(Review) DC Universe Rebirth Issue 1

I wasn't certain where my expectations should be for this new start on familiar titles of DC comic lore. I know that comic book shops and DC have been publicizing this issue quite heavily on social media. It has been the "talk of the town" if you will, since it was introduced. Curiousity prevailed and I found myself in a comicbook shop in San Diego purchasing this title. I'm on vacation? Not anymore. I'm pausing that so I could read this issue and write about it for everyone who follows us. So let's dive in and read about my thoughts on this first issue entitled, "DC Universe Rebirth". 

The story starts off with us discovering that a Flash is responsible for trying to solve the mystery that these new issues will be attempting to explain. Flash certainly has his work cut out for him as it's unclear whether or not he'll survive his travels or be lost in the speed force forever as he travels from hero to hero searching for someone who remembers him. He needs help trying to discover who is the time thief that appears more powerful than Darkseid.

From there we are introduced to many other characters and it's explained that someone is not tampering with the timeline but actually stealing time and feelings from all the timelines thus creating new concepts for familiar hero's and villains. This reality even altered romantic relationships and changed lovers to colleagues, left feeling an unexplainable loss. Also, it's revealed that some of what we thought we knew about certain powers aren't actually accurate and there's more at stake than previously imagined. 

Overall, I enjoyed this issue. Introducing so many characters, concepts and storylines could be considered a Herculean task and I felt this first offering did well enough to establish where DC comics is headed. Plus seeing Doctor Fate make a sudden appearance is always cool. 

I can understand the frustrations that some folks might have on starting or rebooting the comics all over again. I can also see the side of those who feel this move is nothing more than a cash grab DC might be achieving. All that considered, I enjoyed this first introductory issue. It was only $2.99 to see where the universe is headed and it's worth it. I'll still read the "New 52 Deathstroke" for as long as they print them and I might start reading some of this new Aquaman if I'm feeling adventurous. Who knows? I'm just saying I enjoyed this first issue. 

Legends of Tomorrow Review: Season 1 Episode 5 "Fail-Safe"

Legends Of Tomorrow Season 1 Episode 5

“Fail-Safe”

Synopsis:

After some of the Legends are captured and thrown into a Russian gulag during the Height of the Cold war of 1986, Snart leads the team in an elaborate escape plan to free their comrade’s. However Rip gives Sara a secret side mission that could prove not only to be a liability, but fatal to the team.

Review:

With Rory, Stein, and Ray locked up and being tortured in order to get the secret to Firestorm, Rip and the rest of the team need to come up with a plan to save their friends. At first Rip excludes Jefferson and Kendra due to the risk of exposing them to Vandal Savage. Before going in to save them, Rip tells Sara that she may need to kill Stein in order to save the future.

In the end after a come to jesus talk from Snart, Sara decides against it and they were able to rescue the rest of the team.

Final Thoughts:

Another solid episode for Legends of Tomorrow, however with each passing week it is becoming harder to root for Rip. He has an ego, but seems to be stumbling out of control. At the same time its Snart that keeps stepping up and slowly becoming the center piece of the show.

There seems to be some good chemistry between Rory and Ray. In many ways this budding bromance is helping the elevate my dislike of Brandon Routh. 

This was a good conclusion to the two part episode, but in many ways the excitement for me is from the preview of the next episode. We are finally getting our Old Man Oliver, and maybe the badass Slade Wilson we deserve. Hopefully its the return of Manu Bennett as Deathstroke. 

I give this episode One Thumbs Up, it was solid but not great. Let us know what your thoughts of this episode were and leave a comment below.

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Comic Book Review: Dark Knight III: The Master Race #2 - DC Comics (2015)

Written by Frank Miller & Brian Azzarello
Art by Andy Kubert & Klaus Janson

Batman, or girl, has been taken into custody and is being transferred to Blackgate prison.  The Atom feels he has found a way to to enlarge the shrunken Kandorians.  We also get to see Lara who looks to be a character to keep an eye on.

Only two issues in and there is so much going on.  I'm really liking the fact that there are lots of subplots happening as they all feel separate yet you know they will all come together.  As always with these monthly series, there is a big reveal at the end.

The Atom is also at work within this book and brings on a big reveal as he attempts to bring the people in the tiny city back to a normal size.  The future will tell if this is actually a good idea or not.

So far so good from our people at DC Comics.  I'm curious as to how many people will stick around with that $5.99 price tag.  I keep hearing about comic book sales in general being down, but I don't think it would be so bad if the prices were lower.

This issue also included a mini book inside.

Wonder Woman #1
Written by Frank Miller & Brian Azarello
Art by Eduardo Risso

The book is called Wonder Woman but it feels more like it is about her daughter Lara.  Lara trains with Wonder Woman but shows that the Amazonian steel blade is no match for her Kryptonian physiology.  I definitely want to know more about Lara the more I continue to read the DKIII series.

Let us know your thoughts on The Dark Knight III: The Master Race in the comments below.

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Comic Book Review: Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1 - DC Comics (2015)

Written by Frank Miller & Brian Azzarello
Art by Andy Kubert & Klaus Janson

The universe of Frank Miller's version of Batman continues in Dark Knight III: The Master Race.  Thought to be dead, it appears
Batman is back and badder than ever.  There is footage from a cell phone that catches the Dark Knight fighting with police.  Everyone wants to know who is under the cowl and the reveal may surprise you.

This series is off to a fantastic start.  I was not originally going to partake in the purchasing of these books since they have a $5.99 cover price.  Luckily for me, my wife shops for comics based on cover and bought the first two issues for me(a review of issue two will follow in the next day or so).  Frank Miller teaming with Brian Azzarello is great and also Andy Kubert is capturing much of the look the previous Dark Knight series.'

It's really cool to see more of the DC universe early on with DKIII.  Wonder Woman looks to play a large part and we are introduced to another character who is looking to help her people.  We also get a glimpse of Superman and where he is chilling.



The Atom #1
Written by Frank Miller & Brian Azzarello
Art by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson

There's also a bonus story within the comic book and that helps me in justifying the $5.99 cover price.  It's actually a mini book and stars The Atom.  We get a look into his world and what makes him tick.  We are also shown a character that shows up at the end of DKIII #1 who enlists the help of Dr. Palmer.

I like seeing that Frank Miller did the artwork for this one.  The cover with Superman on it is interesting to say the least.

If the price doesn't scare you too much, I'd say DKIII #1 is a nice addition to your collection.  It's a little tough knowing there are awesome books at half the price available.  Two issues of Saga or Paper Girls cost the same as one issue of DKIII.  Could be tough if you're on a budget.

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