Adventure Comics #4 – Review

by Geoff Johns, Sterling Gates & Michael Shoemaker (writers), Jerry Ordway & Clayton Henry (artists)

The Story: Superboy-Prime gets his hands on his own copy of this very comic book and, upon discovering how it all ends, desperately tries to find spoilers about the next issue.  Things become difficult, and creepy, when Alexander Luthor returns from the grave in order to break Prime’s heart, figuratively and literally.  Meanwhile, in the 31st century, the Legionnaire Blok visits former flame, the White (or is it Black) Witch.

What’s Good: Ahhhh.  Now THAT was a breath of fresh air.

Johns and Gates deliver an issue that surpasses everything expected when this was originally solicited.  Blackest Night tie-in?  Okay, that’ll mean someone dead shows up and tries to eat someone’s heart or something.  Superboy-Prime appearance?  Ugh, so soon?  I could’ve used a bit more of a break between this and Legion of 3 Worlds, but okay.  He’s whiny and annoying, but I’ll deal.  These were my preconceived notions, and yes, all of those things do happen, but damn this comic book is so much more than that!

As soon as I flipped past the cover and saw, on Page One, Superboy-Prime looking back at me, holding a copy of the same comic that I was holding in my hands, grumbling, “Oh, great!” I knew I was in for a fun, fourth wall-breaking good time.  “Why couldn’t they leave me out of this?  People already hate me enough as it is.” Prime literally echoes the same opinions that I had at his presence in this story, and I found myself laughing.  At the chutzpah the writers showed in poking fun at the readers in such a brazen manner.  At the promise that this very likely would break out of the box that the other Blackest Night tie-ins, no matter how good they are, find themselves in.  And most of all, I laughed because Johns and Gates were right.  They knew what I’d decided about this issue before I’d even picked it up, and they weren’t letting me off the hook for my judgments.  Boy, am I glad they didn’t.

Odds are, if you possess even a tiny ability to laugh at yourself as a comic geek, you’ll find something in this issue to chuckle about. And, really, if you’ve made it through at least one complete thread on a comic book message board, you’d hardly blame them!  As Alexander Luthor (of Earth-3, of course) takes a look at a computer and notes “This box.  It’s a conduit for the rage of the people of this Earth,” I found myself replying, “No shit.”  The writers obviously use the script to let off some steam when it comes to the fan community, but it never comes off petty or mean.

It’s not all barbs and jabs, though.  The metatextual conceit of the plot allows for a somewhat unconventional tale that delivers a welcome break in the Blackest Night tie-in formula.  While there is still the obligatory info dump followed by the resurrected villain attacking the “hero” of the piece, the fact that Prime is aware of the nature of his existence makes it all feel brand new.  Meanwhile, Jerry Ordway brings his usual amazing artwork to bear.  Forgive my brevity as to the pencils, but I really have no more to say than that it’s perfect.  Ordway knows what makes Superboy-Prime work visually and he proves that once again.

What’s Not So Good: Well, unfortunately, the Legion of Super-Heroes second feature gets the short end of the stick here.  Despite solid artwork from Clayton Henry, Johns and Shoemaker submit a, while perfectly serviceable, fairly regular tale.  It’s a nice little story about love and what one would sacrifice for the sake of that love, but when you place this ordinary story beside the unique and surprising lead feature, it falls somewhat flat.  DC would have been better off going the same route as they did with their other tie-ins and simply stretching the main story to thirty pages.

Conclusion: A pleasantly surprising piece of metafiction delivered ably by Johns and Gates made this, hands down, the best comic of the week.  While the amazing lead feature has the regrettable side effect of eclipsing the Legion back-up, it’s so good that I just didn’t care.  Highly recommended.

Grade: A

– Joe Lopez

 

WCBR’s Picks of the Week

Kyle’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: The Walking Dead #67 – Strong character work and an interesting, though predictable, revelation score Robert Kirkman and his art  team the win this week.  While part of me wishes that the twist was different, I can’t act like I’m not looking forward to seeing what Kirkman has in store for his characters now that the truth has come out.  The Walking Dead #68 can’t hit stores soon enough.

Most Anticipated: Wolverine: Weapon X #7 – The last issue of Wolverine: Weapon X was the best one of the series so far.  Jason Aaron put his title character in a very interesting, memorable place.  I have a real good feeling that the current Weapon X arc is going to be considered one of the best Wolverine stories once it is all said and done.

Other Top Picks:Dark Avengers #11, Dark Reign: The List – Spider-Man, Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #4, Thunderbolts #138, and X-Men: Legacy #229

DS’ Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Red Robin #6 – This was a week packed with good books, but Doctor Voodoo #2 took the title. Marvel sorcery, Daimon Hellstorm and magical conspiracies made for a fantastic followup to the first issue.

Most Anticipated: Justice League: Cry for Justice #5 – Despite some odd moments in the writing and motivations, the art and characters continue to blow me away, especially knowing that this series will set up Robinson’s new run on the JLA.

Other Top Picks: Adventure Comics #4, Dark Avengers #11, Mighty Avengers #31, Thunderbolts #138

Alex’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Punishermax #1 -Big week or not, the first issue of Aaron’s Punisher series takes the prize.  It’s a callback to a definitive run on the character by one of the greatest writers in the medium’s history.  In other words, it’s a book of substantial quality for the hardcore Punisher fan.

Most Anticipated: Wolverine: Weapon X #7 – Last month’s new direction absolutely shocked me with both its quality and its creativity.  It’s a horror comic and it’s also the most creative take on a Wolverine story that I’ve seen in some time.  Perhaps that’s because it’s not really a traditional Wolverine story in the slightest.  Maybe that’ll change this month or maybe not.  Either way, I’m very curious to see what Aaron has cooking for the rest of this incredibly inventive arc.

Other Picks: The Flash: Rebirth #5, Dark Avengers #11, Spider-Woman #3, Invincible #68

Joe’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Punishermax #1 – There was a lot of comic goodness last week, but Punisher Max gets the prize for most unexpected success.  While I knew I could count on Steve Dillon’s artwork, I was wary of Jason Aaron’s script.  I shouldn’t have been.  A pleasant surprise.

Most Anticipated: Dark Reign – The List: Amazing Spider-Man – Marvel’s The List one-shots have all been entertaining, but this week’s final installment is the one I’ve been looking forward to most since they announced it.  Adam Kubert’s amazing pencils + Dan Slott’s pitch perfect Parker characterization = possibly the best comic this month!

Other Top Picks: Adventure Comics #4, Flash Rebirth #5, Streets of Gotham #6, Supergirl #47, Underground #3, Phonogram 2 #5, Dark Avengers #11, Incredible Hulk #604, Wolverine Origins #42, The Stand Soul Survivors #2, X-Men Legacy #229