New Beginnings - Earth 2 and Worlds' Finest

As part of the second wave of DC’s 52 we have a nice little double header this week. Released a fortnight ago we have the re-emergence of Earth 2 and also a subsequent spin off for Worlds’ Finest (more to follow in a little as to why).

Beginning with Earth 2, which is calling itself an “epic” already, we are thrust into an alternate reality where the Apokolips war is raging knee deep in the battle with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Still working as a team they look similar to the heroes we are familiar with but as the story expands we begin to see how they have changed and their lives are altered. Diana is the last Amazon, Robin is Batman’s daughter Helena Wayne, and Superman doesn’t have his famous human streak when he claims he is going to kill Steppenwolf. It’s a very different world indeed.

The battle progresses following both the bigger picture and the struggles that each of our main characters are enduring, all to create an opening for Batman to strike at the heart of the enemy. The fight is hard fought with untimely endings for our Trinity, and Supergirl and Robin are last seen heading into a Boom Tube. So what more could there be? The world has survived the invasion but at the cost of its superheroes.

One year later, we see other characters emerging. We find Alan Scott narrating a TV tribute to the lost legends and elsewhere a young Jay Garrick finds Mercury lying in a crater, in a way that echoes Hal Jordan and Abin Sur's fateful encounter in the prime universe. James Robinson has written a strong introductory piece which is placing down very firm groundwork for what can be a good title. What is also nice is that there is no prerequisite for the reader either. It’s a new world and so you while you may recognise the characters but don’t need to know their histories to be able to enjoy the story, simply because they aren’t going to be the same.

What it does also do is establish a foothold for other titles and name drop one or two more as well.

Worlds’ Finest is a fine (excuse the pun) example of just this. As part of the Earth 2 storyline Robin and Supergirl chase a figure, possibly Steppenwolf, into a Boom Tube and emerge in whole new world. Instantly recognising this they both establish new lives, while Supergirl has been looking for a way home. Robin has become Huntress and through the course of the story Supergirl dons the mantle of Power Girl.

A lot of the issue is spent establishing the characters, their new “beginnings” and how they have come to fit within this new society without also losing who they are too. Robin has taken her money and ploughed it into what can only be described as an innate desire to fight crime as she did as Batman’s daughter. Supergirl on the other hand has become a mysterious socialite with a penchant for acquiring real estate and businesses. Both gravitating towards helping others which is something that they will never lose.

As it is not a giant issue Paul Levitz has had to move fairly quickly but the flow keeps moving forward without breaking or losing the reader at any point. There is an air of ambiguity at the end where the big bad rears his ugly radioactive head. But this, as well as the depiction of our heroines, has been incorporated into the story.

My only regret is that although it was fun it didn’t feel like it had the same depth. There was a moment when the almost clichéd idea of Power Girl being T&A is brushed upon but it’s so out of the context that it makes for an awkward joke which only fans will get. The other thing that I didn’t totally get was the change in artists and artwork between the story and flashbacks. In principal I can understand but when you’ve worked off the back of another comic to begin with it makes no sense to change the artwork so much. I just didn’t feel the art on this title was as strong, so the contrast was obvious but not for the best of reasons.

As a pair of new titles I felt that for the casual or new reader that Earth 2 was definitely one to get on with but Worlds’ Finest didn’t quite hit the mark. Saying that though the pair do work well together and have a strong synergy for anyone who likes the characters but wants a new or refreshing twist on what they already have established or know.

Matt Puddy is ready for the return of Batman Inc. next week...

DC - The New 52 - This week

The second month of the phenomenal DC reboot has begun. Here's a list of all the new titles (including second printings of issue ones) that we have released today.

If you enjoyed the first issue but have forgotten to reserve the second one or added it to your Reservation Folder as an ongoing, there's still time to contact me and get it sorted!

ACTION COMICS #1 2ND PTG
ACTION COMICS #2

ANIMAL MAN #1 2ND PTG
ANIMAL MAN #2

BATWING #2

DETECTIVE COMICS #1 2ND PTG
DETECTIVE COMICS #2

GREEN ARROW #1 2ND PTG
GREEN ARROW #2

HAWK AND DOVE #1 (1ST PTG STILL IN STOCK)
HAWK AND DOVE #2

HUNTRESS #1 (OF 6)

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #2

MEN OF WAR #1 (1ST PTG STILL IN STOCK)
MEN OF WAR #2

OMAC #2

PENGUIN PAIN AND PREJUDICE #1 (OF 5)

RED LANTERNS #2

STATIC SHOCK #2

STORMWATCH #1 (1ST PTG STILL IN STOCK)
STORMWATCH #2

SWAMP THING #2

There's also limited restocks of Legion Lost #1 and my personal favourite out of all of the first month's worth of DC New 52 - Resurrection Man #1.

See you in store!

52 New Beginnings - Endgame

In the last four weeks, along with the other bloggers at Prowling The Savannah, I’ve been introduced to eight new comics. I was going to do my own little ranking within the eight, but it’s unfair to write off a comic based on your first experience of it.

But there’s been a couple of standout observations that I felt I should probably make.

First, I never realised how much ‘boob’ shows up on comic books. I know that women are always cute, curvy and never (or very rarely) fat, but Jesum Crow, there’s been a lot of structural improbabilities. And I didn't even end up with the likes of Catwoman...

What I also noticed was that there are lots of things rated Teen that are showing more cleavage than I expected – and I’m not a prude. It’s another shorthand in the comics that I think is something that needs to go, and fast – not because it’s objectification, but because it’s holding the genre back and perpetuating a myth. I’m not the average comic book reader, but I collect certain ones – The Walking Dead, Sandman (I've got a weak spot for Death, it has to be said), Constantine, and others, so I’m right at home in the dark stuff, but other than Death, who is a teenage girl, scantily clad women don’t really come up much.

So, the first thing I learned about superheroes is that women obviously pack breast tape to ensure they don’t have any costume malfunctions. Or, perhaps it’s an extra special attack that could backfire or really work in their favour?

Second, I've got two new franchises to explore from DC, which, I admit, I might not have picked up until they were in their collected form if it weren't for the review commitment, but has rekindled my love of comics. Animal Man and Justice League Dark are basically win in my book. I’m also quite looking forward to Suicide Squad and Grifter (of which, the only one I didn’t review is Suicide Squad), though like Kate, I’m a bit worried about Harley’s state of undress and was actually quite gratified to see her returning to what I consider almost normal on the new Batman computer game release.

Looking back at things from the point of view of a writer, rather than a reader, each of the comics I reviewed show me one thing – that there are many ways to tell a story - and while they didn't all feel successful to me, I did really enjoy exploring the worlds they created. As primarily a fiction writer, it’s got me thinking about how my books would look as graphic novels and how the discipline is vastly different. But it did also show me a couple of neat techniques that really worked for me. And I guess that’s the most important thing of all. I think that as long as we’re learning from the media we’re looking at, that’s what makes it worthwhile.

D Kai Wilson-Viola will be back next week with the return of Big Game Hunting!

52 New Beginnings - The Edge

All-Star Western
reviewed by Ben Fardon

Poor Jonah Hex. Never a particularly famous character in the DCU, but he does have his fans and the ongoing series of the last few years was critically praised.

Then came last year's movie and any hope of Hex finding a wider audience disappeared in flames. Chances are you haven't seen it. Probably because you read the reviews! I had the chance to watch it in the hotel in the Big Apple during the New York ComicCon and I can confirm that it was truly awful.

So, come the 52 reboot it makes perfect sense that DC would decide to quietly shelf the eponymous title, in favour of something similar, a return to All Star Western, the title in which Hex debuted back in 1972.

Thankfully DC have kept the same writers and Gray and Palmiotti have taken the shrewd move of relocating Jonah Hex to the Old West version of Gotham City, recently established in the successful Batman Gates Of Gotham miniseries. This immediately gives the title some appeal to the huge Batman fanbase, which the cynical part of me questions as mere stunt, but the pragmatist in me can't help but grudgingly approve.


The cover says it all really. Jonah Hex + Gotham = hopeful success? What we essentially have here is a 19th Century criminal investigation as the much maligned Doctor Amadeus Arkham teams up with the infamous bounty hunter Jonah Hex. The juxtaposition of an educated but ridiculed psychiatrist with a sickening yet respected loner is a good mix, a collision of the verbose and the stoic. It keeps character interaction at the heart of a story that could otherwise slide into cliché, especially with murdered prostitutes and a serial killer daubing bloody messages onto walls. Throw in a clandestine cabal of wealthy businessmen, some carousing in a saloon and the DC New 52 staple of a fancy dinner party and you really could have a mess of stereotypes akin to this month's DC Universe Presents.

Thankfully, not unlike the modern day Sherlock that Steven Moffat recently treated us to, All Star Western rises above such concerns by allowing the characters to inhabit the story. It's also great to see returning faces from Gates Of Gotham such as Mayor Theodore Cobblepot and doubtless we will see more of these founding fathers. The world of 19th Century Gotham City is a rich playground and Jonah Hex will have a lot fun there. This title is definitely worth a look for fans of the aforementioned Batman miniseries.

One word of warning. The artwork does not dazzle or inspire. It's sparse on detail and the colours are flat and muted, which whilst it does fit the gritty Western genre, I found myself longing for the sparkle of an indie book like Lady Mechanika. Which is a shame because with better artwork this could have been one of the real breakout hits of the new 52. Instead, it's simply quite good.

Blackhawks
reviewed by D Kai Wilson-Viola

Once again, I’m coming into a franchise blind, except, for once, I recognise two of the names on the front. Mike Costa does IDW's G.I. Joe comics and the storyline is very reminiscent of that style - as is some of the artwork - which was a bit of a surprise. There’s a specific character or two on the front that I looked at and thought ‘hah, familiar’. And I love Graham Nolan’s artwork – his Phantom wasn’t a great comic story wise, but the artwork definitely left an impression on me. Normally, I’m kinda oblivious, so this one’s a winner.


Blackhawks is a good comic – I thought the storyline was awesome, but I did think a couple of the panels seemed to be out of order – I’m not sure if they were or if I just got really confused, but that didn’t really interrupt much at all. The atmosphere, style and underlying concepts were good, and the cliffhanger at the end is actually almost as strong as the best comics I’ve reviewed this month.

My only complaint? Other than page four being out of order (she asks if he’s a biter at the top, then gets bitten, though it could just be a worse bite the second time) – nothing. I liked the colour balance, which was a range for once, but more subtle in areas than I was expecting .

As I actually know something about the writer and one of the artists, I think I was instantly endeared. I know Mike Costa only started being published in 2009, and this is a very nicely developed strong storyline, without being overpowering. For once I actually feel like I’m at the same place as everyone else. I’m intrigued enough to be interested, and would be quite comfortable letting my teenage son read this one – though whether that continues remains to be seen.


Voodoo
reviewed by Kate Townshend

I’m torn. On the one hand, at least Voodoo is a comic with some awareness of the male gaze. Voodoo herself gets a full facial shot (if you’ll excuse the expression) on the front cover, and there’s a marvellous series of frames where we see her strip show through the lens of a leering male detective’s sunglasses. Even the other strippers in the story get a fair shot at some dialogue and characterisation although it does tend to fall into the ‘single Mom saving for college’ dramatic stereotypes. So maybe I’m not so torn actually... despite its subject matter Voodoo doesn’t send me into a blind feminist rage which is already a point in its favour.


On top of this, it’s another comic that seems to narrow the lens in order to focus on the emotional struggles and motivations of characters, and it’s this intimacy that makes it interesting. The strip club interrogation scene is a bit of a cliché but Voodoo’s transformation is genuinely startling, and at the point where she loses it, she’s already built up some sympathetic collateral with the reader. She might look like another misogynist vision of a ‘bad’ girl, but there are at least hints here that she’s merely a frightened misfit, trying to get along and fit in, much like everyone else.

Equally heartening, is the portrayal of the female detective on Voodoo’s tail, who spends much of this first issue refusing to put up with her partner’s brand of renegade sexism and kicking the asses of a bunch of wannabe Eminem Neanderthals. I really hope that having set her up as a character in her own right, we’ll be seeing more of her as the series unfolds.

By now you’re probably picking up on the tone of mild surprise running through this review. I didn’t expect to like Voodoo. But, actually, I kind of do.

52 New Beginnings - The Dark

I, Vampire

reviewed by Kate Townshend

Well, after joking a couple of weeks ago that the next stage in female character outfit evolution would be Harley strutting around au naturel on a front cover, I, Vampire has made me realise that I’m already behind the times. Our protagonists are pictured looking mean and moody; him with jeans and rippling biceps, her with, well pretty much nothing at all actually (I refuse to count the ‘slightly darker shading’ that has been used to prevent the comic from being consigned to opaque plastic bags on the top shelf).

Despite this, I Vampire is exactly the sort of story I should like, focused as it is on the interpersonal dynamics between two rather striking characters. He is a tortured Angel type, wrestling with his darker impulses, while she is fearless and amoral and rather compelling actually. The artwork is pretty cool too, all flowing lines and stark blacks and whites juxtaposed against one another, and it works because this is a world where lines of good and evil are being drawn against a sense that it would be delightfully easy to just go with the flow.

And I love the fact that this first issue is fundamentally just a conversation between the two main characters... it’s an effective way of drawing us into their world and demarcating the lines that will drive the story. Some of the dialogue is a little clunky, but I can’t make up my mind whether or not this is just the awkwardness of the character or a flaw in the writing. The revolutionary parallels that Mary tries to draw are interesting if not terribly subtle, and there is a real sense of an epic narrative being set in place.

But back to the nakedness. Part of me wonders if this is just an explicit parallel being made between Mary and her animalistic side, in which case you could make an (admittedly rather tenuous) case for it as a justified part of characterisation. She is "magnificent", "free" and unfettered and maybe she’s just cooler than the rest of us with our bourgeois preferences for textiles. The less generous interpretation though, is that this is another tired attempt to link sexual women with evil ones. In which case, yawn.

Overall though, it’s fun, interesting and worth a second look. (At the contents… not just the cover!)

Justice League Dark

reviewed by D Kai Wilson-Viola

Of all the comics, bar Teen Titans, this has actually be one that I’ve been looking forward to. I live in a ‘Cartoon Network’ household, which means things like Teen Titans, Justice League and Static Shock are actually franchise sets that I recognise, so when I heard I was getting JL:D, I squeed a little.

And, of all the comics I’ve reviewed so far, this one has to be one of the better ones. Maybe it’s because I know some of the mythology they’re using for once, or perhaps I just really got the pace, the colouring and the techniques, but this one is definitely one that I’d like to continue with. It’s interesting enough that it held my attention from the outset, and I liked (and yes, recognised) some of the characters. There are some nice precedents established, plus, I was quite interested to see whom they’d dragged in from Justice League, so from the outset there is crossover and interaction. I won’t spoil that, but it’s enough to say that the overlay story and narrator works really well, while allowing the story just to unfold, which is something I think is very neat. There’s control and direction there while the story evolves, and as a writer, I love seeing that technique employed properly. In contrast to the Deadman comic last week (who, coincidentally makes a brief appearance), which swung and missed, this was perfect.

There are – kind of – styles associated with each character, though so far we haven’t seen them all in the same place, so I’m not sure if that’s going to be something that continue through the comic, which will be interesting, but mostly, I like the overall and underlying story, along with the stronger, deeper story going on. It’ll be neat to see where this one goes.

52 New Beginnings - Justice League

Aquaman

reviewed by Robert Barton-Ancliffe

As a relative newcomer to the world of Aquaman, I came to writer Geoff Johns’ new take on the character with few preconceptions, other than a sense of boyish excitement at the prospect of some old-school super-heroics from a bona-fide product of comics’ Golden Age. Having just finished part one of new series opener ‘The Trench’, I’m suitably thrilled.

This book’s strength lies in its fine balance of action and characterisation. Aquaman, Emperor of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, commands the power of the sea and its inhabitants, but behind the regal bearing is an all too human hero. After an opening that establishes his super-hero credentials in fine style, the issue slowly reveals a man who is misunderstood and mocked by the world he strives to protect. A refreshing reflection of the modern attitude towards Aquaman amongst most comic book readers.

Johns’ script is sparing, but the minimalist approach is not at the expense of depth and instead allows Ivan Reis and Joe Prado’s glorious artwork to take centre stage. Showcasing a staggering range, every page is vibrant and dynamic, flowing effortlessly in series of wide cinematic panels that are still packed with intricate detail, with the quieter moments displaying a true flair for character and stunning, naturalistic settings.

As silly as the concept could be, this take on Aquaman is nothing if not epic and full of potential drama, as our hero yearns to lead a normal life while reluctantly facing up to his legendary birthright. And although the fearsome, primal threat lurking in the shadows of the titular ocean trench is beautifully teased, Johns’ wisely keeps them to the background for now, instead concentrating on fleshing out one of the New 52’s more interesting leading men.

Aquaman turns 70 this week, but despite his age, he’s leading the charge for DC’s New 52 with a title as fresh and dynamic as the very best this re-launch has to offer. Hold your breath and dive right in, you won’t regret it.

The Flash

reviewed by Ben Fardon

The Flash. The Flash Fastest Man Alive. The Flash Rebirth. The Flash (again). Flashpoint. Wow, quickly thinking about it - DC has had quite a few goes at relaunching the Scarlet Speedster in the past decade.

And so here we are again. The Flash #1. Taking over from Geoff Johns must be a daunting task, though I have to say Rebirth and the following short lived ongoing series never really grabbed me, which is odd as I'm usually a huge fan of Johns work.

Here instead we have previous series' artist Francis Manapul taking over the writing duties whilst retaining the role of penciller. Colourist Brain Buccellato is the co-writer. The pencils are evocative and dynamic and the page layouts are sublime. Special mention has to go to the new costume which bursts from the ring in pieces ahead of Barry - he then runs into them and they form around him into the suit. It's a wonderful idea that will look amazing if it is ever realised on the big screen. It's beautifully showcased on the variant cover too! That said the colours themselves are oddly muted. I'd think brighter colours would better compliment the world of the Fastest Man Alive, so I think this is a bit of a misstep.

Aside form that though, this is probably the best first issue of The Flash I've read. Cleaner than the mess that dogged The Flash Rebirth and more compelling than the previous Flash ongoing, here we have an almost perfect mix of character development and action. Things have definitely changed for Barry in the reboot - having never been married to Iris we instead find him dating a co-worker called Patty. Iris is still present though, as a zealous young reporter creating a potential love triangle as the series develops. Older Flash fans may bemoan the change, but for me - since both women seem to be real characters rather than romantic interludes - it's a welcome dramatic complication in this instance.

Elsewhere the Flash encounters a gang of tech thieves stealing from a symposium and in his efforts to apprehend one member of the gang, he ends up throwing the criminal through a plate glass window. Seemingly killed on impact a shocked Barry is further stunned to learn the masked man is actually an old friend. Haunted, he sets out to investigate the evidence and work the case, only to be stunned when the dead man makes an unexpected return.

To see any more would ruin your enjoyment of this fantastic first issue. Run to your local shop and grab a copy today!

The Fury of Firestorm

reviewed by Matt Puddy

My knowledge and exposure to Firestorm, at best, is limited. I met the character whilst reading through Brightest Day when “they” clashed with Deathstorm and that really piqued my interest. As a character that I’ve never seen as a standalone title I was more than interested and wanted to take a peek.

Immediately the first thing you get is a massively vibrant cover. Firestorm is always been full of reds and yellows but on this occasion the crayons have definitely been worn to the nub. It’s great and so full of detail, typical of Ethan van Sciver.

What is different though as well as is that this has been written by Gail Simone but co-mapped and plotted with Sciver too. Simone has a huge association with female characters and van Sciver is prominent in artwork so the combination is not something I expected.

Saying that though, the issue felt really good and as a starting point it was easy to get into. There was a healthy skipping between a fraught first few meetings of our main protagonists and, on a collision course, a ruthless band of mercenaries on a killing spree. The story has kept its heritage and acknowledges Professor Stein which alludes to it being after Brightest Day.

What I’ve also liked is that it appears that van Sciver's influence has also been seen in the form that this takes as we are given a whole new direction for Firestorm. This is the first time that each of the heroes involved are their own individual Firestorms, as well as a new twist and the introduction of Fury.

Admittedly I was a little wary of this title but after reading it I have to say that it was all without weight. I loved it and will enjoy following it especially as on my second read you see so much more and so many little hints at further things to come. Exciting? Yes. Grabbing? Yes. Pull list? YES!

The Savage Hawkman

reviewed by Matt Puddy

Carter Hall is an interesting man, a contradiction in terms almost, but interesting none the less.

As an archaeologist he chases and seeks out the mysteries of the past. However, as a man he is depicted as running from it as he knows all about his own reincarnations. In trying to cast off the shroud of Hawkman, Tony Daniel takes the Hawkman story to a new level. Daniel also introduces a new villain in the guise of Morphicius.

Daniel has written a good story to support Hall in his personal struggling, both internal and external, and the story moves smoothly along. My problem is where it moves to.

As the story progresses and develops we see an enemy which is a black liquid which envelops and changes men as well as Carter's armour coming from within. For a new reader, or a devout DC (and only DC) follower this may not be a problem but for those who read Marvel titles then this immediately screams Venom and Iron Man respectively. It’s something I found a definite distraction which certainly took the edge off of the ending for me as my mind was directed elsewhere.

Philip Tan has used a style that I am not normally fond of, however, I have to say on this occasion with the combined inking of Sunny Gho something beautiful has been created. There are times when this slips a little but on the big moments even more detail and care is taking making for punchy and distinct moments.

I liked reading the issue but this is another character I tend not to associate with being a standalone. Enjoyable as the issue is, it’s not one I think I would follow. It’s a good jump on point for readers and has plenty of potential but I just don’t personally feel a draw to it.

Still well worth taking a look at, especially for the artwork, and Daniel has fine pedigree, I’ll just give this one a miss.

52 New Beginnings - Superman/Young Justice

Blue Beetle

reviewed by Robert Barton-Ancliffe

The name of Blue Beetle for me carries a few expectations, and I have to admit I was (perhaps unfairly) expecting a title with a slightly tongue in cheek style and a reasonably light-hearted tone, but from the epic space faring prologue, this is a series that looks set to establish a serious and meaningful identity.

Following this galaxy spanning beginning the action shifts focus to present day Earth as we witness two concurrent storylines. Firstly, we are introduced to our endearing but unremarkable protagonists, Texas high-school kids Joey, Paco and Brenda while at the same time a cabal of evil meta-humans seek an artefact which is revealed to be the Blue Beetle parasite that fell to Earth centuries ago. Given the build-up from the prologue and the true nature of this parasite, this sets up a nice source of tension as our protagonists head off to a party and an inevitable collision course with danger and potential tragedy.

Writer Tony Bedard clearly writes the young cast with affection, but the high school troubles our trio experience seem fairly run of the mill, and while likeable, their story doesn’t quite grip me as a reader. By the end of the issue, Joey, the most vulnerable of the teens steps up to the plate and shows hidden depth and strength that clearly mark him out to be the stuff of superheroes. Given what we learn from the prologue about the Blue Beetle parasite, this might introduce some much needed personal risk into our hero’s life, but for now there is nothing sufficiently interesting about the story to hook me on the basis of one issue.

Having said that, the look of this book is gorgeous. The art team of Ig Guara and Ruy Jose do a stunning job, providing brash and swooping action, while paying plenty of attention to the details. Guara’s pencils do seem a little scratchy during the quieter moments, but this feature does add to the frenetic, almost crackling with energy feel of the explosive action. The overall look of the characters and settings too is like a breath of fresh air, and the setting, whether outer space, or the open spaces of Texas helps the book establish a mood of its own, slightly removed from the largely urban DCU.

Overall, I like this book, but it isn’t quite essential reading. It could be the perfect introduction for new or younger readers to jump on board and find a new adventure without the weight of history behind it, but it hasn’t yet shown anything that has made me sit up and take notice.

Legion of Super-Heroes

reviewed by Robert Barton-Ancliffe

Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 puts me in two minds. Having just finished the inaugural issue of the re-launched title by writer Paul Levitz and artist Francis Portela, part of me feels a little overwhelmed with the sheer scope of the universe described within. The other part feels like I’ve just been introduced to a potential new love, so striking and confident is this introduction.

Having been largely unfamiliar with the history of the Legion prior to this re-launch, I get the impression that this issue will certainly be a treat for established fans. There are few concessions as we are introduced to a diverse team of 31st century meta-humans with an obvious shared history, several plot strands and tantalising hints of a recent tragedy, but thankfully Levitz provides enough to entice and intrigue newcomers with a mixture of dynamic team interaction and explosive stand offs all guided by a script that is dense but witty enough to hold the interest.

The future setting and planet hopping action are brought to vivid life by Portela’s artwork, which is slightly exaggerated, but cohesive and convincing. Visually interesting and showcasing a deft touch for alien foliage and expressive features alike, the attention to detail is impressive without distracting the focus from where it ought to be. Special mention must also go to colourist Javier Mena who manages to bring an already visually busy book to life with vivid colours that really transport the reader away from the everyday DCU, which is almost dreary by comparison.

My first impression of this book was that there is almost too much for the casual fan to be hooked on the basis of one issue, and while for me that is usually the sign of a book that has missed the mark, I slowly find myself wanting to re-read this issue, the maybe read some past Legion titles, and the re-read last week’s sister title ‘Legion Lost’, and…you get the idea. Long story short, I think my pull list has just increased by a Legion or two!

Supergirl

reviewed by Kate Townshend

Poor Supergirl. I’ll admit that when I received my trio of review comics this week, I was way more excited about reading about the women than the girls.

Typical, I had already decided, that while Superman gets to be a man, Supergirl is stuck in a state of pseudo-adoloescence. The sexism!

Except that, actually, because this DC version of the eponymous heroine really, honestly *is* a girl, it’s an awful lot less offensive. She’s a teenager who stumbles through the opening issue with no idea what’s going on and an overwhelming desire for her Mum and Dad to show up and save her. It makes her strangely endearing. Even more so as she struggles with power and potential that are enormous, but don’t seem to be entirely under her control.

The story itself is linear and unencumbered by flashes around in time or place, so we suffer along with Kara, with no more definite knowledge about what’s going on than she has.

There are robots and explosions aplenty though, if that’s enough to sway anyone in the direction of giving this a whirl. And they lend themselves to the artwork, which is epic and thus a little sparse. It’s saved from mediocrity by the emotional emphasis and attention paid to Supergirl’s facial expressions. She’s at the centre of this story and it shows.

It’s a funny one really, because a part of me feels that I ought to like Supergirl more than I do. Unfortunately though, it’s just lacking impact or pizzazz or whatever je ne sais quoi is required to make a comic sing. Solid but not exciting. A little bit like, dare I say it, her famous cousin.

52 New Beginnings - Justice League

Captain Atom

reviewed by D Kai Wilson-Viola

A natural disaster threatens an unexpected city, and Captain Atom, whom has in the preceding pages been established as ‘breaking down’ in more ways than one, has to respond. Sounds like a good recipe for a comic right? Perhaps something even marginally ground-breaking?

It’s not all good though - I’m not sure if that was a deliberate allegory to the storyline, or if it was something accidental – but the first read through of the comic made me think ‘nothing special’. Just not till the very – absolute – last page of the first comic. Second read through and I spotted some subtleties I’d missed – but had I not been reviewing, and had that second page not caught me, I think I’d have not bothered again.

I quite enjoyed Captain Atom – like many of the superheroes that we encounter, he’s flawed – damaged in some way – and it’s a refreshing change to see someone that suffers inwardly instead of the tired tropes of being an orphan or other characterisation broad stroke that comics seem to employ. He’s been in a horrible accident, changing him, but this seems to be after his peak of power. Again, very interesting, but again, I found it difficult to empathise. There was definitively something missing from it.

Crisp artwork, mostly in shades that fit the mood that it’s trying to express, with clean, clever dialogue cap off a comic that didn’t go in the direction that I expected – and though I went into it reading something I thought was pretty much average, I came out of it wondering how they were going to run with the story. And what he’d done to create that very last thought, on the very last page.

It has action, and it has a certain amount of charm, but this is one of the comics that I think is going to kick ass on the back story – as well as go forward with what could be a very interesting – and possibly unique – setup.

DC Universe Presents

reviewed by D Kai Wilson-Viola

Amazing artwork with a bit of a cocky swagger to the inner monologue, and I was actually quite enjoying the whole thing until the third page when I got to, "flying through the air with the greatest of ease." Hello cliché. And they didn’t stop there, which is, in my book at least, unforgivable.

Deadman was a trapeze artist. Assassinated, I assume, because he was a bit of an arrogant piece of work by his own admission, he is to reincarnate and continue on to enlightenment. It kinda goes downhill from there. The concept has one touching element – the one thing that could redeem him – that he "had to do something" before possessing his next soul. The whole "cathartic healing of others via possession" concept could have been so much more – Quantum Leap for example did it in a much more interesting way.

Some of the other broad stroke characters that he’s ‘been’ that are dumbed down and expressed in one panel clichés: the priest who’s lost his faith; or the stripper who hates her father, yet cries because she misses him so much; the death wish stuntman (who makes an appearance at the beginning of the narration). All of them are trite and contrived - while I get that it’s supposed to be "just another step" for him and a life changing event for them – one panel just didn’t seem to do that concept justice. The encapsulation and back story dump, with the obvious stereotypes made me feel cheated, and that overshadowed the rest of the comic.

I guess that’s the other thing that bothered me – there was no working for the back story – and by the time I’d gotten to about the eighth panel of "I was once...", I wasn’t interested in his back story, I was bored. And to be fair, once again, that was perfect characterisation – Deadman isn’t enlightened, in the slightest. He’s still the self-centred guy that he appeared to be when assassinated. It’d might be interesting to see where this second instalment goes, but for now, I’m pretty much on the fence. It’s a pity, because the artist is amazing.

Wonder Woman

reviewed by Kate Townshend

Oh Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman! If you're expecting me to manage anything even remotely impartial on this one, then I fear I shall be a sad disappointment. You can’t offer up a gorgeous, wise Amazonian who takes down penthouse-owning misogynists and expect me to be anything other than dazzled.

Even the front cover, which is the most stylised and obviously ‘graphic’ of the DC offerings I’ve seen so far, is a feminist wet dream. She is fierce and sexy and focused, and most importantly, pretty damn well supported by that rather fetching bodice...

And although it doesn’t feel forced, the new writers have pretty much taken Wonder Woman’s status as a bit of a Suffragette icon and run with it. The most obvious ‘villain’ of the piece is introduced early on, and I think it would be fair to say that he might have some issues with his mother...

I worry slightly that other, ‘normal’ women in the series are going to be treated as slightly disposable, which rather undercuts the overall message, but I’m willing to hold fire on that for now. It is at least nice to see a female heroine protecting another woman. This is another one to add to my ‘comics that pass the Bechdel Test’ pile.

The artwork inside this issue is ‘graphic’ in the other sense of the word, and there’s a fair amount of blood being spilled from the word go. To be honest, there might even be a little bit too much going on as it all gets a little bit busy and confusing in places.

Then again, this does add to the sense of instant crisis and chaos that seems to make the pages sparkle with energy throughout. It raises questions, refuses to answer almost any of them and is generally a rather breathless read.

Most interestingly of all, is that although Wonder Woman instantly commands attention in any frame in which she features, it isn’t all about her just yet.

If the writers plan to ‘always leave ‘em wanting more’ of her, then it’s working. On me at least.

52 New Beginnings - Batman

Batman

reviewed by Matt Puddy

Scott Snyder is currently one of my favourite writers on the DC roster, so you can imagine how excited I was to find out he was taking on the Batman reboot. Much as I admire him though, I have to be honest and admit that I have been a little confused. All of the new titles are set either now or five years in the past and I am struggling to place the timeline. Parts of the story, such as Dick’s height and appearance, say five years but other continuities such as the technology say now. Once you put that aside though it is a very easy and engaging read.

There are a number of little nods of things to come as well, such as Joker’s “escape” which means that even from the first page building blocks are being set in firm foundations.

I really like the way that the narrative, regardless of who it is, can flow with the dialogue rather than simply around it and forms part of the story to also spur this all along.

Frustratingly though, Capullo’s artwork is also a mingling affair. To me there were a number of styles across the comic which to its strength did actually punctuate the different sides of Bruce but equally it also went to extremes. The gritty grimy Dark Knight frames have some superb images with great use of shading and shadow but then also fall towards John Romita Jr's style on Kick-Ass but then the bright and open portions where Bruce is himself almost look like 'The Incredibles' in style.

As I said the dichotomy of the artwork, if intentional, can be frustrating but is also very fitting adding a good emphasised twist visually.

The hooks are most definitely there for fans to dig into and this should captivate and entice old and new fans alike. One that will be staying on my pull list.

Nightwing

reviewed by Matt Puddy

Kyle Higgins dives straight into the new Nightwing title and wastes no time at all stamping down on the fact that this is Dick Grayson striking out from the shadow of the Bat.

What I have really liked is that you can really feel the enjoyment and freshly found freedom that Dick is lavishly experiencing through his internal monologue. To further build on this the scene is set further by the environmental changes, the city has grown and changed, but so has Nightwing.

Aside from seeing Dick in the various Batman comics, Nightwing as a standalone title is fairly new for me so I can view this from a relative outsider's point of view. I know about Grayson’s past and childhood so the circus coming to town wasn’t a surprise, however the amount of athleticism within the issue was. There are a lot of powerful poses and flash frames given which, given a large proportion is based at night, simply oozes energy and invigoration. Even when the story (albeit briefly) slows it’s a time that is used for reflection and even more development.

Enter stage left - the villain - or at least a potential one anyway. There is a logical assumption that the shady character seen arriving is to become something more but there has been so much focus on who Grayson is and who he has become that the introduction of an assailant becomes a little lost and almost underwhelming. Nightwing is seen being left in a cliffhanger situation, however due to the build up I didn’t feel any sense of real tense dilemma.

The issue is vibrant and fierce, almost jumping out of the pages at you and it certainly makes a massive emotional connection. My big concern though is wondering if the action and deeper storylines can hold this together. For now, I am left waiting and watching this one.

Red Hood And The Outlaws

reviewed by Ben Fardon

Hush. No, don't put your fingers on your lips, this isn't a clumsy metaphor form Mark Gatiss. I'm talking about Hush, the acclaimed Batman storyline by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee that pitted the Caped Crusader against a tour de force through his rogues' gallery, before facing the eponymous new villain.

Some say it was a poor rehash of the Knightfall storyline, with Hush repeating the same tactics that Bane used to wear down the Bat, but I loved it and for me the most evocative part of the storyline was the red herring misdirection in the penultimate issues - the return of Jason Todd. The former Robin had been murdered by American comic fans who voted to end his life and in the Death in the Family storyarc, the Joker did as they demanded.

Initially Jason's return was shown to be a ruse created by Hush with the aid of Clayface, but the resurrection of the former Boy Wonder resonated through the DC Nation. It was later retconned in a subsequent storyline to show that Jason really had been revived using one of Ra's Al Ghul's Lazarus pits and Clayface had merely swapped with him at the end covering his escape.

Since then, Jason had been gunning for Batman and Joker alike as the Red Hood, but with little success. Now he's moving on. Striking out from Gotham for (clearly deliberately) sunnier climates, he's found a new companion in the form of former Teen Titan, Starfire. The new title kicks off with the two of them rescuing Roy Harper aka Arsenal from a sticky situation, then heading for some R&R by a tropical beach. Nice work if you can get it.

It's a brash and fun first issue, but it's by no means amazing. I was excited by an ongoing title focused on Jason Todd so I'll stick with it, but thus far this motley crew of Outlaws hasn't quite gelled for me. Rocafort's artwork is lovely, but Lobdell's script didn't quite capture my attention, though the teaser at the end means I want to read the second issue, if only to see if a few of my assumptions are correct.

Finally, continuity fiends beware - this issue is a mix of both satisfying references to the past and completely frustrating contradictions. Jason's hair is now dark rather than ginger, so that he looks a lot like Dick Grayson. I assume this has been done to distinguish him from Roy, but has potential narrative implications too. There are nice references to Gotham and his old friends and enemies, plus references to Dick and Starfire's past, including their incarnation of the Teen Titans. But Starfire is aloof and callously sexual, resembling little more than male fantasy wish fulfillment than a character in her own right. And most annoyingly, there is no reference to Cry For Justice, any association between Green Arrow and Roy or indeed Roy's cybernetic arm. I guess that is one of the true casualties to the reboot. A real shame.

52 New Beginnings - The Dark

Demon Knights

reviewed by Kate Townshend

Let me get this straight, Demon Knights has the fall of Camelot, gender bending characters with super shiny armour and an extremely kinky threesome of sorts between an immortal woman and a man and demon who inhabit the same physical space? If this is less than awesome then something has gone horribly wrong somewhere...

So is it awesome? Well, it’s pretty damn good fun if nothing else. The first edition of Demon Knights has the pace and good humour of an adventure movie, combined with some darker moments that prevent me from dismissing it as pure, enjoyable fluff. We romp through time and jump between characters at speed and the distracted reader is liable to struggle to keep up, but the benefit of all this is that this issue reads almost like a particularly detailed painting. The longer you look at it the more eye-catching, idiosyncratic details appear.

The tavern scene is particularly well staged, with a veritable barrage of action and introductions - and really, what tavern scene is complete without the threat of castration hovering over everything?

Etrigan makes a surprisingly likable demon, and Xanadu is complex and long suffering, but with such a volume of character introductions it’s hard to get a real sense of anyone just yet. In itself this isn’t a bad thing, but I hope there is time in between all the action for a little bit more in the way of development.

What Demon Knights doesn’t seem to be just yet, is terribly serious. Demon babies aside, the darker moments are just that: moments. And yet the fall of Camelot echoes religious ideas about the fall of man in general, and there’s scope for a layer of much deeper thought beneath the banter and the drinking. Ultimately, it’s another wait and see factor for me, but as opening scenes go, this is an engaging one.

Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.

reviewed by Kate Townshend

Of all of my pre-conceptions when faced with a comic book character based on a 19th century novel by a romantic novelist I have a bit of a girl crush on, I never expected to find DC’s crime busting Frankenstein quite so, well, likeable.

Despite the reams of technology, with robots wandering around and teeny tiny space-station-like edifices all over the place, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is a strong human element (for want of a better phrase) running through this title. Frankenstein deals with very human emotions of rejection and self-protection and this thematic link to its inspirational source material makes the English Lit geek inside me very happy indeed! Even leaving Mary Shelley out of things, it’s also a nice juxtaposition for a story that is ostensibly populated with monsters.

Frankenstein is an ever so slightly tetchy, emotionally buttoned down character who retains an air of jaded romanticism, and I suspect that what he could really do with is a big hug. The chemistry between him and Father Time is rather wonderful, because of rather than in spite of, the fact that ‘Father’ is currently inhabiting the body of a small, somewhat bossy, girl. And the more human elements of the stories really ground it; the little boy fishing with his grandfather for example lends an air of realism despite the far-fetched setting.

It all seems to be setting things up for a clash of two cultures, between traditional ‘super-hero’ territory, the ‘world gone mad’ as Father calls it, and more gritty concerns of family, love and religion. I think this is really interesting, and despite not really expecting to like this title I’m grudgingly curious about how the story might develop.

Resurrection Man

reviewed by Ben Fardon

The Devil is in the details they say. Well, it is certainly the thing that really sticks in my mind about Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning's new Resurrection Man. The details. Little things like a different taste in our protagonist's mouth every time he comes back to life. Or the way he uses the magnetic powers he briefly possesses to entertain a scared baby at an airport.

This second detail told me more about Mitchell Shelley in half a page than an entire issue's worth of clumsy exposition told me about O.M.A.C. or Mr (not-so) Terrific. Mitch is a man who hasn't lost his humanity despite the horrific pain of dying and resurrecting on a regular basis or now being pursued by demons and angels.

Every time he comes back he has a whole new power, replacing whatever came before. In this issue he comes back to life twice; first with powers akin to Magneto, then with powers that appear to be like Spider-Man villain Hydro-Man. In the beginning he awakes in a morgue and can taste the metal of the gurney in his mouth. The second time, he can taste pain and tears.

Resurrection Man is one of the finest first issues I've read from the DC reboot. The supernatural elements aren't hokey, but instead invoke the later seasons of the TV adventures of Sam & Dean Winchester. The main character's inner monologue is compelling and the other people he encounters feel real and believable. It reads more like a Vertigo title than a DC superhero book of old. Madame Xanadu sneaks in on the action near the end and elsewhere two interestingly sadistic femme fatales are just getting warmed up...

The art isn't spellbinding, but it fits the tone of the writing well enough. This isn't a book that wants the pencils of Jim Lee after all. Dagnino brings the script to life with a clarity and purpose that is commendable.

I really hope Resurrection Man is a huge success. I love an underdog and this new title is more of a revival than a reboot. DnA created Mitch and they last brought him to our comic shop shelves back in the late Nineties, but the title was sadly cancelled after a couple of years. I fully expect to see graphic novels collections of the previous series being solicited with a year. Because I'm certain that this tale of a wandering hero who keeps coming back to life with a new superpower will find an appreciative audience this time around.

Certainly in the past decade, DnA have found a greater fan base between their work with Games Workshop properties and acclaimed work for Marvel like Annihilation and the various following successes. Resurrection Man #1 shares this fine pedigree and that's evident from the evocative first page.

You can just taste the details.

News on the DC New 52 titles shipping next week!

Ouch, just seen my invoice for next week's delivery. Some fairly severe allocations for the order increases we placed for some of the New DC 52 titles shipping next week. All the current customer reservations are fine, but if you want any of the following and you haven't already ordered it I advise you come in Wednesday morning!

Batman #1 (VARIANT COVER ONLY FOR THE SHELVES!!! Standard cover is sold out to pre-orders. Please note this variant will cost £9.)

Birds Of Prey #1

Blue Beetle #1

Captain Atom #1

Catwoman #1

DC Universe Presents #1

Green Lantern Corps #1

Justice League #1 (3rd Printing) (Diamond aren't sending us any of my order for the 2nd Printing - very disappointing, their response: "Allocations will occur.")

Legion Of Super-Heroes #1

Nightwing #1

Red Hood And The Outlaws #1

Supergirl #1

Wonder Woman #1

NO FURTHER RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN FOR THE TITLES ABOVE.

If you want something that you haven't already ordered, you'll have to get down ASAP. First come first served I'm afraid!

We are now sold out of Action Comics #1, Animal Man #1, Batman & Robin #1, Batwing #1, Deahtstroke #1, Detective Comics #1, Green Arrow #1, Green Lantern #1, Grifter #1, Justice League #1 (1st Printing), Justice League International #1, O.M.A.C.#1 and Superboy #1! Some second printings have been ordered - reservations can be made for second printings will stocks last so please get in touch.

52 New Beginnings - The Edge

Grifter

reviewed by D Kai Wilson-Viola

All I have to say is wow.

An explosive start to a storyline I think I’m really going to enjoy. That said this one is very confusing – were it something I was looking at buying to read at home, I’d maybe wait for the graphic novel to come out - but I’m really keen to see where this is going. Very fast moving, and most of all, one of the most visually pleasing comics I’ve seen recently – there is a definitive focus on details that really works on both the story and the frame level.

There were a couple of areas that also made me wince – it’s one of those things that I think this comic wins hands down – the action doesn’t feel contrived, but still isn’t – exactly – expected.

The main character is a con artist/delta operator (so the army special services are involved somewhere)/terrorist (that’s explained in the first comic) and he seems to be "acting crazy", though, it turns out the voices in his head are also, kinda, introduced in the first comic. Lots of mystery and lots of action made this comic the first one that I actually felt cheated at ending. I wanted another page or two!

The storyline is something I think is going to develop as the comic proceeds – and unlike the others that I’ve read, this one has the most open questions going into the next comic.

I’m not entirely certain whether all of the open story ideas are going to coalesce into a story or if some of them are just a tease, but that’s OK – there’s enough broad stroke characterisation and hooks in this one to make me want to wait for more of the story, without making me feel like I’m being set up. It’s not just relying on the action, though, there’s plenty of it to hook people and I like that.

Deathstroke

reviewed by D Kai Wilson-Viola

I’ve never rolled my eyes when picking up a comic book. Never.

Not till I picked up Deathstroke. Now, bear with me – it is not a bad comic, but wow, he’s got an attitude that just screams off the page at you. That attitude carries on throughout the story – a veil over even his conversations with others.

I’m the first to admit that I know very little about comic books, so I focus on aesthetics, storylines and more, but the overpowering sense of character. Once you got past being slapped in the face with it, was really what made this comic for me.

The artwork is good – crisp, but dark – the colours in a good range for the storyline, which is dark, brooding, with an electric dollop of mad every so often, courtesy of Deathstroke. Lots of red too, in some cases, an entirely red wash for scenes. I think this emphasized the elements of what was going on to about the best effect.

I thought the artwork was actually very good – on par with some of the graphic novels I've enjoyed in the past, like The Dark Tower and The Stand. So it settled quite well with me, even though, let’s face it, Deathstroke is really a bit of a nasty piece of work. He’s not a good guy but at least he’s open about using people. The first comic contains what I considered to be a bit of an unexpected twist, but I’m not sure if that’s because I just don’t know Deathstroke well. He’s not crazy, like Deadpool. In fact, I think he’s a little bit of a psychopath – something, again that came screaming off the page – a well-controlled sociopath that manipulates the situation to complete contracts.

Still, it’s a strong start and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Suicide Squad

reviewed by Kate Townshend

When faced with a room full of super-villains being tortured, there’s a spectrum of possible reactions from your average reader: disgust, fascination, horror. Luckily, I quite like a bit of darkness in my comics, so the rather disturbing opening to the new DC Suicide Squad is right up my street.

It’s also a clever and effective way of introducing and establishing the motley and deranged individuals who make up the squad without any forced and thus rather pesky exposition. Even for a relative newcomer to the concept, key personalities are quickly distinguishable against a backdrop of slicing and burning and electrocuting. Fun stuff.

Maybe it’s the Firefly theory that torture has a way of allowing you to meet the true heart of a person, but the opening scene also elicits sympathy which is no bad thing when your protagonists are a bunch of semi-psychotics, imprisoned for a variety of crimes against humanity.

And I hate to be predictable, but for me it’s Dr Harley Quinn who is most interesting of all, combining as she does a sense of unbreakable defiance with a damaged, masochistic obsession with her former lover. I’m torn here. On the one hand she’s a strong female character, on the other she’s all about the man in her life. I can feel the feminist part of my brain about to implode under the weight of the contradiction.

But, as with Batgirl, maybe it’s the contradiction that makes the character. Harley is damaged but she also retains a sense of agency and she’s not the only character painted in more than one dimensions. This bodes well for the series.

I’ll be honest, the story is more important to me than the artistic merits of a comic, but it’s worth noting that this one is pretty damn stylish, with thematic content backed up by the look of the pages. Not to mention the fact that there’s an awful lot of cleavage on display on the cover if you’re into that sort of thing...

...which, in this particular context, I’m really not. Poor Harley. It would appear that she is being slowly undressed with each new incarnation. Give it a couple of years and no doubt she’ll be appearing nude on a comic cover near you, legs akimbo.

All joking aside, this kind of thing can quite legitimately be accused of alienating female readers. I’m as fond of breasts as the next person, but that doesn’t mean I want Harley turned into a sex toy enabling a certain lowest common denominator to get their comic and pornography fix simultaneously. Could do better DC, could do better.