Superman 5

 

Issue: Superman 5

Arc: NA

Writer: George Perez

Artists: Nicola Scott, Trevor Scott

Released: 1/25/12

Rating 20% Rotten (1 Positive 4 Negative)

Critical Consensus: The "new" Superman still seems boring and outdated in this poorly plotted last issue by George Perez.

Comic Vine 2/5 (Rotten) Matt Demers For all the "reboot" is supposed to do, this issue of SUPERMAN just feels like something mired in the muck: little character development, a plot that doesn't have confidence in its readers and a premise that seems too way too early to be going into.

Modern Myth Media 1/5 (Rotten) John Bierly Surely the incoming creative team of Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens will invigorate the book when they take over on issue #7 in March. I feel bad about giving this title such terrible reviews so far, especially given the massive amount of work Perez puts into the scripts. But it's the depiction of Superman as a Man of Steel Magnolias that brings it down, and I hope Perez ends his run next month with an issue that makes it all worth it. It's going to take a lot.

A Comic Book Blog 60/100 (Fresh) This has and continues to be an increasingly frustrating beginning for this “new” Superman.  Perez and Merino’s tenure ends with next issue, and as critical as I’ve been, I’ll be sorry to see them go, because if Superman cannot be rendered well with them, it’s even more frightening to think what other hands will do, even if the name Jurgens is among them

IGN 5.5/10 (Rotten) Poet Mase Superman #5 just feels… strange. Superman doesn't act like himself, Lois spends all of her time within arm's reach of a desk, and we don't know what any of it meant. I admire the sentiment that Perez expresses here by taking the Man of Steel in a different direction and dropping subtexts of xenophobia and facism, but the unlikely combination of over-explanation and general incomprehensibility of his script makes this issue difficult to get behind. Here's to hoping something happens in this first arc's conclusion to magically bring everything together.


iFanboy 2.5/5 (Rotten) Cody Harris This comic would have been fine in a bygone era, but an older and (possibly) more literate readership demographic demands more intelligent storytelling. Simplicity doesn’t have to be a bad thing; rather, Superman just needs a more capable craftsman than Perez in creative control.

Justice League 5

Issue: Justice League 5

Arc: Justice League (Part 5)

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: Jim Lee

Released 1/25/12

Rating 80% (8 Positive 2 Negative)

Critical Consensus: Johns and Lee finally put the Justice League together in this blockbuster issue, but despite all the action, it has its flaws.

Comic Vine 5/5 (Fresh) Tony Guerrero  We are so close to officially having the Justice League in action. With Darkseid on the scene, there is some major destruction. He's proving to be quite an adversary for the heroes in the "New 52" and he barely has to do anything. Geoff Johns continues to develop the characters in their 'early days' and we're already seeing changes and they try to figure out how to get through this battle. Jim Lee and Scott Williams keep the action going with their amazing layouts that remind fans why they love seeing their work.  JUSTICE LEAGUE is like a treat for the fans and I don't want it to end.

CBR 2.5/5 (Rotten) Greg McElhatton "Justice League" in general has had an extremely up-and-down first storyline, and this one is further proof of that. Fortunately we've still got another issue in which to see everything click back into place. I think Johns and Lee can do it, but for now this feels like an unfortunate step backwards.

IGN 7/10 (Fresh) Erik Norris Look, Justice League #5 is still a fun ride, it just doesn't offer much depth -- or, better yet, the depth it does offer is suspect -- and the artwork lacks consistency and feels lazy at points. But I have to admit, I'm still a sucker for the Justice League fighting Darkseid. I always will be. And for that, Justice League #5 was worth my money.

Sciencefiction.com (Fresh) Scott West And Johns’ Darkseid is perfect in the new DCU! Throughout the issue, the uber-villain doesn’t speak a word. But Jim Lee’s art at facial expression says it all. This guy’s expression doesn’t move much beyond mere annoyance at the superhero pests as they try to attack him. Darkseid is a god of his own world… and for the first time in a long while, he acts like it. Darkseid as the enemy is a wonderful way to introduce the League to a new generation of DC fans.

What Culture! 4.5/5 (Fresh) Jamie Slough I think Justice League has finally hit its stride through finding the right balance between character moments, humor and all out blockbuster set pieces. This is a defining moment for the series as it finally shows that the book has a strong heart beyond its initial appearance and that the creative team is genuinely beginning to hit their stride. I’m certainly hoping the series will continue and expand on the tone established in this issue and run with it for the next few years to come.

Batman News 7/10 (Fresh) Andrew Asberry I have my problems with Justice League? Yeah, but not to an offensive degree. I want it to be more of a TEAM book and the characterization could be better for some people, but the art and the action are too good to stay mad for long. It’s an energetic, fun book and I think anyone could pick it up and find something to appreciate as long as your inner child isn’t dead. It’s the comic book equivalent of a kid bashing their action figures together which is a book that can only succeed if it’s drawn by an artist as good as Jim Lee. Also, if you enjoyed last month’s STAR LABS secret files supplemental material you’ll be pretty disappointed by what this book has to offer: New 52 character designs—essentially what we’ve seen at the back of every DC New 52 book for the past 5 months.

Comic Book Movie 8/10 (Fresh) Overall, Justice League #5 was a bit underwhelming. The writing just isn't that great, when it could be much more smart. Some of the characters are there just to be there filling up the space. They better do something big in the next issue, cause it seems only Hal and Batman are getting fleshed out right now. However, it's still a blockbuster issue with some great action and stellar art.

Weekly Comic Book Review  C+ (Rotten)  At some point, this issue ceased to be about a team and more about a couple guys and their tagalongs.  Johns has to rectify this soon, or this title will soon lose its credit and reputation.

Bleeding Cool (Fresh) Rich Johnston  This is a comic about powerful people who have never really been defeated by something, coming smack bang against something that is so above their power levels, they are completely helpless, the only possibility is that they and think their way around an alien intelligence. Superhero comics are so often about hope, this sees that hope dashed again and again and again.

Inside Pulse 8/10 (Fresh) Grey Scherl At the end of the day, flaws aside, this issue was ridiculously fun. It’s constantly going from start to finish, and really, that’s what I wanted out of this book. I wanted my to get my moneys worth, and I wanted it in the form of action, and thankfully that’s what I was given. I think this first arc is going to make an awesome trade.

Aquaman #5

Issue: Aquaman 5
Arc: Lost (Part 1)
Released: 1/25/12
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis

Rating: 100% (5 Positive 0 Negative)

Critical Consensus: With great art from Ivan Reis, the second arc of Aquaman starts out with a look at the mysteries of Atlantis.

Comic Vine: 5/5 (Fresh) Mat Elfring Super-awesome, amazing, fantastic, and other positive adjectives book! This book keeps getting better and better, and it's become one of my favorite on-going comic books from any company. I loved the story in this issue and how we get to see more of where Atlantis came from.


CBR 4/5 (Fresh) Doug Zawisza Plenty of mysteries and plot threads are started for the upcoming issues as the mystery of Atlantis continues to deepen. This title is a fun read with outrageous adventures that, as this issue proves, are unpredictable. Johns and company have found the way to make “Aquaman” a great title, and they’ve even done so without relying on any of Aquaman’s traditional foes.

IGN  8.5/10(Fresh) Erik Norris While I enjoyed the end of "The Trench" storyline, I will admit that the series lost a little bit of steam by the end of that story. Thankfully, Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis have managed to suck me back in with the start of their latest story arc. Aquaman #5 is an incredibly well drawn comic that sets up an sure-to-be epic storyline.

comicbookmovie.com 9/10 (Fresh) This issue is mainly a set-up for the larger story Johns is telling, and I'm certainly interested to see where the story will go. Although was a little disappointed with how Aquaman escapes his situation(he just gets rescued), its still a great survival issue featuring some nonlinear story-telling. Overall, this series continues to show great art from Reis, and Johns starts to reveal the scale of his story. 

My Humble Review (Fresh)  Readers will also find they are being smoothly bridged from one arc to the next as the mystery behind the sinking of Atlantis is introduced.  Great issue, and even better yet will be the next one when Mera goes solo!

Flashpoint: The World of Flashpoint #1

Issue:Flashpoint: The World of Flashpoint 1 (This World We Live In)
Arc: Flashpoint
Released:
Writer: Rex Ogle
Artist: Eduardo Francisco
Penciller: Paulo Siqueira
Inker: Roland Paris

Rating: 67% (4 Fresh 2 Rotten)

Critical Consensus: Obscure character Traci 13 gives a more human perspective on the Flashpoint Universe in this above average tie-in.

IGN 7/10 (Fresh) Jesse Schedeen The Flashpoint Universe is still a strange and unfamiliar place, but it's books like this that will help readers feel a little more at home in the setting as the event continues through the summer.

CBR 2/5 (Rotten) Doug Zawisza  The characters presented in this issue are less compelling than their “true” counterparts. I’m not sure what role Traci Thirteen is going to play in the resolution of this storyline, but given DC’s recent announcement of the ambitious relaunch of their entire line of superhero titles, I think it is safe to say that Traci doesn’t quite help put things back the way they once were. Where she puts them and how that affects everything else remains to be seen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t remain to be seen with any urgency.

Weekly Comic Book Review D (Rotten) Minhquan Nguyen Merely competent art can’t save a script riddled with forced emotions, thoughtless plotting, scant information, and shallow characterization.  This may be the tie-in intended to get you into other tie-ins, which may be the least valuable use of a comic book of all.

Sciencefiction.com (Fresh) Brian Tudor Of the four Flashpoint tie-ins out this week, The World of Flashpoint was the one I knew the least about, but was looking most forward to reading. I am happy to say I was not disappointed.

Acomicbookblog.com 90/100 (Fresh) Phillip Carson The title of the book does not disappoint.  Unlike some of the other mini’s, which seem to be more about telling What If stories set in the Flashpoint world, this book actually deal directly with the events of the main series, and promises to have an impact on it as well.

iFanboy 3.5/5 (Fresh) Daniel Hobson Funnily it’s turned out to be my favourite of the Flashpoint stories so far. I like the character of Traci and the dynamic with her father. I thought that this was set up pretty damn well.

Sorry, I could only find six reviews, and Comic Vine didn't have a staff review of this issue. Check the sidebar for earlier reviews and be on the lookout for the Aquaman and Deathstroke spinoffs soon.

Flashpoint: Secret Seven #1

Issue: Flashpoint: Secret Seven 1 (Hunter's Moon)
Arc: Flashpoint
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Fernando Blanco
Penciller: George Perez
Inker: Scott Koblish
Released: June 1, 2011

Rating: 56% (5 fresh 4 rotten)

Critical Consensus: Vertigo standout Shade the Changing Man makes his return to the DC Universe with mixed results.

Comic Vine 1.5/5 (Rotten) Mat Elfring Today, I gave a Flashpoint tie-in a 5 out of 5, and in the same day, another tie-in gets 1.5 out of 5. Not all tie-ins are worth your money. The book is a dull read, and unless you care about the Changing Man, you're not going to care about this book. This book does have some promise, but frankly, it is not worth your time. The Batman and Abin Sur Flashpoint tie-ins are vastly superior Secret Seven. I say skip the issue and maybe come back for number two, depending on how that is. I have a feeling that it will pick up but remember, not all tie-ins are created equal.

Comicbooked.com (Fresh) Emmett O’Cuana Shade and Enchantress will presumably over the course of this series assemble a new team to help Cyborg in his mission, a prospect briefly alluded to. However, the main focus of the title is the reintegration of these characters into the DC universe, as well as their return from comic book limbo with all the strongest aspects of their previous appearances present and accounted for.

CBR 3/5 (Fresh) Chad Nevett I’m not sure that “Flashpoint: Secret Seven” #1 holds together completely and is little more than a series of crazed moments that entertain in the moment. Those moments, though, are very entertaining. More than anything, this is an interesting comic that you wouldn’t see DC publish normally and using “Flashpoint” as the chance to try something a little out there is great to see.

IGN 6/10 (Fresh) Joey Esposito The art is the saving grace for this purchase. Remarkably, the book doesn't feel as disjointed as one might think with three different artists contributing. Granted, the story is so chaotic that it could be distracting from the finer details of the artwork, but I was surprised at how cohesive this issue is. You'll get the expected insanity from Perez (what's a DC event without some semblance of Perez detail?) plus really cool new designs for Shade and Enchantress. It's just a shame that it couldn't all feel more worthwhile than a lot of cool imagery with nothing threading it together.

Weekly Comic Book Review C+ (Rotten) Minquan Nguyen On the one hand, you get Flashpoint characters who seem truly unfamiliar and exotic.  On the other hand, they’d also seem unfamiliar and exotic in normal circumstances.

Chuck’s Comic of the Day A- (Fresh) Chuck Here Milligan seems to be trying to bridge the gap between the two characters (the original and the Vertigo version), and so far it's very interesting. The title also has a fun mystery going over the identities of (and the fates of) the Secret Seven.

iFanboy 4/5 (Fresh) Thomas Gerlick  This book was my Pick of the Week. Not that this book blew me away, but really nothing in my stack blew me away this week. Sort of good no bad sort of week. This issue introduces us to the Flashpoint world versions of Shade and Enchantress. The story is well-written, but a little pedestrian. Where this book really shines is in the art.

Comicperday.blogspot.com (Rotten) Timbotron I'm not sure why we should care, since all this is being rebooted. Is Shade part of Peter Milligan's new Justice League Dark book? Maybe some of this will stick, so I guess that makes sense. It's odd, though. If DC was rebooting their whole universe, you'd think they'd want these last few issues spent saying goodbye to all the concepts not making it into DCnU. We're about 40 titles in, and there is no sign of Tim Drake, Martian Manhunter, Power Girl, Connor Hawke, Wally West, Cassandra Cain, or Stephanie Brown. I would have liked to have visited with those characters a tad more rather than all this new Flashpoint stuff.

Ocdcast.com (Rotten) Chris Renshaw    What the heck is happening in this book?  They try to explain it, but the way it is done assumes that you are roughly familiar with the character in the “normal” DC Universe.

Flashpoint #2

Issue: Flashpoint 2
Arc: Flashpoint
Publisher: DC
Released: June 1, 2011
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Andy Kubert
Inker: Sandra Hope
Colorist: Alex Sinclair

Rating: 70% (7 positive 3 negative

Critical Consensus: With the introduction of the new versions of Batman, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman, Flashpoint's suspense builds, or does it? Your mileage may vary.

Comic Vine 4.5/5 (Fresh) Tony Guerrero Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert keep you on the edge of your seat

with amazing visuals and kick ass dialogue. The best part is the interaction between Barry Allen and this world's version of Batman. If you've ever had an interest in DC Comics and plan on reading them, you really need to be here for this. With the little peeks at some of the other characters in this world, it does feel a little like a tease for the mini-series but there's no denying the feeling of reading a comic universe again for the first time.

IGN 8.5/10 (Fresh) Erik Norris By the time you reach the final page, you'll be begging for it to be next month. The cliffhanger of Flashpoint #2 hits like a wrecking ball, and fittingly, might tear down all your expectations for where this series is headed. I was disappointed with Flashpoint #1, but after issue #2, I'm onboard for the duration.

Furiousfanboys.com (Fresh) Jeremy Conrad Flashpoint will change the DCU forever, and while we do know some of the end result, the journey there is still great.

Acomicbookblog.com 85/100 (Fresh) John Barringer Overall, this issue is a bit of a disappointment given the last one.  It’s more about setting the stage for what’s to come and meeting characters we’ve heard about than it is actually doing anything.  Perhaps all this information reinforcement is a necessary evil, laying the foundations and such, but I’m hoping something really exciting happens next issue, and we don’t just keep treading water.

Major Spoilers 3/5 (Rotten) Matthew Peterson Unfortunately, even as it’s interesting, it serves to remind us of how ridiculous The Flash’s origin actually is, and even after the issue recovers from Steve’s exposition, we end with a quiet “OMG?” feeling.  The intent of these types of stories is always to disorient us, to put familiar faces in the wrong places, but then bring them back together at the end to prove your thesis.  We’re theoretically 40% of the way through the main story, and we’re just now getting to the action and the reveal of the strange new status quo of our heroes.  I think the greatest failing of the issue for me is the realization that you WILL have to read other supporting material to get a full story.

Too  Dangerous for a  Girl! (Fresh) Martin Gray This issue usefully adds meat to the bones of the story laid out last month. It's good to move around this changed world, and see villains Aquaman and Wonder Woman, rather than simply hear about them. And the Flash/Batman sub-story takes a very interesting turn once writer Geoff Johns quits indulging his taste for brutality.

Cosmicbooknews.com (Fresh) Chris Bushley This was a fun read that had interesting ideas and new concepts, ones that get you excited for not only the next issue but for the future of the DCU as well. See, you don't always need a reboot or "younger" characters to make a great book -- you just need a good story and an expertly talented artist! If you are not reading the core Flashpoint book, you are missing out on a great read. So get in line and be the next to ride the lightning into the world of Flashpoint!

Weekly Comic Book Review B- (Fresh) Minquan Nguyen Considering how quickly this storyline wants to move, it seems we’ve already hit the deadly Big Fat Middle of the plot, where things seem to slow down, despite obvious attempts to speed things up.

CBR 1.5/5 (Rotten) Greg McElhatton "Flashpoint" is going to end up being a curious footnote in DC Comics history. If it wasn't for September's reboot, I have a feeling that it would turn out to be a crossover that was largely forgotten like, say, "Genesis" or "Final Night." Now, it's going to serve as the end of an era. Sadly, it's heading more towards a whimper than a bang.

Comics Bulletin 3/5 (Rotten)  Chris Kiser For the past couple years, a steady decline has been evident in the quality of Johns-penned comics, and Flashpoint fits that bill as well. It’s good fun, but not great fun. Maybe-read, but not must-read. The core concept just isn’t brilliant enough for Johns to get away without having to do some heavier lifting.

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