THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week-Year 3 - Week 45 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, July 13, 2009

AGENTS OF ATLAS #6: “Secrets Of the Deep” (Teen/Young Adult)

Jeff Parker (w); Gabriel Hardman (p/i); Jana Schirmer (c); Nate Piekos (l); cover by Leinil Yu & Laura Martin

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Reunited in the present to save their leader Jimmy Woo, an incredible team of 1950s FBI agents discovered Woo was the heir to an ancient underground empire known as the Atlas Foundation! Assuming command of the worldwide syndicate, Woo and his fellow agents plan to use its far-reaching influence for good. Now Master Woo, Gorilla-Man, Namora, the Urania, Venus and the killer robot M-11 are regarded as global threats—and known to the underworld as the AGENTS OF ATLAS.

In this issue: Disturbing visions plucked from the malignant mind of Norman Osborn lead the intrepid Agents to the darkest depths of the Atlantic Ocean, where Namora must have words with her infamous cousin — The Sub-Mariner! What happens next shocks her team, who must prepare to say goodbye to their aquatic avenger! (from grahamcrackers.com)

Review: One of the reasons I look forward to each issue is the first page, which is always utterly hilarious, and this issue is no exception. In keeping with the issue's aquatic theme, Parker kicks things off with “Cap'n Woo's Piratical Parley,” which reminds us that Atlas is NOT evil, but Osborn is (thanks to TV). M-11's reason for attacking Wolverine is finally explained. But the heart of the issue lies with Namora, as she is reunited with Namor and seems truly happy being among her people again. It's beautifully written and drawn.

FLASH: REBIRTH #3: “Rearview Mirrors” (Tee/Young Adult)

Geoff Johns (w); Ethan Van Sciver (p/i); Brian Miller (c); Rob Leigh (l); cover by Van Sciver & Alex Sinclair

Publisher: DC

Format: six-issue miniseries

Concept: From Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, the visionaries responsible for the blockbuster GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH and THE SINESTRO CORPS WAR, comes the start of an explosive and jaw-dropping epic that will reintroduce to the modern age the hero who single-handedly birthed the Silver Age of comics! DC history will be made, and the Flash legacy will be redefined!

In this issue: At last, the answer to the question that's plagued DC fans for decades: Who's faster, Superman or The Flash? Call your bookie and bet the farm, because you've never seen a run like this – and if speedsters keep dying at the pace they're going, you might never see another one again! (from dccomics.com)

Review: Actually, I'd advise you not to bet your farm OR your money, because the race between Superman and Flash is a mere two pages. It is a great scene, though, especially Flash's reply to Superman's remark about beating him in some past races. The Flash has something far more serious at stake, mainly trying to ensure that he doesn't kill any more speedsters. Johns & Van Sciver keep the reader intrigued throughout, and save the real revelation for the last page.

LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #2 (All Ages)

Chris Eliopoulos (w); Ig Guara (p/i); Chris Sotomayor (c); Nate Piekos (l); covers by Karl Kerschl & Niko Henrichon

Publisher: Marvel

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroes were unaware of a threat greater than all of them could handle. And on that day, a teleporting puppy scoured the world to assemble a team of animals to fight the foes no single beast could withstand!

In this issue : The hunt is on! Earth's Cuddliest Heroes have ventured deep into the dangerous Savage Land , where ne'er has a house-broken animal escaped! Will the help of Zabu the Saber-Toothed Tiger be enough to save the Pet Avengers' furry necks, so they can SAVE THE UNIVERSE AS WE KNOW IT?????? (from marvel.com)

Review: In this second issue, Eliopoulos and Guara hit the ground running; the first two pages find the group running from a dinosaur, when Zabu makes his grand entrance and saves them. Zabu turns out to be a valuable addition, as there are quite a few twists and turns in this adventure. There are also several memorable moments, such as Ms. Lion's reaction to Zabu joining the team, Zabu's “showdown” with Devil Dinosaur, and of course, Hairball's hatred of Ms. Lion, and the great final page. It's all thanks to Eliopoulos's grasp of the characters and Guara & Sotomayor's gorgeous artwork.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #12: “Web of Deceit/If This Be P.R.O.D.O.K!” (All Ages)

Scott Gray/Roger Langridge (w); Matteo Lolli/Craig Rousseau (p); Christian Vecchia/Rousseau (i); Sotocolor (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Henry & Guru

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Join the Marvel Heroes for some amazing adventures.

In this issue: Featuring CAPTAIN AMERICA , the Sentinel of Liberty, in the then & now! In the Now, he faces the hyper-technological might of Hydra! In the then, he battles the disgusting (and frankly, ugly) menace of P.R.O.D.O.K.! (from grahamcrackers.com)

Review: Ah, the internet…millions of computers all around the world, all linked up, all sharing important info! Well, that last part's debatable, but it's a great way to find information fast, sell propaganda to the masses…and find Captain America , which is just what happens when he and Rick find their website. Cap's about to learn a lot more about the internet than he wanted to, because he and Rick are stuck inside it! But even when battling modern technology, Cap is not to be considered down for the count. Gray delivers an entertaining story--watch for a reference to THE FLY (the original version)—and Lolli draws a great Cap. The same can be said for Langridge and Rousseau in the backup story, in which there's a CASABLANCA reference. Roz's expression at the end is great.

UNCANNY X-MEN: FIRST CLASS GIANT-SIZE SPECIAL

Jeff Parker, Scott Gray & Roger Langridge (w); Craig Rousseau, David Williams, Dennis Calero, Sean Galloway, Joe Infurnari, Cameron Stewart, John Beatty & Jeff Parker (p/i); Val Staples, Guillem Mari, Calero, Galloway, Infurnari, Brad Anderson & Parker (c); Nate Piekos (l); cover by Skottie Young

Publisher: Marvel

Format: one-shot

In this issue: The original X-Men have left the building, and their replacements have arrived! How will Cyclops cope with the next generation of mutants, far more powerful and far less careful? Find out in this giant-sized special, featuring untold tales from the X-Men's pasts! The 8-year-old Storm enters the deadly Museum of Set ! Banshee clashes with the hordes of Irish myth! Nightcrawler fights alongside his circus family! Colossus battles to save his friends in Siberia ! And at long last, Wolverine reveals his slice-your-heart-and-hope-to-die true origin in ‘The Man from S.N.I.K.T.'! (from marvel.com)

Review: Scott's having some trouble accepting change. The old team is gone, and a new one is in its place. At first, they seem disorganized and unfocused, but as he gets to know them, he begins to see potential. If you want some bang for your buck, this is it. Some talented folks tell the individual characters' stories, and they're all wonderful. Colossus, Banshee and Storm's tales are beautifully done, Wolverine's is utterly hilarious, and it's a thrill to see Galloway doing the art for Nightcrawler's story. This giant-sized issue is giant-sized fun!

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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