THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week-Year 2 - Week 28 _ _________________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, March 15 , 2008

This week, faithful readers, I am proud to present another advance review.

THE GOBLIN CHRONICLES #2 (All Ages)

Troy Dye & Tom Kelesides (w); Collin Fogel (p/i); Will Terrell (c); David Hedgecock (l); covers by Fogel & Terrell and Tim Seeley

Publisher: Ape Entertainment

Format: three-issue miniseries

Concept: This series follows the adventures of a young goblin and his three reluctant allies, on a quest to save their world from the clutches of the evil Dark Queen. What chance do four bickering brats have against an immensely powerful sorceress? Not much, but with a little trust, teamwork, and courage, anything is possible.

Review: It's more fantastic adventures with Gorim and friends as they continue to elude the Queen and her henchmen. Along the way, they encounter such beings as an elf that plays enchanted music and a wizard. Dye & Kelesides do a nice job of avoiding dead spots; the plot flows beautifully. Fogel has designed some wonderful creatures-check out the dragon-and Terrell's colors give the whole thing a classic look. It's hard not to love Gorim, and my two favorite scenes in this issue find him solving a wizard's riddle and devising a plan to take out some guards. Dye & Kelesides have developed his character nicely. Though he is the smallest and youngest character, he's also the smartest, and the fact that he uses his brain is what allows him to hold his own against everyone else.
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THE ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #5

Robert Kirkman (w); Jason Howard (p/i/c); Rus Wooton (l); cover by Howard

Publisher: Image

Format: bi-monthly series

Concept: When Gary Hampton is mauled and left for dead, his life takes a drastic turn. Gary is cursed - when the moon is full he transforms into a beast of the night - a werewolf! But this curse will not be used for evil - witness the birth or the world's most unlikely new superhero - The Astounding Wolf-Man!

In this issue: Hero or Villain? The time has come for Gary Hampton, The Astounding Wolf-Man to make his choice. Can he contain the beast within... or will he succumb to the bloodlust? (from imagecomics.com)

Review: Wolf-Man gets to see lots of action, prove himself a superhero and gain some good press in the process. The Actioneers, however, aren't convinced. Unfortunately, neither is Chloe, who can't even give her dad a hug anymore. Kirkman packs a lot of information into his stories, and there are no dull moments. Best of all, Zechariah finally give details on the Elder Brood. Howard's art is great, as always, especially the CREEPY final close-up on Wolf-Man's face.

Look out for: minor language

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THE BATMAN STRIKES! #43: "Grounded" (All Ages)

James Peaty (w); Christopher Jones (p); Terry Beatty (i); Heroic Age (c); Travis Lanham (l); cover by Jones & Beatty

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of Bruce Wayne in his early years as Batman.

In this issue: Batman's been captured by Harley Quinn, and his only hope is the deductive skills of Robin, the Boy Wonder. Yep, Batman's in big, big trouble. (from dccomics.com)

Review: This issue is about the importance of thinking before you act. Crime fighting is about using your head before you bust heads, but Robin would rather just get to the action, which not only almost gets him killed, but also gets him GROUNDED. But thanks to Harley Quinn (whose reason for capturing Batman is unique), he's going to going to have to step up and get serious. As usual, Jones does a nice job with the wide shots that serve to establish scenes, such as a warehouse or Robin's room. And his work on Robin as great as it's ever been, from the first splash page where he leaps into action to his shocked reaction to the panel of him barreling over three thugs.

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LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES IN THE 31 st CENTURY #12: "Lone Wolf" (All Ages)

Matthew K. Manning (w); Ethan Beavers (p/i); Heroic Age (c); Sal Cipriano (l)

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of the Legion, based on their hit cartoon.

In this issue : Timber Wolf takes center stage as he faces one of the biggest threats he has ever had to deal with. Will the Legion be able to help? (from toonzone.com)

Review: Unfortunately, the cover artist was not listed in the credits, which is a shame, because they did a FANTASTIC job. One look at that striking image and you know who the star of this story is going to be. Timber Wolf's a great character, and it's nice to see him take center stage for a change. He doesn't have super-strength or telepathy, and he can't change into a giant robot. But he does have great hearing and agility, which can be just as good. Abilities come in all shapes and sizes, and Timber Wolf is as much a part of the group as anyone else. Manning keeps the focus almost entirely on him (the other members hardly appear at all), and Beavers and Heroic Age make him look beautiful. Look for a particularly effective moment where Manning and Beavers cut from a close-up on Timber Wolf's eye as he's interrogating someone to a shot of a piece of broken glass in a bar where he's been, um, "interrogating" others. The glass is in roughly the same shape as the eye, which makes the transition work beautifully both artistically and plot-wise.

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MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #7: "Mostly I'm Silent" (Teen/Young Adult)

Mike Allred (story and art); Laura Allred (colors and separations); Nate Piekos (l); cover by the Allreds

Publisher: Image

Format: monthly series

Concept: Frank "Madman" Einstein returns in an all-new series.

In this issue : Frank "Madman" Einstein's Universe has been turned upside down and he's bound to set things right. This issue wraps up the whole "MADMAN IN SPACE" story arc in the most epic conclusion you'll see this year! (from imagecomics.com)

Review: Frank has really had a tough time with space and time travel. His adventure isn't over just yet.but there does appear to be light at the end of the tunnel. There is not one word of dialogue in this issue, which only makes the artwork stand out MORE; the Allreds are superb visual storytellers. It's absolutely breathtaking, especially the two double-page splashes showing Frank in action. I really don't know what to say except, GORGEOUS.

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MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #9: "Smash This" (All Ages)

Paul Benjamin (w); Steve Scott (p); Nathan Massengill (i); A. Street (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Scott, Leisten & Baumann

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Caught in a blast of gamma-radiation, brilliant scientist Bruce Banner now finds himself living as a fugitive, cursed to transform in times of stress into the living engine of destruction known as the HULK.

In this issue : Bruce Banner's old friend, Dr. Leonard Samson, is now a gamma-powered strongman working with Betty Ross to cure Bruce. But what dark secret will push Bruce over the edge? See: Hulk battle the green-haired goliath, Doc Samson! Thrill: as Bruce is reunited with the love of his life, Betty Ross! Cringe: As Rick Jones gives Doc Samson a piece of his mind! Witness: Monkey on the psychiatrist's couch! (from marvel.com)

Review: Doc Samson makes his MARVEL ADVENTURES debut and Betty Ross returns, and they may have found a cure for Bruce's condition. It appears to be working, and Bruce is overjoyed to be able to see Betty again and finally be able to express his feelings without triggering the change. But there's something they're not telling him, and when he finds out.you know what will happen. Scott handles the artistic duties, and though I think I prefer David Nakayama's version of the Hulk, that's not to say that Scott does a bad job; he gives Bruce Banner some great expressions. And for some reason, it didn't really occur to me until this issue how well Benjamin has developed Rick Jones. When he points the finger at Samson and delivers the issue's message-that people don't like being lied to-it just goes to show that in his own way, he's smarter than either doctor.

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SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #185: "Mogul Rising, part 1: Needful Things" (All Ages)

Ian Flynn (w); Tracy Yardley! (layouts); Matt Herms (p); Jim Amash (i); Josh Ray (c); John Workman (l); cover by Yardley! & Jensen

Publisher: Archie

Format: monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of Sonic and pals, based on the hit video game.

In this issue : Life's been good for Sonic and his friends, but that can't possibly last for long! That's because the once super-powerful villain Mammoth Mogul threatens to revive the Fearsome Foursome - from behind bars! How can he accomplish that, and how will his plan put Sonic's closest friends in the greatest danger? It's a fistful of mystery and shocking revelations as only Sonic the Hedgehog can deliver! Plus, the classic Sonic team of Mike Gallagher and Dave Manak are back for a brand-new, modern-day Sonic classic loaded with some of the most popular classic Sonic villains including the original version of Metal Sonic known as Pseudo-Sonic! (from grahamcrackers.com)

Review: Fresh from defeating Enerjak, Sonic is now summoned by Mammoth Mogul to discuss.Sonic's surrender!! Sonic is about to learn the hard way to never underestimate a villain, even when he's behind bars. What this means for Sonic's friends is something I'll allow you to find out for yourselves. The Fearsome Foursome isn't the only team making a comeback; SONIC veterans Mike Gallagher and Dave Manak bring back the Forty Fathom Freedom Fighters in a backstory filled with puns.
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SONIC X #29: "Green-Eyed Monster, part 2" (All Ages)

Tracy Yardley! (w/p); Terry Austin (i); Josh Ray (c); John Workman (l); cover by Patrick "Spaz" Spaziante

Publisher: Archie

Format: monthly series

Concept: During a battle between Sonic the Hedgehog and Dr. Eggman, an explosion hurled Sonic, his friends, and Dr. Eggman across dimensions until they found themselves on planet Earth. Dr. Eggman is determined to establish his Eggman Empire, beginning with Earth.and Sonic is determined to stop him.

In this issue : By combining the power of three "green" energy bots - wind, solar, and water - Dr. Eggman has created the most devastating monster robot ever! This unstoppable robot is rampaging through the city, and it appears Sonic is powerless to stop it, unless he tries something "super!" (from grahamcrackers.com)

Review: By fusing Chaos with his robots, Dr. Eggman has quite a creature at his command.and Sonic and pals have their work cut out for them! Yardley writes and pencils this issue, and there's lots of witty banter to accompany the awesome artwork. Eggman's defeated expression at the end is particularly hilarious. In keeping with the 'green' theme, some recycling tips are scattered throughout.

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To be reviewed in next week's column:

FLASH vol. 2 #238

FRANKLIN RICHARDS: SPRING BREAK

INVINCIBLE #49

MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #22

SUPER FRIENDS vol. 2 #1

By thy side,

John "Figaro" Norris

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