COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Wednesday Comics 1-6

I'm not a regular comics reader anymore. Haven't been for years. I sort of, kind of follow what's going on, and when something really interests me, I usually just wait for a trade rather than get involved in a monthly series. But along comes DC's Wednesday Comics and here I am up to my ears in a weekly comic. But the idea was just too good to pass on - 15 single page stories once a week in large newsprint style. So far it's rewarding my weekly trip to the comic shop. Here's my quick take on each:

Batman
Intriguing but plodding a bit. With issue 6, things start coming together. Looking forward to where this is going

Kamandi
Dave Gibbon's is writing and Ryan Sook is drawing this and it's been a blast. Crisp and straightforward, the action just hasn't stopped. Gibbon's is using the single page format to churn out a great tale thus far and Sook is really taking advantage of the large format (as are most of the artists, I should add). In my top 3 right now and makes the weekly purchase worth it.

Superman
First issue opens with Superman fighting an alien. 6th issue closes with an alien attack on Superman. In between, Superman laments being an alien on Earth. Lame. More aliens, less moping. C'mon Superman. Act like a superman for crying out loud.

Deadman
Pretty good so far. Up and downs over the 6 issues but mostly positives. Boston Brand is always a quality narrator and he's not lagging in this story.

Green Lantern
Wonderful artwork. Flashbacks taking the bulk of the six pages so far but a nice pace and what looks like a great set-up for action in the present. Solid.

Metamorpho
Neil Gaiman seems to be having a lot of fun with this and, to a point, the fun is infectious. However, it also seems a bit frivolous too. Great use of the single large page by Mike Allred, but the story seems to be getting restricted by the format rather than freed by it. But Metamorpho has always been a favorite of mine as has Gaiman. I have faith.

Teen Titans
I have no idea what's going on in this story. That was OK for the first 4 issues. I just rolled with punches and enjoyed the ride. Well, that ride no has a flat tire. My interest is gone. Perhaps if I paid attention to all the various "crisis" things in the DC Universe I would care about why blue Beetle wears armor and is a Teen Titan.

Strange Adventures
Adam Strange has always been a favorite of mine, so I was reluctant to get into this, what with the primitive Allana rather than the space-suit wearing Allana. But issue 5 & 6 sealed the deal. This is a keeper. Interesting take on the Zeta-beam and on Ranagar.

Supergirl
Wow, talk abut frivolous! Supergirl chases down her super dog and cat from causing mischief. It's been a fun ride and Aquaman has a funny cameo in issue 6. Not bad.

Metal Men
Ah, the Metal Men. I picked up their Showcase collection recently and I love it. So far, this story has the same whimsy and humor found in those Silver Age classics. The Metal Men story was a major factor in my picking up Wednesday Comics. I haven't been disappointed. Top 3.

Wonder Woman
Cluttered art. Too wordy. Too tedious for me to even make it out of issue 1. I keep trying to read it. I mean, it's one lousy page. But not happening yet.

Sgt. Rock
Rock is captured by the Nazi's and tortured. Great set-up. Now we're in issue 6 and Rock is captured by the Nazi's and tortured. This story has been spinning its wheels. Fortunately, something is brewing at the end of 6. And Joe Kubert's artwork is stunning as usual. A treat just to see his Easy Company again.

Flash
Barry Allen. Iris West. Gorilla Grodd. Time travel. Multiple Flashes. Simply mind-blowing so far and the best of the bunch. Nice clean art, great plotting for the single page and great POV use for Flash, Iris, and Grodd. Perfect after 6.

The Demon and Catwoman
Well, really The Demon as Catwoman was captured by a witch back in issue 2. But another winner. Etrigan never disappoints.

Hawkman
Great start to this one as Hawkman breaks up an alien invasion masked as an airline hijacking. But it's been stuck in a single action sequence for a few pages and has halted a bit. Kyle Baker's Hawkman is a thrill to look at though.