The New 52: Month Three, Week Two
Man, these weeks come up quickly. Thinking of calling this feature "Last Week's Comics" since, given how many comics I read, I'll never get this out in a timely manner (unless, of course, DC wants to start sending me preview copies of their titles). Thoughts?
Okay, before launching into the New 52 this week, a brief look at the additional titles DC released this week.
4. Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #2: P:PaP, (as I have just now decided to call it), feels like an important comic. It's always interesting to see things from a villian's perspective. I've made no bones about the fact that I prefer my Batman a little more silver-agey, and that is true of the villians as well, but I have to admit that this title makes Penguin a credible and chilling threat. Penguy's Oedipal Complex is something I could live without, however.
3. Star Trek / Legion of Super Heroes #2: I'm cheating a little here, as this title always shows up on Diamond as a production of IDW (probably because it allows them to sell it for $3.99 instead of DC's line standard $2.99). I love classic Star Trek. I love classic LSH. I would love this title just a touch more if they got a move on with the plot. I'm not sure how many issues this mini-series will run, but it needs to be somewhere in the 80's to get the amount of story I am hoping for in this concept at this rate. Finally, after two issues, the two teams meet on the last page of this issue. I am, however, really enjoying the mash-up of the various alien species from both realities. This is full of potential, but cut out the decompression already.
2. Huntress #2: I'm really enjoying this series. The creative team (Paul Levitz writing and Marcus To on pencils) is doing a masterful job of making Helena a dynamic and strong character who is also incredibly feminine. This storyline obviously can't last longer than the six issues we are being offered, but I hope we hear more from the Huntress once this series wraps up.
1. Batman: The Brave and The Bold: I've said this more times lately than I can remember, but Sholly Fisch is a superstar. The writing on this book takes me to my personal comic heyday of the early to mid 80's when comics were fun and smart. In this issue, Mr. Fisch introduces us to the Robin's past, present, and future as they try to save Batman's life. I really enjoyed seeing the different Robins and seeing how they operate differently from one another. I wish I could see this issue (and really the series itself) pencilled by George Perez and running instead of what we see today as Detective Comics.
Okay, on to the New 52 titles this week.
13. Demon Knights #3: DK is certainly the critical darling of the New 52 experiment, and probably the biggest surprise. There is alot that is good about this series, and there is nothing I love more in comics than a good ensemble cast. That being said, there is something about this issue in particular that just wasn't clicking for me. I'm not sure if it is that the writer (Paul Cornell) brings so much of his Britishness to the story, or that this issue was largely about our characters waiting around for something to happen, but I was left cold this time around. Vandal Savage was not as funny as he has been and the other characters (particularly Demon, Horse Woman, and the Shining Knight) were less likable in general. Still, the last couple of pages drew out the right emotional response from me, which means Cornell did his job well even if I didn't notice it at the time.
12. Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #3: I feel like I talk about this every time I pick up this title, but I am distracted by the art here. Intellectually, I think it is the absolute perfect match for the tone of this story. On an experiential level, however, I feel hesitant to even read this knowing that I will have to deal with the art. This is solely a matter of personal preference, however. I like things a little more photo realistic and less busy. Art aside, the story is an over the top action event that is a lot of fun, just don't think too hard about the plot. Frankenstein is an awesome charcter and I am glad that I get to read stories with him in them.
11. Deathstroke #3: Slade is a character that I just can't relate to in any way. The importance of reputation to him is something that I don't understand. That being said, I'm not sure that I have to agree with or even understand Deathstroke's motivations to enjoy the action of this series. Much like Demon Knights, this issue was a step down from what I have seen in the previous two issues, but it was still an exciting issue.
10. Resurrection Man #3: I have no prior connection to any of the characters in this series (which is different than most of the rest of this line), and I think that is the main reason this issue is not higher on my list. The Body Doubles are fun villians and I like the concept of this character. Not sure that much has happened so far, but it is a beautifully illustrated and interesting story so far.
9. Mister Terrific #3: There was no greater surprise for me this week than seeing this title not at the bottom of my list. When Eric Wallace isn't busy telling me that some people are inferior because of the color of their skin, he can tell a pretty compelling story. At the heart of this issue was Michael Holt coming to terms with the fact that heroes have to act in a certain way and the knowledge that their are consequences when heroes step over the line. It's been awhile since I've seen a comic with a good message to it. Enjoyed seeing that this week.
8. Superboy #3: I've enjoyed being reintroduced to this character. This is a pretty radically different take on the character, but it is one that is working. Also, did they just backdoor pilot Gen13 into the DC universe? Interesting.
7. Batgirl #3: Not sure if it is because of Nightwing showing up this issue, but Batgirl is one of the titles that seems to be picking up steam and getting better. This issue is more about relationship, both between Barbara and Dick, but also between Barbara and her father. That personal nature made this issue really effective for me. Good stuff.
6. Suicide Squad #3: There is no argument that Harley Quinn has gotten alot of attention in this reboot. In this issue, in particular, she is both too provocatively dressed and really, really, written out of character. And, somehow, it all kind of works. I'm not saying that she is my favorite part of this series, but Harley as written works in the context of this story really well. Really enjoying the concept and execution on this book.
5. Batwoman #3: I think I have said this before, but J.H. Williams III could illustrate a phone book and it would be high up on my list. Combined with this moody and atmospheric story, though, it is really awesome. On a side note, I really love the Bette Kane Flamebird character and will be very upset if they kill her off.
4. Green Lantern #3: Sinestro is a complex character, and I am enjoying his portrayal here. Coming to understand why he was such a respected Lantern, which is not something that I've really comprehended before. The little touches, like him still being able to teach Hal Jordan how to use his ring better, emphasizes why he is an important character. And, if nothing else, the last page of this issue leaves me wanting more of this title.
3. Legion Lost #3: I have always loved the Legion of Super Heroes. There is an inherent silver-agey goodness to the team that they really haven't been able to completely shake since those halcyon days in Adventure comics. That being said, they have always had two basic struggles. First, the team is just so huge! I love so many of the individual characters, but it is hard for anyone to get screen time when you have literally dozens of characters to play with. Secondly, they have always been a little distant because of their future setting. I like a future that is optimistic and positive (refer back to both my love of LSH and Star Trek), but it is also just a little antiseptic. Legion Lost fixes both of these issues. A small team (and not just the usual heavy hitters that tend to dominate the main title) gives everyone room to be featured, and the idea of those characters in our era (with the limitations that this places on our heroes), makes for some great adventures with great characters. Despite the names on the mast head, this is the main LSH title in my book.
2. Grifter #3: Grifter is the big budget, blockbuster, summer action movie that (hopefully) never ends. This issue featured the ubiquitous tense standoff scene between our protagonist and the well meaning but utterly misinformed law enforcement agent who thinks our protagonist is the bad guy, complete with guns drawn and shadowed bridge setting lighted only by the spotlight of a passing helicopter. The scene ends with explosions, as these things often do. All around, a fun story that is like 20 minutes in a dark, cool theater on a Summer afternoon.
1. Batman and Robin #3 One of my most fundamental beliefs about the DC Universe is that Batman is the most overrated characters in all of comic history. I've always been more of a Superman guy than a Batman guy. Heck, I've always been more of a B'wana Beast or Captain Carrot guy than a Batman guy. Therefore, it is almost painful to me to rank this comic as the best comic this week, but here we are. The writer (Peter Tomasi) understands that at the heart of every good story is the human element, and this works beautifully here. Batman playing the paternal role with Damian, the comical rivalry between Damian and Alfred, the internal struggle within Damian himself, all are played out subtly and brillantly. It is almost cliche to elevate a new villian by making him the physical equal of Batman (think Bane), but "Nobody" is intriguing because he seems to be as psychologically matched with the Dark Knight as he is physically. Also, it was like I could literally hear one of William Dozier's famous voiceovers as I read the last page. Got to love the elaborately designed deathtrap. I will definitely tune in at the same Bat-time on the same Bat-channel to see how the dynamic duo escape.
Okay, before launching into the New 52 this week, a brief look at the additional titles DC released this week.
4. Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #2: P:PaP, (as I have just now decided to call it), feels like an important comic. It's always interesting to see things from a villian's perspective. I've made no bones about the fact that I prefer my Batman a little more silver-agey, and that is true of the villians as well, but I have to admit that this title makes Penguin a credible and chilling threat. Penguy's Oedipal Complex is something I could live without, however.
3. Star Trek / Legion of Super Heroes #2: I'm cheating a little here, as this title always shows up on Diamond as a production of IDW (probably because it allows them to sell it for $3.99 instead of DC's line standard $2.99). I love classic Star Trek. I love classic LSH. I would love this title just a touch more if they got a move on with the plot. I'm not sure how many issues this mini-series will run, but it needs to be somewhere in the 80's to get the amount of story I am hoping for in this concept at this rate. Finally, after two issues, the two teams meet on the last page of this issue. I am, however, really enjoying the mash-up of the various alien species from both realities. This is full of potential, but cut out the decompression already.
2. Huntress #2: I'm really enjoying this series. The creative team (Paul Levitz writing and Marcus To on pencils) is doing a masterful job of making Helena a dynamic and strong character who is also incredibly feminine. This storyline obviously can't last longer than the six issues we are being offered, but I hope we hear more from the Huntress once this series wraps up.
1. Batman: The Brave and The Bold: I've said this more times lately than I can remember, but Sholly Fisch is a superstar. The writing on this book takes me to my personal comic heyday of the early to mid 80's when comics were fun and smart. In this issue, Mr. Fisch introduces us to the Robin's past, present, and future as they try to save Batman's life. I really enjoyed seeing the different Robins and seeing how they operate differently from one another. I wish I could see this issue (and really the series itself) pencilled by George Perez and running instead of what we see today as Detective Comics.
Okay, on to the New 52 titles this week.
13. Demon Knights #3: DK is certainly the critical darling of the New 52 experiment, and probably the biggest surprise. There is alot that is good about this series, and there is nothing I love more in comics than a good ensemble cast. That being said, there is something about this issue in particular that just wasn't clicking for me. I'm not sure if it is that the writer (Paul Cornell) brings so much of his Britishness to the story, or that this issue was largely about our characters waiting around for something to happen, but I was left cold this time around. Vandal Savage was not as funny as he has been and the other characters (particularly Demon, Horse Woman, and the Shining Knight) were less likable in general. Still, the last couple of pages drew out the right emotional response from me, which means Cornell did his job well even if I didn't notice it at the time.
12. Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #3: I feel like I talk about this every time I pick up this title, but I am distracted by the art here. Intellectually, I think it is the absolute perfect match for the tone of this story. On an experiential level, however, I feel hesitant to even read this knowing that I will have to deal with the art. This is solely a matter of personal preference, however. I like things a little more photo realistic and less busy. Art aside, the story is an over the top action event that is a lot of fun, just don't think too hard about the plot. Frankenstein is an awesome charcter and I am glad that I get to read stories with him in them.
11. Deathstroke #3: Slade is a character that I just can't relate to in any way. The importance of reputation to him is something that I don't understand. That being said, I'm not sure that I have to agree with or even understand Deathstroke's motivations to enjoy the action of this series. Much like Demon Knights, this issue was a step down from what I have seen in the previous two issues, but it was still an exciting issue.
10. Resurrection Man #3: I have no prior connection to any of the characters in this series (which is different than most of the rest of this line), and I think that is the main reason this issue is not higher on my list. The Body Doubles are fun villians and I like the concept of this character. Not sure that much has happened so far, but it is a beautifully illustrated and interesting story so far.
9. Mister Terrific #3: There was no greater surprise for me this week than seeing this title not at the bottom of my list. When Eric Wallace isn't busy telling me that some people are inferior because of the color of their skin, he can tell a pretty compelling story. At the heart of this issue was Michael Holt coming to terms with the fact that heroes have to act in a certain way and the knowledge that their are consequences when heroes step over the line. It's been awhile since I've seen a comic with a good message to it. Enjoyed seeing that this week.
8. Superboy #3: I've enjoyed being reintroduced to this character. This is a pretty radically different take on the character, but it is one that is working. Also, did they just backdoor pilot Gen13 into the DC universe? Interesting.
7. Batgirl #3: Not sure if it is because of Nightwing showing up this issue, but Batgirl is one of the titles that seems to be picking up steam and getting better. This issue is more about relationship, both between Barbara and Dick, but also between Barbara and her father. That personal nature made this issue really effective for me. Good stuff.
6. Suicide Squad #3: There is no argument that Harley Quinn has gotten alot of attention in this reboot. In this issue, in particular, she is both too provocatively dressed and really, really, written out of character. And, somehow, it all kind of works. I'm not saying that she is my favorite part of this series, but Harley as written works in the context of this story really well. Really enjoying the concept and execution on this book.
5. Batwoman #3: I think I have said this before, but J.H. Williams III could illustrate a phone book and it would be high up on my list. Combined with this moody and atmospheric story, though, it is really awesome. On a side note, I really love the Bette Kane Flamebird character and will be very upset if they kill her off.
4. Green Lantern #3: Sinestro is a complex character, and I am enjoying his portrayal here. Coming to understand why he was such a respected Lantern, which is not something that I've really comprehended before. The little touches, like him still being able to teach Hal Jordan how to use his ring better, emphasizes why he is an important character. And, if nothing else, the last page of this issue leaves me wanting more of this title.
3. Legion Lost #3: I have always loved the Legion of Super Heroes. There is an inherent silver-agey goodness to the team that they really haven't been able to completely shake since those halcyon days in Adventure comics. That being said, they have always had two basic struggles. First, the team is just so huge! I love so many of the individual characters, but it is hard for anyone to get screen time when you have literally dozens of characters to play with. Secondly, they have always been a little distant because of their future setting. I like a future that is optimistic and positive (refer back to both my love of LSH and Star Trek), but it is also just a little antiseptic. Legion Lost fixes both of these issues. A small team (and not just the usual heavy hitters that tend to dominate the main title) gives everyone room to be featured, and the idea of those characters in our era (with the limitations that this places on our heroes), makes for some great adventures with great characters. Despite the names on the mast head, this is the main LSH title in my book.
2. Grifter #3: Grifter is the big budget, blockbuster, summer action movie that (hopefully) never ends. This issue featured the ubiquitous tense standoff scene between our protagonist and the well meaning but utterly misinformed law enforcement agent who thinks our protagonist is the bad guy, complete with guns drawn and shadowed bridge setting lighted only by the spotlight of a passing helicopter. The scene ends with explosions, as these things often do. All around, a fun story that is like 20 minutes in a dark, cool theater on a Summer afternoon.
1. Batman and Robin #3 One of my most fundamental beliefs about the DC Universe is that Batman is the most overrated characters in all of comic history. I've always been more of a Superman guy than a Batman guy. Heck, I've always been more of a B'wana Beast or Captain Carrot guy than a Batman guy. Therefore, it is almost painful to me to rank this comic as the best comic this week, but here we are. The writer (Peter Tomasi) understands that at the heart of every good story is the human element, and this works beautifully here. Batman playing the paternal role with Damian, the comical rivalry between Damian and Alfred, the internal struggle within Damian himself, all are played out subtly and brillantly. It is almost cliche to elevate a new villian by making him the physical equal of Batman (think Bane), but "Nobody" is intriguing because he seems to be as psychologically matched with the Dark Knight as he is physically. Also, it was like I could literally hear one of William Dozier's famous voiceovers as I read the last page. Got to love the elaborately designed deathtrap. I will definitely tune in at the same Bat-time on the same Bat-channel to see how the dynamic duo escape.
posted by Phylemon at 10:03 AM
4 Comments:
Another comics blog from Phylemon means another good say.
For some reason Daimen annoys me. Not just the way the characater interacts with the other characters, but the character's exsistence bugs em. I can't explain it.
Legion/Star Trek does sound good, but as you said it costs $3.99 per issue and they don't meet up until the end of issue 2. Value wise that's not a good entertainment option.
I purchased issue one of Avenging Spider-Man on Saturday. I enjoyed the story. Or truly, half story I read, but it was not worth the $3.99 price tag. Maybe it's time to bring back newsprint and move to less expensive creators.
I understand your hesitance about Damian. He is a fun character who adds tension to every story he is a part of, but he is also a constant reminder of Batman's sexual indiscretions. I don't need a Robin to do that. That's why Catwoman is in the DC universe.
The whol issue of pricing is frustrating. As much as I am loving the New 52, I really enjoyed comics when they were printed on Newsprint and sold for $.75. Glossy paper and superstar creative teams have not improved my comic experience.
Great line about Catwoman.
But when I go to the DC Comics App or Marvel Comics App on iPad, comics are still $2.99 or more for new issues. And there is no fancy paper for those. I not sure how much the digital distribution costs, but it has to be a lot cheaper than printing and shipping.
Ah, that is what happens when you don't have fair and equal competition. DC doesn't want to upset its LCS retailers, so they artificially raise the digital price to keep the brick and mortar retailers competitive (which is really okay with me, because I would support Boomerang even if it was cheaper to get them online).
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