After two weeks of “The New 52”, I’m thoroughly addicted to the rebooted DC Universe. In fact, I picked up more comics this week than the previous two weeks. This time around I’ll be sharing my opinions on the first issues of Batman, Catwoman, Green Lantern Corps, Legion of Super-Heroes, Nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Supergirls, and Wonder Woman. Let’s get to it! (Minor spoilers ahead.)
Batman #1: This was easily the most complete book of the week. Greg Capullo’s art was fantastic. Scott Snyder’s writing was sharp. It worked as a standalone issue and the first chapter of a story arc. Snyder did a great job at portraying how Batman and Bruce Wayne try to serve Gotham in very different ways. Great stuff all around!
As a Nightwing mark, it was cool to see him make an appearance in this issue. Hell, it was cool to see some of Batman’s other “sons” (Tim Drake, Damian Wayne). My one minor criticism is that the Bat-tech is way out of hand. Yes, Batman has cool and technologically advanced gadgets, but he’s best as a ruthless hero with unmatched detective skills and a strategic mind that’s second to none. Using E.M.P. masks and contact lenses that can remotely access supercomputers takes away from that. Having said that, this is a great comic book.
Catwoman #1: I wasn’t planning to pick up this book, but then I saw that Judd Winick was writing it. I really dig his stuff from Green Lantern, The Outsiders, Titans, Batman, etc. He’s great at getting people to care about his characters and his books always have a fun vibe. Catwoman definitely shows off his strengths. Winick made the character cool and fun, but also vulnerable enough that you feel for her. Guillem March’s did a fantastic job at complementing Winick’s vibe by using a style with slick action and slight exaggeration.
The first issue of the book wasn’t as strong a standalone as Batman, but it was good for setting up the vibe of Winick’s version of Selina Kyle both in and out of the costume. The cliffhanger isn’t a traditional one, but it completely works. Instead of wondering what happens to Catwoman as she’s left in a life-threatening position, readers can look forward to issue #2 revealing what pillow talk between Batman and Catwoman is like the morning after.
Green Lantern Corps #1: Wow. The first few pages of the book were shocking. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Green Lantern action usually consists of big space explosions, elaborate energy constructs, and giant green boxing gloves. I was stunned by the brutality that kicked off this book. I definitely wasn’t expecting one character to get decapitated and another sliced in half. I suppose that’s the peril of being a nameless member of the GLC. It’s like being a nameless ensign that gets beamed down for a mission with Captain Kirk.
Meanwhile back on Earth, it was fun watching Guy Gardner and John Stewart try to work civilian jobs. Not having secret identities can be bad for leading a normal life. After both their ventures failed, it was time for them to resume being space cops…and they found one helluva case to solve. I’m intrigued by the mystery assailant. He hasn’t shown his face yet, but he’s proven to be brutal, cruel, twisted, and powerful. I’m anxious to see how the showdown develops!
Legion of Super-Heroes #1: This book is definitely not for everyone. Legion gets a bit wacky for most mainstream readers and there are too many characters to keep track of. That said, I’ve always enjoyed Legion, particularly Mark Waid’s version. I love the wide variety of characters. I think Durlans and Daxamites are cool. 31st-century slang amuses me (sprock it all to hell!!!). With that in mind, I enjoyed this book and am on the hook for at least a few more issues.
That said, this book will definitely be confusing to newcomers and those only vaguely familiar with Legion. Unless you can name 10 Legionnaires off the top of your head, the basic plot will get drowned out by the large cast. Additionally, there are also several new recruits and I found myself flipping back so I could get their powers straight. I can’t imagine going into this book blindly. It’s way too overwhelming and weird. If you’re not a Legion fan then I can’t recommend this book.
Nightwing #1: Most of you know that I’m a Nightwing homer. Of course I loved this book! It had Dick’s excellent acrobatic skills, a brush with his Circus-life past, a new villain, and new lady to further establish him as the biggest man-whore in the DC Universe. It was a strong start to what will definitely be one of my favorite series.
What was unusual about this book is that it wasn’t quite optimized for tablet reading. There were a few two-page spreads that featured a lot of small, diagonal panels. These spreads definitely work better for a physical comic book than a digital one. Everything I’ve read from the first two weeks of The New 52 looked perfect on my iPad 2. This was the first book with some awkward pages. Still…it’s Nightwing. He’s awesome.
Red Hood and the Outlaws: This was another book that I knew I was going to love. Tweener heroes — former sidekicks that aren’t yet the primary heroes — are my favorites.Ex-Robin Jason Todd is one of the most fascinating characters in the DCU. The same goes for former Green Arrow sidekick Arsenal. I’ve always had a crush on Starfire; aliens with golden skin and glowing green eyes are hot. This book had nice action, great humor, and sharp dialogue.
There were two things that bugged me about this issue. Similar to Nightwing, it had those diagonal panels that don’t work well on a tablet. I’m also not sure what to make of the new version of Starfire. Hopefully there’s something wrong with her or her sister is taking her place, because her characterization is weird. She’s being written as a sexually aggressive Tamaranian princess with no long-term memory. While it would be awesome to meet one of those in real life, she’s so different from the Koriand’r I’ve enjoyed over the years.
Supergirl #1: This was another book I was on the fence about. I’m not sure what pushed my over, but I’m glad I picked it up. It starts with Kara Zor-El crash landing on Earth. She has no idea where she is, doesn’t speak the language, holds no currency, and finds herself under attack. I enjoyed watching her deal with a crazy situation and discover that Earth’s yellow sun gives her powers.
Part of the reason I’m interested to see where this book goes is because the new Supergirl will help define the new Superman. Kal-El appears on the last page and it’s a killer hook for the next issue. I definitely want to find out what he knows about Kara and how she deals with him. What is their relationship going to be like? How the hell does Kal know how to speak Kryptonian? Why are they wearing traditional Kryptonian graduation outfits for superhero adventures?
Wonder Woman #1: I wasn’t looking forward to this issue, but felt obligated to pick it up. After all, Wonder Woman is one of the three pillars of the DCU along with Batman and Superman. When I found out that Brian Azzarello was writing it, I did a total 180. He’s a fantastically edgy writer and his first issue of Wonder Woman was boss.
Wonder Woman feels fresh again. It mixes Greek mythology with a modern, somewhat occult, twist. The art was really striking and surprisingly violent. Seeing a horse get decapitated, watching a god take an arrow in the gut, and seeing a Marilyn Manson-like take on centaurs really stuck in my head. Cliff Chiang’s art is very unique and stands out, but Azzarello’s edgy take on Wonder Woman is cool and I’m really looking forward to more.
