Here I go again with another sampling of some current comics. WARNING: My "reviews" do contain SPOILERS! Action Comics #837, Superman #651/DC COMICS  -- parts 2 & 3 of the "Up, Up, and Away!" story. So, Supes has been powerless and this is the adventures of ... Clark Kent. *yawns* I wonder which will come first, Clark getting his powers back, or me being interested in this story. I do like the return of the classic (or recent incarnations, if you will) Superman villains -- Luthor, Toyman (and a very creepy version of that), and Prankster -- as opposed to aliens or some magical entity. Green Lantern, Hawkwoman and Supergirl are nearby to patrol Metropolis. The pacing of the story is a bit too slow for my taste, and nothing is done with Clark to make him interesting or non-bland. All Star Superman #3/DC COMICS  -- Yeah, I blasted the first issue, but I've finally warmed up to this series. Writer Grant Morrison gives us two Silver-Age nods here -- Lois getting super-powers, and rivals for Lois (here, Atlas and Samson). Fun issue, great art, and anytime you get Lois in a nice costume is a bonus. Paula Peril #1/Atlantis Studios  -- Okay, based on the title, you figure for fans of the "damsel in distress" stuff, but let's go by the numbers: This isn't "good girl" art; the cover was nice, but the interiors were sloppy. The writing doesn't work as either a spoof or as a straight story. And the "perils," aren't all that, either. If you're into this sort of thing, yay, you have a new comic on the shelf. The book tried, I guess, but I found too many rooms for improvement and can basically pick up something from AC Comics for better execution. $2.95 and black/white. Batman #651, Detective Comics #818/DC Comics  -- parts 2 & 3 of the "Face the Face" story. The bad first: The story is moving way too slow for me and the "One Year Later reveals" offer little disclosure so far. To me, it reads like, "Coming soon for a great trade paperback." Now, the good: Anything was bound to be an improvement with James Robinson writing. I loved his Starman. I do like him cleaning house and killing off some of the Bat's rogues gallery -- I won't miss Ventriloquist, I will miss Magpie though; even though I don't think she's been in a comic for 20 years. Commissioner Gordon is back and there's a new mayor in Gotham yet to be revealed. BATMAN: THE MONSTER MEN #6/DC COMICS  -- Once upon a time Professor Hugo Strange was in the upper-echelon of Bat-villains. That was then ... and well, this is sorta then, too. However in this mini-series, which takes a look back at Batman's early days, ol' Hugo doesn't seem to me as much of a threat, as opposed to the "monster men" he creates. Pity. Back in the day (Batman #1 even), Strange seemed to be as sinister as the creatures he created; not here though. Worse, Bruce's "love interest" Julie Madison is portrayed with little backbone and intelligence. This was an exciting, if predictable, conclusion to a so-so story. I liked Matt Wagner's covers more than anything else. ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #28/MARVEL COMICS  -- Just one thought: Okay, the populace suddenly has super-powers, but how come everyone looks like super-models? Or did they get better looks when they got their powers? THE BATMAN STRIKES #20/DC COMICS  -- Batman vs. Bane against the backdrop of a boxing title bout. Well, you know how it's going to come out. I know this is a comic aimed for younger readers, but I'm not sure if any of them thinks Bane is unintimidating as I think he is. I think the stories have improved in this title, but if I was a kid, I would prefer a story with just a little more depth. NOTE TO THE WRITER AND EDITOR: Heavyweight contenders don't fight on one night and then fight for the title immediately on the next night. 4 #28/MARVEL COMICS  -- No super-villains here. Reed and Sue each are confronted with situations that are tragic, human, emotional and real. Each spouse deals with their respective situation by doing what they think is right, but there are reprecussions which effects them both. This was a refreshing change of pace story from Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. One of my favorite stories of the year so far. TITANS #34/DC COMICS  -- This is perhaps my favorite DC title at the moment. In my opinion, it executes the "One Year Later" concept as it should be done -- radical changes, some clues regarding the unknown events of the previous year, and a "shock" ending. As if that wasn't enough, adding Wendy and Marvin (complete with a shirt with a "M" on it) to the supporting cast was enough to make this fanboy geek drool. TOMORROW STORIES SPECIAL #2/AMERICA'S BEST COMICS  -- At $6.99, it's a damn expensive comic. However, it's the purest "comic book" I've read in recent months. Great storytelling, nice homages to old Justice League-type stories, and Little Nemo. A real rare treat.

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