THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week- #181 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, May 15, 2010

THE FLASH: SECRET FILES AND ORIGINS 2010: “Running To the Past” (Teen/Young Adult)

Geoff Johns (w); Scott Kolins/Francis Manapul (p/i); Michael Atiyeh/Brian Buccellato (c); Rob Clark, Jr. (l); cover by Manapul & Buccellato

Publisher: DC

Format: one-shot

Concept: Struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals, police scientist Barry Allen was transformed into the fastest man alive. With every step he runs, the Scarlet Speedster generates an enigmatic energy called the Speed Force, able to be tapped into by others throughout time who share his sense of justice. Today, Barry Allen protects and serves the world over as the FLASH.

In this issue: Flash Facts! In the aftermath of BLACKEST NIGHT and THE FLASH: REBIRTH comes the beginning of a new era for Barry Allen and the deadly Rogues! As Barry readjusts to life again, strange happenings explode across Central City that will lead to one of the most bizarre murder mysteries Barry will ever face in the upcoming THE FLASH #1! Plus, don't miss Wally West, Kid Flash, Gorilla Grodd and a cold case that will send The Flash down a path unlike any other. Run – don't walk – to pick it up! (from dccomics.com)

Review: This issue serves two purposes. First, it's a set-up for things to come in the upcoming FLASH #1. The story is well-done. I've always found it interesting that none of the speedsters really understand the Speed Force, even Barry and Jay Garrick. The second purpose is to function as an encyclopedia for FLASH-related characters, objects and locations. It's a nice was for newcomers to get up to speed (no pun intended). It's great to see Johns and Kolins reunited, and the images by Manapul and Buccellato are absolutely STUNNING, the Flash and Gorilla Grodd in particular.

THOR AND THE WARRIORS FOUR #1 (All Ages)

Alex Zalben (w); Gurihiru (p/i/c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Gurihiru

Publisher: Marvel

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: Power Pack seek the help of Thor in their newest adventure.

In this issue: It all starts here! Power Pack's biggest adventure ever begins, as they desperately search for the only person who can save the life of their grandmother – THE MIGHTY THOR! But first, they're going to need to get to Asgard, and that means joining forces with Frog Thor...And THE PET AVENGERS! An epic tale that starts with a book of myths and ends with the destruction of the entire world, this is a journey into mystery that will leave Power Pack changed – forever! (from marvel.com)

Review: The Power kids have certainly had their share of fantastic adventures, but their newest adventure may prove to be their most personal. By bringing their dying grandmother into the picture, Zalben establishes an emotional connection that's been absent in their other stories. But that doesn't mean that there's not some fun to be had here as well. It's a blast seeing the Pet Avengers here, and as always, seeing Gurihiru work their magic is worth the cover price.

WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #21: “The Last Word” (All Ages)

Peter David (w); Scott Koblish (p/i); Jim Charalampidis (c); Joe Caramagna (l); cover by David Williams & Sotomayor

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Return with us again to the early days of the all-new, all-different, X-Men for all-new solo adventures of Wolverine and Kitty Pryde!

In this issue: Believe it or not, Wolverine's got a mean streak. You'd just never know by looking at him. Kitty's faced down alien invaders, Canadian super-teams, raging hormones and other typical dangers of a teenager at the X-mansion, but she's never had to face a challenge like this - Wolverine! With her powers on the fritz, will she make it out alive? (from marvel.com)

Review: Passing a test in the Danger Room is one thing. Being in real danger is quite another, especially when you can't use your power to help you! That's the situation Kitty finds herself in when Magneto forces Wolverine to go after her. But is Magneto really to blame? The message here is that brains are every bit as important as brawn. Peter David's script really requires the reader to pay attention, just like Kitty, which Koblish draws a wonderful Wolverine. And let's give props to Williams and Sotomayor for the great cover. It's a very well-done issue.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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