My Week In Comics 9-9-09

This was a really good week, although I'm still undecided on whether or not to continue buying one series, so we'll start with that one.

Red Robin 4: Concluding, sort of, the first story arc, "The Grail," complete with flashbacks to the final confrontation between two former Robins, Dick Grayson and Tim Drake, before Tim left on his quest to find Bruce Wayne. Said quest leads him to Iraq, of all places, where he finds something that confirms his faith that Bruce is indeed alive. (Nicely tied into the end of "Final Crisis," by the way.) Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse and into the next story arc, which is why I'm not sure I want to continue with this series.

Adventure Comics 2: This book has everything so far. Superboy continues to establishing his new life in Smallville, trying to make sure he follows in the footsteps of one of his "fathers" (Superman) and not the other (Lex Luthor). Oh, and he has a touching reunion with Wonder Girl. Meanwhile, Luthor and Brainiac escape from General Lane's compound (thus keeping current with the goings-on in the Superman books) and Lex finds out some shocking news.

Superman: World Of New Krypton 7 (of 12): The banner running at the top of the books has been changed from "World Without Superman" to "World Against..." but it's the exclamation on the cover (a variation on a famous phrase from the movie "Superman II") that slays me. It refers to Kal-El's promotion in the New Krypton army. Almost immediately there's a threat to the new planet, and it's not coming from Earth. There's also a moment when Kal-El confronts someone who betrayed him and is not very Superman-like. Very chilling.

Blackest Night: Batman 2 (of 3): The whole "Blackest Night" story is really like a mashup of a superhero story and a zombie horror movie. Here, Gotham City continues to be under attack as the Black Lanterns' rings have gotten a major jump in power levels. Batman, Robin and Deadman, joined by Red Robin, try to stay alive, protect Commissioner Gordon (who has maybe the best line in the book) and Barbara Gordon, and then have to deal with some no-longer-dead relatives.

Y: The Last Man - Whys And Wherefores: The final paperback collection brings us to the end of a sensational story. Brilliant from start to finish. I challenge anyone who thinks they wouldn't be caught dead reading a comic book to pick up the first volume and try not to become hooked.