Reviews: The "New," 52: 1/4
#1: Justice League #1 5/10
The big leagues, the superhero team. There's something like a hundred Avengers. Justice League (well, the JLA), on the other hand, has something like seven. Here are my thoughts on the headliner comic of the year:
It's disappointing. The 'verse is completely in the dark. We know that Batman is being chased by the Police, the Green Lantern is a dick, and Superman is an even bigger dick. Also, there's some allusion to Darkseid, so there's hope yet. Art isn't bad, but the whole thing feels like it wishes Wildstorm hadn't closed down in '08 (you'll be hearing that a lot).
#2: Action Comics #1 7/10
Unfortunately, one of the best #1s. We meet Superman, a reporter who is now more reminiscent of Spiderman and less Clark Kent. At the very least they decide to make Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane even bigger pricks than Supes. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention; new Superman is bat**** insane, and acts like Rorschach if Rorschach didn't kill, and had superpowers. We also met Lex Luthor, which was pleasant, since he actually achieved something. And by that I mean he hit Superman with a train (they lowered Superman to power levels slightly below God! Incredible). The writing is actually of decent quality, and it has potential, mostly because Grant Morrison (of All-Star Superman fame) is writing.
#3: Animal Man #1 9/10
I was amazed when I saw this was having a new run. I was disappointed when Grant Morrison wasn't writing it. I was, however, not disappointed by the book. It reads like an indie comic; retired super hero with a wife and kids throws on the costume for a night on the spin. Then it goes wrong. The story is solid, especially for a serial, the art is good, and the formatting is by far the best of all the New 52. I was annoyed by the text, since it was hard to read. A thoroughly enjoyable read, even for people who usually avoid DC.
#4 Batgirl #1 7/10
So, Barbara Gordon is on her feet again. The reboot is thoroughly baffling, since the comic references "The Killing Joke," which didn't actually happen. Continuity errors, weak action scenes, and a rather irksome main character bog the comic down. It is redeemed by strong Villain design, and solid bits of plot.
#5 Batwing #1: 8.5/10
Batman's African counterpart. As in, he is literally, Batman, in Africa, but black. Art is okay, characters are all generally weak. They have nice costume design, and an actually solid story make for a worthwhile read. DC was as unsure of the comic as I was, giving it only 20 pages (not counting ads). Still, I have faith in it, as they have some good ideas, and brilliant fight scenes.
#6: Detective Comics #1: 8.5/10
A refreshing comic, truly. It's good to see Batman on edge, the Joker at his unchained finest, and excellent scriptwork. Art was kinda weak, and there was a bit too much text worth skipping, but it's an enjoyable comic.
#7: Green Arrow #1: 4/10
Disappointing. Strong art and character design fall apart with weak fight scenes, a lazy story, and an inability to separate Green Arrow from being a worse version of Batman.
#8: Hawk and Dove #1: 2/10
A Robert Liefield Comic for people who actually like Rob Liefield comics. Unfortunately, that's next to no one. Hawk is abrasive, racist, and the most senselessly violent character in the entire new 52 (and not in a pleasant, artistic, or entertaining way). I'll give Liefield credit, he gave us Deadpool. Unfortunately, a violent racist and a boring prop do not a comic make. Not to mention Rob Lifield did the pencilwork, which is, naturally, terrible. None of this is assisted by a weak opening plot, and generic fight scenes,
#9: Justice League International #1 1/10
To an extent, this is the measure of 52. This is the lineup of iconic heroes. Except that the lineup is garbage, consisting largely of characters who lack individual runs, or even show up outside of JLI. Seriously though, it's all second stringers (except for Batman). They brought in Booster Gold, which is a nice touch. Except that There is no superman in the public eye for him to try to gain a reputation separate of. Actually, the whole issue is a mishmash of continuity errors, weak casting decisions, a bit of racism, and disappointing everything.
#10 Men of War #1: 9/10
Not my thing, but definitely a strong book. It's about soldiers in a super hero verse'. What else is there to say? Oh right, there's top notch writing, surprisingly memorable characters, and a vivid portrait of what it's like to fight against a superhuman. Art isn't mind blowing, but it fits. Comics like these, with a more realistic, more human, more "Wildstorm," esque comics are by far the best out of The New 52.
#11 OMAC #1: 1/10
A generic character (Hulk with a computer brain), in a generic comic, with generic characters, generic villains, and a generic plot. I know what it's like to write for any sort of serialized publication; and I know something you wrote out of necessity when I see it.
#12 Static Shock: 3/10
I loved the cartoon. I'll be honest. But I did not love the comic. I hope it was aimed at children, because it's an uninspired rag with weak writing, no characters, and hilariously unoriginal villains.
Not a good set I guess. Hopefully the next batch will be better (I've only read some of the next 12, so your guess is as good as mine).
Next (whenever I review the next 12), I review a few less-than-blockbuster comics, including:
Stormwatch (holy ****, stormwatch?!)
Swamp Thing (holy ****, Swamp Thing?!)
Demon Knights, Resurrection Man, Frankenstein, and more!
I'm excited for the next block, I really am. It includes a lot of titles being moved from Vertigo or Wildstorm to DC, including a couple of Sci-Fi or Fantasy comics, and adventurous new ideas in the realm of comic books.
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