Solar Flare: Science Fiction News

Booster Gold #8
Writer: Geoff Johns & Jeff Katz
Artist: Dan Jurgens
Publisher: DC
Image via Wikipedia
I’ve really been enjoying Booster Gold so far, and this current story (Blue and Gold) in particular. What makes that a little surprising is that I have no particular attachment to either Booster Gold or this particular Blue Beetle.

But what DC is serving up every week is a heaping of old-style comics fun and it’s just a blast to read. While I suspect that greater familiarity with the central characters would increase the enjoyment, you really don’t need to know much about DC at all to come along for the ride.

Countdown to Infinite Crisis #03
Writer: Sean McKeever
Artist: Feddie Williams II
Publisher: DC

Only three issues left and the action goes through the rough with an issue long fight. Superman lets loose. Darkseid uses his Omega beams and the Olsenbug finally puts his powers to use. Still not sure how any of this relates to Final Crisis mind you.

You know this would probably have made a great 6 issue miniseries if you removal all the pointless stuff.

Amazing Spider-Man #556
Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Chris Bachalo
Publisher: Marvel

The second part of Zeb wells story has the action really heating up, if not the locale. I’m pleased to say that there’s no Wolverine this week, so Spider-man isn’t reduced to a guest role in his own comic. There isn’t anything revolutionary here, but there is a nice swerve near the end at least.

The Last Defenders #2
Writer: Joe Casey, Keith Giffen
Artist: Jim Muniz
Publisher: Marvel

This is a title I really want to like because I have fond memories of the original Defenders. And I almost do like it, but its not quite there yet. Casey seems to have a destination in mind, but this is only a 6 issue mini-series and he is taking his time getting there.

I’m also not a fan of the artwork. It’s just a little too cartoony for the subject matter, at least for my tastes.

Fantastic Four #556
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Bryan Hitch
Publisher: Marvel

Millar and Hitch started on Fantastic Four with some fanfare. So far, I’m not sure if their story has lived up to that hype. Then again, it’s only the third issue. I don’t really see anything very revolutionary here, but what I do see is a firm focus on the sort of story the Fantastic 4 should be involved in. It’s big, its heavy on the science, but it still involves plenty of action. I’m also enthused by what appears to be an attempt to make Mr Fantastic, fantastic again.

Hitch’s artwork is expressive and detailed as ever. But I do have to say there are several panels in the fight scene where I was confused about what was actually going on.