Last Week’s Comics 6/29/2011

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had to go to the Internet to find out that Constantine first appeared in Saga of Swamp Thing, and that he acted as a supernatural advisor to Swamp Thing. None of this is really explained in the comic. We get three thought boxes of background, and then we’re launched into the story. It’s just not enough to establish a loose connection between the key players in the series.

The only saving grace of the issue is Zatanna, who has a history with John (as implied by their dialogue). It’s a shame the rest of the issue isn’t as fun as these two pages. The rest of the story is opaque, and in dealing with a character who’s had a tenuous connection to the DC Universe in the past twenty-some odd years, it might be best to inform the readers so they have a greater understanding of the story.

Chalk this up to bad writing. Most first issues get the exposition out of the way to focus on the main story. The exposition hasn’t been fully developed yet, and this is only a three issue arc. If you’re a Swamp Thing fan, you might enjoy this. If you’re a Constantine fan, you might enjoy it more. If your knowledge of both character is limited, you may walk away disappointed.

I know I did.

Action Comics #902

(DC – writer: Paul Cornell; art: Kenneth Rocafort & Alex Gimenez)

Herein lies the problem with Superman: he saves Doomsday because he feels he can be redeemed.

This is the pause where you hear crickets and soft coughing.

I loved Paul Cornell’s Lex Luthor story. To see him go from that to this is like comparing The Dark Knight Returns to The Dark Knight Strikes Again. I’m looking forward to this series being rebooted to #1 in the hopes that Grant Morrison will do a much better job in telling a Superman story.

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I can’t even review this properly because I hated it so much. It’s a stupid premise coupled with clichèd, silly dialogue. The thought bubbles act as exposition or explanation and do nothing to add tension or emotion to the characters.

Skip this. Wait for Action Comics #1 in September.

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