THE HOOK

Earlier this week I was feeling a bit burned out on comics. It happens from time to time. I love comics but sometimes the sheer amount of stuff I want to read and/or buy overwhelms me, not only for monetary concerns but for space around the house as well. It's just one of those moods and it may well have colored my thoughts on JSA Presents: Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. Vol. 1 a bit. I felt like I could take or leave comics for a while...then I read about the trailer at the end of Action Comics # 863 and I was hooked all over again.

I had planned on picking up Action Comics #863, of course, with it being the final issue of the "Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes" storyline that I've been greatly enjoying. It didn't disappoint either as Superman gets his powers back and Yera reluctantly kisses Sun Boy and the full Legion is present for the victory and the uplifting end. It was great story and not only for bringing back the Legion I fell in love with, though that certainly helped. Of course, it makes me want to read the continuing adventures of my Legion (well, even better if I could write it) - and that's where the trailer comes in.

Geoff Johns first used a trailer at the end of Justice Society of America #1, which helped cement a great first issue by giving glimpses of what was coming up in the book. The trailer at the end of Action Comics #863 gives us a glimpse at an upcoming mini-series by Johns and George Perez (!) - Final Crisis: Legion of the Three Worlds. Ohhhh yeah. Superman. Superboy-Prime. The Legion I grew up with as well as the Legions of the two reboots (it's cool seeing XS in the ad). The Time Trapper. Universo. Mordru. And Lex Luthor? It begins it August and I already can't wait. Thanks for jolting me back into my love of comics, Johns. Well played.

COMICS MADE FOR ME

Over the last two days, I've been reading The Brave and the Bold Vol. 1: The Lords of Luck, which collects the first six issues of the ongoing series by Mark Waid and George Perez. I bought and read the first two issues when they came out before going back into more of a trade mode. I liked those two issues enough that I decided to buy this collection in hardcover, something I rarely do (having Barnes & Noble gift cards and a coupon helped as well). I was not disappointed.

The original Brave and the Bold series featured Batman and another hero; this new incarnation starts with Batman and Green Lantern teaming up but quickly spirals out from there, featuring Supergirl, Lobo, Blue Beetle, Adam Strange, The Legion of Super-Heroes, and more. The heroes are up against a variety of villains and weapons, including the stolen Book of Destiny (which tells you everything that has ever and will happen). It's got action and humor and character work and is drawn by George Perez, Mr. Super-Hero Comics. Seriously, I've loved Perez since the early 80s and New Teen Titans. I can't wait for the next collection!

Today I bought and read Action Comics #861, which is the fourth part of the Legion of Super-Heroes story and it's just as good as the rest have been. I hope this storyline leads to the return of that Legion. Please, DC. Please!

DC is bringing back an old favorite this summer - Ambush Bug! Yay! Read about it here.