January 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review
Well a combination of computer issues and high volume at work has led to a slight delay but it is now time take a look at issue 304 of Previews Magazine for items shipping as early as March of 2014. There are many changes taking place in comics and it points to even more readers and an increase in interest in the art form and I for one am so excited about what is coming up.
One of the publishing lines that will be going through many changes and is in a state of flux is DC Comics. The Forever Evil storyline comes to an end in March with all titles that have not been directly involved catching up to the new status quo in April.
Let’s start with a look at the Forever Evil storyline. The main event mini-series clos
es with the seventh issue. It is evil vs. evil. Lex Luthor and his Injustice League goes head to head with the Crime Syndicate and when the dust settles the DC Universe will be a very different place, which will apparently lead to allot of changes.
The event also draws to an end in Justice League #29 where Cyborg and the Metal Men making their move against the Syndicate. Martian Manhunter and Stargirl‘s fate hang in the balance while the fate of the Justice League is revealed in the pages of Justice League of America #13. Waller and her Suicide Squad do their best to stop The Thinker from delivering OMAC to the Syndicate, while dealing with the betrayal of one of their own. The three associate spin off mini-series; Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S., Forever Evil: Arkham War, and Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion all close of with there sixth issues.
The event within an event: Forever Evil: Blight also comes to a close with the final chapters appearing in Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #17, Constantine #12, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #9, and finally comes to a close in Justice League Dark #29. With internet rumors buzzing about the cancellation of Pandora in the next couple of months it makes me wonder what will be left of the darker corner of the New 52, and if there will even be one when the smoke clears.
A side effect of Forever Evil is the weak, almost non existent state of the Amanda Waller run ARGUS and Suicide Squad and that is explored in the one shot; Suicide Squad: Amanda Waller #1 where Waller is tracked by an enemy who wants to see her dead and she is forced to rely on herself to survive. The Amanda Waller of the New 52 has not quite grown on me yet but this may be the moment she shines, and could possibly be the comic book equivalent of a back door pilot.
Aquaman #29 introduces us to the New 52 version of Atlas while this issue hints at a run in with Swamp Thing. I have liked some of the work done to finally give Aquaman the respect he deserves, and this may be the issue I dip my toe into the water again. Jeff Parker is off and on with me but the idea of seeing Swamp Thing up against the King of Atlantis is enticing to say the least.
Justice League 3000 #4 is out in March and I am going to stick with it for a couple more issues. The creative team of Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis normally brings me enjoyment but after reading the first issue I am left scratching my head. Keith Giffen is a pro at writing likable, quirky characters but there was not a likable character in the entire first issue. The art was excellent, and I saw shades of our Batman in the 3000 Batman but there has to be some way to relate to the characters or this title is going to shed readers faster than any Justice League title that has come and gone.
Wonder Woman #29 continues the journey for Diana, the new God of War. Azzarello (W) and Chiang (A) have crafted one of the strongest titles in the New 52 and has broadened who this character is and her place in the DC Universe. If anyone can carry the mantle of God of War, it is Diana and I cannot wait to continue the journey with her.
The second arc in the Zero Year origin story, Dark City, comes to a close in Batman #29. Scott Snyder will always be considered one of the definitive Batman creators and Year Zero is a landmark story that highlights what makes the Dark Knight Detective so great. I have my fingers crossed that we will see an Absolute Edition of Zero Year, because if there is one, I will be the first one to order it.
The attempt to bolster sales of the lower rung Bat-titles, Gothtopia, ends in Detective Comics #29. Judging from the cover I am guessing that Scarecrow is behind this false, perfect world of Batman’s. The coming months will show whether struggling titles were saved by the cross-over. With Talon ending in March with the 17th issue and Batman: The Dark Knight drawing down the curtain with issue #29, it is clear that not even being part of the Bat family can save a book. No offense to the Batwing creative teams but I wonder how much longer that title has.
A book I haven’t really got into, has got my attention with the 29th issue of Batgirl. Gail Simone (W), Fernando Pasarin (A), and Jonathan Glapion (A) bring us a story about a new villain. This new villain Silver has ties to Andrew Bennett from the under-rated I, Vampire goes up against Barbara and the Talon known as Strix. My love of I, Vampire dictates I bring this home, and I hope an appearance by Bennett will follow shortly after.
A cancellation that caught me off guard was Animal Man #29. Jeff Lemire (A) and Travel Foreman (W) introduced us to Buddy and his New 52 world and are bringing it to an end. Buddy has been put through the wringer and with any luck the series ends on a good note because he needs it. Even if it doesn’t we can look forward to him joining Adam Strange, and others in Justice League Canada when it launches later in the year.
One of the critical and fan favorites of the Vertigo line arrives with American Vampire: Second Cycle #1. Scott Snyder writes with art provided by Rafael Albuquerque. I did not hop on board with the first run but since Batman has definitely woken my up to the talent of Snyder, I will be giving this book a try. Vampires and one of my favorite writers make this a must have.
See you soon with our look at Marvel and the other Publishers. These were some of the highlights for me so don’t be afraid to pick up a Previews and check it out for yourself, there is allot of good product out there.