August 22nd Comic RoundUp

posted by JediSheltie @ 7:22 PM

Superman 666

For those of you non-Christians, the number 666 is the "Number of the Beast." Perhaps all the Buddhist Superman fans were confused as to why this issue was double sized and featured a "Hell" theme. Just trying to do my part to foster understanding of Christan eschatology. It was also why Batman was heading off the Apocalypse two issues ago.

The #666 story itself is a bit of a one-shot, not figuring into any current arcs. As such, it has a relatively timeless feel. In a number of ways, actually. Most notably the way in which it recycles the possessed Superman storyline. I'm a little disappointed in Busiek, who's been turning in some great work recently. He even turned in a rather great story a few issues back that looked at the whole possession angle from a fresher perspective. Here it's back to a pretty common well.

Seems Krypton had a Hell, too. This one didn't have a chance to freeze over though, as it pretty much got blown to bits with the rest of the planet. The metaphysical implications here are pretty mind-blowing, but they aren't fodder for the story. We're only to note that not everything in Kryptonian Hell was killed when the planet went "boom." One little lesser demon makes it out and finally enacts a plan to take control of Krypton's last son. Boy, is he successful.

The possessed Superman does all the bad things you expect him to do. Granted, I was a bit amused when he popped Jimmy Olsen. Really, we all kind of want that from time to time. Luthor's death also qualifies as the most creative use of spit in comics recently, that's for sure. After completing an earthly rampage, Clark ends up in Earth Hell, ruler of all he surveys. Naturally, this isn't the status quo when the issue ends. Suffice to say, when one is vulnerable to magical forces, it helps to have friends who know a lot about magic.

The one part where the script shined was at the end, when Clark, his old self, points out to Hell's head honchos that he could basically ruin their entire millennium if he wanted to, and they didn't have a local snowball's chance of stopping him. He doesn't only because he knows it's an ultimately empty gesture, that Hell will still be there, and something else will just take over. I do enjoy seeing Clark assume an "I'm a complete bad-ass" demeanor from time to time, especially when it stems from him losing his temper a bit. I consider it a very humanizing characteristic.

Art was fine. Done by old hand Walt Simonson, it brought back memories of my first years reading Superman, post "Death." He was never my favorite artist, but he's "okay."

I think Camelot is finally going to "fall" next issue. The oft-interrupted, but still narratively pleasing, arc might finally be coming to a conclusion. We shall see.

Batman 668

This issue is second of a 3 part arc that sees Batman arriving on a reclusive billionaire's remote island to reunite with a very, very short-lived "super team" of the world's "other" Batmen. Before you go thinking there's a bunch of guys in knock-off bat costumes, don't worry, Morrison and artist J.H. Williams dig a little deeper. Based on a very old, Golden Age idea, this league of “Batmen of All Nations” is composed of very distinct members, very few of which actually wear costumes that have any relation to Batman's. They are all getting killed, though.

The Black Hand has shown up to spoil the party and, presumably, kill them all. It's a rather classic setup, one seen in a few different places. The protagonists are trapped on the island with a killer. They just happen to be superheroes, and one of them is Batman. The setup actually reminded me a bit of an old Avenger's episode. Should be interesting to see what the big reveal is at the end, but the mystery is compelling, even if the plot is well worn. Morrison is basically taking that well worn plot and shaping a very good Batman story around it.

Exposition on the other heroes is brief but deep enough to serve the purpose of the story. Hard to say what the clues are, as this isn't an episode of Columbo. Morrison evokes the rising tensions among a group of people who would otherwise be considered "fearless crime fighters." Bruce Wayne remains the coolest cucumber in the room, of course. This is a Batman-as-detective yarn, less a superhero tale of the kind Morrison is more well known for. He certainly shows no signs of being out of his depth, though.

Art is handled by J.H. Williams III, who turns in a excellent, stylish performance that suits the story very well. The use of the black hand in large splash panels to define the page structure is an excellent way to communicate the character's guiding of the events unfolding. Tension filled faces and dark rooms abound, providing a perfect accompaniment to the dark script. All in all a very good arc for Morrison.