Mera Queen Of Atlantis #1
It only took 55 years for Mera to finally receive her own mini-series. The only other time that she had a solo adventure was in the form of a backup feature in 'Aquaman' numbers 58 through 60, way back in 1977. But hey, I suppose we should be grateful. 'Queen Of Atlantis' starts with a powerless and exiled Mera, and her road to reclaim her powers and throne with all the odds against her, is beautifully illustrated by Lan Medina, Richard Friend, and Veronica Gandini. Limited Series seldom get top-tier talent, but in this case, Mera indeed received the Royal treatment.
The Flash #282
If memory serves me right, this was the first Flash comic book I ever owned, and the sixth overall. Although it was a middle chapter in an ongoing story arc, I got to learn so much from this single issue. It was the first time I saw Professor Zoom, or the 'Yellow Flash' as I called him. I also found out that Green Lantern was Barry's best friend, and that he was a widower, because his wife, Iris, had just been killed. But what did I love most about this book? That beautiful, colorful, provocative cover! It was so shocking to see Flash brutally kicking and punching GL... I had to have it!
DC Pride
Part of the new 'Cultural Anthologies' line of specials that celebrate diverse experiences and perspectives throughout the Multiverse, 'DC Pride' salutes the LGBT community, and its main cover, led by Batwoman Kate Kane, includes: The Question René Montoya, the original Green Lantern Alan Scott, Authority team members Midnighter and Apollo, Arrowverse character Nia Nal a.k.a. CW Supergirl's Dreamer, Doctors Pamela Isley and Harleen Quinzel, better known as Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, and new character spinning from Future State, Jess Chambers, the Flash from Earth-11.
The New Teen Titans #2
You may not know it, but there was a time when 'New Teen Titans' was the flagship title of DC Comics. Yup, that's right! Thanks to Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the Teen Titans were far, far outselling every other DC book at the time. The cast, the stories, the artwork, the trailblazing concepts, all of those combined were a perfect formula that brought much success to an unexpected band of heroes. Issue #2 holds the special significance of being where Slade Wilson a.k.a. Deathstroke the Terminator made his debut; he is also a reason why the title became such a tremendous hit!
Justice League Of America #46
Jesse Chambers is unique among the Super-Hero community. Not only is she the child of two Golden Age All-Star Squadron members, but she has also inherited both their legacies. As Liberty Belle, Jesse is part of the modern Justice Society Of America, sharing duties with her parents' friends and other legacy heroes. As Jesse Quick, she is part of the Flash Family, and was also a member of the Justice League Of America. Leave it to the fastest woman alive to pull triple duty... simultaneously! We have finally seen Jesse return after her long absence, and I hope we get to see more of her soon.
JLA Incarnations #4
This is a fantastic mini-series that unfortunately went under the radar. Written by John Ostrander, 'JLA Incarnations' tells seven different stories of the so-called 'Post-Crisis' Justice League throughout different eras. Issue #4 in particular, is a recount of how Aquaman saw himself forced to dissolve the League after seeing how inefficient the team became, thanks to the different directions in which its members were being pulled. The best part of the entire series is the artwork by Val Semeiks, Prentis Rollins, and John Kalisz. It is clean, crisp, and evokes the most glorious years of the League!
Justice League Of America - Vixen Rebirth
Despite being the breakout star of her 'Justice League Class,' Vixen is subject to the same type of dismissal as Zatanna and Firestorm are. The latter two don't get the privilege and status their fellow Leaguers do, because they were the final two members of the original satellite roster. In Vixen's case, because she was part of the 'new' Justice League, she is perpetually considered a newbie. With her fantastic power set, experience, tenure, and personality, Mari McCabe should be considered a senior Leaguer, and granted far more exposure than she currently gets.
Superman Red And Blue #6
This, right here, will be everybody's favorite Superman cover for a long while. Doc Shaner packed so many without actually crowding the view. It is too cool. To the right we see John Henry and Natasha Irons, Jonathan and Lois, President Superman, Bizarro, Superman Blue, resurrected Superman, the young New 52 version, Authority's, and Superwoman. To the left we have Krypto, Beebop, Streaky, Comet, Jimmy, Supergirl, Power Girl, Kal-L, Val-Zod, Superboy, Superdemon, Superman Red, Legion-A, Kingdom Come, Apollo, New Super-Man, Fleischer's, and New 52. What a cast!
Blue Beetle - Road To Nowhere
Doing his best impression of Hamlet, Jaime Reyes seems to be wondering whether 'to be or not to be' in Tyler Kirkham's variant cover for Blue Beetle #13 (September, 2017), which was also used for the third volume of Blue Beetle's Rebirth collection. I love this cover. Jaime looks grown-up and non-comical in his armor, which more often that not, is made to seem cartoonish. The foliage in the background (Cherry Blossoms?) plays a very nice contrast with the blue in front, and the whole thing gives off a peaceful vibe. I'd like to see a Blue Beetle series illustrated by Kirkham!
The Atom Countdown Specials
If you blinked back in 2007, you may have missed these ones. To coincide with the 'Countdown' maxi series and 'Search For Ray Palmer' mini, the two specials recount what can arguably be pinpointed as the events that made Jean Loring turn into the deranged creature she later becomes. None of the Atom team-ups in these specials disappoint!
Brave And The Bold #7
2007's 'The Brave And The Bold' featured during its first year self-contained team-up adventures that were at the same time part of an overarching story. Issue #7, starring Wonder Woman and Power Girl, starts a new six-chapter saga anchored by the Challengers of the Unknown. Fresh from her key role in 'Infinite Crisis,' and with all her memories from Earth-2 back, Power Girl is known again as Kara Zor-L, and here, she partners with the Amazon Warrior, in a no-holds-barred tale, beautifully drawn by George Pérez, who showcases a more mature, grown, and less naive Diana.
100-Page Our Fighting Forces Giant
To commemorate the day in which the United States honors the military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties, we have this cover by Joe Kubert. It was originally used in Star Spangled War Stories #151 (July, 1970), which features the Unknown Soldier -the man who no one knows but is known by everyone- in his first solo adventure. The artwork was remastered fifty years later by Brad Anderson for the mass market version of the 100-Page Giant 'Our Fighting Forces.' A somber, yet compelling and complex visual that invites to reflection.
Adventures Of Superman #612
While the story itself is nothing about which to write home, the fantastic cover by Kevin Nowlan definitely is. The Golden Age Superman, with his flat colors and paper-textured skin delivers a devastating punch to the modern-day Man of Steel. An often-used trope in comic book covers, this one is an immaculate execution that instantly transports you to the good old days when the Justice League shared adventures with their counterparts from Earth-2, the Justice Society. And albeit this is not one of those occasions, it is a view that inspires you to go open those old boxes.
Nightwing #79
After being tortured for what seemed like an eternity with the whole 'Ric Grayson' thing, fans and critics were finally rewarded for their pain with a new beginning for Nightwing, this time at the hands of Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo; and it has been a dream. Just like their inaugural issue, chapter two of 'Leaping Into The Light' has quickly sold out, and a second printing was ordered. The new, vibrant, colorful cover by Redondo and Adriano Lucas homages the heroic career of Dick Grayson, the 1966 Batman TV Show, and even the departed Alfred Pennyworth. It is a beauty!
Wonder Woman - The Challenge Of Artemis
I fell in love with Artemis the first time I saw her in a couple of house ads from 'Adventures Of Superman' #518 (keep an eye on the 'Billboard' and 'Extra! Extra!' sections of this website). The Amazon of the lost tribe of Bana-Mighdall made her presence felt in Themyscira with her stern attitude and absolute disdain for Queen Hippolyta. What Princess Diana saw beneath Artemis' unrelenting personality was a fair and honorable warrior that only sought to ensure that her tribe got their deserved place on the island. If these two Amazons only knew what was awaiting both of them...
Outsiders #17
The original Outsiders should carry way more clout than they currently do, after all, Batman ditched none other than the Justice (clap!) League (clap!) of (clap!) America (clap!) for this crew back in the day. Katana, Geo-Force, Halo, Metamorpho, and above them all, Black Lightning, deserve more prominence in the Super Hero community. Brad Meltzer made a decent effort back in 2006 to bring Jefferson Pierce and Prince Brion into the fold by inducting them into the JLA, but with all the changes the title underwent at the time, their membership was short-lived.
Batwoman #15
This victorian-looking piece by Dan Panosian combines the modern style of character-posing in the covers, with the more traditional and much-missed form of 'this is what you will see inside the book.' Batwoman has become the carrier for a deadly plague that is being spread by infected bats, and that is exactly what this cover depicts, albeit in a more stylish manner. That is storytelling! On a side note, after reading pages 6 and 7 in the third chapter of this 2018 arc, it is inevitable to establish certain... parallels with our current reality. Chilling, actually.
Infinity Inc. #2
Earth-2 was a big deal back in the early 80's. Its characters and their stories were as relevant and engaging as those from Earth-1. The All-Star Squadron and Young All-Stars, Huntress, Mr. and Mrs. Superman, and the next generation of heroes in that parallel universe, Infinity Inc., all had a series or ongoing feature during this era, in addition to their usual team-ups with the Justice League, and other guest appearances. This was a time when the universe of Earth-2 was expanding and growing at a fast pace. 'Crisis' kept some of it at the end, but the magic of that world, was gone.
Booster Gold #1
Let's have a roll call of all the characters appearing with Booster Gold and Skeets in this cover by Dan Jurgens: Brainiac-5, Maxwell Lord, The Question, Goldstar, Robin (Carrie Kelley), Monarch, Earth-2 Batman, Supernova, Mr. Mind, Rip Hunter, Superman, Guy Gardner, Jack of Hearts, Wonder Woman, Jonah Hex, Earth-2 Robin, Sinestro, and The Flash. I must confess I have never been a big fan of Booster Gold, but I found his ongoing series in the aftermath of '52' much to my liking. Probably the top-notch artwork, and the toned-down comical relief.
Justice League Of America #226
1984 was a bittersweet year when it came to Justice League news. It was sweet, because this year shifted the focus away from the senior members, and put the spotlight on the second generation of the team, from Green Arrow through Firestorm. All these characters got cool arcs that showcased their powers and skills, and made them the center of those stories. It also brought back J'onn J'onnz on a permanent basis to the DCU. But it was bitter too, because it marked the end of the so-called Satellite League era, thus dissolving the greatest line-up the team ever saw.
From Beyond The Unknown #2
The thing with the classic version of the Legion of Super-Heroes, is that whenever you try to pick a couple of favorites, you decide you also like this one, and that one, and the one over there as well. At the end, you realize you just love them all. That was their magic. So, when the 100-Page Giant 'From Beyond The Unknown' came out in March, 2020, featuring a story with this classic cast, I was way past ecstatic. A couple of months later, the story was released in digital format under the 'Digital First' initiative, providing a peek at a past era of greatness starring a great team.
Rann-Thanagar War #3
There is something you must know: Shayera Thal, the Thanagarian Hawkwoman is my absolute, beloved, favorite character in all the DC Universe. So, imagine my reaction when I checked the solicitation for this issue back in 2005, and saw this. I almost died and came back. In almost ten years, Shayera had only made one guest appearance, before returning in this prelude to 'Infinite Crisis.' Alas, my joy would be short-lived, because two months later... well. Nonetheless, this fantastic Ivan Reis cover of Hawkwoman vs. Adam Strange encapsulates the series as a whole.
DC Festival Of Heroes
For those who need a rundown of the characters charging along with Outsiders Cassandra Cain and Katana in this vibrant cover, here you go: The Atom Ryan Choi, Red Arrow Emiko Queen, and Jade Nguyen, the deadly Cheshire. Then we have New Super-Man Kong Kenan, the young Green Lantern Tai Pham, and O.M.A.C. Kevin Kho. Finally, in the background, there's Grunge from Gen¹³, and new character (but not really) Shoes, who is really none other than Lian Harper, Jade Nguyen and Arsenal's daughter, long-thought dead and seeking to take the name Cheshire Cat.
Tempest - Prophets And Kings
In an age when the original Teen Titans were evolving into their adult selves, and we got to meet Nightwing, Troia, The Flash, and Arsenal, it was Aqualad who was still not allowed to move on from his sidekick role. All that changed in 1996, when artist and writer Phil Jiménez finally gave the boy with purple eyes the coolest upgrade. Young Garth reclaimed the magical powers that were his birthright, gained a new mentor in the wizard Atlan, wore a great camouflaged suit, and adopted the name Tempest. Last but not least, this Titan did not disappoint when he grew into a man.
Legends Of The DC Universe #28
No one does team-ups like The Atom does. He just picks the best partners with whom to share adventures. Whether it's in the comics or TV, The Atom always looks cool next to other heroes, and they always look cool thanks to him. The first time I ever saw him, was in the Super Friends cartoon; a team-up with Wonder Woman where both had to travel through time chasing a crazy scientist. Just as awesome, is this cover by Gil Kane and Alex Ross, part of a trilogy of stories starring Green Lanterns from different eras. Here, Hal Jordan and Atom face the fury of an old foe of Abin Sur's.
Green Lantern #16
Simon Baz first appeared in the 2012 'Free Comic Book Day' special, as part of a teaser for the 'Trinity War' event. His full-fledged debut was in Green Lantern #0 (September, 2012), and quickly became a favorite of mine. Serving as a point-of-view character for new readers, Simon's most relatable trait is that he, like many of us, experienced the horrors of 9/11 through a TV screen, but beyond that, he also became the subject of intense and unfair scrutiny, like others did. Simon's tattoo on his right arm reads 'courage' in Arabic, reflecting his stance against these relentless circumstances.
Superman Family #220
Isn't this a fun cover? To confront her opponent, Supergirl uses the size and weight controls in her dwarf star suit to miniaturize herself and become the Mighty Mite Girl of Steel. What?! Rich Buckler and Dick Giordano really killed it with this cool cover. Those afterimages of Supergirl as she goes down in size are an awesome effect to convey the transformation. And it is not just the cover, the story itself is just as engaging, and even funny, courtesy of the terribly awkward interaction between Kara and guest Super-Hero The Atom. Books like this should make a comeback.
Green Arrow #10
What a bright, crisp, and exciting cover by Matt Wagner! And it has to be, after all, this issue marks the final chapter of 'Quiver,' the long-awaited return of Oliver Queen, who had died in issue #101 of the previous series (August, 1995). The book also reunites Green Arrow with his son Connor Hawke, the successor to the mantle. This acclaimed run by Kevin Smith and Phil Hester brought about a revitalizing era for the character. And the awesome cover? Well, it is so nice that it was repurposed in October 2002 for a 'Secret Files And Origins' special with a modified outdoors background.
Batgirl Year One - The Deluxe Edition
The Marcos Martin cover for this Deluxe Edition was originally used for issue #9 of the mini-series (August, 2003), and then again in the 'Batgirl: A Celebration Of 50 Years' (February, 2017). Batgirl's uniqueness amongst the Bat-Family is that her determination to fight crime does not stem from loss, but from a true desire to help the defenseless, just because she can do it. With a bright mind, an eidetic memory, and in modern times, a prodigious skill at the keyboard, Barbara Gordon is a symbol of persistence, but as Batgirl, she represents the best of the human potential.
Jack Kirby's Mister Miracle
There used to be a time when I found Jack Kirby's work too heavy to digest, but it was Mister Miracle who became my gateway to that higher level of understanding, and helped me have that 'aha!' moment. That may be the reason why Scott Free has a special place in my heart; that, and because I find the character design so cool. When I met the character in the pages of 'Justice League' #183 (August, 1980), I thought he was Red Tornado's brother -because they actually look similar- and to this date, I still instantly connect the two of them every time I see one or the other.
Legion Of Super-Heroes #1
The Legion is like that one group of friends you always wanted to have. And it is not just us, mere mortals, who think that way. Young Clark Kent longed for someone like him, with whom to have shared experiences, until he met the other kids who could also fly. One of those kids was Imra Ardeen from Titan, a powerful telepath and Legion founding member better known as Saturn Girl. In this cover by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair, Saturn Girl is sporting the outfit she used in the late 70's. It is part of a connecting set of five, featuring legionnaires through the decades.
Hawkman by Gardner Fox and Joe Kubert
What you are looking at, is one of the very first collected editions ever released by DC. Only four or five had been published by 1989, and DC was still testing the waters in this niche. At the same time, writer and artist Timothy Truman was working on a sort of prequel to the Hawkman mythos in the 'Hawkworld' mini-series. To coincide with that reinvention of the character, the first stories of Hawkman and Hawkgirl were collected. With an all-new wraparound cover by Joe Kubert, this trailblazing volume laid the foundation for today's thriving graphic novel market.
Aquaman - Deep Dives
This one makes me very happy. The short-lived relaunch of the 100-Page Giants suddenly came to a halt in 2020 during the shutdown. Only four Aquaman books were published, and the 'Stinging Tides' story, unfinished. Then came the Digital-First initiative, and thanks to it, the remaining Aquaman stories were released in the 'Deep Dives' series. This volume collects all the issues -physical and digital- with a fantastic cover by V. Ken Marion, featuring Aquaman himself, Mera, Tula, Tempest, and the Sea Devils. The artwork in these adventures, all of them, is breathtaking.
Wonder Woman #750
When Wonder Woman released her 750th issue, a plethora of artists joined the celebration with some of their best cover artwork. Master illustrator J. Scott Campbell produced three covers representing the Golden, Silver, and Modern Age versions of the amazon warrior. This beauty in particular, features the 70's and 80's look, which is the most recognizable for the character around the world. Sabine Rich's bright, popping colors, and the Princess' fellow Justice League companions in the background (Hall of Justice and all), bring the whole together to make it an amazing piece.
100-Page Superman Comic Giant #12
I loved the 100-Page Giant initiative by DC Comics, because it extended the reach of the characters and their stories across a wider customer base (the books were available at every WalMart). The mixed content of new and reprinted stories in a 100 comic was also a fantastic idea to attract new and returning readers. Superman had two runs: sixteen and three issues respectively. I think, however, that the $4.99 cost was a little steep, and the low supply at the stores made it hard to collect all the issues, leading to price speculation. I would like to see these giants out there again.
Green Lantern Corps #63
Two of my favorite dudes in one glorious image: torchbearer Kyle Rayner sporting the blue light of hope, and top-notch artist Tyler Kirkham! This variant cover inked by Batt and colored by Nei Rufino is a companion and bookend of sorts to Green Lantern #1 (May, 2005) by Carlos Pacheco, Jesús Merino, Peter Steigerwald. Issue #63 (August, 2011) is an epilogue to the 'War Of The Green Lanterns' crossover, and the final installment of the Green Lantern Corps series that started in 2006. Just a month later, the New 52 launched, and with it, a new volume for this team book.
The Flash - The Secret Of Barry Allen
The final cover for this volume of 'The Flash' is a bit different from its original July 2005 solicitation, as it replaces the background with additional artwork from other issues included in the collection. My favorite part of this tie-in to the 'Identity Crisis' crossover, is the amazing artwork by Howard Porter, Livesay, and James Sinclair. This beautiful piece by the greatly missed Michael Turner and colorist Peter Steigerwald, was also used to inspire an impressive cold-cast porcelain statue sculpted by Tim Bruckner and Tony Cipriano released that same year.
Batman - No Man's Land
This perfection of a cover by Dale Eaglesham, Sean Parsons, and Patrick Martin saw first light in the pages of 'Legends Of The Dark Knight' #120 ('Assembly' - June, 1999). The story, illustrated by master artist Mike Deodato Jr. reveals that the mysterious new Batgirl is none other than the Huntress, and in an act of absolute disapproval, Batman takes the cowl from her and passes it to Cassandra Cain. The stunning cover featuring Batman, Nightwing, Robin, Huntress, and the new Batgirl, will also be used in the 'Batman: No Man's Land' Omnibus Vol I (October, 2021).
Crisis On Multiple Earths - Crisis Crossed
This book also features a recreated cover from one of the original crossovers. Kerry Gammill homages the work that American-Filipino artist Ernie Chan did in the cover of Justice League Of America #137 ('Crisis In Tomorrow' - December, 1976). This is perhaps my favorite crossover of the Silver Age. 'Crisis In Eternity' introduces the heroes from Earth-S, and although it is meant to be a showcase for the Shazam Family, I think the star of this Crisis is the adult Robin of Earth-2. I loved the appearances by Hawkgirl and Bulletgirl too. The team-up with the Legion is also a dream come true!
Crisis On Multiple Earths - Crossing Over
The artwork by Dave Gibbons featured in this collection is a recreation of the cover for 'Justice League Of America' #21 ('Crisis On Earth-One!' - August, 1963) by Mike Sekowsky and Murphy Anderson. Following the instructions from their comrade The Flash, the Justice League members perform a seance using a magical crystal ball given to them by the wizard Merlin. For the first time, the super-heroes from Earth-2, the legendary Justice Society Of America, cross the inter-dimensional barrier to meet their counterparts from Earth-1, and it is indeed, a magical moment!
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