What I thought of...Superman #38!

Superman #38: The big battle between Ulysses is here! The ultimate fight to save Earth and stop Ulysses from killing millions of people to keep his own planet alive!!
The Good: Some REALLY good stuff this issue. Between the Clark Kent stuff and the superheroics, Geoff Johns does a fantastic job of making this Superman story fun, relevant, serious AND light-hearted. I have to admit, I was super (pun intended) behind on this series. In  fact, I read from issue 32 to issue 38 just today, all in one sitting. What impressed me most about the story was the message that I got from it. It's one that Superman should always have, and that is "there's always hope". John and Romita (and let me tell you, Romita, Jr. knocks it out of the park in this series!) make this story, not only a great super hero comic, it's also a lesson in WHY Superman is the ultimate role model for any of us. No matter how bad things are, or how bad things get, or how bad we THINK they are, if we know that there's hope for a better tomorrow, and get our asses moving and do the work, things WILL get better. Situations WILL turn out OK.
The Bad: If I have to name something, it's that the story seemed very familiar. And no, that's not a joke for those of you that have been reading the title. But, it seems like I've read a Superman story that's similar to this before. Sure, when a character is almost 77 years old, and has had multiple books published each month, you're bound to run across some similar stories, the thing that ticks me off is that I can't remember where or when I read it! Yes, I read WAY too many comics. Just kidding, there IS no such thing!
The Verdict: You REALLY should buy this issue. And, if you haven't been buying the title, grab the other issues. It's one of the best, most uplifting Superman stories I've read in a long time.

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #7

Batman Eternal #7: New players enter the gang war that's setting Gotham City ablaze!!
The Good: Woof. Not much. I thought that last week's issue was the worst that I've read of this series, but this one was even worse. A couple of story lines did move forward, there was some more introductions of new characters into the fray, a couple of fun team-ups, and a VERY interesting turn of events.
The Bad: There's a lot. I felt that this issue wasn't written as well as it should be. More than anything story wise, the biggest thing that I didn't like about this issue was the art. I'm just NOT a fan of Emanuel Simeoni. His art really doesn't fit this issue, let alone this series. I hope his run on this book is short. REALLY short.
The Verdict: I really CAN'T believe I'm saying this, but you might want to skip this issue. Now, I know this goes directly against what I said last week, but seriously, this issue was not that good and I'm sure that the things that happened in this week's issue will be recapped in future issues of the book.

Comic-Con Day 2 wrap up! The winner is...

These 2 guys!!

That's right kids, Challengers Comics + Conversation won the Will Eisner Spirit of Retailing award for Best Comic Store Friday night at the VERY end of the show (dear Eisner guy, would it kill you to announce this award earlier in the evening? I was REALLY freakin' tired by the time the award was presented) !!!!! A HUGE congratulations go out to owners Patrick Brower & W. Dal Bush!!! These two guys literally built this store with their own 2 hands, (OK, 4 hands) and have over the last 5 years that Challengers has been in business taken the city of Chicago by storm. Also, they are two very close friends of mine, who have helped and supported me greatly over the past 20 years. I've been a part of the Challengers team for a little over a year, and it's been an honor and privilege to work with them, just like old times. But now, in a HEALTHY work environment. Again, congratulations to them, and all my fellow Challengers!!!
-Now, beyond that, after reviewing the news coming out of SDCC yesterday, I have to declare the (2nd) place winner of the day..............................

BY. A. LANDSLIDE!!! First, Mattel held it's Mattypalooza panel, focusing on it's Masters of the Universe Classics, Ghostbusters, DC Comics, Watchmen and more. Revealed on the panel were some long awaited MOTUC figures, including the Horde Troopers!!!

And PLUNDOR!!!

Moving on to Ghostbusters, the best toy EVER was announced-An Ecto 1 that is in scale with the Matty Collector 6 inch line that comes with Ray and Peter figures with removable backpacks!!

But later on, the BEST TOY EVER was announced at Mattel's DC Panel. Ladies and Gentlemen........................MICHAEL KEATON BATMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

 I have been waiting for a Michael Keaton Batman figure that actually LOOKS like Michael Keaton since 1989!!!!!!!!!! I am SOOOOOOO F'ing excited for this!!!
-So, there you have it. Day 2's winners were Challengers and Mattel. What if they joined forces? Hmmmmmmmmmm.
-No time for a recap on other stuff today, but I'll be back tomorrow with coverage of day 3 (and it's gonna be pretty damn awesome). See you tomorrow!!