Doomsday Clock #2

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Gary Frank

Before Reading:

While there were some small and big reveals in the first issue, we still don't know where this series is going. We do know that it has 12 issues to get there and we do know that Johns is a master storyteller. Rorschach is back (sort of, it is someone different) and so is Adrian Veidt. We are introduced to brand new characters Marionette and Mime and it seems as they may play an important role in this series going forward. Last issue left us with Superman having a nightmare for apparently the "first time ever" in his history. This one has Lex on the cover with Veidt's hand on his shoulder so this could be really interesting. With this being a major event book I won't type too much in the "during reading" section below so that it is not spoiled.

During Reading:

We pickup with the 2 characters Marionette and Mime (from last issue) and they are getting their gear on to perform a heist. During the heist and somewhat of a flashback we learn a pretty shocking truth about Marionette and he past involvements. Meanwhile, the new Rorschach is  given his new mission from Veidt and it is here that we see the two worlds of Watchmen and DC begin to fully crossover. This one ends with a huge reveal that will either be loved or hated. It will divide fans of both DC and the Watchmen.

After Reading:

It is clear that Mime and Marionette (think a really sinister version of Jewelee and Punch) are going to play a big role in this series. We have now had two issues with a a strong focus on these new characters. Last issue was setup in a way that felt the worlds were still disconnected but this issue however starts to bring these characters together. There was a little bit of humor which was okay for the most part. Not a big fan of the reveal at the end of the issue however.

I stated in the first issue review how much I really enjoy Gary Frank's work and that is no different here. His Lex Luthor is looking extra sinister on the cover and this comic delivers on what we see drawn there. I personally love Frank's thick line work and inks.

Doomsday Clock #2 adds to the mystery and intrigue to keep readers coming back for more. This issue also shows glimpses of what it will be like when these characters fully collide and with Johns and Frank at the helm, it should not be disappointing.

8/10

Those top three panels are special and speak volumes to comic book fans.

Moon Knight #190

Before Reading:

Last issue saw the return of the Bushman, arguably Moon Knight's greatest nemesis. Amon Ra or "The Sun King" has tracked him down in the hopes of a partnership to destroy Moon Knight. Meanwhile Marc Spector is still trying to juggle his multiple personalities of Marc Spector, Steven Grant, and the sinister Jake Lockley, and let's face it: Moon Knight as well.

During Reading:

We being the issue with some exposition and background on who/what the moon knight is. Though this isn't Marc Spector, but rather a look at the other human vessels that Khonshu has used throughout time. It becomes clear that Amon Ra is the one narrating and that the villain being stopped in each scenario is The Sun King in different human forms. This is essentially to say that Khonshu has always won out. Bushman and Ra are partnering to stop Moon Knight and it's clear that Bushman believes in what Ra has to say. Meanwhile, Marc Spector is fighting crime and is contacted by someone that he hasn't spoken to in quite some time. The issue ends on a major development for the title and is quite the cliffhanger.

After Reading:

Wow! I did not see that ending coming. This issue of Moon Knight really starts to move the story forward. All of the pieces slowly start to come into place and Ra's plan to get back at Khonshu is in full effect by the end of the issue. I really like this story and find myself heavily invested in these characters and we are only 3 issues in.

I was unfamiliar with Jacen Burrows as an artist, but I really love his stuff in this series. Burrows is good at the quiet moments, but then he comes out of left field with some hellish and terrifying moments. As this story progresses I am really looking forward to what Burrows is going to be doing each issue.

Moon Knight #190 (the third issue in this new series) is a fantastic read. This book is firing on all cylinders right now and its clear from the huge development in this one that we are in for an even deeper and darker story to come.

9.5/10

Khonshu always wins. FLAWLESS VICTORY!

Superman #37

Writer: Peter Thomasi, Patrick Gleason
Artist: Jorge Jimenez

Before Reading:

After the hurried and somewhat lackluster issue #36, our newest issue brings us a new arc. Part one of a big crossover series. "Super Sons of Tomorrow" is the newest story line and hopefully can get this series back on track.

During Reading: 

Bruce Wayne is attacked in his home by... Batman! in this case Tim Drake Batman from the future timeline. Tim is pissed at Bruce for a few reasons, namely something that happened in Detective comics. After a lengthy fight with Bruce, Tim decides to go pick on Superman. After a lengthy fight with Superman Tim reveals why he is doing all of this.

After Reading:

As a comic book fan I try to read up on titles I am not pulling so I can get an idea of what is going on. I knew of the Tim Drake stuff happening in Detective Comics but I didn't pick up that series so I was a little lost. So if you are in the same boat as me and only reading this series you will learn a little bit of what happened to Tim but it probably won't have much impact. The issue is pretty much all set-up for the crossover and so it  is tough to grade it as an issue of the Superman series. I won't be reading the crossover so I have to grade these issues as a Superman story only.

The art however, is fantastic looking stuff. I am not familiar with Jorge Jimenez as an artist, but I would love to see more from him. His Tim drake is menacing and his Bruce Wayne even more so. His characters are expressive and his fight scenes are fluid to appear as if they are actually moving. Great stuff.

Superman #37 sets up a crossover that is coming in this title, Super Sons, and Teen Titans. It does a good job setting up that crossover, but as it's own issue fails to be of any importance. The best crossovers can crossover and still tell a good single issue story.  The art is stellar, but it doesn't save this one from being pure setup for a larger event.

6.5/10

Already doing what you do best Bruce: Beating the crap out of people!

Dark Knights Metal #4

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo

Before Reading:

Dark knights Metal has been a wild roller coaster of a book in only its 3 issues. Snyder and company set out to tell a gigantic story with all sorts of heroes, villains, team-ups and battles galore. If you have been reading this series, you know exactly what you are going to get each issue. With Dream of the famous "Sandman" series being on the cover of this issue we know we are in for some trippy and deep storytelling.  Flash launched Superman into the Dark Multiverse a while back and he was trapped at the end of last issue.

During Reading:

The Dark Multiverse has ensnared Superman and he is now acting as the battery that powers all of the terrible and hellish things toward their journey to earth. We see that Batman has been trapped for what seems like years to him and is struggling with the weight of it all as he tried to free Clark.

Meanwhile the rest of the League is searching the multiverse for the last remnants of Nth metal. Kendra, (who has been cautioning the league the entire time about all of the madness they are getting into) does something quite shocking and it is really going to make things tougher for our heroes. By the end of the issue, Dream has showed up and spouted off some beautiful and troubling tales to our heroes. This one ends with a big development that fans will be curious to see and will leave Superman and Batman shaking in their boots.

After Reading:

If I had to use one word to describe this event, it would be: Radical. No other word that I can think of is more fitting of this book then radical. Dark Knights: Metal has be a hellishly fun ride and it doesn't let up here. You know the type of story that you are getting with the book, but you still have close to know idea on what will actually happen in it.  The only thing that is starting to wear on me a little  personally is the "I was wrong!" bit every time someone thinks all of the horror can stop. I get that it shows heroes broken, but it seems like every issue someone else is saying "I thought we could stop it, but I was wrong!" and it tends to lose its affect. I was super happy that Dream showed up in this one though as comics have a tendency for not delivering what the cover has promised.

Greg Capullo is pure artist. I don't know that there is anything that this guy can't draw. His heroes look heroic and weathered when they need to be. His villains especially, are brutal and hulking. I really love the designs the team has come up with for some of these characters.

If you are looking for a radical event in every sense of the word, Dark Knights: Metal is for you. Every issue gets crazier and crazier and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down soon. Pick the last three up along with this one and enjoy the insane ride while it lasts for two more issues.

9/10

This page encapsulates what this series is like

Batman #37

Writer: Tom King
Artist: Clay Mann

Before Reading:

The first issue of the "SuperFriends" arc was a really warm and fun comic book. It Showed Superman and Batman both being stubborn and not wanting to listen to their significant others. By the end, they meet "coincidentally" and we pick up from there. This one is titled "Double Date" so I am expecting hilarity and good stuff.

During Reading: 

We open with our two couples (Bruce&Selina, Clark&Lois) at the Gotham county fair in which they are not allowed in without superhero costumes. They decide to swap costumes to which they return and are welcomed in to the party. The rest of the issue is just the four of them hanging out at the fair. At times it is the four of them altogether, and at times it is the boys and the girls separately. They ride rides, get food, play games, and banter back and forth. At one point a thief steals from the girls and the heroics kick into place from the boys in a unique and comical way.

After Reading:

This issue is a perfect example of how to make your heroes interesting even when their isn't some otherworldly threat for them be dealing with. Bruce and Superman's stubbornness (which they show in different ways, but really its the same) is on full display here. Each of them wants to be the best, each of them wants to show off and show the other up, and each of them always wants to be right. A lot of the comical moments come from the costume swap that lasts for nearly the whole length of the issue.

Tom King works some magic here in this issue. The dialogue that takes place here feels real and organic. Their may be a small misunderstanding between characters but nothing that good conversation can't fix. When you read this issue you can recognize yourself and those you know in these characters. I love the bonding time between not just the couples, but both The World's Finest and the women they love. Selina and Lois get some really good moments here. Also, this may be my favorite ending to a comic book in a really long time.

I stated in my last review that Clay mann was the right choice from the Batman artist rotation. His characters have a fun and innocence to them. The colors from Mann, and Belaire again are very warm and comforting.

King and Mann have made this arc so that you just want to spend your time with these characters. There is not a massive interdimensional threat happening, no deep inner turmoil or conflict, and no in-fighting between heroes. That is perfectly welcomed. This has been an extremely fun arc and this just may be the best double date ever.

10/10

I love that Superman kept his glasses on while wearing the Batman suit.

Mister Miracle #5

Writer: Tom King

Artist: Mitch Gerards

Before Reading:

This series is easily one of the most important and unique books out right now. As of issues 4 Scott Free has somewhat snapped and after attacking Orion, he will now be facing his execution. Though, it was clear Orion wasn't going to allow for a fair trial anyway, the decision to escalate the verdict only made this story more painful and intriguing.

During Reading:

We meet with Scott and Barda as he lives out his last days before execution. Scott spends his last days with Barda at his side. They relax quite a bit, they make love (lots of it) and they muse about life after death and philosophy. By the end of the issue, one thing is clear. While Scott has been depressed throughout this series, he is not ready to die; and Big Barda will not let him go down without a fight.

After Reading:

This issue was brutal to read. That is not to say that this was bad issue in any way at all, it was just hard to read. King and Gerards have really made readers like and root for this character. To see someone you like and root for go through their last days before death is tough to watch. However, this issue speaks to life in a way that comic books often don't. I don't want to go into tons of detail here, but let's just say for being a new god that Scott Free speaks to the incredible human experience.  Gerards is still bringing it in the art department and I especially like his work int he quiet beach scene here.

Mister Miracle #5 focuses on the more quiet moments in Scott's life. However, these are clearly the moments matter. They matter more than the escapes, the giant battles on Apokolips, more than his time with the new gods, more than anything. Moving into the halfway point of the story, there is no telling where this one is going to go, but I think it's safe to say that it will be a thought provoking journey.

9/10

I love Scott's response in the 3rd panel

Superman #36

Writer: Patrick Gleason, Peter Thomasi
Artist: Doug Mahnke

Before Reading: 

This arc has seen Superman and his family (along with Lex Luthor) be transported to Apokolips in the idea that one of them was to be the new ruler of the terrible planet. After some confusion, Superman learns that he is the one to take over Apokolips and he is not happy about this. Granny Goodness and her furies, along with Kalibak are especially not happy about this. We ended last issue with Jon (Superboy) riding in on the Hunger dogs to enter the battle taking place.

During Reading: 

Apokolips has gone cold. Last issue saw The fiery pits of Apokolips get doused and turn to nothing. The planet is now blue, and no longer fiery. The issue throws us right in the middle of battle as Jon arrives to fight alongside his family and we get dialogue from all those participating in the fight. Kalibak is spouting his "I am royal heir to the throne!" declarations while Granny is spouting her "We must find Darkseid, he is our only leader!" spiel. After the battle comes to an end Ardora and the Prophet put Superman in the position to accept his apparent destiny.

Superman decides that his first act will be to free Luthor from captivity for his crimes of claiming at first to be the new ruler of Apokolips. Superman then goes on a mission to fix things up. We end on a conversation between Lex and Superman and something develops out of that. However, it is not something that hasn't been done before.

After Reading:

Superman #36 is very similar to Superman #33. This story felt very rushed. It seemed as if the goal was to get to a specific point with characters, but it wasn't really important how to get there. The book tried to tell what could have been a more complex story, but instead it is pretty straightforward.. Superman's idea to help the planet is admirable, but somewhat laughable in how easily it is accepted and implemented. The ending conversation between Superman and Lex feels forced and rushed as well.

The art is handled by Doug Mahnke with both he and Jaime Mendoza on inks. The art doesn't feel nearly as rushed as it has in the past with this series. There are some big splash pages and centerfold layouts. I particularly like the battle scenes as they are hectic and chaotic.

With this arc coming to a close, the book decides to get where it wants to go fast. This story could have had some layers and some weight, but instead it comes off as forced with an endgame in mind. This is a small misstep in an otherwise consistently good series.

5.5/10

This cover looked very promising...