SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #4 (DC): Like every issue in this series, the real reason for it is to let Gary Frank draw classic moments in Superman’s history. That’s pretty much it… But it’s a really, really good reason, as he nails every single one of them. Geoff Johns is channeling the tone of the Richard Donner movies here, which makes sense since Donner was one of Johns’ mentors. So we get a balance of silly humor and iconic moments. I’d argue the silly works much better here in the comics than it did in the movies, though even I’m a little strained to not wince at Parasite’s Homer Simpson-esque origin. Regardless, Johns knows how to write Lex Luthor, he knows how to write Lois Lane, and he knows how to write Superman. Here’s hoping we get him and Frank back on the title soon.

BATWOMAN IN DETECTIVE COMICS #861 (DC): This issue sees a couple of “new” additions. Jock takes up art chores from J.H. Williams III, which are difficult shoes for anyone to fill. We get a new story arc from writer Greg Rucka, exploring a new Gotham crazy called Cutter. And though its not exactly new, we cross-cut between Batman and Batwoman, both working the same case. Given how good this title has been, it’s hard to match up to the first bunch of issues, but Jock does a great job, bringing some interesting graphical motifs of his own. Rucka’s mystery is a little disappointingly easy to figure out, though well plotted as usual. And while I wish there was a little more “here’s how Batman and Batwoman are different,” which I think was the central idea, I expect those differences in philosophy will be laid out over the next two issues. Still one of the best titles on the stands, though here’s hoping Williams comes back soon (no insult to Jock).

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #41 (DC): I’ve been thinking a lot about not writing bad reviews of comics… I’m just not sure what it brings to the table, honestly. It’s hurtful for creators in a small industry, and might be funny for readers, but even if it wins you fans, it’s not the right type of fans. Anyway, I guess as long as you make it clear something isn’t good in a creative way, that’s probably enough?

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #6 (DC): Man… Watchmen is a really good comic. I hope I can write my own version of Watchmen someday.

SUPERGIRL #49 (DC): Before we even get into a review, how good is that cover? Easily my favorite of the week, and a contender for best of the year. Okay, on to the rest of the issue: I love this book. When Sterling Gates is given free reign to write a story about Supergirl (rather than getting caught up in an endless Superman cross-over), he delivers a damn near perfect comic book, replete with humor, pathos, and creative fights and villains. He wraps up Supergirl’s fight with Silver Banshee in this issue, but the real star is the second half, which shows the final (?) fate of Lana Lang. It’s no exaggeration when I say that I held my breath for the last few pages, it’s that tense and terrifying. Gates is easily following up on the promise he showed on his first issue on the title, and I can’t wait for next month’s #50… It should be a classic.

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #8 (DC): This is a spectacular issue of an underrated series. Part of the trend of titles that are nowhere near as over-sexed as their initial launches implied, Sirens true hero is artist Guillem March, who smooth style, along with Tomeu Morey’s beautiful shades and colors create a unique comic book reading experience. This issue, it stands out even more than usual, as March provided the plot, clearly as a way of stretching his talents. The packed panel structure provides an almost comic strip feel. Mixed with March’s sly renderings, the whole effect is unique and packed. Marc Andreyko’s script smartly is there to provide settings for March to draw, and stand back… Though, as usual, he writes a great, involving mystery, and good character moments. This is, quite possibly, the best issue of this series so far… And given that I’ve enjoyed Dini’s issues quite a bit, that’s saying a lot.

WONDER WOMAN #40 (DC): I’m glad we’re getting away from the Amazonian stuff that’s engulfed the last few issues, as writer Gail Simone excels at these sorts of more self-contained stories (at least in Wonder Woman). This issue, we get a new villain in The Crows, a group of children stirring up hatred all over Diana’s city. While most of the issue is spent with set-up and deck clearing from previous story lines, it’s heads and tails above what we’ve gotten from this title in a while, and a lot more fun. The last two pages in particular have Simone poking fun at Wonder Woman, superhero fights in general, and creating a fun cliffhanger for the next issue. I’m always rooting in the corner for this title, and this issue reminds me why.

JACK OF FABLES #42 (VERTIGO): I was a little miffed to learn that Jack of Fables (you know, the star of the book?) would be replaced by his “son” Jack Frost for the time being. And while the over the top diabolical humor has left with Jack Senior, in favor of swashbuckling adventure, I quite like this book now, as well. Right now, Willingham and Sturges are in the middle of an old-school adventure comic riff, mixing elements of Flash Gordon with Fables style magic. It’s fun to read, and breezy, though the story isn’t really doing anything new other than the riff… It’s comforting in its familiarity. I love pretty much every issue of this book, but can’t wait for its star to come back.

VICTORIAN UNDEAD #3 (WILDSTORM): Well, this continues to just be a delight. Seeing Sherlock Holmes and Watson sit down to a civilized lunch while London is overcome by outer-space zombies is just as incongruous as you’d hope it would be. And while this issue is big on exposition, with the explanations out of the way, we can get back to Holmes kicking zombie arse. But you know, in a very smart distinguished way. People may scoff, but this sort of purposeful silliness is what comics are all about, and I’m having a blast reading it.

You’d think he’s concentrate the hardest on this title, as it is the biggest thing since sliced bread, but the writing is, as I stated earlier, just too broad, the action just a little too big, and we’re losing the characters in the middle of this. The surprising thing about this not quite working is that…

GREEN LANTERN #48: …Green Lantern is great. The clarity of focus Johns brings to this issue balances out the two-fisted action of Blackest Night perfectly, bringing creativity, good fights, and great pay-offs to character moments issue after issue. I’m trying not to get too caught up in labels here, but Green Lantern is the spine of this event, not Blackest Night. Which makes no sense. Anyway, one out of two ain’t bad.

SUPERMAN SECRET ORIGINS #3: Oh, except Johns has three books out this week, so there’s that. I wasn’t crazy about the first issue, especially coming so close on the heals of the fabulous Superboy story in Adventure Comics, which covered a lot of the same ground. The second issue did a bit to win me over, and I’m happy to say, I liked this issue quite a bit. Enough that I was a little bummed we’re just getting a greatest hits collection from Frank and Johns, rather than a total reboot of Superman, or something. Gary Frank continues to be the reason for this series existence, perfectly capturing Superman, Clark, and Lois, as well as iconic images of the rest of the Daily Planet staff. And Johns’ script harks back to the history of the character and the movies so seamlessly, that I’ve completely forgotten which was which. Anyway, best issue so far, pick ‘er up.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #39: I think what Blackest Night needs is more heroes standing around wondering what’s happening, and then seeing their dead relatives, and then freaking out about it. That would be nice. Sarcasm aside, it’s a thrill to see Mark Bagley drawing the JLA, and he’s the book for me on this book, at least until Robinson gets his team together, and us out of cross-over land. Oh, one other thing, and this drives me nuts: just because Dr. Light raped one person doesn’t mean all he likes to do is rape. I’m not saying sympathy for the rapist or anything, its just that there has to be other aspects of his character. I like to read comics, but it’s not like that’s all I talk ab– Oh wait.

ARKHAM REBORN #2: We’re certainly not breaking any new ground here (oh no! Arkham’s director is kind of crazy! oh no! a breakout at Arkham!), but David Hine turns in a solid enough script, and intriguing enough ideas that I’ll definitely be picking up the next issue to see where this all ends up.

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #33: Really solid, fun, super big fight scene in this issue. But it all doesn’t amount to a whole lot in the end, and the splitting up of the JSA feels totally unearned. Though, it is nice to see a great Shadowpact villain back in the mix.

WONDER WOMAN #38: I love Gail Simone’s writing, and she’s perfect for WW, but I feel like maybe I need an annotated version of this book. Simone clearly has this well plotted, and is pushing Wondie to some new places, but I just can’t keep track of all of the characters, what their motivations are, or their relationship to each other. But hey, release a $3.99 version of Wonder Woman each month with footnotes, and I am so there.

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #6: Well, this is just delightful. Can we keep Paul Dini and Guillem March telling Harley Quinn stories forever? Thanks.

WORLD’S FINEST #2: Though I wasn’t in love with the first issue of this team-up series, I like Sterling Gates writing enough to tune in for the second issue, and I can confidently say I’m not in love with this one, either. As usual, Gates turns in a solid, tight script, but there’s something about it that’s just not grabbing me. I do really like than Ramon F. Bachs draws Damien as an actual little kid, though.

BATWOMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS #859: This title shows the potential of the comic storytelling medium as art, and that’s entirely due to J.H. Williams III’s spectacular art, along with Dave Stewart’s stunning colors. Greg Rucka’s script is also excellently paced and involving, as we learn more of Batwoman’s origin, but its the art that makes this one of the best titles of the year, if not the decade.

SUPERMAN #694: It’s nice that Javier Pina draws Mon-El differently than Connor Kent, because I feel it would be easy enough to draw both characters the same way. I wish I knew why everyone in Metropolis loves Mon-El so much, though.

Josh took on the Herculean task of taping this week’s Wednesday New Releases blog all by himself! In this installment: Gotham City Sirens #4, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Predators and Prey, Absolute Promethea, and The Guild Seasons 1 and 2. Check them out:

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Video reviews for JSA #30, Superman #691, Flash: Rebirth #4, Hulk #14, Secret Warriors #7, Last Days of Animal Man #4, Wonder Woman #35, New Mutants #4, Batman: The Widening Gyre #1, Sinister Spider-Man #4, X-Force #18, Gotham City Sirens #3, Dark Wolverine #77, Avengers: Initiative #27,