September 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review
The most recent issue of Previews has been out for a couple of weeks and it is time to look at what is coming out, and what should be considered when you peruse the comic shop shelves in November.
Since Marvel has not been impressing me much I have chosen to look at DC Comics first. They will also be in the midst of two very exciting crossovers. First up is the amazingly written Zero Year in Batman. The powerhouse creative team of Scott Snyder (W) and Greg Capullo (A) are joined by Danny Miki (A) to begin a crossover that has its roots in Year Zero. Batman #25 brings us the Riddler with one of his earliest and most dangerous ploys as he plunges Gotham into total darkness. “Dark City” begins here and carries over in many titles.
Action Comics #25 by Greg Pak (W) and Aaron Kuder (A) brings us the reintroduction of a major character while also bringing us another tale of a young Superman while he races to save Gotham.
Green Arrow #25 continues the amazing run by Jeff Lemire (W) and Andrea Sorrentino (A) as Oliver becomes Green Arrow for the first time after his return from the island. Jeff Lemire has done a wonderful job of blending the mythos from the Arrow television show with the world of the New 52 and this Batman: Year Zero tie in is another example of Lemires writing talents With his overgrown beard, Oliver has a passing resemblance to his pre New 52 appearance, which is a nice little nod to what came before.
This storyline also crosses over into Batgirl #25, Batwing #25, Birds of Prey #25, Catwoman #25, Detective Comics #25, Nightwing #25, The Flash #25, Green Lantern Corps. #25, and Red Hood and the Outlaws #25. With so many titles, some more surprising than others, taking part in this crossover it is going to be tough to wait for the trade so this is one crossover that might be coming home with me in single issues.
While Batman’s Zero Year covers a chunk of the November solicits, Forever Evil invades several titles itself. Forever Evil #3 by Geoff Johns (W), David Finch (A), and Richard Friend (A) continues the first universe-wide event in the New 52, and if the cover art shown is any indication, it is clear that the society is going to start crumbling. I loved the first issue of Forever Evil, and while many have griped over the lack of onscreen answers as to the true events behind the disappearance of the Leagues and most of the heroes, I look forward to finding out more about what happened in between the pages. The number of times we have seen countless battles in these crossovers it is a nice change to focus more on the story and not just the fights. Plus I suspect we might find the Leagues hiding over on Earth 3, especially if that vision of Madame Xanadu’s is any indication. This story also brings a major status quo shift to Nightwing. I won’t spoil it but everything is about to change for Dick Grayson.
Forever Evil also graces the pages of Justice League #25, Justice League of America #9, Justice League Dark #25, Suicide Squad #25, and Teen Titans #25.
A crossover isn’t a crossover without a few axillary series and while most of the time they end up being unimportant, Forever Evil is delivering some interesting mini’s. In Forever Evil: Arkham War #2 Bane becomes the protector of Gotham, in Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #2, Captain Cold is nowhere to be found leaving the Rogues to battle the Parasite without a leader, and in Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #2 Steve Trevor brings the fight to Deathstroke.
Considering how wide sweeping Forever Evil appears to be DC is showing restraint in keeping the crossover tight and the stories that are happening seem to be key to the overall progress of this tale of evil conquering good. I rarely recommend crossovers but both Year Zero and Forever Evil are worth the investment with what has been revealed so far.
A couple of non-crossover books to take note of include the Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti written Harley Quinn #0. 22 different artists grace these pages including Darwyn Cooke, Sam Keith, Paul Pope, Walter Simonson, and so many more. With a whose who of artists this book is worth taking home. Here’s hoping that this book re-injects some fun into a character that hasn’t felt quite right since the launch of the New 52.
The “Lights Out” crossover in the Green Lantern family of titles has ended but it definitely had some interesting fallout. The Red Lanterns protect Earth’s sector now, with no Green Lantern in sight. Who leads the Red Lanterns in sector 2814? Guy Gardner. This is intriguing enough to make me want to check out this book. This would be the first time since issue #4 that I wanted to check out a Red Lantern book.
The last thing I am personally excited about from DC would be the addition of Ultraman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and Deadshot, to my growing action figure collection. I cannot express enough love for the line of New 52 figures and with these villains hitting shelves in February I look forward to putting together a proper hero vs. villain display.
Well that is our look at product shipping beginning in November. See you soon with our look at the Marvel offerings.
