DC Universe: Last Will and Testament #1 – Review

By Brad Meltzer (writer), Adam Kubert and Joe Kubert (pencils), John Dell (inks), Alex Sinclair (colors)

I knew DC Comics would “get back at us” after giving us DC Universe #0 for 50 cents. At $3.99 you get 32 pages of story, but dammit, it’s just outrageous and these companies keep hitting this price point more and more. Keep the damn glossy covers and just keep it at $2.99. That goes for you guys at Marvel and your cardstock Secret Invasion covers, too! This is out just of control folks. If it’s a 32 page story, make us pay 50 cents more.

As for the book…

Welcome back Adam Kubert! Ever since he and his brother went over to DC, helpings of their artwork have been scarce. Here, Adam unloads his talent and draws nothing but beautiful pages. If anything, it shows us how much his work is missed.

And Brad Meltzer’s story? I’m pretty impressed! Even in an hour of darkness, a “C-List” hero manages to overcome the tragic destiny he’s been given and gains redemption not just for himself, but his fallen sister as well. It’s actually quite a triumph of a story with a master plan that goes horribly wrong for all the right reasons (if that makes sense). To say more will give it all away, but wow, I really dug this story. Meltzer does a great job keeping the main plot on course while delving into the lives of other heroes as they deal with their last night on Earth.

We get glimpses of DC’s other big characters, they all take a back seat to the plot against Deathstroke. So yes, you’ll get your brief glimpses at Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman, but none of their appearances feel forced (though there’s no denying they’re obligatory). And who better to illustrate these sequences than Joe Kubert, himself. Hopefully this isn’t his last hurrah through the DC Universe for Joe, but if it is, I’ll consider this a treat. For Joe Kubert’s artwork alone, this book is worth its bloated cover price. Luckily, the story and art delivers, too. (Grade: A-)

– J. Montes

Comic-Con 2008: Complete Progamming schedule

The full programming schedule is available now. I noticed a high increment in game related panels compared to previous years. Many people will not like this as it doesn’t have any relation from the comics.

Friday is Star Wars day. Artists scheduled for panels include Paul Dini, Geoff Johns, Mark Waid, Robert Kirkman, Eric Larsen, Jim Butcher, Kevin Smith, Frank Miller and Brad Meltzer among others.

Media & games related panels include Watchmen, Stargate, Prince of Persia, Star Wars, Spaced, Resident Evil: Degeneration, Ghostbusters, The Wolfman, American Dad, The Spirit, World of Warcraft, The Venture Brothers, 24, Robot Chicken, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow, Eureka and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along among a lot more of other panels.

A highly recommended panel is the Kevin Smith one. I don’t even like his movies, but his panels are hilarious.

Check the full list for Friday here.

For Saturday there is lots of panels to pick from: Ralph Bakshi, Joe Hill, Ben Templesmith, Steve Niles, David Mack, Dean Koontz, J. Michael Straczynski and media events for Futurama, The Simpson, Heroes, Dollhouse, Terminator Salvation, Battlestar Galactica, Pushing Daisies, Gears of War 2, Fable 2, Fringe and Starship Troopers 3.

The full list of panels for Saturday is here.