Here we go:
Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive #526--As the final story arc of this books nears its conclusion, David liss and company are going out with a bang. This issue sees T’Challa finally solving the mystery of what the Kingpin has planned for Wakanda, and how that ties into the Wakandans that have been getting murdered in Hell’s Kitchen. There’s not a ton of action in this one, but the chess match between Kingpin and Black Panther is fun as heck to watch unfold. I’ll say it again--it’s a crying shame this book was cancelled.
Dungeons & Dragons #13--Maybe the most fun book I’m reading right now. In the current story arc, Khal the dwarf has returned home to find the love of his life has gone missing. He and the rest of Fell’s five delve deep into the Dwarven mines and battle though an army of insect creatures to find an underground fortress that is not of Dwarven make. Writer John Rogers continues to perfectly capture the fun and high adventure of D&D with this book, and Andrea Di Vito’s art is spectacular as well. Get this book!
Suicide Squad #4--If you’re looking for an uplifting book full of hope and positivity, this isn’t it. The setup is simple--Amanda Waller has taken a group of criminals and implanted nanite bombs in their necks, forcing them to go out and do whatever she wants them to. Their missions are always deadly, and the team seldom comes back in one piece. In the latest issue, the core group of Deadshot, Harley Quinn, King Shark, Yo-Yo and Diablo have to deal with Captain Boomerang being put in charge by Waller. Things change quickly in this book though, and this issue is not different. Adam Glass and Federico Dallocchio deliver another fast-paced, brutal installment in one of the standout books of the new 52.
Superboy #4--This is my sleeper surprise book of the new 52. Scott Lobdell is writing a Superboy that’s kind of a jerk as he figures out where he fits in this world. He’s also woven ties to Gen 13 into the book seamlessly with Caitlin Fairchild, who gets some of the spotlight in this issue. Each issue has raised more questions than it has answered, but it feels like Lobdell has a grand vision for Superboy’s little corner of the DCU. My only concern is that this book is starting to tie into Teen Titans, which is also written by Lobdell, but hasn’t been nearly as good in my opinion. I would prefer that the book stay on course with the Superboy and Caitlin stories as their prime focus. Time will tell.
That’s all for this week, kids! On episode #42 of the podcast (airing Monday 1/9) I’ll be talking about Villains for Hire #1 and The Strain #1.
See you then!
--Brian