DC Comics' New 52 - Week 4

Big week, purchase-wise. I have to say, after hearing from a few people that this week's books sucked, I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked ALMOST all these books.

All-Star Western #1 -$3.99

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art and cover by MORITAT

Even when Gotham City was just a one-horse town, crime was rampant – and things only get worse when bounty hunter Jonah Hex comes to town. Can Amadeus Arkham, a pioneer in criminal psychology, enlist Hex's special brand of justice to help the Gotham Police Department track down a vicious serial killer? Find out in this new series from HEX writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, with lush artwork by Moritat (THE SPIRIT)

Two writers I love. An artist I love. A character I love.

I was REALLY nervous about this book. Jonah Hex is one of the titles that I really think should've survived the New 52 purge. It was simply the most consistently great book DC was putting out. I was not overly excited to have the series blend more closely into continuity. I was not excited to have a "Western" series set in one of the largest DC Universe's east-coast cities.

But, y'know, it works.

Hex gets more than a few laugh-out-loud badass one-liners, and I was amused by Doctor Arkham's attempts to psychoanalyze my favorite western bounty hunter. Generally, the story was compelling, and the characters were fun. I do hope the whole series isn't built around Hex and Arkham as some sort of Holmes/Watson team, and the title (and price) seem to suggest an anthology book. I'll be there.

Aquaman #1 - $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

The superstar creators from BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY reunite to take AQUAMAN to amazing new depths!

Aquaman has renounced the throne of Atlantis – but the sea will not release Arthur Curry so easily. Now, from a forgotten corner of the ocean emerges… The Trench! A broken race of creatures that should not exist, an unspeakable need driving them, The Trench will be the most talked-about new characters in the DC Universe!

Pretty good first issue. I think maybe they hit the meta-textual "Aquaman sucks" angle one too many times. I certainly can't imagine the whole series based around people insulting Arthur Curry, then watching him kick ass. That said, a solid introduction to Aquaman, and a gentle reminder that he is a power player in the DCU.

Also - I'm looking forward to seeing how The Trench will play out. They're excellently creepy.

Batman: The Dark Knight #1 - $2.99
Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
Cover by DAVID FINCH

The Dark Knight struggles against a deadly – yet strangely familiar – foe in this phenomenal debut issue from superstar writer/artist David Finch (BRIGHTEST DAY, ACTION COMICS)!

As a mysterious figure slinks through the halls of Arkham Asylum, Batman must fight his way through a gauntlet of psychos, and Bruce Wayne faces the unexpected legal ramifications of Batman Incorporated!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ - *snort* Huh?

Oh, yeah...I'm dropping this book.

The Flash #1 - $2.99

Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Variant cover by IVAN REIS and TIM TOWNSEND

The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can'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 friend!

Good start. It was more compelling, and made Barry Allen more of an interesting character, than Geoff John's series. I'm assuming Manapul is plotting. If so, nice job. He seems to understand that The Flash is all about movement, and keeping a flow going. Well done.

I also have to admit, sacking the Barry/Iris marriage, and inserting another possible love interest perked things up a lot. I like how Iris seems to assume a lot with Barry, and Barry's just kind of confused by it. Drama, man...

Superman #1 - $2.99

Written by GEORGE PÈREZ
Breakdowns and cover by GEORGE PÈREZ
Art by JESUS MERINO

The new adventures of Superman begin here! What is The Man of Steel's startling new status quo? How does it affect Lois Lane and The Daily Planet? There's no time for answers now, because Superman must stop a monstrous threat to Metropolis – one that he somehow is the cause of!

Still hate the suit. It's just too much blue. The red belt sets it off a little better (better than the suit for the new movie, anyway), but it just makes it look boring.

I had a friend say that Perez's dialogue sucked, but I don't agree. I felt it was a real classic comic book feel, and really the "ripped from the headlines" element flows a bit better than in Action, simply because the whole story is about it. It's a dense, classic, type of issue. Very little decompression. Perez shoves a lot of story into these 22 pages. I appreciate that, a lot.

I'm sad he won't be with the title longer...

New Comic Day 3.23.2011

I'm finally getting caught up on my backlog from the last few weeks, and I've been trying to figure out if I should do some sort of mega-post to cover all my reactions after reading them, or if I ought to just cut the cord. Start over fresh, y'know?

Anyway...This week's books.

Batman: Incorporated #4 $2.99

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by JH WILLIAMS
Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Superstar writer Grant Morrison and artist Yanick Paquette have sent The Dark Knight on a trip to Japan and Argentina, but now Batman's taking a brief breather back in his home base of Gotham City for a team-up with Batwoman! And don't miss the first issue of BATWOMAN's new monthly series, on sale this month!

It's so odd, when you get behind on reading...I JUST read issue #3, and now #4 is coming out?

Is it just me, or is something really odd happening at DC? Last week had the solicit for an issue of Batman that absolutely, in no way, resembled the issue that actually hit the stands. Now, we jump back to Gotham, and some sort of run-in with Batwoman? The Argentina adventure from last issue wasn't done, and, it's been a long time, but did they ever wrap up the Japan story from the first two issues?

Batman: The Dark Knight #2 $2.99

Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARK

Batman faces the Penguin in the search for his childhood friend Dawn Golden…but what The Dark Knight finds sends him on a far darker and more desperate path. Now he's forced to reach out to Etrigan, the Demon for help – a favor that may come at too high a price! 

Worst drinking game in the world: When a "hot" creator is set up on a high-profile, much-hyped book, take a drink when each new issue comes out.

Ridiculous.

Green Lantern #64 $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by DOUG MAHNKE & CHRISTIAN ALAMY
Cover by IVAN REIS & OCLAIR ALBERT
1:10 Variant cover by TYLER KIRKHAM & BATT

"War of the Green Lanterns" ignites with part 1 of the blockbuster event that'll burn into the summer! A malevolent force has usurped control over all the power batteries, leaving the Corps powerless except for a select few members. Now it's up to Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart and Sinestro to regain control – but can these warriors overcome their differences in time to save the universe.

Ahh, another issue of "DC Comics Crossover Factory," I mean Green Lantern. Look, the crossovers with this book have been a textbook example of diminishing returns. I mean, look at Brightest Day...in the end did that really have ANYTHING to do with Green Lantern or the Corps? Other than being another color of ring?

Self.

Contained.

Stories.

I'm ready now.

Justice League of America #55 $2.99

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by BRETT BOOTH & NORM RAPMUND
Cover by BRETT BOOTH
1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

"The Rise of Eclipso" continues! With the Spectre fallen and darkness spread throughout the DC Universe, no one is safe from Eclipso's control! Not any of DCs shadow-based heroes and villains. Not Alan Scott and the magical beings of the moon's Emerald City. Not even the World's Greatest Heroes! And when Eclipso's ultimate goal is revealed, they'll see that it's scale is even bigger than the DC Universe. One lone hero has the power to make sure all be well however...for he has hope. Introducing Blue Lantern Saint Walker to the Justice League of America! In the remains of New Krypton, Doomsday tears through Batman, Supergirl and Alpha Lantern Boodikka in his search for Cyborg Superman as "Reign of Doomsday" rampages on! 

...and here we go again. You had a nice Eclipso story going on, and then somebody at Editorial says, "we need to tire into this Doomsday thing..."

No, you don't.

I think I just need to rip off the band-aid with this series. Keep my money until somebody puts Morrision, or Giffeen and DeMatteis back on it.

Captain America #615.1 $2.99

Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by MITCH BREITWEISER
Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA

START READING with this Point One issue. Steve Rogers emerged from the super soldier program to become the first Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty. When he died, Bucky Barnes took up the shield to become a new kind of Captain America. With Barnes on trial, who will wield the legendary weapon—who will become the new Captain of America? This is the start of a new era for the famed Avenger! 

Bucky's on trial with the Russians.

OK, the movie ain't far off, and we know the "House of Corporate Synergy" ain't gonna want anyone but Steve Rogers in that costume. Bring it.

HATE the ".1" program. Stupid.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #156 $3.99

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by Mark Bagley

DEATH OF SPIDER-MAN, CHAPTER ONE

The wait is over!! THE most shocking Spider-Man story you will ever read!  Young Peter Parker has led a heroic life and tried to live by the simple and powerful philosophy that with great power comes great responsibility, but will that philosophy be enough to save him from the horror that awaits him here?  This is easily the most important story in Ultimate Spider-Man history and maybe the most important story in the Ultimate Universe. Who better to illustrate it than Ultimate Spider-Man legend MARK BAGLEY, making his mighty Marvel return!! Bendis and Bagley back together again and just-in-time!!

Again, wierd. I JUST read the last issue of this. But who cares? Bagley's back! 

New Comic Day 12.29.2010

Oh, post Christmas Comic Day....shall we dance?

Batman: The Dark Knight #1 $3.99

Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE
1:200 Sketch variant cover by DAVID FINCH

Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! Joined by the best of the best – Scott Williams – on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone's must-read pile! Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne's childhood friends…and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman's life!

OK, so...this sounds like a classic, straight-up Batman story. No Batman, Inc., no Damian Wayne, no Multiple Batmen...

Somebody pinch me, I must be dreaming.

I'm picking up this issue on a "test" basis, because, as with any new series, you never really know what you're gonna get. Finch is also, as far as I know, kind of an unknown quantity as far as writing. Lovely artist, to be sure. Kinda wish they'd have paired him with Dini, or some other solid writer.

Still counting the days/weeks/months until this Batman, Incorporated thing blows over. Yes, despite the fact I'm actually enjoying the Batman, Incorporated title, so far.

Detective Comics #872 $3.99

Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JOCK
Co-feature art by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Continuing the new series direction from the writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) and artist Jock (THE LOSERS)! A series of disturbing clues brings Batman face-to-face with Gotham City's dark past and deadly present. Plus, Jim Gordon continues a harrowing search to uncover the truth about a frightening figure from his own past. . . Be here for part 2 of "The Black Mirror."

Speaking of unknown quantities, I was a total novice to Scott Snyder and Jock when I picked up the last issue of Detective. Loved it. I'm quite excited to see where "The Black Mirror" goes.

Also, as I've said...really excited to see Jim Gordon get a back-up feature.

The Flash #8 $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS
1:10 Variant cover by STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU

"Reverse Flash Rebirth!" In this FLASHPOINT prelude, don't miss the epic telling of the origin of Barry Allen's greatest foe, Professor Zoom! Eobard Thawne's story is just beginning — and he intends to finish it with The Flash!

Ah, Scott Kolins, I have missed your Flash artwork. Can you stay forever?

Still kinda bored with this series, but sticking with it because I'm a lifelong Flash fan. Of course, yes, I miss Wally. I'm also really skittish about this whole "Flashpoint" thing. The last thing we need right now is another damn event/crossover that doesn't really take off, or worse, just dies on the vine.

**cough**Brightest Day**cough**

There are times when I feel like Geoff Johns is pulled way too thin these days. Green Lantern still works, but Brightest Day is on life support, and this title hasn't found it's feet. I mean, the guy's increasingly the one DC turns to on, well, everything. And he's a Creative VP of some sort. Not to mention being attached to several TV and film projects.

At the end of the day, I just want a great Flash series. This ain't it...yet.

Green Lantern #61 $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE & CHRISTIAN ALAMY
1:10 Variant cover by ALEX GARNER

BRIGHTEST DAY continues with the revelation of the identity of the cloaked figure that's been collecting the Emotional Spectrum Entities! But how does its end goal involve the Butcher, the personification of rage? Plus, another being seeks the red entity – The Spectre! And he has no patience with his former host Hal Jordan, who happens to be in the way…



OK, so, yes...Green Lantern is consistently good. Solid storytelling, and, honestly, this is the only place where I feel like Brightest Day is gaining momentum.

That said...

(You could feel the "but" coming, couldn't you?)

Spectre? Parallax? Again? Green Lantern: Rebirth and The Sinsetro Corps War weren't that long ago. I mean, yeah, I get it, villains return, and the plots get recycled, but is anyone else noticing that all of these events coming out of John's Green Lantern kettle tend to pound on the same elements over and over. Oh, sure, new wrinkles are added, the spectrum of corps, the different entities that embody them, but I am going to be glad when, at some point, we just get a good, old fashioned outer-space police story again.

Captain America #613 $3.99

Writer: Ed Brubaker, SEAN MCKEEVER
Artist: Marko Djurdjevic
Penciller: Filipe Andrade, BUTCH GUICE

It's the penultimate issue of the Trial of Captain America, and Bucky Barnes future hangs in the balance as evidence of the Winter Soldier's crimes comes to light. Brought to you by the hit creative team of Ed Brubaker & Butch Guice!

I have loved Ed Brubaker's work on this title. He's pulled it off far more than failed. My gripe has never been with execution, but with direction. Yes, I am ready for the return of Steve Rogers as Captain America. I'm actually very excited to see how this storyline wraps up, because I think it's heading for the end of the Bucky Barnes era as Captain America.

Again, like the character, enjoy how he's been handled, just ready to get back to the real deal. I might not feel the same way if Captain America: Rebirth hadn't been one of Brubaker's big failures. Nay, HUGE.Yeah, we got Steve back, but it didn't feel earned, or, if I'm being brutally honest, at all interesting.

Look, Marvel, Joey Q, Kevin Feige, whoever, we KNOW you'll have Steve back in the costume by the time the movie opens in July. It'll probably even be the new movie costume. The "House of Ideas" has become the "Hose of Corporate Synergy," we all understand this. Hell, I even respect it a bit.

All I'm asking is, give Bucky a good send off, and get the right guy back into the flag suit.