Scott's Take: Justice League Unlimited Vol. 1: Into the Inferno by Mark Waid, Jep Loeb, and Dan Mora (Illustrator)

 

Justice League Unlimited Vol. 1: Into the Inferno by Mark Waid, Jep Loeb, and Dan Mora (Illustrator),  and other artists, is the new Justice League title set after Absolute Power. I read this through partly through Hoopla and partly through the DC Infinite app. There has not been a new Justice League title in several years.

 

This new league has formed by including every hero in the DC Universe. There are a few prequels and spin offs not included in this main collection. Since Waller’s takeover new metas are appearing on Earth. Before this volume, Waller had robots that could steal superpowers from people. When the robots were destroyed, the stolen superpowers either went back to the original people or went to random new people across the planet. There is also a massive power vacuum in the universe after Darkseid’s suicide/ascension to become a separate universe.

 

In the here and now of this volume, it is all heroes on deck to stop the chaos that has been unleashed. Additionally, there is a terrorist organization calling itself Inferno is attacking the planet while the league has a traitor in their midst.

 

This is an action-packed epic with incredible art. It is a who’s who of heroes as there are more than twenty heroes used in this book. The key players are Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Red Tornado, and Mister Terrific. The cover has Captain Atom, Star Sapphire, and Black Lightning as main characters, but they have limited use in this first volume and are more important to other titles connected to this title. There are so many heroes that I think new readers might be a little confused. There is a lot of backstory and tie ins explained in this read.

 

The Inferno villains were interesting, but the reveal of their real identities was ruined by how this trade is collected. There is a variant cover before issue 5 which unveils all the identities before you find out in the story. In short, this is a global crisis story. I really enjoyed it. This is basically a big budget action movie in comic book form.

 

The adventure will continue in Volume 2 which does not have a title yet as it collects multiple issues and specials. There is also a crossover collection with World’s Finest coming out in November titled We Are Yesterday. Both books will include time travel elements as time has become broken because of the events over the last few years.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/45Z4Nss

 

 

I read part of this through the Hoopla App by way of the Dallas Public Library System and part through the DC Infinite app.

 

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2025

Scott's Take: Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor by Mark Waid and Bryan Hitch (Illustrator)

 

Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor by Mark Waid and Bryan Hitch (Illustrator), collects the 3 issue Black Label series which was delayed multiple times enough so that only the first issue is available on DC Infinite app so I read the collected trade through Hoopla via the Dallas Public Library System. This book sees Superman attempt to save Lex Luthor as his latest attempt to create something to kill Superman has backfired. So, Superman reluctantly agrees to try to save his life.

 

Written with numerous flashbacks to their time as teens in Smallville, those are interspersed with the present day attempts to save Lex’s life. There is a major twist in the middle that changes the book. The read is part moral quandary and part journey through the DC Universe.

 

This was a fun, if not very original read, since a lot of this has been done before. I think this read would be better for newer readers of Superman than long term fans. It is nice when writers remember to show the science side of Superman, but the opening scene I have seen done at least two other times. Batman not playing any role in this was a surprise. Lois also has a minimal presence.

 

The art by Bryan Hitch was his typically great splash pages with average regular pages. Some of his faces he has used before. In numerous cases, he used the same expression on the same character in the last series I read by him for things here. It has been a few years and he has not made any improvement as an artist. You would think that with this book taking several years between issues there would be improvement as an artist, but there is not any.

 

 

The ending was cliched, but did set up an intriguing sequel. However, mostly likely there will be no follow up since one has not been announced. I don’t think they embraced the aspect of being a black label book except for some body horror and city devastation later in the book.

 

Overall, this is a fun Superman story even if one has read a lot of Superman and seen most of these elements done before.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4nGOmcx  

 

As noted, I read this material through the Hoopla App by way of the Dallas Public Library System. 

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2025

Scott's Take: Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 7: Total Eclipso by Mark Waid, Adrián Gutiérrez (Illustrator), and Fran Galán (Artist)

 

Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 7: Total Eclipso by Mark Waid, Adrián Gutiérrez (Illustrator), and Fran Galán (Artist) comes out August 5^th. I read this early through the DC Infinite App. This volume collects Superman/Batman: World’s Finest #31-34 and Green Lantern/Green Arrow: World’s Finest Special #1. All these stories, except for the last one, feature Superman (Clark), Batman, and Robin (Dick). All volumes are standalone and can be read in any order. They are all set in the past of the DC Universe.

 

In the main arc, Eclipso has taken over the Earth and infected Batman, Superman, and most of the League, and has made them evil, among other things. Luckly for Earth, Robin is still uninfected and he teams up with the uninfected members Justice Society. This means it is it up to the legendary members of the old guard and the kid to defeat Eclipso and his new Minions as darkness engulfs the planet.

 

The last three issues are totally different.

 

In the first of the last three, Krypto recruits Batgirl, Ace (the Bat-hound), and Jimmy Olsen to rescue the Superman, Batman, and Robin.

 

The second issue is Batman, Superman, Robin teaming up with Aquaman to stop a plague in the ocean. Luckly, they have a friend that can help. Lori the mermaid (Superman’s girlfriend and that means, yes, Superman hooked up with a mermaid) is attempting to keep the peace between rival factions as the plague ravages the underwater cities.

 

 

In the last issue, Green Arrow and Green Lantern team up against Deathstroke as the assassin attacks them during a road trip across the country. Long ago those two had a series where they did a road trip across America and this is set during that trip.

 

Featuring plenty of action, fun art, and spectacle, this is a light hearted romp through the DC Universe. These were fun reads. I think the one with Krypto was my favorite, but all of them were excellent.

 

This series will crossover with the Justice League Unlimited series which will be collected in the trade, We Are Yesterday. I have only read the first two issues of Justice League Unlimited by I have enjoyed what I have read. Bring on the time travel shenanigans.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/451DRI6

 

As noted, my reading was done through the DC Infinite App.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2025

Scott's Take: Absolute Power by Mark Waid (Author), Dan Mora (Illustrator)

Absolute Power by Mark Waid (Author), Dan Mora (Illustrator) is the latest big event in the DC Universe. I read this in the DC infinite app since the trade is not out yet. I have only read some of the tie ins because I am on the lower tier subscription so they have not unlocked all of them yet. For some reason, someone at DC thought it would be a good idea to only allow people to read some of the tie ins and just wait for the rest even though the main series is over.

 

In this action-packed event, the heroes of the world are depowered by a Trinity of Evil composed of Failsafe (evil Batman robot), Brainaic Queen, and Amanda Waller. This book takes storylines from Batman, Superman, Titans, Green Arrow and more to make this event. The world is turned against them as the civilian population falls for fake footage showing the heroes massacring civilians across the world. Because of the fake footage some heroes, such as Animal Man and his young daughter, are outright attacked by angry mobs.

 

Around the same time, the heroes are also attacked by numerous Amazos (robots who have power stealing abilities) that take their powers away from them. Despite the wide variety of powers in the DC universe, the Amazos can copy everyone, including the Spectre who is powered by the wrath of God. (I know that makes little sense, but just go with it.) The surviving heroes including a critically injured Superman retreat to the Fortress of Solitude to plan their next move. Things only go worse from there for the heroes.

 

This is a good story for people who like action sequences and pretty art. It’s rushed since a lot of the important bits are done in the tie ins between issues. A lot of the tie in stuff I read made me feel that the material was important enough to include in the main title.

The heroes become a resistance movement against Waller. There is a ton of heroes involved in this tale. Some heroes get the shaft because there is pretty much everyone in it.

 

Also, this is a nitpick, but how Wonder Woman’s team is attacked in the main series vs her own tie in series is depicted differently. There are major differences. I liked both action scenes for different reasons, but they are different and the battles are different. For example, in the main series Wonder Woman team is watching the tv while Waller rants vs in her tie in, everyone is playing cards together. Obviously, her team loses in both, so the main takeaway is they got their butts kicked. But this continuity problem is not just in the setup, but the actual fights as well.

 

Absolute Power has huge ramifications for the DC universe as things are not the same afterwards.

 

This book helps set up the ongoing DC All In relaunch as the Justice League finally returns in their own storyline. The first issues are out now for that with the trade to follow later this year. The DC universe is going “all in” with every major book being relaunched with a new status quo and a fresh start. All books are supposed to be new reader friendly. One of the biggest affected is the main Superman title.

 

Currently, The DC Infinite app is giving the first issues of each relaunch early to all subscribers. Several new series spin out from Absolute Power by Mark Waid (Author), Dan Mora (Illustrator) besides the Justice League one, are a new Black Lightning title, Justice Society title, and a new Question title. I have enjoyed several of these new reads as well. The DC Universe is significantly shaken up with these new parameters and every writer involved is finding new venues to explore and entertain.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/49UU8Rf

 

As noted, I read this material, before the scheduled February release, by way of the DC Unlimited app.  

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2025

Scott's Take: Shazam Vol 1: Meet The Captain! by Mark Waid, illustrator Dan Mora

Shazam Vol 1: Meet The Captain! by Mark Waid, illustrator Dan Mora, is a good one. These two are some of the best in the business, so you know it is going to be a good read. It certainly is in all aspects.

 

Billy and Mary have had several miniseries over the years, but this is an actual full series. Billy is now calling his superhero persona, The Captain. He has had a number of superhero names such as Shazam, Captain Marvel, Captain Thunder, and others, but now is going with The Captain.  Mary has a new set of goddesses powering her superhero persona. Billy has taken the Rock of Eternity (a magical place that looks like a rock) into his chest. Yes, there is a rock inside his chest now.

 

So, the gods who power Billy have decided to try to take over his mind. They sort of succeed, which is causing him to act in unpredictable ways. They want a bigger representation on Earth, so that they are not forgotten. They intend to use Billy’s body for themselves. Having a rock in his chest is one of the milder things in this weird DC universe where there are talking gorillas, dinosaurs from outer space, and more.

 

Billy is the main lead. The supporting cast for the most part is underutilized because there is just too many of them now. His family is also too big now for a real focus on them. Mary has some pretty great moments and there is some character work done with Freddie, but the rest play minor roles. Personally, I prefer Mary over Billy as the main character, but she is busy in other books so her role here is important but minor. There is also Tawny, the talking tiger, who is taking care of the kids while the adults are away.

 

The read ends with the first part of a Knight Terror tie in. Instead of reading the story here, one is expected to go find the Knight Terror issue separately. That does not really work as Billy is not important in the Knight Terror issues. Black Adam (who is only featured at the end of this read) and Mary are the main characters in those stories, so they really don’t tie in. Unless you like those characters, you can safely skip the Knight Terror deal here.

 

The art is great. Dan Mora remains one of the best artists in comics. There will be a second volume, but that currently has no title and no release date. Waid will be the writer for part of it while Josie Campell who previously wrote The New Champion of Shazam which I reviewed here will be significantly involved. She is a great writer, so I still have high expectations even if I will miss Waid.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3W9srOd

 

My print reading copy came from the Fretz Park Branch of the Dallas Public Library System. 

 

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2024 

Scott's Take: Fantastic Four: The Ultimate Collection Book One by Mark Waid and Mike Weiringo

Fantastic Four: The Ultimate Collection Book One by Mark Waid and Mike Weiringo is a book about what makes the Fantastic Four different than other superhero teams.  A PR expert is brought in to help figure why the Fantastic Four are losing popularity. Another storyline features Sue Storm and her plan to make Johnny grow up. Additionally, the Fantastic Four must face off with giant bugs, a living mathematical equation, and deal with other strange events.

 

This is a fun collection with a cartoony art style. This is a good starting place for new readers of the Fantastic Four. This is an old book reissued and recollected here multiple older issues of the Fantastic Four.

 

Additionally, a very old Avengers tale that was the first time Mark Waid and Mike Weiringo worked together. The Avengers tale is completely irrelevant and not connected at all.

 

Overall, I enjoyed this Fantastic Four collection. There are three more in my reading pile from the same creative team.

 

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3SM06vE

 

My reading copy came by way of the Hoopla App and the Dallas Public Library System.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2024

Scott's Take: Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 2: Strange Visitor by Mark Waid

Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 2: Strange Visitor by Mark Waid is a read where the duo team up to rescue Robin in a  time travel adventure. Then a child from another Earth lands on the prime DC Earth and the child has strange powers. Superman decides to take the child in. The Key and Joker team up to cause chaos in Gotham. This action packed second volume also guest stars Supergirl and the original Teen Titans team and follows Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 1: The Devil Nezha.

 

It’s always nice to see a villain like The Key return as it has been years since I have read anything including him. Joker is terrifying and Supergirl as well as the Teen Titans are proper heroes. This is a fun read with great art. Some of the covers are some of the best I have seen all year.  Readers are also warned that there is a lengthy torture scene involving the Joker.

 

There is a twist at the end that many new readers will not understand why this is so important. I did not see this coming. This volume sets up the third volume which is currently untitled and a separate series about the original Teen Titans which includes the same creative team.

 

 

My reading copy came by way of the Hoopla App via The Dallas Public Library System.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2023

Scott's Take: Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 1: The Devil Nezha by Mark Waid

Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 1: The Devil Nezha by Mark Waid. This volume is about a team up between Superman, Batman, and Robin (Dick Grayson), way back in the past as they attempt to stop the Devil Nezha. This is a new villain created here that has now been involved in two crossover event titles.

 

It starts off with Robin and Batman attempting to stop an attack on Metropolis by Poison Ivy and Metallo. Unfortunately, Superman chooses to join in the fight. But, it is a trap for him. Metallo injects a chemical concoction of Kryptonite into his heart causing Superman to suffer serious health effects. Batman is forced to call upon the Doom Patrol who are experts in horrific transformations to help. Supergirl also comes to assist.

The art by Dan Mora in the book is incredible the writing by Mark Waid is excellent. It’s fun to see how different the earlier versions of the characters are when compared to the modern-day versions of these characters. This volume actually made me enjoy the Doom Patrol characters which I have never been a fan. Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 1: The Devil Nezha also sets up an event crossover Batman vs Robin.

 

This series is continued in a second volume that is currently untitled.  and this volume sets up an event crossover Batman vs Robin.

 

My reading copy came via the Hoopla App through the Dallas Public Library System.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2023

Scott's Take: Dr. Strange Surgeon Supreme Volume 1: Under The Knife by Mark Waid and Illustrator Kevin Walker

Dr. Strange Surgeon Supreme Volume 1: Under The Knife by Mark Waid and Illustrator Kevin Walker is the latest relaunch featuring Doctor Strange. Ever since the movie came out, Marvel keeps relaunching this series with a new premise and a new supporting cast. Over the years since the movie, Doctor Strange has gone through a lot by way of the various versions. He lost his magic, relearned his magic, went to space, became a veterinarian, had a ghost dog, and more. This is the first volume in a planned two volume series. I have enjoyed most of the previous series, but the constant change in direction and supporting casts is annoying.

 

In this read, Dr. Strange again has use of his hands and can again be a surgeon. He gained that ability by making a deal with a demon. He did that so that he could save the life of a child. To regain his ability, Dr. Strange agreed to do whatever is requested of him by the demon at some future point.  One hopes that will not entail going down to Georgia and fighting the devil for a golden fiddle.

In the here and now, Dr. Strange is trying to balance the job of being an actual operating room surgeon with his ongoing job as the Sorcerer Supreme. This means he is frequently forced to choose which lives to save as he tries to balance two very different and demanding jobs. If that's not hard enough, there is a crossover link here with the series, Strange Academy by Skottie Young, where Strange is running a school that is like Hogwarts. Then there is the problem that somebody is giving bad guys magical weapons that could destroy reality. It should be clear that Dr. Strange has way too much on his plate.

 

While he is attempting to deal with all these jobs someone is arming people with magical weapons that could destroy reality. Doctor Druid returns and his working at the same hospital as Dr. Strange. Dr Druid is a former avenger who died came back as supervillain and now claims to have given up magic now. Can Dr. Strange trust his former ally who recently went evil?

 

Featuring plenty of high stakes, magic, and spectacular art keeps the reader entertained as Dr. Strange attempts to keep his jobs separate. There is also plenty of humor with Dr. Strange trying to interact with regular people. This is a good book for people who are fans of Dr. Strange and are looking for his latest fresh start.

 

  

Dr. Strange Surgeon Supreme Volume 1: Under The Knife

Mark Waid

http://www.markwaid.com/

Illustrator Kevin Walker

https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Kev_Walker

Marvel Comics

https://www.marvel.com/comics/collection/77610/dr_strange_surgeon_supreme_vol_1_under_the_knife_trade_paperback

December 2020

ISBN: 978-1-302-92105-7

Paperback (also available in eBook format)

136 Pages 

 

 

My reading copy came from the Timberglen Branch of the Dallas Public Library System. 

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2021

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Superman: Birthright by Mark Waid

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Superman: Birthright by Mark Waid: Reviewed by Ambrea Superman fights for truth and justice—but why?  What drives a farmboy from Kansas to become one of the mighties...