Shipped February 27, 2008

All Star Batman & Robin #9
DC Comics
(w) Frank Miller
(a) Jim Lee
FC, 32 pgs w/ ads $3.65 CAN / $2.99 US

The first issue of All Star Batman & Robin was a terrible launching point for DC's new "Ultimate" line, and easily stole the gauntlet as worst comic book of the year. But the situation has changed since that lame debut, as All Star Batman has filled the void on quirky, with its bizarre comic book style. Frank Miller's take on Batman is unlike any Batman ever written-he's a bad ass sure, but he is anything but shy when it comes to re-enforcing his attitude. You won't find this mentally ill Batman in the shadows plotting against future problems; he's on the street kicking in teeth, and tearing up the superhero community with a cocky look at things.

This issue Green Lantern stops by for a visit, attempting to get Batman to tone things down. Batman's been making it difficult for the other heroes. With Batman's hard stance on crime, maiming the crime community instead of nicely handing them over to the cops, his actions are tarnishing everything the spandex community stands for. Things don't go well with Green Lantern though, and Robin shows the Emerald Knight a thing or two about mortal combat.

This series is a blast. If you like the absurd, All Star Batman will tickle you in those private places. (Dana Tillusz)

4 of 5

Project Superpowers #1
Dynamite Entertainment
(w) Alex Ross & Jim Krueger
(a) Carlos Paul
FC, 32 pgs w/ ads $3.50

Resurrecting Golden Age superheroes is a fad these days in the comics industry. Alex Ross and Jim Krueger join in on the fun with Project Superpowers in which the heroes lost in time are returned. There was an issue #0 a short while ago, so don't pick up #1 thinking you're getting the beginning of the tale. You aren't. You're joining a story already in progress.

Superheroes and villains saturate the comics industry. Whether existing, new or Golden Age returned, the comics industry is in no short supply of costumed heroes. Since heroes and villains are archetypes, it's easy to look at the characters in Project Superpowers and say this character is a combination of hero x and hero y, and that character is a little of this guy and a little of that guy. That's just the reality of superhero comics, and you need to decide for yourself whether a book like that is something you'd like to check out. For me, having read issue #1, Project Superpowers doesn't offer up anything different.

2.5 of 5

The Secret History #5 (of 7)
Archaia Studios Press
(w) Jean-Pierre Pecau
(a) Leo Piliopovic
FC, 48 pgs $5.95

After a shaky issue #3 and #4, which I blamed on too much time passing in each, The Secret History returns to form with a strong issue #5.

There is a long time lapse between the events in issues #4 and #5, but the events inside issue #5 occur without any lengthy gaps. It's a tight piece of storytelling even though it is part of a much larger epic. This story also features an enjoyable supporting cast of players, and some well executed bouts of magic. It reads like a magic infused swashbuckling yarn. I quite enjoyed it. (Chad Boudreau)

4 of 5

Sharkman #2
Image Comics
(w) Steve Pugh
(a) Steve Pugh
FC, 32 pgs w/ ads $3.50

Created by Michael Town, David Elliott and Ronald Shusett, Sharkman started at Thrill House Comics, a publisher that disappeared into the deep blue sea not long after the comic's appearance. Artist Steve Pugh has decided to keep the character and story alive by moving it to Image Comics and re-releasing the previously published issues with modified artwork and writing.

Steve Pugh is a self-professed control freak so it's no surprise he wants to tinker with the issues before putting them back out. The re-released issue #2 is a joy to look at, with bright colors and expansive sci-fi set pieces. Pugh proves he's no newcomer on art chores. (He has, in fact, worked for DC, Marvel and Dark Horse and 2000 AD.) His art is the issue's biggest strength, but I also liked in general the aquatic world that has been created. This is no Aquaman or other typical water sodden comic book. It's a more mature, darker and potentially more complex offering. I think Sharkman has potential.

3 of 5

Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse - Calamari Rising #2
IDW Publishing
(w) Ben Templesmith
(a) Ben Templesmith
FC 32 pgs w/ ads, $3.99

Wormwood rocks. I find this entire series extremely amusing. It's not to be confused with Garth Ennis' Chronicles of Wormwood, which is about something completely different and amusing, although its art isn't in the same caliber as Templesmith's art here. Templesmith is one twisted Aussie with one messed up sense of humour, which is pretty much my type of humour. Look at the cover for this issue: a horribly visual homage to the Princess Leia / Jabba the Hutt scene from Return of the Jedi. It's brilliant and horrible at the same time. I love it.

A portal has been opened and horrible tentacle monsters have invaded Earth. Wormwood has run into these beasties several times before, most recently in his wonderful trip to Leprechaun Land. Armed in his robot armour suit, powered by the brainwaves of cloned necrotic Einstein fetuses, Wormwood finally gets into a fight of sorts after almost ten issues of wacky adventures.

I can't recommend Wormwood enough, anyone who has a twisted sense of humour ought to be reading this comic. (Shane Hnetka)

4 of 5