THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week ___________________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, September 02, 2007

Before John gets started I wanted to say how honored I am that he has taken my site and what I am trying to do here as serious as he has. His reviews have always been on time every Sunday - and he never even took Christmas off! In all seriousness, his consistency and quality have kept me from slacking off completely during my busiest times of the past year (didn't want him to be the only one contributing that week – I didn't feel that it would be respectful to him and his hard work).

I also appreciate the type of books he reviews here. There is a lack of superhero material on the rest of the site and his reviews have been a nice balance for that.

Thanks John, and I hope you stick around for at least another 52.

Scott Tingley,
Comics in the Classroom founder and administrator.
September 2, 2007

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Has it really been a year?

My introductory column was posted to the site on September 9, 2006 . As I sit here typing the final column of this inaugural year, one thought keeps popping into my head:

Wow. I mean, WOW!

In the span of a year, I have written 52 consecutive weekly review columns as well as a Free Comic Book Day special, a LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS special review, and—sadly—a tribute to the late Mike Wieringo. Not only that, but I have somehow managed to defy holidays and illness to deliver all of these ON TIME! Once again, WOW.

I still remember getting that private message from Mike Bullock informing me that some guy named Scott Tingley was starting this website and was looking for a reviewer. To be honest, I didn't think I was right for the job at first, seeing as how I'd never written a column before, and I certainly never thought I'd last this long. But here I am, a year later. Scott hasn't asked me to stop (yet), so I must be doing something right!

I have to thank Scott for allowing me to continue doing this and for being such a great guy to work and communicate with, to Mike Bullock for introducing me, to my wonderful girlfriend Michelle for supporting me, and last but CERTAINLY not least, to the faithful readers—that's YOU—for reading and commenting. I hope you have enjoyed things so far. Please stick around!

Next week, I plan to kick off the new year with a bang by reviewing AGENTS OF ATLAS and X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, as well as JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED, FANTASTIC FOUR AND POWER PACK and MA SPIDER-MAN. But this week, let's begin with a brand new series. 

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THE MICE TEMPLAR #1: “The Prophecy, part 1: The Calling” (Teen/Young Adult)

Bryan J.L. Glass & Michael Avon Oeming (story); Glass (w); Oeming (p/i); Wil Quintana (c); James H. Glass (l); cover by Oeming

Publisher: Image

Concept: The extraordinary adventure of magic and wonder, tragedy and hope, faith and valor, and of one small mouse whose destiny might change the entire world.

In this issue: For the young mouse Karic, the Mice Templar are merely an exciting legend. They were real, though, and a vicious civil war left them scattered and all mouse culture in the grip of brutal rat masters. When Karic's family is enslaved, he realizes their only hope of freedom lies in his paws... if he can only find the courage and strength to become one of the legendary Templar himself. (from imagecomics.com)

Review: Don't let the mice fool you…this is not children's fare. Glass & Oeming have produced an action-packed adventure about legends, loss, war and courage that just happens to feature mice. There is, of course, more to it than that, but I don't want to spoil too much. You get more pages here, which means more story (there's not one advertisement in the book) and more art, which I believe is some of Oeming's best work. Think of it as LORD OF THE RINGS with mice. Take that as a recommendation.

Look out for: blood and a bit of decapitation

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SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #179: “House of Cards, part 2: Royal Flush” (All Ages)

Ian Flynn (w); Tracy Yardley! (p); Jim Amash (i); Jason Jensen (c); John Workman (l); cover by Yardley, Amash & Jensen

Publisher: Archie

Format: monthly series

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

In this issue: It was civil war before - now it's personal!  The long-lasting friendship between Sonic and Tails has reached its breaking point!  Can Sonic do what's needed to end the hostilities?  Meanwhile, Tails' parents make their move, but how far will they go?  On the flip side, how far will young King Elias go to protect his kingdom?  Their world will never be the same!

Review: I must admit that when I first started reading this series, my expectations were low. But what has pleasantly surprised me is just how good the stories have been. These are well-crafted stories that have some emotional weight as opposed to mere wacky antics starring video game characters. When Tails breaks down and Sonic begins to realize what a jerk he's been—and then sheds a tear himself—there's no doubt that the two genuinely love each other. It's a beautiful moment. I also like how Flynn stresses the importance of communication over violence. It's stories like this that allow the series to transcend its video-game roots and become something all its own.

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TEEN TITANS GO! #46: “Wildfire” (All Ages)

J. Torres (w); Todd Nauck (p); Lary Stucker (i); Heroic Age (c); John J. Hill (l); cover by Nauck & Kanila Tripp

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of the Teen Titans, based on the hit cartoon.

In this issue: Introducing…Wildfire! It's a family reunion when Starfire's long lost brother is found and visits Earth. But will he turn out to be a friend to the Titans like Starfire, or more of a foe like Blackfire? (from dccomics.com)

Review: Starfire certainly has an interesting family history, and we learn a bit more of it in this issue. It's a tale of family love and betrayal, as we learn what happened to Wildfire and what Blackfire did that broke Mom and Dad's heart. There's a nice moment when Beast Boy and Cyborg both have…”something in their eye.”

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USAGI YOJIMBO #105: “Sparrows, part 1” (Teen/Young Adult)

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

Publisher: Dark Horse

Format: monthly series

Concept: The adventures of the rabbit samurai known as Usagi.

In this issue: Rabbit ronin Usagi investigates a killing, only to uncover more questions and some surprising revelations. At the same time, Priest Sanshobo, still reeling from a tragedy at his temple, learns that years earlier there was a massacre at another temple that bears startling similarities. Elsewhere, Boss Bakuchi is losing face because his son's murderer has not yet been killed, so he doubles the reward on Inazuma. Little does he know his quarry is now possessed by a horrible demon-Jei, the Black Soul! Yet bounty hunters Gen and Stray Dog have intimations of this terrifying truth when the increased reward leads to more bounty hunters, more competition, and a lot more bodies! (from darkhorse.com)

Review: Jei is one CREEPY being, from that expression to the merciless killing. Even creepier is little Keiko, who acts as though everything is normal. Jei just happens to be the center of attention, and EVERYONE—including Gen, Stray Dog, and even Usagi—is out to get her. I can't wait to see where Sakai goes with the story.

Look out for: Jei and a demon-possessed Jiro

Oh, before I forget: For those who will be celebrating Labor Day , have a great long weekend!

By thy side,
John “Figaro” Norris

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