Justice League Dark, The Superior Octopus and Green Lanterns – Vinny’s Comic Picks
What do Justice League Dark, Doc Ock and a bunch of Green Lanterns have in Common? This week’s picks!
Runner Up – Green Lanterns #56 (DC Comics)
For many years, Dan Jurgens managed to have a huge impact on the Green Lantern franchise without ever writing the book. As the creator of Hank Henshaw, The Cyborg Superman, Jurgens initiated the darkest period in Green Lantern history, all from a point outside of the title. Henshaw would even become a regular villain of the Lanterns, and one of the most popular at that. For the final arc of Green Lanterns, Jurgens came on board to finally pen the heroes he had so tortured, and brought that familiar half robot skull face with him. Jurgens is in peak form here, and it truly feels like one of his now classic tales. Mike Perkins does an excellent job matching the tone of the book with the art, and the grand superhero epic is one that is certainly closing the title nicely.
Runner Up – The Superior Octopus #1 (Marvel Comics)
Christos Gage and Mike Hawthorne bring us the next chapter in the saga of one of Marvel’s most daring and controversial concepts. The Superior Spider-Man is still, well, a touchy subject with some Spider-Fans. Yes, we all knew that Otto Octavius wouldn’t remain the hero forever, but I’m one of the fans who ended up enjoying the journey back to Peter Parker. It is rare that a writer can truly capture a villain who simply believe themselves to be correct, and keep you on board for thirty issues. While it was Slott who crafted the run, Gage wrote the series’ two Annuals and continues to show his ability to smartly write the character here. The Superior Octopus is just a one-shot to preface the coming relaunch (which thankfully will retain this creative team), but boy is it fun.
Pick of the Week – Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark: Witching Hour #1 (DC Comics)
Though Justice League has improved quite a bit since its relaunch, my favorite of the New Justice titles is Justice League Dark.
I’m as surprised as you are.
Though I’ve been a fan of James Tynion IV for a while now, it is impressive how he has cast Wonder Woman as the leader of a rag-tag group of magic wielders. Of course, there is an obvious logic to it, but he’s really doing an excellent job of making her a believable and likable figure. He even makes her relatable to her other teammates, which is impressive in itself. Jesus Merino picks up pencilling duties on this one-shot and is superb as always. Though there was groundwork established in the previous arc, this is a wonderful point to pick up the story if you’re looking to.