So, this is how I get my comics: my “local” comic shop is 80 miles away so I only go every 3 to 4 weeks to pick up my lovelies. I also get some comics from an online retailer once a month, so my reviews are always at least a month behind. December is just hard to get anything done in with the holidays, then in January I decided last minute to do the 30 Day Comic Book Challenge (posting every day is actually a lot more time consuming than what you see in the posts), and finally Episode 17 of the podcast kept me busy as well. This is all to excuse the VERY late, quick and dirty Pull List Review for my December 2011 comics, week 1.

Action Comics #4: I’m not sure how I feel about Brainiac being the first “supervillain” Superman faces in the DCnU. On one hand, it makes perfect sense, but on the other, this story has been done and redone over the years. And why is Superman wearing a white t-shirt in this issue? I have a white Superman t-shirt, so this look doesn’t appear “super” to me, although I like the idea that even Superman started out on a budget. And where does he get the shirts made? Could the t-shirt maker put 2 and 2 together? Oh the things Grant Morrison brings to mind! The Steel backup story was ok.

Animal Man #4: A couple fellow comic readers think I’m crazy for not liking this book as much as they do. It’s ok. It’s not great, but it’s not bad either. I’m just not excited to read it so why continue? I am, however, looking forward to reading issue 6 where we get the comic version of the movie that was referred to issue 1.

Avenging Spider-Man #2: Despite the fact that J. Jonah Jameson is a hoot and a half (though still a one-note character if this story is indicative), I don’t think I’ll stick around with this title. And starting with the Red Hulk in the first storyline? Kind of like starting out DC Universe Presents with a 5 issue Deadman story….

Defenders #1: I enjoyed some elements of this title, namely Dr. Strange, apparent Lothario, Iron Fist, comic lover, and Namor. What I didn’t care for was Silver Surfer (I have never cared for that character) and the ads at the bottom of the pages. If this is Marvel’s new ad campaign, count me as morally opposed.

Detective Comics #4: I read it. My last issue.

Hawk & Dove #4: I try, I really do, but this is such a stinker, and we all know by now that this title is cancelled come issue 8. Why is Deadman such a wuss in this comic, but somewhat badass in DC Universe Presents? Bad writing perhaps?

Huntress #3: The art team of Marcos To, John Dell, & Andrew Dalhouse are just doing a superb job on this comic. The story’s not bad, but familiar. Anxious to see if we’ll get a direct, Helena is an immigrant from Earth 2 part of the story, even though I can’t see how that would fit with what’s going on so far.

Irredeemable #32: I got this because of the Irredeemable/Incorruptible crossover that I kept waiting for when I was collecting both series. The crossover is tenuous at best, but we do get the secret origin of the Plutonian. It doesn’t appear that I’ve really missed anything by not reading this title since issue 25.

JLI #4: I like the art team’s work (Aaron Lopresti and Matt Ryan) on this, but the story, much like Animal Man, is so lackluster. I have already decided to drop this title after a few more issues.

Red Lanterns #4: Read it. Should have dropped it after #2. What a disappointment considering Peter Milligan is writing it.

Stormwatch #4: Again, I really like the art on this book, but the story seems like a bit of a mess, probably because  it feels like the middle chapter of something to me, like I came in 20 minutes late to a movie. I did like the visual of the new character that shows up at the end. And the Next Issue blurb promises a last page shocker next issue.

Swamp Thing #4: I kind of think of this as a companion book to Animal Man, but it’s so much better to me than AM. I’m really starting to like Alec Holland as a character, and when you throw Abby Arcane into the mix as an apparent antagonist (if the Green is to be believed), I think you’ve got an interesting story to tell.

Happy Groundhog Day! Hope that miserable rodent isn’t such a scaredy cat this year.