Superman & The Authority #1 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

 

For the Man of Steel, it is a difficult task to maintain truth and justice in a world that proceeds to become more challenging and bleak. To combat the coming threats that plague the world, Superman will have to assemble a team that can tackle the kinds of battles that the Justice League can not. Can Superman prove that heroes can still be heroes within a dark world? And will the heroes assembled cooperate with Superman and his mission?

Morrison’s latest project featuring Superman in the same space as the Authority is fascinating. Morrison has written various interpretations of the Man of Steel, within Justice League, in standalone continuity such as All-Star Superman, so what else can Morrison do with Superman that will be different? Where else can Morrison take him that shows Superman in a different light? Just when readers think they’ve seen it all, Morrison does something that he hasn’t done in any of his previous efforts, which is writing an aging Superman that has lived in real-time with the rest of the world. To some degree, this iteration of Superman feels like a combination of Waid’s Kingdom Come Superman, combined with All-Star. In a decade full of constant evil Superman stories, it’s a joy to have a Superman book that deviates from that sort of expectation and examine Superman under different conditions that displays why he is great as a character beyond his powers. This is a Superman that is experienced and has remained in the game since the 1960s, so he is seasoned, and still an idealist, but understands that his methods may not always apply to the difficulties of modern times. Which isn’t often seen in a book such as this, making this a refreshing read.

Aside from this different take on Superman, Morrison also returns to get another shot at writing The Authority, which he never had the chance to finish during his tenure at Wildstorm. To see this iteration of The Authority is fun and feels more in line with the original Authority rather than the Wildstorm (2017) series. Morrison’s take on Manchester Black is much in line with the character’s personality in previous appearances, and made me realize that it would be great to see Black and John Constantine in a book together because he is very similar to Constantine but very much different in his own right, making him a great foil character to the Man of Steel.

Black reflects the modern cynicism of the current generation that perfectly rivals the idealism of Superman, making them a more compelling duo than Batman and Superman. Despite their different methods and philosophies, one thing is certain, Black and Superman both desire to make the world a better place, and with a story such as this, it most certainly delivers in providing a story that feels evergreen, and fun while also providing food for thought all at once. Aside from the heroes, the antagonists for this book are interesting since they’re characters from the DC universe, but with a flair that is surprisingly fitting for a book such as this. Without giving much away, the villains selected are

Mike Janin is the illustrator of this 4 issue mini-series, and his style fits the tone of this story perfectly. Janin has established himself in previous projects such as Grayson, and the Tom King Batman run, so to see him illustrate a project such as this is a treat. His ability to compose action sequences and set pieces is nothing short of great, but his ability to draw mundane scenery and interactions is what makes this book shine. In addition to the thoughtful color work of Jordie Bellaire, and lettering by Steve Wands, it not only compliments Janin’s layouts, which delivers all the fun and insanity that a limited series such as this should have. This is a solid creative team that has been put together, and the concept is one that has the potential to be the kind that will be talked about as an evergreen story to come.

I definitely enjoyed this first issue and can’t recommend this book enough. For anyone that’s interested in reading a Superman book where he isn’t turning evil and is trying to find new ways to help an ever-changing world, this standalone story is for you. For anyone looking for a successor to the classic iteration of The authority, this book is for you. For anyone that is looking for a book that is standalone and offers a thought-provoking take on superheroes trying to find their place despite the clash of ideology and methods, or an observation of modern society and the possible direction that they could head as a whole, this book is for you. For a 4 issue mini-series that’s 38 pages deep, I definitely recommend picking this book up for new comic book day. I look forward to checking out the following issue.

Black Hammer: Reborn #1 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

 A new Black Hammer series begins! The story follows 20 years after Age of Doom, where Lucy Weber, daughter of the original Black Hammer, has retired as a superhero. Lucy works a mundane job, is a mother, and does her best to keep up this lifestyle as everything else in her personal life falls apart. The era of Super-Heroes is over, where agencies such as T.R.I.D.E.N.T take care of all the nefarious occurrences of supernatural events and supervillains. But something from 20 years ago haunts Lucy and is making its way back to the present. Now Lucy is left with a question to herself: What will she do to preserve the peace that she has long sought for her life?

If anyone is unfamiliar with the previous efforts of Black Hammer, have no fear as Jeff Lemeire expertly sums up all that you need to know about Black Hammer through this great character study of a story. It’s interesting to see characters age and change, and given that Lemeire has been steering this ship of a series that he co-created, it’s refreshing to see how he accomplishes taking characters that he has co-created, and taking them in places that provide as much mystery and intrigue as to where they might end up next. For new readers, this is a very reader-friendly book that drops you in and gives you all that you need to know about Lucy and the world of Black Hammer. Lemeire is no stranger to writing character-driven stories and in this tale, seeing Lucy as a mother compared to what she once was as a teenage superhero is quite a contrast. It’s obvious that Lucy is trying to grasp at anything that bears a semblance to a normal life, while also trying to avoid what once was in her previous life as a superhero. It’s not often that superhero comics get to explore characters that age in real-time, and it’s refreshing to see Lemeire take that approach. Something about this book reminds me of Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen’s Superman: Secret Identity, and if you like that book, you may enjoy this one.

Caitlin Yarsky lends her visual talents to the world of Black Hammer and it shows wonderfully in this book that she was the perfect person for this assignment. Yarsky has a great ability to combine the fantastical with the mundane in ways that feel real to readers. While she is able to draw visually stunning action scenes, it’s the mundane segments of Lucy trying to hold on to her newly accustomed lifestyle that grabs interest. Coupled with Dave Stewart’s greatly rendered colorwork, and Nate Piekos lettering, you get a beautifully packaged book that is worth the price of purchase. It’s a solid book that’s both entry-level for new readers, but also rewarding for long-time readers of this series and its spin-offs. I recommend adding this to your pull list for new comic book day.

Justice League: Last Ride #3 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

 

The League is in a tight spot as they attempt to protect a killer from the rest of the forces from across the universe. Left with no other options, they resort to returning to the scene of their greatest defeat, Apokolips. Now that the planet is a shadow of its former self, it may prove to be the path of success for the League, but all is not what it seems. 

Writing: Zdarsky brings the league to the barren parts of Apokolips and what makes this issue great, is due to the constant chemistry between each of the league members as they discuss, plan, and traverse through their quest. Each of the members are written as they should be in personality, which provides the main thing that this book delivers, which is, character. The story is great, the journey that the League is navigating is great, but it’s the interplay between the characters that keeps investment to want to come back and read for each installment that Zdarsky writes.

The little moments such as the campfire scene really makes this book stand out, and shows how much Zdarsky understands the league and the importance of characters that you want to invest in beyond their iconic status in pop culture and mythology. Personally, Wonder Woman is a standout in this book, her personality feels more well-rounded as a character that has a sense of humor despite being a warrior. How she’s written, makes me wonder what it would be like if Zdarsky wrote a solo Wonder Woman mini-series.

Art: Mendonca continues to deliver in the art department with dynamic art and layouts that make even the quiet moments grand in design and aesthetic. Coupled with Angiolini’s colorwork, they continue to make the book shine in the same fashion as Zdarsky’s stellar writing. Andsworld Design provides great lettering that is well placed, servicing the book as the cohesive glue of art and writing, making the book an easy and enjoyable read to run through.

It’s safe to say that this is another great issue and continues to be an engaging story about characters pitted against the universe. I feel that this book will be one of those evergreen stories that will be recommended as good trades to add to one’s library in the years to come. If you’re looking for a good justice league book or a book that’s telling a self-contained story, be it in or outside of continuity, this is definitely a book worth picking up and adding to your pull list this new comic book day.

Batman Reptilian #1 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

 

Gotham City is known for housing a slew of criminals and monsters that strike fear in all who roam its streets. Batman has always been the bogeyman of these monsters, but this time, something else has the criminal element in fear. Something is killing the Batman’s rogues gallery, and it’s only a matter of time until they’re all dead. Who is causing all of this and why? Can Batman solve this mystery before he becomes part of the menu?

Garth Ennis writing a Batman book is something not many would think could happen, especially after so many years since he last worked with DC on titles such as his iconic Hellblazer, Preacher, and Hitman titles. Whether you love or hate his work, his ability to write stories on characters with a unique perspective is a craft that can’t be ignored, and this book is no exception! As soon as the first page appears, Ennis goes right for the punch, literally. The story is a murder mystery drenched in bits of horror as Batman investigates the death of two rogues caused by an unknown assailant. It’s gripping, and atmospheric, where everything feels like it will fall apart at the drop of a dime. And given that this is a stand-alone story, this leaves room for Ennis to do whatever he likes for the sake of the story, which makes it all the more enjoyable. His take on Batman is interesting and is one that hasn’t been seen in a long time.

Batman is intimidating, never seen in a heroic light, always drenched in shadow, but has a sharp, witty sense of dry humor that gives him personality. It’s very much Batman, but more intimidating and eerie as this Batman isn’t opposed to striking fear in the heart of the criminal element any chance he can get. And no, this isn’t some edge lord take on Batman, thankfully. This is a Batman story that feels as though it could easily take place in the world of David Fincher’s Seven (1995). Ennis nails Batman’s mythic nature as a boogeyman to the criminal element while maintaining the fact that he’s just a man. Of the many characters that Ennis has written, this Batman might be the most interesting that he has ever graced his writing with.

Liam Sharp combines everything that he learned during his Green Lantern run with Grant Morrison and goes for an atmospheric style that can only be compared to the likes of Dave Mckean. He is a versatile artist, and even though this book is a standalone book, it feels like it could easily fit into the world of Morrison and Mckean’s Arkham Asylum. Gotham looks scummy, always in a foggy haze, and all of the characters and their designs range from terrifying to visually abstract in the best ways possible, that haven’t been seen since Arkham Asylum.

Seeing a book like this again reminds me of the late 80 to mid-90s, where artists such as Simon Bisley, Sam Keith, Kelley Jones, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Dave Mckean would break the rules of what comics should look like, giving readers a visual experience that made comics worthwhile as a medium. It harkens to a time where comics weren’t always beholden to the house style, where everything and any character can be depicted however the writer & artist deemed fit for the story that they’re aiming to tell.

Sharp really delivers in visually creating a world that feels mythic, and nightmarishly lived in, giving Gotham as much character as the players within it. His sequential work is well done and shows that Sharp has more to offer as a penciler and colorist than ever before. Rob Steen’s lettering is tight and seamlessly weaves the art and writing together, providing a great reading experience. If this is any indication, this is a great start to this six-issue mini-series and is a worthwhile book to pick up. It has two powerhouse talents, and a fantastic start to an interesting murder mystery that is worth adding to your pull list.

Static: Season One #1 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr

 

The Milestone Universe returns with a new line of books featuring modern updates and revamps of their iconic characters. One of the biggest books to come out is one of the greatest Dwayne Mcduffie creations of all, Static!

After the events of Milestone Returns, Virgil Hawkins is trying to come to grips with his powers due to the side effects of the tear gas that he was exposed to at a protest rally. Not only has he gained these newfound powers, but others with ill intent have also gained abilities due to the same event. Virgil has to do something, but what can he do? Maybe he can’t right the wrongs as Virgil, but maybe, he can defend those who can’t defend themselves as Static!

Writing: Vita Ayala handles the writing on this book and does an amazing job at getting inside the mind of a modern-day iteration of Virgil Hawkins. This is a kid who is frustrated by the lack of accountability and transparency by those that are supposed to protect and serve the people of Dakota. To have experienced an event such as the Big Bang, and gain these powers, with no other means to vent nor process these newfound abilities. Just when readers might question whether or not Virgil had exposed himself using his abilities, Ayala thought very carefully about how his abilities can affect technology and electronic devices, which adds plausibility to Virgil’s need for anonymity. From the narrative, introspection, drama, and story, Ayala wastes no time and introduces all the players within this series, giving the cast personality reminiscent to what came before, with modern updates that open the door for new territory that hasn’t been explored in the original milestone books.

In regards to the art department, The artists on this book made sure to give their very best for a title such as this. Chris Cross and Nikolas Draper-Ivey give new life to Static, giving the book a visual charge that gets reader’s attention. Cross provided layouts while Ivey worked on the finishes and colors. It’s no surprise that this book looks as good as it does because both artists provide liveliness in both the panel layouts and gesture work. Ivey is well known for his work on Noir Ceaser’s Xogenasys and has consistently been developing his craft, combining western and eastern styles, blending manga /anime aesthetics with American flavor. That kind of effort is brilliantly shown within the art from the technology displayed in certain scenes, to the visual styles, and action. Coupled with Andsworld Design’s lettering, it all comes together as a beautiful action packaged book. It all feels kinetic and for a book such as this, the team understood and delivered just that. There are some moments in some panels that, had the artists been given more time, would have been paced more steadily, but given how much is delivered within this issue, it’s enough to easily forgive and overlook those minor flaws.

The original Milestone books were reflective of the LA Riots, the case of Rodney King, and many other events that occurred during the time of their launch. This modern take on static is no different. From the hairstyles to the fashions, to the dialogue, the entire team on this book made genuine effort to look at Static from the lens of a teenager living in 2021, not 1993 with the balls to reflect on where Static is now in a time where anonymity and truth are grey. It’s no surprise that there will be detractors that have never read the original milestone material, complain about this book being “woke” or “SJW trash”. But that’s entirely up to the readers who know what Mcduffie, Cowan, Leon, and Milestone have always been about to decide on. I personally enjoyed this book and everything that it managed to deliver as a thoughtful update on a classic character that has been left dormant for far too long. In a world going through massive changes, turmoil, and civil unrest, no other characters are suited to reflect that better than Static, and it shows within this book. I recommend picking this book up and Milestone Returns # 0, on new comic book day.