) while almost completely just following the story from issue #12.

The idea has some promise, which is that the gang accidentally brought a version of Etrigan from the past, a wilder Etrigan, unbound by Jason Blood, so now there are two Etrigans loose and the cast has to put things right. Their only problem is is that one of the Etrigans is the captive of a real big bad named The Lord of the Damned.

Byrnes art on this project has been strong, and that continues with this issue, as there are lots of really cool scenes, with Byrne going crazy with the gore, but to good effect. However, while the art does not fail to impress, the plotting seems to have run aground. There are way too many scenes of characters standing/sitting around telling the reader what is happening, leaving the story fairly rudderless, and lacking in impact.

The character Randu is the worst at this - it seems like everything he says is long-winded and laced with exposition.

It just doesnt make for an interesting story, even though the art is really nice.
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Green Arrow #60

Plot Synopsis: The after-effects of the Star City disaster are explored, socially and politically.

Jump-On Factor: 7

Review: I am impressed by how well Judd Winick sets this issue up, for Jump-On Ability. About two whole pages of this comic is spent just setting the reader up for the new scenario in the comic, and by using the news, Winick makes it not even seem that awkward.

The negatives of the book, however, is that

A. Green Arrow is barely in it

B. The politics of the book are hackneyed

C. The new characters we meet are one-dimensional

D. Brick is just a lame, lame character who no one would ever try to use in a One Year Later if they did not invent the character, which Winick happened to do with Brick.

I do like the idea of Deathstroke being hired to kill Oliver Queen. Clever move there by Winick.

The rest of the comic?

Not so much.

McDaniel did a fine job in his debut on the art duties, though.
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The Outsiders #34

Plot Synopsis: The Outsiders act as an underground covert action team.

Jump-On Factor: 5

Review: I really have to wonder if Winick realizes that this exact concept was done by Joe Kelly in the Justice League Elite mini-series. Yes, I understand that Kelly, himself, was doing a take-off on the Authority, but thats at least something - a DC mainstream take-off on the Authority. This is the SECOND DC mainstream take-off on the Authority (or rather, Stormwatch Black).

Thats just silly.

However, to add to the silliness, almost half of this comic is spent on set-up for characters and situations we will never see again. There is really no reason why Thunders cover needed THAT much setting up. You could effectively get it done in 2 pages, maybe three. Not 1,494 like Winick used in this issue. If this was going to be something the book was going to spend a lot of time on, then fine, but its not.

And because of all the time spent setting it up, the team introductions were handled very haphazardly.

And then...finally, the pose-off at the end?

GROAN!

However, I enjoyed Matthew Clarks art, and the additions of Metamorpho and Kid Boomerang are welcome.

Lets see if, now that Winick has spent about an issue introducing the concept, the next issue has some cool stuff in it. But really, its a lot like watching a drag race begin, only for the cars to veer off into a wall five feet from the starting line.
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Hawkgirl #50

Plot Synopsis: Kendra Saunders deals with life in St. Roch without her partner.

Jump-On Factor: 7

Review: There is a lot to like about Walt Simonson and Howard Chaykins debut on Hawkgirl, most prominently the artwork by the legend Chaykin. Very good stuff.

The Jump-On Factor would be even higher, if it were not for the fact that the relationship between Kendra and Carter (Hawkman) Hall is fairly important for a reader of this book. However, thats the ONLY thing a reader needs to know about Kendra and Carter - so its not a big deal, as the issue is still quite accessible, as Simonson introduces us to Kendras status quo and her supporting cast.

The issue has a VERY old-fashioned feel to it, with both the expository dialogue, the captions, the whole approach. It reads very much like a 1970s DC comic book. I have no problem with that, but what I do have a slight problem with is what I saw to be the two major flaws of the issue:

1. Simonsons dialogue was fairly stilted

2. There was a real lack of flair in the issue. Kendras only appearance in costume was a dream sequence at the beginning of the book! Simonson makes very clever use of her powers in a later scene, and I think that scene was great - but Id like to see THAT scene and some of the expository scenes mixed in a little more with Kendra actually doing stuff as Hawkgirl.

Still, the art is awesome, there is a funny joke about Hawkman (the classic "Kendra, Im a guy who wears wings, an Edgar Rice Burroughs body harness and a hawks head. Everything I do is foolish" line), the supporting cast in interesting and the mystery Kendra is involved with is intriguing.

A little more fluidity with the dialogue and some more costumed action and I think this book will be a real winner.
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Detective Comics #817

Plot Synopsis: Everything goes back to the way it was awhile back.

Jump-On Factor: 9

Review: See the plot synopsis? Thats basically ALL that happens in this issue. So, while I enjoy all the changes (or reversions), I expect something more out of a comic than just making changes I like. There has to be a, you know, STORY - and there really wasnt one in this issue. Its really that straightforward. I feel like I got half an issue in this comic.
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Batman #651

Plot Synopsis: Batman and Robin fight Poison Ivy.

Jump-On Factor: 9

Review: Speaking of feeling like half an issue, I think there is a good reason why the covers to Detective and Batman fit together, because, combined, you basically have one comic book.

The first part was only changes, and thats it.

This issue is only one big fight with Poison Ivy, and THATs it.

Also, I was not a fan of Don Kramers art for Batman. I dont know why. I enjoyed him on JSA.

In any event, two issues, and COMBINED they barely form one issue.

Not good, not good.
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Catwoman #53

Plot Synopsis: The new Catwoman deals with her on-the-job training while the old Catwoman gives birth.

Jump-On Factor: 3

Review: I enjoyed most of Will Pfeifers run with Pete Woods, but I thought the story fell apart a bit towards the end of their run together, although the last issue, #52, particularly the ending, was handled quite well.

This issue has art by David Lopez, who is not Pete Woods, but I suppose I cannot hold that against him. His work is pretty good, and I especially like the way Pfeifer is showing us how not everyone can be an awesome vigilante, especially right off the bat. Thankfully, Catwoman killed Black Mask, so we will not have to see this point (not everyone is a great vigilante) punctuated by torture. I also like watching the Angle Man act shocked when "Catwoman" falls for traps that were decoys for the REAL trap.

There is also a notable scene where Batman gives Selina a teddy bear.

The drawback to this issue is a big one, though, and that is it only really makes sense if youve been reading Catwoman, and, like Ive said before, I understand that it must be a pain for a regular writer to incorporate something like this in the middle of their plot (as opposed to a brand-new writer working from a blank slate), but I think Pfeifer did a poor job of making this issue accessible.

Still, there is a lot to like about this issue. I wont recommend it, but I think it IS a pretty good comic, with a lot of potential. Lets just hope we avoid the "baby getting kidnapped" cliche!
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Firestorm, the Nuclear Man #23

Plot Synopsis: Jason Rusch and Lorraine Reilly search for the Professor while dealing with their new status quo.

Jump-On Factor: 6

Review: There are a lot of references to previous issues of Firestorm in this issue, however, unlike some of the other comics, Stuart Moore actually comes out and EXPLAINS the past references, and he also manages to work it into the story so that it does not seem awkward or too heavy with exposition.

In any event, the issue itself is an interesting concept, as Jason Rusch and Lorraine Reilly are searching for the missing Professor, who Jason needed to form Firestorm. Now, though, through events, we learn that Jason needs LORRAINE to form Firestorm!!

The issue is fairly slight, and not enough is going on for me to recommend it, per se, but Jamal Igles art is good, and Moore writes a fun, quick-moving comic. I liked it.

Recommended That You Dont Buy It

Nightwing #118

Plot Synopsis: Dick Grayson moves to New York City at the same time that Jason Todd does, both operating as Nightwing.

Jump-On Factor: 4

Review: Remember when Tadhg mentioned that this comic seemed like it was written more by editorial than Bruce Jones himself?

Well, for Bruce Jones sake, I hope that is true.

This comic was dreadful!

Joe Dodds pencils are not very good, especially when he draws the two Nightwings, as they practically look identical - and I dont think that was intended!!!

But really, this issue was a mess - the plot was a mess, the violence was way too over-the-top, the dialogue was AWFUL (some lines are written as witty, but sure do not READ as witty), the art was a mess (there are some design elements that an artist SHOULD be able to pull off, Dodd does not pull it off). Just an awful comic book, so to see that it is sold out everywhere...well, that is pretty freaky.
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Okay, thats it for me! Feel free to let me know what you folks thought of the first month of One Year Later!!

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