Malfeas

Wow, the week in which I bought twice as many Marvel books… weird.

Detective Comics #844

Adorable.

Really classic story and wraps up a bunch of stuff Dini has laid out during his run. I’m not sure if he’s nearing his sign-off, or just wrapping up a bunch of stuff at once or what. But it was very reminiscent of some old bat-stuff.

In a good way.

Nightwing #144

Ass. Total ass.

It's not necessarily the story itself. For instance, the Mother of Champions part was like reading a whole other book. It’s all the rest of the baggage Tomasi brings to the table that kills it for me.

The story suffers from nigh-unreadable ridiculousness, not the least of which is Talia Al’Ghul’s—trained assassin with bottomless pockets and connections across the world through the Society and otherwise—best idea is to spend trillions animating an undead army on a remote high-tech island... which predictably ends badly.

Not, y’know, hiring some thugs or going underground.

Now, I’ve already dropped Nightwing, that’s it, I’m done. In case you missed it here’s why. (Also, I finally found someone who agrees with me!).

But I present to you the best page in Tomasi's run.


“Silence is golden.”

Why? B/c he shuts up and just lets Nightwing be cool. Nightwing is already cool, he doesn't need you constantly flapping his gums, making him bang strange chicks or fly around on his marvelous machine.

I can only suggest everyone go back and read the early trades, where McDaniel drew him as an acrobat who looked at the world as a series of things he could land on or continue his momentum off of.

I wish I could convince you all that you deserve better. But so far the internets are just so deliriously pleased it’s not X creator, they’re breaking their legs running to the shop to shower money on this tripe.

Dick, you know where I’ll be when the flash is out of the pan.

Rann Thanagar: Holy War #1

If this storyline finally goes somewhere, great. Otherwise what are we really doing?

So far, so good, though. Starlin really rocks space and it'll be nice to see all these dangling storylines come together and maybe do something. I would like for that to be the goal. Not just selling me 8 issues about some crap no one really cares about.

I would like to compliment Captain—er, just “Comet” on both the scene where he debriefs the JLA (and charges for it), giving them the heads up nobody wants their dirty Earth anyway; and also for his new lease on life which he intends to get his full value from:


“Adam Strange? You haven't seen me.”

In other news, Kori doesn't take orders from Robin.

Speak of Kori, I’d rather her be in space written by Starlin then on earth written by Winnick. I actually like Kori (or have historically), but she really has nothing going for her other than sitting around and sucking the air out of rooms anymore.

Put her in space where she fulfills a niche and can actively claim some amount of specialty.

Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas #1

Really cute, albeit short.

I have a feeling this whole story could've been sorted out in one issue, but they made it four anyway. Still, for Favreau's foray into comics, it's pretty alright.

Plus, Elsa Bloodstone.


“If Monica Rambeaux calls, you haven’t seen me.”

As you can see the art is double-G gorgeous.

Invincible Iron Man #1

I see why the kids are digging the Fraction.

This book has a good hook and you can dance to it, but it still stars an unrepentant Tony Stark, probably controlling satellites with his mind.

I would ask for a) some context (though I recognize that's probably a selling point), and b) some limitations on Tony’s power set.

Fraction is good enough at his job that the badguy comes along nicely.

But especially riding the movie wave, I would rather see Iron Man go back to a guy in a suit who builds bigger suits when he needs to beat somebody.

Mighty Avengers #13

I wish *I* had 18 different series to spread my story through.

Considering Secret Invasion has clocked in at approximately seven minutes in two issues, it's probably a good thing New and Mighty Avengers are around to pick up the light work laying all the rest of the pieces on the board.

This issue did have one of two Layla Miller appearances and that's always a good thing.


“Have fun storming the castle. If Fury asks, you haven't seen me.”

Which unfortunately indicates this is another crossover which won't touch on mutants. This faux segregation has to stop in my opinion.

My girlfriend Illyana Rasputin had a breakdown and it was absolutely Daredevil's problem. The Marauders slaughtered the Morlocks and Thor came across Angel's body in the sewer. Magneto turned a new leaf and the Avengers had to track him down for war crimes. Good stories, all.

Instead of drawing a line down the center of the Marvel Universe Greg and Marsha Brady-like, let's get back to a place where they can contribute.

I could appreciate it if Marvel were taking precious time to fix their franchise, but they're not, they just keep stirring the water wondering where the number one selling comic of all time went.

It’s time for mutants to remind the Marvel U they’re people too, and a Skrull Invasion affects them as much as anybody.

Secret Invasion #2

Good follow up, but this is taking too long. I mean it, seven minutes have passed since the first panel of last issue. I understand this is Bendis but it’s a little egregious even for him.

Still, I won’t argue that this story continues its inevitable march to slickness.

Maybe this will put Tony back into a suit that doesn't control satellites. I would like that.


“Did you know this suit is really heavy.”

The punking of Sentry is always amusingly easy. Seriously, as DC's Superman, Bob continues to fail. However, Spider-man versus Spider-man is must read comics right there.


“Are you my Skrull, or the Skrull of one of my clones?”

Does Clint not know how nunchukas work, or Leinel?


“You know you’re supposed to hold one end, right Clint?”

I mean, it’s comedy gold each time, but that’s seriously not how those are used.

X-Factor One Shot #1: The Quick and The Dead

I have to pay closer attention. This is another GDing One-Shot.

Granted, this one is actually written by Peter David and it's a nice little issue that hopefully puts Pietro back where he should be.

But you could’ve not bought this issue and your life (and run of X-Factor) would be just as complete.

But it did have the other Layla appearance this week.


“All I want for Christmas is you choking on your gum.”

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #14

I gotta tell you, this storyline is doing less and less for me. But I'm reading several worse comics a month still, so it's a long way from the drop list.

Quick thoughts this week as I’m sandwiched with unrelenting word count

*X person is a Skrull has replaced—Skrull-like—“Superboy Prime did it”

Countdown #12

Well, at least everyone will be in the same place.

Yeah, that’s really all I’ve got.

All New Atom #20

It has a solicit for next issue, so I guess it’s not over.

Similar to the last Blue Beetle issue, however, it really looks like everything is kind of wrapped up. It makes me think that more series should start and finish on purpose. It can only go down hill from here can’t it?

You don’t necessarily need to say Part 1 of 20 or the like. But set your table with what you want to accomplish and set about accomplishing it. Then, if you’re done, stop. Sure, some stuff would and should be ongoing but not everything should feel required to spin its wheels after it’s worn out its welcome. Then Nightwing could have ended a long time ago and people would stop ruining it with nothing to say.

It seems like Astonishing X-Men is taking this approach and we’ll see in one more issue if it works.

Detective Comics #841

I think I’m done with this book.

It’s nothing personal. It’s been real, it’s been fun.

I’m paring down my comics per month and this might have to go because of it. Paul Dini is still good, this was a fun look at the Mad Hatter. It just failed to inspire me.

I hear Zatanna may become a series regular, though. If that’s true, I’ll probably stay.

Justice League Unlimited #42

I probably wouldn’t have picked this up without having it suggested to me. So I’m going to put my two cents in and suggest it to you.

Buy this book.

I love villains.

More and more I want to write a series like Salvation Run. Except I’d make it good and pay attention to stuff like characterization, history, and story.

Justice Society of America #12

To prove I’m a little slow: I was scratching my head about all the legacy out of nowhere nonsense going on in this title. Jefferson having another baby… eighteen years ago. And generally where all this crap could be going.

It actually took me longer than I care to admit to put it together. Especially since we were told a couple of months ago. It’s not even subtle. Johns doesn’t do subtle.

Anyway. Kingdom Come –which is its own Earth, we know that— is coming true on this Earth? But also bleeding over separately?

So says Mr. Multiverse himself. Whatever. At least it’s written well.

Nightwing #141

I can’t pretend I like Tomasi* or his last issue of Nightwing. To say I hated it would be a complete underestimation of my impassioned distaste for both. Tomasi’s inability to keep Tomasi’s interests out of Tomasi’s books, for instance, pisses me off. However….

This issue was better.

Mind you, to hold onto my hate a little, I’d like to point out that Tomasi said in his pre-Nightwing interviews, that he didn’t want to have a lot of crossover in this book. Y’mean like: Batman, Robin, Superman, the Flash, and the entirety of the JSA… in the first two issues? Also several posthumous cameos? Yeah, way to stay on point, there Pete.

But, this issue kept one step ahead of me --but barely. For instance: I already had a blog half-written crucifying Tomasi for making Nightwing a Yankee fan all of the sudden. Then you see the Gotham Knight rounding the bases. This issue was filled with that kind of crap.

Here’s an unrelated question, are all of Gotham’s teams named the Knights?

Anyway, the basis of my hate boils down to: If your run on a book has to start with a new job, new digs, new past time, new cast, and yet another monologue about the character’s new lease on life then you’re lazy and I hate you.

Two more things:

1) Stop giving Dick people to date as if they’re going to last longer than your run. Nobody buys it, nobody cares, and it can only ONLY ONLY make Nightwing look like more of a bigamist piece of crap for not calling Barb already. She said come back when you’re your own man, not come back after you’ve banged a bunch of other chicks and spent some time as a fashion model. I haven’t met, heard of, or read a single person with a (real) problem with Dick and Babs as a couple. So stop trying to make him a playah. Everybody knows, Dick doesn’t know dick about chicks. It’s like, his weakness. Hal Jordan is a player. Richard Jonathan Grayson is a going steady kind of guy. He tried to marry the oversexualized alien princess b/c he was the only one who didn’t realize she was unmarriable for chris’sakes. Seriously. Stop.

2) Apparently, the world loves Tomasi and his new run. Looooooooove it. Which makes me and my hate the minority. With that in mind, I’d like to take a second to appeal to Nightwing to not be swayed by this newfound popularity. These people are not your friends. They are pretenders. They have obviously not been reading your comic. They do not write you love letters or practice signing their name “Martin C. Grayson”. They don’t “get” you like I do. They will leave you at the first sign of weakness, character or the minute you put down your retarded new skydiving hobby.

I understand Nightwing has been through some strange times lately, but that all started b/c Didio was dead set on killing him. Now that we all know that was a mistake, let’s go back to before the plot was shoehorned and Dick’s inevitable death became a little less inevitable. Instead of trying too hard to make an already interesting character interesting.

*Tomasi the writer is the one I hate. Tomasi the editor must’ve done a good job b/c I never noticed him. And that’s what you want in an editor.

Supergirl #26

Yeah, I’m done.

I do like Puckett, but this just isn’t relevant enough to keep reading.

I’m probably about 26 issues late in that realization.

Remember, I’m kind of slow.

Buffy: The Vampire Slayer #11

Great, great stuff.

I heard a very confirmable rumor regarding a triumphant return in the next issue/arc. If you have been a fan of Buffy… ever. Then I would recommend jumping on now.

You have been warned.

Marty’s Pick of the Week
Teen Titans Year One #2

This is really pretty fabulous. I’m flat jealous of Wolfram, b/c she’s stealing my ideas and rocking an era that I would literally kill someone to write.

Despite my envy, I recommend this to any original Titan fan. I guarantee it’s better than Winick’s upcoming run on the new new New Teen Titans, sight unseen.




If you’re not an original Titan fan, this might help you become one. Although you’ll wonder why anyone would ever like Aqualad on purpose, but I’m sure if you wait for it, he’ll have a rock’n’roll moment by the end.

Countdown #34

It’s a shame Countdown is being replaced and disseminated through, like, eight different titles. If it was simply a tighter, less disassociative mess, it could be great stuff. A lot like Amazons Attack, actually.

Lots of missed marks from DC in a row. Rest assured, they’ll be back on the horse soon enough(/fanboyapologist). The stories that are breaking out into these other limited series should be cool. It’s just sad that the “Spine” book is just a teaser for more interesting things in more interesting books.

But, hey, for the first time in weeks, something interesting and Silver Agey happened! Buddy Blank!? Awesome! That’s the first Karate Kid has even looked like he was part of any story, letalone a good one.

Atom #15

Wait, so Ryan isn’t going to be a Challenger of the Beyond? And Kyle is? That blows.

Sorry to be so pedestrian, but the only thing I hate more than Kyle Rayner, is Kyle Rayner anywhere near Donna Troy.

Supergirl #21

A nice, smooth continuity transition from Countdown this week. No doubt thanks to Bedard’s involvement with both series. Contrary to my earlier statement, DC has also had some real knockout weeks for the continuity-minded, lately.

Bedard and Guedes bring some much needed legitimacy to Supergirl, and, hey, finally someone is mentioning Supergirl’s time in the future! Leave it to the guy writing both of those books as well. Come to think of it, is there anything Bedard isn’t writing?

Careful, Tony, it’s easy to get stretched thin in this biz.

Detective #836

Wait, this is a new schtick for Scarecrow? That’s weird, this is how I’ve always thought of Scarecrow. Less the Son of Sam redux, but certainly not reliant on the gas to spread fear. I thought that was the point for awhile now.

Crane should be the Hannibal Lecter of the DCU. Too often people want to put the Joker in that position. Those people are wrong.

I’ll rant about my man-crush on the fear monger some other time.

Outsiders #50

Okay, seriously, is there anything Tony Bedard isn’t writing?

We’ll call this one half and half. I hate Matches Malone, I just do. In no small part due to his culpability in Stephanie’s death. I also hate Catwoman hanging out in a villain bar in full costume in a complete rejection of everything going on in her own book. But that’s just me.

I did enjoy Grace, and I liked that she screwed over Batman to sneak her girlfriend onto the team (although, I’m not sure why Nissa is any less disposable than any other P.O.A. Grace has left behind). I’m always a fan of the Suicide Squad, but I don’t like Floyd leaving the Secret Six, and I don’t understand why they just jumped a bunch of superjerks in a bar? Wha-wha?

I’m looking forward to this in Checkmate and the upcoming Suicide Squad series.

Black Canary Wedding Planner #1

This was really cute, and pretty close to everything I could want from it. Completely disposable, but more than one good gag.

The lingerie scene struck me as gratuitous and out-of-character. Vixen was fine, in fact, Vixen was remarkably in character (although I don’t know how she got invited, but fuggit, you have a supermodel in the JLA, you might as well get her fashion opinion).

But Diana? Trying on lingerie? Just because? I doubt it. And doesn’t that make it more awkward that Barb is the only one not playing along? “Sorry cripple, you can’t play our reindeer games.”

Joker didn’t shoot her in the boobs.

It was sloppy. Like the writer knew it was bad when he wrote it but he wrote it anyway. Pfie on you, Torres --the rest of it was quite lovely-- I said good day.

Infinity Inc. #1

Peter Miligan and I just aren’t going to be friends.

This whole issue read like someone who boned up on psychiatry one night on the internet, and then wrote a comic about it the next day. Seriously, this was my approach to hero creation in sixth grade. That’s how I passed Science, I made Periodic superheroes; heroes for each planet; heroes for the layers of the atmosphere --and their arch enemies, the layers of the earth’s crust; etc.

I’m not in sixth grade anymore. Neither are you, Pete.

Midnighter #11

Wow, weird. Midnighter hasn’t cursed in, like, an issue and a half. He hasn’t murdered anyone in at least 20 pages. Wow. Just… wow.

My interest in Wildstorm continues to grow unchecked. Someone should stage an intervention.

Marty’s Pick of the Week
Buffy #6

It wasn’t the greatest week in comics, but I like Buffy #6’s chances even among tougher competition. Where was Brian K. Vaughn in seasons six or seven of Buffy?

Faith is immediately more interesting without Eliza Dushku piloting her anyway, but BKV really knocks her concept out of the park while still making the faux part of her faux badgirl act really pathetic.

Good characterization, that much could be expected. What really amazes me, was his seamless ability to write Buffylogue (from the Greek, Buffylogos). Is there some sort of seminar Joss’s writers have to go to?

Those of you with disdain for Whedon/Buffy are probably sure I’m just confusing BKV’s already characteristically witty dialogue.

No. No, I’m not. What I mean is BKV wrote how Buffy talks, and Giles talks, and Faith talks. Not how Yorick talks, 355 talks, or even Mayor Hundred talks.

It’s a good story besides, and if we’re lucky, will finally retire a character who was always better en potentia.