THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week- #184 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, June 14, 2010

BATMAN:  THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #13:  “Night Of the Batmen” (All Ages)

Sholly Fisch (w); Robert Pope (p); Scott McRae (i); Heroic Age (c); Sal Cipriano (l); cover by Pope & McRae with Hi-Fi

Publisher:  DC

Format:  monthly series

Concept:  Jumping out of your TV and into your comics comes the highly anticipated new cartoon BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD! Each month, The Dark Knight Detective faces challenges that only he can solve – with a little help from his DC Universe pals! Thrill as Batman visits new places and old friends. Chill as he chases down the most powerful villains in the DCU, armed with only his Bat-gadgets and his wits!

In this issue :  When the Caped Crusader breaks his leg on a mission, the villains in Gotham City see this as an opportunity to rob, cheat and steal. But when the other heroes learn of Batman's condition, they take it upon themselves to come to Gotham to be Batman! Guest-starring Captain Marvel, Aquaman, Blue Beetle and Plastic Man!  (from dckids.com )

Review:  Batman may be the world's greatest detective and an expert crimefighter, but he's still a human, which means he can get injured.  And when Batman's out of commission, you can bet that Gotham City's villains have a field day.  But as most every DC hero apparently knows. Gotham City NEEDS a Batman.  I love that they're ALL thinking the SAME THING at the SAME TIME, which means we get to see Captain Marvel, Aquaman, Green Arrow (NOT Blue Beetle), Plastic Man and several others don their own versions of the cape and cowl.  I hope Fish and Pope had a good time working on this issue, because I certainly had a good time reading it.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #20 (All Ages)

Paul Tobin (w); Scott Koblish, Clayton Henry & Rob Di Salvo (p/i); Sotocolor (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Chris Samnee & Chris Sotomayor

Publisher: Marvel

Format:  monthly series

Concept:  Join the Marvel Heroes for some amazing adventures.

In this issue:  Diablo is back, and as an alchemist who can control earth, air, fire and water, he's one of the most deadly threats the Avengers have ever faced. But, who is controlling Diablo, and will the captive Iron Man learn the answer in time to save his life, and the lives of his teammates?  (from marvel.com )

Review:  On his own, Diablo is bad news.  But when he's being controlled by someone (or something) else, the Avengers REALLY have trouble on their hands!  As they battle elemental forces, Iron Man is kidnapped, which leaves the Vision to get to the bottom of things.  Through his eyes, Tobin talks about emotions and what makes humans act the way they do.  Not a bad issue at all.

SUPER FRIENDS #24:  “Weird Science” (All Ages)

Sholly Fisch (w); J. Bone (p/i); Heroic Age (c);  John J. Hill (l); cover by 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 a super-science conference like none other when all the Mad Scientists gather together on Oolong Island to share their latest inventions -- and to plot against the Super Friends!  (from dckids.kidswb.com )

Review:  Worms seem like an odd subject for a conference.  But when “worms” is really the World Organization for Research in Mad Science, that's a different story! The world's most evil scientists have gathered to showcase their stuff and learn from each other.  And better yet, they get to test their inventions against the Super Friends!  Who will be named the greatest criminal genius of them all?  I love the way the villains interact with each other, especially when they mingle about.  I like that the heroes acknowledge the fact that their inventions are remarkable and offer to help find good uses for them.  Bone's art is pleasing as always, especially the splash page where the villains mingle.  And I must say that he makes Mr. Mind look very cute!

TINY TITANS #25 (All Ages)

Art Baltazar & Franco (w); Geoff Johns (special guest co-writer); art & cover by Baltazar

Publisher: DC

Format:  monthly series

Concept:  It's all your favorite Titans, in their cutest possible form!

In this issue:  Special guest co-writer Geoff Johns comes to TINY TITANS, and he's bringing Superboy along with him! And Superboy's bringing his bizarro brother Match! And Match... well, Match always brings mischief wherever he goes. Join us for an extra-super issue jam-packed with colored rings and awesome things!  (from dckids.kidswb.com )

Review:  Geoff Johns is mainly known for his stories (for slightly older audiences) set in the mainstream DC Universe.  So how does he do with an all-ages story?  Quite well!  He spoofs his own “Brightest Day” story and brings the Green Lantern Corps along with him, while Baltazar & Franco add Superboy and Match, his “bizarro” brother, to the mix.  The mood rings mixed in with the Lantern rings are a nice touch, and Baltazar's art is cute as always, especially the cool Green Lantern Corps pin-up.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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