Sam Philpot Comic Reviews

Overall, this issue just read like something of a bad sitcom. The characters felt like shadows of themselves, and, again, the dialogue didnt seem fitting.

The Citizen does seem like an intriguing enemy for Green Arrow to have to face off against, and its gripping to see him go up against someone who pretty much shares his views. With the story strongly focused on the people, and Green Arrow just trying to find the mastermind behind it all, he seems like hes lost in a sea.

With Oliver Queen left questioning his legacy and attempting to move on from all of his past mistakes. This story truly displays how Green Arrow could have turned out had he chosen another path. Itll be intriguing to see how the archer advances on down this new path, while he honors his comrades who are still with him and those who have moved on.

Green Arrow is a character heavily driven by emotion, but its difficult to read a story where the same issues prevent the character from changing, whether its by growing or worsening. Oliver drones on about his problems without showing any real sign of wanting to do something about it. With Green Arrow officially coming to a close with issue #50, its a wonder how this final solo run will impact Oliver Queen.

Overall, the issue ushers the story forward into its final chapter, leaving a nice cliffhanger to keep you thinking about what will happen next. However, its something readers have seen before with Constantine and, by know, everyone knows his soul isnt worth two bits. The Good Old Days will be the end of the Hellblazer series for DC Rebirth. Surely hell most likely keep an appearance in Justice League Dark and Batman Damned, but this may be the end of his solo series for a while.

By the end, there seemed to be a lot thrown around in this one issue. The story travels from past to present, and, while in the present, it follows the characters as they diverge on their own paths as they dont seem to stay together as a group. This new combination of heroes does seem intriguing, and could offer a different dynamic thatll be exciting to look forward to. Its just the beginning, and theyre definitely fattening up the story for there to be plenty of more to come.

Lucifer of the Sandman universe has been around for quite some time, and whether youre an avid reader of the stories involving that universe or just getting into it by this issue, it is a beautifully horrific beginning to a new tale. With a fresh new take on Lucifer, and the horrible events that have fallen upon Detective Decker, this first issue has set up a great deal, with hopefully plenty more to follow as Lucifer attempts to escape his purgatory.

As the series is only two issues in, there are plenty of questions revolving around it already, as good stories should have. The characters continue to become more interesting and, though any sort of overall or prominent plot still remains hidden, the tales told in the issues themselves definitely keep your attention as the characters progress through their own individual stories. Theres plenty of mystery surrounding all of Lucifer by the end of this issue, and it keeps calling you back in a good way.

Lucifer issue #3 weaves together stories from the point of view of multiple characters, building them up through the telling of their own life story. Its gripping to see how theyve all come in contact with the King of Hell before, and what they may present to him now that he isnt the all-powerful being he once was. As number of relevant characters become more prominent and the disturbing sorrow slowly rises around John Decker. Lucifer keeps your teeth sunk into its issues, and your mind craving the answers to the questions it has brewing.  

With this being Ragmans first introduction into DC Rebirth since its start, the series felt full and complete. It introduces a new, yet familiar, character and gives him the building blocks to hopefully appear in more series later down the road. Rory continues on with his life in Gotham with the rags, so there is a good chance hell be drawn back into the continuity at some point down the line, whether its with Etrigan or someone from the Batfamily.

All in all, the issue seemed to try and make a point of releasing pent up tension between the team, and it didnt really do that. The characters fell back into their normal routine. Perhaps this issue will prove to be a turning point later in the series.

The series is rather enjoyable, and the childlike acts of Etrigan keep the story humorous through the dark events. Its fantastic seeing Etrigan and Jason out on their own, though, whenever they do team up with Justice League Dark, its fulfilling, as they bring plenty of power, internal conflict, and banter along with them to mix in with the chaos that revolves around the group of the estranged supernatural persons. With the issues end, questions have flourished, like what could be next for Etrigan? And what his new position could do for later DC comics as hes now reached a zenith like point?

Titans #29 has thrown the group of beaten down super-people onto a world where they can do almost nothing but sit and wait while holding precious knowledge that could help save their world. The struggles each character is facing and how they attempt to persevere on is the real attention holder of the story, as you just want them to get on the better side of things. Donna seems to be punishing herself the hardest, and, in watching this team begin to crumble away without Nightwing, perhaps a moment of strength can shine and she can pull herself up to become the leader the team needs right now. Itll be interesting to see how the Titans pull themselves back from this emotional reel, all the while trying to get off of the odd planet.

As the Titans are marooned on a seemingly-barren planet, the only force driving the story is internal conflict between the team. While the story progress, it could be interesting to see how the Titans all grow as a team from this experience now that all of the secrets have been poured out. Though drama between the characters is a needed tool in stories, it being the only driving force for too long can get rather boring.