Superman - Reign of Doomsday

Superman – Reign of Doomsday
Written by Paul Cornell
With additional tales from Damon Lindelof, Paul Dini, Geoff Johns, David S. Goyer, Richard Donner & Derek Hoffman

Introduction to the end of Action Comics
I remember the first Superman issue I read as a kid. My grandma introduced me to the red & blue hero with an issue featuring the triad of troublemakers from Krypton. Oddly enough I found out those three were part of the Superman film that Richard Donner made several years ago. And I dug for some time to find the original issues that branched out the character. Eventually my mom suggested to write to DC Comics, lo and behold a bit later I received a letter that there would a collection of the first issues from the origins of Action Comics with Superman. And that’s where my journey began.

Doomsday
During the mid 90’s, DC was having tussle with writing tales. So to gain some readers, they actually brought in a fearsome beast that tussled with the lead hero. And for the first time, Superman actually died and readers didn’t know if he was going to come back. Until a gang of four characters masquerading as Superman took the helm, and fought evil. But the most bizarre part of this tale, was that one of these heroes was actually a villain. Until the “real” Kal-El took the helm again, literally rising from the grave (or another timeline), (I actually began to wonder if some of the writers from Doctor Who were writing Superman tales.) (*Oh wait they do, what are the odds?)

Darkest Night
So flash forward to the present, a dark tale rushes over the entire DC Universe. A dark world where those that perished, had a day to return to the living world. But with only one consequence, they weren’t truly alive. With life and death out of balance, every being in the universe could regain some existence but at the cost of Black Rings (a power that was unheralded by the Lanterns). Except that the Black Ring actually controlled unknown powers beyond the stars. This bizarre chapter, actually brought back the dead Kal-El revisiting everything he lost falling to Doomsday. Eventually having to submit to one exisitence, the Superman we know in the recent tales is the one from another universe. So parallel worlds collide, even with the Final Crisis making things even worse (the dead heroes battle over protecting the stars, and Batman actually dies)

Getting the bizarre tales out of the way, Superman has been through tons of intense tales. Some amazing, and some that left us scratching our heads. We were lucky enough to receive Smallville in a ten year run that dazzled viewers with the origins of Kal-El’s misadventures of being human, and superhuman. It actually pushed DC’s team of writers and artists to go even further. Even some of the most well known names in storytelling took on several episode archs to shape the character into what conceived with their imaginations. (Oh and Doosmday shares an origin tale with Clark, how crazy is that!?)  And to the series finale, when Clark finally dons the suit and cape, stopping Darkseid’s home world from colliding with Earth.

Actions Comics pushed over 900 issues of storytelling, more so than any other publisher in existence. But the most critical decision was to wrap it all up in the most clever way. Doomsday, the big burly alien that took Kal-El off the pages for awhile actually makes a big comeback. From Lex becoming a beyonder, an extension of light and dark, to every one donning the shield taking a stand to protect Earth. This finale is truly a gem, every tale offers a bit of excitement and some shocking moments. Even the cover of the hardbound collection makes you wonder what is on the pages within the book.

Being a longtime Superman and comic book reader, I felt that it offers enough suspense that it could parallel a film being made. Plus there are some bonus tales from various names, including Richard Donner (who directed the first Superman film with Christopher Reeves donning the suit). This is a collection that is worth owning, and reading over again. I cannot imagine a better way to explain this book. I just feel bummed out that DC Comics retweaked Superman all over again. But thanks for the memories.

The Incredible Hulks - Twofer

The Incredible Hulks – Dark Son
Covers issues 612-617
(2011)

Written by Greg Pak with Scott Reed
Art by Tom Ramey, Barry Kitson with Brian Ching

Dark Son covers a lost chapter in the Hulk’s ever changing life. Hiro-Kala is the long lost son of the Worldbreaker during his "exile”.  By using his planet’s core, it channels its energy to give him unknown powers (however they are channeled with Skaar) *Skaar was the firstborn son, where Hiro is the latter. It’s a total eye opener from the lost pages from Planet Hulk.

Along for the ride are some of Bruce’s crew. A-Bomb (Rick Jones), She-Hulk (Jen Walters), Red Hulk (Betty Ross) *resurrected! Last time I read a Hulk tale, was when she died..  Oh and she does not play nice! And Amadeus Cho, genius, and big fan of the Hulk. Lyra (alternate realm) daughter of the Hulk.
Skaar – Hulk’s firstborn son from the Planet Hulk mini-series.

All of these unique characters band together for a cause. To protect their homeworld, and to face any unknown threat even if its family.

The story is really interesting, but most of its opening focuses on Hiro-Kala. A powerful being yet troubled by his father’s reason for leaving him behind. Plus its compelling to see Bruce’s strength as being a leader. But its unique to see a team of Hulk’s band together, and it makes every page worth turning.

The Incredible Hulks – Heart of the Monster
(2011)
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Paul Palletier and Tom Grummett

What if you could wish for anything? Turns out everyone has a wish, but the answer may not be what they want. Its power can channel anything from the universe. Is it really worth it?

It all begins with Betty (now stuck in her Red Hulk form) taking up Tyrannus’s offer to be his significant other. Monica (a scientist from AIM) is also seeking the fountain of youth. But once its tapped, its powers go out of control and anyone who has a wish will find its answer. With Hulk’s family on guard, and the big guy himself near the fountain, anything is possible.

A main highlight of this mini-series is that the Hulk takes the limelight. It becomes a mission where Hulk has to take the reigns over Bruce. And it makes the reader wonder if we might even see Bruce ever again. Along for the ride, Dr. Strange joins the cause to see what can’t be seen. Acting as a guardian, he helps his friends find a way to make things right.

What I enjoy about this tale, is seeing Betty and Bruce work together. Although in their Hulk’d out form most of the story, their powers are the center of the adventure. On the plus side, they come to an understanding of one another that I don’t believe they’ve ever had in the past.

Every page is a treat, and there is much going on, its best to read this one twice (you might have missed something!) And to sum up, this is a Hulk any fan would want to read. 

Batgirl - the Flood

Batgirl –The Flood
DC Comics
(2010/2011) Run

Bryan Q. Miller (Writer)
Art Team 1= (Pencils) Lee Garbett, Pere Perez
Art Team 2= (Inkers) Jonathan Glapion, Richard Friend, Rodney Ramos, Pere Perez, Walden Wong, Trevor Scott
Art Team 3= (Colors) Guy Major
(Letters)Pat Brosseau, Travis Lanham, John J. Hill
(Cover Artist) Stanley “Artgerm” Lau

With a revamped DC Universe, there’s a new Batgirl. Stephanie Brown, inducted by Oracle (Barbra Gordon) thanks to a nod from Tim Drake (Robin III). Now she finds herself challenged by Gotham itself. From old Batman villains, to a few new ones she meets during her run in the night. An old enemy of the Birds of Prey rears its ugly mug, Calculator. But no thanks to fate Wendy (one of the villains kids) joins Oracle’s team. (Not knowing what and who saved her years ago) Plus a new detective joins GCPD, and works with Steph and her friends. (and has his own past to deal with)

So far this sums up the first two issues. But the ongoing tale is about Gotham falling to Calculator’s dark plan, with technology as his connection to the people. It becomes a no brainer on how he manipulates anyone with touch of a keyboard and some code. Odd part is, the code makes everyone turn into zombies, unaware of their surroundings only knowing to take on any hero left standing.

Next up, Clayface shows his handsome face in town, ready to dish some pain. And cause all sorts of trouble for the new Batgirl.

And it turns out that Steph is good friends with Supergirl (Kara). Upon her return from New Krypton, the two become fast friends. But a girl’s night out turns awry, when a certain vampire escapes from a film screen. And its up to these two heroic ladies to save the night.

Best part about this new series is the writing. As always its intense and always on the move. But it doesn’t feel rushed, its balance with action, suspense, and comedy. Plus the art is always something worth looking at every panel, especially with so much going on. And the covers are simply gorgeous, and definitely reflect on what’s happening in each issue.

Only letdown is that its just a few issues, but it leaves so much open to the reader. So much that they can’t wait to see what happens next.