Action Comics #853

Action Comics #853
This book is just so good! After months of wondering why Jimmy Olsen apparently knew who Jason Todd was, it's this comic that answers the question: knowing things is one of his powers. As is:
Turtle Boy! Flame Breath! Geiger Counter? Even with all these powers, Jimmy remains the everyman character, wondering about the dynamics of superheroing, such as how they get around, how they prevent cowl cap, where they keep their clothes, etc.
All this and the triumphant return of Krypto!!!
Plus a cameo of sorts for Scipio Garling of the Absorbascon (and Devon Sanders too)! (See the articles on page 4.)
Pure brilliance. Pure EXCELLENCE.

Oh, and guess what? The editors have finally admitted that they weren't fooling anyone last time when they told us that we had to read Countdown to keep abreast of this story. Sure, there's an editor's note saying that this issue occurs on the heels of Countdown #39, but in small print they tell us that they'll fill us in if we missed it. So now, even the stories that were originally central to Countdown are merely scenes from other books. How about that? Could Countdown suck any harder? In fact, the editors mention to us that we should read issue #37, but NOT issue #38! See? It's become, for the most part, irrelevant. I really wonder how it'll finish out the year with the quality just being so bad, and sales dropping off so sharply.

Eventually, I can see this being the book DC publishes that nobody reads. It's just there to provide an avenue for them to get from point A to point B in their Universe, but nobody actually cares. I believe that even Manhunter at its lowest sold better than Countdown is. So why did we as fans constantly have to save that series from the chopping block, and are currently being forced to go without? Why is Catwoman in danger of cancellation? Tell DC to chop away the dead weight. Migrate the Jimmy Olsen story entirely to Action, the Atom story to All-New Atom, the Holly Robinson story to Catwoman or Wonder Woman, the Trickster and Pied Piper story to Flash, the Karate Kid story to JSA, the Mary Marvel story to an ongoing Shazam! title (if Winick can ever get around to finishing Trials), the New Gods story to Superman and/or their own series. Do that and DC can increase the readership of those titles while simultaneously allowing each story to function as its own entity. It's a good idea. So I can't be the only person who's thought of it, can I?

Justice Society of America #8
Much as I love his artwork, Alex Ross' covers for this series have been annoying. The characters featured on the issues have often not even been the focus of the actual issue. If I'm not mistaken, the fact that they're featured on the cover doesn't even guarantee their presence in the issue whatsoever! This issue is therefore a nice change. Foremost, it's nice to finally find out how Rick and Jesse got together. "That will be explained in World War III." Shyeah, right. Sure, it's still a bit vague, but just seeing them together doing more than making out adds untold depth to their relationship. It's a cute story, with worthwhile character development for both Rick and Jesse, and some excellent character beats for Damage as well. (Plus, there's an editor's note referring the reader to Damage #0!! If only DC would collect that series on trade for those who haven't read it. But then, that's why there's DCP! Not to worry, though, I've got all 21 issues. Damage is one of my favorite characters, and I've got almost all of his DCU appearances.) Also, there's some good exposition regarding Jesse's powers and their source. My only complaint regarding this issue was the absence of Starman. But I guess you can't always have it all. And you know I love me my done-in-ones. VERY GOOD.

Justice Society of America #7

Justice Society of America #7
Not bad. Though I still have a sour taste in my mouth from JLA#10, this book is actually quite readable. One queston though...does Steel look like that because he's naked? And why does he have a fin on his head? Oops, I guess that was two questions. Whatever.
But I love any scene with Starman in it, especially when said scene involves him eating sloppy joe, so OKAY.

Justice Society of America #6

Justice Society of America #6
This crossover has only been good when it's been in JSA. When it's been in JLA it's been slow, unwieldly, poorly written, and AWFUL, overall. But when it's been in JSA, it's been wonderful. The characters are written with love, their interactions are witty and cleverly written, the story advances, and things happen. This issue made me smile. The full two page spread of the JLA, JSA, and Legion was wonderful (even if the Legionnaires weren't really there). EXCELLENT.