We're back with yet another installment of my reviews of the DC Comics' "New 52" reboot. Hopefully you've enjoyed seeing what this lapsed comic book reader thinks of the current product as I try to get back into the medium. So far, I've come across multiple of these #1s that have been strong enough for me to make the commitment to follow them on a monthly basis. Two of these books are included in this latest review, which focuses on team books.
About 15 of the new titles feature some combination of characters teaming up to accomplish their particular purpose. Many of these newfound teams didn't interest me in the slightest (Blackhawks and Suicide Squad, I'm looking at you...) Others, like Teen Titans, weren't worth plunking down the full $3 price to check out right now. Here's a look at some of the non-Batman-family titles that did catch my eye. But first, let's review the books that got the treatment from me in Parts 1 and 2 of this series.
I'M IN...
Wonder Woman and Batman have been at the top of the heap thus far. Nightwing also put out a strong enough initial issue for me to follow it. Justice League was solid, though obviously written for the trades, but I'm intrigued enough to at least pursue it through the initial arc.
ONE MORE MONTH ...
I'm sticking with Detective Comics for at least one more issue if only out of morbid curiosity to see what happens coming out of the gruesome final panel of the #1 issue.
Green Arrow has been one of my favorite characters over the years, but his #1 issue was pretty pedestrian. I've got a limited budget for my rediscovered comic-book fix, so the more books that pass this in quality, the less likely it will be that this re-booted Oliver Queen will get another chance with me unless I can pick it up at a major discount.
WAITING FOR THE TRADES ...
Batwoman had some outstanding art, but the character of Kate Kane was brand-new to me and I thought this failed as an introduction to the character. What was supposed to be a reboot instead picks up seemingly in the middle of things, with tension within her family.
PASS ...
It's nice to see one of DC's lesser-known characters get a chance to be a headliner, but Mister Terrific just didn't hold my interest enough to warrant plunking down 3 bucks a month to continue following the third-smartest man in the world.
And, with that, here's the latest batch of reviews.
DEMON KNIGHTS
Thanks to my dad, I’ve always had a love for the old pulp novels. In many ways, the first issue of “Demon Knights” would fit right in with the stories penned by Robert E. Howard and company.
The first arc is entitled “Seven Against The Dark” and we meet six of the seven—and get a glimpse of the seventh—before the issue concludes. The premise is simple enough; these individuals all happen to make their way into a village just as an invading horde is bearing down upon it. The village, you see, stands between said horde and the still mysterious goal of its magic-wielding, baby-disintegrating leaders. A simple enough premise, to be sure.
We don’t know much about most of these characters, but the depiction of Etrigan by writer Paul Cornell and artists Diogenes Neves and Oclair Albert was top-notch. Gonzogeek Editor In Chief Bruce Cook astutely noted it was a nice touch that Etrigan is considerably taller than the average human. He’s also involved in a surprising relationship with one of the other members of this would-be crew of adventurers, mercenaries and magicians.
I can see that this book may not be for everybody, but I’m completely sold on the premise and what we’re getting.
Verdict: I’m In
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK
The premise here is simple enough. A supernatural threat emerges and not even the members of the Justice League can withstand it. (Superman is vulnerable to black magic? Who knew?)
It’s nice to see Zatanna, one of my favorite DC characters, and her interaction with Batman is the best part of an otherwise disjointed book. We get glimpses of all the members of this would-be team, but they’re all doing different things—and, in John Constatine’s case—at different points on the globe. All of this takes place with a very ominous, foreboding tone that might set the scene but does little to actually keep things moving forward.
Contrast that to the first issue of Demon Knights, which at least put all its characters in the same place. A bit of plot convenience at work, yes, but it also made for a better read.
All in all, it seems like this issue was written for the trades.
Verdict: Pass
FRANKENSTEIN: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
Or, if I can suggest another title, “Everything John Likes In A Comic Book.”
Seriously, I loved this. We’ve got a cast of characters hearkening back to the classic Hollywood monsters forming an All-Star team to fight equally monstrous baddies. Yet another covert team—but at least one that uses cool gadgets. There’s a Ray Palmer cameo. There’s a shout-out to the old Man-Bat character. And I particularly enjoyed the new characterization of Father Time, which should be good for some laughs—or at least a few sight gags—going forward. Plus, don’t forget the humanids populating S.H.A.D.E.’s new base, whose presence seem downright Chekhovian (look it up…)
This was also probably the easiest read of the New 52 yet, with the possible exception of Batman #1. In short order, we check out the new S.H.A.D.E. headquarters, meet Father Time, get introduced to the dilemma our hero must face, meet the new members of his team and immediately get thrown into a monster vs. monster battle that I can only imagine looks like something out of Ray Harryhausen's dreams. Lots to like here, and if you're a fan of either comics or old-school movie monsters, I heartily endorse this one.
Verdict: I’m In