Comic Book Reviews - DC's Relaunch - Week 4

It's been awhile. I'm sorry. I was on vacation and didn't have time to get on here for my usual weekly cyber-therapy/geekdom experience.

Flash #1:
Thoroughly entertaining and an unusual, yet welcomed story line. We get to know Barry Allen throughout this entire issue. This was a well done introductory on the character and an interesting mystery captivates Barry as he moves to understand a crime that involves one of his friends from childhood.
Overall Grade: A-

Superman #1:
I just haven't been all that impressed with the Superman comics. Action Comics' next issue could prove me wrong but this was very 'decent'. Yes, Superman is my favorite character and will always be but this was just a dialogue heavy issue that looks to change audiences' perception of Metropolis, the Daily Planet, and Lois and Clark's relationship. Superman ends up saving the day in usual fashion. I'll likely stick around for a couple more issues to see what happens.
Overall Grade: B

I, Vampire #1:
This was better than I was hoping. It wasn't great but it was a good read, though it seemed short. Andrew(a vampire) looks to prevent an all out war on the humans which is being lead by his ex-lover. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next issue.
Overall Grade: B+

Aquaman #1:
To be honest, this was the best comic of this week. It starts with the notion that Aquaman is a joke. The author is banking on this and it works. We also get to see how Aquaman came to be and how he views his powers. I actually care about Aquaman!!! This has never happened and I look forward to the next issue.
Overall Grade: A

"Animal Man #1" -- Reviewed

Ah yes....Animal Man. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? I didn't consider getting this comic once it came out but after hearing positive things I picked it up. Great read. Just great. Very strange, disturbing and neat. The powers that Animal Man uses are very peculiar even to the point of cheesy but it all just works. Our protagonist is grounded in a family life and now stands for something more than himself - an ideology. Animal Man, himself, is a very intersting character as he goes from being a superhero, to stuntman, to movie actor, and to a political statement. The end of this issue is trippy and has me geared up for what follows next month. If you're a comic book fan, don't pass this up. Truly great work here.
Overall Grade: A

DC Comics Relaunch Recap

I'm really trying to get into DC's relaunch and so far I've been impressed. Granted, I'm not reading every new title because I have to balance my other interests and obligations with my day to day busy life. Graduate school can test me from time to time. Anyways,I'll just break down with a short review on the three comics I've read thus far.

Justice League of America #1:
This is not your ordinary JLA read but rather an introduction to characters and the eventual formation of the league. People may complain that the story mostly just involves an overly arrogant Green Lantern and a Batman that once again shows that he knows more than anyone else. The origin story of a troubled high school football student(Cyborg) serves as a subplot. Regular comic book fans will understand what will be the eventual villain as Green Lantern and Batman make head way on a mission that leads them to Superman at the end of the issue. Even though the dialogue may have been just decent, the potentials for this story are EPIC. Line this up with the fantastically detailed artwork and you have a pretty solid first issue.
Overall Grade: A-

Action Comics #1:
This examines a much younger Superman tackling smaller issues than the usual global threats he usually encounters. Not just the costume is new. Even where Superman/Clark Kent works is different (perhaps, just initially). This Superman is more forcibly idealistic and acting as more a leader than a follower of American values. Lex Luthor, yet again, plays a part in Action Comics. It is understandable that an introduction of characters is needed but I hope that in future issues Lex Luthor only has a minor supporting role. Everyone has been there and done that. Is it to appease new readers? Perhaps. I just hope Superman goes through a self discovery of how to actually be Superman. The first issue is kind of like the first episode of "Seinfeld". All of the characters are there but it isn't EPIC funny until they understand what works and what doesn't. It is crucial what comes next in Action Comics. A platform is set. This could be typical or legendary as the story arc comes to a close.
Overall Grade: B

Detective Comics #1:
I was more impressed with this than Action Comics and I'm a bona fide Superman fan! The artwork shines as Batman comes into contact with the Joker again but not is all as it seems. Great storytelling surround this comic and leaves you wanting more once the last page is read. I don't wanna spoil too much.
Overall Grade: A-