THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week-Year 3 - Week 48 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, August 04, 2009

CARS: THE ROOKIE #3: “First Race!” (All Ages)

Alan J. Porter (w); Albert Carreres (p/i); Emily Kanalz (c); Deron Bennett (l); covers by Allen Gladfelter

Publisher: BOOM! Kids

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: Lightning McQueen and the cast of Disney/Pixar's CARS return in this miniseries.

In this issue: Lightning McQueen's thrilling origin story continues! During McQueen's first big race, he makes an enemy of irascible racer Chic Hicks! And why does McQueen's pit crew seem to dislike him, as well? Can McQueen check his ego at the finish line and gain some much-needed respect? (from boom-kids.com)

Review: We're back, and this time The King narrates the story. We're provided with a quick flashback, and then we're off to McQueen's first Piston Cup practice and race. As expected, he's quite cocky, even to the point of ignoring advice and support from his team. Porter and Carreres, in a very entertaining way, show us that no one is a one-man show, and that it's always good to respect your teammates, because you never know when you will need their help.

FINDING NEMO: REEF RESCUE #1 (All Ages)

Marie Croall (w); Erica Leigh Currey (p/i); Digikore (c); Marshall Dillon (l); covers by Amy Mebberson & Currey

Publisher: BOOM! Kids

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: The biggest selling DVD of all time comes to comics!

In this issue: Nemo, Dory and Marlin have become local heroes, and are recruited to embark on an all-new adventure. Their reef is mysteriously dying and no one knows why! Facing dangerous waters and incredible odds, Nemo travels the great blue sea to save the one thing that matters most of all--home. (from boom-kids.com)

Review: Marlin went through a LOT to find and rescue his son in the movie, and he's now a braver fish because of it. Still, he can't help but get a little jumpy every now and then; or anxious as he waits for Nemo. But he's about to have good reason to be concerned: Something is killing off their reef! Marlin, Nemo and Dory try to find out why before it's too late. The artwork is pleasing to look at, and Croall really gets the characters. If you loved them in the movie, you'll love them here as well.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #13: “Life Model Doggie” (All Ages)

Paul Tobin (w); Marcelo Dichiara (p/i); Sotocolor (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Patrick Scherberger & Guru

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Join the Marvel Heroes for some amazing adventures.

In this issue : Bulldogs are about the best dogs in the world. Everyone knows that. But when the Leader decides to use a robotic bulldog to steal all of SHIELD's private files, it's up to She-Hulk, Spider-Man and Tigra to clean up after the dog! (from marvel.com)

Review: I've seen some smart dogs before, but Bebop, the bulldog in this issue, takes the cake. Of course, the fact that he's actually a S.H.I.E.L.D. robot in canine form who, thanks to the Leader, has a ton of sensitive fils in his system probably has something to do with it. But as much as he's about to give our three heroes a run for their money, that's nothing compared to the pigeons and horses they'll have to face (sorry, I can't say any more about that). Tobin has crafted a fun and nutty story, and from the look of things, I'd say Dichiara had fun drawing it. He certainly draws a great Spider-Man, who has to be the only person who could play Wii and talk on the phone while hanging upside down. And I would so pay to see a version of HAMLET with X-Men puppets!

MUPPET ROBIN HOOD #2 (All Ages)

Tim Beedle (w); Armand Villavert, Jr. (p/i); Mara Aum (c); Marshall Dillon (l); covers by David Petersen & Richard Garcia

Publisher: BOOM! Kids

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: The Muppets tell the Robin Hood legend for laughs, and it's the reader who will be merry!

In this issue: Robin Hood (Kermit the Frog) and his band of outlaws steal from the rich and give to the poor. But much to the Merry Men's disbelief, Maid Marian (Miss Piggy) has stolen Robin's most valuable possession—his heart! (from boom-kids.com)

Review: In the second issue, Robin and his men are successfully stealing from Prince John's businesses and giving to the poor. And then there's Miss Piggy as Maid Marian. Her scenes with Robin—especially their first one—are laugh-out-loud hilarious. So, for that matter, is the entire issue, which sees Fozzie Bear as Friar Tuck, a man of the cloth who carries his cloth with him. Beedle & Villavert have produced another thoroughly entertaining issue.

 
SUPER FRIENDS #17: “Just In Time” (All Ages)

Sholly Fisch (w); Stewart McKenny (p); Dan Davis (i); Heroic Age (c); Travis Lanham (l); cover by J. Bone

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Introducing SUPER FRIENDS - a brand-new series for younger readers to meet the heroes of the DC Universe, based on the hot toy line from Mattel! Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash and Aquaman are here to save the day - and be your friends, too!

In this issue: Fiddle-de-dee! The Super Friends celebrate Independence Day with a time-travel trek! The teams set off to meet the greatest heroes they can imagine – the Founding Fathers! (from dccomics.com)

Review: It's a special day for the Super Friends as they travel to Washington , D.C. to meet the President himself! The day becomes even MORE special when, in a split second, they find out that Chronos has become the ruler of America ! In order to set things right, they'll have to go back to 1776. From the start, this series has proven to be entertaining and informative, equally useful in the home and the classroom, and this issue is a perfect example. In order to change history, the Super Friends have to know their American history, and Fisch and McKenny scatter important facts and historical figures throughout the story; even two of the activities are based on it In addition, the series' own history is acknowledged as well, with a few references to past issues. One thing's for certain; history is NOT boring when the Super Friends are involved! Activities include “What'd I Say,” in which readers complete three famous quotes from three famous historical figures; a Superman Secret Identity Dress-Up Kit; and “Hat's All, Folks,” which allows readers to make a Super Friends three-cornered hat! Oh yes, bonus points for the fact that S.T.A.R. Labs has a Commodore 64 computer (which happens to be the first computer my family ever had).

TOY STORY #2: “Weird Science” (All Ages)

Dan Jolley (w); Chris Moreno (p/i); Veronica Gandini (c); Deron Bennett (l); covers by Chris Moreno and Gandini & Michael Cavallaro

Publisher: BOOM! Kids

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: The toys from TOY STORY are back!

In this issue: More all-new adventures featuring the world's favorite toys! Andy's been working on his science project for weeks, but Rex clumsily breaks one of the pieces! Can Woody and Buzz lead a squadron of toys into the science fair and stealthily repair Andy's project before he discovers the broken piece? (from boom-kids.com)

Review: I'm sure lots of kids have used the excuse “my dog ate my homework.” But what would you say if you found out that your toy dinosaur broke your science project? Fortunately, Andy won't have to worry about that, because, Buzz, Woody and the toys are on the case! It's one hilarious adventure after another as the gang borrows a skateboard, lassoes a car and gets past a security guard. But as fun as all of that is, the issue really belongs to Hamm, who hates the fact that “fake” talking toys merely mimic what people say, while intellectuals such as himself have to be quiet…until he puts a twist on things, that is.

UNCANNY X-MEN FIRST CLASS #1: “Refuge” (All Ages)

Scott Gray (w); Roger Cruz (p/i); Val Staples (c); Nate Piekos (l); cover by Cruz & Ruffino

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: The early days of the X-Men's second generation are revealed in an all-new series starring Cyclops, Storm, Banshee, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Wolverine and Phoenix !

In this issue: Professor X invites the mysterious Inhumans into the X-Men's home, but when Wolverine and Gorgon meet, the party turns ugly! Nightcrawler faces a crisis of faith and searches for an answer in the Inhuman city Attilan – but has he found his salvation or ultimate destruction? Don't miss a culture clash that will rock both super-teams to their cores! (from marvel.com)

Review: The X-Men meet the Inhumans, and it proves to be a most interesting meeting. (Wolverine and Gorgon's scene in the Danger Room is GREAT.) But the story really belongs to Nightcrawler. All he wants is a place where he can walk around without frightening people or having to hide behind an image inducer, which is why he longs to visit the Inhuman city Attilan. It's his idea of paradise, but is there a dark side as well? Gray and Cruz do a wonderful job of allowing us to feel both for and with Nightcrawler, from the joy of bounding over the city rooftops to the hurt of being attacked, from the hope of discovering “The Great Refuge” to high shock and outrage upon learning what really goes on there.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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