New 52

Batman and Robin #0

/ / Comics

batman-and-robin-new-52-0-coverOne of the most frustrating aspects of the New 52 is DC Comics’ choice to alter timelines, costumes, origins, and motivations for characters without a second thought. Quizzically, the character DC Editorial decides to leave alone is Damian Wayne, someone whose origins could definitely use a little tweaking. Batman and Robin #0 is little more than a summarization of the beginning of Grant Morrison‘s “Batman & Son” 2006 arc which introduced Damian.

Not only do we get Damian’s bloody upbringing and the League of Assassins‘ army of Man-Bats (really, this needed to be included in the New 52?) but the final panels are directly ripped from artist’s Andy Kubert‘s work. Sadly, but not suprisingly, DC goes straight for Morrison’s take on Damian’s origins rather than the original (and far superior) graphic novel that introduced the idea of a Batman/Talia child – Batman: Son of the Demon.

Is it worth a look? Maybe. There one or two moments, although there’s little here for those who have already read Morrison’s story. For fans.

[DC, $2.99]

Batman and Robin #0 Read More »

Batman #0

/ / Comics

batman-new-52-0-coverAlthough the stories presented in Batman #0 work fine independently (even if the writing seems to be hand-holding the audience far more than necessary) the timeline makes absolutely no sense. In the first story, set six years prior to the present New 52 DCU, we see Bruce Wayne‘s early days after his travels working on becoming a vigilante before becoming Batman. And that’s only the beginning.

The back-up story jumps one year in the future and gives us the all three Robins (Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake) in the early days of Batman before the Dark Knight had chosen a partner. Not only does the tale suggest all three are roughly the same age (an enormous change in Batman continuity) but it presents Jason, who is an accomplice to murder, as the most likable and least brash of the trio.

To tie the two stories together we get a Red Hood Gang which feels more than a little trite and appearances by Jim Gordon. The second story also gives us the origin of the Bat-Signal and the first glimmer of Batgirl.

…

Batman #0Read More »

Batman #0 Read More »

Worlds’ Finest #0

/ / Comics

worlds-finest-0-coverIt’s kind of ridiculous to do a zero issue for a title that’s been around for four months, especially one that’s spent as much time as Worlds’ Finest (about half the pages of each issue) filling in the characters’ pasts.

The main problem with Worlds’ Finest #0 is how rushed everything feels. We get Helena‘s first adventure as Robin, the death of her mother (Catwoman), her first meeting with Kara, and the pair becoming super best friends forever all in a few pages. Things aren’t helped by some of writer Paul Levitz’s awkward dialogue (such as Helena’s final words to her new best friend).

Some may not like the art by Kevin Maguire but I think it’s one of the issue’s saving graces (although I’m not of fan of his Catwoman design) along with the Kara story which is given far less time but is much tighter than the rambling main story with Helena. Worlds’ Finest #0 isn’t a bad issue as much as an unnecessary one with a couple of good moments. Hit-and-miss.

[DC, $2.99]

Worlds’ Finest #0 Read More »

Justice League International Annual #1

/ / Comics

justice-league-international-new-52-annual-1-coverThis is an unusual comic, and not only because it’s an annual for a series that’s been cancelled, introduces characters we may never see again, and shows us there’s no hope the team, in any recognizable form, is returning anytime soon in a new title.

In Justice League International Annual #1 Guy Gardner quits (again), and Booster Gold puts together a new team from the ashes of the old JLI by welcoming O.M.A.C., Blue Beetle, and the Olympian. However, the new JLI will last less than a full issue as O.M.A.C., now under control of Brother EYE, goes berserk and tries to kill every other member of the team.

Even if it does feel rushed, and kind of a mess, the story does have some important moments of note including Godiva and Booster’s kiss (I’m sad it looks like these characters won’t be together anymore), Blue Beetle being sent to the homeworld of the Reach, and our the first time Booster’s time traveling for Rip Hunter has been officially made part of New 52 continuity.

…

Justice League International Annual #1Read More »

Justice League International Annual #1 Read More »

Green Lantern Annual #1

/ / Comics

green-lantern-annual-1-coverWriter Geoff Johns uses Green Lantern Annual #1 to kick off the next big Green Lantern event – “The Rise of the Third Army” which has been teased over the past few months. Apparently the Guardians of the Universe have decided the Green Lantern Corps, much like the Manhunters before them, have failed in their mission to bring order to the universe. Their solution? To make zombie soliders out of their own flesh, side with Black Hand over Hal Jordan and Sinestro, and destroy the Corps.

You had to wonder who the first casuality of the New 52 was going to be. Sadly, it appears to be Hal Jordan. Both Jordan and Sinestro are killed by a Guardian super-powered Black Hand, although we’ve already been teased that a Black Lantern Hal is on his way. You know what? That doesn’t make me feel any better about this arc.

The Third Army itself, a zombie-like Borg race that assimilates and converts others into its ranks, doesn’t really interest me. And removing my favorite GL (and Sinestro, whose arc back in the Corps has been pretty good) before the real battle even starts sure doesn’t instill me with much confidence. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $4.99]

Green Lantern Annual #1 Read More »