Month 2: back in the saddle

Superman Action Comics W: Grant Morrison P: Rags Morales & Brent Anderson I: Rick Bryant & Brent Anderson

GMoz is the best writer involved anywhere in the Nu DCU. He knows this. Dan DiDio knows this. How do we know Dan DiDio knows this? This:

WTF? Has Superman had a stroke? And how come his head is tiny?

But you know, the writing in this is brilliant. I mean seriously great and never less than captivating. Even if the art does rip off the Invisibles (as the original Invisibles page with Mr Quimper that looks like this is on my wall I'd like to think I know what I'm talking about here).

The whole sequence with Superman in chains and, most tellingly, Lex's behaviour - his insistence on referring to Supes as "it" in particular - is stunning and some of the best comics being written just now. But the most exciting this about the issue is the proof GMoz reads ILX:

L-R: Tuomas, Deadshot.

Don't miss out on this book.

Animal Man W: Jeff Lemire A: Travel Foreman

You know what? It's not just GMoz that gets stiffed with artists I can't stand, Jeff Lemire does to. I know people said last month that ymmv and they liked him but for me

I mean seriously?

WTF is this shit?

The writing is pretty great though, even if it is a rewrite of the post-GMoz A-Man plot. The Red is back, and has some mentallist avatars in the real world. Meanwhile, Buddy and Maxine are off looking for a giant hidden tree to eat them.

You heard me. I just wish I could get over the art.

Batwing #2: Still lovely to look at, still Winicky, still not buying it past #3. The cliffhanger from the last issue is resolved by "he got better", although in a true Batman way it takes two weeks, during which the bad guy has advanced his plot NOT ONE IOTA. Once we've established the hero is well enough again then he continues. Actually, I quite like the new character that gets introduced and could have been on the fence for getting this if the same team was sticking to it, but no.

Detective Comics #2: Blimey, Bruce Wayne is a right dirty shagger in the new DCU, isn't he? The awesome climax of the last issue gets forgotten so he can have possibly non-plot related sex, but when we actually get into it this is still pretty good. Dollmaker has the makings of a pretty good Bat-villain, even if I don't like his retinue very much.

Green Arrow #2: JT Krul just goes from bad to worse. This is truly appalling stuff, with crap youthspeak peppered throughout and the characters are plain ridiculous - Lime and Light, for example, are attention-seeking criminals. Light's power is light, so Lime's power is... not being a lemon? Making cuts sting? No idea. Anyway, we get the murder of a young kid just so it can get filmed and put on the Internets, following the happyslapping theme of the first issue, which is a trap to get GA to FITE. Which is going to be streamed live on the internets. My head hurts with the amount of DO YOU SEE in this comic. Dreadful stuff.

Hawk & Dove #2: Oh my. I thought #1 was bad, but this takes the biscuit. We start with the introduction of the new villains of the piece, Condor and Swan. Don't laugh. Actually, this throws away some of the basic premises of the history of the characters - firstly, Hawk and Dove makes sense because they are birds we would associate with war and peace and it makes sense for their avatars to be called that. But what are Condor and Swan? The gods of getting trapped in valleys and appearing serene while frantically moving your legs? To make it worse (as if it could be) Swan becomes Swan after killing Osprey. Now as above, does the god of catching fish really need an avatar? But also how does he then change what he's the god of? As we saw after the death of Don and Dove transferring into Dawn, it doesn't change what the avatar is. The writing is possibly worse than the first issue but it's a close run thing. In other news, this is as Liefeld-tastic as the first issue. I may do another montage.

Justice League International #2: After a good first issue, this dips back to being a pretty standard hero book with not much to offer. The one thing that is clear is Dan Jurgens seems to have lost his ability to write - do we really need lines like "...and that looks like my native Africa!"? We also learn that Dan has no idea what menage a trois actually means. Not a winner, but this issue might just be a blip.

Men of War #2: The Rock part of this book is better than last month, the SEALS part worse. Tbh I don't get what the flying woman with the red scarf for clothes has to do with any of it, but it kind of works and at least shows the book is going somewhere. The SEALS thing is still going nowhere though, and takes 8 pages to move the plot on about 3 panels. And the artist still can't draw feet or ankles.

OMAC #2: See notes for #1. This is just really more of the same, although the Brother Eye plot is beginning to expand. This issue kind of reminds me of RASL, of all things. Probably the most all-out fun of any of the 52 books. You should still all be getting it.

Red Lanterns #2: After the first issue, this is more philosophical musing on the nature of rage and anger barely held within the confines of a funnybook. I think if this was an indie we'd all be raving about it but I'm not entirely convinced it works in this context. I'm prepared to stick around and see. We are teased at the end that Atrocitus will make one of his Red Lanterns more than the vegetative state they currently are. Who will it be? MAYBE THE ONE THAT'S ALREADY BEEN IN ANOTHER BOOK?

Static Shock #2: Putting the boot in with yet another shitty book, this is at least slightly better than #1. I can't really explain why, as flipping through it to remind myself while I write this there's so much to hate I'd forgotten about - Dakota being the nexus of America for street gangs, for example. Somebody should tell Scott McDaniel there's a black Spider-Man now, so we don't need this one.

Stormwatch #2: This is more like it. The plot of the first issue is developed at pace and we get some proper thrill power. Yes, it's still kind of sub-GMoz, but let's go with it. I'm genuinely looking froward to #3, for nothing else than to see the teased villain reveal.

Swamp Thing #2: As Tuomas asked for it last month, this issue explains a lot of the history he wanted. That done, the second half is a rollercoaster ride through the threat to our hero with a whole pile of artistic nods to the Moore/Bissette/Totleben era and a final splash page sure to have you buying #3. A triumph.

Batgirl #2: Stop trying so hard. This is so tied up in trying to work the Killing Joke and crippled Babs into the reality of the current book that it gets in the way of the storytelling. There are times (the fight in the cemetery, for example) when the book is an absolute joy and times (the policemen in the hospital) when it's a complete mess. It's so frustrating, but Gail Simone's a good enough writer to work past it. I just wish she would, and quickly.

Batman #2: If the first issue of this was some people's highlight of the #1s, this may well be the standout #2 for most. An utter pleasure, and the fight between Bats and NOT NITE OWL is quite superb. Buy this book.

Batman and Robin #2: If this was issue 217 and not issue 2 I suspect I would be enjoying this book far more than I am. It's kind of a mid-paced filler book and the problem is that it has to stand on its own merits, which it fails to do against the other batbooks. It's not bad as such (the "Yes, that's exactly where you are tonight!" splash is the closest it gets to that) but it feels bloated and could be far tighter. Maybe the introduction of BatDog will help? Good job that's the direction Peter Tomasi appears to be going.

Batwoman #2: Find a dictionary and open it. Look up the word awesome. If it doesn't have a picture of Batwoman #2 in lieu of a definition then throw it out and get a better one. I have no doubts that this won't keep up the quality (not least if all the rumours of the issues being in the bank because of the slow pace JH Williams works at) but enjoy it while it's here.

Birds of Prey #2: I'm pretty sure I have already cut this book, which on the evidence of this issue might have been a little hasty. It definitely seems to be going somewhere, even if it is a bit Sadface in places. On the other hand, it just isn't distinctive enough to be worth it - I finished it about 10 minutes ago and the diversion of making a cup of tea has meant I don't remember a single thing about it. Something that slight isn't worth your money.

Blue Beetle #2: I definitely cut this after #1, but #2 is not without its charms. The 'kid trapped in a suit he can't control and doesn't understand' trope is an old reliable one and well done here, especially once they get to the party, but then OH NOES A DESTROYER OF WORLDS IS COMING TO EARTH TO GET THE SCARAB BACK. We're all doomed (although probably we're not).

Captain Atom #2: Hoo boy. If JT Krul ever works in comics again then there's something wrong with the world. A complete stinker. Over-written rubbish of the highest order. Don't even think about reading this out of curiosity.

Catwoman #2: The things people hated about the first issue are back in this one. So are the things people liked about it. This issue isn't going to change anyone's opinions about it, but I think it's okay. It's annoying inconsistent though, primarily with the ease in which Catwoman is smeared across the walls of her apartment, and that's probably the main reson why I'm not going to be sticking with it. And the post-coital stuff at the beginning with Batman is just weird. Sorry.

DCU Presents: Deadman #2: Is this even the same book as the first one? The two issues seem almost completely unconnected and despite seemingly being sequential (the climax of the first leads directly into this) Boston Brand is a completely different character and understands far more about himself and the Supernatural DCU than he did last month. Maybe it's all that hanging out with Dove. Maybe his real name is Vulture. Maybe this will be more readable next month.

Demon Knights #2: SLEEPER BOOK OF THE RELAUNCH. I wouldn't be surprised if nobody was picking this up, but they're all missing out. This is a hoot from start to finish, and Vandal Savage is a damn fine comedy creation. Who knew? If the editorship is letting people write books like this then more power to them.

Frankenstein #2: Up until this is cancelled people will be calling it a poor man's BPRD , and with good reason because it is. I guess it's entertaining enough but it always feels like it's ripping off other material and the constant comparison detracts massively. A shame, because the writing is quite good, but inescapable.

Green Lantern Corps #2: This comic will never get better than the panel where John Stewart goes "RRARR!" and Guy Gardner goes "YARRH!". After praise for the last one, this is far more prosaic and to be truthful much less of a good read. I'm not sure I like it, it's pointlessly violent in a TINY STOMPING FEET way and has OH SNAP a villain who is immune to Green Lantern constructs and rings. WHO CAN GUESS HOW THIS WILL END? I bet I can, and it's with me quitting the book.

Grifter #2: I really can't bring myself to care about this. In issue 1 the lead character was confused about what was going on and in issue 2 the reader is. Bizarrely, this covers a whole pile of the same ground as OMAC #2 but is in no way engaging. A waste of ink and paper.

Justice League #2: Parademons! For Darkseid! I don't know what's more surprising, their appearance or the fact I actually like a Geoff Johns book. This is far superior to the first issue and actually goes some way to establishing the relationship between all the characters - the interplay between Hal and Barry is pretty great. I repeat, A GOOD GEOFF JOHNS BOOK.

Legion of Super Heroes #2: This has about 5 different plots going on and works on distraction. If you keep moving from the main Daxamite plot to one of the sub-soap opera plots about the internal relationships between Legionnaires fast enough then it stops all the Legion fanboys realising nothing's actually going on. Which I don't mind, but I could see people hating. Really not recommended for anyone who isn't a LoSH fan.

Legion Lost #2: Conversely, this is much less WOW KEWL than the previous issue and is far more enjoyable. The characterisation of several of the cast is brilliant (specifically Timber Wolf) and Wildfire's difficulties in understanding exactly what's happening with the Doctor and how it relates to his own life. Excellent stuff.

Mister Terrific #2: Better than the first one, but that's not saying much. I can't think of a single reason why anyone would want to buy or read this, and absolutely none of it stands out or sticks in the memory. Really, why?

Nightwing #2: Maintaining the high standard of the first issue is very much order of the day here and it just about achieves it, although I couldn't care less about Dick's relationship with Circus Girl and really don't need to see them joining the Mile High Club. (Trousersnakes on a plane!) At the end we get some kind of really weird reveal about the circus he grew up in - given the tone of many of the New 52 books I won't be surprised if it's a paedophile ring - which has me dying to read the next issue, which is always a good sign.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #2: I've been dreading this one. Yet, somewhat bizarrely, it barely has any of the faults which bedevilled the first issue and is actually quite a good read (although, like the first, in a sub-Deadpool Max kind of way). The Jason and Talia stuff is, dare I say it, actually pretty good. The sexism is never too fara away though and I'm sure it'll be business as usual next month, which is when I leave it.

Resurrection Man #2: Well, we have a plot this month. Unfortunately it's not a very good one. We also have some SEXEY KILLER GURLS who can get drawn in stylised poses, one of whom is wearing what I believe passes in American pr0n for school uniform. That's bound to help things. Neither of the above make me want to keep reading this, so thankfully I only have one to go. Very poor.

Suicide Squad #2: The trouble with reading too many of these in one go, or writing as you go along, is that you end up contradicting yourself. This is the genuine sleeper hit of the relaunch, a fantastic book which makes you wonder why the creators weren't employed before this. BUY THIS. "Relax. I have a giant hammer."

Supergirl #2: I think this is secretly the best Superman Family book of the relaunch. Kara's failure to comprehend the reality of her situation, which forms the centrepiece of this issue, is excellently written and only generates further mystery - how did she leave Krypton well after it was destroyed? Why is someone using her as a trap for Superman? ALL THIS AND MORE WILL BE REVEALED, TRUE BELIEVERS.

Wonder Woman #2: Boo, hiss etc. Not a patch on issue 1. You promised us this was a horror book, Azzarello, so make it one. The first issue hinted you could do it, so DO IT. (Confession time; I actually did like this but it's a plain WW book and could have been written at any point, possibly most identifiably during the George Perez comeback run.) Disappointed.

All-Star Western #2: This builds on the success of the first issue by continuing to be the Jonah Hex book it replaced. Yes, it weaves in Bat-elements like the Crime Bible but this only adds to how great it is. I appreciate (given that I was buying it until the reboot) I might be predisposed to the title, but it really is brilliant. Buy it.

Aquaman #2: FUCK YOU GEOFF JOHNS. I liked the last issue but this is Johns Sadface bollocks. Miserable shite.

Batman The Dark Knight #2: Amazingly, for the second issue on the trot there actually is David Finch content in this issue. And it's sort of OK I suppose, but it barely goes anywhere. It's almost a circular story with the conclusion of this issue the same as the last one, with very little happening of note in between. I get the feeling if Finch drops out altogether this could be all right, but I'm not sure I've got either the patience or inclination to find out.

Blackhawks #2: Insubstantial might well be the middle name of Mike Costa. This does nothing and goes nowhere and is not worth your time. Remember the way Nick Fury strips read in the late 80s? No? Exactly. And that's why this is so unmemorable.

Deathstroke #2: Can this be redeemed after the first issue? Simple answer: No. Slightly more detailed answer: Fuck, no. This is poor quality violence pr0n and plotless. I could have done something useful in the time it took me to read this like, I don't know, peeled a banana.

Firestorm #2: Who are Terror Grunt and what do they sound like? That's what inquiring minds really want to know having read this slice of 80s nostalgia. Blah blah nuclear winter blah blah emergency broadcasts blah THIS ISN'T THREADS. "Think I'm scared? I'm from Belfast, monster!"

Flash #2: Barry gets to grips with being Flash and pushes what he can do. It doesn't need any more of a description than that to be honest as this just develops what we saw last month and adds enough to the mystery to keep you reading next month, which I will be. Seeing how Barry sees the world is kind of marvellous.

Green Lantern New Guardians #2: Oh, this went from a fun issue 1 to impenetrable Johnsy GL bullshit. Wake me up whe you're finished. The comic itself makes no sense either, with Kyle INCREASING the amount of casualties from "Red Lanterns and their napalm blood puke" and X Factor arithmetic (i.e. things being >100% of themselves). Also, unless I'm mistaken, quite some years appear to have passed between the end of the last issue and this one, as Kyle reminisces about the Guardian who chose him and how he's come to think of him as his "fairy godfather" despite only meeting him the day before. No.

I, Vampire #2: I can't believe for a minute this is going to run past 6 issues. If it does, there will be one like this every 10 or so. It's a trap/escape/spread the legend vampire story, with about as much backstory as last time. It looks beautiful, but then so does Batwing and this doesn't have the legs of, say, 30 Days Of Night or The Walking Dead. I'll enjoy it while it's being published, but I don't expect that to be much longer.

Justice League Dark #2: This is a step backwards from last month, with pointless setup and an unhealthy fascination with Deadman having a shag. Yes, sex again. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU, DIDIO? Not every book in the DCU has to have sex on every page, don't make it editorially mandated. He gets this >< close to having a fake lesbian scene in it too (fake in that one of the women is a man, kind of). This is going to turn into a complete abortion of a book, isn't it?

Savage Hawkman #2: "INCREDIBLE. THE SYMBOLS ARE BECOMING EASIER FOR ME TO READ!" And the symbols appear to be saying THIS BOOK IS SHIT, DO NOT READ IT. This is just muddled twaddle, with the big bad from number one thrown away for a bigger (maybe) bad and some minor plot related shit in the background. There's a girlfriend now, possibly, and something something something don't care.

Superboy #2: In which Astro Boy tries to punch the universe but his neural inhibitors stop him. It turns out he's some kind of weapon which it turns out comes in very handy when some giant shark monsters from Sector 3 turn up. Maybe less so when SHIT BLOWS UP, as it inevitably does. This is a whole pile of fun, but I have no idea where it's going. A bit like canoeing blindfold.

Superman #2: WORDS AGAIN. Last month was wordy, but this is full of them straight out of the gate. THERE'S A THIRTY-TWO WORD SENTENCE ON THE FOURTH PAGE! This is such a hackneyed idea I can't possibly believe it hasn't been done a hundred times before in Superman/Action/whatever and similarly I can't believe it wasn't done better on the previous occasions. I can't wait for this to be crossing over with Action and turning it to shit, which is happening soon. Hitting my cut list, right now.

Teen Titans #2: Kid Flash, I like. The rest of this book, not so much. MAKE IT MORE ABOUT HIM. Anyway, this is still a 'build the team' issue but is starting to get towards an actual storyline. Although yet again we have some tiresome sexism with chat about Wonder Girl's boobage, and I'm beginning to get tired of it all. I'm prepared to go with it for a while but only because Kid Flash is so great. Give him his own book and I can stop buying this?

Voodoo #2: Last month I gave this the benefit of the doubt. This month I'm taking it back. Next month has Kyle Rayner. CUT!

Green Lantern #2: This is Geoff Johns wank fantasy made flesh. Basically Sinestro turns up and gives Hal his ring back if he agrees to admit he's great. He then withdraws it more than once to prove HIS ULTIMATE POWER OVER GREEN LANTERN. This couldn't get more Johnsy if it was printed in his spunk. The very fact I'm writing this is probably setting off his Johns-sense and he's getting wood as I type.

I feel dirty.