This week’s books continue to surprise; it feels like the Green Lantern series is back, though under a different name. The book that actually takes place in space is called Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps. Then there are books that I normally would’ve never picked up and find myself more than enjoying.
This week we are faced with the aftermath of Godspeed’s attack on Star Labs, Sinestro continuing his whole “feed the Fear Machine” plan, and to top it off who the heck is this Clark Kent? (The non super powered version.) There’s plenty more where that came from, plus my top picks.
Flash #6
Like many others, I’m patiently waiting for Season 3 of the Flash to start – and I’m more than a little hooked on the Flash comic series.
Let me bring you up to speed. (Yeah I know, just couldn’t resist using that phrase.) Anyways, the speed force lightning hit a whole bunch of people in Central City, giving them Flash powers. Meanwhile Star Labs turned into a training ground for these new Flashes, and the Flash decided to slow it down with Meena, his sort-of girlfriend. Just when things were getting comfy Godspeed shows up and kills everyone and takes their power. Including Meena.
The Flash (Barry Allen) is devastated; the minute he slows down the people he cares about are killed. It’s up to the Flash to solve the mystery: who is Godspeed? To make matters worse the media now knows about Godspeed, and people are starting to lose faith in the Flash. As Barry starts to unravel the mystery there is one clue that he can’t overlook, the clue that reveals Godspeed’s true identity…
Usually I’m pretty spoiler-rific in these wrap ups, but it was such a fun twist you’ll have to read it to find out. Or DM me on Facebook or Twitter.
Top Pick:
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #4
Yeah I know what you’re thinking, “oh course the Green Lantern fanboy made this his Top Pick.
” To be honest, I was hesitating about giving it my Top Pick, but there were too many things in this book to enjoy. Especially the writing: Robert Vendetti truly understands the characters and their dynamics. Plus you get to see what Sinestro thinks of a very naked Guy Gardner…
When we last left things, Hal Jordan had been captured and taken to Sinestro to be fed to the FEAR MACHINE. Only the coffin that Sinestro’s goons brought was filled with none other than Guy Gardener. Sinestro isn’t pleased, but he isn’t going to pass up the opportunity to make Guy an example. Of course after he’s done berating him. Which honestly was a nice touch – it really brought out the history of Guy Gardner being a substitute for Hal Jordan. In a last attempt Guy uses the last of his recharge on his power ring, revealing what he wears under his suit. Meanwhile Hal Jordan is getting patched up by Natu (Sinestro’s daughter) which brings me hope that she’ll be wearing green soon. Wrap all that up with a Guy Gardner ready for the Fear Machine – but not until he drinks and then smashes a beer can on his head. Oh, and John Stewart and the rest of the Corp are planning a rescue.
Surprise Pick:
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #2
This is another book that was a surprise hit for me.
It starts off with the Birds of Prey taking their informant Santo to a safe house, accompanied by none other than James Gordan. Gordon is driving while Batgirl is in the passenger seat – it easily turns into a quite an exciting car chase, with Huntress and Black Canary covering them on motorcycles. The only odd situation was watching Bat Girl use a shotgun – granted, she used it to shot out the tires of a motorcycle, but she’s part of the Bat Family…
They get Santo to safety and he gives them some basic information. James Gordon attempts to convince Batgirl to let the GCPD handle things, or at least get Batman involved. She of course tells him that the Birds of Prey can handle things. Meanwhile at the Watchtower the girls get a surprise visit from Batman. After a talk with Batgirl, Batman tells her that he will talk to Gordon and reassure him that the Birds of Prey got this. We get some Black Canary vs. Huntress sparing/bonding session, and a lead on who exactly is the Oracle..
Action Comics #963
Quick catch up – New 52 Superman is dead, while 90s Superman has taken his place. Luthor has some Super Armor and is assuming the Superman role – and then there is a Clark Kent with no super powers. So who is this Clark Kent?
That’s what this issue attempts to establis: who is this just plain Clark Kent? Well he’s certainly a news reporter, as Clark attempts to investigate Geniticron, only to have a run-in with security. But everyone else in his life doesn’t believe he’s just plain Clark, goes as far as addressing the public and being shot at, and taking a lie detector test being performed by Batman. Not even Perry White believes he’s just Clark. And whoever these Geniticron security goons are they certainly enjoy throwing Clark Kents off buildings…
The New Super-Man
Originally this was one of the series I planned on skipping, only to find being mildly amusing and one of the light-hearted stories and a nice change of pace. Essentially, China has created its own Superman and assembled a JLC (Justice League China). Only their Super-man, Kong Kenan, decides to go all Batman #6 and reveal his secret identity to Laney Lang, a news reporter, and almost blathers out Chinese Batman and Wonder Woman’s identities as well. There are of course consequences, but what was really odd: while walking through a super prison there appeared to be Superman….