June 18,  2013 - Volume 1 #392
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COMIC SHOP NEWS #1357
COMIC SHOP NEWS SUMMER 2013 PREVIEW

NEW COMICS ON WEDNESDAY!
100 BULLETS BROTHER LONO #1 (OF 8)
A PLUS X #9 NOW
ADVENTURE TIME ANNUAL #1 25 COPY INCV FRIDOLFS
AGE OF ULTRON #10 (OF 10)
AGE OF ULTRON #10 (OF 10) BROOKS VAR
AGE OF ULTRON #10 (OF 10) HE KIM ULTRON VAR
AGE OF ULTRON #10 (OF 10) QUESADA ANGELA SKETCH VAR
AGE OF ULTRON #10 (OF 10) QUESADA ANGELA VAR
ALL NEW SECRET SKULLKICKERS #1 CVR B OH
ALL NEW X-MEN #12 YU WOLVERINE VAR NOW
ALTERNATIVE COMICS #4
ANIMAL MAN #21
AVENGERS #14 INF
B & V FRIENDS DOUBLE DIGEST #234
BALTIMORE THE INQUISITOR ONE SHOT
BATGIRL #20
BATMAN #20 BLACK & WHITE VAR ED
BATMAN AND BATGIRL #21
BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #17
BATWOMAN #21
BIRDS OF PREY #21
BLOODSHOT (VU) #12 HARBINGER WARS ORDERALL 8-BIT VAR
BLOODSHOT (VU) #12 HARBINGER WARS REG ANDRASOFSZKY
BPRD HELL ON EARTH #108 WASTELAND #2 (OF 3)
BRAVEST WARRIORS #1 GET A SKETCH VAR
CABLE AND X-FORCE #10 NOW
CAPTAIN MARVEL #13
CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT #0
CLIVE BARKER NEXT TESTAMENT #1 (OF 12) 20 COPY INCV OLIVER
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #17
DANGER GIRL TRINITY #3 (OF 4)
DANGER GIRL TRINITY #3 (OF 4) 1:10 COPY INCV
DARK HORSE PRESENTS #25
DARK SHADOWS YEAR ONE #3
DF REGULAR SHOW #1 EXC CVR
DOCTOR WHO PRISONERS OF TIME #5 (OF 12) 1:25 COPY INCV (N
DOCTOR WHO VOL 3 #10
DREAM THIEF #2 (OF 5)
EDGAR ALLAN POES FALL O/T HOUSE OF USHER #2 (OF 2)
EVIL ERNIE #6
EVIL ERNIE #6 15 COPY HOTZ GREEN INCV
EVIL ERNIE #6 25 COPY BRERETON VIRGIN INCV
EVIL ERNIE #6 35 COPY SYAF PENCIL INCV
EVIL ERNIE #6 SMILEY SUBSCRIPTION VAR
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS VOL 3 #4 CVR A LEI
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS VOL 3 #4 CVR B PANTALENA
EXTINCTION PARADE #1
EXTINCTION PARADE #1 END OF SPECIES CVR
EXTINCTION PARADE #1 WRAP CVR
FABLES #130
FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES #15
FANTASTIC FOUR #9 NOW
FANTASTIC FOUR #9 YARDIN WOLVERINE COSTUME VAR NOW
GAME OF THRONES #15
GEARHEARTS STEAMPUNK GLAMOR REVUE #7
GFT UNLEASHED VAMPIRES ETERNAL #3 (OF 3) A CVR MALSUNI
GFT UNLEASHED VAMPIRES ETERNAL #3 (OF 3) B CVR QUALANO
GI JOE #5
GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #191
GI JOE COBRA FILES #3
GOLD DIGGER #201
GREEN HORNET LEGACY #38
GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #21
GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #21 VAR ED
HARBINGER (VU) #13 HARBINGER WARS ORDERALL 8-BIT VAR
HARBINGER (VU) #13 HARBINGER WARS REG ZIRCHER
HELLRAISER DARK WATCH #5
HOUSE OF GOLD & BONES #3 (OF 4) ALEXANDER CVR
HOUSE OF GOLD & BONES #3 (OF 4) STEVE MORRIS CVR INCV
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #9 NOW
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #9 NOW
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #9 ROUX WOLVERINE COSTUME VAR NOW
INVINCIBLE #103
IRON MAN #11 WOLVERINE COSTUME DEODATO VAR NOW
IRON MAN #5 2ND PTG LAND VAR NOW (PP #1058)
IT GIRL & THE ATOMICS #11
JOHN CARPENTERS ASYLUM #1 INCV BLACK CVR
JUDGE DREDD YEAR ONE #3
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICAS VIBE #5
KISS SOLO #3 (OF 4) THE CELESTIAL FREE 10 COPY INCV
LAST ZOMBIE #2 (OF 5) THE END
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #21
LIBERATOR #1
LIBERATOR #1 (OF 4) VARIANT CVR C
LIBERATOR #1 (OF 4) VARIANT CVR D
MARA #5 (OF 6)
MIND THE GAP #11 CVR A ESQUEJO
MIND THE GAP #11 CVR B GAYDOS
MINIATURE JESUS #3 (OF 5)
MISS FURY #3 15 COPY GARZA RISQUE INCV
MORBIUS LIVING VAMPIRE #6 NOW
MY LITTLE PONY COLOR ME TREASURY ED
MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #5 (OF 6) FREE 10 COPY INCV (NET
MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #5 (OF 6) PINKIE PIE
MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #5 JETPACK CVR A
MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #5 JETPACK CVR B
MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #5 JETPACK CVR C
NEW AVENGERS #7 DODSON WOLVERINE COSTUME VAR NOW
NEW AVENGERS #7 NOW
OCCUPY COMICS #2
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #21
REGULAR SHOW #1 JETPACK & LARRYS CVR B VAR
REVIVAL #11
ROBERT JORDAN WHEEL OF TIME EYE O/T WORLD #35
SERGIO ARAGONES FUNNIES #8
SESAME STREET #1 IMAGINATION SUPER POWER CHASE INCV
SIMPSONS COMICS #203
SIXTH GUN #32
SIXTH GUN SONS O/T GUN #4 (OF 5)
SONIC UNIVERSE #53 EVIL FRIENDS FOREVER VAR CVR
SONIC UNIVERSE #53 REG CVR
SPAWN #232 25 COPY MCFARLANE B&W INCV
SPONGEBOB COMICS ANNUAL GIANT SWIMTACULAR #1
STAR WARS DARTH VADER & NINTH ASSASSIN #3 (OF 5)
SUPERGIRL #21
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #12 NOW
THUNDERBOLTS #11 NOW
TMNT VILLAIN MICROSERIES #3 FREE 10 COPY INCV
TMNT VILLAIN MICROSERIES #3 OLD HOB
TRANSFORMERS MONSTROSITY #1 (OF 4)
TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #18
TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #18 FREE 10 COPY INCV
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #24
ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #26
UNCANNY AVENGERS #9 NOW
VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #6 CVR A JOHNNY D
VAMPIRELLA STRIKES #6 CVR B NEVES
WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH THORIS #26
WILD BLUE YONDER #1 (OF 5)
WILD BLUE YONDER #1 (OF 5) FREE 10 COPY INCV
WILD BLUE YONDER #1 (OF 5) JETPACK ED
WILD BLUE YONDER #1 (OF 5) PHANTOM ED
WILD BLUE YONDER #1 (OF 5) SUBSCRIPTION VAR
WITCHBLADE #167 CVR B BERNARD
WOLVERINE #4 LARROCA ARTIST VAR NOW
WOLVERINE MAX #8
WONDER WOMAN #21
X-FACTOR #258
X-FILES SEASON 10 #1
X-FILES SEASON 10 #1 FREE 25 COPY INCV
X-FILES SEASON 10 #1 SUBSCRIPTION VAR
X-MEN LEGACY #12 NOW

NEW MAGAZINES on WEDNESDAY
CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG #12 IRON MAN
CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG #196 FIRELORD
CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG #200 HELA
CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG SPECIAL NORTHSTAR & AURORA
DC SUPERHERO FIG COLL MAG SPECIAL MAN BAT
DOCTOR WHO BOOKAZINE #1 THE DALEKS
WALKING DEAD MAGAZINE #3 PX ED

NEW TRADES / HCs / COLLECTIONS & BOOKS
ADVENTURE TIME TP VOL 03
ANGEL OMNIBUS (DH ED) TP VOL 01
ART OF THE LAST OF US HC
AVENGERS BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS TP VOL 04 AVX
BATGIRL ROBIN YEAR ONE TP
BEAST OF WOLFES BAY GN
BLOODHOUND TP
BONE COLOR ED SC VOL 08 TREASURE HUNTERS NEW PTG
BOYS OF STEEL THE CREATORS OF SUPERMAN YR SC
COMP FLASH GORDON LIBRARY HC VOL 03 FALL OF MING
CRATER XV HC
DAN SPIEGLE LIFE IN COMIC ART SC
DOCTOR WHO WHO OLOGY OFFICIAL MISCELLANY HC
FURY OF FIRESTORM TP VOL 02 FIRESTORM PROTOCOLS (N52)
GABBA GABBA HEY RAMONES GRAPHIC GN
GAME OF THRONES HC GN VOL 02
GFT MADNESS OF WONDERLAND TP
HARLEY QUINN PRELUDES AND KNOCK KNOCK JOKES TP
HECK HC
IF YOU GIVE A KID A COOKIE WILL HE SHUT THE F*** UP HC
KINGDOM HEARTS CHAIN OF MEMORIES TP
MATTER OF LIFE HC
MIND THE GAP TP VOL 02 WISH YOU WERE HERE
NEIL GAIMAN OCEAN AT END OF LANE NOVEL HC
NEW SCHOOL HC
SAGA TP VOL 02
SCIENCE FICTION GN
SONIC SAGA TP VOL 03 EGGMAN EMPIRE
STAR WARS CLONE WARS SMUGGLERS CODE TP
STAR WARS DAWN O/T JEDI TP VOL 01 FORCE STORM
STAR WARS LOST TRIBE O/T SITH SPIRAL TP
SWEET TOOTH TP VOL 06 WILD GAME
TEEN TITANS TP VOL 02 THE CULLING (N52)
TMNT ONGOING HC VOL 01 RED LABEL ED
TRANSFORMERS ART OF FALL OF CYBERTRON HC RED LABEL ED
TRANSFORMERS IDW COLLECTION HC VOL 02 RED LABEL ED
WALKING DEAD POSTER COLLECTION
WITCH DOCTOR TP VOL 02 MAL PRACTICE
ZIPPY DINGBURG DIARIES TP

NEW TRINKETS / BAUBLES / FUN
CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG PLINTH
DC BLACKEST NIGHT FIG COLL MAG PLINTH
TOON TUMBLERS WALKING DEAD GOVERNOR CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS WALKING DEAD MICHONNE CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS WALKING DEAD NEGAN CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS WALKING DEAD RICK I CLEAR PINT GLASS
WALKING DEAD CHARACTERS PICK PACK
WALKING DEAD GOVERNOR PX LEATHER GUITAR STRAP
WALKING DEAD ZOMBIES PICK PACK
WALKING DEAD ZOMBIES PX BLACK LEATHER GUITAR STRAP
ADVENTURE TIME GROUP SHOT PINT GLASS
BIG BANG THEORY SHELDON WACKY WOBBLER
EXPENDABLES BOTTLE OPENER
FULCI ZOMBIE LIMITED EDITION BOBBLE HEAD
MARVEL GALACTUS BOTTLE OPENER
POP BIG BANG THEORY AMY VINYL FIG
POP BIG BANG THEORY SHELDON VINYL FIG
POP CHILDRENS HOSPITAL DR BLAKE DOWNS VINYL FIG
POP GAME OF THRONES SER 2 JON SNOW VINYL FIG
POP WALKING DEAD MICHONNE & GID PET ZOMBIES PX 3 PK
POP WALKING DEAD MICHONNE & GID PET ZOMBIES PX 3 PK
PORTAL 2 80S LOGO APERTURE LABS MESSENGER BAG
SPIDER-MAN DYAD FLEX FIT CAP M/L
VOLTRON WOVEN BIGGIE KNIT CAP
BEFORE WATCHMEN COMEDIAN STATUE
BEFORE WATCHMEN DR MANHATTAN STATUE
BEFORE WATCHMEN RORSCHACH STATUE
BEFORE WATCHMEN SILK SPECTRE STATUE
GIANT MICROBES MALADIES 24-PC PLUSH ASST
INJUSTICE CYBORG VS HARLEY QUINN 2 PACK
INJUSTICE FLASH VS RAVEN 2 PACK
MARVEL MINIMATES HULK THROUGH THE AGES BOX SET
MARVEL SELECT GHOST RIDER AF
MEGA MAN X S.H.FIGUARTS AF
NIGHTMARE ON ELM ST FREDDY FURNACE DIORAMA
SW HAN SOLO IN CARBONITE BANK
TOKIDOKI PHONZIES 30PC BMB DS
WALKING DEAD MICHONNE RESIN STATUE
WALKING DEAD COMIC SER 2 PX T/C BINDER

WHAT CAME IN LATE LAST WEEK!
ALL NEW SECRET SKULLKICKERS #1 CVR A HUANG & CAMPBELL
ART OF BETTY AND VERONICA HC
BATMAN ARKHAM UNHINGED #11
BATMAN BEYOND HUSH BEYOND TP
BEDLAM #7
BEFORE WATCHMEN COMEDIAN #3 (OF 6)
BEFORE WATCHMEN DR MANHATTAN #3 (OF 4)
BEFORE WATCHMEN NITE OWL #2 (OF 4)
BEFORE WATCHMEN NITE OWL #3 (OF 4)
BEFORE WATCHMEN OZYMANDIAS #6 (OF 6)
BEFORE WATCHMEN RORSCHACH #3 (OF 4)
BLUE BEETLE TP VOL 02 BLUE DIAMOND (N52)
BORDERLANDS ORIGINS #1 (OF 4) 4TH PTG
COMIC BOOK SNAP IT FRAME 12 PK
DAYTRIPPER TP
DC CHESS FIG COLL MAG SPECIAL #1 BATMAN AND JOKER
DC HEROCLIX MAN OF STEEL STARTER SET 6 PACK
DC SUPERHERO CHESS FIG COLL MAG #1 BATMAN WHITE KING
DC SUPERHERO CHESS FIG COLL MAG #2 JOKER BLACK KING
DEATHSTROKE #17
DOCTOR WHO VOL 3 #8
FABLES TP VOL 18 CUBS IN TOYLAND
FEARLESS DEFENDERS #3 NOW
FF #6 NOW
FF BY JONATHAN HICKMAN TP VOL 02
FF BY JONATHAN HICKMAN TP VOL 03
GAME OF THRONES DIRE WOLF BOOKENDS
HARBINGER (VU) TP VOL 01 OMEGA RISING
IRON MAN #5 2ND PTG LAND VAR NOW
KICK-ASS 3 #1 (OF 8)
LAST OF US AMERICAN DREAMS #1 (OF 4) (2ND PTG)
LIL DEPRESSED BOY TP VOL 03
LOCKE & KEY HC VOL 02 HEAD GAMES
LOCKE & KEY HC VOL 04 KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
LOCKE & KEY TP VOL 01 WELCOME TO LOVECRAFT
LOCKE & KEY TP VOL 04 KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
LUCIFER TP VOL 01
MIND THE GAP #10 CVR A ESQUEJO
MIND THE GAP #10 CVR B OBACK
PAC-MAN MAGNETIC BOTTLE OPENER
PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT #7
PHONOGRAM TP VOL 01 RUE BRITANNA
PHONOGRAM TP VOL 02 SINGLES CLUB
POKEMON ADVENTURES TP VOL 01 NEW PTG
POKEMON ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE GN
POKEMON BLACK & WHITE GN VOL 01
POKEMON DIAMOND & PEARL ADVENTURE GN VOL 01
POKEMON RISE OF DARKRAI GN
POP ALIEN VINYL FIG
POP HANNIBAL LECTER VINYL FIG
POP HEROES JOKER VINYL FIG
POP HEROES SUPERMAN VINYL FIG
POP HEROES WONDER WOMAN VINYL FIG
POP IRON MAN 3 IRON MAN DEEP SPACE SUIT VINYL FIG
POP PREDATOR VINYL FIG
POP SONIC SONIC THE HEDGEHOG VINYL FIG
POP WALKING DEAD DARYL DIXON VINYL FIG
POP WALKING DEAD SER 2 TANK ZOMBIE VINYL FIG
SECRET WARRIORS TP VOL 04 LAST RIDE HOWLING COMMANDOS
SILVER AGE COMIC BOOK SHOWCASE
STAR WARS PURGE TYRANTS FIST #2 (OF 2)
TMNT COLOR CLASSICS #4
TMNT COLOR CLASSICS #5
TMNT COLOR CLASSICS #9
TOON TUMBLERS AMAZING SPIDER MAN CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS ARCHIE BETTY COOPER CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS ARCHIE VERONICA LODGE CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS CAPT AMERICA CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS HARLEY QUINN PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS HULK CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS SUPERMAN CLEAR PINT GLASS
TOON TUMBLERS THOR CLEAR PINT GLASS
TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #12
TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #13
TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #15
TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #14
TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #15
UNCANNY AVENGERS #5 NOW2
VENOM #34
WALKING DEAD MAGAZINE #4 NEWSSTAND ED
WALKING DEAD MAGAZINE #4 PX ED
WHITE PLASTIC TITLE DIVIDERS
 

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Jon's Righteous Comic Reviews (or you name this column chum)

COMIC REVIEWS!!!
Superman Unchained #1
Superstars Scott Snyder and Jim Lee turn their attention to the Man of Steel this week, just in time for the release of his new movie. For fans of Clark Kent who have been waiting patiently for a title worthy of the Last Son of Krypton, the wait is over. Centered on an intriguing mystery involving falling satellites, the first issue of Superman Unchained delivers on all fronts, and is the first time I've been excited to read Superman in a very long time.

The plot for this first issue mainly lays the groundwork for the story to come. Satellites are mysteriously falling to Earth, and Superman is on a mission to find out why. Opening with the Man of Steel fiercely battling a sentient satellite, there's no shortage of action in this issue. Seeing Clark juggle battling the craft, rescuing the astronauts inside, and making sure they don't burn up entering Earth's atmosphere was extremely fun, and actually makes you question if Superman will be able to pull off the rescue. After touching base with Lois, who informs him about another satellite that was knocked into the ocean, Superman goes to investigate, leading us to our big cliffhanger for next issue.

That may sound like there's not a whole lot of plot for this issue (and in fairness, I kept it spoiler free). While some may argue that this may be the case, the real strength here lies in Scott Snyder's strong character work with Superman and his cast. Just like in Batman, Snyder shows that he has an incredible sense of what makes his main character tick. I loved the moments during the satellite rescue where Clark has to remind himself of comforting the astronauts, or that the crashing satellite has super strong tentacle arms. Just because Superman is physically impervious, he still has the potential to make mistakes like us.

If there's one thing I wanted more from in this issue, it's some catch up on Superman's supporting cast. This is largely due to my casual knowledge of Superman in the "New 52", but I would've liked a little more on why Clark left the Daily Planet, and where he stands with Lois right now. The scenes between the two are really good; I just wanted more of them.

One thing I couldn't get enough of was Jim Lee's art. I'm a huge fan of his, and seeing him do massive action scenes will always put a huge smile on my face. Apparently DC thought the same, as they've included a massive pull out splash page that doubles as a poster (and doesn't require you to unstaple the comic to get it out either). Sure, it's a gimmick so you buy more copies, and pretty ridiculous to try and read (yes, it's part of the story), but at the same time, it put a giant smile on my face.

The back up story by Snyder and Dustin Nguyen is good, but there's not enough to really justify its inclusion here. It's only about four pages, and feels tacked on. I would've rather had a few more pages of Snyder and Lee's main event, but that's just my opinion. Hopefully in the issues to come the back up will be given a few more pages to grow.

Superman fans, time has come. Not only is Man of Steel arriving this week, but you also get a brand new series from two of the best creators in comics starring your boy in blue. Superman Unchained is a book that will please die hard and casual Superman fans alike, and I'm beyond excited to see what Snyder and Lee have planned for us. Here's hoping Man Of Steel leaves me feeling the same way.

Savage Wolverine #6
Oh Joe Madureira. Avenging Spider-Man was supposed to be your big return to comics. But, after 3 issues, you jumped ship, breaking not only Marvel's heart, but mine as well. Well, I'm glad you're back, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm not expecting you to bail on me again.

Savage Wolverine #6 reteams the original Avenging team of Zeb Wells and Joe Mad in a story that feels like it was originally planned for the Spider-Man team up book. Elektra is after the Kingpin, and turns to Wolverine for assistance. Of course, there's more to this than meets the eye, and Logan is quickly embroiled in something far bigger than just "time to help Elektra kill someone".

Wells' script jumps around a lot, but you're never lost. In fact, I kind of liked how Wells kept the pace going, and if you're a fan of Joe Mad's art, you really get a lot of characters for your $4. This issue alone features Wolverine (in his brown and tan costume!), Elektra, Spider-Man, Captain America, Spider-Woman, Kingpin, and others. There's also some cool looking new baddies as well.

I really enjoyed this issue, but it definitely feels like something Marvel is publishing just to burn off Madureira's contract. The credits page features an Editor's Note informing us that this issue "takes place a while back, like in October", which explains why Spider-Man doesn't sound like Otto Octavius, but even with that note at the beginning the whole story seems off. It's pretty clear that Marvel's been waiting on Joe Mad to finish these pages up so they can put it out, and I worry about the following issues and how delayed those might be as well. Hopefully Madureira had plenty of time to finish these issues up, or at least get a head start on them.

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THE WAUGHBAG REPORT - Weekly noise from our Waugh!

Man of Steel (2013)
Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner
Directed By: Zack Snyder

There are some MINOR SPOILERS HERE.

I can safely say that this is nothing like Bryan Singer’s attempt to reboot the Man of Steel back in 2006. By crafting their own take on Superman, producers Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer, along with director Zack Snyder, have reinterpreted the boy scout into modern times, and ask the question “what if Superman arrived today, in the real world?”

Snyder’s natural gift for directing amazing action sequences is in full force here. From the opening scenes on Krypton to the flat out jaw dropping battles in Smallville and Metropolis, Man Of Steel stands as the director’s best film to date, and a return to form after the misstep that was Sucker Punch. You may think you have seen action in a superhero film before, but you’ve never seen it like this.

Henry Cavill, in my opinion, was phenomenal as Superman. Starting off as a drifter unsure of himself in this world, his depiction of Clark Kent becoming the man he is destined to be very affecting, and he really sells home the ideas of loneliness and questioning that the young Superman had to have felt at some point in his life. In many ways, Clark’s journey is the opposite of Bruce Wayne’s in Nolan’s Batman Begins; where Wayne is wandering with the end goal of avenging his parents’ death, Kent is trying to figure out where he fits in the world, always wondering if he should he reveal himself, or remain in hiding for the rest of his life?

Other extremely talented actors surround Cavill. Diane Lane’s Martha Kent is strong and fiercely protective of her son. Laurence Fishburne has a great role as Perry White, editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet, which is also where Amy Adams’ Lois Lane begins her investigation into the mysterious “Superman”. While I liked Adams in the role, there is a part of me that wishes her character was more like the comic book Lois, who’s not known for taking crap from anyone.

The standout supporting roles have to go to Clark’s two fathers: Jor-El and Jonathan Kent. Russell Crowe brings a sense of nobility to Jor-El, and his decision to send his only son away is extremely heartbreaking. His “ghost A.I.” that interacts with Superman later in the film was both cool to see, but also a little annoying, toeing the line with giving a little too much information to characters and appearing just in the nick of time (especially when he appears to Lois later on in the film to help her defeat Zod).

Kevin Costner’s Jonathan Kent, unlike Jor-El, isn’t in much of the film, but what he is in is fantastic. For some reason I’ve always loved the character of Pa Kent, and Costner definitely delivers in the scenes he’s in, offering guidance to his adoptive son, and trying to his best dealing with something far beyond his comprehension. The idea of two ordinary people having to guide a child who will become a god is something I find really intriguing, and Costner and Lane portray the frustration of having to shoulder this amazing responsibility really well. Their scenes with the young Clark are some of my favorites in the film, and also some of the most emotionally gripping too.

For our villains we have Michael Shannon as Zod, and his female sidekick Faora, played by Antje Traue. Both Shannon and Traue are fantastic in their roles. I especially liked Traue’s performance, which really sold the extremely cold nature that these surviving Kryptonians have towards humanity. Shannon’s Zod is intense and formidable, and his performance isn’t one of sheer villainy, but of a soldier who’s only trying to restore the people he swore to protect. His fanatical beliefs blind him to Superman's pleas for peace, and lead to a conflict that is literally Earth shaking.

If there’s one complaint I have about Man of Steel, it’s that the origin of Superman feels truncated. I didn’t feel as if there were enough scenes of the young Clark discovering his powers and learning how to control them. Then again, I can understand shortening this piece of the film since everyone and their mother is aware of Superman’s origin. The decision to tell a majority of his story in flashbacks was inspired, and I really enjoyed how they played with the now formulaic “origin story” movie, even if it seemed like Snyder was rushing some parts to get to the action.

Speaking of the action, my god. If you thought The Avengers was the be all, end all of superhero action sequences, then you haven’t seen anything yet. Man of Steel takes what Marvel gave us and cranks it up to 11. The sheer amount of destruction is insane, and gives a prime example of how powerful Superman really is. Critics of Superman Returns (including myself) who said they wanted Superman to punch something? You get it in this. And then some. Trains are thrown at our hero; Zod is punched through 5 buildings, and much, much, more. Sure the wanton destruction might make you wonder for a second if any innocent bystanders have been harmed, but then you see another incredible action sequence that throws you right back into the film.

There’s a shocking plot point towards the end of the film, one that is already causing a divide amongst Superman fans, including ones in the comics industry who have written him. I won’t spoil it here, but I will say that I think it works within the context of the film, and the fallout from it is incredible (not the mention that he has done this once before in comics). I hope the ramifications of it are dealt with in the sequel. We get a glimpse here, but I really think you could use it as a great inner conflict for Kent in the next film.

Man of Steel was everything I was hoping for action-wise, and while I wish there was a little more time put into the story, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t immensely enjoy this film. This is the film of the summer to beat, and a return to form for Superman on the big screen. The word “epic” is used a lot to describe things nowadays: from pizza to TV shows to clothes. But when it comes to Man of Steel, it’s the only way to accurately describe the action and scope of this film. While it's not perfect, I feel it's the best Superman film we've had since the iconic Richard Donner film from 1978. If Warner Bros. plays their cards right, Marvel Studios is going to have a lot of hefty competition in the future. With the origin now out of the way, I can't wait to see what they do for the sequel.

Verdict:
5 super-punches out of 5

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     What's new for comic book stuff on Wednesday?     
     Daledo's Comic Book Reviews     
     The Waughbag Report  

Always on the web
www.jetpackcomics.com 

WHERE’S THE JETPACK MEGASTORE?
Get the map here – http://www.jetpackcomics.com/images/jp_is_moving.jpg

Looking for Jetpack Exclusives? Please be sure to check out our STORE page for all the details on our policies and procedures!  Email us and we'll hook you up - info@jetpackcomics.com  

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** Sale Disclaimers!  Limit of 1 SALE purchase per person.  Buy 2 Get 1  item !  Mix and Match any merchandise in the store!  The least expensive is the free item. Does not apply to ANY Magic Cards, boxes of bulk discounted product (clix, etc), tournament entries or gift cards.  Does not apply to the items that Team Hoax Hunters will have for sale.