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The DC Comics Reboot – or the DC relaunch , orThe New 52 , or whatever you require to call it – is credibly the biggest affair to happen to comic Book sinceCrisis On Infinite Earthsnearly 26 year ago . Not just in term of switch the canonical status quo , but also in terms of the way comic book are deal .
Every DC Comics book from here on out will be digitally distributed “ day and date . ” This means that on the same day single consequence pip the shelves of your local comic store , they ’ll also be available to read digitally on your iPad , your iPhone , your Android , and so forth . In a world where photographic print is break down , the economy is drying up , and comic Word sale are laughable , this is a big pot — at least as far as comic Christian Bible are concerned .
Courtesy ofHero Complex , The New 52 is already on its way to dominating the comic book market portion in September - a rarefied feat for DC in the past , uhm , four decennary -with six books that have preorders over 100,000 . A petty context for you – it has not been uncommon for total month to go by in 2011 where not a single DC book has reached 100k in sales . Six in a single calendar month , you say ? Well , bless my soul !
you’re able to click any of the link below to skip to a particular week of the guide :
For visual aid , Check out all 52 covers on one poster , via the DCU Source Blog :
get through TO ENLARGE
Furthermore , Justice League – technically an August al-Qur’an – has trade out with preorders ofover 200,000units , which would make it the well - selling comic book of 2011 so far ( by far ) . Whatever your thought are about The New 52 , it ’s obvious that DC ’s gamble has paid off … at least in the short - term . Only sentence will tell if those number adhere around , or if digital sales ( which are unbelievable to be uncommitted for public perusal ) can deliver the industry as we know it . Spoiler Alert : Yes , they can … they just ca n’t save comic book stores .
ascertain out The DC New 52 trailer below :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APFZSH7NJKM
For superhero film fans looking to acquire any miniscule amount of information as to what forthcoming DC Comics film adaptations might entail – fromMan of SteeltoWonder WomantoThe FlashtoJustice League – the New 52 is the place to start up , which is why we ’ve created this encompassing guide to help you navigate all 52 Modern titles , fromAction Comicson down toWonder Woman . After all , 52 comics is a lot of comics .
We will also rate the worthiness of each " New 52 " rubric harmonize to the criteria outlined below . monition : These military rank are just my opinions and recommendation as a longtime laughable lover . The final decisiveness , of course , will be up to each reader to decide for his / herself :
Covers : Click any of the comic natural covering in our guide to fit out a larger rendering of the artwork .
Launch Day & Week 1 of DC ’s New 52 …
DC COMICS REBOOT GUIDE: THE NEW 52
Launch Day: Wednesday, August 31st, 2011
DoJ League#1 ( BUY )
Written by : Geoff Johns , Art by : Jim Lee and Scott Williams
Synopsis :
“ Comics superstars Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make account ! In a universe where superheroes are foreign and new , Batman has expose a drab evil that requires him to unite the World Greatest Heroes ! ”
Jim Lee and Geoff Johns – two of the bountiful name in comics – are attempting to returnJustice Leagueto its mega - blockbuster position after years of being in comic book purgatory . While Johns has latterly live some fan backlash due to spreading his creative thinking too thin , he ’s way more hit ( Green Lantern : Rebirth , Sinestro Corps War , JSA,52,Booster Gold , Action Comics , andSuperman : Secret Origin ) than he is miss ( Flash : Rebirth , War of the Green Lanterns , andBrightest Day ) . And Jim Lee – well , you either like him or you do n’t .
disregarding , this book is aMUSTBUYif you desire to have any approximation as to what ’s bechance in the new reboot DCU . The first arc take position more or less “ five years ago , ” when superheroes like Superman , Wonder Woman , Green Lantern , Aquaman , The Flash , and Cyborg were just lead off to seem . Batman , on the other hand , has been operating as a masked vigilante for years .
DespiteDetective Comicsbeing DC ’s “ official ” flagship statute title andAction Comics“officially ” being the cornerstone of the DCU , Justice League , for all intent and purposes , is both at the same sentence .
P.S. That “ dark wickedness ” that the above solicit pertain to?(SPOILER ALERT!)It ’s Darkseid .
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Week One: Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
Action Comics#1 ( BUY )
Written by : Grant Morrison , Art by : Rags Morales and Rick Bryant
“ The one and only Grant Morrison ( ALL - STAR SUPERMAN ) returns to Superman , joined by sensational creative person Rags Morales ( IDENTITY CRISIS ) , to land you narrative of The Man of Steel unlike any you ’ve ever read ! This redundant - sized first appearance issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe ! "
Two words : Grant Morrison . That ’s all the data necessary to know this book is worthy of prompt leverage . Even though Morrison already wrote the definitive Superman taradiddle in the anatomy ofAll - Star Superman , this is his chance to save the Man of Steel in his formative age , when he was less tasteful and more aggressive ( much like he originally was in 1938 ) .
The artist on the book , Rags Morales , is probably best make out for drawing Brian Meltzer’sIdentity Crisis . candidly , I incur his art to be hit and lose , but everything we ’ve see so far of hisAction Comicswork looks top - notch .
The book will ab initio take position “ six geezerhood ago , ” which is about a year before Batman organize the Justice League . For fans wondering why Superman ’s costume is indite of a T - shirt , jeans , dress shoes , and tiny cape , it ’s because Morrison is design to show us how Clark Kent get to look like the military man of tomorrow we know and love . Also , that baby - sized cape wasactually intend to be used by a baby – it ’s literally the security mantle he was found with when his Kryptonian ship crash - bring near Smallville , Kansas .
Detective Comics#1 ( EH )
write by : Tony Daniel , Art by : Tony Daniel and Ryan Winn
“ DC ’s flagship form of address is relaunched for the first time ever , with new Batman adventures from acclaimed writer/ creative person Tony S. Daniel ! A killer foretell The Gotham Ripper is on the loose on Batman ’s home plate sod – lead The Dark Knight on a deathly game of true cat and mouse . ”
I ’ve read enough of Tony Daniel ’s previousBatmanrun to know that I do n’t have much interest group in hisDetective Comics -especially since Daniel referred to it as “ hard-core ” Batman . hard-core anything normally spells creative doom , in my experience . However , from what I ’ve seen of the previews and covers , his art is respectable than it ever has been , which makes it somewhat more worthy .
But even that beautiful art – and the statement fromThe Flashartist / atomic number 27 - writer Francis Manapul that the first exit has “ in all likelihood the greatest cliffhanger [ he ’s ] ever read ” – is n’t enough to put this in my steal pile . possibly if I find out good things , I ’ll blame it up . Maybe .
Green Arrow # 1(DO NOT BUY )
write by : J.T. Krul , artistic creation by : Dan Jurgens and George Perez
“ Green Arrow is on the hunt . ram by interior devil , Ollie Queen travel the world and bring felon to justice … by breaking every law . Now , fortify with cutting - edge implements of war and illegally gained intel ( good manners of his squad at QCore ) , Green Arrow is pullulate first and asking question later . ”
J.T. Krul is creditworthy for write one of the most infamously atrocious comic books of the retiring decade – Justice League : The Rise of Arsenal – vituperate and savagely bemock on the net for its screaming portrayal of drug addiction and stagnant Arabian tea hallucinations .
So for me , this is an automaticDO NOT grease one’s palms . Which is a shame , considering the art – drawn by Dan Jurgens and inked by George Perez – front pretty good . Also , I ’m not much of aGreen Arrowfan to begin with , so changing his costume to look more like that of theGreen Arrowfrom CW’sSmallvillejust is n’t enough to reel me in .
Batgirl # 1(BUY )
Written by : Gail Simone , artwork by : Adrian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes
“ Yes , it ’s really happening ! Barbara Gordon is back as Batgirl – and she ’s going to have to present the city ’s most appal new villain as well as the dark secret from her yesteryear . You wo n’t want to overleap this arresting introduction issue from fan - favorite shuttlecock OF PREY writer Gail Simone ! ”
There ’s been a stack of controversy about this book of account , principally because Barbara Gordon – who has been paralyzed from the waist down since Alan Moore’sThe Killing Joke – is take back to the use of Batgirl after a 22 - year Erolia minutilla as Oracle . The naysayers ’ argument : ' Oracle was a better , more interesting grapheme than Batgirleverwas . what is more , why take away one of the few reference that disabled people can name with ? '
Fans of the regress argue : ' But is n’t this a universe where time travel , cybernetics , magic , and the corresponding are prosaic ? Why have n’t the wizard scientist of the DCU developed a cure for paraplegia at this full point ? moreover , Batgirl is a far more valuable place than Oracle ( in terms of $ $ $ ) , as the latter is mostly unknown to the general public . '
Regardless , Gail Simone is an first-class writer with an excellent handle on the character , so I ’ll be getting this volume on day one . Still , it ’s undeniably strange that Gotham City will now havetworedheaded Bat women ( Batgirl and , uh , Batwoman ) of similar age , work around performing essentially the same function .
Oh well ! dear is good , regardless of how redundant it is .
Animal Man#1 ( BUY )
write by : Jeff Lemire , Art by : Travel Foreman and Dan Green
“ Buddy Baker has gone from ‘ super ’ humankind to home man – but is he strong enough to adjudge his kin together when Maxine , his young daughter , start to manifest her own dangerous exponent ? happen out in this striking novel series from writer Jeff Lemire ( SWEET TOOTH ) and creative person Travel Foreman ( The Immortal Iron Fist ) . ”
TheAnimal Manbook from the former ' 90s – written by Grant Morrison – redefined the character , the literary genre , and cemented Morrison ’s legendary status in the annals of laughable book history .
Much like thePlanet of the ApesBroadway show on that one episode ofThe Simpsons , that account book had everything : slap-up family interactions , majuscule traditional superhero adventure , and one of the weirdest , most metafictional laughable Scripture tripsever . EveryAnimal Manbook since then has paled in comparison .
Now , I do n’t have a bun in the oven Jeff Lemire’sAnimal Manto surpass or even tally the impressiveness of Morrison ’s run , but I do have a bun in the oven it to be one of the salutary books in The New 52 . The art is befittingly creepy and the buzz is really strong . essentially , if you ’re a rooter of Animal Man , superheroes , and/or horror - come to story , this volume is for you .
Justice League International#1 ( EH )
write by : Dan Jurgens , Art by : Aaron Lopresti and Matt Ryan
“ With the grow presence of first-rate beings around the humankind , the United Nations resolves to create a new group call in Justice League International . Batman , Booster Gold , Green Lantern Guy Gardner , August General in Iron , Fire , Ice , Vixen and Rocket Red are charged with promote unity and trust – but can they reach that goal without killing each other first ? ”
The originalJustice League Internationalby Keith Giffen , J.M. Dematteis , and Kevin McGuire , is one of my all - time favorite funnies , thanks to its combination of superheroics and situation comedy humor – as are the espouse - upsFormerly Known As the Justice LeagueandCan’t Believe It ’s Not the Justice League . But this book ? This book seems to beJLIin name only .
Yeah , sure , the characters are there – plus Plastic Man , which is really very cool – but none of the original creators are involved and Booster Gold is suddenly Canadian for some ground .
Look , I care Dan Jurgens . As an artist , he ’s one of the few reliable workhorses in the industry ( too big he ’s not actually drawingJLI ) . And he ’s not a bad writer , either – he did a lot of majuscule work in the ' 90s , and his recent campaign onBooster Goldwasn’t unsound .
retentive tale short , I do n’t ask this book to be atrocious , but I ’ll be really surprised if it ’s not a shell of its former self .
DC New 52 Week 1 ( pt . 2 ) ….
Week One(Part 2): Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
Swamp Thing#1 ( BUY )
compose by : Scott Snyder , Art by : Yanick Paquette
“ One of the creation ’s most iconic reference has returned to the heart of the DC Universe , and every step he occupy will judder the foundations of the Earth ! Alec Holland has his lifespan back … but the Green has design for it . A monstrous evil is jump in the desert , and it ’ll take a lusus naturae of another kind to defend life sentence as we sleep together it ! ”
Beautiful graphics by Yanick Paquette + ( probably ) beautiful writing by Scott Snyder = corrupt , bribe , buy .
Swamp Thingwas one of the most creative and innovational comics of the 1980s , thanks primarily to Alan Moore ’s acclaimed work on the serial . Alas , the character has been badly underutilized for a very , very long clip – not to mention absent from the DCU – so it ’ll be interesting to see this squad attempt to return him to his former glory .
For fans worried that Paquette is too slow to draw monthly Word , let alone really detailed , leafage - related monthly books – you ’re right . He is . His speed , or lack thereof , was at least partially responsible forBatman Inc. ’s tragic derailment . gratefully , there will be understudy artistic creation teams for every arc , and the awing Francesco Francavilla is on deck .
Long narration scant , BUY .
Stormwatch#1 ( BUY )
write by : Paul Cornell , Art by : Miguel Sepulveda
“ They are Stormwatch , a dangerous topnotch human law force whose beingness is kept hole-and-corner from the world Directly following the threatening event of SUPERMAN # 1 , Adam One lead half the Stormwatch team to recoup the [ INFORMATION REDACTED ] from abstruse in the Himalayas . Meanwhile , Jack Hawksmoor and the rest of the Stormwatch gang look to recruit two of the deadliest tops humans on the planet : Midnighter and Apollo ! And if they say no ? Perhaps the Martian Manhunter can commute their minds … ”
Sure , it ’s unearthly as blaze to see Martian Manhunter on this book rather ofJustice League . Sure , Midnighter ’s chin - spike is the strangest design choice since Invisible Woman ’s 4 - shaped cleavage hole or Thor ’s unembellished middle . All that away , this is written by Paul Cornell ( Captain Britain and MI-13 , the Black Ring plot line fromAction Comics ) , so it deserves to be in your buy pile .
Plus , the art in this picture preview ( viaBleeding Cool ) is truly a thing to behold :
O.M.A.C.#1 ( EH )
spell by : Dan Didio and Keith Giffen , Art by : Keith Giffen and Scott Koblish
“ The all - assure Brother Eye satellite has unleashed a new savage upon the DC Universe in this smashing Modern serial ! Kevin Kho has become an unwilling player in a warfare between Checkmate and Brother Eye as he is transform into the One Machine Army Corp known only as O.M.A.C. ! ”
It must be skillful being Dan Didio . Basically , the bozo just engage himself to at times write comic books , regardless of how poorly they betray . For example , he lately wrote the universally - dislikedOutsidersbook until it was canceled due to not making money . For any other writer in the world , that might intend the close of his / her funny book writing life history - or at least less chance to write comics . Not so for Dan Didio ! Dan Didio just tells Dan Didio not to sudate the small clobber and charter himself again , disregardless – this time onO.M.A.C.
On the upper side , Keith Griffen ( Lobo , JLI , Annihilation ) is co - writing and drawing the book , and the artistry looks like an excellent throwback to Jack Kirby in hisNew Godsperiod . So maybe it ’s not a total loss ? Regardless , I suggest waiting for the critical consensus / word - of - mouth before depleting your bank explanation .
Batwing#1 ( EH )
write by : Judd Winick , Art by : Ben Oliver
“ Africa , a land of beauty – and of great horror . A realm of creation and conflict . It is in desperate motivation of a withstander , and from the ranks of Batman Incorporated descend a soldier to persuade on the legacy of The Dark Knight in the most tumultuous neighborhood on Earth . Meet Batwing , the Batman of Africa ! ( compose by Judd Winick , pull in by Ben Oliver . ) ”
On the one hand , I wish the idea of a black member of the Bat - Family getting his own book for the first sentence ever . On the other hand –Judd Winick . Hah , just chaff , Winick ! You were on my second favoriteReal existence , so you ’re o.k. in my book . RememberPuck ? Remember how softheaded that guy was ? Pretty darn crazy , even byReal Worldstandards .
Anyway – the truth is , despite his seemingly boundless detractors , Winick has occasionally produced some very solid comic Word work . Part one of hisBatman : Under the Hoodarc was well - written and highly entertaining ( thanks , in no little part , to Doug Mahnke ’s flawless prowess ) . Likewise , with the helper of industry veteran Keith Giffen , Winick did a pretty expert chore onJustice League : Generation Lost . The point being , Batwing , too , could fall into the “ solid and/or entertaining ” class .
Personally , the preview pages do n’t yell “ buy ” to me , so I ’ll be hold off to hear what masses are saying about it before I put my money down . I boost you to do the same .
Men of War#1 ( EH )
write by : Ivan Brandon , artistry by : Tom Derenick
“ On the ground and on the front lines , a young , headstrong soldier know as Joe Rock assumes the control of Easy Company – a grizzled squad of old-hat - military men turned contractors . Will they survive the struggle - scarred landscape painting carve by the DCU ’s Super - Villains ? Find out in this explosive new series from Ivan Brandon ( Viking ) and Tom Derenick ( JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA ) ! ”
What is this ? What am I looking at here ? Someone recall it was a good idea to take a Graeco-Roman World War II book and make it look likeCall of Duty : Modern Warfare ?
Honestly , I ca n’t distinguish if this was a really dumb originative decision or a really fresh business conclusion . For whatever reason , comic books based on popular videogames – likeMass Effect , Assassin ’s Creed , and , well , Modern Warfare – lean to make bank in ways that your distinctive superhero comic books do not . And frankly , the more I think about it , the more interested I am in seeing Sergeant Rock – the Nick Fury of the DC Universe before Nick Fury was even a thing – as a modern badass .
Still , money is precious these twenty-four hour period , so I ’ll be waiting for the word - of - mouth before I buy .
Static Shock#1 ( BUY )
Written by : John Ruzum and Scott McDaniel , Art by : Scott McDaniel
“ The brilliant , slimly uneasy high school student Virgil Hawkins transmute into the cocky electromagnetic Cuban sandwich Static ! A mysterious catastrophe forces the Hawkins kinfolk to relocate from Dakota to New York City ! Virgil embarks upon new adventure in a new high school and a new internship at S.T.A.R. Labs ! As Static , he wear a newfangled uniform and build a newfangled secret HQ ! But is he quick to take on the newfangled villains who lurk in New York City ’s underworld ? ”
Static , created by the dear - departed Dwayne McDuffie , is one of the few semi - successful raw superheroes of the last twenty years , thanks in part to the excellentKids ’ WB!animated series from the mid-1990s .
Now , after years of being own by DC , they ’re lastly integrate the quality into the DCU in a significant path . I ’m cautiously optimistic about the al-Qur’an – the writer , John Rozum , was good friends with McDuffie , and the art seems to hearken back to the said animated serial . digit crossed .
Hawk and Dove#1 ( DO NOT BUY )
Written by : Sterling Gates , nontextual matter by : Rob Liefeld
“ Hank Hall is not glad . He ’s not well-chosen to have Dawn Granger as a raw partner in his war on offense . He ’s not glad that she ’s dating the ghostly Super Hero , Deadman . He ’s not well-chosen to check that someone is trying to dump the United States into a new civil war ! Now it ’s up to Hawk and Dove to root out the force-out behind this engagement and cease them before they turn the U.S. into a wasteland ! [ … ] And who is the monster lurking in the shadows , observe Hawk and Dove from afar ? Find out in this unexampled serial from Sterling Gates ( FLASHPOINT : KID FLASH LOST ) and artist Rob Liefeld ( X - Force , Youngblood ) ! ”
It ’s hard to remember at this point , but there was a time in the ' 90s when comic book companies actuallyencouragedtheir artist to line in the style of Robert Liefeld . Those day are farsighted , long go now , but Liefeld ’s artistic creation still manage to sell Book .
Hey , maybe you ’re a fan of the guy ! Maybe you ’re one of those hoi polloi who keeps buying his books ! If you are , then you ’re probably going to buy this book as well , and good for you . If not , then you have to ask yourself – is Sterling Gates a good enough author to make up for the fact that Liefeld ca n’t draw hand , foot , background , or superheroes that do n’t look like they ’re in constant , jaw - clench agony ?
I pass into the “ No one is that undecomposed at writing ” category , but to each his / her own .
Week 2 of DC ’s New 52 …
Week Two: September 14th, 2011
Mr. Terrific#1
compose by : Eric Wallace , Art by : Gianluca Gugliotta
“ The world ’s third - smartest man – and one of its most eligible unmarried man – use his brains and fists against science gone unbalanced in this new series from Eric Wallace ( TITANS ) and Gianluca Gugliotta ! [ … ] Michael Holt is the head of a successful high - technical school corp and an institute that recruits and encourages the fine minds of the next contemporaries to surpass . As Mister Terrific he dwell a world of astonishment few others know subsist , let alone can comprehend . ”
I ’m a big proponent of Mr. Terrific as a part . Really I am ! Alas , I have n’t love anything written by Eric Wallace or drawn by Gianluca Gugliotta , so I wo n’t be picking this up straight away . I genuinely hope that it ends up being great , though , at which point I will grease one’s palms it .
Superboy#1 ( EH )
Written by : Scott Lobdell , Art by : RB Silva and Rob Lean
“ They imagine he was just an experimentation – and a failed one at that ! Grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA , the Clone was no more than a set of data point to the scientists of Project N.O.W.H.E.R.E. But when the scope of his stunning powers was break , he became a venomous weapon ! Now the question is : Can a clone grow a conscience ? ”
Superboy is a graphic symbol that seems , as a effect of The New 52 , to have been half - booted – a full term I just made up , but you’re able to use it around your friend if you want to reckon cool . essentially , half - boot means that certain thing that happened to the pre - reboot Superboyalsohappened to post - reboot Superboy , and certain matter did not . A sort of cherry - foot persistence , if you will .
Like Lobdell’sTeen TitansandRed Hood and the Outlaws(further down the list ) , this book just looks manifestly weird , to the point that I ’m seriously interested in see what decisive and consumer consensus is the Clarence Day that it ’s released - but nowhere well-nigh to the point that I ’m willing to pay money for it beforehand .
Batman and Robin#1 ( BUY )
write by : Peter J. Tomasi , artistry by : Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray
Solicitation :
“ combat immorality with his son , Damian , at his side , Batman now realizes that the hardest part of the job may be trying to work together ! As Batman and Robin essay to adapt to their unexampled partnership , a trope go forth from Bruce Wayne ’s past : His name is NoBody , and he ’s not happy that Batman Incorporated is shining a light on his own shadowy warfare against wickedness … ”
Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason did systematically excellent piece of work together in their two - yr tenure onGreen Lantern Corps . Were they anywhere close as fantabulous on their more recent streamlet ofBatman and Robin ? No . No , they were not . regrettably that run , while reasonably entertaining , was delayed , short - lived , and ultimately disappointing .
But Pete and Pat deserve a second probability ! Especially since Bruce Wayne is back under the hood in Gotham City , now that Dick Grayson has revert to his role as Nightwing . Basically , this will be the first book to thoroughly search Bruce and Damian ’s burgeon sire / son human relationship since Grant Morrison’sBatman and Son , which is reason enough to call this book a steal , in my opinion .
Batwoman#1 ( BUY )
save by : J.H. Williams and W. Haden Blackman , graphics by : J.H. Williams
“ At last ! Batwoman ’s new series begins , from the multiple award - winning creative team of J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman ! [ … ] In “ Hydrology , ” part 1 of 5 , Batwoman faces lethal fresh challenge in her war against Gotham City ’s underworld – and new trials in her personal life as Kate Kane . [ … ] Who or what is stealing children from the barrio , and for what vile purpose ? Will Kate take her cousin , Bette Kane ( a.k.a . Flamebird ) , as her brother ? How will she handle unsettling Revelation about her father , Colonel Jacob Kane ? And why is a sure governing agency suddenly convey an interest in her ? ”
Much like “ Grant Morrison composition ” is all you demand to know to buyAction Comics # 1 , “ J.H. Williams drawing ” is really all you require love to buyBatwoman – the highly - anticipated follow - up to Greg Rucka and Williams ’ award - winning run onDetective Comics .
It ’s unconvincing that either Williams – or W. Haden Blackman , for that matter – will be able to match Rucka ’s smart , unostentatious writing style , but the substantial star of this series will no doubt be Williams ’ chillingly beautiful art work . grease one’s palms the hell out of this book , if only for the artistic creation and the character .
Green Lantern#1 ( BUY )
Written by : Geoff Johns , Art by : Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy
“ The red - live GREEN LANTERN team of writer Geoff Johns and creative person Doug Mahnke usher in an unexpected unexampled Lantern . ”
FYI : This is perhaps the only book that seems whole unchanged as a result of the reboot .
I care Geoff Johns . I bang Green Lantern . For the farseeing meter , I bed Geoff Johns ’ course onGreen Lantern . But recently – sinceBrightest Day , essentially – the book has been about different colored Lanterns getting possessed by different - colored cosmic goliath ( rinse , repeat ) . The only thing keeping it afloat , if I ’m being honest , has been Doug Mahnke ’s always - true art .
Anyway , the ground I say all this is because Sinestro of late became a Green Lantern again and it was the most interesting thing to happen to the bookin a very foresighted time . Green Lantern # 1will see Sinestro come to terms with his newfound good while Hal Jordan come to terms with his transportation from the Corps . Plus , Doug Mahnke ’s superb artwork ! It ’s still here ! Hurrah !
So for me , it ’s aBUY , but I would n’t begrudge you if you ’ve had enough .
Red Lanterns#1 ( EH )
write by : Peter Milligan , Art by : Ed Benes
“ Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps return in their own series , battle against injustice in the most bloody ways imaginable ! ”
I guess this book is going to be some form of extreme , violent version of theGreen Lantern Corpsbook – perhaps DC ’s response to Marvel’sThunderbolts , even – with all manner of payback and retribution and what have you as subject material . This book could , in fact , be downright excellent , as Peter Milligan is an excellent writer . Excellent writer engender excellent book ? It ’s occur before !
But the problem is , I ’ve never really liked the Red Lanterns . I reckon they ’re fine as far as secondary villain types go , but I would ’ve much preferred to see a Sinestro Corps book instead . As it is , I envision page after page of Atrocitus – the leader of the Red Lanterns – spit blood and call at everybody about his terrible thirst for vengeance . We get it , Atrocitus ! You need vengeance!Everyone know you want vengeance !
Add to that the fact that Ed Benes is a poor human race ’s Jim Lee and this ledger just does not warrant prompt purchase . Still , keep an eye on the decisive response , as it ’s very possible Milligan ’s committal to writing could elevate this matter to a mustBUY .
Frankenstein , Agent of S.H.A.D.E.#1 ( BUY )
Written by : Jeff Lemire , prowess by : Alberto Ponticelli
“ It ’s Frankenstein as you ’ve never find out him before , in a saturnine new series from acclaimed author Jeff Lemire ( SWEET TOOTH ) and artist Alberto Ponticelli ( UNKNOWN SOLDIER ) ! Frankenstein is part of a internet of unusual beings who work for an even stranger government organization : The Super Human Advanced Defense Executive ! But can he protect the world from threats even more atrocious than himself ? And since he ’s vilified for who and what he is , will he even desire to take on this mission ? ”
Grant Morrison ’s version of the Frankenstein monster – as created in his classicSeven Soldiers of Victory – has been one of the most underutilized character in DC ’s armoury since his first appearance some six years ago . So you could imagine my excitement upon reading that a book sport Frankfront and centerwould be amongst The New 52 .
Jeff Lemire , with his freaky composition sensibilities , is absolutely suitable to pen this comedian , this character , and this box of the DCU . And while my favorite Frankenstein artist will always be Doug Mahnke , Alberto Ponticelli will do in a pinch , I guess .
Lemire is on the record as saying he wants to turn S.H.A.D.E. into the bragging spy agency of the DCU – not unlike S.H.I.E.L.D. in the Marvel Universe , though presumably with more of a supernatural slant . This does n’t amount as much of a surprise ; even the title is a Riffian on thoseNick Fury : Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.books from the sixties and eighties .
The only misgivings I have aboutFrankenstein : Agent of S.H.A.D.E.are that the same team – Lemire and Ponticelli – merely did an “ okay ” job on their late FrankensteinFlashpointmini . Ultimately , though , I ’m willing to chalk that up to the impermanent , alternate timeline nature of that rule book .
Week 2 part 2 …
Week Two (Part 2): September 14th, 2011
Resurrection Man#1 ( BUY )
indite by : Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning , Art by : Fernando Dagnino
“ It ’s the return of Mitch Shelly – and he ’s still beat . Resurrection Man ca n’t appease drained for farseeing , though – and with each spiritual rebirth fall new and unexpected powers . But his many returns have not gone unnoticed , and force are gathering to con what ’s so peculiar about him – and to see which of them will finally stop Resurrection Man dead . ”
Though I ’m not all that familiar with Resurrection Man ’s original record from the late ' ninety , I am intimate with the great writing squad of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning – theirGuardians of the Galaxywas one of the more enjoyable books to come out ofAnnihilation : Conquest . ( It was so enjoyable , in fact , that Marvel is consideringadapting it to the silver screen . )
Really , that ’s all the information I need to know that this al-Qur’an deserves my money . It ’s just icing on the cake that the construct ’s pretty great , too .
Demon Knights#1 ( BUY )
write by : Paul Cornell , Art by : Diogenes Neves and Oclair Albert
“ Set in the Dark Ages of the DC Universe , a barbaric horde is massing to crush civilisation . It ’s fall to Madame Xanadu and Jason Blood , the man with a monster inside him , to stand in their way – though the demon Etrigan has no interest group in protecting anyone or anything other than himself ! It ’ll take more than their own power to stop an army fuel by bloodlust and sinister black magic , and some very surprising heroes – and villains – will have no choice but to join the fray ! ”
By which I think : I ’m going to buy this when it comes out .
Grifter#1 ( BUY )
pen by : Nathan Edmondson , Art by : Cafu
“ The DCU ’s most wanted man wizard in his own series !
Cole Cash is a magic grifter few can resist . And yet he ’s about to be branded a serial killer whale when he get hunt and exterminating inhuman animate being obliterate in human form – creatures only he can see ! Can the bragging sweet talker of all prison term talk his way out of this one when even his brother thinks he ’s kick the bucket over the edge ? ”
I ’m happy to see Grifter being properly mix into the DCU with The New 52 . In the right hands , he could be insanely popular . His “ costume intention ” is marvelous ( and fabulously low - key ) , he has hired gun – at least two - at all times and he ’s a wizardly anti - hero type . ( So basically , he ’s Wolverine meet The Punisher come across Han Solo . ) what is more , the cover for this book is one of the best of The New 52 , in my lowly ruling .
The writer , Nathan Edmondson , is probably best known forWho Is Jake Ellis ? , a democratic , well - reviewed undercover agent book from Image Comics . And the creative person , Cafu – if that is his real name – showed the world how well he could draw with Nick Spencer ’s superbThunder agent .
So , for me , this is a definiteBUY . It could very well terminate up being entirely underwhelming , but there ’s enough up - and - coming talent here that I ’m willing to give it a endeavour .
Deathstroke#1 ( BUY )
compose by : Kyle Higgins , Art by : Joe Bennett and Art Thibert
“ ’ Friends die , household disappoints , but a bequest … That lives forever and a day . ’ Slade Wilson is the best mercenary in the DCU , and he ’s been doing this a retentive time . Some might say too long . But they ’ll learn : Never wrick your back on Deathstroke the Terminator . He wo n’t step down , no matter how gamey the stake . Kyle Higgins ( BATMAN : GATES OF GOTHAM ) and Joe Bennett ( TEEN TITANS ) squad up to bring you the finest in mayhem and gore . ”
I generally like Deathstroke . In the right hands , he can be a really efficacious baddie or an anti - paladin . In the ill-timed handwriting , he ’s an vexing Mary Sue . I ’m a gravid sports fan of Joe Bennett ’s art on this , too , especially the image of Deathstroke cutting off a J. Jonah Jameson lookalike ’s straits ( flick to enlarge ):
Perhaps it ’s immature of me toBUYthis book base alone upon the over - the - top violence as see in the above picture . So be it .
self-destruction Squad#1 ( DO NOT BUY )
Written by : Adam Glass , Art by : Marco Rudy
“ They ’re a squad of death - quarrel super baddie recruited by the government to take on charge so serious – they ’re gauzy suicide ! Harley Quinn ! Deadshot ! King Shark ! defeat and imprisoned , they ’re being interrogated about their deputation – and about who ’s pulling the strings behind this illegal operation . Who will be the first to break through under the pressure ? ”
A juggalo Harley Quinn . Enough enjoin .
Legion Lost#1 ( BUY )
write by : Fabien Nicieza , prowess by : Pete Woods
“ Seven submarine sandwich from the 31st century have move around back to the present Clarence Day . Their mission : lay aside their future from annihilation . But when the future tech they bring with them fail , they find themselves trapped in a nightmarish world that , for them , is the ultimate battle to survive ! Do n’t miss the start of this all - new LEGION series illustrated by Pete Woods – fresh off his spectacular run on ACTION COMICS – who is unite by writer Fabian Nicieza ( RED Old World robin ) ! ”
This actually looks more interesting to me than the otherLegionbook , mostly because there seems to be a construct other than just , you know – Legion .
Fabian Nicieza’sRed Robinwas one of the sleeper bang of 2009 - 2010 , so I ’m happy to see him vex work again at DC . Because he so dutifully provided me with entertaining account vis - à - visRed Robin , I ’ll be providing him with my dollar bills in Leslie Townes Hope that the hertz begins anew .
workweek 3 DC ’s New 52 …
Week Three: September 21st, 2011
Wonder Woman#1 ( BUY )
Written by : Brian Azzarello , artwork by : Cliff Chiang
“ The Gods take the air among us . To them , our lives are plaything . Only one woman would dare to protect humanity from the wrath of such strange and knock-down force . But is she one of us – or one of them ? ”
Three things , in my sentiment , make this Word of God like a shot suitable of must purchase condition : First , it ’s written by Brian Azzarello ( 100 Bullets , Flashpoint – Batman : Knights of Vengeance ) . secondly , the art , by Cliff Chiang ( Human Target ) , looks exquisitely weird . And third , it ’s a repugnance funny Scripture – asterisk Wonder Woman .
Frankly , this is the first time I ’ve been concerned in the fictitious character since Greg Rucka left her book back in 2005 .
chieftain Atom#1 ( DO NOT BUY )
Written by : J.T. Krul , Art by : Freddie Williams II
“ Charged by nuclear energy , possessing immense molecular ability , Captain Atom has the electric potential to be a actual Supreme Being among men – a sub without limit . But the question is : Will he lose himself in the process ? Do n’t miss the start of a caption from writer J.T. Krul ( GREEN ARROW , TEEN TITANS ) and artist Freddie Williams II ( JSA ALL - STARS ) ! ”
Why will I be jump this ? See : Green Arrow , J.T. Krul , and dead Caterpillar hallucination .
DC Universe Presents#1 ( EH )
Written by : Paul Jenkins , Art by : Bernard Chang
“ It ’s the start of a new series spotlighting some of the DC Universes ’s most exciting super heroes ! First up is Deadman , straight from the page of BRIGHTEST DAY , in a five - issue epic where the consistency - hop-skip hero meets his match in a newfangled enemy who wants to make certain the soul that Deadman helps out go straight to Hell ! ”
Paul Jenkins is a solid writer . Bernard Chang is a solid artist . And Deadman is – well , he ’s pretty cool , too , I guess . I just do n’t know if he ’s cool enough to tolerate his own rule book without a really all - star writer to bear out him . I ’m interested in hear where this serial publication goes once other DC characters become the focal point , but I ’m not nearly as interested in return number one .
Supergirl#1 ( DO NOT grease one’s palms )
Written by : Michael Green and Mike Johnson , Art by : Mahmud Asrar
“ Meet Supergirl . She ’s get the irregular behavior of a teenager , the same powers as Superman – and none of his affection for the mass of Earth . So do n’t piss her off ! ”
dreary , but I ’m altogether uninterested in the , like , 12th version of Supergirl as a character . Or , if not as a character , then as a character with her own comic Quran that cost $ 2.99 or more .
I stick with Bryan Wood ’s excellentSupergirlpre - reboot footrace because I ’m a fan of Bryan Wood , which is why it pained the hell out of me to hear that DC did n’t want him post - reboot . They rejected his pitch – he has since move onto Marvel andWolverine – and gave the Scripture to Michael Green and Mike Johnson , a couple of hidden writers who wrote some obscureBatman / Supermancomics .
Admittedly , I ’ve never read anything they ’ve authored , so they could very well be the next James Joyce and William Faulkner , for all I know . Nevertheless , this book ’s hustle NOT BUYuntil I discover otherwise . So long , Bryan Wood – we hardly know ye .
Batman#1 ( BUY )
Written by : Scott Snyder , Art by : Greg Capullo and Jonathon Glapion
“ Be here for the start of a new epoch for The Dark Knight from writer Scott Snyder ( AMERICAN VAMPIRE , BATMAN : GATES OF GOTHAM ) and creative person Greg Capullo ( Spawn ) ! A serial of brutish violent death hints at an ancient cabal , and Batman study that Gotham City is deadlier than he knew . ”
Everything about this rule book screamsBUYto me . Scott Snyder is hot off his critically - acclaimed and all - around excellent trial onDetective Comics , and Greg Capullo ’s art look good than ever – kinetic , industrious , and sport , with a speck ofBatman : The Animated Seriesaesthetic throw in for good criterion .
Basically , this book looks like one of the more exciting titles of the integral reboot .
Nightwing#1 ( BUY )
Written by : Kyle Higgins , Art by : Eddy Barrows and JP Mayer
“ Dick Grayson flies high once more as Nightwing in a fresh series from hot new author Kyle Higgins ( BATMAN : gate OF GOTHAM ) ! And as he cover his fate , Haley ’s Circus , the braggart top where Dick once performed , returns to Gotham City – bringing with it execution , mystery and superhuman immorality . Nightwing must face his past tense , among former champion and enemy from his circus twenty-four hour period , while uncovering a much greater evil ! ”
Just in terms of artwork , this Word of God looks downright excellent . I ’m less sold on the author , Kyle Higgins , who has written very few comical record book - the best of which was co - written by Scott Snyder .
Furthermore , why is Nightwing being limn as Batman Jr. ? Why is he all edgy and dark and furious - look ? Grant Morrison collar the theatrical role last year in his sixteen - issue run onBatman and Robin , where he posited that Dick Grayson is interesting precisely because he’snotlike Bruce Wayne . Dick is friendly ! He ’s personable ! He ’s magic and funny and kind ! He ’s the bozo you require to pay heed out with , not the bozo who scares the living daylights out of you just bybeing .
reservation aside , the outline – murder ! mystery story ! the supernatural ! et cetera ! – sounds tempt enough . Oh , what the heck ! I suppose I ’m willing to give this thing a chance come the 21st .
Catwoman#1 ( EH )
Written by : Judd Winick , Art by : Guillem March
“ Meet Catwoman . She ’s addicted to the night . addict to shiny object . Addicted to Batman . Most of all , Catwoman is hook to peril . She ca n’t help herself , and the truth is – she does n’t require to . She ’s good at being speculative , and very risky at being good . Find out more about what makes Catwoman ticking in this new series from author Judd Winick ( BATMAN : UNDER THE HOOD ) and artist Guillem March ( GOTHAM CITY SIRENS ) ! ”
This book seems less interested in order awesome story than it is in making Catwoman expect sexy . And hey ! There ’s Judd Winick again ! Trying to make Catwoman search all aphrodisiac !
Listen , I ’m all in favour of Catwoman returning to her condition as anot evilvillainess ( which basically means she has a moral sense , just not when it comes to stealing things from fat citizenry ) . It certainly suit her well than her last two roles as a loth anti - hero and an wanting mother .
Alas , this book feels more securely situated in the sexploitation genre than any other book in The New 52 . I opine that could be a proper merchandising head for a heavy belt of fans , but it does n’t do much to remove the stigma that superhero comic script cater to infantile jejune man - boy .
Sexploitation or no , Guillem March is doing a fine job on the art . I ’m happy to see that his timber work onGotham City Sirens – which also featured Catwoman – is garnering him more work at DC .
Week 3 Part 2 …
Week 3 (Part 2): September 14th, 2011
snort of Prey#1 ( DO NOT BUY )
Written by : Duane Swierczynski , artwork by : Jesus Saiz
“ One is wanted for a slaying she did n’t commit . The other is on the run because she jazz too much . They are Dinah Laurel Lance and Ev Crawford – a.k.a . Black Canary and Starling – and together , as Gotham City ’s covert ops team , they ’re taking down the villains other hoagie ca n’t refer . But now they ’ve attracted the aid of a grizzled newspaper publisher newsperson who wants to expose them , as well as a creepy , chameleon - like smasher squad that ’s out to kill them . Do n’t miss the start of this intemperately - stumble new serial from secret novelist / comedian author Duane Swierczynski ( Expiration Date , Cable ) . ”
Sorry , but I ’m totally uninterested inBirds of Preysans Gail Simone . Duane Swierczynski is n’t a bad writer – although hisCableseries was windy and insistent beyond inclusion – but now that the Holy Scripture has lost arguably its main fictitious character ( Barbara Gordon ) and its creator and heart ( Simone ) , there is n’t much left to count forward to .
Red Hood and the Outlaws#1 ( EH )
write by : Scott Lobdell , Art by : Kenneth Rocafort
“ No earlier has Batman ’s former brother , Jason Todd , put his past times as the Red Hood behind him than he finds himself cornered by a pair of New day outlaws : Green Arrow ’s turn down crony Arsenal , the damage soldier of luck , and the alien Starfire , a former captive of intergalactic warfare who wo n’t be chained again . As a lone hand , Jason has absolutely no stake in this multi-coloured crew of outlaws . So what ’s he going to do when they select the Red Hood as their loss leader ? recover out in this hot Modern series from author Scott Lobdell ( WILDC.A.T.S , Uncanny X - man ) , featuring art by rising genius Kenneth Rocafort ( ACTION COMICS ) ! ”
Let ’s go under aside for a moment the fact that Red Hood ( Jason Todd ) is the only actual outlaw in this group of so - called outlaws . Why in the earth would Jason , the second Robin – A.K.A. the Robin who sucked so bad that readers vote to have the Joker beat him to death – be leading a group made up of Arsenal and Starfire ? They ’re older than he is , they ’re more experienced , they ’re probably more skilled , and they , like everyone else in the DC Universe , have never like the cat .
Nevertheless , I ca n’t help but be intrigued by this outlandish - look book . Like Scott Lobdell ’s other title in The New 52 – Teen TitansandSuperboy – this affair look so unearthly , ridiculous , and over - the - top , I ’m tempted to buy it out of sheer curiosity . tempt , mind you , not positive .
Green Lantern Corps#1 ( BUY )
Written by : Peter J. Tomasi , Art by : Fernando Pasarin and Scott Hanna
“ When venomous conflict emerge across the cosmos , it ’s up to Guy Gardner , John Stewart and an elite Green Lantern smasher force out to keep the peace – or else . ”
Peter Tomasi did a fine , fine job onGreen Lantern CorpsandGreen Lantern : Emerald warrior , so I ’m happy to see him back on basically the same book . In fact , this seems to be just a continuation ofEmerald Warriors , as it utilizes the same grapheme and the same creative person . I bought that book and I ’ll be bribe this one , too .
Blue Beetle#1 ( EH )
Written by : Tony Bedard , Art : Ig Guara and Ruy Jose
“ It ’s not easy being Jaime Reyes . He has to mete out with high-pitched school day , family and all the drama that come with being a teenager . Also , he ’s linked to a powerful scarab created by an exotic subspecies known as the Reach who assay to keep down planets – or annihilate them . It ’s up to one teen hero to bend this instrumental role of destruction into a force for adept . ”
Keith Giffen ’s original ravel on the Jaime Reyes iteration of Blue Beetle unfortunately did n’t trade very well , despite being systematically good . I do n’t counter Tony Bedard doing much upright job with the Koran , but I sincerely hope that he does – and that DC reader stick out it . There are far too few minority characters in comics as is ( Reyes is Mexican - American ) , and it would be a pity to see Blue Beetle lag tosupporting type statusonce again .
regrettably , the synopsis leave a lot to be desire , as it basically sounds like a rehash of Giffen ’s streamlet from over five year ago . So for now , until I hear otherwise , it ’s anEH .
Legion of Super - Heroes#1 ( EH )
write by : Paul Levitz , Art by : Francis Portela
“ The Legion of Super - Heroes has been decimated by the bad disaster in its story . Now , the scholar of the Legion Academy must climb to the challenge of help the team rebuild – but a scourge of almost unstoppable power is rise up at the bound of Dominator space , and if the fresh recruits go bad , the Legion Espionage Squad may be the first casualties in a war that could split worlds in half ! ”
I ’ve never been a buff of Legion . I keep hear how awful they were back in the sidereal day , but that does n’t mean a whole lot here in 2011 . Sure , I enjoyed Mark Waid ’s revampedLegionpost - Infinite Crisis . surely , I enjoyed Geoff Johns ’ attempt to resurrect the old versions viaAction Comics . I even ( sort of ) liked the beginning of Paul Levitz ’s most recent run pre - reboot , but alas , I quickly drop off interest .
Long story short : if you ’re a Legion fan , I imagine this is a definiteBUY . If you ’re not – if you ’re more like me , a guy wire who does n’t really handle one way or another about those future - sleep together people from the future – then it ’s more likely anEH . I ’m sure this book wo n’t be speculative , but I ’d be surprised if it was neat .
Week Four of DC ’s New 52 …
Week Four: September 28th, 2011
Superman(EH )
spell by : George Perez , Art by : Jesus Merino
“ The new adventures of Superman begin here ! What is The Man of Steel ’s startling unexampled status quo ? How does it touch Lois Lane and The Daily Planet ? There ’s no time for answers now , because Superman must stop a atrocious threat to Metropolis – one that he somehow is the cause of ! ”
Man , am I grim of fanboys ( and girls ) complaining about Superman lose his reddened trunks . They ’re gone . The proboscis are deadened and gone . Let ’s please , collectively , get over it in good order now , because the part they play in whether or not these funnies are any unspoiled is well and truly nonexistent .
I ’m almost tempted to call this al-Qur’an a buy just to enrage the embittered lover , but as much as I adore George Perez the creative person , I ’m unbiassed to George Perez the writer . And while I ’m interested to see what Superman ’s new status quo is – you know , now that he ’s not married and all – I can get all the requisite selective information fromAction Comics , Justice League , and Wikipedia .
Now , had George Perez been on penciling duties – instead of just cover and breakdowns – this book would ’ve been aBUY , without enquiry . But since he is n’t , it ’s just anEH .
Aquaman(BUY )
Written by : Geoff Johns , Art by : Ivan Reis
“ The superstar Divine from BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY reunite to take AQUAMAN to amazing new depths ! Aquaman has renounced the throne of Atlantis – but the ocean will not release Arthur Curry so easy . Now , from a forgotten nook of the ocean emerges … The Trench ! A broken race of beast that should not subsist , an unutterable need driving them , The Trench will be the most talked - about new characters in the DC Universe ! ”
DC liberate a four - Sir Frederick Handley Page preview of this book about a month ago and it was gorgeous , entertaining , suspicious , and good of all , fun .
Despite being a household name , Aquaman is the most widely - mocked mainstream superhero in all of comicdom ( the butt of manySNL , Family Guy , andEntouragejokes , amongst others ) . Now , Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis are using that unfortunate reputation as an integral part of the book ’s appeal . See , even the citizen of the DCnU think Aquaman ’s a joke ! Hilarity ensues .
The destination of this book – beyond double-dyed entertainment value – seems to be the return of Aquaman ’s superhero stardom without have to contract his paw off and shove the blunt - end of a harpoon inside the tree stump . The preview , the talent , and the villains of the Koran ( carnivorous ocean fauna reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft ’s risky ) all indicate that he ’s well on his way , in my public opinion .
The Flash#1 ( BUY )
write by : Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato , Art by : Francis Manapul
“ The loyal Man Alive returns to his own monthly serial from the writer / creative person team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato ! The Flash knows he ca n’t be everywhere at once , but what happens when he faces an all - new villain who really can ! As if that ’s not bad enough , this villain is a close booster ! ”
Francis Manapul pull Geoff Johns ’ recentFlashrun and it was beautiful , so this book of account is bound to be beautiful , too . The writing , on the other hand , has no such warrantee . Despite what Manapul and his co - author Brian Buccellato would have you believe , their writing is whole untested as far as mainstream comic books go .
As such , I ’m reluctant to urge this book as a buy . “ But it take care so good ! ” I hear you say . It see like funny booksshould . It embraces the unrealistic nature of the medium . I mean , all I have to do isstareat this screening and suddenly I ’m have fun .
So okay , I’mgoingto call this book aBUY . But it ’s a steal withmassive reservations ! Keep that in judgment , please ! And do n’t fault me if the writing does n’t quite stack up to the arresting , colorful mental imagery that will undoubtedly get along with it .
rage of the Firestorm : Nuclear Men#1 ( EH )
Written by : Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone , graphics by : Yildiray Cinar
“ Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond . These two high school students are worlds apart – and now they ’re force into a conspiracy of topnotch - science that bonds them incessantly in a way they ca n’t explicate or controller . The dark closed book of the murderous Dog Team and its Firestorm Protocol force them to put away their differences to face up a threat so terrifying that it may guide to a newfangled Cold War ! Welcome to a major new imagination of atomic terror from writer Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone with astonishing art by Yildiray Cinar ! ”
If you ask me , this is just a really unknown comic all around .
Ethan Van Sciver is one of the most singular artists working today ; indeed , he redefined the way Green Lanterns are drawn party - astray ( viaGreen Lantern : Rebirth ) . behind as he is – ironically , hisFlash : Rebirthwas unceasingly late – he ’s a name talent and can betray books establish entirely on his art . Which is why , when you see his name on a comedian , you assume he ’s going to be drawing more than just the cover charge .
Not so withFirestorm . Indeed , Sciverisdrawing the cover ( to play a joke on me into thinking he ’s drawing the interiors , I estimate ? ) and he ’s also pen the book with the supporter of Gail Simone - but Yildiray Cinar is drawing the interiors .
The whole thing just seems too mussy – too many cooks artists in the writing kitchen and what have you – to be a guaranteed homerun . On the other handwriting , if Gail Simone were n’t assisting , I almost decidedly would ’ve heel this as a DO NOT BUY , despite the challenging synopsis . We ’ll recognise for certain presently enough .
The Savage Hawkman#1 ( DO NOT BUY )
Written by : Tony Daniel , fine art by : Philip Tan
“ Carter Hall ’s accomplishment at decipher lost terminology has led him to a job with an archeologist who specializes in exotic ruins – but will the Dr. ’s latest breakthrough spread an foreign plague through New York City ? No matter the personal cost , Carter Hall must put on his wing and become the new , savage Hawkman to survive ! find the start of a new action serial from author Tony S. Daniel and artist Philip Tan that will take Hawkman where no hero has flown before ! ”
prove as I might , I just can not get excited about Tony Daniel writing Hawkman . And Philip Tan ? No way , man , leave about it . His electric arc was the only weak link in an otherwise ( nigh - on ) perfectBatman and Robinrun by Grant Morrison .
In beauteousness to Philip , the art on this book looks leagues better . And in blondness to Tony , the synopsis looks challenging enough , what with all the archealogy , adventure , and , uh , machination . But the problem is , there are just far more , far better - looking , comic book in The New 52 to risk wasting money on this . disconsolate , guys .
Voodoo#1 ( EH )
Written by : Ron Marz , prowess by : Sami Basri
“ Who is Voodoo ? Is she hero , villain – or both ? Learn the truth about Priscilla Kitaen as she leaves a track of fury across America . Discover the new DCU through her eye , because the thing she meet are not always what they seem … ”
To be true , I have next - to - no interest in Voodoo as a character , but the artistic production on this book is very , very jolly and Ron Marz – despite being missing - in - natural action from both DC and Marvel for years – was responsible for some great books in his heyday , includingGreen Lantern : Emerald Twilight .
Does that make this book aBUY ? No , it does not . But it ’s not aDO NOT BUYeither , and that has to count for something .
Blackhawks#1 ( DO NOT purchase )
publish by : Mike Costa , Art by : Ken Lashley
“ Welcome to a world waging a new kind of war that ’s quicker and more brutal than ever before . It ’s fought by those who would make the innocent their targets , using computers , smart weapons and laser - guided missile . The raw enemy is backbreaking to happen – and nigher to home than we think . Between us and them stick out the Blackhawks , an elite personnel of military specialists equipped with the in vogue in rationalise - edge hardware and vehicles . Their missionary post : Kill the spoilt guys before they kill us . ”
candidly , I ca n’t manoeuvre to a single affair that earn me need to bribe this Word .
It ’s not that Mike Costa is a unfit writer – he ’s just not a hump measure , writing - wise , as he ’s written very few thing so far in his life history . Secondly , while Ken Lashley ’s an okay artist , he ’s only drawing the first Good Book . For as yet nameless reasons , the art squad onBlackhawkscontinues to alter with every government issue , which isnevera sound polarity . And lastly , the synopsis scan like it ’s actively set about to be unoriginal and uninteresting .
Call me predictable , but I ’ll be passing on this unless I hear it ’s awing .
hebdomad 4 Part 2 …
Week Four (Part 2): September 14th, 2011
All - Star Western#1 ( BUY )
compose by : Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti , Art by : Moritat
“ Even when Gotham City was just a one - horse town , offence was rearing – and thing only get unsound when amplitude hunter Jonah Hex comes to town . Can Amadeus Arkham , a pioneer in criminal psychological science , enlist Hex ’s special trade name of justice to help the Gotham Police Department cut through down a vicious successive slayer ? discover out in this new series from HEX writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti , with lucullan artwork by Moritat ( THE SPIRIT ) ! ”
Most comic Word of God lover wo n’t giveAll - Star Westernthe time of daylight because there are n’t any superheroes in it , but I implore you to fork out . Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti were on the systematically greatJonah Hexpre - reboot ( forget the terrible Josh Brolin movie ) , and this is basically a prolongation of that series with a new title and a new coating of paint .
–
Teen Titans#1 ( EH )
Written by : Scott Lobdell , Art by : Bret Booth and Norm Rapbund
“ Tim Drake , Batman ’s former sidekick , is back in action when an international administration essay to trance , belt down or co - opt crack - powered teenagers . As Red Robin , he ’s going to have to team up with the mysterious and warring power plant thief known as Wonder Girl and the hyperactive speedster calling himself Kid Flash to stand any luck at all against a bread and butter , breathing weapon with root in another world ! They – along with a few other tortured teen heroes – will be the Teen Titans in this unexampled serial publication from author Scott Lobdell ( WILDC.A.T.S , Uncanny X - Men ) and creative person Brett Booth ( JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA ) ! ”
This seems to be one of the few amply rebooted comics in The New 52 . While Tim Drake ’s story as Batman ’s third Robin is still intact – and credibly his work as Red Robin while Bruce Wayne was lose in time – his year inYoung JusticeandTeen Titansare obviously no more .
The book itself has received a lot of cyberspace flak , thanks to the “ uttermost - nineties ! ! ! ” nature of issue bit one ’s cover version and the Titans ’ uniforms . However , it ’s worth notice that Scott Lobdell did a licitly heavy problem writing variousX - books in the early ' XC , not the least of which was the similarly younker - centricGeneration X. Additionally , Brett Booth’sTitansart has improved with each and every raw mental image released , disregardless of how 90s - esque it is .
Still , I ca n’t , in good conscience , suggest this book as aBUY , though I admit to being tempted to put money down myself . Even if this thing is awful , it calculate so charmingly large that it might actually befun .
Batman : The Dark Knight#1 ( BUY )
Written by : David Finch , artistry by : David Finch and Richard Friend
“ The Dark Knight struggles against a deadly – yet strangely familiar – foe in this phenomenal unveiling issue from superstar writer / artist David Finch ( BRIGHTEST DAY , ACTION COMICS ) ! As a orphic soma slinks through the halls of Arkham Asylum , Batman must contend his way through a gauntlet of psychos , and Bruce Wayne faces the unexpected sound ramification of Batman Incorporated ! ”
No one would envy you for not buying this book – a seeming continuation of the David Finch written / drawnBatman : The Dark Knightthat jump in December and subsequently got delayed time and again . ( It was also poorly reviewed , to say the least . )
In fact , this script would be smack dab in the center of my “ DO NOT corrupt ” category were it not for the fact that Paul Jenkins ( Hellblazer , Wolverine : Origin ) is on the disc as being the master author . Due to the bureaucracy of exclusivity declaration , Jenkins was n’t allowed to be credited with having written the book , so David Finch got lonesome mention . Finch , of row , is still a co - plotter or some such matter , but I ’m okay with that .
Hey , when he ’s on , he can be a gravid creative person . When Jenkins is on , he ’s a great writer . And since Batman is always on , I ’ll be giving this affair a chance . Again . ( One last metre . )
Green Lantern : New Guardians#1 ( EH )
spell by : Tony Bedard , artwork by : Tyler Kirkham and Batt
“ Kyle Rayner has assembled the most muscular team in all the universe , take from the full spectrum of army corps . But can he even keep this volatile radical together ? ”
This looks to be , at least in part , a protraction of Bedard ’s run onGreen Lantern Corps , which “ ended ” just before the reboot took force . That book was basically the adventures of Kyle Rayner and his lady friend , and since I ’m an unembarrassed Kyle Rayner fan , I was ab initio very interested in reading it .
unluckily , Bedard’sGLCrun was somewhat underwhelming , especially coming after Peter Tomasi ’s . ( It did n’t help that artist Ardian Syaf was no replacement for Patrick Gleason . ) I pretend the thing that sets this playscript aside fromthatrun is that the “ New Guardians ” are made up of variously hued corps members – Kyle is Green , Arkillow is white-livered , Glomus is Orange , Saint Walker is Blue , Bleez is red-faced , Munk is Indigo , and some nameless woman is the Star Sapphire .
Which could , in all honesty , make it a really fun book , but I ’ll be look to listen how sport it is instead of buying it first .
I , Vampire#1 ( EH )
Written by : Joshua Hale Fialkov , Art by : Andrea Sorrentino
“ For C of years , vampire Andrew Stanton kept mankind safe from the horrors of the supernatural reality , thanks to a cease-fire he made with his ex - lover Mary , the Queen of the Damned . But now that truce has reached a bloody final stage and Andrew must do everything in his power to block up Mary and her dark forces from going on a killing spree – and she plans to pop out with the heroes of the DCU ! "
Joshua Hale Fialkov is a mostly unknown author . Andrea Sorrentino is a mostly unsung creative person . I … Vampireis an all - but - forgotten series make by J.M. DeMatteis from 1983 . So it ’s hard to say with certainty what we ’re in for with regard to this relaunch , entitledI , Vampire . I ’m cautiously affirmative , ground on the popularity of the original series , the synopsis , and some artwork that pop up a few calendar week ago , but I would n’t go out and grease one’s palms this in good order forth , if I were you . expect for critical / consumer response before you put your money down .
Justice League Dark#1 ( BUY )
indite by : Peter Milligan , artwork by : Mikel Janin
“ The witch known as The Enchantress has go mad , unleashing forces that not even the compound world power of Superman , Batman , Wonder Woman and Cyborg can stop . And if those submarine ca n’t handle the line of work , who will stand against this mystic madness ? Shade the convert Man , Madame Xanadu , Deadman , Zatanna and John Constantine may be our only promise – but how can we put our trustfulness in beings whose very presence nominate ordinary people go bad out in a cold sweat ? ”
DC could have also called this bookJustice League VertigoorVertigo LeagueorVertigo Force 5 , because that ’s precisely what we ’re getting . For those fans worried about the stupid name , do n’t fret – that ’s pure branding flop there . I ca n’t guess the fictitious character of John Constantine , Zatanna , Madame Zanadu , Deadman , and Shade the Changing Man ever using the words “ Justice League ” to describe themselves , let alone “ Justice League Dark . ”
AfterAction Comics , this may very well be my most highly - anticipated deed of conveyance of The New 52 . I ’m hope Peter Milligan and up - and - arrival Mikel Janin take this construct to town , because it merit to be as creatively crazy as possible . Frankly , September 28th ca n’t occur shortly enough .
Our recommendation …
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS: THE SHORT VERSION
BUYs :
EHs :
DO NOT BUYs :
TheDC Comics New 52 Rebootkicks off on August 31 , 2011 .
