Daredevil: Battlin’ Jack Murdock offers a new take on the pre-Daredevil Matt Murdock, as it’s told in the first person by his boxer father. Written by Zeb Wells with bruising visuals from Carmine Di Giandomenico. Coming from Marvel June 6. Anticipation factor: 7
World War Hulk finally sees old Greenskin return to earth and to say he’s not happy would be the understatement of the year. Hulk writer Greg Pak teams with superstar artist John Romita Jr. for this five issue limited series while the equally talented Gary Frank takes over art duties on Incredible Hulk. Coming from Marvel June 13. Anticipation factor: 8
This month’s reading:
Action Comics 846
The Geoff Johns/Richard Donner writing team continue their tale, and it feels more like a sequel to Donner’s film(s) than a piece of the DC Universe. Still that’s not necessarily a bad thing and with Adam Kubert providing some spectacular visuals as General Zod not only unleashes the inhabitants of the Phantom Zone but traps Clark inside for good measure, this is shaping up to be one of the best Superman stories for some time. Grade: B
After The Cape 1
The idea of an alcoholic superhero is a good one but creator/writer Howard Wong lacks the experience to fully do it justice. Marco Rudy’s art at times recalls Frank Miller’s Sin City but at others looks quite amateurish. I had high hopes for this but Marvel covered similar ground much better in Iron Man years ago. Grade:C
The Authority 2
This is another title that I had high hopes for having been a big fan of the Warren Ellis/Mark Millar era. After what seems an age the second issue finally arrives and at least it features The Authority, even if much of the story is taken up with exposition. Next issue promises Midnighter cutting loose so I’ll be back for that, I just hope the wait won’t be as long. Grade: C+
Batman Confidential 2 & 3
There’s nothing new or fresh here just the same old obsessive Batman. Andy Diggle may think pitting the Dark Knight against Superman’s nemesis Lex Luthor adds something we haven’t seen before but his handling of the characters is far too pedestrian. I used to love Whilce Portacio’s artwork but there’s barely a glimpse of his old greatness here. Grade: C
The Brave and the Bold 1 & 2
Issue 1 of DC’s reborn team-up title has Batman and the Green Lantern dealing with an extraterrestrial threat. It’s a fun read but very much a nostalgia trip and not something I’d care to buy on a regular basis, even with the awesome art of George Pérez. Thankfully issue 2 has an altogether fresher feel as Green Lantern is paired with Supergirl. There are some sparkling exchanges between the two and writer Mark Waid is clearly having a ball here. He also makes good use of the frequently neglected thought bubble, case in point: Green Lantern on Supergirl “You have food in the refrigerator older than her, Hal. Who are you Ollie?” Next issue features Batman and Blue Beetle, fingers crossed it keeps the same wit and energy. Grade: B+
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