Yay for week-old comic book reviews!
SPOILERS!
52 #35
Luthor turns off the Everyman powers. People fall. Everyone dies.
Well, not everybody, but thousands of people die. Supernova saves a bunch of people by teleporting them out of Metropolis and some real heroes (including Obsidian yay!) step in to help too. Natasha finally realizes that Steel has been right the entire time about Luthor. Lobo supposedly betrays the space heroes.
Not one of my favorite issues of 52 so far. I seem to really enjoy the ones that nobody else likes, such as the Captain Comet issue.
As far as the cover goes, just what is that...thing on Luthor's desk? At first I thought it was a demon candle like Eddie used in Teen Titans, but there's no wick. Then I thought it might be a sculpture of the Tower of Babylon because that seems like something Luthor would identify with. I suppose it could also just be a dildo. It's the right shape.
Supernova has to be Micheal or Daniel Carter. No one else makes sense. I'm pretty sure that this is not just wishful thinking on my part, unlike some other things (see review for Manhunter #27 below).
The All New Atom #7
The art in this book really isn't fantastic, but it sure looks like it is when compared to John Byrne's pencils. Thank God that we are rid of him. Ryan is, like, actually cute now. Which may be why Dr. Zuel (a.k.a Giganta) keeps mackin' on him. She even intimidated him in to going on a second date with her, despite the fact that she literally ate him on their first one. He tries to rationalize this by saying "Everyone deserves a second chance." Okaaaay, Ryan.
This issue begins with a conversation between the evil college dean (wait, aren't all college deans evil?) and the now permanently miniaturized villain Dwarfstar. Things don't go so well. Then, we discover that Ryan and Panda kept the giant floating head from the last story arc. "Nuggets or submission!"
Suddenly, cowboys attack.
Things get weirder from there. Still if weird is your cup o' tea, you'll probably like this serious. If nothing else, it's pretty consistently hilarious. And there's now a bisected man in it.
Manhunter #27
I started reading Manhunter with issue 26, so I don't really know who anyone in the supporting cast is yet. I have to admit that I did buy this issue mostly because of Blue Beetle, but, rest assured, I have a pile of back issues waiting to be read. It's definitely a title worthy of buying on its own merits.
That said, when I first saw the solicitation for this issue, I danced around my room for ten minutes with joy. It wasn't until later, when I read other people's opinions online, that I realized that there is about a 5% chance of it really being Ted Kord. *sigh* I'm just not cynical enough yet.
This was already posted on worlds_finest, but I figured I should probably put it up on my own journal as well.
Title: Bat-Seat Driver
Author: vigilante_wake
Pairing: Superman/Batman
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: m/m kissing, cross-dressing, possums
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: I did not create these characters. No money is being made.
"Clark, do you even have a driver's license?"
“Of course not. Nobody in Metropolis drives. There’s too much traffic.”
“Have you ever had a driver’s license?”
“Well, no, but I used to drive the tractor back home on the farm...”
If Superman had used his x-ray vision on Batman’s gloves at the moment, he would have seen that Bruce’s knuckles were white from how tight he was clenching his fists.
“Gah! Watch out for that dumpster!”
“I see it, Bruce! Don’t be such a back seat driver. It’s very annoying.”
“Don’t look at me! Watch the road!”
“Were you like this when you taught Dick to drive?”
“Dick was a better driver than you are when he was sixteen!”
“Now cut that out or I’m not going to forgive you after all.”
Batman gritted his teeth and reflected on the series of events that had lead to his current situation. He really had no one to blame but himself. He could admit that. But right now, it still didn’t seem fair.
* * *
Bruce surveyed himself in the cracked full-length mirror in the cheap motel room. He decided that his disguise was passable, but it was really an outfit that would have suited Dick or Tim more. Bruce didn’t feel that he was quite pretty enough to make a convincing drag queen.
His “date” came back into the room carrying the ice bucket. “Sorry, baby. The machine was broke.”
“Don’t worry about it, Rocco.” Bruce purred. “I didn’t come here for the champagne.” Besides, Bruce added mentally, that so-called champagne you brought is cheaper than a wino’s swill and tastes worse. Bruce grabbed Rocco’s tie and pulled him in for a kiss.
“You’re the eager type. I like that,” said Rocco after they broke apart.
“I’m sure you do.” The snarky nuance of Bruce’s statement was lost on the thug currently groping him. They moved towards the bed which squeaked loudly when Rocco pushed Bruce down onto it. They continued to make out for a few minutes before Bruce felt Rocco’s erection pressing on his thigh. He decided it was time to get what he needed and get out before things progressed any further.
“Rocco, baby, ya gotta tell me where you’re getting’ all this money from. I mean, first dinner, and then a hotel room, and the champagne...”
“C’mon, Candi, I don’t wanna talk about that right now.”
“I gotta know! It don’t feel right ta me.”
Rocco sighed and stopped trying to get his hand into Bruce’s panties. “Alright, alright. If it will make ya happy. So, I met this guy and his name was...”
At that moment, Superman burst through the door. “Aaagh!” screamed Rocco. He didn’t have time to do anything else before a well-placed super-punch to the head rendered him unconscious.
“Oh my God, Bruce! How could you! Especially while wearing that!”
“This isn’t what it looks like, Clark,” said Bruce as he quickly adjusted his dress to make it more seemly.
“Just what is it then? Did...did you shave your legs?” Superman shook his head vigorously. “That’s beside the point.”
“I was undercover. This low-life sells drugs to rich teenagers who attend Gotham’s private schools. He also has a well-known...preference for men in drag. I was just about to get him to tell me the name of his heroin supplier before you had to go and break the door down!”
“I had no idea you were doing this! I thought you were in trouble! Instead, I find you dressed like a tramp and letting some goon fondle you.”
“I swear I wouldn’t have let it go any further than that, Clark. I would have left as soon as I had the information I needed.” Bruce adjusted a batarang hidden in his fake cleavage. “You know I would never cheat on you.”
Clark’s anger deflated in to slight guilt. “You’re right. I do know that. I’m sorry”. He gently embraced Bruce, who hugged him back. Suddenly, Clark tensed again and held Bruce at an arm’s length to look at him. “Wait a minute. That doesn’t change the fact that you’ve been missing for the past several days. I kept trying to call and your secretary said that you had taken several days off of work, but she didn’t know where you were...”
“I had to gain his trust,” said Bruce, indicating the comatose Rocco with a tilt of his head. “That takes time.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me? I was worried about you! I had to track you down. Don’t you trust me by now?” Clark turned away towards the window.
Bruce felt horribly guilty. “Clark, please, it’s not you. It’s a just that I’m not used to...” Loving someone the way he loved Clark? He didn’t know how to say that. Then, he had an idea.
“Clark. Let me make it up to you. I’ll let you do that one thing that I said I would never let you do.”
Clark turned around with a surprised expression on is face. “Are...are you sure? I don’t want to pressure you in to doing something you don’t...”
“I’m sure,” said Bruce firmly. “I will let you drive the Batmobile.”
* * *
“Hey Batman, let’s go outside the city where we can really see what this thing can do!”
Bruce moaned softly and buried his face in his hands.
A few minutes later, they were speeding along a dark narrow road somewhere out in Gotham County. Bruce began to relax. As long as Clark stayed on the road, there wasn’t really any way for him to get in to trouble out here...
“Hey, what does this button do?”
“Kal-El, don’t you dare touch that bu-“ There was a loud FWOOM! and the Batmobile shot forward like a bullet.
“This thing has jet propulsion!? Why didn’t you tell me?” exclaimed Clark.
“Turn it off! Now!”
Clark complied reluctantly and the Batmobile slowed to its previous speed, which was still more than 80 mph. “You’re no fun,” said Clark. The smell of burning kerosene still lingered in the air.
“The rocket boosters are extremely dangerous and should only be used in emergencies...” The lecture would have continued if Clark hadn’t yelled “Oh no!” and slammed on the brakes.
Bruce was very glad for his seatbelt as the Batmobile skidded forward before it screeched to a halt and the rear flew several inches in the air before slamming back down on the pavement.
“Why. Did. You. Do. That?” Bruce said in his scariest Bat voice. Unfortunately, it didn’t work on Superman.
“Look.” Superman pointed to the road in front of the car. A mother possum was leading three baby possums across the road. Slowly.
“I hate possums,” said Bruce.
“Oh, you hate everything,” said Clark, dismissively.
They both got out of the car to survey the damage.
“It’s drivable,” said Bruce as he fixed a Bat-death glare on Clark, who had the grace to look slightly sheepish.
“Look on the bright side. At least you don’t have to clean possum off of it.”
Bruce replied with a grunt that meant “Do not talk to me right now.” He turned away from Clark sharply and walked back towards the front of the car. Clearly, desperate measures were required.
Bruce let out a rather embarrassing “Eeep!” when he found himself pressed up against the hood of the Batmobile with Clark on top of him.
“Clark! Let me up!”
“Oh no. You said I could drive, remember?”
Bruce stopped struggling when Clark started to kiss him.
* * *
Forty minutes later, they were headed back to Gotham. Clark was happy and sated in the passenger’s seat and Bruce was back behind the wheel of his baby. All was right with the world again.
52 #35
Luthor turns off the Everyman powers. People fall. Everyone dies.
Well, not everybody, but thousands of people die. Supernova saves a bunch of people by teleporting them out of Metropolis and some real heroes (including Obsidian yay!) step in to help too. Natasha finally realizes that Steel has been right the entire time about Luthor. Lobo supposedly betrays the space heroes.
Not one of my favorite issues of 52 so far. I seem to really enjoy the ones that nobody else likes, such as the Captain Comet issue.
As far as the cover goes, just what is that...thing on Luthor's desk? At first I thought it was a demon candle like Eddie used in Teen Titans, but there's no wick. Then I thought it might be a sculpture of the Tower of Babylon because that seems like something Luthor would identify with. I suppose it could also just be a dildo. It's the right shape.
Supernova has to be Micheal or Daniel Carter. No one else makes sense. I'm pretty sure that this is not just wishful thinking on my part, unlike some other things (see review for Manhunter #27 below).
The All New Atom #7
The art in this book really isn't fantastic, but it sure looks like it is when compared to John Byrne's pencils. Thank God that we are rid of him. Ryan is, like, actually cute now. Which may be why Dr. Zuel (a.k.a Giganta) keeps mackin' on him. She even intimidated him in to going on a second date with her, despite the fact that she literally ate him on their first one. He tries to rationalize this by saying "Everyone deserves a second chance." Okaaaay, Ryan.
This issue begins with a conversation between the evil college dean (wait, aren't all college deans evil?) and the now permanently miniaturized villain Dwarfstar. Things don't go so well. Then, we discover that Ryan and Panda kept the giant floating head from the last story arc. "Nuggets or submission!"
Suddenly, cowboys attack.
Things get weirder from there. Still if weird is your cup o' tea, you'll probably like this serious. If nothing else, it's pretty consistently hilarious. And there's now a bisected man in it.
Manhunter #27
I started reading Manhunter with issue 26, so I don't really know who anyone in the supporting cast is yet. I have to admit that I did buy this issue mostly because of Blue Beetle, but, rest assured, I have a pile of back issues waiting to be read. It's definitely a title worthy of buying on its own merits.
That said, when I first saw the solicitation for this issue, I danced around my room for ten minutes with joy. It wasn't until later, when I read other people's opinions online, that I realized that there is about a 5% chance of it really being Ted Kord. *sigh* I'm just not cynical enough yet.
This was already posted on worlds_finest, but I figured I should probably put it up on my own journal as well.
Title: Bat-Seat Driver
Author: vigilante_wake
Pairing: Superman/Batman
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: m/m kissing, cross-dressing, possums
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: I did not create these characters. No money is being made.
"Clark, do you even have a driver's license?"
“Of course not. Nobody in Metropolis drives. There’s too much traffic.”
“Have you ever had a driver’s license?”
“Well, no, but I used to drive the tractor back home on the farm...”
If Superman had used his x-ray vision on Batman’s gloves at the moment, he would have seen that Bruce’s knuckles were white from how tight he was clenching his fists.
“Gah! Watch out for that dumpster!”
“I see it, Bruce! Don’t be such a back seat driver. It’s very annoying.”
“Don’t look at me! Watch the road!”
“Were you like this when you taught Dick to drive?”
“Dick was a better driver than you are when he was sixteen!”
“Now cut that out or I’m not going to forgive you after all.”
Batman gritted his teeth and reflected on the series of events that had lead to his current situation. He really had no one to blame but himself. He could admit that. But right now, it still didn’t seem fair.
* * *
Bruce surveyed himself in the cracked full-length mirror in the cheap motel room. He decided that his disguise was passable, but it was really an outfit that would have suited Dick or Tim more. Bruce didn’t feel that he was quite pretty enough to make a convincing drag queen.
His “date” came back into the room carrying the ice bucket. “Sorry, baby. The machine was broke.”
“Don’t worry about it, Rocco.” Bruce purred. “I didn’t come here for the champagne.” Besides, Bruce added mentally, that so-called champagne you brought is cheaper than a wino’s swill and tastes worse. Bruce grabbed Rocco’s tie and pulled him in for a kiss.
“You’re the eager type. I like that,” said Rocco after they broke apart.
“I’m sure you do.” The snarky nuance of Bruce’s statement was lost on the thug currently groping him. They moved towards the bed which squeaked loudly when Rocco pushed Bruce down onto it. They continued to make out for a few minutes before Bruce felt Rocco’s erection pressing on his thigh. He decided it was time to get what he needed and get out before things progressed any further.
“Rocco, baby, ya gotta tell me where you’re getting’ all this money from. I mean, first dinner, and then a hotel room, and the champagne...”
“C’mon, Candi, I don’t wanna talk about that right now.”
“I gotta know! It don’t feel right ta me.”
Rocco sighed and stopped trying to get his hand into Bruce’s panties. “Alright, alright. If it will make ya happy. So, I met this guy and his name was...”
At that moment, Superman burst through the door. “Aaagh!” screamed Rocco. He didn’t have time to do anything else before a well-placed super-punch to the head rendered him unconscious.
“Oh my God, Bruce! How could you! Especially while wearing that!”
“This isn’t what it looks like, Clark,” said Bruce as he quickly adjusted his dress to make it more seemly.
“Just what is it then? Did...did you shave your legs?” Superman shook his head vigorously. “That’s beside the point.”
“I was undercover. This low-life sells drugs to rich teenagers who attend Gotham’s private schools. He also has a well-known...preference for men in drag. I was just about to get him to tell me the name of his heroin supplier before you had to go and break the door down!”
“I had no idea you were doing this! I thought you were in trouble! Instead, I find you dressed like a tramp and letting some goon fondle you.”
“I swear I wouldn’t have let it go any further than that, Clark. I would have left as soon as I had the information I needed.” Bruce adjusted a batarang hidden in his fake cleavage. “You know I would never cheat on you.”
Clark’s anger deflated in to slight guilt. “You’re right. I do know that. I’m sorry”. He gently embraced Bruce, who hugged him back. Suddenly, Clark tensed again and held Bruce at an arm’s length to look at him. “Wait a minute. That doesn’t change the fact that you’ve been missing for the past several days. I kept trying to call and your secretary said that you had taken several days off of work, but she didn’t know where you were...”
“I had to gain his trust,” said Bruce, indicating the comatose Rocco with a tilt of his head. “That takes time.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me? I was worried about you! I had to track you down. Don’t you trust me by now?” Clark turned away towards the window.
Bruce felt horribly guilty. “Clark, please, it’s not you. It’s a just that I’m not used to...” Loving someone the way he loved Clark? He didn’t know how to say that. Then, he had an idea.
“Clark. Let me make it up to you. I’ll let you do that one thing that I said I would never let you do.”
Clark turned around with a surprised expression on is face. “Are...are you sure? I don’t want to pressure you in to doing something you don’t...”
“I’m sure,” said Bruce firmly. “I will let you drive the Batmobile.”
* * *
“Hey Batman, let’s go outside the city where we can really see what this thing can do!”
Bruce moaned softly and buried his face in his hands.
A few minutes later, they were speeding along a dark narrow road somewhere out in Gotham County. Bruce began to relax. As long as Clark stayed on the road, there wasn’t really any way for him to get in to trouble out here...
“Hey, what does this button do?”
“Kal-El, don’t you dare touch that bu-“ There was a loud FWOOM! and the Batmobile shot forward like a bullet.
“This thing has jet propulsion!? Why didn’t you tell me?” exclaimed Clark.
“Turn it off! Now!”
Clark complied reluctantly and the Batmobile slowed to its previous speed, which was still more than 80 mph. “You’re no fun,” said Clark. The smell of burning kerosene still lingered in the air.
“The rocket boosters are extremely dangerous and should only be used in emergencies...” The lecture would have continued if Clark hadn’t yelled “Oh no!” and slammed on the brakes.
Bruce was very glad for his seatbelt as the Batmobile skidded forward before it screeched to a halt and the rear flew several inches in the air before slamming back down on the pavement.
“Why. Did. You. Do. That?” Bruce said in his scariest Bat voice. Unfortunately, it didn’t work on Superman.
“Look.” Superman pointed to the road in front of the car. A mother possum was leading three baby possums across the road. Slowly.
“I hate possums,” said Bruce.
“Oh, you hate everything,” said Clark, dismissively.
They both got out of the car to survey the damage.
“It’s drivable,” said Bruce as he fixed a Bat-death glare on Clark, who had the grace to look slightly sheepish.
“Look on the bright side. At least you don’t have to clean possum off of it.”
Bruce replied with a grunt that meant “Do not talk to me right now.” He turned away from Clark sharply and walked back towards the front of the car. Clearly, desperate measures were required.
Bruce let out a rather embarrassing “Eeep!” when he found himself pressed up against the hood of the Batmobile with Clark on top of him.
“Clark! Let me up!”
“Oh no. You said I could drive, remember?”
Bruce stopped struggling when Clark started to kiss him.
* * *
Forty minutes later, they were headed back to Gotham. Clark was happy and sated in the passenger’s seat and Bruce was back behind the wheel of his baby. All was right with the world again.