We’re 75% through this relaunch. StashMyComics.com users have responded generally well to the relaunch. Can DC maintain the momentum yet another week? Let’s see.
Kenny Yeager starts us off with a review of DC Universe Presents #1:
Who is this Deadman who is featured in the new DC Universe Presents? Is he another Spectre? This is what I found myself asking when I decided to pick up this comic. I’d never heard of the character before. I’m quite happy to report that the character is intriguing and the story well told. Effectively, Deadman – or Boston Brand as he was once known – is a man that, upon his murder, is tasked by the goddess Rama to possess the bodies of the living, changing their lives for the better, before he can find peace. The premise is interesting, and the characters are engaging. Brand was apparently a real jerk in life, so the path Rama puts before him does not just involve the changing of others’ lives but of himself.
There’s much that I would detail in a full review, as what I’ve said here barely scratches the surface of the comic. Still, I will say that
I was quite impressed. The story is well told and leaves you wondering where it will go next. There’s a nice blend of world building,
character revelation, and present drama in it. The artwork is very solid. Everything is crisp, vibrant, and well-detailed. it’s a very
solid production overall, and the setting is intriguing enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend picking this up. Personally, I’m more excited about the next issue than any other comic in the New 52 that I have read so far.
Garrett Stevenson aka gbsteve was not entirely thrilled about Catwoman #1:
Admittedly I’m not a huge DC guy, but I figured if there was ever a time to catch up on DC story-lines this would be the prime opportunity. Catwoman #1 was at the top of my wish list along with Detective Comics #1 and JLA #1. Unfortunately, I can’t say that it looks like this title will hold up as well as the other two. The artwork starts out above average, portraying Catwoman as sleek and sexy as one would expect. Unfortunately the story seems pretty standard and contrived. I had hoped that Selina Kyle could stand up on her own as a dark hero for a while. That is, without being involved with Batman. But she’s quickly thrust into that very situation and is characterized as needy and insecure. Batman shows up in the end for an unnecessary four page make-out session which may be exciting to some, but seemed kind of an obvious and lame thing to do for a #1. It’s too much too soon. I had really high expectations for this one, but in my opinion the story doesn’t leave much room to go anywhere.
Niko Kaylor aka Avengersfan223 was crazy about Birds of Prey book but lukewarm about Captain Atom:
Marty Gelidiom aka Chemist 52 reviews Nightwing #1 and Legion of Superheroes #1 with cautious optimism:
While Dick spends the first few pages leaping across rooftops and stopping a murderer, the main focus is on his narrative, which he spends musing about his recent past and his return as Nightwing. We then learn that Haly’s Circus has returned to Gotham for the first time since Dick’s parents were murdered. While initially uncertain over whether he wants to visit, he eventually drops in and catches up with his old friends. He even does some work on the trapeze, but he’s careful to look a bit rusty as would be expected after all his time away. As he leaves, he’s attacked by a costumed figure whose acrobatic prowess seems to match his own. He manages to get away and into costume, but the attacker gets the upper hand while telling Nightwing how Dick Grayson is “the fiercest killer of all of Gotham, and doesn’t even know it.” The issue ends on that cliffhanger, as Dick’s narrative makes a quip about how great it is to be Nightwing.
I was really worried about this issue. Given Nightwing’s new look and color scheme, I thought for sure we were in for another grim and gritty reboot. It’s so nice to be wrong! Dick’s characterization was spot on, from his habits to his quirky sense of humor. While some of the beginning narrative seems a little forced, it fits with Dick’s sometimes introspective nature. The plot is interesting, and the “bad guy” is one I like. While Nightwing often faces opponents who challenge him in areas such as martial arts or detective work, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him up against an equal in acrobatic skill or agility. There was Double Dare, but they were more focused on getting away with robbing other villains than fighting Nightwing. The art on the book is okay. I don’t love it, but I’m pretty picky. One thing I do like, that I was worried we’d lose in the new series, is the way they draw Nightwing’s movements. I like that the art really draws attention to his acrobatics, the way the old series did. Part of his characterization is his total disregard for gravity and I like that the art reflects that. To a longtime fan of the character, some of the writing might point out things the scene or art had already hinted at, but it doesn’t take away from the story and is probably a lot of help to new readers. So far, I’m in love with this book. If this is indicative of the quality I can expect from this series, it’ll be at the top of my list, every month! I still don’t like the new costume, though.
Legion of Superheroes #1 starts off with a team of Legionnaires, including two new recruits (Chemical Kid and Dragonwing) from the last series, investigating a military “watchworld” that has shut down communications. The team splits up in order to infiltrate the installation, except for the new kids who aren’t widely known to be Legionnaires. Their job is to give the other teams time to get into position, then draw attention, pretending to be stranded travelers. Back at Legion headquarters we learn that the Legion has lost several members recently due to resignation, death or (in a reference to Legion Lost) the fact that time travel is no longer possible. It’s due to the shortage of active members that Chemical Kid and Dragonwing have been put in the field. We learn that another new recruit, Glorith, has been feeling unwell since the death of Oaa. Brainiac 5 debates with Mon-El, telling the Daxamite he should step down as leader so he can take over. The story goes back to the “watchworld” where we find out about a plan on the planet to contact the Dominators. As they spring into action to put a stop to it, they are stopped… by a Daxamite!
After the let-down that was Legion Lost, I wasn’t too hopeful for this title. While it wasn’t bad, I can’t really say I enjoyed it either. There wasn’t much screen time for any of the characters I like in the Legion, so that probably has something to do with it. Also, I don’t care much for the new kids. As awesome as Dragonwing’s costume is, and as much as I love Chemical Kid’s power, the character’s themselves have yet to interest me. I did think it was kind of a glaring oversight that Dragonwing and Chemical kid are left behind to act as decoys, due to the fact that no one knows they’re Legionnaires…while both of them are wearing very large, very prominent Legion symbols on their costumes! Oops. Brainy’s character seems to fluctuate with each reboot, and this time he’s been rebooted as a jerk. Again. I don’t mind that so much though, because it leads to great character interactions. The scene between him and Mon-El was probably my favorite part of the whole issue. I’ll keep following this for a few more issues, and see if it grabs my attention. Overall, I don’t think the story is bad, it just doesn’t grab my attention or interest. I’ll follow it for a few more issues and see where it goes. If it stays as is, though, I’ll probably end up dropping it… which is a shame, since I really like the Legion.
Andrew Volker aka Reklov sees the strength in Blue Beetle #1 but isn’t sure the book is a success:
Intergalactic domination! Shadowy Mexican cartels! Teen angst! Spanglish! At the very least, no one can accuse Blue Beetle #1 of starting off slow. The issue opens with a demonstration of a fully functional Blue Beetle as some hapless alien victim is forced to single-handedly commit genocide against his own people on behalf of the insidious Reach. A similar invasion of Earth is just barely thwarted by the Green Lanterns, and the damaged scarab (a Blue Beetle suit in compact form) crash lands in an ancient Mayan temple to fade into mythology and lore. Jump ahead several hundred years and several hundred miles to modern day El Paso, TX, Meet Jaime Reyes, average teen, and become acquainted with his stereotypical jock oppressor, his PG-13 ‘gangsta’ best friend, and his wealthy girl-next-door crush, Brenda. It’s on the way to Brenda’s 15th birthday party that Jaime and Paco run afoul of not one, but two teams of super-powered criminals attempting to steal the scarab for reasons that aren’t entirely clear. In the midst of the fighting, Jaime is involuntarily bonded with the alien artifact and the first real look we have of the new Blue Beetle is on the closing credits page.
There’s certainly a lot going on in this issue. A lot of characters are introduced, but the script doesn’t allow much time to get to know any of them. Brenda’s mob-connected aunt wants the scarab, but why? Who’s behind the rival team of super villains? And most importantly, who is the Blue Beetle? This book raises more questions than it answers, which is not to say it’s an all bad issue. The art is crisp and the action sequences crackle with dynamic energy. DC’s commitment to diversity also stands out; everyone in this book is Hispanic. And while I can understand and appreciate the characters realistically mixing Spanish and English phrases throughout the book, it’s distracting at best and annoying at worst. I wanted to enjoy this issue more than I did, because I like that they came out swinging instead of relying on page after page of exposition to set the scene. Unfortunately, it misses the mark. I can’t picture a new reader picking this up and being able to explain just what exactly Blue Beetle is all about. While it’s clear that Tony Bedard and Ig Guara are trying to build towards something special, this #1 can’t quite stand on its own two feet. About seven pages in, it announces the end of the prologue…not hardly.
Mike Meador aka threeshotwonder read Green Lantern Corps as well as Red Hood and the Outlaws:
Red Hood and the Outlaws kicks of with Harper being in a prison and an amazingly suicidal escape plan executed by Jason Todd that leaves the bodies piled up. We then get to see some major combat as Starfire takes on a squad of tanks while Jason and Harper make their escape. Here is where it gets a little disappointing. Starfire then proceeds to show us that she has been rewritten as nothing but a mindless sex object. She has no memories of Dick Grayson or anyone else with the explanation of “Tamaraneans don’t see humans as much more than sights and smells. And they have a terribly short attention span about everything Earth”. Also while this new Red Hood was supposed to be removed from Batman and Gotham he has a giant bat symbol on his chest on this new costume.
To cap this week off I’ll review three books myself. Batman, Supergirl and Wonder Woman:
What’s nice about Batman #1 is that it’s a story about Batman doing what he does best. There is a gruesome murder and he investigates along side Harvey Bullock. Unfortunately, the lead suspect is someone very close to Batman. I prefer Batman as a detective and this had it so I was pleased with this aspect. Snyder introduces the reader to the cast of characters by way of a retinal scanning gadget Batman wears as a contact lens. It’s a nice exposition device to get new readers up to speed. And it’s here we start to see problems. There are way too many robins and other Batman legacy characters for my taste. I don’t think I’ve ever warmed to the idea of a Robin character in the first place. For me Batman works best when he’s a reluctant ally of the GCPD and doesn’t have several children in his company.
Batman #1 from Greg Capullo and Scott Snyder left a good impression on me and I want to keep reading because I recognize the talent in the scripting and art. Especially the latter. But the way the supporting cast is handled in the following issue or two will be the deciding factor if I finally become a Bat-Fan again or not.
Supergirl #1 on the other hand, won me over effortlessly. This book knocked my socks off. It’s a story about an alien falling to Earth. And it’s all told from the perspective of the Alien. Supergirl thinks it’s all a dream because it’s winter but doesn’t feel cold and oddly, is wearing her Kryptonian graduation costume which isn’t to happen until a year from now (the new costume looks great by the way. Except for the weird red fanny cloth on her bum). Suddenly she’s attacked by a half dozen men in large armored suits speaking a language she can’t understand. And she begins to realize that this can’t be a dream because she feels pain. When the sun rises, the tables turn and Supergirl gains her powers. While Supergirl fights the “robots”, we are given a perfectly judicious amount of characterization and back story. Finally, Superman shows up and he changes everything with one word uttered in Kryptonian: “Stop”.
The whole issue is relentless, swift and sudden. Asrar’s big and breezy cinematic artwork sucks you into the moment. He makes you feel what the character feels. One gets the sensation of confusion inherent in this scenario. To some people this story might seem too slight, but there’s a lot more going on here than what you get at first glance. It’s just about the best Supergirl story I’ve read in every regard and is a strong contender for my favorite book from the New 52. Try out this book!
For my full review of Wonder Woman #1, click here.
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