June 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

          The August solicitations for DC Comics seem to have allot of finality to them, with several series closing major story lines. With September’s much reported Zero issues, and hints at a third wave of replacement titles, keeping the DC Universe at the promised 52 titles, I am curious if any of these books, with the exception of Justice League International, whose cancellation has been confirmed, are going to be cut after their August issues? Let the internet speculation begin. Back to the task at hand and see what DC has shipping to us in August.

          Before Watchmen continues with Dr. Manhattan and Rorschach both launching the first issues of their respective Before Watchmen mini-series. I will be taking a look through the Rorschach series strictly for the art of Len Wein.

          My favorite cover from DC for the month of August is for the second issue of the Ozymandias mini. It’s a little adult, but beautifully drawn, and I might pick up that book just for the cover. From a design angle I think it is gorgeous.

          Justice League #12 promises to provide a shocking last page that will have everyone talking. Sadly I am not remotely curious. For too long comic books have been more concerned with cliff hangers and not necessarily good storytelling. I collect this book for now, so I guess I will see if the solicits can prove to be true or if it is another example of comic book puffery.

          Justice League International #12 is the final regular issue for the series but the actual ending will be in the first, and apparently, only annual that comes out at the end of the month. I dropped this series around issue three and I really have no interest in seeing how this ends but for completionists, these two issues draw a close on this strange, and varied comic book. DC might lead us to believe this was all planned but the title itself just never seemed to be going anywhere, and a team that suffers that many defeats in its first year really needs to rethink its mission statement.

          Earth 2 #4 continues and I am loving this series. The redesigns are incredible, the story is layered and it is just a fun title. This issue introduces us to the new Atom Smasher, and I cannot wait to see where this title goes next. For fans of the Justice Society, the multiverse, or just amazing world building, hope onto this book!

          Aquaman #12 is the final chapter of “The Others” storyline, and the traitor will stand revealed. Even though a major storyline is ending, Aquaman has been a consistent top 20 seller and I am hoping it continues to stick around, I think it will survive, but stranger things have happened.

          Teen Titans have reason to celebrate, DC Universe Presents brings a solo story to the pages, focusing on Kid Flash. Kid Flash and dinosaurs should make allot of Fanboys happy. I have not been a fan of the Teen Titans of the New 52, a little too 90’s for me, but I know a few people who might like to pick up this book.

          The cover to Savage Hawkman #12 …. quit it Rob Liefeld, just quit it. That is all.

          Batman #12 allows the recent “Stan Lee Award” winner, Scott Snyder, brings the Court of Owls to a close with an epilogue to the massive story and he also launches the next major storyline. I have never been a big Batman fan but what I have seen and heard of Scott Snyder, I might just have to delve into the Bat-verse, perhaps a TPB?

          Batwoman #12 has me excited for two reasons, the main one is Wonder Woman will be guest starring, and I love the Wonder Woman of the New 52. The second reason is a little less important but it has me happy. J.H. Williams III is back on art duties for this story. Williams drawing Wonder Woman? Yes please! The solicitation for this issue does use the word “epic” and I think this might just live up to that word.

          Justice League International is really giving a big final push, and appears in team members book, Batwing #12. They take the battle to Bloodstorm. If Batwing is canceled at any point it will be interesting to see if anything is done with the character, as he recently became a member of the International League, along with OMAC, and now that home is gone.

          With the recent revelation that Poison Ivy is connected with the Green, this book, Birds of Prey becomes a companion piece for me, in a way, to Swamp Thing and Animal Man. I hope that this becomes a major storyline that adds to that darker side of the DC New 52. I will give it a few issues and see if it pays off in any way.

          Catwoman #12 is another title that has the word, “Finale”, in it’s solicitations. Out of possible cancellations, I could see this one getting the ax, but being an extension of the Bat-family might just save it. I think the future of this title will be revealed before the September solicitations come out.

          The Green Lantern Annual #1 promises to Change Everything! With the conclusion of the “Revenge of Black Hand” storyline. Another suspicious solicitation right before the zero issues.

          Atrocitus has his “final” (there’s that f-word again) with Abysmus in Red Lanterns #12. Another title who’s future I might be a little concerned about.

          Deathstroke and Grifter have received no favors from Liefelds involvement and I honestly expect these titles to be on a cancellation list at some point soon.

          My DC Pick of the Month is a tie between two issues. The twelfth issues of both Animal Man and Swamp Thing are the preludes to the big crossover that these series have been heading towards from the beginning. These issues should be new reader friendly with recaps that will explain where they are now, and hints at what the crossover holds.

          Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. is a title I fear is heading towards cancellation. This is by no means a slur against its quality as it is always a title that appears near the top of my read pile when I get the comic purchases home, but it is a fringe title that deals with a very specific part of the DC Universe, and because of that has a small, but dedicated, fan following. The twelfth issue will reveal the traitor within S.H.A.D.E.. I have my own suspicions but I am anxious to see if my beliefs are confirmed.

          I, Vampire #12 brings us a special appearance from Stormwatch? I don’t get the connection, and am skeptical. This title has thrown twists I had not expected, and with Andrew Bennett having his power level boosted during the Justice League Dark crossover, my skepticism might be uncalled for. On the other hand this might be a desperate attempt to bring Stormwatch more into the DC Universe to try and broaden that titles floundering sales. I, Vampire is a title that struggles with sales so using them as a boost is a strange move. I collect this title already, not going to stop until it gets canceled so this one is coming home with me even though it leaves me going, “huh?”.

          With The Ray having received a mini-series, I am thinking that the Freedom Fighters are coming back, slow burn style, with a new mini-series for Phantom Lady. Gray and Palmiotti provide the words with art coming from Cat Staggs, and Rich Perrotta, and a beautiful cover by Amanda Conner. I love Amanda’s pencils and the cover would be enough for me to pick up this series, if I didn’t believe this to be leading to a return of the Freedom Fighters! This is a must buy.

          One of my favorite works of fantasy from the 1980’s is back. Showcase Presents: Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld Vol. 1 TP provides 648, black and white pages of fantasy. This Showcase collects Legion of Super-Heroes #298, Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld #1-12, Amethyst Annual #1, DC Comics Presents #63, and Amethyst #1-11. I am wondering if the success of this Showcase could lead to a New 52 introduction of this character. If it is it has my support. I cannot wait to spend an afternoon reading this and flashing back to a decade that encompassed my childhood.

          I was just discussing Neil Gaiman the other day and the brilliant work he did with Sandman and Death and for August we have the 320 page Death: The Deluxe Edition HC coming to us. This is an amazing collection with some of Neil Gaiman’s best work and includes Death: The High Cost of Living, Death: The Time of Your Life, stories from Vertigo: Winter’s Edge #2, and Sandman: Endless Nights, the story “The Wheel” from the 9-11 tribute book, Sandman #8, and Sandman #20, art from the Death Gallery, and the “Death Talks About Life” AIDS Pamphlet. This is a must have!

          Scalped #60 brings and end to Jason Aaron’s critically acclaimed series. The past five years have all led here.

And that is the list.

DC PULL LIST

Before Watchmen: Minutemen
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre
Birds of Prey
Dial H
Earth 2
Fairest
Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
Justice League
Justice League Dark
National Comics
New Deadwardians
Phantom Lady
Punk Rock Jesus
The Shade
Swamp Thing
Wonder Woman

SPECIAL ORDERS

Batwoman #12
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #2
Death: Deluxe Edition HC
Showcase Presents: Amethyst Vol. 1 TPB