Countdown to Final Crisis Volume 3

Title

Countdown to Final Crisis Volume 3

Library Link
http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1

10 Second Review
Superman tortures Myxlplyx, Jimmy meets a hot bug, Holly and Harley solve a mystery and things get much, much worse for Trickster.

Like preceding volumes, there is a great deal of story here but this book includes a nice payoff.

Notes
Ray Palmer located.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to the DC universe might be confused.

Reading Order
Vol. 1-5

Countdown to Final Crisis Volume 2

Title

Countdown to Final Crisis Volume 2

Library Link
http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1

10 Second Review
Pied Piper and Trickster go from bad to worse, Jimmy Olsen dons a costume, Holly and Harley investigate a woman’s shelter while Mary Marvel gets kicked out of Zantana’s house.

Lots of story here but it can get confusing.

It feels like DC is trying to squeeze every character they can into the story line.

Notes
Jimmy Olsen applies for the Justice League

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to the DC universe might be confused.

Reading Order
Vol. 1-5

Countdown to Final Crisis

Title

Countdown to Final Crisis

Library Link
Countdown to final crisis / writers, Paul Dini ... [et al.] ; pencillers, Jesus Saiz ... [et al.] ; inkers, Jimmy Palmiotti ... [et al.] ; letterers, Travis Lanham ... [et al.] ; colorists, Ton Chu ... [et al.]

10 Second Review
Jimmy Olson investigates the murder of a New God, Mary Marvel gains some dark powers, Holly Robinson and Harley Quinn meet up at Athena’s shelter, Donna Troy and Jason Todd tour the Multiverse while Pied Piper and the Trickster get caught up in all the turmoil.

A complex story that will appeal to old fans but might confuse new readers.

Lots of guest stars and unusual, rarely seen DC characters.

Notes
This series should appeal to fans of ‘52’.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to the DC universe might be confused.

Reading Order
Vol. 1-5

10 Second U.S. Comic Book History

10 Second U.S. Comic Book History


Golden Age (1930's – 1940's)
This is when comics first become really popular and not just superhero comics.
Romance, Westerns, and comic strip type books were popular as well.

Silver Age (1950's – 1970's)
This era is noted as including more sophisticated art and writing.
Horror and Crime comics were gaining popularity that likely led to the Comics Code Authority.


Bronze Age (1970's – 1980's)
A more mature era which included darker elements (murder, drug use), more progressive themes (minority superheroes) and a less restrictive Comics Code Authority.

Modern Age (1980's to present)
This era is marked by even more mature and dark themes, increased commercialization and the demise of the Comics Code Authority.

Digital Age (2000 to present)
This is my own invention. I've added it because I feel it is a useful distinction for new readers.
This period is notable for a departure from traditional comic art to a more colorful, varied and digital look.
In addition, this period includes more complicated story lines.

JSA Strange Adventures

Title
JSA Strange Adventures


Library Link
Strange adventures / Kevin J. Anderson, writer ; Barry Kitson, penciller/breakdowns ; Gary Erskine, inker/finishes ; Hi-Fi, colors & separations ; Rob Leigh, letterer Anderson, Kevin J., 1962-


10 Second Review
Set in the early days of the JSA, the team must confront a zeppelin riding visitor that promises great advances in exchange for freedom (and Green Lantern’s ring).

A good read for fans of the JSA but fans of modern comics might find it too juvenile.

Notes
Jack Williams guest stars

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Some readers might be confused by the large cast.

Reading Order
n/a

Amazing Spider-man: Return of the Black Cat

Title

Amazing Spider-man: Return of the Black Cat

Library Link
The amazing Spider-Man : return of the Black Cat
New York : Marvel, c2010. Marvel premiere ed.

10 Second Review
Spidey bumps into Black Cat while investigating Diablo’s latest scheme.
Clones, Screwball and Kraven complicate things.

Good art and story but some newer readers might get confused separating all the clones.

Notes
Madame Web makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Some parts might confuse new readers

Reading Order
Chronological

Dark Reign: The Underside

Title

Dark Reign: The Underside

Library Link
http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1

10 Second Review
Lots of stories from the Marvel underworld.
Wonder Man helps his brother kidnap Norman, a surprise psycho causes some mayhem and Spiderman gets all negative.

Various artist with good stories.
Should appeal to fans that want more details.

Notes
Dr. Doom, The Enforcer and Gamma Corps guest star.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Marvel might be confused.

Reading Order
n/a

X-men Forever: Come to Mother…Russia

Title
X-men Forever: Come to Mother…Russia


Library Link
X-Men forever. Volume 3 / writer, Chris Claremont ; artist, Tom Grummett
Claremont, Chris, 1950-

10 Second Review
This book focuses on Colossus and his struggles in Russia.

His sister turns against him and gets Kitty (Shadowcat) to join her side.
Meanwhile, Storm causes trouble in Africa.

A fairly solid continuation of the series but there seems to be some holes in the story.
Good for fans but those new to the X-men might get confused.

Notes
Beast goes on a surprise date.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: If read in order

Reading Order
Chronological

X-men Forever The Secret History of the Sentinels

Title
X-men Forever The Secret History of the Sentinels


Library Link
X-Men forever. Volume 2 / writer, Chris Claremont ; artist, Paul Smith
Claremont, Chris, 1950-

10 Second Review
The danger room acts up, Hank get tired of Scott and there are two Storms.
The team investigates strange occurrences in South America that leads them to an ancestor of the Sentinels creator.

A solid continuation of the original story that should appeal to fans.
A funeral brings in lots of guest stars.

Notes
Nick Fury butts in more.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers will need to be familiar with the X-men.

Reading Order
Chronological

X-men Forever

Title

X-men Forever

Library Link
X-men forever. [Vol. 1], Picking up where we left off / writer, Chris Claremont ; penciler, Tom Grummett Claremont, Chris, 1950-

10 Second Review
Storm goes rouge and kills Wolverine and seriously wounds Sabretooth.
Kitty gains one of Wolverine's claws and Scott has relationship trouble.

This represents a continuation of a story line from 1991 from Chris Claremont.
Good art and good story true to its 90's origins.

Notes
Nick Fury butts in.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers will need to be familiar with the X-men

Reading Order
Chronological

The Amazing Spider-Man: American Son

Title

The Amazing Spider-Man: American Son

Library Link
The amazing Spider-Man. American son / writer, Joe Kelly ; pencilers, Phil Jimenez ... [et al.] ; inkers, Andy Lanning ... [et al.] ; colorists, Chris Chuckry & Jeromy Cox ; letterers, Joe Caramagna & Chris Eliopoulos
Kelly, Joe.

10 Second Review
Norman continues to manipulate his son and Spidey tries to be a true friend while wedding plans loom that will put JJ into the Parker family.

Good story and art with some nice twist.

Norman reminds everyone how twisted he can be.

Notes
Wolverine guest stars.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers will need to be familiar with the Dark Reign story line

Reading Order
Chronological

Ultimate X-men Apocalypse

Title
Ultimate X-men Apocalypse


Library Link
Ultimate X-Men. 18. Apocalypse / writer, Robert Kirkman ; artist, Tyler Kirkman
Kirkman, Robert.

10 Second Review
Hank and Storm work on their relationship, while Sinister uses his mind controlling powers to evolve into Apocalypse.

Apocalypse can absorb other mutant powers, which makes him a big problem. Jean provides a big solution.

Great art and good story but read the previous book first.

Notes
Fantastic Four make an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low: If read in order

Reading Order
Chronological

X-men Nation X

Title
X-men Nation X


Library Link
Nation X. Book 1 / by Matt Fraction ; artist, Greg Land Fraction, Matt.

10 Second Review
X-men form their own island community and struggle with various challenges.
Magneto stops by to help, Namor sends Norman a message and Cyclops battles inner demons.

Good story and great art. A fun book that also includes some related short stories.

Notes
Colossus gets a surprise visitor.

Learning Curve
Low: Should be OK for new readers

Reading Order
N/a