Reviews of Superboy #2, Captain America #612 and more

Hello readers.  Kind of a light week.  Also had some trouble finding "Widowmaker #1," so that will be in next weeks reviews.  This upcoming week is looking to be a big week, so look forward to a big list of reviews next week.  Ok, let's get started.

Captain America #612:  The concept of putting Bucky on trial for his actions as the Winter Soldier is a natural direction that Brubaker has been keeping in his back pocket for some time.  Sadly, not much of an actual trial takes place in this issue.

Most of the issue focuses on the media and how those closest to Bucky are handling the situation.  Some of the dialogue of Bucky in the prison sounds a tad weird.  It's very reminiscent of Matt Murdock in prison.  Brubaker continues to write Steve Rogers like no one else.  Butch Guice draws a beautiful issue.  He makes even all talking head panels look interesting and fun. 

This issue seems like an issue of "Invincible Iron Man."  A lot of pieces are moving around, and when they fall into place, we have a great arc.  But unless this is a 7 part arc, the trial really needs to happen.  Judging from the cover art of #613, it looks like that will finally happen.  I have all hope that Ed Brubaker will provide a great arc that gives us a new look at the character of Bucky, I just wish it would move along a little bit.

Captain America #612 gets a 3.5/5

Daredevil #512: With this being the final issue of "Daredevil" as we know it, you'd think Andy Diggle would at least give a slight retrospective of the character and make his final moments worthwhile.  Sadly, he doesn't AT ALL, and Matt Murdock is gone with the wind.

The issue mostly focus' on the fact Daredvil/Matt is gone the central people in his life.  Foggy shows he has lost just as much gusto as Matt, as he seems like a bumbling side kick instead of the richly deep supporting character he use to be.  Iron Fist and Luke Cage make an appearance, but their dialogue makes them interchangeable with any street character.  The ending doesn't leave any real resolution, and it really just sets up "Daredevil: Reborn" instead of ending the series. 

The one bright side of this issue is Marc Checchetto.  His pencils have greatly improved from his days on "Squadron Supreme" and "Amazing Spider-Man."  His work doesn't make me miss Robert De La Torre one bit.  Speaking of him, what happened?  He was suppose to be the main artist and no explanation was given as to why he stopped penciling.  Maybe I missed it, but I don't remember anything about him not being the artist anymore

Daredevil #512 gets a 2/5

The Flash #7: Geoff Johns has been the most consistent writer at DC.  That fact lets me forgive an issue like "The Flash" #7.  It's a fun issue, but nothing to move along the status quo of the Flash universe.

The issue focuses on Captain Boomerang and his past.  It's somewhat interesting, but a lot of it is very cliche.  I would have liked more interaction between Boomerang and the Reverse Flash (who Boomerang breaks out in this issue). I'm reading an issue of "The Flash" though, so I would have liked to see more Flash.  I'm glad that this issue sets a new thread in motion, but it seems to blatant a lead up to "Flashpoint."  Maybe we could have had a fun Flash backup?

Scott Kollins takes over on art this week, and he does a good job.  Some flashback panels have some weird facial expressions, but nothing major.  He doesn't try to be Francis Manapul, which can be the case when there is a fill in artist.

The Flash #7 gets a 3.5/5

Superboy #2:  With the main "Superman" book not doing that well, the world needs a good book about a person with a big ol' S on their chest.  "Superboy" is that book.

The book starts with a weird team up between Ivy and Superboy.  Anyone who has read one team up knows that it was a set up, but I look at it as a learning experience for Superboy.  His friend Simon thinks up a humorous way to defeat her, and much of the rest of the issue is devoted to sowing seeds (no pun intended) for story lines.  Speaking of this, the little hints at plots are amazing.  It makes the upcoming issues look that much better.

Pier Gallo draws Ivy a tad to sexy.  Ok, that sounds weird, but once you see her wedgie, you'll get what I mean.  I'm all for a comic to look great, but that's just not needed.  Otherwise, Gallo does a stand up job of making the book look bright and fun.

Superboy #2 gets a 4.5/5