The Flash: Rebirth No. 5
Published by DC Comics. Written by Geoff Johns. Art by Ethan Van Sciver.

The Deal: The resurrection of the original Flash (Barry Allen) and the revamp of the entire Flash family continues.

The Verdict: I can’t say I’m in love with this book. This six-issue limited series seems more like a means to an end than a great comic book story. Writer Geoff Johns has given himself the mission of redefining the Flash mythology, and that’s just what he’s doing. Along the way, however, he’s also pumping out page after page of senseless pseudo-science gobbledy gook. Still, in this month’s issue, the new status quo of all the Flash-flavored speedsters comes into focus. As a result, I’m excited about what the future holds for the characters … even though I’m not too thrilled about the present.

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.

Dark X-Men No. 1
Published by Marvel Comics. Written by Paul Cornell. Pencils by Leonard Kirk. Inks by Jay Leisten.

The Deal: Norman Osborn’s hand-picked team of mutant villains/anti-heroes posing as heroes investigate a strange and dangerous mutant entity.

The Verdict: Yes this book is superfluous and an unnecessary by-product of the whole “Dark Reign” story line, but — thanks to writer Paul Cornell and artist Leonard Kirk — the comic manages to be quite entertaining. You may remember Cornell and Kirk from their great run on the now-dead Captain Britain and MI13 comic; the duo has a knack for crafting hilarious dialogue, spot-on characterization and cinematic action sequences. That said, do you really need to but Dark X-Men? Probably not. But it’s a good read.

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.

Batman and Robin No. 6
Published by DC Comics. Written by Grant Morrison. Pencils by Philip Tan. Inks by Jonathan Glapion.

The Deal: Grant Morrison churns out another issue of his new Bat-book, which stars the new Batman (ex-Robin/Nightwing Dick Grayson) and the new Robin (Batman’s asshole bastard son).

The Verdict: WTF just happened? I read this issue, like, twice, and I have no idea what’s going on here. In other words, Morrison is doing what he’s known for — crafting weird and ambiguous superhero tales. The art is pretty horrendous in places, using heavy blacks to cover up flaws. I’m not feeling this issue one bit.

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.

Doctor Voodoo: Avenger of the Supernatural No. 2
Published by Marvel Comics. Written by Rick Remender. Art by Jefte Palo and Gabriel Hardman.

The Deal: It’s the second issue of Marvel’s new magic-centric monthly superhero comic book, starring the new “Sorcerer Supreme of Earth” — Doctor Voodoo (replacing Dr. Strange, who previously held that position).

The Verdict: I liked the first issue better, where the book’s protagonist went head-to-head with Dr. Doom and worked to help human beings with human problems in his medical clinic. This time around, Remender falls into the classic “magical superhero” trap by showing Dr. Voodoo use a number of ill-defined powers while he’s in a series of ill-defined situations. Those are the main reasons why Dr. Strange never really worked — take a guy who can do … what exactly? … and put him on some bizarre astral plane battling ectoplasmic yadda yadda yadda. Yeah. I liked the first issue better.

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.

Beasts of Burden No. 2
Published by Dark Horse Comics. Written by Evan Dorkin. Art by Jill Thompson.

The Deal: Evan Dorkin’s demon-hunting dogs return for the second issue of their monthly series. This month, the Beasts try to help a fellow dog find her lost puppies — with pretty horrific results.

The Verdict: I’ll say it again: I’m blown away by this series. Seriously, stop what you’re doing and go buy this book, like, NOW. It’s just so unexpected. It looks like a children’s book, but reads like some twisted horror flick. It’s the perfect combination of action, scary shit, cute animals, tragedy, humor … and more scary shit. I’m in love with what Dorkin and Thompson are doing here. Now, get your ass up and go buy it!

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.

Superman: World of New Krypton No. 9
Published by DC Comics. Written by Greg Rucka and James Robinson. Art by Pete Woods and Ron Randall.

The Deal: Superman’s adventures on the rescued planet of New Krypton continue.

The Verdict: This book is all political intrigue and machinations … and that’s all good, but where’s the wonder? I mean, here’s Superman’s chance to finally hang out with living, breathing Kryptonians — folks he figured he’d never meet — but he never, for a second, just basks in the wonder of it all. As a reader, that aspect of the book screams out every single issue. It’s interesting, but it’s missing heart.

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.

Stumptown No. 1
Published by Oni Press. Written by Greg Rucka. Art by Matthew Southworth.

The Deal: Writer Greg Rucka continues his near-trademarked line of strong, yet flawed, female heroines (as seen in Queen & Country, White Out, Detective Comics, The Question, and Wonder Woman, among others) with the private eye Dex, star of his latest comic series Stumptown.

The Verdict: Well Rucka’s done it again. I’m not the biggest fan of his superhero stuff (with the exception of The Question) but he is a master when it comes to mystery and espionage. I particularly dig the elegant way he pens Stumptown — sans a ton of needless exposition, minimal dialogue and an economical approach to developing characters. And, yes, the art is amazing as well; like the writing it manages to be detailed without a lot of unnecessary line work. Both the artist and writer have built an intriguing and engrossing world here. Wonderful comic. Buy it.

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.

Sweet Tooth No. 3
Published by Vertigo (DC Comics). Story and art by Jeff Lemire.

The Deal: Jeff Lemire’s anamorphic, post-apocalyptic comic rolls on to issue No. 3.

The Verdict: This issue is much creepier than the first two. After last month’s rather violent final fight scene, Lemire has found a way to inject even more fear and paranoia into a book that’s already saturated with nervous energy. With each page that I turn, I feel frightened — scared that any character could bite the dust. In other words, Lemire is on the right track. Buy it.

Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.

Those animated maniacs in Dethklok play The Fillmore tonight (with Mastodon along for the ride). Here’s just a taste of the insanity that lies ahead:

IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T HEARD: Be sure to visit the Elizabeth-area comic book shop Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find this Saturday (Oct. 31), to check out its Halloween costume contest. The folks at Heroes will be photographing all participants (with said pics to be shown off later at the shop’s Web site) and the winning costume will garner some comic-centric prizes. For more information, visit the store (located at 1957 E. 7th St.) or its Web site (www.heroesonline.com) or give them a call at 704-375-7462.