Panel-To-Panel Reviews

House of M #5- Everything really comes together here. The heroes all know their roles, even if the world is different. And both Bendis and the artist picked a great character to convey the crushing brutality of having your life pulled out from under you. It even drives said character to a "out of character" moment, but at that point, anyone would want what he wants. If you are missing this miniseries you are missing the chance to watch something unique unfold. This issue really brings the urgency and danger of everything to the forefront.

Supergirl #0- This issue was a Batman/Superman issue where Supergirl guest stars. It was fun all the same though, as it appears to not have the same muddle that made me drop the title. And it is a great (re)introduction to the character. Right off through Batman and Superman's back and forth narratives, you can see how great she is, and how bad she might one day become. In fact if this issue has anything going wrong for it to me, it is the cover. Something perspectively off-putting about it.

Supergirl #1- I was disappointed at first, thinking that the subplot in #0 would had to have been left behind. It was nice to have a proper telling of Supergirl's origin, or at the very least, what she thinks it is. Right away we are introduced to the JSA, which looked alot like DC's version of The Defenders, this scene was clunky at best because a few members were being called iconic names. Such as, someone who looks nothing like the Flash, being called Flash, same with a Green Lantern resembling character. It is of little importance though, as the team was set up to meet Power Girl, who has an origin and relation to Superman that is very similar to our star's. This led to a very strange meeting/battle. And an unidentified (to me) member of the team concluding that when Supergirl and Powergirl got to close... it put their powers in overdrive. So, after resolution, they meet a few days later, and Power Girl advises Supergirl to keep her distance for the time being. With the issue ending with a heated meeting between Superboy and Supergirl. Wow, even I can't believe I am going to be back next month. It is not as confusing as it sounds, I think.

Ultimates 2 Annual #1- I am sad that this run will be the last time Mark Millar writes the Ultimates for awhile. This issue... was just genius. I don't even particularly like the art. However, Millar pulled it above and beyond, in spite of that. And shows you the most dangerous man in the world. It is kind of like a story I wanted to tell, but he told it so much better. Highly recommended.

Gravity #3- Another strong issue by McKeever and Norton. I really want to see this become an ongoing series. McKeever draws on so many things, cliche battle moments, teen angst, emotions and failure. Norton's subtle yet professional style only enhances the story, nothing is muddled or confusing. And I have to say, the perfect ending. Greg has so much more will power then a fanboy.

New Warriors #3- The team has a flat tire... but the book still cruises along. It is the subtleties in this book that I love. A "Got Villians" bumper sticker on their RV. To the hilarious (yet few) nods to previous series. We get more personal insight into the characters thanks to their TV show pitch being presented by their producer. And Nova gets hauled off for picking up hookers. Don't worry, they call them hookers off panel.

Well, that looks to be it this week, I have not read Marvel Nemesis #4 ... want to find 2 and 3 first. And as far as David Mack's Kabuki: Reflections, it is going to be in tatters. This is a gorgeous... gorgeous... gorgeous book. Built like a trade... looks like a trade... quality like a trade. Priced like a digest. Pick it up, pages and pages of kick ass art. Even some unpublished stuff I think.

KABUKI: REFLECTIONS #5!!!