THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week- #178 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, April 09, 2010

MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #18 (All Ages)

Paul Tobin (w); Ig Guara (p); Sotocolor (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Niko Henrichon

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Join the Marvel Heroes for some amazing adventures.

In this issue: The Avengers assemble with two new team members, one a cocky rookie with cosmic powers, and another the world's most talented secret agent. But will even the combined powers of the Mighty Avengers be a match for the ghost of an old world giant that's been terrorizing Britain ? It's a new Avengers versus the Old World , with the life of an entire village at stake! (from marvel.com)

Review: The Avengers are in a British town for much the same reason as in the last issue; something's been driving the townspeople mad. Only this time, it's a spriggan. And this time, Nova and Black Widow are along for the ride. Honestly, there's not much to say about this one; it's average.

SUPER FRIENDS #22: “All I Want For Christmas…” (All Ages)

Sholly Fisch (w); Dario Brizuela (p/i); Heroic Age (c); John J. Hill (l); cover by J. Bone

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Introducing SUPER FRIENDS - a brand-new series for younger readers to meet the heroes of the DC Universe, based on the hot toy line from Mattel! Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash and Aquaman are here to save the day - and be your friends, too!

In this issue: It's the most wonderful time of the year, and the Super Friends want to grant everyone's holiday wishes! But the fiendish Mr. Memory may take away even their festive thoughts and leave no joy in the world! (from dccomics.com)

Review: The Super Friends invite their #1 fan, a wheelchair-bound girl, up to their satellite, only to have Mr. Memory take the Friends' memory away. That's the story on the surface. On another level, it's about people with physical disabilities. When the girl asks the heroes if they can fix her legs so she can walk, it's a powerful reminder that even the Super Friends have their limits. More importantly, the issue is a loving tribute to people who overcame their disabilities to achieve greatness. Superman delivers a great speech honoring Itzhak Perlman, Stephen Hawking, Franklin D. Roosevelt and, fittingly, Christopher Reeve. It's a very well-done issue.

UNCANNY X-MEN FIRST CLASS #6: “The Sky Is Falling” (Teen/Young Adult)

Scott Gray (w); Scott Koblish (p); Nelson DeCastro (i); Val Staples (c); Nate Piekos (l); cover by Paul Pelletier

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: The early days of the X-Men's second generation are revealed in an all-new series starring Cyclops, Storm, Banshee, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Wolverine and Phoenix !

In this issue : The Knights of Hykon continue their assault! Drowning Shadow, Sleeping Mist and Bone Dancer join the battle as the X-Men struggle to survive! Nick Fury and SHIELD face total destruction! Nightcrawler enters the enemy's lair, and makes a heart-rending discovery! But Peter Corbeau has the most shocking news of all – and it's going to have Cyclops seeing RED! Miss it not, mutated ones! (from marvel.com)

Review: Picking up where the last issue left off, this issue turns the action and drama up another notch. Jean takes it to the Knights, Nightcrawler finds the Professor, and Cyclops receives some news that will turn his eyes redder than the fiery skies. It's another exciting issue, and Staples' colors may the artwork leap off the page. My favorite scene is when Nightcrawler goes from heartbroken to hilariously scared when he finds the Professor.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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