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    A Sleighful Of Making The Grade Reviews! (12-18-05)
     
      Posted on Dec 19, 2005 - 12:53 AM by Admin  
     
     
      Making The Grade



    ‘Twas the weekend before Christmas
    And a large new comic book stack
    Lots of great new releases
    And a few I probably should’ve put back
    A GLX Christmas
    And the latest from Spider-Man: The Other - Evolve Or Die
    The return of Captain Carrot (?!) and X-Factor
    And Ghost Rider hitches a ride
    A sequel to Rann/Thanagar begins with a bang
    While “The City Of Crime” ends with a squeak
    Want to find out which books are naughty and nice?
    Read on to find out which books are Making The Grade this week!

    Super Real #1 (Super Real Graphics.Com) -





    I’m an admitted reality TV junkie. And I have been in a pre-holiday funk because two of my favorite reality shows both came to an end last week: CBS’ “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race”. Luckily, Jason Martin has come to the rescue with Super Real.





    Now, I know what you are thinking…reality TV meets superheroes has been done before in the pages of Todd Nauck’s excellent WildGuard miniseries. That’s true. However, while Nauck’s great concept married the best of classic, old school superheroes with reality TV, Martin’s approach is a little more modern…a little more mature, if you will.





    I think Martin states it best in this debut issue when pointing out that shows like “Survivor” and “The Real World” are separated from other reality shows simply because they show more skin. And that appears to be the approach that Martin will be taking with this new series.





    While this first issue is mainly an introductory, setting-the-stage read, the reader will quickly discover that this Jason Martin character is something unique…something special. The first thing you will notice is Martin’s unique artistic style. I thought it was ironic that Martin features a pinup/variant cover and interview with superstar Josh Howard, since Martin’s style is clearly the brightest, most refreshing art to leap off a comic book page since Howard took the world by storm with the debut of Dead@17. Looking for the next up and coming superstar artist in the industry? Allow me to introduce you to Jason Martin.





    Martin also has a knack for dialogue, which becomes clear in two instances in this issue - the pitch for the Super Real reality series and the hilarious scene between Kityana Bliss and a fellow plane passenger who wishes he was anywhere but sitting next to a talkative spokes model for a “feminine cleansing product.” And through Martin’s superb dialogue and unique stylings, the reader will immediately begin picking their favorite “contestant”…just like I find myself doing on each first episode of “Survivor”! (Go, Holly Hood!)





    To borrow and slightly paraphrase a line from one of my favorite episodes of “Seinfeld” - Super Real #1? It’s real…and it’s spectacular!





    Suggested for mature readers due to strong language.





    Overall grade = A


    _________________________





    GLX-Mas Special (Marvel) -





    Writer Dan Slott puts the “ho, ho, ho” in the holiday with this entertaining one shot filled with good old fashioned superheroics and holiday hilarity.





    Slott runs the reader through a gamut of emotions, and doesn’t always stick with the hilarity. Slott manages to sneak in a touching moment or two involving one of the most laughable teams to ever put on super-tights.





    Consisting of five tales and a “gift” from Flatman, these stories are all tied together into one larger story that finds the true League of Losers gathering for a holiday celebration. Not as dark-humored as the previous GLA miniseries, Slott keeps the reader laughing and - yes, at times - near tears.





    Special notice should be given to the excellent Doorman story, “Working Holiday.” Following the events of GLA Misassembled, Doorman has assumed a new role in the Marvel Universe. This role brings about a chilling and heart-wrenching father/son Christmas reunion.





    Want more holiday heart-string-tuggers? Check out the very touching Mr. Immortal story, “Days Of X-Mas Past.” In this tale, Slott takes us back in time to show how Immortal and Dinah Soar became a couple, and how the loss of Dinah hits him especially hard at Christmas time.





    Elsewhere, Slott endears the GLA/GLX’s newest member, Squirrel Girl, to the reader. Not only does Slott give us a heaping holiday helping of this happy, go-lucky new member, he also shows us that there is much more to Squirrel Girl than meets the eye. Would you believe that Squirrel Girl may very well be one of the most powerful superheroes in the entire Marvel Universe?! Well, Slott will make you a believer!





    Hilarity ensues in the forms of attacking Christmas trees, the return…and loss AGAIN…of the cool would-be hero Grasshopper and a little “squirrel on squirrel” action with Squirrel Girl’s new sidekick, Tippy Toe.





    If you have a Comic Fanatic on your Christmas list, this one makes the perfect stocking stuffer!





    Suggested for readers 9 and up.





    Overall grade = A+


    ____________________________





    Green Arrow #57 (DC) -





    I became a fan of writer Judd Winick’s work during his stint on DC’s other green book, Green Lantern. However, over the course of this year, I have come to believe that some of Winick’s best work can be found within the pages of this book. And it appears Winick is just warming up, with no intention of slowing down.





    Dr. Light has come to the Team Green’s headquarters, seeking retribution for his mind-wipe at the hands of the Justice League. Winick leads the reader to believe that Light’s plan is a simple case of striking back at Oliver Queen’s loved ones. However, we discover in this issue that there is much more to Light’s sinister plan!





    Apparently, Light’s trip to Team Green’s headquarters was nothing more than a trap set for Ollie himself. Once Ollie arrives, Light springs the trap, making off with Green Arrow and leaving one of Team Green on death’s doorstep, with no way to get help in time! It’s then that Ollie discovers two key, hidden components of Light’s plan - he’s not alone in his plot…and Team Green may not live to see how this one plays out!





    Winick delivers one of the best superhero page turners that I have read in awhile, beautifully brought to life by an artist who excels at the breakneck-paced story, Ron Garney. The only complaint that I had about this issue? On the cover, the words “The Shocking Conclusion” are there for all to see. By the last page of this issue, it becomes clear that you should be seeing three different words - “To Be Continued!”





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.





    Overall grade = A (Half point deducted for leading me to believe that the storyline ends here…)


    __________________________





    Ultimate Iron Man #5 (Marvel) -





    What is the deal with Iron Man? This is - and has been for years - one of my favorite characters in all of Comicdom, and - aside from New Avengers and The Ultimates 2 - Iron Man has become a doormat in the Marvel Universe.





    Think about it. How many issues of the “new and improved” Iron Man series have we seen since it was launched? So much for improvement, when it takes months and months just to get a new issue on the shelves. Once I realized that situation wasn’t going to improve until the current creative team wrapped up their initial storyline, I took solace in the fact that an Ultimate Iron Man series/series of miniseries would be readily available to read instead.





    Oops. Here we go again.





    Is it a hidden policy that if Iron Man gets his own series or miniseries - aside from House Of M - that it must ship ridiculously late? To be honest about it, I really had forgotten that this miniseries was still going on. And when this issue did arrive, I sure as heck didn’t remember what happened in the previous issue. Thank you Marvel for the recap page. It was definitely used here.





    I wish I could tell you that this issue was worth the wait, but rarely are delayed books worth the wait when fans end up with a sour taste in the mouths and grow more frustrated with each passing Comic Book Wednesday that said book doesn’t land on the shelves.





    The art is nice. In fact, it’s doubly nice, since Andy Kubert supplies the art for the first part of the book, and the always dependable Mark Bagley illustrates the second half of the book.





    The story? It would have been better, if not for the fact that Orson Scott Card reels you in with everything from the beginning of Tony Stark’s problems with alcohol to a surprise attack on Tony as he dons the Iron Man armor for one of the first times in public. Who attacked Tony and why? Is Tony okay? Will Tony order a double to ease his pain? The reader is left with all of these questions and more, which would be a good point for a “To Be Continued Next Month In Ultimate Iron Man #6.” However, the last page leaves you hanging, then on the would-be letters page we are informed that this is the end of the first Ultimate Iron Man miniseries, and a new one will be on the way sometime in 2006.





    At this point, I have already decided to pick up only one Iron Man series/miniseries in 2006. Make it whichever comes out first - Iron Man or Ultimate Iron Man 2. Let the race begin…





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.





    Overall grade = C-


    ____________________________





    Nightwing #115 (DC) -





    I have been a fan of writer Devin Grayson’s work for years, especially when it came to this title. However, I will admit to being a little disappointed when Grayson took this title into its current direction, with Nightwing “turning bad guy.” Now? Grayson is delivering the big payoff!





    While trying to prove he has gone over to the dark side, Nightwing has donned a new costume and the new identity of Renegade. To further prove his case, Nightwing has agreed to train Deathstroke’s daughter, the new Ravager. In this issue, that decision comes to a head in a big way!





    Unbeknownst to Nightwing, Deathstroke has devised a plan to do away with one of Dick Grayson’s superhero friends, while Dick is working with Ravager. Secreting a bit of Kryptonite in a surprising place, Deathstroke lays the perfect trap for Superman, and Nightwing unknowingly has a big hand it the plan.





    When all is said and done, the stage is set for Grayson to take this title into yet another direction. That is, if Deathstroke is willing to let bygones be bygones…and we all know how easy going Slade Wilson is…





    Suggested for readers 9 and up due to violence.





    Overall grade = B+


    _____________________________





    Marvel Knights Spider-Man #21 (Marvel) -





    Okay. If you haven’t been reading each chapter of “The Other - Evolve Or Die”, you might want to skip this review. In order to review this stunning latest chapter of this storyline, I will have to deliver the big spoiler from the previous chapter of “The Other: Evolve Or Die.”





    Last chance.





    Still with me?





    Okay…here goes…Spider-Man is dead. Breathing challenged. Getting his mail from the dirt people. D-E-A-D. I kid you not.





    As a lifelong Spider-Man fan, I am still in shock. And after reading this issue, writer J. Michael Straczynski has left me reeling!





    Following a colossal battle with Morlun, Spider-Man was left to die. With no hope of recovery, Spider-Man was destined to live out his last moments in a hospital bed…until Morlun showed up to finish what he started. When Morlun turned his attention to Mary Jane, Peter Parker used his last remaining energy - and some surprising, shocking new powers - to put an end to Morlun…at the cost of his own life.





    JMS takes the reader on a harrowing, emotional roller coaster ride in this issue. I’m celebrating my 7th annual 29th birthday this week, and JMS had me tearing up like a little girl on several occasions in this issue. From the scenes between MJ and Aunt May and those between Captain America and May, I don’t think I have ever read a more emotional, tear-jerking comic book…ever!





    And JMS isn’t content with just making the reader sad. MJ’s encounter with Wolverine will make you see red, and I’m not talking about MJ’s hair! Then there’s that harrowing bit I mentioned…





    I practically choked up in grotesque shock when Tony Stark revealed to MJ what the heroes did when another hero died, in order to protect their families. The only thing more shocking? What happens near the end of this issue with Peter’s corpse…





    Congratulations, Marvel. You’ve managed to do something that I never thought could be done again. For the first time in over 15 years, Marvel has me counting down the days until the next Comic Book Wednesday and the next chapter in this epic storyline!





    Only two complaints with this issue, the first of which is the art. Pat Lee illustrates incredible robots, but his human characters leave a lot to be desired. I can’t imagine what kind of emotional impact this story would have held if the art would have conveyed that emotion a lot better.





    The other complaint? I could have sworn in the previous chapter that Morlun snapped Mary Jane’s arm. However, in this issue…no cast, no splint…not even a band-aid!





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to subject matter, language and a harrowing scene involving Peter’s corpse.





    Overall grade = A-


    _______________________________





    Detective Comics #814 (DC) -





    Short and sweet. The two best things I can say about this issue? Ramon Bachs’ art is amazing…and David Lapham’s “City Of Crime” is at last over!





    “City Of Crime” has been a year-long non-event that should have been wrapped up in four issues tops, and should never have appeared in the pages of Detective Comics. This pre-War Games tale was tailor-made for the pages of Legends Of The Dark Knight or a stand alone miniseries that I could have ignored, not the once interesting and readable Detective Comics, of which I have every issue since Detective Comics #596.





    Letting the reader know ahead of time that this was a pre-War Games tale pretty much guaranteed that anything that happened within these pages couldn’t be too important, since this story hasn’t been reflected anywhere else in the present day. So rest assured, unless you were like me and buying this to keep a run intact, you haven’t missed anything if you have avoided this confusing, depressing train wreck.





    When a twelve issue storyline seems twice as long and leaves you begging each month that THIS month it is over, there’s something very wrong.





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.





    Overall grade = D (“D” for disaster…and “D” for “Dang, I’m glad this is over!”)


    ______________________________





    Ghost Rider #4 (Marvel) -





    Just when this miniseries was picking up speed, this issue hits a speedbump. In fact, this issue could’ve be renamed Ghost Hitcher…since the Rider doesn’t ride his bike, but rather hitches a ride with Hoss!





    I guess if I wasn’t such a fan of Ghost Rider, I wouldn’t be so particular. But this is a character I love…so to see such out of character behavior…well, it sets my head ablaze!





    The Ghost Rider we all know and love is able to generate his bike from hellfire. If the bike is destroyed, Ghost Rider simply whips up another one. However, Garth Ennis’ Ghost Rider has an actual bike…you know, metal and all. So, when the archangel Ruth bike-jacks Ghost Rider, he has no way to catch up to her…so he has to hitch a ride with Hoss and Buttview. I can’t believe I just wrote that…





    This issue’s ending is promising for the next chapter, and Ruth is a character I really like…I just didn’t buy this expecting a Ruth story…nor a Ghost Hitcher.





    Enough can’t be said about Clayton Crain’s art. Crain’s art is the definite star of this issue, and I still love the eerie visual of the flaming skull hovering just above Ghost Rider’s shoulders. Now, if the story would step up and match the incredible art.





    On a side note, my comic book guy snagged me one of the Marvel Legends Vengeance figures this week. Not only did that figure make me miss the cool villains of previous Ghost Rider comic books, the enclosed comic book made me wish that Howard Mackie was still writing ANY Ghost Rider in a regular series again. That was good reading. This book? Not quite.





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.





    Overall grade = C-


    __________________________





    Purgatori #2 (Devil’s Due Publishing/Chaos! Comics) -





    Two issues in and Purgatori has been one of the more surprising books of 2005. While I never cared about nor read any of the previous Chaos! Purgatori comic books, this resurrection has been very addictive and highly entertaining.





    Writer Robert Rodi has given this assumed eye candy read tons of substance, and in this issue we are treated to the origin of the sexy vampire known as Purgatori. Rodi’s story reads like a grand historical big screen epic, steeped in sensuality and betrayal…all culminating with a hefty dash of horror.





    Think you know Purgatori? Think again! Rodi takes this should-be villainess and actually makes the reader feel true sympathy for her. Factor in the amazing art of Cliff Richards and cover artist Alex Horley, and it’s easy to see that this is another issue that Chaos! can feel confident that their money back guarantee won’t be used on!





    Suggested for mature readers due to nudity, sensuality and language.





    Overall grade = B


    ___________________________





    Secret War Book Five (Marvel) -





    One of the best kept secrets in Comicdom? Not Nick Fury’s private war…but rather if this final issue would EVER see the light of day! Well, that day has finally arrived. Worth the wait? Well…kinda.





    Again, Marvel…thanks for the recap page. After all these months, it was desperately needed.





    This is the issue where Nick Fury has to come clean to his private army about the “secret war” he used them in, before wiping their minds. With this setup, writer Brian Michael Bendis casts Fury in one of his more unfavorable lights, making the hero come across as a real villain. However, it’s what Bendis does with a new character that almost made this issue worth the wait.





    Eighteen year old S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Daisy Johnson steals the show in this issue on so many levels. This is a young gal who can go toe to toe with the Marvel Universe’s finest - including Wolverine - and come out on top! This is a new character that I want to see more of, and judging by the end of this issue…I might just get my wish. I just hope I don’t have to wait a year or more to do so…





    The art is perhaps the most stunning superhero art that I have seen since Alex Ross. Gabriele Dell’otto is an incredible talent with an amazing knack for illustrating lifelike characters. This issue was worth the price of admission just for the art alone. Bendis’ excellent concluding chapter was just an added bonus!





    The only problem that I had with this issue - aside from another ridiculous wait - was wondering how this issue fits into the Marvel Universe now. After reading this issue, the reader is led to believe that we have seen the last of Nick Fury and that S.H.I.E.L.D. is finished with him forever…however, Fury seems to be up to his old tricks WITH S.H.I.E.L.D. in recent pages of Incredible Hulk…





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.





    Overall grade = B+


    _______________________________





    Hawkman #47 (DC) -





    I may be in the minority, but I really enjoyed the Rann/Thanagar War miniseries. I didn’t go online and whine and moan about silly dialogue and the such, and just enjoyed the miniseries for what it was - a really good sci-fi/superhero/cosmic comic book. Well, if you are like me and enjoyed Rann/Thanagar War, you are going to love this issue of Hawkman, which is quite simply a sequel to that superb miniseries.





    Even if you didn’t read Rann/Thanagar war, writer Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti provide a very handy, easy to understand first page recap of the war up to this point. From there…hang on to your heart!





    Gray and Palmiotti deliver one of the best examples of just how powerful Hawkman truly is when Carter Hall goes up against thousands of Gordanians alone…and makes it look like a piece of cake! However, the biggest shocker in this issue occurs when Carter goes head to head with the leader of the Thanagarian forces…a shocking character assumed to be dead and gone by Carter and readers alike!





    And the surprises don’t end there! Gray and Palmiotti deliver several surprising scenes, and an ending that will leave you counting down the days until the next issue! And it’s all brought to life in epic style by artist Chris Batista! Crisis collectors, don’t let this one slip by!





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.





    Overall grade = A+


    ______________________________





    X-Factor #1 (Marvel) -





    Well, here’s the book of the week! This is one I have been greatly anticipating since news broke that writer Peter David would be bringing back X-Factor in an all new series. I’m proud to say that this book not only met my expectations…it surpassed them!





    I am a big X-Factor fan from way back. Aside from my complete-except-for-the-final-issue-which-was-never-released run of the second volume of Ghost Rider, the other shining gem in my massive collection is a complete run of X-Factor. While I loved the original X-Factor team and their adventures, I had a special affinity for the new X-Factor lineup that David introduced. David created a special kind of magic with that eclectic lineup…a magic that is recaptured and even improved on in this debut issue.





    Spinning out of the events of the Madrox miniseries, the Multiple Man has set up a new team, working as detectives. Familiar faces like Guido, Siryn and Rahne all show up, as does a now-powerless, well-known mutant. Also making an appearance, a mysterious character from House Of M!





    While the characters can only carry a story so far, David begins this series with a bang. Already we have a mystery, and then there’s the ending that just left me slack-jawed! This is an ending that will bring you back for the next issue, and it sets the tone for this book in a big way…expect the unexpected!





    David’s incredible tale is brought to stunning life via the art of Ryan Sook. I have been a fan of Sook’s art for years, and rarely has it looked better than in this very issue…especially Siryn, a character who nearly steals the show on her own thanks to Sook’s art and David’s story, which reveals more about her powers.





    X-Factor #1 is easily the X-book of 2005! Here’s to 2006!





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.





    Overall grade = A+


    _____________________________





    Evil Ernie In Santa Fe #3 (Devil’s Due/Chaos! Comics) -





    Imagine Freddy Krueger with the near-innocent mind of a teenager, believing all that he does is good and taking the advice of an evil, talking button on his leather jacket! Imagine a being like that, and you’ve got an inkling of what to expect from Evil Ernie.





    Writer Alan Grant continues to lay out the latest adventure of everyone’s favorite, zombie-raising serial killer as Ernie rolls into Santa Fe and a whole new world of trouble...for Santa Fe AND Ernie!





    Grant could’ve gone the easy route and just given us a tale of Ernie mindlessly slaughtering dozens of people, and it would have been a hit. However, Grant actually manages to make the reader care for Ernie, and gives what would normally be mindless slaughter a true direction and meaning.





    Before this issue is over, Grant reminds the reader that Ernie is first and foremost a horror-based character. Check out the next to last page! Grant and artist Tommy Castillo deliver a gruesome scene that screams big screen shockfest, right up there with any “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” or Rob Zombie horror flick!





    Suggested for mature readers due to language, violence and gore.





    Overall grade = B+


    ___________________________





    What If: Wolverine (Marvel) -





    Let me state right up front that I am not a fan of the whole gangster genre. Aside from the excellent movie “The Untouchables”, those types of stories hold no interest for me whatsoever. So I thoroughly expected to be disappointed with this particular What If…but that disappointment never came.





    Current Wolverine writer Daniel Way shows readers immediately that he knows this character, even though this story takes place in an alternate reality. Way finds a way to make this What If actually tie in to the epic Origin, which revealed the true history of Wolverine.





    Without giving too much away, Way surprises me by taking this story in an unexpected direction. Logan goes to Chicago in search of revenge against Scarface, only to discover this villain is someone he knows all too well. Before all is said and done, this reality’s Wolverine is set on a path that doesn’t resemble the Marvel Universe’s Logan, but rather the path of another vigilante who lives to…punish evildoers!





    As with the What If: Captain America, Marvel once again delivers an impressive artistic talent to compliment the story. Jon Proctor’s work in this issue is nothing short of phenomenal, and I can’t wait to see more!





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to violence and language.





    Overall grade = A


    _____________________________





    Action Comics #834 (DC) -





    Short and sweet. This was a total waste of $2.50, and a total waste of my time. Twenty minutes of my life that I will never get back.





    The good? John Byrne’s art. I can’t even complain about a Jimmy Olsen who looks 12 years old, since he doesn’t appear in this issue. Byrne delivers a great looking comic from beginning to end. Too bad the same can’t be said for the story.





    The Queen of Fables makes an un-requested encore in this issue. DC should change her name from the Queen of Fables to the Queen of Bedtime Stories, since this issue dang near put me to sleep!





    Usually in the midst of a massive crossover like Infinite Crisis, it’s refreshing to take a break from those events for a totally unrelated tale. Not the case here. This issue had me begging for an OMAC, a Rann, a Thanagar, Detective Chimp, or anything other than what was actually in this book.





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to violence.





    Overall grade = D+ (Only grading that high for Byrne’s art…)


    _____________________________





    Son Of M #1 (Marvel) -





    I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book, but it sure wasn’t what writer David Hine and artist Roy Allan Martinez delivered. This surprising book has huge sleeper hit potential, and an unpredictable future.





    After the events of House Of M, the true villain behind it all now finds himself powerless. No longer a mutant speedster, Quicksilver spends his days drinking and wondering where his missing sister has gone and why she has taken away his powers. Pietro Maximoff has a whole new world of misery breathing down his neck when someone who remembers all of the House Of M events comes calling, looking for revenge!





    Hine delivers a tale that is depressing, yet intriguing enough that you can’t look away. Writer Peter David first gave Comic Fanatics incredible insight to the inner thinking of Quicksilver during his first stint on X-Factor. Now, Hine comes along and does an excellent job of letting the reader inside the head of a powerless Quicksilver…and it’s not a pretty picture.





    Hine delivers such a powerful tale, that it becomes a toss up. At times, you will hate Quicksilver for what he has done, while at others you will feel his pain and guilt. When this issue’s guest star showed up, looking for revenge…I wasn’t sure who to cheer for. But Hine delivered an ending that guarantees that I will be here for the next issue to see what is next for the true mind behind the House Of M.





    Martinez delivers a gorgeous issue filled with some of the most incredible detail ever put to a comic book panel. And Martinez’s take on Quicksilver’s estranged wife Crystal is just stunning!!





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to violence.





    Overall grade = A


    ______________________________





    Teen Titans #30 (DC) -





    Writer Geoff Johns delivers another incredible chapter in the life of the Teen Titans. Artist Tony S. Daniel illustrates an incredible looking comic book. But you know what most Comic Fanatics will be talking about here? The bizarre return of Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew. I kid you not!





    To Captain Carrot first…I haven’t got a clue what the Captain and the Zoo Crew have to do with this issue. I never read Captain Carrot way back when, so I never cared to see his return. It was cute, but I didn’t necessarily buy this book for cute. So…the whole Captain Carrot thing was lost on me, and nothing more than a distraction to the excellent main story.





    As for that story, Brother Blood is back…and he has brought with him the familiar face of a once dead Titan. In case you haven’t noticed, a door between the land of the dead and living is open, and has allowed such folks as Superman, Green Arrow, Hal Jordan and Jason Todd to return to life. While they aren’t sure who has been holding this door open, the Titans realize that they have to close that door and soon! However, the Titans don’t get that door closed before Brother Blood shows up with his very own surprising Titans West! And wait until you see who is on the roster!





    While it doesn’t say so on the cover, this issue is heavily involved with Infinite Crisis. And if what Johns leads us to believe in this issue is true, this issue begins to explain a long line of dead characters returning to life in the DC Universe over the past several years. Big things are coming…and it all starts here!





    Suggested for teen readers and up due to language and violence.





    Overall grade = B- (Points deducted for Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew…)
     
     
     
     
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