THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week- #185 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, June 28, 2010

DARKWING DUCK #1: “The Duck Knight Returns,” part 1 (All Ages)

Ian Brill (w); James Silvani (p/i); Andrew Dalhouse (c); Deron Bennett (l); covers by Magic Eye Studios, Silvani & Dalhouse and Jake Myler w/Silvani

Publisher: BOOM! Kids

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: 'Let's Get Dangerous!' with Disney and BOOM! Studios as one of Disney's most beloved characters makes a comeback in his own not-to-be-missed original ongoing series!

In this issue : You demanded it. And BOOM! Studios delivers. Don't miss the long-awaited, much requested return of your favorite, Darkwing Duck. Once St. Canard's greatest protector, Darkwing Duck was known the world over as 'The Terror That Flaps In The Night.' Now, mysteriously, DW has not been seen or heard from in well over a year - and St. Canard finds that evil is once again on the rise. But when a nefarious plan threatens everyone, Darkwing Duck knows it's time for the Duck Knight to return! (from boom-kids.com)

Review: I think DARKWING DUCK was and still is one of Disney's funniest and most entertaining animated series. So when I heard that BOOM! Kids was planning to bring the caped crusader back, I was very excited. Fortunately, this first issue has delivered on every possible count. I like that we get to see life for Drake Mallard without his alter ego…and see how much Drake NEEDS his alter ego. The scenes where he daydreams about adventures as Darkwing are just wonderful. Through hilarious dialogue and fantastic on-model artwork, Brill and Silvani have retained the spirit that made the animated show so much fun. Because of that, this first issue is a total success.

THE FLASH #2: “The Dastardly Death of the Rogues” (Teen/Young Adult)

Geoff Johns (w); Francis Manapul w/Joel Gomez (p/i); Brian Buccellato (c); Sal Cipriano (l); cover by Manapul & Buccellato; variant cover by Ryan Sook

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

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 is sense of justice. Today, Barry Allen protects and serves the world over as THE FLASH.

In this issue: BRIGHTEST DAY shines its light on the continuing saga of Barry Allen – The Fastest Man Alive! The Flash continues his investigation into the "Dastardly Death of the Rogues" as the case takes a dramatic turn and Barry corners a suspect...and can't believe who it is! (from dccomics.com)

Review: The Flash's day just got a whole lot more interesting…being told he's going to commit a crime, battling the Renegades, saving people and maintaining his job as Barry Allen. Johns has a nice handle on Barry, and I love the speech he gives about the job meaning more than “a pension, a paycheck or a political favor.” Manapul's art is once again gorgeous, and I LOVE the apartment building scene.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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