Superman (Not Mon this month) #692 Preview+Discussion(Spoilers)

[Karl O'Neill]

Here is the preview to superman #692.

Wow this is the James robinson I like. Fernado dagnino's art is not bad either.

I love that moment with the Gaurdian.

Also. Nice to see riot and bloodhound and intergang turn up again.

Water more valuable than gold now that the sewers are wreaked?!

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/09/28/the-aftershocks-of-codename-patriot-continue-in-superman-692/

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2009/09/sm_692_dylux-4-copy.jpg

[galactica]

Wow this is the James robinson I like.


My thoughts exactly. I like how he touches on so much of the DCU without making it a big deal.

We finally know what happened to Steel and what his technology was used for.

[Karl O'Neill]

My thoughts exactly. I like how he touches on so much of the DCU without making it a big deal.



I have been hard on him over cry for justice.

But his superman (Mon el) and Blackest night mini and all those jimmy olsen specials have been quite good IMHO.

The good outweights the bad at least.:cool:

[IvCNuB4]

Holy crap ! They reveal the true identity of the red-haired chick ! I did not see that coming at all :eek:

[dodger8804]

Holy crap ! They reveal the true identity of the red-haired chick ! I did not see that coming at all :eek:

What are you talking about?

[galactica]

I really liked this issue and I'm liking the Guardian more and more.

[galactica]

What are you talking about?

One of the Science Police Officers is revealed to be a member of a superhero team. One that has a lot of history with the SciPo.

[IvCNuB4]

LOL ! Dude, don't tease the others like that !

I don't have the issue with me so I'm paraphrasing here. When we first see her she's explaining that (highlight) her husband/boyfriend/whatever is dead. And then she says something about the future.
Cut to her apartment where she's looking at a photograph and crying.
Closeup of the photograph. It's Princess Projectra and Karate Kid.
She sobs "Oh, Val", and lays down on the bed. In the background is her Sensor Girl suit hanging on a dress mannequin !

[Slaughter]

emb224 was right:
Mirabai is the Folourn. Or better saying, her name is Mirabai the Folourn. She has a court and those "orcs" are under her command. Captain Atom is her arrow, courtesy of General Lane.

[Xero]

I had to get this one, well I looked through it in the store and saw the original Outsiders team, I had to pick it up. I'm shocked by the continuity in this book, Pericles Hazard son of Ulysses Hazard (Gravedigger) as head of Squad K. So many damned nuggets. If he remembers the IMHS (Institute for Metahuman Studies), Concordance Research or Bloodwynd, the bastard will have won me back. Also Mekanique, the original Robotman, the original G.I. Robot, the original Creature Commandoes. And was that Bozo the Iron Man?

https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Outsiders_%28DC_Comics%29

BTW, has anyone ever done a comprehensive list of all the fictional corporations in DC Comics titles?

[Karl O'Neill]

emb224 was right:
Mirabai is the Folourn. Or better saying, her name is Mirabai the Folourn. She has a court and those "orcs" are under her command. Captain Atom is her arrow, courtesy of General Lane.

Arrow as in weapon?

What do you mean?

[Desaad]

Arrow as in weapon?

What do you mean?

The Captain Atom backup feature as Captain Atom in some sort of ancient looking sword and sorcery type world. He's been brainwashed (by the US government)and seems to be killing the inhabitants, quelling any uprisings. The people refer to him as the "Arrow of the Forlorn", and up until now we had no idea why.

A previous issue of Action Comics (I believe) revealed that Mirabai is helping the US government - and allowing them to use her world as a base of operations - because they helped her conquer her home world/dimension.

This issue makes it clear that her full title is "Mirabai The Forlorn", which in turn makes it clear that Captain Atom is in her home world/universe (which I suspect is in fact Amethyst's world/Gemworld/Sorcerer's World), is working for her.

So that means that Captain Atom is probably going to uncover their base there and their plot, now that he's free, and go to town on it I should expect.

[Desaad]

I thought it was spectacular, and I am once again awed by the intricacy of this giant story (despite the fact that I haven't loved every issue or even every title).

Superman 692 - To start, the opening scene was great. I love that Robinson gave the bomb thing a twist because, lets be honest, with as many superheroes as there are in the DCU no amount of destruction is going to do any permanent damage to city wide infrastructure. Even with the nanite twist, I'm not sure I buy that someone like Green Lantern or Zatanna can't undo the whole thing, but I'll willing to to suspend disbelief that much, at least. We get a wonderful bit of Guardian action, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite aspects of this damn title. The scene is dynamic "Pull over. You too!" and the Guardian is pitch perfect as a sort of man out of the time, with more 50s sensibilities. He's got a bit of Ultimate Captain America in him, I'd say.

The after-effects of the sewer system going down feel genuine to me, rather than 'hokey'. Didn't we have just this type of problem with New Orleans? As we saw, water is being brought in, and I'm sure that there is bottled water around the city, but that doesn't help people shave/go to the bathroom/shower/wash clothes, and while it's not something we think about too often, the advent of running water is one of the chief factors in our increased lifespan. It limits the spread of disease and infection. It's a pretty serious thing for it to be suddenly and indefinitely shut off, and more to the point it's *demoralizing* to the point of Metropolis, it almost certainly makes them feel angry at the culprits, on a personal level. And the media and government are making it very clear that it's the Kryptonians that are the culprits. In that sense, it's a very effective plan.

I can see why the Zatara thing might have confused someone else, but as someone balls-deep in this mega plot that they are running across all the books, a lot of things clicked into place, and it also brought up a number of questions. First of all, the revelation that Mirabai is of "The Forlorn" explains what has been slowly developing in Captain Atom -- The US Military/General Lane brainwashed Captain Atom into becoming "the Spear of the Forlorn" (as the inhabitants say), which allowed Mirabai to take over her realm, who in turn allowed the US Military Project M to use it as a base, one of the few places out of the reach of Superman/The Kryptonians.

Then it's over to the Guardian with his Science Police, and a heart to heart with his grand-niece (by genetics, anyway) that is once again pitch perfect and much, much more natural sounding than so much of Robinson's dialog lately. The Guardian shows himself to be pretty much a man's man, exactly what you'd expect the 50's ideal man to be (I see it as our civic duty to drink beer), which keeps up with the Ultimate Captain America characterization. He's got a keen mind, and he shows it by making it clear that he's known who Harper is all along, and his reasoning for partnering her up with Mon El is perfect. As an aside, I love the lack of pretension or excuse to explain away the fact that Jonathon Kent and Mon El 'died' at the same time. It's the type of thing that gets tiresome after years of Superman stories revolving around the coincidence of Clark Kent being out of commission for lack periods of time when Superman is out of commission.

I really like the depth and breadth of the resources at Lane's disposal, and at how Robinson really plumbs the depths of DC continuity for so many little touches in his books. All of the robots in Project M, all of the genetic freaks, they've all appeared before in past DC comics. And that last page reveal, which you knew was coming, is ominous as hell. Robinson has been talking about transforming this character into an angrier, almost Namor-like figure (which is a bit more in keeping with the Legion version, although he was never THAT hot headed) and you can see the seeds of that here, I think.

Finally, and this is a pretty big deal for me, I am loving all the Legion subplots here. There is a VERY VERY big reveal this issue about one of the Science Police members, that I LOVED, and Mirabai also indicates that another Legion member is being controlled by General Lane. I'm intrigued and excited, as this seems to keep building and building (hopefully coming to a head before Levitz takes over Adventure).

Anyway, all the story elements worked really well for me, and the art was pretty good as well. Not mindblowingly great, kind of a Steve Kurth vibe to it -- I think the renderings are at times excellent, but some of the anatomy and the positioning can be off, and the page layout is effective but unimaginative.

[protege]

Holy crap ! They reveal the true identity of the red-haired chick ! I did not see that coming at all :eek:
THAT'S about the only part of this issue i did like.

[Doc Goblin]

This issue made me feel better about the idea of James Robinson writing Justice League of America. I mean, sure, Cry for Justice is still trash, but I thought this was a nicely written character story.

Hell, I'm even interested in what's going on with the Legion of Super-Heroes. And I have NEVER, EVER said such a thing.

My main problem with the issue though was the Zatara scene. Not for being confusing (which it kinda was) but for just not being a well written scene. Robinson was having to explain way, way too much about what was going on there. It was like he forgot or got distracted from the subplot and was having to play catch-up.

I'm also disappointed with the lack of Steel in Robinson's run in general. He was probably the character I was most looking forward to for this whole ensemble cast thing Robinson had in mind for Superman, but we've barely seen him. Hopefully that'll change and he'll recover from recent events in a big way.

[Sanlear]

I'm as critical of Cry for Justice as anyone, but I have to admit, when Robinson is good, he's good. This issue really clicked with me. I'm actually starting to warm up to the Guardian now. This issue had so many reveals that I felt rewarded me for staying with the title since Mon-El took over. I do loves me mah continuity.

[IvCNuB4]

Finally, and this is a pretty big deal for me, I am loving all the Legion subplots here. There is a VERY VERY big reveal this issue about one of the Science Police members, that I LOVED, and Mirabai also indicates that another Legion member is being controlled by General Lane..

Isn't Tellus the other Legionnaire that Lane refers to, or is there another player here we haven't seen yet ?

[dodger8804]

Where did Mirabai come from again? While I was reading, she just up and appeared. But mabye that's because I don't read supergirl or WoNK. But seriously. Where?

[Karl O'Neill]

Very very well written issue.

Robinson brought the goods.

Lots of answers and reavealing stuff.

General lane is really building an impressive army. He still needs MORE, As 100,00K superman level powers are far to much for his allies to beat.

One nitpick. The art was only okay. What happened to Lopez? I like his art god dammit!

Nice bit there with Gaurdian and detective harper from GCPD. I like that we find another member of the leigon espionage squad hiding on earth.

I love future time travel stories and myseries.

The cover was pretty cool but we know they wouldn't kill off mon el so soon. Loved the little glimpes into project Hell with all the different experiments going on.

[bongoes]

I am loving the Legion stuff now. They keep popping up everywhere. I just hope that Levitz is going to keep playing with these threads and have the Legion involved in the Superman books for a while. The Legionnaires lost in time is very cool and I'd like to see it continue. At least until Brainiac 5 calls them all back for another secret mission.

Isn't Tellus the other Legionnaire that Lane refers to, or is there another player here we haven't seen yet ?

I think we need a list of Legionnaires in the 21st century.

Mon-El (though not through time travel)
Tellus
Starman
Element Lad (Superboy's chemistry teacher)
and now Sensor Girl

Any others?

[dodger8804]

Can someone tell me who the red-headed girl was revealed to be? I mean her super side. I was seriously baffled.

[Karl O'Neill]

Can someone tell me who the red-headed girl was revealed to be? I mean her super side. I was seriously baffled.

Sensor girl.

from the future. (legion of superheroes.)

Something big must be going down on earth in this timeline.

As may legionaires appear to be hinding the past/present waiting to save the day or at least help.

I bet it has something to do with the crossover next year. The DCU 2010 event.

[bongoes]

Something big must be going down on earth in this timeline.

As may legionaires appear to be hinding the past/present waiting to save the day or at least help.

I bet it has something to do with the crossover next year. The DCU 2010 event.

Silly me, thinking that the Legion in the 21st century were pretty much over after Legion of Three Worlds, it was only the beginning. Whatever happens next year is going to be big.

[dodger8804]

Sensor girl.

from the future. (legion of superheroes.)

Something big must be going down on earth in this timeline.

As may legionaires appear to be hinding the past/present waiting to save the day or at least help.

I bet it has something to do with the crossover next year. The DCU 2010 event.

Is sensor girl in Adventure Comics? If she is, it means Adventure will play a big part in the Super Mythos in the next year and will be enough for me to buy it.

[Mat001]

She isn't in the Adventure Comics main feature. Only Element Lad, Starman and Tellus have appeared so far in that capacity. But yeah, this is the follow up and Adventure is still tying in despite Johns departure. Someone else will write the title until Levitz is ready to start.

[galactica]

My main problem with the issue though was the Zatara scene. Not for being confusing (which it kinda was) but for just not being a well written scene. Robinson was having to explain way, way too much about what was going on there. It was like he forgot or got distracted from the subplot and was having to play catch-up.

I'm also disappointed with the lack of Steel in Robinson's run in general. He was probably the character I was most looking forward to for this whole ensemble cast thing Robinson had in mind for Superman, but we've barely seen him. Hopefully that'll change and he'll recover from recent events in a big way.

Agreed. The whole Zatara sub-plot up to this point felt like an excuse for Robinson to give us a Wikipedia article on Mark Merlin. When he brings in Atlas or the Guardian or old character, he actually uses them for something. Here is just felt unnecessary.

I'm also disappointed by the lack of Steel. I was really looking forward to him stepping up in the book and maybe even taking over Superman or Action Comics. I think he would have been great as the leader of the Science Police(or maybe even the founder). But, alas........

With Natasha Irons showing up in Captain Atom, mayne the Irons family will be coming back to prominance.

All that said, I really enjoyed this issue.

[IvCNuB4]

Can someone tell me who the red-headed girl was revealed to be? I mean her super side. I was seriously baffled.

Newsarama did an article on it with some background info http://blog.newsarama.com/2009/10/01/legion-blogpost-who-is-wilcox/

[edhopper]

Doesn't DC know any mainstream professional artist to draw the main Superman books.
When did Action and Superman become tryout titles?

[Slaughter]

Where did Mirabai come from again? While I was reading, she just up and appeared. But mabye that's because I don't read supergirl or WoNK. But seriously. Where?

Mirabai is a new character, showed up during New Krypton, at the beginning standing around not doing much, but then she quickly started showing results, like when she captured (in a few seconds) our favorite couple of superpowered Bonnie & Clyde from Planet Krypton.

[Mr. Holmes]

Silly me, thinking that the Legion in the 21st century were pretty much over after Legion of Three Worlds, it was only the beginning. Whatever happens next year is going to be big.

They should probably go to L.E.G.I.O.N.

[dupersuper]

They should probably go to L.E.G.I.O.N.

Ooooo....crossover possibilities...

[Mat001]

Doesn't DC know any mainstream professional artist to draw the main Superman books.
When did Action and Superman become tryout titles?

I don't think these guys are bad. I've seen way worse.

[edhopper]

I don't think these guys are bad. I've seen way worse.

Damning with faint praise. They are just not good enough for DC's flagship title.
Compared to the superior and sometimes great art now on the Batman and Green Lantern titles, this stuff just doesn't cut it.

[Mat001]

What's wrong with them?

[Slaughter]

Nice to know Steel is ok. Well, IN A COMA, but okay.
Interesting stuff about the nanobomb. I remember Steel saying something about his new nanotechnology that enabled him to make kryptonite particles and so fight toe-to-toe with Kryptonians.

[The Chief5425]

I am loving the Legion stuff now. They keep popping up everywhere. I just hope that Levitz is going to keep playing with these threads and have the Legion involved in the Superman books for a while. The Legionnaires lost in time is very cool and I'd like to see it continue. At least until Brainiac 5 calls them all back for another secret mission.



I think we need a list of Legionnaires in the 21st century.

Mon-El (though not through time travel)
Tellus
Starman
Element Lad (Superboy's chemistry teacher)
and now Sensor Girl

Any others?

Quislet and Tyroc are still AWOL, may or may not be in the 21st.

And yes, Jeckie's appearance saved this issue for me. As long as the Legion keeps popping up here and there I'll keep buying this title.

[Mat001]

Nice to know Steel is ok. Well, IN A COMA, but okay.

Which shows that DC has plans for him and thus weren't going to kill him off at random.

[IvCNuB4]

Quislet and Tyroc are still AWOL, may or may not be in the 21st..

At the end of Lo3W didn't Brainiac say that Dream Girl was missing also ?