Comic Proportions

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.

Batwoman: Detective Comics No. 857
Published by DC Comics. Written by Greg Rucka. Art by J.H. Williams III and Cully Hamner (for the second feature)

The Deal: It’s the latest issue of Detective Comics starring the (relatively) new incarnation of Batwoman. And bringing up the rear is a backup feature starring the new female version of The Question.

The Verdict: This is, without rival, the prettiest comic book on the stands today. We’ll be looking back on the groundbreaking job that J.H. Williams is doing with the art for years to come. As pretty as the art is, however, I find myself enjoying the story in the second feature more. Maybe I just feel like I know the Question better than Batwoman. Anyway, this comic is definitely worth the $3.99 price tag.

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