Rapid Reviews are just what the name implies. These are quick first impressions based on, in most cases, a single reading. These are meant to let you know if *I* liked the book, and to advise you whether or not to check it out without completely spoiling the story.
I've added a rating system at the request of some of my readers. * = Not Very Good, ** = Below Average, *** = Average, **** = Darn Good, ***** = The Best.
Reviews for the week of Jun 1st: Akiko #39, Avengers #30, Batman Beyond #9, Batman Chronicles #21, Silver Age 80 Page Giant #1, Supergirl #46, Superman and Bugs Bunny #1, Titans #17, Xena #9
Extras: Comicology #1
Akiko #39
There were several stories in this issue, but it wasn't an anthology. The style of the stories is half the fun, and the stories themselves were also a kick. This is definitely one of the most interesting and original issues of the year, so check it out now.
RAPID VERDICT: Wow! Check it out! *****
Avengers #30
I feel like I'm treading water with the Avengers. Yeah, I like the stories, and the characters are ones I've come to enjoy too, but overall my interest in the stories seems to be skin-deep. I like the book, but I don't love it. This issue has the same problem, it was nearly flawless, but I never was drawn into the story. If, somehow, the characters could engage me more completely, I'd rate it higher. It's a good book, but I'm losing interest.
RAPID VERDICT: Nice Finish, Ok. ***
Batman Beyond #9
I liked Curare on the show, but here the concept isn't as threatening or intriguing. Something is missing from the static tale.
RAPID VERDICT: Not bad, but not wonderful. ***
Batman Chronicles #21
Three Elseworlds tales, without the Elseworlds logo anywhere on the book. The first story is a long one, a cross-dimension tale that I admit I didn't really understand. I understood the threat, but the resolution didn't make sense. The second tale would have been more interesting to me if I'd ever seen Citizen Kane. The third was brutal.
RAPID VERDICT: Interesting, but a little flat. ***
Silver Age 80 Page Giant #1
The whole thing ends, and a hero I didn't expect comes into play to save the day. I think I liked this, but it went on just a little too long. The back-up stories were fine, though silly.
RAPID VERDICT: About the same as the rest. ***
Supergirl #46
Lots and lots of fighting. Supergirl versus Comet. This issue is a battle-fest with a couple of secondary plotlines to anchor it. A decent read.
RAPID VERDICT: Lots of Fighting, Otherwise Ok. ***
Superman and Bugs Bunny #1
This issue consists mostly of establishing a plot, as opposed to telling a wild tale. While it was intersting in some ways, it isn't the crazy fun I was hoping for... yet. Next issue promises to take off like a mime tied to a cannonball, though. I can wait.
RAPID VERDICT: Nice set-up. ***
Titans #17
I think the only thing that bothered me about this issue was Tempest's fear of space travel. It seemed pretty out of character for a seasoned hero like him, who has been to other planets before. Overall, the book was pretty good, with some deep stuff being revealed by Damage.
RAPID VERDICT: Ok, with some odd humor. ***
Xena #9
This month we get a story that feels like it could have been an episode of the show. It was creepy, atmospheric, and had the elements that I like most from Xena, particularly the humor.
RAPID VERDICT: Suprisingly Good. ****
Comicology #1
Another fine magazine for comic fans to enjoy. I found myself totally drawn into the Bruce Timm article, and so I didn't really read the rest on the first read-through. It looks to be a good read for almost any fan, so pick it up and flip through it in the store, at the very least.
RAPID VERDICT: Worth a look. ****
See you next week, with rapid reviews of (depending on what ships): Gotham Adventures, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Young Justice, Astro City, Rising Stars, and Reinventing Comics.