THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week-Year - Week ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, date

BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM! #5: “Mr. Who? Mr. Atom!” (All Ages)

Art Baltazar & Franco (w); Byron Vaughns (p); Ken Branch (i); David Tanguay (c); cover by Mike Kunkel

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Welcome to the brand-new, all-fun adventures of Billy Batson as the World's Mightiest Mortal — Captain Marvel!

In this issue: In this new issue, Captain Marvel must stand against the nuclear might of the robotic Mr. Atom! (from dccomics.com)

Review: Billy's got some great footage of Captain Marvel saving kids from a school bus accident, but unfortunately, that doesn't produce ratings…which, of course, is the only thing the network boss wants! Enter Mr. Atom, a giant robot who gives the Captain a challenge. Baltazar, Franco & Vaughns take the reins from Kunkel, and they don't miss a step. While I love Kunkel's art, Vaughn's gives Billy some expressions that are absolutely priceless. As for Baltazar and Franco, they keep the story as lively as ever.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #200: “Turnabout Is Fair Play” (All Ages)

Ian Flynn (w); Tracy Yardley! (p); Terry Austin (i); Matt Herms (c); John Workman (l); cover by Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante

Publisher: Archie

Format: monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of Sonic and pals, based on the hit video game.

In this issue : The epic anniversary issue you've been waiting for is finally here! Back in Sonic #50, Sonic managed to win against his arch-rival, Dr. Robotnik. In Sonic #175, the doctor got his revenge! Now they duel for the fate of the world! Will freedom come to Mobius? Or will the Eggman Empire rule forever more? Place your bets - but be ready for the startling conclusion! Don't miss this cranium-creasing, brain-bending, mind-blowing saga! (from grahamcrackers.com)

Review: This is it; #200! SPAZ provides an appropriately star-spangled cover, and Sonic and Robotnik (with assistance from Flynn and Yardley) handle the fireworks. But the real thrill here is seeing how their relationship and years of fighting finally culminate here—and the effect it has on Robotnik. As bad as he's been, it's to Flynn's credit that we feel, for one brief moment, a bit of sympathy for the guy. It's enough to make even Sonic pause and wonder what happens now. If the final page is any indication, he won't have to wonder much longer. This is a great milestone issue, and I look forward to many more adventures.

SONIC UNIVERSE #3: “The Shadow Saga, part 3: Old Soldiers” (All Ages)

Ian Flynn (w); Tracy Yardley! (p); Jim Amash (i); Jason Jensen (c); Teresa Davidson (l); cover by Yardley! & Jensen

Publisher: Archie

Format: monthly series

Concept: A thrilling new Sonic series that raises the stakes and expands the comic book world of Sonic!

In this issue: Shadow is sent into the remote mountains to find E-102 Gamma. At the same time, Dr. Robotnik launches the over-powered E-123 Omega to hunt down and destroy the rogue robot! It's a race against time to see if Shadow can save Gamma and offer him asylum - if Gamma even wants to be saved! (from grahamcrackers.com)

Review: Ever since Gamma went rogue, he's been a pain in Robotnik's side—and, if you will, the “Iron Giant” of the Sonic Universe. Now, Commander Abraham Tower wants him to join G.U.N., while Robotnik wants him destroyed! There's some nice character development with Shadow, as underneath his brashness is the fact that he still hasn't forgiven himself for Metal Sonic's death. And amid the nice action scenes, Shadow reveals the benefits of being part of a team, while Gamma shows us that brains triumph over brawn. A well-done issue.

SONIC UNIVERSE #4: “The Shadow Saga, part 4: The Ultimate Lifeform” (All Ages)

Ian Flynn (w); Tracy Yardley! (p); Jim Amash (i); Jason Jensen (c); Teresa Davidson (l); cover by Yardley! & Jensen

Publisher: Archie

Format: monthly series

Concept:

In this issue: The all-out battle-turned-alliance between Shadow and Rouge takes a new twist, and there may be no turning back! Transported from G.U.N.'s secret base to the surreal Special Zone, the reluctant allies meet the zone's mega-powerful master, Feist. What will Feist require of them? Can they successfully complete the challenge as well as their other missions and tasks for G.U.N.? What would failure mean to Shadow, who considers himself the "ultimate lifeform?" This action-packed issue co-stars Hope Kintobor and Omega, and features the first assembly of "Team Dark." It also paves the way for the next intriguing saga, which promises to bring back everyone's favorite red echidna! (from grahamcrackers.com)

Review: No sooner has Shadow returned with Omega (see the last issue) then he's off with Rogue to the Special Zone, where Chaos emeralds await. Unfortunately, the god-like Feist resides there as well, and he's not going to make things easy. Shadow's character development continues; I love that for a change, he can't rely on his “chaos control” power. And between the adventures in the Special Zone is a wonderful scene with Hope that talks about turning failure into success. The artwork is excellent, from the emotion of the aforementioned scene to the action in the Special Zone. Feist looks fantastic, as does the cover image; it's one of my favorite SONIC covers to date.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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