Lobo has always been a character that just was screwed up all over the place. This makes him on cool, unpredictable and incredibly un-PC and an interesting character to translate. Many old and young iterations have almost made their way to film but, like “Deadpool”, the rub lies in running the line. “Deadpool” currently has goodwill but taste is a fickle thing. That said, this newest story of our “dickhead on wheels” within a graphic novel volume is awesome simply in that it knows itself pretty well. The narrative of “Lobo – Vol. 1: Targets” is based in the idea of an assassin hunting assassins. While there inherently a “Blade Runner” nihilism running through the proceedings, Lobo’s “give a shit” attitude makes all the difference. The formulaic part of it is that he is sent to Earth which is in danger of being destroyed. Some of the best Lobo stories know that it needs not involve Earth since that is usually a fall back mechanism. This volume however does offers interaction with another DC character in Superman but it almost seems like stunt casting because his presence is not really needed. That said, it does offer a nice and fun dig at booth the Man Of Steel’s “do-good” naïveté but also his vanity and ego. At one point when Lobo grabs Supes’ shoulder, you see a great moment in the panel where Superman’s expression is like “how dare he!” Ultimately Lobo needs to get down to business which involves tracking down the last assassin who is the only other living connection to his species. There is an inherent backstory of how Lobo had to kill his own Emperor and by extension his daughter as they were “poisoning” his home planet through their psychic link. This daughter/princess is the final assassin. The sexual chemistry works but like the Queen of a hive, she just wants to mate to reproduce but then kill her betrothed to end the chain. This is the crux but Lobo is who he is. What is a nice addition in mixing up the formula is a group of Earthlings helpers hired by Lobo’s employer. They provide a nice distraction because, as a trio, they are a bald cowboy type, a hot tomboy girl in a cowboy hat and an urban girl who can hack as much as she can shovel quips back at Lobo. Of course, death is the name of it he game so Lobo’s resolution is fairly perceivable. Nonetheless most romps with Lobo are fun and this one is no exception.

A-

By Tim Wassberg

So, yeah, it's not like I was super into Lobo pre-reboot. My sole experience with the "main man" was from his appearance in the episode of the Justice League animated series when Superman "dies" and he tries to join the League and replace him. It doesn't matter that they all hate him and no one wants him there. Lobo's the best thing that ever happened to those basitches! Ummm...yeah. I got a couple laughs from it, but no real desire to find any comics that were centered around him.

But then I saw New 52 Lobo on NetGalley for request, and thought to myself "Why the Hell not try it out?" Maybe if this had been the old Lobo, who was something like DC's attempt at Deadpool from what I've heard, I might have been able to finish it. As it is, I've been reading this so long it was DNF time. I hated the art in this, the story has become assembly-line boringness and is no longer unique. They tried to shoehorn in a romance too, which I can't say I'm surprised about after the emo-boy makeover they gave him. It's a giant shit-heap and I starting skimming through at less than 50%. I can say this as someone who had no vested interest in this as a prior fan -- DC is seriously just trolling us now. Maybe they think that a sense of humor is a Marvel thing they're not allowed to have?

Because we all know serious is better DC, that no one can love a funny/humorous comic more...LOL I mean, that's why you're so much richer than Marvel, right? I say this as someone who actually does like DC more than Marvel (in terms of characters anyways), but if they keep going on this downhill slide they started with New 52, the characters aren't going to be worth jack-shit. Also, I'm expecting the movies to bomb. I hope they surprise me...but I doubt it. I'll be watching and waiting...

Thanks for nothing NetGalley, thanks for making me want to gouge out my eyeballs. And DC, I think we need a break from each other. I don't know if I can see you anymore, at least for awhile. And trust me, it's not me, it IS you!!!