Bonus Illustration of the Day: Lois and Clark New Year's Eve

Illustration: Action Comics issue #707

Illustration: Action Comics issue  #811

I hope you have a fun and amazing New Year's Eve!!

Book Review: Superman: Reign of Doomsday

Book: Superman: Reign of Doomsday (issues: Action Comics #900-904) by Paul Cornell with various artists

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

Doomsday has returned! The monster that originally took Superman's life in a battle that destroyed half of Metropolis comes back for another round with the Man of Steel--already savagely beating some of Superman's closest allies. Writer Paul Cornell pens a tale that not only puts Superman in a fight for his life--but in a fight for the life of Superboy, Supergirl and all members of the Superman family.



Rating: 4 stars

My Review:

I thought this was a great end to the series, since these were the last five issues of Action Comics before the re-boot. In these issues, you had the Super Family (including a few other heroes) trying to stop multiple Doomsdays as well as the Doomslayer. I like that you got to see the Super Family team up (which you don't really see as often as the Bat Family's team up). I love the non-stop action and found the Doomslayer story line to be really interesting.

I love the ending with Lois and Clark together at a restaurant. Since this will mark the end of their marriage it was nice to see them together in the end.

As the last book (single issues) that I read for 2012, I was happy because this turned out to be a really good read. And since, I'm a Superman fan these issues felt like an action packed, sentimental run to a good series.


Happy New Year's Eve!!!  See you in the 2013!!

Illustration of the Day: Harry Potter 8th Year: Confessions

Artwork: Can You? by ile-o

This fan made comic (I love the art style) takes place in their 8th year at Hogwarts. The students have created a school newspaper which includes a column where students can submit anonymous confessions. (I just love Ron in the first panel, he is only concerned with eating his breakfast. He doesn't seem to care one bit what Harry and Hermione are talking about.)

A confession that Hermione is very persistently trying to get Harry to read is to believed to be written by Draco.

The confession reads: "I know that some of the choices that I, and my family, made were the incorrect ones. It is far easier to look back and point to incidences and circumstances wherein one might have made better decisions, but at the time it seemed we all had little choice. We were in the thick of it and with such a shadow looming over our heads, it seemed prudent to follow the path that would allow us to survive. Choosing differently would have meant torture and death, and yet, at times, I sincerely regret not making a more noble choice. I heartily apologize to those persons hurt by my actions and I will spend the rest of my time, efforts, and Galleons to make some attempt at reparation".

After reading the confession, Harry got a better understanding of what motivated Draco in aiding Voldemort. In the last few panels, Harry felt the need to apologize and also to ask Draco if he could forgive him for the Sectumsempra spell that Harry casted during their 6th year. I wonder if the author will continue this because it would be interesting to know how Draco would respond.

Currently Reading: Superman: Reign of Doomsday

I'm little sad to finish this Superman arc because these are the last issues of Action Comics prior to the re-boot. I'm reading the single issues instead of the trade book.

Book: Superman: Reign of Doomsday (issues Action Comics #900 - 904)

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

Doomsday has returned! The monster that originally took Superman's life in a battle that destroyed half of Metropolis comes back for another round with the Man of Steel--already savagely beating some of Superman's closest allies. Writer Paul Cornell pens a tale that not only puts Superman in a fight for his life--but in a fight for the life of Superboy, Supergirl and all members of the Superman family.

Art of the Day: Lois and Clark

Artwork: Lois and Clark by J-Estacado

Book Review: Nancy Drew: The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes

Book: Nancy Drew: The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes by Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew #41)

Description:

Warnings not to go to Scotland can't stop Nancy Drew from setting out on a thrill-packed mystery adventure.

Undaunted by the vicious threats, the attractive young detective - with her father and her two close friends - goes to visit her great-grandmother at an imposing estate in the Scottish Highlands, and to solve the mystery of a missing family heirloom.

And there is another mystery to be solved: the fate of flocks of stolen sheep.

Baffling clues challenge Nancy's powers of deduction: a note written in the ancient Gaelic language, a deserted houseboat on Loch Lomond, a sinister red-bearded stranger in Edinburgh, eerie whistling noises in the Highlands. Startling discoveries in an old castle and in the ruins of a prehistoric fortress, on a rugged mountain slope and in a secluded glen, lead Nancy closer to finding solutions to both mysteries.

Wearing a time-honored tartan, Nancy climbs the mountain of Ben Nevis in the dark of night and plays a tune of historic heroism on the bagpipes -all part of her daring plan to trap the sheep thieves and to recover the valuable heirloom.

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Artwork: Draco and Harry at Christmas by trowicia

Perhaps Harry celebrated a little too much to have wished Draco a Merry Christmas.

Art of the Day: Bat Family Snowball Fight

Trying to get ready for Christmas, I actually took a small reading break. I just love this time of the year. I'll go back to reading Nancy Drew today, it shouldn't take me long to finish reading it. I will post a review as soon as I'm finished.

Artwork: Bat Family Snowball Fight by CrimsonHorror

I wonder who I should side with: The Good Guys (Dick and Tim) or The Bad Boys (Jason and Damian)? Tough decision. Either way it looks like it will be one intense snowball fight.

Art of the Day: Hermione Granger and Professor Snape

Artwork: Insufferable Know-it-all by laerry

As a big Harry Potter fan (loved the books and the movies) I thought this artwork by laerry was spot on. I love that Hermione doesn't get annoyed by others who are annoyed with her love of learning.

Wish List Wednesday: What Doesn't Kill You

When I read the description at the bookstore, I found it really interested. I'm always looking for something different to read.

Book: What Doesn't Kill You by Iris Johansen

Book Description:

Catherine Ling was abandoned on the streets of Hong Kong at age four. Schooled in the art of survival, she traded in the only commodity she had: information. As a teenager, she came under the tutelage of a mysterious man known only as Hu Chang—a skilled assassin and master poisoner. As a young woman, she was recruited by the CIA and now, she is known as one of their most effective operatives. Having lived life in the shadows, Catherine is aware of the wobbly moral compass of her existence and even more aware of just how expendable she is to those she deals with.

When her old friend Hu Chang creates something so deadly, and completely untraceable, the chase is on to be the first to get it. With rogue operative John Gallo also on the hunt, Catherine finds herself pitted against a group so villainous and a man so evil that she may not survive the quest to protect those she cares about.

Iris Johansen is at her page-turning best in this novel that takes you from the corridors of Langley to the alleyways of Hong Kong, and the darkest places of the human soul.

Illustration of the Day: Lois and Clark - Air Kiss

Illustration: Adventures of Superman issue #575

Lois and Clark's romance never gets old for me. I think they are just great together.

(Illustration source: TeamClarkLois)

Art of the Day: Storm and Black Panther

Artwork: cover art for Black Panther issue #16: Bride of the Panther: part 3

Lines by Oliver Coipel
Inks by Tim Townsend
Color by Jon Filsinger

I love how relaxed Ororo a.k.a. Storm appears as she sits in the tree. While, T'Challa a.k.a Black Panther is being stealthy crawling down the tree to join her. I think it's quite romantic.

Book of Interest: Saga, Vol. 1

From what I have been reading about Saga it seems really interesting. It's feels like a sci-fi Romeo and Juliet. I have to add this to my wish list.

Book: Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Book Descriptions:

When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

From New York Times bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, North 40), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

Currently Reading: Nancy Drew: The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes

I'm still trying to read all of the original Nancy Drew books. So far I have only read 16 book, but not in order. I read two different versions of The Whispering Statue (Nancy Drew #14).

I plan to add more Nancy Drew books to my wish list.

Book: Nancy Drew: the Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes (Nancy Drew book #41) by Carolyn Keene

Description:

Warnings not to go to Scotland can't stop Nancy Drew from setting out on a thrill-packed mystery adventure.

Undaunted by the vicious threats, the attractive young detective - with her father and her two close friends - goes to visit her great-grandmother at an imposing estate in the Scottish Highlands, and to solve the mystery of a missing family heirloom.

And there is another mystery to be solved: the fate of flocks of stolen sheep.

Baffling clues challenge Nancy's powers of deduction: a note written in the ancient Gaelic language, a deserted houseboat on Loch Lomond, a sinister red-bearded stranger in Edinburgh, eerie whistling noises in the Highlands. Startling discoveries in an old castle and in the ruins of a prehistoric fortress, on a rugged mountain slope and in a secluded glen, lead Nancy closer to finding solutions to both mysteries.

Wearing a time-honored tartan, Nancy climbs the mountain of Ben Nevis in the dark of night and plays a tune of historic heroism on the bagpipes -all part of her daring plan to trap the sheep thieves and to recover the valuable heirloom.

Bonus Illustration of the Day: Batman and Catman

Illustration: Catman and Batman by Super-Josh

Batman, have you looked in the mirror lately? This is just too funny. Batman can't really think Catman looks anymore ridiculous than he does.

Book Review: Vampire Knight Vol. 2 (Manga)

Book: Vampire Knight Volume 2 (chapters #6-9) by Maturi Hino

Description:

Yuki and Zero go into town to do some shopping for the Headmaster, and they are attacked by a fiendish vampire called a "Level E". Two Night Class students, Takuma Ichijo and Senri Shiki, come just on time and slay it, and invite Yuki and Zero to their dormitory at midnight to find out why they killed one of their own kind...



Rating: 3 1/2 stars

My Review:

This started off a little slower than the first volume but once it started to move along it was very good (even though it had a few slow parts from time to time). I really like the artwork. It was very eye catching and helped when some parts of the story started to lag. But I really like the scene where Zero Kiryu and Yuki Cross the school guardians, are running errands in town. It was nice to see them interacting outside of the school.

The majority of the volume focused on Zero. His vampire transformation is starting to take it's toil on him. As time goes by he will become overwhelmed by his thirst for blood. To help make sure he doesn't lose his control, Yuki decides to help him out in an extreme way. I'm not sure what to make of her decision, I know she thinks she's trying to help him but it will probably end up creating more problems later on.

I like the new character introduced in this volume, the vampire hunter Toga Yagari. He was Zero's former teacher and fellow vampire hunter. His character had me wondering what he planed to do with Zero now that he has become a vampire.

Although I liked the second volume, I didn't really feel like Yuki was at her best. She came across as weak and helpless which is weird if she's supposed to be protect the day students from the night students. In the first volume she was more strong willed and ready to step up to a challenge. She just kind of felt a little like a damsel-in-distress in this one.

Lastly, I like how it ended and now I am looking forward to reading the next volume. Although this is a horror book, it also has a good balance of humor and hints of romance (with Zero and Kaname Kuran (a vampire) who both seem to have a romantic interest in Yuki).

Illustration of the Day: Birds of Prey

Illustration: Birds of Prey issue #96

The friendship is what I miss about the Birds of Prey. They really seemed like they were good friends and the books were funny as well as they had a great story. In the scene above, I love how Helena and Dinah are teasing Barbara about her crush on Ted Kord. Isn't that what friends do?

Book of Interest: Merry Christmas, Alex Cross

I love a good mystery book and the James Patterson's Alex Cross are some the best. And what's better than that? A Christmas Alex Cross book. I totally want to read this.

Book: Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson

Book Description:

It's Christmas Eve, and Detective Alex Cross is at home celebrating with his family. Nana Mama's famous pecan pie is in the oven, and the kids are hanging their favorite ornaments on the tree. Just as Alex's wife emerges from the kitchen with a bowl of homemade eggnog, his phone rings with news that shatters the night: At a nearby home, a family has been taken hostage- and the situation is spiraling out of control fast.

Alex rushes to the scene and confronts the unthinkable: A father is threatening to murder his children and ex-wife. And just as the insanity peaks, a second horrific situation explodes- one that no one could have foreseen and that puts millions of people at risk. This is a red alert of the darkest kind, and Alex is forced to make a decision that could end as many lives as it saves- including his own.

Art of the Day: Billy Kaplan and Teddy Altman at the Comic Book Store

Artwork: Fanboys by Cris-Art

I love all the details in the picture from the covers of the comic books to the posters on the wall and even the details to their clothes. It reminds me of when I go to the comic book store, I'm always perusing the aisle to see what books I can find.

Billy Kaplan (the brunette above) a.k.a. Wiccan and Teddy Altman a.k.a. Hulkling are part of Marvel Comics Young Avengers team and they are also in a relationship together. There's going to be a new Young Avengers comic series starting in January (for Marvel's sort of re-boot) and I have to remember to add it to my pull list.

Book Review: Superman: The Black Ring Vol. 2

This is turning out to be a Superman day. Which is funny since I didn't even plan on featuring so much today.
 

Book: Superman: The Black Ring Volume 2 (issues: #896-900; Action Comics Annual #13, and Secret Six #29) by Paul Cornell and Pete Woods

Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

When Lex Luthor finally regained control of LexCorp, he thought he had everything he wanted. But in BLACKEST NIGHT, he briefly became an Orange Lantern and got a taste of true power. Now he'll do anything – anything – to get that power back. In this second BLACK RING volume, Luthor's quest for the Black Lantern energy takes him to Arkham Asylum for a close encounter with The Joker, and then into direct conflict with Larfleeze, the ultra-greedy Orange Lantern.



Rating: 5 stars

My Review:

Okay, this was even better than the first volume. Although, I'm not a fan of Lex Luthor, this was a really good read. It had Luthor going through one adventure or event after another. The story was very engaging and complex and full of interesting characters. Some of the characters making a guest appearances are: Vandal Savage, the Secret Six, Ra's al Ghul, Perry White, and many more. I also thought the artwork was great as well.

This picked up exactly where the first volume ended.  Lex is letting his need for power send him on a quest to find these spheres powered by black lantern energy (started in Vol. 1). Lex is so power crazy and nothing will stop him from getting it not even Vandal Savage or Brainac.

There were two chapters that I loved which highlighted Lex's early years in his twenties where he dealt with Darkseid in one and Ra's al Ghul in the other. They both showed Lex's true colors because despite being a genius he constantly sees himself as the victim and all his problems are the results of others. He is never the one at fault.

This was such a great book.

Man of Steel Trailer with John Williams Music

I have been on the fence about seeing this movie. I think I'm starting to have a change of mind. So far the trailer alone, makes me think this will be better than The Dark Knight Rises (which was horrible).

Illustration of the Day: Lois Lane and Perry White

Illustration: Superman Secret Origin

That's Lois Lane at her core, trying to get to the truth. She wants to put an end to all the corruption and crime as best she can with her words. She wants the people of Metropolis and the world to see what is being hidden and to make a change. Sometimes that may get her into trouble but she will let nothing stop her from finding the truth.

Books I can't wait to read in 2013: Avatar: TLA: The Search Part 1

Avatar: The Search won't be available until April and I can't wait. Even though Zuko is the ultimate mama's boy, it will be nice to finally know what happened to his mother and perhaps to see if Azula has changed a little.

Book:
Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search Part 1
by Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko

Book Description:

For years, fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra have burned with one question - what happened to Fire Lord Zuko's mother? Finding a clue at last, Zuko enlists the aid of Team Avatar - and the most unlikely ally of all - to help uncover the biggest secret of his life. Written and drawn by the creative team behind the bestselling Avatar: The Promise, Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru, in collaboration with Avatar and Korra creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.

Art of the Day: Batman and Superman On a Stakeout

Artwork: Batman and Superman On a Stakeout by Harseik

I think it's pretty cool when artists draw superheroes in a casual way. My guess is Superman went in to buy the fast food because Batman would probably scare everyone in the place. I always thought they had a great friendship, despite being complete opposites they managed to be really good friends.

Illustration of the Day: Avatar: Melon Lord

I took a reading break and will start reading Superman: The Black Ring Vol. 2 and I'll post a review soon. However, I just had to post this Avatar fan comic. It's so funny. The comic takes place during the series finale when the Gaang was trying to train for an attack against the Fire Lord.

Illustration: Avatar - Melon Lord by hot-choc

Art of the Day: Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson - Rooftop Romance

I think this picture is great. Mary Jane and Peter are sitting atop a building enjoying the evening. Ah, that just so sweet.

Artwork: Peter and MJ by Jordan Gibson

I'm Really Disappointed with DC Comics (Again)

I really don't understand how they can just fire Gail Simone from Batgirl - by e-mail (how disrespectful and lazy) - they didn't have the decency to do it face to face or call her on the phone. To send it by e-mail, makes it seem as if she wasn't that important to the company.

I have been reading the new 52 Batgirl and I find it to be one of the better Bat books in the New 52 and it's also has some of the top sales. I'm sorry to see her let go from that book. She really cared and respected the characters that she writes about and it showed on the pages. I wish her success in her next project. Hopefully it's with a different company.

I don't think the executives over at DC really know what they're doing.

Something else over DC that has been annoying me is the current treatment of Damian Wayne (and Tim Drake). Not mention that there seems to be a huge rumor that they are planning on killing off Damian during "Death of the Family" to make room for new character Harper Row (since she's "supposed" to be a big deal in the new 52).  I really hope that isn't true because he is another one of my favorite characters.

I find it interesting that they can incorporated Harper Row but can't make any room for Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain.

Illustration of the Day: Tim and Conner: Pokemon Trainers

Illustration: Superboy Pokemon Trainer by ile-o

Perhaps Tim should have explained it better to Conner. Hopefully, Superboy didn't kill the Pokemon trying to open the Poké Ball.

Currently Reading: Superman: The Black Ring Vol. 2 and Vampire Knight Vol. 2 (Manga)

Book: Superman: The Black Ring Volume 2 (issues  #896-900; Action Comics Annual #13, and Secret Six #29) by Paul Cornell and Pete Woods

Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

When Lex Luthor finally regained control of LexCorp, he thought he had everything he wanted. But in BLACKEST NIGHT, he briefly became an Orange Lantern and got a taste of true power. Now he'll do anything – anything – to get that power back. In this second BLACK RING volume, Luthor's quest for the Black Lantern energy takes him to Arkham Asylum for a close encounter with The Joker, and then into direct conflict with Larfleeze, the ultra-greedy Orange Lantern.

Book: Vampire Knight Volume 2 (chapters #6-9) by Maturi Hino

Description:

Yuki and Zero go into town to do some shopping for the Headmaster, and they are attacked by a fiendish vampire called a "Level E". Two Night Class students, Takuma Ichijo and Senri Shiki, come just on time and slay it, and invite Yuki and Zero to their dormitory at midnight to find out why they killed one of their own kind...

Bonus Art of the Day: Lois and Clark, Good Morning Metropolis Silhouette

Artwork: Lois and Clark, Good Morning Metropolis by Nate Starke

This artwork was inspired by the Smallville season nine episode "Crossfire". In that episode Lois convinced Clark to assist her with her audition for host of Good Morning Metropolis. They ended up having to go on blind dates with other people for the show which of course didn't go as expected. But in the end neither was chosen to be hosts for the show.

Book Review: Dashing Through the Snow

Book: Dashing Through the Snow by Mary and Carol Higgins Clark

Edition: Hardcover

Description:

From beloved mother-daughter duo Mary Higgins Clark, America's Queen of Suspense, and Carol Higgins Clark, author of the hugely popular Regan Reilly mystery series, comes "Dashing Through the Snow," a holiday treat you won't want to miss. In the picturesque village of Branscombe, New Hampshire, the townsfolk are all pitching in to prepare for the first (and many hope annual) Festival of Joy. The night before the festival begins, a group of employees at the local market learn that they have won $160 million in the lottery. One of their co-workers, Duncan, decided at the last minute, on the advice of a pair of crooks masquerading as financial advisers, not to play. Then he goes missing. A second winning lottery ticket was purchased in the next town, but the winner hasn't come forward. Could Duncan have secretly bought it?

The Clarks' endearing heroes -- Alvirah Meehan, the amateur sleuth, and private investigator Regan Reilly -- have arrived in Branscombe for the festival. They are just the people to find out what is amiss. As they dig beneath the surface, they find that life in Branscombe is not as tranquil as it appears. So much for an old-fashioned weekend in the country. This fast-paced holiday caper will keep you dashing through the pages.



Rating: 2 stars (It was good but could have been better)

My Review:

I was a little disappointed because I was expecting a feel good holiday mystery book but instead this felt very convoluted.

This was a quick read with only 226 pages and it was fast paced but the story kind of fell flat. I liked the idea of the story but it was very simple and perhaps a little too easy to figure out. It centered around a group of employees from a local store who've always play the lottery. Unfortunately for one member of the group, Duncan, who listening to his financial advisors decided not to play the lottery. Just his luck the group wins but there was also a second wining ticket as well. When Duncan goes missing, the town residents start to believe that he has the other wining ticket and has skipped town.

 I wish the story could have been more interesting but it felt like there was a lot going on in the story - almost too much - and there also were a lot of characters to keep track of as well. When it came time to start solving the mystery, I felt like it took a while for the actual mystery solving to get started and when it did, it just felt like too much was happening at one time. The mystery wasn't really that engaging for me and the ending wrapped up too quickly for me as well.

This was okay but I don't think this book was really for me.

Illustration of the Day: Supergirl and Cat Grant

Illustration: Supergirl issue #45

In the scene above, Cat Grant acts as if Supergirl called her something really offensive. I guess ma'am is an offensive word to her. The scene at the end is hilarious when Supergirl's x-ray vision detected Cat's plastic surgery.

I didn't quite get why Cat was so hostile to Kara during the series. I understand she made some mistakes but she didn't need Cat to write a "Why the World Doesn't Need a Supergirl" article for The Daily Planet (Supergirl issue #34).

Art of the Day: Batgirl (Stephanie Brown)

Artwork: Batgirl - Stephanie Brown by JBadgr

This is really cool! Steph as Batgirl was a really fun series. I still have post my reviews for Vol. #2 and #3.

Illustration of the Day: Alfred Pennyworth Being Interviewed about Bruce Wayne

Illustration: Batman by SupaCrikeyDave

This is great! Some of the fan made comics are even better than some of the professional ones.  

Currently Reading: Dashing Through the Snow

This will be my first time reading a book from these authors. I borrowed this books from my mom. Hopefully it's pretty good. I wanted to read something Christmas related.

Book: Dashing Through the Snow by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark

Edition: Hardcover

Description:

From beloved mother-daughter duo Mary Higgins Clark, America's Queen of Suspense, and Carol Higgins Clark, author of the hugely popular Regan Reilly mystery series, comes "Dashing Through the Snow," a holiday treat you won't want to miss. In the picturesque village of Branscombe, New Hampshire, the townsfolk are all pitching in to prepare for the first (and many hope annual) Festival of Joy. The night before the festival begins, a group of employees at the local market learn that they have won $160 million in the lottery. One of their co-workers, Duncan, decided at the last minute, on the advice of a pair of crooks masquerading as financial advisers, not to play. Then he goes missing. A second winning lottery ticket was purchased in the next town, but the winner hasn't come forward. Could Duncan have secretly bought it?

The Clarks' endearing heroes -- Alvirah Meehan, the amateur sleuth, and private investigator Regan Reilly -- have arrived in Branscombe for the festival. They are just the people to find out what is amiss. As they dig beneath the surface, they find that life in Branscombe is not as tranquil as it appears. So much for an old-fashioned weekend in the country. This fast-paced holiday caper will keep you dashing through the pages.

Illustration of the Day: Mary Jane Watson and Peter Parker

Illustration: Spider-Man Comic

They are defintely not worried about the food burning on the stove, that's for sure.

Book Review: Mister Terrific Vol 1: Mind Games (New 52)

Book: Mister Terrific volume 1: Mind Games (issues: #1-8) by Eric Wallace and Roger Robinson

Edition: Read single print issues

Description:

The world's third-smartest man - and one of its most eligible bachelors - uses his brains and fists against science gone mad in this new series from Eric Wallace ("Titans") and Roger Robinson. Michael Holt is the head of a successful high-tech corporation and an institute that recruits and encourages the finest minds of the next generation to excel. As Mister Terrific he inhabits a world of amazement few others know exists, let alone can comprehend.

Book Review: Jemima J

Book: Jemima J by Jane Green

Description:

Jemima Jones is overweight. About one hundred pounds overweight. Treated like a maid by her thin and social-climbing roommates, and lorded over by the beautiful Geraldine (less talented but better paid) at the Kilburn Herald, Jemima finds that her only consolation is food. Add to this her passion for her charming, sexy, and unobtainable colleague Ben, and Jemima knows her life is in need of a serious change. When she meets Brad, an eligible California hunk, over the Internet, she has the perfect opportunity to reinvent herself – as JJ, the slim, beautiful, gym-obsessed glamour girl. But when her long-distance Romeo demands that they meet, she must conquer her food addiction to become the bone-thin model of her e-mails – no small feat.

Illustration: Clark describing Lois Lane in Superman #14

Illustration: Superman issue #14

I find it interesting that they are trying so hard to push Superman and Wonder Woman's faux-mance in the Justice League series while it's a totally different story over in the Superman series.

Because in Superman, Clark Kent doesn't seemed to have moved on despite the constant side notes alluding to that so-called kiss between the "Power Couple". Just read Clark's thoughts (above) about Lois Lane from the current Superman issue. Those comments don't strike me as someone who has moved on. He's still pining for her. I hope the faux-mance doesn't go on for too long before we see Lois and Clark attempt romance.

Currently Reading: Mister Terrific Vol. 1: Mind Games (New 52)

I should be finished with Jemima J. real soon, just wanted to read some of comics I've had sitting on my shelf. This is another one of the cancelled series from the New 52. I'm reading the single issues. These were the only eight issues published before the series was cancelled.

Book: Mister Terrific Volume 1: Mind Games (issues #1-8) by Eric Wallace, Gianluca Gugliotta, Wayne Faucher, J.G. Jones 

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

The world's third-smartest man - and one of its most eligible bachelors - uses his brains and fists against science gone mad in this new series from Eric Wallace ("Titans") and Roger Robinson. Michael Holt is the head of a successful high-tech corporation and an institute that recruits and encourages the finest minds of the next generation to excel. As Mister Terrific he inhabits a world of amazement few others know exists, let alone can comprehend.

Art of the Day: Rogue and Gambit

Artwork: Rogue and Gambit by Aimo

Isn't this romantic? Rogue and Gambit lounging in the grass just enjoying the day together.

Book Review: Hawk and Dove Vol. 1: First Strikes (New 52)

Book: Hawk and Dove Volume 1: First Strikes (issues #1-8) by Rob Liefeld and Sterling Gates

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

Hank Hall (Hawk) is not happy. He's not happy to have Dawn Granger (Dove) as a new partner in his war on crime. He's not happy that she's dating the ghostly Super Hero, Deadman. He's not happy to learn that someone is trying to plunge the United States into a new civil war! Now it's up to Hawk and Dove to root out the forces behind this conflict and stop them before they turn the U.S. into a wasteland!




Rating: 4 1/2 stars

My Review:

I didn't read the trade edition, I read the single issues. These were the only eight issues published before the series was cancelled.

After reading this, I find all the bad reviews this received to be really surprising. Unlike some of the other books I've read in the New 52, this was actually good. It was fast paced, well written and the artwork was good.

I found Hawk (Hank Hall) and Dove (Dawn Granger) to be really interesting and the writer actually seemed to have a good feel for the characters. Their villians (Condor, Swan, Hunter, etc) were also pretty interesting. The character Deadman was also featured and he had an interesting part in the first five issues.

The only downside I would say for the series (besides being cancelled) was with issue #6: "One Night in Gotham" which featured Batman (Bruce Wayne) and Robin (Damian Wayne). I didn't think Liefeld had a good understanding of Batman and Robin. They felt a little out of character and while I like the artwork I thought Damian didn't quite look like a ten year old. Some artists draw him as if he's in his twenties instead of being a little kid.

All in all, I thought this series was great, too bad it was cancelled.

Illustration of the Day: Titans' Movie Night

Illustration: Titans issue #3

So Dick can't even watch a movie without over analyzing it. I guess it's a good thing he's a superhero but that kind of takes the fun out of watching a movie.

Art of the Day: Zatanna's Having a Problem with Magic

Artwork:
Zatanna Magic Fail
Linework by Jefter Leite
Colors by Dany Morales

It looks as if some sabotaged Zatanna's magic act or perhaps one of her spells backfired. That evil bunny rabbit, is definitely not something I would want to see.

Currently Reading: Hawk and Dove Vol. 1: First Strikes (New 52)

I am nearly half way done with Jemima J, but I also wanted to start reading Hawk and Dove. I am reading the single issues. These are the only eight issues that were published before the series was cancelled.

Book: Hawk and Dove Volume 1: First Strikes (issues #1-8) by Rob Liefeld and Sterling Gates

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

Hank Hall (Hawk) is not happy. He's not happy to have Dawn Granger (Dove) as a new partner in his war on crime. He's not happy that she's dating the ghostly Super Hero, Deadman. He's not happy to learn that someone is trying to plunge the United States into a new civil war! Now it's up to Hawk and Dove to root out the forces behind this conflict and stop them before they turn the U.S. into a wasteland!