Week of December 14th

Green Lantern # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Geoff Johns, Artist: Doug Mahnke, Colorists: Alex Sinclair, Inkers: Christian Alamy & Keith Champagne, Letterer: Sal Cipriano, Editor: Brian Cunningham

All-Star Summary for Choice: This book has been hot since issue one. The very idea of Sinestro, arguably the strongest ring wielder ever, being a Green Lantern again...and not by choice is simply brilliant. Add to this the fact that he strung along his greatest adversary, Hal Jordan, into a situation that is impossible at best and you have a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The art of Doug Mahnke is spectacular and the colors of Alex Sinclair are not only awesome...but so important in a book like this that bulks up on color simply by being what it is.

His former corps hates him, his people hate him, Hal Jordan hates him....and all he is trying to do is save his planet. Being a “good guy” has never been harder or more exciting than it is in this book.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “As a Green Lantern it was my duty to reshape this world.”

Grifter # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Nathan Edmondson, Artist: Scott Clark, Colorists: Andrew Dalhouse, Inker: Dave Beaty, Letterer: Wes Abbot, Editor: Bobbi Chase

All-Star Summary for Choice: I’ve been a fan of the Grifter character since the days of the WildC.A.T.S. and I was excited that he was chosen as part of the new “52” lineup. With so many of the “52” books suffering from poor art, I was pleased that this title wasn’t one of them. This particular book was fanboy eye-candy with a very nice fight between Grifter and Green Arrow (another great book by the way). I’m a huge fan of cover-to-cover superhero fights, and although this one didn’t extend that far...it came close enough and showcased both the skills and subtleties of both characters, without diminishing either. Into the fights...? Then grab this book and enjoy the show.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Regardless of how good you are, you sometimes get surprised.”

Seven Warriors # 2

Company: Boom Studios

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Michael Le Galli, Artist: Francis Manapul, Colorists: Christelle Moulart, Letterer: Deron Bennett, Editor: David Chauvel

All-Star Summary for Choice: This is issue number two of a three issue series, so I’m sad it’s almost over. Seven deadly warriors (now where have I heard that before) must escort a prince to safety to save a nation. Set in ancient times, they must battle Persians and Byzantines, among others, against impossible odds. I love this kinda stuff! Anyone that is a fan of “300”, “Troy” or “Immortals” will absolutely love the presentation and carnage in this book. The best part is that our heroes aren’t invincible...just top notch at what they do, as evidenced by the two that don’t make it through this book. Did I say that was the best part? I meant the second best part. The best part is that the seven warriors are all beautiful women...with very sharp swords!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Demetria strike me down!”

Avengers Sanction # 1

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jeph Loeb, Artist: Ed McGuinness, Colorists: Morry Hollowell, Inker: Dexter Vines, Letterer: Comicraft’s A. Deschesne, Editor: Tom Brevoort

All-Star Summary for Choice: I can sum up why this book is cool in four words: the return of Cable. Ok, the art is fantastic as well, but anyone not familiar with Cable needs to get to know him. He’s back and he’s hunting the Avengers. I feel sorry for the Avengers. A routine takedown of some second rate super villains turns into anything but after Cable steps on the scene...and the Avengers start dropping like...well, like flies. I’m telling you, but trust me, you have to see it for yourself. Cable going toe-to-toe with Captain America...? Priceless.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I’m coming after every, single one of you.”

Suicide Squad # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Adam Glass, Artist: Federico Dalloccio, Colorists: Val Staples, Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher, Editor: Pat McCallum

All-Star Summary for Choice: I’ve been a fan of the Suicide Squad from day one (for me that was Legends # 3). The idea of villains forced to work for the government on “suicide” missions was a throw back to “Mission Impossible”, but with a twist. It soon turned into a dumping ground for forgotten heroes and villains as a place to make them useful before killing the character off.

Now...it’s still pretty much the same, except the art is extraordinary and there is tremendous effort put into character development, just so I get pissed when they kill off a character I like. This book has the Squad doing what they do best...killing other bad guys while doing the bidding of Amanda Waller. The “business as usual” betrayal and double cross” in this book is fantastic as we witness plans “B” and “C” while never expecting that we are really still on plan “A.” I expect nothing less when you put Captain Boomerang and Deadshot in the same book...and tell them to behave (yeah right).

All-Star Quote of the Book: “He was Plan B. A gift from my employers for when you let us leave with Dr. Visyak.”