JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. SUICIDE SQUAD #2 by Joshua Williamson - Book Review

From the publisher: The first major event storyline of DC’s Rebirth era begins with a day Amanda Waller always knew would come: the Justice League discovers the existence of the Suicide Squad! This government-sponsored black-ops team of super-villains with bombs implanted in their brains is obviously a deal-breaker for Earth’s paragons of truth and justice! But you can bet the Waller and her Task Force X won’t go down without the fight to end all fights as this weekly series gets under way! 

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #2, by Joshua Williamson, picks up right where issue #1 left off: with the JL meeting the Squad. What follows in this issue is the classic super-team fight. Both as groups and indiviually, the heroes of the Justice League and the "heroes" of the Suicide Squad match up and battle. Interspersed with the fighting are little character bits, like Killer Croc mentioning a past with Aquaman that he doesn't remember, and Harley Quinn referring to a friendship with Wonder Woman.

Meanwhile, Maxwell Lord has formed his own group of villians, with the purpose of getting vengeance against Amanda Waller.

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad is gradually building, and Williamson is taking full advantage of having access to multiple heroes and villians. I highly recommend this fun and action-packed book. Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #2 is an entertaining read. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

Trinity #4 by Francis Manapul - Book Review

From the publisher: “BETTER TOGETHER” part four! The trio’s tribulations have turned the Black Mercy’s gift into a world of nightmares that give birth to a horror that can only be called the White Mercy. And what scares Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman could destroy the world!

Trinity #4 is the penultimate chapter in the Better Together storyline, by Francis Manapul. This time around, it is Wonder Woman's chance to revisit her youth, as she, Batman, and Superman visit Themyscira and meet the Amazons. Our heroes are challenged and face a series of trials; however, the men are not accepted and must move on. Meanwhile in the present, Lois and Jon confront Poison Ivy. Very little happens with this storyline in this issue, though.

I continue to enjoy Trinity. The character development is moving forward and the art is gorgeous. The interaction between Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman is very interesting, particularly since this is not the same Superman the other two have an established friendship with. As this series moves on, this should be the most intriguing aspect of the series. I look forward to seeing how the relationships develop, grow, and change.

I highly recommend Trinity #4 by Francis Manapul. Its a fun read and moves the story arc along well.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. SUICIDE SQUAD #1 by Joshua WIlliamson - Book Review

From the publisher: The first major event storyline of DC’s Rebirth era begins with a day Amanda Waller always knew would come: the Justice League discovers the existence of the Suicide Squad! This government-sponsored black-ops team of super-villains with bombs implanted in their brains is obviously a deal-breaker for Earth’s paragons of truth and justice! But you can bet that the Wall and her Task Force X won’t go down without the fight to end all fights as this weekly series gets underway! 

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #1, by Joshua Williamson, is a great opening shot in what promises to be a fun event series. What happens when you discover many of the villains you've put in prison are out and working together? That's the dilemma facing the JL.

The Suicide Squad is tasked by Amanda Waller to stop a crazy cult leader from causing an earthquake and killing thousands. In typical Squad fashion, things go a little sideways. Meanwhile, Batman informs the Justice League of the Squad's existence, and of his experience with Amanda Waller. Finally, with all of this going on, a mysterious figure has freed some very bad people from a very secure prison.

In this first issue, Williamson has done an excellent job of putting the pieces on the board and setting up the game. I'm anxious to see how the conflict between the two teams plays out, both physically and philosophically. I'm also curious to see just what the third party has in store, as well.

As the first major event of the Rebirth era, Justice League vs. Suicide Squad has a high bar to meet. Joshua Williamson's first issue has opened the series in fine fashion. I highly recommend this book, and series, to fans of the JL and Suicide Squad, and to fans of big event books.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

Weather - Bleech

Due to ice, freezing rain, snow, cold, wind, and terrible roads, all the ball games for this weekend were canceled. Next stop, January.

More Basketball

Cami's team finished the regular season undefeated, but it was a nail-biter. She continues to play good defense and scrap for the ball. She just missed getting a shot of at the end of a quarter. Next Saturday is the tournament, so we're hoping for the best.

Griffin's rec league team won pretty easily. He took two shots, but neither fell in for him. He is a defensive whirlwind and is becoming more and more aggressive. He spent some time guarding a classroom "rival" of his, and when that kid started getting physical and grabbing Griffin while Griffin was guarding him, G threw and elbow and pushed him away. The ref gave both boys a talking to, but the other kid came away with the foul.

Griffin's travel team won both games. Griffin had some steals and rebounds, and played good defense, but his best play was a deep three that was just past the buzzer.  He continues to improve each week.

Lexi's cheer continues, along with her basketball practices. Additionally, her choir performed their Christmas concert and she had a solo as a "snow surfer". She also looked beautiful and not at all like my little girl (this was the first time it hit me she was quickly growing up). Also, on Saturday, the 7th and 8th grade girls basketball teams worked at the local food pantry as part of the athletic program's service requirement. I'm very proud of who Lexi is and who she is becoming.

EVERAFTER: FROM THE PAGES OF FABLES #4 by Matthew Sturges and David Justus - Book Review

From the publisher: The situation on Alcatraz reaches a boiling point as Peter rushes to help Connor escape Paco’s brutal revenge. With their location now compromised and the Shadow Players set to enjoy the upper hand, Tanner and her crew go rogue and throw a fatal wrench in Winona’s plan. There’s no such thing as a smooth resurrection, but nobody saw this mess coming.

With Everafter #4, Sturges and Justus have got the story going full speed ahead. Connor and Peter confront the group responsible for stealing the Native American artifacts and discover a mass summoning of vengeful Native American spirits. Meanwhile, Feathertop continues to insist the Bo Peep eliminate the 12-year-old superpowered Fable, which she is very reluctant to do.

The action flies by in this issue, with Sturges and Justus doing a great job of telling an action packed story. With Connor on display this issue, we really got to see him in the thick of his job as a Player. Peter is great as the mentor, and provides support. However, my only complaint is that I would like even more character development. Fables was always character driven, and I hope that Everafter doesn't stray to far, even while keeping its Jason Bourne-type story.

With only one issue left in this arc, I'm very curious to see how Sturges and Justus bringing the various storylines together and create some resolution. I'm really enjoying this series and highly recommend it, particularly to fans of Fables and secret agent stories.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

The Basketball Update

Lexi continues to practice for her season, getting better every day. Additionally, the 7th grade boys team that she cheers for is currently undefeated and hasn't even been challenged, so that's fun as well.

Cami's team remains undefeated with a week to go in the regular season. She played another good game, getting some rebounds and playing defense. She also stole the ball on an inbounds play and took off on a fast break, just missing her shot. She is still having a good time.

Griffin's rec league season started this week, and his team won. He played tenacious defense and handled the ball well, too. He tied up several loose balls and got off a few shots (a small miracle because his league has 4-6th grades, and the older kids like to shoot). My favorite play was when he got a steal on the press, then turned and hit an 8 foot bank shot. It was a nice move.

Griffin's travel team games were a tale of two vastly different performances. They were blown out in the first game, and blew out the other team in the second. Griffin continues to be the defensive master and is very aggressive on the ball. He did get a couple of shots today (none fell), but his highlights came on defense. He created/caused numerous turnovers, and found himself on the floor after loose balls several times. He also fouled out in the second game, but it was due to his harassing his opponent and being aggressive trying to make steals.

More to come this week!