Introduction
I wrote last time that I received half a dozen Action Comics for some reason. Thankfully, Mark Waid wrote a great story for those books because I dedicated an entire article to them. Now I need to cover the rest of DC Comics December 2024. I think my plan to get the page back on track can be called successful. This marks the 11th article this month and I plan to write about 5 more. Plus, I finally posted episode 2 of Dragons of Eternity. Sorry, just had to take a short victory lap there.
Batman 154 (Legacy 919)
Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: A good old fashioned hard boiled detective story. Bats and Gordon investigate a murder. This ends with explosive results. Has the uncorruptable Gordon become corrupted? Or, is it part of the greater plan of Commander Star to take down both Bats and Bruce?
A fine issue for what it is. But, this feels more like a Detective Comics story than one for the main title. I also got annoyed at the ending. I think Zdarsky just threw that in for the sake of controversy. Then again, he’s the professional comic book writer. Maybe he’ll make a believer out of me. My verdict: Decent.
Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Cats finds herself on the wrong side of a bounty. She uses her skills as an international woman of mystery to go undercover and try to find the person responsible. I mean, at this point, there’s a laundry list of name. As a result, unfortunately, she doesn’t come close to an answer this time.
About to sound like a broken record here. Feels like with every new writer on Cats, I have the same reaction. This person isn’t as good as previous person. Oh wait, this person does understand the character and is delivering a compelling story. This person is a national treasure and must be protected at all costs. I’m in between the second and third step with Gronbekk right now. My verdict: Good.
Detective Comics 1091
Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Bats got offered a youth serum that will give him the strength and vigor of a much younger man. He struggles with the decision, even asking Supes for his opinion. Meanwhile, he “negotiates” a peace between Penguin and one of the villain’s young victims. Later, the boy becomes the target of Asema. How does it all connect?
I think that the two Batman comics switched bodies, a la Freaky Friday. While I said that the main title feels like Detective, this story feels like it belongs in the main title. Very weird. But, I like this story much better so far compared to the main title. A lot happening, but I’m convinced Taylor will tie it all together nicely. My verdict: Good
Superman 19 and 20 (Legacy 862 and 863)
Writer: Joshua Williamson, Artist: Dan Mora.
Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Guess who’s back? Back again. Doomsday’s back. Tell a friend. Or, your wife. In the aftermath of the Absolute Power story, Lois has powers herself. She and Supes team up to confront Doomsday. They must also deal with the Time Trapper. Crazy start to a story line!
Joshua Williamson became one of my favorite writers during his Flash run. Now, he’s writing Supes and it is probably my favorite DC Comic right now. Wonder Woman (more on that in a bit) is a close second or just barely nudges this one. He again proves his worth with this opener. Can’t wait to see where this one goes. My verdict: Great.
Wonder Woman 15 (Legacy 815)
Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Last issue saw the death of Steve and the birth of Diana’s child. This one sees her begin to amass an army to deal with the threat of the Sovereign. She gathers the others from the “Wonder Corps” and starts to pull together a plan. This one promises to be good.
I said last month that Tom King hit his stride with Wonder Woman finally. I wouldn’t put him on the same plane as some of my favorites, but he’s figuring out the character and writing compelling stories. This introduction has me very excited for what’s to come. My verdict: Good, almost great.
My Verdict
DC Comics December 2024 brings fun books and mostly good stories. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Absolute Power story. But, the stories coming out of that all interest me. I want to see where they take these characters in the immediate future. Good stuff right now.
Note: Flash 15 not reviewed.
Images taken from DC.com