THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week 

THE BATMAN STRIKES! #31: “An Hour Of Your Time” (All Ages)

Matthew K. Manning (w); Christopher Jones (p); Terry Beatty (i); Heroic Age (c); John J. Hill (l); cover by Dave McCaig

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of Bruce Wayne in his early years as Batman. Based on the current animated series.

In this issue: Batman has only one night to solve a baffling kidnapping in Gotham . The problem? The police think he's the kidnapper! The catch? They're right! The Dark Knight must unravel the secrets of this perfect crime before it's too late! (from dccomics.com)

Review: It starts with the cover. What you see here is a bit different from what's actually on the printed cover. Take Batman with those white eyes and add police officers pointing pistols at him and yelling, “Batman's on the rampage!” It's enough to get you psyched. Behind this great cover is one of the best—and most intriguing—STRIKES stories yet. While on a rooftop doing an investigation, Batman suddenly finds that an hour has gone by, and he has no recollection of his actions during that time. For those who have not yet read the issue, I have removed the villain's identity from the synopsis, as it's much better if you don't know that information beforehand. Regardless, Manning has crafted an effective, highly entertaining page-turner of a story, beautifully brought to life by the reliable art team of Jones, Beatty and Heroic Age. HIGHLY recommended!

FRANKLIN RICHARDS, SON OF A GENIUS: MARCH MADNESS! (All Ages)

Chris Eliopoulos & Marc Sumerak (story); Sumerak (w); Eliopoulos (p/i/l); Brad Anderson (c); cover by Eliopoulos

Publisher: Marvel

Format: one-shot

Concept: Follow the hilarious misadventures of young Franklin Richards (son of Reed and Sue Richards, AKA Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman of the Fantastic Four) and his wise-cracking robot companion, H.E.R.B.I.E!

In this issue: Franklin Richards and his robot pal H.E.R.B.I.E. return just in time for spring break...and they're ready to break the springs in every one of Reed Richards' inventions! This wild one-shot includes five all-new adventures that are sure to drive you mad with laughter! (from marvel.com)

Review: Hilarious hijinks ensue once again as Franklin Richards gets into more mischief! In “Evolution Revolution,” Franklin accidentally activates a device that can, as Reed explains it, “de-evolve any matter to its original evolutionary component.” Wait until you see what that means for the Fantastic Four and H.E.R.B.I.E! In “Molecular Mayhem,” an atomic exploration on a subatomic sled becomes a roller-coaster ride. “Hair Today…” finds Franklin trying some of dad's “super tonic,” with, um, hair-raising results. Look for the page in which he tries nine different styles! “Rodent's Revenge” finds Franklin trying to make his hamster smarter, only to turn it into NORBERT Q. SNIFFLES, HAMSTER OF DESTRUCTION! Finally, in “Basket-Brawl,” H.E.R.B.I.E. tells Franklin what most coaches tell their young basketball players…think positive and project your fears onto others! As it turns out, that advice works, but not like Franklin hoped! It's a light, fun read from beginning to end.

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HULK & POWER PACK #1 (All Ages)

Marc Sumerak (w); David Williams (p); Gary Martin (i); Gurihiru (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Williams

Publisher: Marvel

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: Ol' Greenskin meets the Power kids in this limited series.

In this issue: Power Pack couldn't be more excited to meet their father's new colleague, the world-famous Dr. Bruce Banner. But when the kids find themselves trapped in the tunnels beneath Manhattan by the Absorbing Man, they find out what happens when the good doctor gets angry...! Get ready to go gamma as a brand-new team-up begins here! (from marvel.com)

Review: Sumerak's second comic of the week is just like every other POWER PACK story he's written…funny and highly entertaining. In this issue, they battle Boomerang and the Absorbing Man…and team up with the Hulk! Along the way, Jack learns from Hulk's alter ego Dr. Banner that it's OK to use your brain. Williams and Martin take over for Gurihiru on pencils and inks (though Gurihiru does supply the colors), and the result is a fresh look for the team.

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MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #22 (All Ages)

Fred Van Lente (w); Clay Mann (p); Terry Pallot (i); Lee Loughridge (c); Dave Sharpe (l); cover by Carlo Pagulayan, Jeffrey Huet & Chris Sotomayor

Publisher: Marvel

Format: monthly series

Concept: Irradiated by cosmic rays and transformed to possess superhuman powers, they joined together to fight evil. Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Girl, the Human Torch and the Thing. Together they call themselves the Fantastic Four!

In this issue: The Invisible Woman and Mr. Fantastic are on one final date to save their relationship, but with a strike team of sinister SKRULLS stalking them, their relationship isn't the only thing in jeopardy! (from marvel.com)

Review: Guys, a word of advice: If you promise your girlfriend a date night, they will hold you to that promise, so it is in your best interest to REMEMBER it. Unfortunately, Reed Richards has not yet learned this, as he's been so busy he forgot about Date Night with Sue…but Sue didn't! So while they're on one final date, four SKRULLS are stalking them (or trying to), Johnny and Thing are entertaining themselves at home, and three kids are shooting a homemade fantasy film. What do all these things have to do with each other? I won't say, but I WILL say that watching Johnny and Thing react to horror movies is downright hilarious.

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To be reviewed in next week's column:

FLASH: THE FASTEST MAN ALIVE #10

MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #11

RUNAWAYS SAGA

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

3/17/07