Three-Sentence Howl: cenTrale #2

All-Star Superman #8

Writer: Grant Morrison

Pencils: Frank Quitely

Morrison continues to deliver a sci-fi strangeness that magnificently emphasizes the curiosity that is Superman. I mean, while we're used to an alien being representing what is best in humanity, it's not exactly standard storybook fare. My hat is off, then, to Morrison for reminding us of this fact.

Ranking: Snake-eyes 'cause this issue just isn't quite as good as some of the earlier ones (I have to maintain something that approaches consistency, right?).

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #53

Writer: Tad Williams

Pencils: Shawn McManus

They can keep their incongruous cover art. They can choke on it too. See if I care.

Ranking: Joe Camel (and if anyone wants a Starscream for this one...I swear to God I will go at any time, place of your choosing, over this one.)

Birds of Prey #107

Writer: Gail Simone

Pencils: Nicola Scott

Honestly, this arc has been a kind of fun romp through the fringes of the current DC-verse. That said, word is Simone leaves after next issue. If Tad takes over I might have to self-immolate or just boycott DC altogether...maybe both.

Ranking: Snake-eyes with a hope and a prayer that my reading options won't take a further turn for the worse.

Brave & the Bold #4

Writer: Mark Waid

Pencils: George Perez

Neither terribly exciting nor terribly bad, this particular comic is more of a diversion than anything else. Admittedly, that is all, I believe, it was ever intended to be. Therefore I won't judge it harshly as of yet.

Ranking: Gimli as it is enjoyable enough, but possibly not worth picking up on a consistent basis.

Detective Comics #834

Writer: Paul Dini

Pencils: Don Kramer

First time I've come across a multi-part story and it ain't bad. It isn't exactly fantastic, but it ain't bad either. Nice to see the Joker again in actual panels.

Ranking: Snake-eyes as this is probably the best single issue of any major “cape” in DC in the near and far future.