Marvel and DC Comics Pull List Week of Feb. 27

Is it me or is there nothing big going on story-arc wise these days in comics? 2007 into 2008 brought us Sinestro Corps, the Return of Ra’s Al Ghul (let down), One More Day (started out great, then BIG LET DOWN) and Messiah Complex (KILLER STORY). Now, there just seems to be a bunch of loose comics with no real direction.

So, we’ll call this week grab bag week, because whatever you reach in for may come out being a duck. The latest rendition of Countdown/52 is coming to a close. Who knows what will happen afterwards. Will this indeed be DC’s final CRISIS? Or maybe they’ll start calling it “Count-up to Perpetual Crisis?”

Marvel Comics

Black Panther Annual #1
The title of this issue is called “Black to the Future.” And marvel calls it “a special double-sized issue to commemorate Black History Month.” Is it me or does the title sound like a 1970s blacksploitation film?

Marvel is going with one of their possible “alternate-reality” future story arcs here, typically reserved only for X-books.
Here’s the story:
It’s 2057 and the Watcher’s prediction came true: Wakanda is an Imperial Power steering the course for humanity’s future. As T’Challa prepares the next Black Panther for the great responsibility ahead, he must first reflect on the road traveled–a long and winding journey filled with surprises.

Captain America #35
Winter Soldier is Captain America. I’m still waiting to see how this plays out. I’ll give it six issues before making a full verdict, but if it’s as bad as “Brand New Day,” the gavel may fall sooner.

New Warriors #9
Honestly, New Warriors and Thor go into the same undecided, nothing’s really happening pile. I may decide to scrap this from the pick up list. I may not. The story needs a clear direction or something major to happen.

Thor #6
Loki’s a woman? I just don’t know where Marvel’s going with this. If they were going to bring back Thor, you’d think they’d have a more brilliant plan for his return. Instead, it’s just hanging out in the middle of nowhere and finding Asgardians like he’s playing “Where’s Waldo?”

DC Comics

Action Comics #862
This has actually been a interesting read. I can’t say if it fits into the bigger picture of the DC universe, but the saga has maintained my interest.

The penultimate chapter of “Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes!” Crushed by the Justice League of 3008 A.D., Superman and the Legion uncover the horrific secret behind the conspiracy against the Man of Steel. But with the League of Legion Rejects a step ahead of Superman’s every move, who can finally turn the tide of the battle?

Batman #674
Always strong. Batman remains in my pull list. Though it would be cool to see him die in the next Crisis. A man can dream can’t he?

More secrets of Batman are revealed! Batman finds himself in a torture chamber facing the last and deadliest of the three Batman replacements…and finally learns the tragic story of how they came to be! With a shocking appearance by Bat-Mite, this tale leads to more revelations about the young Batman’s participation in a bizarre isolation experiment as we learn how the terrifying consequences of his actions will alter the Dark Knight’s life in the months to come.

Justice Society of America #13
Like I always say, “If Geoff Johns is writing, I’m buying.”

“Thy Kingdom Come” continues! The Justice Society has been tracking the “Heartbreak Slayer” — a mysterious serial killer targeting super-villains — for months. Now, as new members are welcomed into the fold and the Society expands, the JSA will come face-to-face with an evil that threatens the future they stand for.

Teen Titans #56
I’ve got to say, Teen Titans is consistently a good read. It stays in my pull list monthly with Batman.

The new and deadly Bolt descends upon Titans Tower! When your soul is due to become forfeit in just a few short years, what do you do? If you’re Kid Devil, you throw a super hero party! One Teen Titan will fight to stop it, and another consider a life of crime because of it!