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Justice League of America
Story by - James Robinson Art by - Mark Bagley, Rob Hunter, Norm Rapmund
Colors by - Ulises Arreola Letters by - Rob Leigh - Cover by
    Mark Bagley, Rob Hunter, Ulises Arreola, David Mack [more...]
Publisher - DC Comics Cover Price -  $3.99 (USD) Release Date - Apr 21st, 2010
The Demon makes a guest appearance and makes the statement that I felt in my heart as I read through the book. In reference to the new line-up of JLAers, Etrigan, (The Demon) says, "The 'League' you say? I see but zeroes. Rabble more like substitute heroes." The new line-up includes the following:
CONGORILLA
DONNA TROY
BATMAN (Dick Grayson)
STARMAN (This was my first run in with this character)
MON-EL
 DR. LIGHT II
GREEN ARROW OLIVER QUEEN
THE ATOM RAY PALMER
CYBORG
THE GUARDIAN
GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN
The line-up is a far cry from the glory days of Martian Manhunter, Bruce Wayne, and Superman, but the line-up alone is enough to intrigue me. I don't have much familiarity with a majority of the characters, but this book was a good intro to them. Starman was broken down, so that a new reader could get familiar with his powers and connections with some of the other cast members was weeded out. However, I don't think the current line-up would keep me interested past the Blackest Night/Brightest Day crossover issues.
I did not like the panelling on the pages as it jumped between vertical and horizontal storytelling, which at times made it difficult to connect with. I am starting to enjoy Bagley's art a bit more as it cleans itself up and becomes less sketchy, but we will see if it continues to clean itself up. The colours, art and cover were fantastic pieces and make it worth a glance. The one thing I have enjoyed with the Brightest Day crossovers is the use of bright, vivid colours that I can only assume has been done on purpose to show that the DC Universe is moving to a time of hope after Blackest Night.
The scenes with Etrigan make the issue for me. I love the rhythmic verse he speaks through as it gives a very dramatic contrast to the speech patterns of the other characters. As well with the return of Jade on the last page gives the book the direct link to the Brightest Day event that I was waiting for. If the storytelling stayed in a widescreen, horizontal format than this would have been my favorite release this week, but the deterring to single panels wasn't appealing.



Green Lantern #53
Story by - Geoff Johns Art by - Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy, Keith Champagne, Mark Irwin [more...] Colors by - Randy Mayor Letters by - Nick J. Napolitano Cover by - Doug Mahnke Publisher - DC Comics Cover Price - $2.99 (USD) Release Date - Apr 21st, 2010
This book was a little frustrating for a couple of reasons. First, I didn't enjoy the sequences with Hal Jordan and Carol Ferris and their emerging re-romance. The whole scene felt predictable right up to the emergence of Sinestro and the conversation that takes place. The second thing that really bothered me was that the story wont be complete until the release of three other titles next month, Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors" #1, "Green Lantern Corps" #48 and "Brightest Day" #1. It was a giant tease that Geoff Johns suckered me into, but that being said the story is intriguing enough that it makes you anticipate those releases.
Even with two giant frustrations the first real title to emerge in the Brightest Day event gave the reader everything it was looking for as it covered how each character was recovering from Blackest Night. My favorite storyline was Blue Lantern Saint Walker, and the Flash in the grave yard. Saint Walker has been a great character of hope during this whole event and the blessings that he gives out in this title shows the true nature of his heart. He is truly a character that brings hope to those around him as well as a piece of mind through the words that he speaks. The Lex Luther scenes with the Orange Lanterns intrigued me and I am excited to see where the greedy nature of these characters leads them.
Once again like every Brightest Day book so far the art makes the book. The reality that Mahnke brings to his characters, especially in the eyes of the character makes this book a must own. The issue starts out with a seven-page sequence in which we are introduced to a new, anonymous character. The art in this seven pages sets up the reader for what will be a beautifully colored work of art that in its beauty shows how sinister this new character and his actions might be. I am looking forward to the rest of these titles as this book does what it sets out to do, which is to create a desire for the rest of the story.


Siege: Spider-Man
Story by -  Brian Reed Art by - Marco Santucci Colors by - Chris Sotomayor Letters by - Joe Caramagna Cover by - Marco Djurdjevic Publisher - Marvel Comics Cover Price - $3.99 (USD) Release Date - Apr 21st, 2010
This one-shot release to the Siege narrative is just that, a one-shot story that doesn't add much to the overall narrative currently going on at Marvel. A good read, but nothing really is added to the mythos of Siege through this title, which sadly continues the trend from last week.
The story seems out of place as Asgard still stands. It takes place before Sentry destroys it and it begins with Venom doing what Venom does best, killing people. Actually, he is eating them and for me that does not add any appeal to the book and seems out of place. It has a comedic tone that almost downplays the violence, but the violence does not seem to fit the general light hearted Spider-Man title.
The story had some unique moments even though it plays on the Spidey-Venom feud. The key to this issue however is neither of these characters. Ms. Marvel deserves all the credit for this appealing read. It is her encounter with Venom that makes the fight sequences pop and it is her way of dealing with Venom and his suit that make the reader go, wow! The relationship between her and Peter Parker from her solo title is played out a little and shows a side of her character that is often overlooked because of her strong, confidant exterior. The art is so-so, but again Marko Djurdjevic's cover was the selling feature for me.


Vengence of the Moon Knight #7
Story by - Gregg Hurwitz Art by - Tan Eng Huat Colors by - Dan Brown Letters by - Joe Caramagna Cover by - Mike Choi Publisher - Marvel Comics Cover Price - $2.99 (USD) Release Date - Apr 7th, 2010
I really hope Marvel's news of Moon Knight as a Secret Avenger changes the atmosphere of this comic. Right now Moon Knight is nothing more than a second rate Batman. Especially since they have given him a new lease on life, one that is less violent and less vengeful. Moon Knight has established a solo identity as he has been able to free himself from the influence of Khonshu. The redemption plot line has been fantastic as Marc Spector persona has been left to die and Jake Lockley has taken control. It is the perfect die to live story, one that is refreshing in the evolution of the Moon Knight character.
If you are new to Moon Knight I don't recommend jumping on board with the Vengeance titles. Go back and read the Moon Knight relaunch books to gain an insight into this change of character. I have been collecting Moon Knight since he came on the scene in the '80's with the Marc Spector run and I still find myself confused at times with the story.
Marvel continues throwing Deadpool into any book they can and his appearance is lame to say the least. If they focused the story more on the clear duality of the characters personalities and traits the story could have been fantastic. Instead they tip toe towards the clear resemblance of the characters and the old ways of Moon Knight's tactics, but they don't make that the central plot. Deadpool is just a hero for hire as usual and Moon Knight is trying to establish himself as redeemed instead of pure vengeance. The background of the criminal is a main story feature is boring, but Moon Knight's mental state over the consequences of saving a murderous criminal are valid.
The art beyond facial expression on both characters is very dull, especially in the sequences involving the history of the Mob boss. Too bland would be a great overall statement in reference to the book which is too bad since the character has a special place in my comic collection.
I must say again that the killing of your old self, so that your new self can thrive has amazing possibilities for a unique Biblical outlet. Moon Knight is looking for redemption and is wrestling over the consequences of his old ways and how to change his public image.  However, the content of most Moon Knight titles makes this difficult to do with a young audience.


Ultimate Spider-Man #9
Story by - Brian Michael Bendis Art by - David Lafuente Colors by - Justin Ponsor Letters by - Cory Petit Cover by - David Lafuente - Publisher -  Marvel Comics Cover Price -  $3.99 (USD)Release Date -  Apr 21st, 2010
The appeal in Ultimate Spider-Man isn't Spider-Man as a character, but the teenage frustrations that are the core of Peter Parker's life. The on again, off again relationships in his life, the struggle of girlfriends and ex-girlfriends being friends, living with friends and juggling being a super-hero can easily manifest themselves in the lives of the teenagers that read the book. even the super-hero maintenance can be any extra curricular activity that is maintained in a teenage life.
Even Bendis' tendencies for long drawn out conversation fits into the typical teenage life. Conversations are complicated, long winded and very rarely have a deep point until you get passed the sarcasm and forced humour. Even the short precise, typical teenage tone is felt in the writing.
I am not a fan of the art as it often feels to cartoony, but is pleasant to look at. This makes the books harder to engage in personally as it feels like watching the old '90's cartoon all over again. At least in this issue they finally addressed the fact that Spider-Man's head was way to round and needed shape to make the character more believable.
If you are looking for a fun, energy filled book with humour and good one liners this is the book for you.