It was a pretty fun issue, though I wish there had been a little more explanation of who Black is, it's been a while since I read "What's so funny..." so my mind was definitely hazy about him and I imagine I wasn't alone.

I semi-remember him. Who was it, Joe Kelly, that did that issue of Action Comics with the Elite and Superman contending with Authority-like justice/resolutions? I think Black also popped up fairly early in the Our Worlds at War event too.

As for the black tar ooze, I think it may be a by-product, what-have-you of the alien ship he hijacked/saved...maybe.

Iceman #1 - After a talk with his younger self, Bobby learns his father has been hospitalized. Upon visiting him, he becomes embroiled in a Purifier's attack on a young mutant girl. Bobby manages to save her and the day.

New writer Sina Grace uses this issue wisely as an intro to Bobby, his current situations, and abilities. His homosexuality is front and center here too as he converses with his younger self (who's still in a relationship with the young Inhuman Romeo) and he wonders about joining a gay singles' website. This issue underscores his visit with his parents whom, while they've come to terms with Bobby being a mutant and his associations, he fears what may happen if he brings a boyfriend home to their new doorstep.

And therein lies my doubt about this title. Usually, the pressures both external and internal of being a mutant is supposedly symbolic of those people who face those same pressures daily whether due to race, religious, gender, sexuality or other social issues. But by adding on this new sexuality to Bobby (or revealing it depending on your POV), it seems to undermine the analogy of his being a mutant; as if he's now retreading over familiar ground with having to come out to his family after dealing with all the angst and emotion of being a mutant. Of course, one could argue that because of that previous turmoil, his parents may be more accepting of such a revelation than they might be without it. But would that be a fair depiction for those who suffer and/or deal with this pressure daily?

I'm not sure, it seems like a fine line has to balanced here in this portrayal. Alessandro Vitti handles the art, someone that I'm not too familiar with. His art has a good look but there's a few spots where Bobby looks taller, broader than I think he normally is. Still, minor quibbles from a good start to Bobby's new solo venture.

7/10


X-Men Gold #5 - Kitty and the X-men arrive to help rescue Gambit from a newly evolved Sentinel. Again, Kitty smartly utilizes her team in helping innocent bystanders while seeking to contain this new threat. They think they have done so, only to realize that the Sentinel's evolved programming now includes targeting humans with any form of mutation (from color-blindness to cancer) .

Guggenheim presents a fairly straightforward story here with the highlight being the team's interactions (it's just nice to see Logan refer to Kitty as 'Pumpkin'). The change in the Sentinel's dynamic is noteworthy and serves the overall plot well in further fueling of the mutant hysteria. This run may not be memorable in the long run but it's good, clean, entertaining fun with characters who have settled into being a family again. I can so deal with that over the next few years if not longer.

I like Silva's art better than Syaf, the look and feel is so much cleaner.

7/10  

Batman #24

I picked this for several reasons.

The first week of the month is slow for me, so if I end up going to the comic-book shop for some reason, I'm more likely to pick up comics I don't read regularly.

I'm interested in the upcoming serial in Batman that starts in the next issue.

Catwoman is on the cover.

I've been fairly negative about Rebirth Batman and Rebirth Detective. So I thought it was only fair to post here and say that I liked Batman #24 quite a bit.

There's an extensive discussion between Batman and Gotham Girl that's helping me figure out who she is and what she's about. (I've seen her before but background info has been scanty.)

And then there's the Catwoman stuff.

I'm not going to say much about it, except that I liked that last panel quite a bit. If this little development works out, it could be the shot in the arm that will make Rebirth Batman work for me a lot better.

Quick Reviews:

Aquaman #24 - Arthur is voted out as king. He resists & everything falls apart in Atlantis. We have seen Arthur deposed before. This issue was a bit of a letdown for me. Abnett has been amazing on this title so I figure it will turn around quickly. Next issue promises a new direction. 6/10.

Batman #24 - WTH happened? This issue was a mess & totally uncharacteristic of Bruce. Yes the last page was cool but it doesn't make up for the rambling incoherent previous 19 pages. 2/10.

Nightwing #22 - The beginning of the Blockbuster arc. A cool twist at the end. Nightwing continues to be one of DC's best Rebirth titles. 8/10.

Superman #24 - Wow. We get some backstory on Black. He is an evil twisted man. I'm not sure how much of his previous history is in play here. We see how he has been manipulating things in Hamilton to get revenge on Clark. The creative team is maintaining the momentum of this arc. And that last page. My heart broke for Clark. 9/10.

WW: Steve Trevor Special - Great story. Uneven art. Overall I like how DC is handling Steve in Rebirth. I like specials like this that showcase a supporting character. 7/10.

Daredevil #21 - Hmmm. Interesting idea that Soule is developing for this arc. Can't wait to see where Soule goes with this story. Loved seeing Luke Cage in the book. 8/10.

Flintstones #12 - the end of a serious update on the Flintstones. I was a little disappointed that the focus was less on Fred & Barney & more on those around them but overall it was a good series. I look forward to the upcoming Jetson's series told in a similar style. 7/10.

I just reviewed Dynamite's Magnus #1 here.



A quick summary of my review there: Magnus as a woman works and is done respectfully instead of feeling like an attempt to pander to new demographics, and I appreciate that it doesn't turn into a T&A show either. It borrows its basic conflict from Jim Shooter's version of Magnus Robot Fighter done for Valiant Comics in the 1990s, but it's set in the very near future instead and, in some ways, comes off as insultingly simplistic. Essentially, I like the character, but I don't like the world just yet.

My more detailed review of this issue.

Grade: B-