No spoilers, no spoilers, no spoilers... ok, maybe a little bit of spoilers.
In today's column I'll be reviewing: Green Berets #1 and 2, Hourman #14, Ring of the Nibelung Rhinegold #2, Superman Adventures #43, and Universe So Big #2.
Green Berets #1 and 2
I ordered the first in November, the second in December, and no more were solicited, so I wondered if the project had been cancelled. Well, at least the first two came out. These books reprint the original "Tales of the Green Berets" comic strips first published in 1966. The strips themselves are interesting in context, the art is good, but the production values on the text articles in the first book seem sadly lacking. A large section of text is repeated in the article about the writer, Robin Moore. And the two short biographies are all the context given. There is no explanation of why the book came out so late, or why the two issues came at the same time. There isn't even an issue number on the covers of the books.
RAPID VERDICT: While I like the strips, I don't like the package they came in.
Hourman #14
The first issue I really don't like. The whole concept of Hourman trying to lead a "normal" super-hero life is amusing, but the bad guy makes no sense. And is it possible for Bethany to wear less clothing? Yuck.
RAPID VERDICT: Thumbs down.
Ring of the Nibelung Rhinegold #2
Good art mixed with classic tale equals strong comic book. This story is about greed dampened with a measure of sheer stupidity. For a wise old guy, Voton sure made some idiotic mistakes. I also enjoy the sketchbook in the back, in which Russell talks aobut getting a model for the giants.
RAPID VERDICT: Worth a look or two.
Superman Adventures #43
The thieves in Superman's world aren't too bright. But then, from the stories you hear, most theives aren't bright at all anyway. This was an unexpectedly strong story from this book.
RAPID VERDICT: Pretty good.
Universe So Big #2
The quirky style of this book draws me back to re-read it. It's a very interesting book. While the story doesn't come off as cleanly in this issue as in the last, it's still a strong mystery. Definitely worth your time if you can find it.
RAPID VERDICT: Check it out.
I'm looking forward to next week's selection (depending on what actually ships): Birds of Prey, Aquaman, JSA, and Legends of the DCU.