SPOTLIGHT ON NEW RELEASES :: AUGUST 31
1) Justice League #1
DC kicks off their company wide relaunch/reboot today with this little book from Geoff Johns and Jim Lee. If you’re a reader who has any interest in how DC will manage this new direction, here’s the book to start you on your way. Both Johns and Lee have strong reputations for bringing readers to a new title. I’m curious to see how they’ll work together, how long of a run they’re planning on producing together, and how they’ll make their mark on DC’s acclaimed team. But before you read this issue, you should probably check out. . .
Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert wrap up their DC-altering miniseries with this final issue. In addition to including the war between Aquaman and the Atlantians and Diana and the Amazons, events in this issue lead directly into DC’s new relaunch. So if you want to find out what happens to restart these characters, here’s the place you should probablystop before picking up Justice League or any of next month’s new titles.
3) Rocketeer Adventures #4
For fans who enjoy older, pulp fueled stories, you’ll want a reminder that this book is out today. As with the
previous three issues, this one includes an all star lineup of creators paying homage to the late, great Dave Stevens. Included in this issue are contributions from the likes of Dave Gibbons, Scott Hampton, Tony Harris, John Arcudi, Brendan McCarthy, and two pinups from Ashley Wood. If you’re just looking for a simple, fun, continuity-free book to enjoy this week, this is the one for you.
Last week saw Marvel kick off their newly updated Ultimate line with the Jonathan Hickman helmed Ultimates #1. Hickman returns this week alongside Rafa Sandoval to tell a solo tale of SHIELD’s marksman extraordinaire. With Hawkeye being a part of next year’s Avengers film and the character playing a more predominant role in the regular Marvel Universe in the coming months, this issue is a great place to start reading stories about the Avenging Archer.
> Bonus Picks of the Week: Bone one volume color ed HC, Angel and Faith #1, Ghost World Special Edition HC, Gambit From the Marvel Vault #1, Secret Avengers #16, and Batman: Mad Love and other Stories TP.















Rocketeer is worth buying for the cover alone.
Despite having no interest in the nuDCU relaunch, I gave Justice League #1 a chance and I was very disappointed in the book. Any arguments that a single issue isn’t enough time to establish an effective vibe is blown away by comics of the mid-1980’s and earlier where it was routine to actually give readers a complete beginning-middle-end within the pages of a single issue, regardless of whether it was a serialized monthly.
Too dark, to grim, more of the same, yadda yadda yadda; nothing heroic or of grandeur here in Justice League #1. I’m outta here!