Sunday Reading
While it may be a bit late for Sunday, I know many of you are trying to squeeze in those last moments of sunshine and summer joy. So let’s not waste to many words and get down why we are here. This week I will be taking a look at: Justice League Dark #12, Uncanny X-Men #17 and Teen Titans #12
Teen Titans #12
So I’ve given this title 12 issues to show me that it can be the Teen Titans and it just keeps coming up short. I see the characters I enjoy but they seem to lack the soul of what makes them great characters. Basically since issue one this group have been running around together just falling into one situation or another with no real reason to be together. At this point they should all be looking to go their own way, but wait the next cool thing interrupts that and off we go again with teen angst and cool comebacks to impress us all! Except that it doesn’t
I’m giving it one more issue, the zero issue, in order to change my mind. I’m a pretty hard-core Titans fan and I want to see the title succeed, but the book on a whole seems to lack a directions and the characters really need to be fleshed out beyond the whole teen drama thing. I want to know who these guys are and why they are still together, I want to know what makes each them so valuable to the team beyond their power set. Maybe now that the big cross over work is done we can get that.
Uncanny X-Men #17
While I have not been enjoying the regular A vs. X series I am finding that many of the side bar series are actually quit good. HEre we have an example of that. Uncanny X-Men really shows what a force for good these guys can be and what they can accomplish when working together. The threat of Mr. Sinister is well-played and balanced amazingly well between being absurd and being a truly scary threat.
I wish the timing of this series could have been a little better however since most of this storyline would have played out better had what not seen what happened to the Phoenix 5 already in the main series. Unfortunately knowing that character like Namor go over the edge really makes reading the rest of this story kind of anti-clamtic. Still it’s one of the most enjoyable reads I have had in the X universe since A vs. X started.
Top Recommendation: Justice League Dark #12
I have enjoyed Justice LEague Dark since it started and it has truly been one of the highlights of the DC Nu52. With the coming of writer Jeff Lemire JLD has really come into its own and seems to have found its voice and reason for being. The storyline is a little more superhero-ish than Vertigo, but it works better with the cast of characters and their place in the DCU.
All of the characters in this book have really began to shine and each one is handled magically. The Nu52 Dr. Mist is a really stand out this issue and the way they have remade him makes him a truly welcome addition to this book. His roll came as some what of a surprise, always a nice thing, and continues to help drive the story forward. I also have to mention that the use of Black Orchid here is one her best portrayals in a long time and while at first I was not enthusiastic about her coming on the book I now hope she stays around for a long time.
This whole book has found a unique voice and place in the DCU and the idea of a “magic” Justice League is one that is long over due. I really find myself liking this book much more than the regular JL book right now and if you haven’ taken the time to check it out you should really do yourself a favor and see what an issue can do for you.
Alright folks that it for me too this week. A little quick for my normal ramblings I think but like you I am / was hoping to make the most out of these last few summer days before they go drifting away. Now before you go drifting away why not take a quick moment and let us know what books you bought this week and just how do they rate in your Sunday Reading.