JUSTICE LEAGUE # 23.2 LOBO Review

So it's finally here, the controversial issue featuring the emo-looking Lobo with the cover featuring the fan-favorite Lobo. So what gives?

"Deep in the dark corridors of space lives a black-hearted being of unimaginable power. He’s witnessed horrors beyond description and committed unparalleled evils. In all of history, no being has ever been capable of as much chaos and terror as this lone individual. This is the story of the man called Lobo. He’s coming. And he’s bringing all of hell with him."

Written by: Marguerite Bennett
Art by: Ben Oliver
Cover by: Aaron Kuder
Color/B&W: Color
Page Count: 32
U.S. Price: 3.99
On Sale Date: Sep 11 2013

In this issue we find out that there's two Lobos running around the galaxy. Don't be fooled by the cover as while we may be seeing the Main man himself in the cover, the interiors feature the "other" Lobo, the one that looks very, very emo-ish and the one that got bashed alot the moment DC decided to hype up the release.

Can't blame them though. Although I really did reserve judgment till the issue was released.

The approach of the LOBO one shot is to show readers how this Lobo operates, how he sees things and how he reacts to specific situations. Writer Marguerite Bennett plays those bits rather well. Move past the fact that this is supposed to be the 'real' Lobo.

If there's anything this new Lobo shows that's different is that he's devoid of compassion and remorseless in a bad kind of way. The old school Lobo was all of that and more but he showed kindness once in awhile; and I do mean once in a while. This one's just as cold as ice. Think of the film "The Transporter" except that Jason Statham placed Shu Qi back into the trunk of the car rather than letting her go pee.

And it's this kind of thing that kinda makes you not warm up to the guy. Sure he looks cool as hell (not digging the Twilight comparison, although I admit he does look like a child of a Goth dad and an emo mom.)Lobo was fun in a controlled violence kind of way and it's really not here with the New 52 version. What I'm seriously waiting for however is the impending meeting between the 'real' Lobo and the 'fake' Lobo on Earth. 

Oh and on a final note, if your looking for any ties for Forever Evil, there's none actually. DC just used the 'absence' of the Justice League as a time to explore other characters. That's really all there is to it. 

I'm still giving props to Marguerite Bennett and Ben Oliver for a surprising good issue they churned out but I still need more New 52 Lobo appearances to pass judgment because this alone cannot cut it. 

GRADE: -B

Spoilers for Young Justice Invasion S2E1 - Happy New Year

Here's a new segment on my blog - spoilers for the TV shows/ animated shows I am currently watching. This post/ review will focus on YOUNG JUSTICE now rebranded as Young Justice Invasion. Young Justice S2E1 is entitled "Happy New Year" and here are a few surprises from this TV show.

So here's what you missed:

- We catch the team in a capture mission. Miss Martian and Superboy face off against Clayface...

- It might seem like a standard mission but things are a bit different in the first few minutes. Heck Connor Kent aka Superboy is now wearing biker gloves to make him more bad-ass. Miss Martian now sports a shorter hair.

(Whatever they did, I'm liking the new animation. Everything in this new season looks effin' AWESOME!)

- Superboy gets a big time save thanks to the team's new Robin - Tim Drake...

When you first see him, you really have to assume that its still Dick Grayson but in a few minutes we find out that its Tim.

- This team also has Beast Boy and Blue Beetle in their roster...

At this point in the episode we also find out that it has been five years since the end of Young Justice S1E26 (Auld Acquaintances)...

That might be a big shock for you guys and gals but that certainly isn't the end of the shocks and twists. In the first few minutes we hear Superboy talking to Dick Grayson/ Robin. Turns out he's "graduated" already...

Mind you he's still the leader of the team and its still not being called Teen Titans. We meet Dick Grayson training with new member Lagoon Boy; who also happens to be Miss Martian's new boyfriend.

Sooo, what happened within the last five years? Last I checked, Supes and Megann ended Season 1 with a kiss. So why is she now hooking up with someone else? I guess, this is another thing that kinda keeps me hooked to these "kids shows".

Moving on, we get also get to see the main man himself, Lobo wreaking havoc in the UN headquarters...

He's hot on the heels of a delegate and gets quickly foiled by the team's Beta Team consisting of Wonder Girl...

... and Batgirl...

As cool as their first appearance in the new season, Lobo manages to get away with his bounty which is apparently a small alien operating the Chinese delegate.

Oh and this was an awesome moment - Cassie punching Lobo so hard that it sends shockwaves throughout the building.

Back in the Justice League watchtower, the leaguers discuss this new threat. We get to meet Adam Strange who debuts in the episode sans his trademark jetpack and laser gun...

Strange (a) tells his "origin" story (b) informs of an alien invasion (c) connects it to the missing sixteen hours six leaguers lost at the end of season 1 including Batman.

The original Batman and Son...

The covert team goes on and organizes their attack at different Krolotean strongholds. Dick goes and assigns Tim to lead the Gamma team which includes Lagoon Boy and Blue Beetle.

Upon hitting their target things go from bad to worse and the team was forced to battle the tiny aliens and save the hostages in the process. During this episode's fight scene, we get to see Tim bring out his now classic bo staff.

The team barely makes it out alive and witness the descent of the combined might of the Justice League together with their Titans team mates. The scene was reminiscent of the appearance of the league at the end of S1E1.



















Oh yeah. Now I'm currently setting up to watch the Young Justice S2E2 - Earthlings