THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week- #186 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, July 06, 2010

BATMAN BEYOND #1: “Hush Beyond, part 1: History Repeats” (Teen/Young Adult)

Adam Beechen (w); Ryan Benjamin (p); John Stanisci (i); David Baron (c); Travis Lanham (l); cover by Dustin Nguyen; variant cover by J.H. Williams III

Publisher: DC

Format: six-issue miniseries

Concept: Long after the original Batman disappeared, teenager Terry McGinnis stumbled upon the reclusive Bruce Wayne and his secrets. Tempered by personal tragedy, and given Bruce's blessing and guidance, Terry now fights crime in the Gotham City of tomorrow as BATMAN BEYOND.

In this issue : Terry McGinnis – the Batman of the future – and an elderly Bruce Wayne – the original Batman – are the sworn protectors of Neo-Gotham. But when someone targets The Dark Knight's old foes, the new Batman must begin a case that reaches back into Bruce Wayne's past and puts Terry's future directly in danger! Don't miss the long-awaited return of the popular Batman Beyond franchise in this 6-issue adventure from Emmy Award-nominated animation writer Adam Beechen (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) and artist Ryan Benjamin (BATMAN & THE OUTSIDERS). (from dccomics.com)

Review: I have a great fondness for BATMAN BEYOND. Of all the animated versions of Batman, the BEYOND TV show still remains my favorite, and I enjoyed the original comic run immensely. (It was the series that introduced me to artist Craig Rousseau, and I even got two letters published in the letters page.) Needless to say, I was overjoyed to find that Terry and Bruce would be back. I'm also happy to say that this first issue is TERRIFIC. Beechen and Benjamin have stayed true to Terry's character while allowing him to grow and take the next step in his role as Batman. He's still trying to juggle school, a social life and being a hero, but he's about to get involved in a darker adventure than before. Even in the artwork, he looks like he's matured some. Whether it's Nguyen and Williams' striking covers or Benjamin/Stanisci/Baron's fantastic interiors, we see some muscles and some great facial expressions. I wouldn't recommend this for young children because of the blood involved, but for teenagers on up, it's a great read.

Look out for: blood

BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM! #12: “Mr. Mind Over Matter!” (All Ages)

Art Baltazar & Franco (w); Byron Vaughns (p/i); David Tanguay (c); Travis Lanham (l); cover by Vaughns

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Welcome to the brand-new, all-fun adventures of Billy Batson as the World's Mightiest Mortal — Captain Marvel!

In this issue: Captain Marvel has faced many adversaries lately, but none may be worse than his evil mirror image known as Niatpac Levram! The Magic of Shazam is definitely unpredictable now! Also, Billy must face a threat so diabolical and so menacing that has been lying dormant for quite sometime. A villain known as...Mr. Mind! (from dckids.kidswb.com)

Review: One thing I really like about this book is that Baltazar and Franco are building on the foundation laid by Jeff Smith in his MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL miniseries. It turns out that Mr. Mind's been around ever since Captain Marvel defeated him at the end of that story, and now that he's free, he's out for revenge. But one thing Billy has going for him is family, which is what the issue is really about. Vaughns continues to impress with the artwork, and it's interesting to see Tawny…well, you'll have to see for yourself. It's another well-done issue.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #59 (All Ages)

Paul Tobin (w); Ben Dewey (p); Terry Pallot (i); Sotocolor (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Skottie Young

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Bitten by an irradiated spider, which granted him incredible abilities, Peter Parker learned the all-important lesson, that with great power there must also come great responsibility. And so he became the amazing Spider-Man!

In this issue: The Torino crime family continues their hunt for Spider-Man, and now they're not alone, as the mysterious mutants known as the X-Men are in NYC, stalking down Spider-Man on their own. But… why are the X-Men after Spider-Man, and what can he do to stop them from taking away one of the things he holds most dear? (from marvel.com)

Review: I love Peter and Chat's relationship. Tobin has handled it very nicely, and it's obvious that Peter really cares for her. So when someone or something threatens that relationship, Spidey's not afraid to swing into action. And boy, is there action in this issue! Dewey really cuts loose as Spidey takes it to the Torino family AND the X-Men! One thing I found particularly interesting is Peter's thoughts about the possibility of his radioactive blood having an effect on other people. I don't know if other writers have ever explored that idea before, but it's something I hadn't thought about before reading this issue. One thing's for sure, something's up with Chat,and I can't wait to read the next issue to find out what. And that Skottie Young cover really makes me smile!

MARVEL SUPER HERO SQUAD #1: “Baby On Board/Bowling For Squaddies/The Fixit” (All Ages)

Todd Dezago (w); Leonel Castellani/Marcelo Dichiara (p/i); Sotocolor (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Mitch Schauer

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Join the Marvel Super Hero Squaddies in all-new adventures.

In this issue: The new ongoing series kicks off with a KABLAGABANGADINGDONGDOOBAWIBBAWABBA!!!!! Check out TWO new stories based on the hit animated series, THE SUPER HERO SQUAD SHOW! (from marvel.com)

Review: One thing that can be said of Todd Dezago is that he certainly knows how to put the “comic” in comics, which makes his work so much fun to read…and makes him an ideal writer for this book. We get three stories for the price of one, and they're all utterly hilarious. In fact, I found myself wanting to quote several lines after reading them. Castellani and Dichiara's artwork is equally as fun to look at, and the colors by Sotocolor really make the images come alive. It's a very funny, very entertaining issue.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #209: “Iron Dominion, part 2” (All Ages)

Ian Flynn (w); Tracy Yardley! (p); Terry Austin (i); Matt Herms (c); John Workman (l); cover by Yardley! & Jason Jensen

Publisher: Archie

Format: monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of Sonic and pals, based on the hit video game.

In this issue : The Iron Queen is on the verge of total world domination, and only a handful of heroes are free to quell the threat!  Sonic and Sally must brave the unknown to rescue one of their own, but at the risk of total annihilation!  Meanwhile, Monkey Khan makes a grim decision, and only Tails can stand in his way to save the life of a Freedom Fighter!  The stakes have never been higher in this pulse-pounding tale! (from archiecomics.com)

Review: For the Iron Queen, “world domination” means the digital world as well, and Nicole may not be able to stop her! Will Sonic and Sally be able to help? As I said about Sonic Universe (see below), there's page-turning action and drama as well as great art, and a character-defining moment for Tails as he confronts Khan over the fate of one of their own. Tails is really growing up!

SONIC UNIVERSE #10: “Echoes of the Past, part 2” (All Ages)

Ian Flynn (w); Tracy Yardley! (p/i); Jim Amash (i); Jason Jensen (c); Teresa Davidson (l); cover by Yardley! & Hunzeker

Publisher: Archie

Format: monthly series

Concept: A thrilling new Sonic series that raises the stakes and expands the comic book world of Sonic!

In this issue : As Knuckles' friends try to valiantly defend the Master Emerald against a seemingly never-ending horde of robots, Knuckles delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding him… until he finally finds Dr. Finitevus! Knuckles is bent on revenge, but he's not counting on the surprise twist that will delay his quest. You can't afford to miss this exciting, action-packed issue! (from archiecomics.com)

Review: Sometimes, with a title that's so consistently great, it's hard to think of positive things to say without sounding repetitive. But everything that makes this title awesome is on display in full force here. There's loads of action, fantastic artwork (especially of Knuckles and Vector), and a wonderful, character-defining moment for Ray the Flying Squirrel. A most entertaining issue!

USAGI YOJIMBO #125: “A Town Called Hell! Part 2” (Teen/Young Adult)

Written and illustrated by Stan Sakai; cover by Sakai & Tom Luth

Publisher: Dark Horse

Format: monthly series

Concept: Once a loyal retainer until his lord's death in battle, Miyamoto Usagi is now an unemployed ronin walking the warrior's pilgrimage, in search of harmony.

In this issue : The gang war between Boss Higa and Boss Komo hits a fever pitch as the rabit ronin concludes his visit to "A Town Called Hell"! Kato is a master swordsman, and one of the deadliest killers Usagi has ever encountered. Fortunately, Kato works for the highest bidder, and Usagi has persuaded him to stay out of the fight, for a price. After Komo's gang is crushed, Kato goes to Boss Higa for payment, only to find that Usagi has apparently taken all the money and disappeared. Now the determined killer is after that long-eared thief! (from darkhorse.com)

Review: Now that Ishii the cop has been killed, the town is truly lawless. Plus,

Boss Komo has Kato on his side. Knowing that Kato is a better swordsman than everyone else, Usagi devises a plan for Boss Higa to pay Kato to not draw his sword. But will Higa keep his work? I must say that the dialogue in this issue is fantastic, especially between Usagi and Kato. I love the scene where everyone is expecting a fight…and the two of them go back into the inn and finish their drinks.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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