August 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review
With Marvel Comics complete we now turn our attention to DC Comics. September brought us a month of Zero issues and October returns all comics back to their current story-lines DC Comics is also the big winner of my recent pull list purge, and they remain virtually unscathed. I believe that this is a testament to the success of the New 52 initiative.
The internet is riddled with negative comments about DC’s relaunch and in some cases it is justifiable. What these naysayers seem to not notice is that the relaunch has worked. Sales for DC Comics are up, with a wonderful increase increase in both market and dollar share. It definitely worked for me, prior to the relaunch I was not into DC Comics.
The continuity was ridiculous and the characters seemed to be without direction, DC obviously not knowing what to do with there characters. While the relaunch has been exceptional in my opinion, they have had some miss-steps, Superman still seems to lack any distinct definition, and the whole Teen Titans debacle is a bit ridiculous. If they can actually claim that any of the Crisis’s took place and that Blackest Night happened, why could the Teen Titans have not existed.
I do admit that DC might be hiding something up their sleeves with relation to Donna Troy, and Wally West, but that might just be my optimistic side. I will say that I think that DC Comics actually has something big with those two, and many others I am sure. My favorite, but very short lived, DC character is Aztek and I am still hoping he will make an appearance at some point.
Not much in the way of superheroes has peeked my interest in the New 52, except 2 books. Both of them have a superhero pedigree but seem to walk on the Vertigo side of the relaunch. Wonder Woman is unlike anything that has come before. While certain moments in Diana’s pre 52 life still stand out. Mainly Phil Jimenez’s run. This is a Wonder Woman I care about. I am enjoying watching the girl changing into a woman and dealing with all of the skeleton’s in her and her family’s closet, while discovering that all that she knew about herself is irrevocably changed. The supporting cast is superb, and Brian Azzarello has surpassed himself, giving every character a time to shine, and he can take one panel and change things in that one little space. Nothing is throw away with this title. I cannot say enough about the art in this book. Sharp lines, surprisingly effective basic shading, the color is astounding, everything that brings you into Diana’s world, and keeps your interest. This is my Wonder Woman, words I never thought I would say.
The second superheroish title is Justice League Dark. October brings a double dose with issue #13, and the Justice League Dark Annual #1. These are the last two parts to Jeff Lemire’s first epic storyline. He is the reason I picked up this book, well that and the crossover with another favorite title of mine, I, Vampire. It is the showdown between the House of Mystery and the House of Secrets. Constantine’s team is completely defeated, and it looks like, according to the Annual solicit, that he may reach out to Frankenstein, and Amethyst, from the newly launched Sword of Sorcery, to join the fray. The art is slick and does an amazing job of transmitting tone throughout the story. The covers are some of my favorite since the relaunch, and that includes all of the titles.
DC Universe Presents #13 introduces two more characters into the New 52, and one of them I am assuming will be involved with the supernatural corner of the DC Universe, and that is Blue Devil. I enjoyed reading about his exploits in the pre 52, and I hope that carries over into the relaunch. Black Lightening is also introduced in this story. Marc Andreyko, of Manhunter fame, tells the story of these two heroes who have to put their differences aside while unlocking a part of the DC Universe we have yet to witness.
Action Comics #13 is bringing another fan-favorite character into the New 52, Krypto! Grant Morrison is apparently changing things up for our Man of Steel in this issue. I am going to give this issue a try, in the off chance that the title starts displaying a direction.
Batman #13 is the moment several Bat-fans have been waiting for, the return of the one and only Joker, in the story “Death of the Family”. The cover is creepy, and the solicit suggests that this may be the darkest Joker we have seen to date. Batman and Joker fans will be picking this one up for sure, and for those new to Batman, this would be an excellent jumping on point, to witness the return of the greatest, and most dangerous, of Batman’s rogue gallery.
Batwoman #13 has my interest with a team up with Wonder Woman. Normally, at least until now, I rarely felt compelled out of my love of a character, to pick up their appearances in other books, but with DC I do. Batwoman and Wonder Woman team up in a story by J.H. Williams and W. Haden Blackman, with art by J.H. Williams providing the gorgeous art that he has made his trademark.
The Green Lantern family of titles has a big month in October with each title being part of the status quo changing cross-over “Rise of the Third Army”. In Green Lantern #13, the mysterious new Green Lantern goes up against the Justice League and the Guardians release the first of the Third Army soldiers. Green Lantern #13 features the first strike of the Third Army, and huge changes for Guy Gardner. Green Lantern: New Guardians #13 has the debut of Carol Ferris Star Sapphire, and in Red Lanterns #13 Atrocitus is forced to make a terrible decision to preserve the Red Lantern Corps while one of their own dies. Exciting times for Green Lantern fans indeed.
2 books that started with a Zero issue make their proper #1 debuts in October. The Phantom Stranger #1 written by Dan Didio, and art by Brent Anderson and Scott Hanna, has the title character making a deal with Lord Trigon. A deal that will have dramatic repercussions rippling through the DC Universe.
Sword of Sorcery #1 is written by Jem writer Christy Marx, with art by one of my favorites Aaron Lopresti. Princess Amaya has grown up since we last saw her and times have changed. Not only does she have to deal with her duty as protector of Gemworld but also with the small fact that her family wants her dead. Sword of Sorcery #1 is my DC Pick of the Month.
At the start of this column I mentioned that there were two superhero-type books I liked and maybe I should have included Dial H, but I couldn’t. Part of the reason I love this book so much is that it is dense with story and that story cannot be categorized. The superhero portions of the story redefine superheroes in the most bizarre of ways. I hope to see this book crossover with the more Vertigo like series in the New 52.
A storyline that has been brewing since the launch of the New 52 is “Rotworld”, and that kicks into high gear in October with Animal Man #13. The first part of the four part story “Rotworld: The Red Kingdom” guest stars Justice League Dark (Most Excellent), Beast Boy, Hawkman (based on the cover), and many heroes and villains of the DC Universe.
Swamp Thing #13 guest stars Poison Ivy, Deadman, and the Parliament of Trees and is the first part of “Rotworld: The Green Kingdom”. Swamp Thing learns how the Rot was victorious and has overtaken the Earth.
Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #13 is tying into the “Rotworld” arc as well with the first issue of the three part “Rotworld: Secrets of the Dead”. Frankenstein takes the battle to the Rot in an attempt to stop its invasion of the Earth.
Swamp Thing Annual #1 delves more into his rivalry with Anton Arcane, who has made his existence known in the recent issues of Swamp Thing. The first encounter of these enemies is the reason why Rotworld came to pass. In my opinion, the “Rotworld” crossover is definitely an example of how to do a crossover. Slow burn build up while exploring the characters mythos, and advancing their personal stories, and keeping everything amazingly in context with the larger story.
I, Vampire #13 has me a little worried. I thought we had the storyline about Andrew going all evil and grrr already? Cain was pretty bad ass, and while the circumstances may be a little different this seems a little repetitive this early in the game. I will admit that having a human Mary, Queen of Blood running around is a little intriguing and will definitely be a huge adjustment for the character.
For Rob Liefeld fans I have to apologize for what I am about to say, but I cannot be quiet. The covers for both Deathstroke #13, and Grifter #13 are ridiculous (and not in the hip street lingo kind of way). Deathstroke #13 in particular is disturbing. I do not see how those covers will attract readers, and quite honestly are part of the turn off for me.
Joe Kubert Presents #1 is the first issue of a six issue miniseries. Joe Kubert brings us two stories that he both wrote and drew. One features Hawkman with the other being a story called “Spit”. Brian Buniak provides a story featuring Angel and Ape. Sam Glanzman also spins a tale about the U.S.S. Stevens.
Joshua Hale Fialkov, the writer of I, Vampire, is the reason I am purchasing Masters of the Universe: The Origin of Skeletor #1. This is a one shot that gives us the definitive reasons why he became one of the most evil despots ever.
It is sad that Vertigo’s The New Deadwardians #8 is the last issue of this series. It has proven itself to be a glimpse into an amazing world that combines the best of crime procedurals with characters that go bump on the night. It is nice to see writers take genre’s (vampires and zombies) and create something completely new (at least to me). I hope this does well enough in trade that a second volume is announced at some point.
Punk Rock Jesus #4 (of 6) brings us one step closer to then end of what is turning into my favorite miniseries of the year, and I have only read the first issue! The story of a genetically created clone of Jesus dealing with a world of reality television and corporate control, with supporting characters whose motives you are never quite sure of is fascinating. Sean Murphy provides beautiful, and at times gritty, black and white art that helps create the world that J2 exists in.
MY DC PULL LIST
MINI-SERIES
Before Watchmen: Minutemen
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre
Before Watchmen: Rorschach
New Deadwardians
Punk Rock Jesus
ONGOING
Animal Man
Dial H
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
I, Vampire
Justice League Dark
National Comics
The Phantom Stranger
Swamp Thing
Sword of Sorcery
Team 7
Wonder Woman
SPECIAL ORDER
Action Comics #13
Batwoman #13
DC Universe Presents #13
JLA Presents: Aztek the Ultimate Man TP
Masters of the Universe: The Origin of Skeletor
Ravagers #5
Stormwatch Vol.1 HC
We Can Be Heroes Justice League 7-Pack
Dropped as of October
Birds of Prey
Phantom Lady
The first one comes from Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics with a book that is my Back of the Book – Pick of the Month. Elmer GN tells the story about a world quite like ours with one exception, the chickens of this world have gained intelligence and consciousness similar to the human population. This story tells the tale of a segment of the population that has to fight for rights for themselves, and be considered equal in a world that at one time viewed them as nothing more than a food source. This reflects allot of the fights that people around the world are fighting in an attempt to gain basic human rights. Can human rights be shared with chickens or will they be relegated to the role of second class citizen? This is a must buy and part of me is wishing that it was a monthly, the story possibilities are endless. Gerry Alonguilan is the creative team as he provides the writing, art, and covers.
Archaia is bringing back one of the best sci-fi creations (in my opinion) with the hardcover book Space: 1999 – Aftershock and Awe. Combining classic material from the 1970’s with new material included to make it a tale for a modern audience. The moon is hurled out of orbit and now the world must deal with the scientific, environmental and social repercussions of the disaster.
Boom Studios have a hit on their hands with The Hypernaturals and once you read the latest sci-fi epic from writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, with art by Tom Derenick, and Andres Guinaldo you will understand how a science fiction epic should be put together. The mysteries are coming fast and there are wonderful moments of character development that really allow the reader to embrace the world, the characters, and the stories.
Valiant Entertainment is quickly becoming one of my favorite publishers and if you check out some of their offerings I am confident you will feel the same. The stories are layered, and you just know that the world was well thought out and the characters feel real. The art for the line is consistent and of highest quality. Harbinger, written by Joshua Dysart, with art by Khari Evans brings us the story of the world’s most powerful psionic and his struggle against both his master, and the Alpha to his Omega, Toya Harada, a man that seemingly has everything.
Bloodshot’s first issue intrigued me beyond belief and I cannot wait to find out if the title characters life is all fake or what, if any, of it is real. Duane Swierczynski is weaving an intricate tale that shows a promise of amazing things to come. Manuel Garcia on art is a wonderful pairing with Duane. Manuel’s layouts and character designs bring a believable edge to a world of superhero’s and espionage.
Valiant is going to be rolling out hardcover collections of some of its original series and Valiant Masters: Bloodshot Vol. 1 HC – Blood of the Machine is the first. This 200 page collection includes the original 8 issue Bloodshot series from 1994, and a brand new story from the original creative team of Kevin VanHook and Don Perlin. Another bonus of this volume is a cover from Barry Windsor-Smith. This is an excellent opportunity to relive the original days of Valiant.
