Introduction

As discussed previously, in an effort to both get the page back on track and also not miss any comic reviews, I plan to review last month’s and this month’s comics over the duration of this month. I posted last month’s DC Comics already and now need to discuss DC Comics November 2024. The comics all have the “All In” designation on the cover, whatever the heck that means.

From the looks of it, “All In” is a soft reboot of the books with new creative teams after the events of Absolute Power. While I once cursed the every two year cycle of reboots, I welcome them now. New creative teams and a slightly new direction keeps the books fresh. And, with the new Ultimate and Absolute universes, both companies can reboot the books without affecting the main title. Win/win, as far as I’m concerned.

Action Comics 1070 and 1071

Writer: Mark Waid, Artist: Clayton Henry

Quick Synopsis and Review: The Phantom Zone projector cracks and shatters in the Fortress of Solitude. A three headed “phantom” of Kryptonians escapes. Superman must defeat them in spite of the fact that they outclass him in nearly every measure. However, they lack allies, and he comes with many. With the help of other super beings and Jimmy Olsen, they defeat the threat. Then, Superman travels into the Phantom Zone. He survives an ambush and fights his way to meet the so-called “Phantom King.” Meanwhile on Earth, an alarm in the Fortress of Solitude brings two of the younger super fellas to investigate. While we don’t know what they see, Superman meets up with and old acquaintance, Mon-El.

DC did the impossible a few years ago. They got me to finally care about Superman without killing him off. Ever since, I enjoy Action Comics and Superman much more than I ever expected. And, they again have one of my favorite writers working on the book. So far, this story lacks something. It’s entertaining enough and, while somewhat simple, the art looks like a Superman book. I just hope something happens to distinguish this from just another comic book. My verdict: Good

Batman 153 (Legacy 918)

Writer: Chip Zdarsky, Artist: Jorge Jimenez.

Quick Synopsis and Review: A familiar beginning with a family in an alley. This one ends with Batman overlooking them getting directions from a stranger. He meets with Gordon who comes to the conclusion that Gotham and her people are getting better. Some politics. Some underworld dealings. Then a character who looks like Captain America’s third cousin twice removed. He and Bats have an interaction and the authorities side with Patriotic Dude, or whatever. They try to arrest Batman and he disappears. Goes into hiding. Someone attempts a hostile takeover of Wayne industries and the dude with the eyepatch (did I forget to mention him?) gets shot.

This title kept its creative team. I think maybe they should reconsider that. I liked some of Zdarsky’s work on this title, but much of it follows the messy story like this issue. Is it an homage to Batman books of the past? Trying to be something different? As a result, it makes JImenez’s work slightly wasted. Great panel work and appropriate use of splash panels give the story more merit than it deserves. My verdict: Decent.

Catwoman 69

Writer: Torunn Grobekk, Artist: Fabiana Mascolo

Quick Synopsis and Review: Selina wakes up in a room that isn’t her own. She scans her phone for clues and feeds one of her cats. It flashes back to the night before and her working over some rich pricks at a party. Meanwhile, a computer geek makes her using facial recognition software. Selina’s on the run and in disguise. But, computer nerd guy makes her again, this time in Berlin.

Okay, this is how you write an homage issue while bringing something new to the character. Where the Batman book failed by trying to do too much, this issue reads very much like any number of Catwoman introduction stories. Gronbekk leans heavily into the character and gives us something to look forward to next time. Mascalo’s art lends an ethereal quality to the story that also gives off the mystery of the character. My verdict: Good.

Detective Comics 1090

Writer: Tom Taylor, Art: Mikel Janin.

Quick Synopsis and Review: Someone presents Batman with a “gift”. Someone tied to a chair. They wanted him alive just long enough to watch the person die. “Don’t make the same mistake your father did.” Cut to Thomas Wayne in the hospital, called in to deal with a tragic accident. Some exposition around the Wayne family. There’s a serial killer stalking young criminals in Gotham. Bruce has someplace to be. More of the story from the past. The person that Thomas saved? Joe Chill.

While I thought Ram V’s opera for the previous issues was hit or miss (much more hit than miss), I respected him for trying. This book takes a similar swing, but we’ll see if it resonates as much as Ram V’s story. Somehow, I doubt it. Don’t get me wrong. I found the issue entertaining, but like the other books this month, it’s just missing something. Kudos to Janin, though, his art helps to tell the story similar to Mascalo with Catwoman. My verdict: Good.

The Flash 14 (Legacy 814)

Writer: Simon Spurrier, Artist: Vasco Georgiev.

Quick Synopsis and Review: Wally’s family takes a vacation to the center of the Earth to relax and recharge. Barry celebrates his retirement. The Justice League hang out in their fortress and do their Justice League type activities. Wally’s daughter ends up in the fortress, much to everyone’s surprise.

I lost the thread of the last couple of arcs in Flash. It got so bad that I stopped even reviewing them. But, this one gets back to basics and lets me reset my brain some. Truthfully, I only started collecting Flash because of Aiden. Then, I started to enjoy some of the writers. And, every now and again, I like what I read. My verdict: Decent.

Wonder Woman 14 (Legacy 814)

Writer: Tom King, Artist: Daniel Sampere.

Quick Synopsis and Review: Diana walks along the beach. She dives into the water. This triggers myriad flashbacks of her time without Steve. When she surfaces, she sees Steve and they spend some time together. He realizes that it is no longer his place and leaves. She takes a piece of her own soul and his and places them in the clay. After praying, the clay takes the form of her daughter.

A terribly simple explanation of one heck of an issue. When I saw Tom King take over Wonder Woman, I cheered. I loved everything he wrote and couldn’t wait to see what he did with the book. Then, I wondered if maybe his voice didn’t match the character. This issue finally pays off all my expectations. With Sampere’s beautiful art, King tells a painful story of loss along with an inspiring story of hope in only 20 something pages. Thanks for saving the books this month. My verdict: Great.

DC Comics November 2024 Final Verdict

A bit of a mixed bag this time around. Nothing truly terrible. But, nearly every book seems to be missing something. Not the right tone. Too much going on. A story without much of a purpose. Then, Wonder Woman blew me away with the simplicity that brings out everything I enjoy about that character. Good to end DC Comics November 2024 on a good note.

Images taken from DC.

Side Note: I noticed embarrassingly late that DC Comics November 2024 included Legacy numbering.