THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week-Year 3 - Week 43 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, June 29, 2009

MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #37: “Doll Winners Squad” (All Ages)

Paul Tobin (w); Dario Brizuela (p); Leandro Corral (i); Sotocolor (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by David Williams & Sean Galloway

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Super-soldier from World War II. Weather Goddess. Super-strong alter ego of scientist Bruce Banner. Spider-powered web-slinger. Giant-sized crimefighter. Brilliant armored inventor. Feral mutant brawler. Together, they are the world's mightiest heroes, battling foes that no single super hero could withstand. 

In this issue : He's back, and now the Puppet Master's reach extends into the past, where he's controlling the All Winner's Squad into reshaping the "future world" of today into his own very personal utopia! But when Miss America, Golden Girl and the Blonde Phantom arrive from the 1940's to team up with today's Captain America and the rest of Avengers, it's a battle royale to decide the past, present and future fate of the world! (from marvel.com)

Review: As if the ability to control people through his puppets isn't bad enough, now the Puppet Master has the ability to steal people from the past! And since the Invaders are his victims, that doesn't mean good news for the Avengers. For Captain America , it also means seeing Miss America and Golden Girl again, both of whom he hasn't seen since 1954. Tobin and Brizuela provide some nice action scenes, but it's Captain America being once again reminded of his past that gives the story its heart.

SUPER FRIENDS #16: “Cool Customers” (All Ages)

Sholly Fisch (w); Dario Brizuela (p/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: School's out! But unfortunately, an ice pack of villains has frozen the city and stolen the summer! Will the Super Friends be able to stop this avalanche of crime – or will they slip up due to cold feet? (from dccomics.com)

Review: School's out for the summer, and you know what that means! Time for some fun in the…snow? Cancel those plans, because Mr. Freeze, Captain Cold, Killer Frost, Minister Blizzard, the Icicle and the Blue Snowman have frozen the city! Now I'm all for finding ways to keep cool in the summer (especially since I live in South Carolina , where it's HOT), but this is too much! But after they've frozen the city, they let their pride get in the way, which leads to their downfall. It's a great message: a team is at its best when it works as a team, and not as individuals trying to outdo each other. Activities include Captain Cold's Chilly Challenge, a Secret Identity Dress-Up Kit, and a cool recipe (yes, that pun WAS intended) for Super Friends Summer Pops.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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