M.J.Laird

Batman’s origin centres around one core element, the loss of family. In Detective Comics #33, we see Batman’s origin story for the first time. In it, we see Bruce’s father and mother shot dead by a lone mugger. This leaves young Bruce alone, but also encourages him to swear by the spirits of his parents to avenge their deaths by spending the rest of his life warring on all criminals. Batman’s…

ML: What got you into writing comics? LM: I’ve always been surrounded by comics, always read comics since I was little , and I kind of grew up just making comics myself anyway. So, you know, you sort of say to kids, ‘go and occupy yourself, do a picture or go and play with something’. I’d always end up being shooed off, and I’d say ‘Oh! I’m going to make a comic about this!’ and ‘Oh, yes that’s…

A member of Intergang tries to kill Lex Luthor, which Clark manages to intervene. Jose reveals to Lois that he is undergoing treatment but can’t fully walk. Red herring. Superman, as Gangbuster, goes after the assassin. Superman is much more brutal as Gangbuster, he’s a lot more comfortable using his fists. Some teases that it’s Superman, such as an officer commenting that he thought ‘Only…

Rampage story where Dr Moyer attempts to use Kitty Faulkner’s transformation to destroy someone’s political career. Superman is furious about this, even threatening Moyer. The cold, shadowy and aggressive way Superman approaches Moyer reflects Superman’s current mind set. The inking and colouring are incredibly tense and menacing.

Superman’s childhood nightmare about the death of his teacher, and his internalised fear and guilt about killing General Zod in the alternative timeline. It’s a very human moment for Clark, it’s clearly still affecting him in a way that very few writers now would take into account. That an ending moment in someone else’s run becomes the defining mood on the next run. People are starting to…

“You have indeed learned well the ways of mortals, Superman. Though you are stronger by far, you think as a mortal man thinks, err as a mortal man errs. You are even capable of killing… Yes, we see it in your soul. Still, there is much good in you. You are the champion of mortals. By your deeds, you inspire them to greatness… Few gifts are greater then this. And you have yet to achieve the…

Brainiac returns, still trying to use Milton Fine’s body. We see a great deal of how unappreciated Jimmy Olsen feels, and how low Cat Grant feels. Superman shutting himself away and trying to hide so much anger for his actions in the alternative timeline is extremely well handled. The final line from the paramedic about how Superman should have killed Brainiac adds an extra Layer to the…

A strange send up to Jack Kirby with the Newsboy Legion, and elements of Apokalypse. First reintroduction of Jim Harper, The Guardian??

A fantastic end to Byrne’s run. Supergirl’s ‘death’ is revealed to Superman, the sad truth that Lana died many years ago and Supergirl is an artificial being who believes they are Lana. This does explain how Lex was able to give her powers and how he uploaded information. Byrne ends his run by getting to destroy the Earth, having Lex die as a hero, General Zod takes over the planet, is killed…

Supergirl finally reveals themselves to Superman. The story connects back to the Past Imperfect story with the Legion of Super Heroes. The alternative timeline does kind of explain where this Supergirl comes from, but I thought they were Matrix? Maybe I’m wrong? The connection to Lex Luthor is interesting especially if this is the Supergirl who later dates Lex II.

Small side story showing Jaco’s first trip to Earth. Builds up his thoughts on humans. Feels a little drawn out in the middle. Unsure when this is supposed to have happened. Jaco states to be following a ship, but Tights is around? Okay for a 1 off read.

3 short chapters that are clearly written by a fan, for fans. The central joke is how useless Yamcha is, especially in Dragon Ball Z. The concept of a super fan using their existing knowledge to get Yamcha further does sound like something a Dragon Ball fan would do. The Choutzu twist was a little weak and could have been used and foreshadowed better. The Beerus twist is funny and very in…

First two chapters set up what Keaton does. He teaches, takes on insurance jobs, is prone to taking things he can use later. They seem like one off chapters but might come into play later? Deep love of archaeology. Third chapter is a lot more personal, we learn that Keaton has a daughter, he’s divorced and met his wife at Oxford. He’s fairly relaxed which catches people off guard. Unsure where…

Chapter 4 is easily the most memorable and was probably made because people responded well to the horror and danger shown in the first chapter. Anzu plot feels very realistic getting a part time job but being scared that school will punish her. Clear origin of the Anzu/Yami/Yugi love triangle. Chapter 5 is relatively weak and very creepy. Granted the fake psychic is using his abilities for…

Clear evolution in Takahashi, his art is very rough in the first chapter. This can especially be seen with Anzu’s face. It’s like he’s still figuring out what style he should go with. Despite the rough art style, Takahashi makes excellent use of shadow. For a horror-esq series, it works extremely well, though very surprising for a Shonen Jump Series. It is very clear in the first chapter that…

Interesting reaction to Superman arriving in the future. The futuristic Smallville is a fantastic contrast. Creatures taking the form of Luthor. The idea that both the concept of Superman and Luthor need to continue. How is Jimmy still alive? BRAINIAC!!??