So this week when I went to the local comic shoppe to fritter away my salary (ah, for the halcyon days when Canadian and US currency were at par) I learned that Blue Beetle was scheduled to get the axe. This was the last scrap of evidence that I needed to verify the fact that I am labouring under a curse at least as hideous as that of the average werewolf.

Here's the pattern: 1) I will find some neato series, or some kind soul like Rachelle or Dave will clue me in to one. 2) I'll read the trades and the back issues to get things in the proper context. 3) I'll put the book on my pull list and enjoy a couple of months of good reading. 4) The book will be cancelled.

Seriously, check out this list of books that I have had on my list over the last year or so:

Shadowpact: DOA
The All-New Atom: died a lingering death.
Legion of Super-Heroes (or whatever): on borrowed time.
Birds of Prey: I spend six months catching up and then it dies. Added to my list one month before it was cancelled.
Blue Beetle: on the chopping block. Added to my list two months ago.

You want to know why Manhunter didn't get cancelled? Sure, the fan support helped, but the real reason is that I hadn't gotten around to reading the back issues yet. If I ever do, Gord help you all.

If this were a comic book world then I'd theorize the existence of a Bizarro Johnathan - or possibly an overly-mischevious John-Mite - working at DC Comics and cancelling things based upon my approval. I'd have to hope that they didn't have enough pull to take down Action Comics or Green Lantern.

Dammit, I may have to stop reading Booster Gold.

NOT APPROVED

Note: Bizarro-face is hard. I need more practice at it.

Okay, I'm talking about a recent release again, because Shadowpact No. 16 was fantastic. *MINOR SPOILERS* The issue begins as a volcano is set off in the heart of Chicago by the evil Dr. Gotham, and let me tell you, I was biting my nails at the end of issue 15. The writing on this series has been top-notch for the entire run thusfar - lots of great suspense, fun action and believable banter. Most importantly, the Shadowpact are a great team! Nightmaster is an effective leader without being horrible and totalitarian, the characters work together, they have personalities without bickering constantly... it's such a refreshing read. Now, before you say anything, I know that I just described a couple of incarnations of the Justice League but the difference lies in the respective power levels of the two teams. Whereas the JLA can pretty much throw Superman's strength or Batman's brain or Green Lantern's ring at a problem and have a pretty good chance of success, the Shadowpact just aren't able to do that. Instead, they have plans and tactics and work together and crazy stuff like that. For instance (it's not a spoiler if it's on the cover) once the volcano starts up basically the first thing that they do is call in the Justice League. You're so smart, Jim Rook! Plus, they operate out of an interdimensional bar and the art looks real purty.