New 52

Batman #4

/ / Comics

batman-4-new-52-coverScott Snyder’s run on the newly relauned Batman started pretty strong but this issue, much like issue #3, gets bogged down too much in the history of a young Bruce Wayne’s obsession with the mysterious secret organization known as the Court of Owls.

The idea is presented (and thankfully dismissed) that the secret sect may have had something to do with the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne. There’s also an offhand reference to Joe Chill that comes off clumsy and confusing (even more so because we don’t know if Batman knows Chill killed his parents in this New 52 version of the DCU, or if Chill is even responsible here).

Although I’m happy to see Snyder focusing on the detective aspect of Batman, the mystery surrounding the Court of Owls has gotten stagnant. I’m also sad to see that Bruce Wayne’s relationship with Dick Grayson appears to be more dismissive and less collaborative than I’d like.

The art by Greg Capullo looks great, and the comic ends with a panel that suggests things will pick up in the next issue. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Green Lantern #4

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green-lantern-new-52-4-coverIssue #4 picks up right after the cliffhanger from last months issue. Sinestro‘s plan to destroy the Yellow Battery by sending Hal Jordan inside of it has failed, but (despite what the final panel might have teased) Hal Jordan does survive.

Both Sinestro and Jordan are jailed separately. Jordan is thrown into isolation until the last of his ring’s energy has disapated. Sinestro, after hours of torture from his former followers (whose attempts to remove the green ring prove unfruitful), finds himself caged with survivors of a world who blame him for its destruction.

The issue has some moments including Hal’s final construct and his risky (and, as so often the case with the New 52 version of the character) somewhat ill-thought out plan of escape which leaves us with yet another cliffhanger.

It’s not a great issue, but it is a step up from last month that leaves us still in the dark what the long term plans for Sinestro’s role in the New 52 are to be. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Stormwatch #4

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stormwatch-4-coverThe first story arc for the New 52 version of Stormwatch comes to an end as the Midnighter and Apollo are all that stand in the the way of the giant alien creature who has absorbed their other teammates.

Although there’s plenty of action here, the writing by Paul Cornell struggles at times. We get more of Jack Hawksmoor literally talking to cities, the complete uselessness of Adam One, the lack of appearances of any other DC character with a threat this huge and public, and some very unsubtle stirrings between Midnighter and Apollo.

One of these issues might be taken care of in next month’s issue as the Shadow Cabinet puts the team leader on trial for his failures, but the rest really need to be addressed if the comic is going to ever grow into anything more than a curiosity.

When introduced this Stormwatch appeared to be a group that would take on shadowy threats far more covertly than we’ve seen so far. That might work. Fighting giant aliens very, very publicly (while keeping it hidden from the rest of the DCU) is far more problematic. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $2.99]

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Justice League International #4

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justice-league-international-new-52-4-coverThe team, split up into pairs, attempted to do reconnaissance and stop the giant menacing robots looming around the world. They were unsuccessful, as was Guy Gardner who attempted a solo run on Peraxxus‘ ship in orbit above the Earth.

Now reunited, the team comes together for one last ditch effort to stop the alien from destroying the planet merely to plunder its remnants. Issue #4 works well, but the story does feel a little drawn out. The story arc could easily have finished by the end of this issue and moved on to new business, like the team members getting better acquainted, in issue #5.

Writer Dan Jurgens does give us some fun moments (hell, he’s even getting me to change my mind about Godiva) and the art by Aaron Lopresti fits the story well, even if Peraxxus’ design is far too reminiscent of Galactus) including a full-page spread of the team jumping back into action. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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The Flash #3

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flash-new-52-3-coverThanks to a super EMP whammy Central City in a total blackout, every electronic device including cars and planes are non-functional, and so its up to the Flash to save 3.5 million people from the dark.

As the Flash races around the city the clones of Manuel close in on the original and Iris West‘s trip to Iron Heights prison, now in dark lockdown, gets the intrepid female reporter far closer to one of the Flash’s Rogues than she ever wanted.

Once again Francis Manapul gives us a strong story to go along with some absolutely beautiful art. There are also a couple of fun moments here including Barry on horseback and some early narration explaining how the Flash learned how to use his speed in various ways (and why he never drinks coffee).

Fans of the Golden Age should also pay attention to the mention Keystone City, especially now that we know some form of an Earth-2 Justice Society of America is scheduled as part of DC’s New 52. Best of the week.

[DC, $2.99]

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