Triple Hit of Quick Hits

Here are the comic reviews for 5/21, 5/29, and 6/4:

Brave and the Bold #13: This series has been strong so far, but this issue is weaker for the lack of the larger plot that had driven the previous twelve issues. The story itself is a bit too corny, but is balanced by some good moments between Jay Garrick and Batman. The art is suitably classic by Jerry Ordway. Verdict: 2 1/2 stars out of 5.

Justice League of America #21: This new volume of JLA has been besieged by crossovers and problems since the loss of Brad Meltzer, but this issue does manage to remain interesting even though it ties into the beginning of Final Crisis. The art is well done with several strong moments. Verdict: 3 stars out of 5.

Justice Society of America #15: This series continues to fire on all cylinders as the Gog storyline concludes its first chapter. For a series that has been criticized for not having enough action, Justice Society of America #15 is a fine example of comic book action scenes done well. Geoff Johns continues to weave in interesting character moments even in the midst of the action though he is aided by the phenomenal work of Dave Eaglesham. Verdict: 5 stars out of 5.

Final Crisis #1: This issue is the definition of a set-up issue. The storylines begin to come together and Grant Morrison has some great moments in this opening issue, but the opener does not come with the impact that many would assume from the beginning of such a big event. In terms of strength of story though this issue will be remembered fondly if Final Crisis is well done and will be looked back upon poorly if the event falls apart. Special notice must be taken of the art though. J.G. Jones has done good work for both Marvel and DC, but his work in Final Crisis #1 is fantastic. The art of this series will long be well thought of regardless of the outcome of the story. Verdict: 4 stars out of 5.

Action Comics #865: A solid one-shot story before the Brainiac arc begins in the next issue. Longtime Superman villain the Toyman is the centerpiece of the story and his character is definitely taken to new depths by Geoff Johns in this story. Jesus Merino has the unenviable task of being sandwiched in between Gary Frank issues of Action Comics, but his pencils are strong and the way in which the flashbacks are handled is extremely well done. Verdict: 4 stars out of 5.

All-Star Superman #11: This penultimate issue of one of the most amazing runs on a Superman title in years continues the fantastic tradition of the first ten issues. The story is leading to a satisfying conclusion and the dialog by Morrison is pitch perfect for these characters. This series is truly one of the best distillations of the character of Superman ever done, and it also shows that it is possible to make fantastic Superman stories that pay respect to the tradition of the character while still being inherently interesting. Frank Quitely's work on this series, including this issue, is definitely part of the appeal as he has created a Superman, Metropolis, and whole world that is both distinctly Superman and distinctly his own. Verdict: 5 stars out of 5.

Thor #9: Thor continues at the leisurely pace that J. Michael Straczynski has employed in this revamp of the thunder god, but the pacing is definitely becoming a bit of an issue. Where exactly this series is headed both in regards to some of the smaller issues and in regards to the Marvel Universe as a whole is still rather vague. Just as the gods of Asgard are wondering in the issue what future they have open to them now that Thor has awakened them and brought Asgard to earth so to are the readers wondering what exactly is the future for this often-delayed title. The art is strong but Coipel's take on certain characters is still too strange for this reviewer. Verdict: 3 stars out of 5.

Green Lantern #31: The "Secret Origin" arc of Green Lantern continues in this third issue retelling the origin of Hal Jordan as the Green Lantern. While many of the hints that Geoff Johns has seeded into the story concerning the current events in the DCU and the upcoming Blackest Night storyline are interesting there is only so much excitement that can be gained from yet another origin of Hal Jordan. The art is strong and the writing well done and for those who are new to the world of the Green Lantern this should be a very fun read, but for those older fans it definitely seems a bit too much like a rerun; an enjoyable rerun of a show you enjoy but a rerun nonetheless. Verdict: 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Dark Tower: The Long Road Home #4: This miniseries has had the advantage over the last in that the material had not been covered in a Dark Tower book, but the pacing does not seem as strong in this series as in the last. Personally, the Crimson King, while interesting, both did not seem to jive with the character in the books but also did not fit the creation that I had long ago imagined. Overall though the writing is strong and the artwork beautiful if a bit too reliant on large panels and splash pages. Verdict: 4 stars out of 5.

Justice Society of America #16: The Gog arc starts in a new and interesting direction and the character moments are as well done as they have been throughout this series. The introduction of Black Adam back into JSA storylines is great to see though it is too bad that Captain Marvel is indisposed. The combination of art by Alex Ross for some sections and Eaglesham on others is well executed and is visually striking. The scope of this series continues to widen just like the team, but Geoff Johns is able to handle the scope and the size of the team with ease. Verdict: 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

Trinity #1: Mark Bagley and Kurt Busiek bring us the beginning of the next DC weekly. Focusing on Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman seems like a good idea and the fact that they are keeping this events of Trinity confined to the pages of the book rather than have it sprawl outwards like Countdown is certainly a well made decision. Busiek has the characters down and is able to quickly paint their personalities and play on their differences. Much like the opening issue of Final Crisis the previous week this issue is definitely a launching pad for bigger and better moments, but it is a good foundation to build. Bagley continues the work he is known for though if you were not a fan of his Marvel work his work on Trinity will do nothing to change your mind. There is a bit of inconsistency in his portrayal of the Trinity characters, with Wonder Woman being handled the best, but one assumes that after a few issues Bagley will begin to create a more consistent and cohesive world. The 'backup' story by Fabian Nicieza is more of a second chapter than a backup and introduces us to some of the villains of Trinity though Busiek and company are definitely taking a risk in not choosing more well known villains. Verdict: 4 stars out of 5.

Remember readers if you want a full review of any of these comics simply request it in the comments section and I'll do a full review that discusses the comic in much more depth.