After today, there are only two more Wednesdays of release dates that restart 52 DC titles at issue 1. While I was unable to get my hands on issue 1 of Deathstroke (sold out) or a few of the other DC notables today, I did pick up six other firsts. Read on to see what’s worth a buy and what’s worth leaving on the shelf.
Rather than wax on about the content of each and possibly giving spoilers away, I figured it’d be best to give a brief synopsis on each of the six first issues I bought today. Unfortunately, I had issue 1 of Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. in my hand in the store, then somehow put it back. That whole sequence just escaped my memory. Anyway, my apologies for not including that one here. Nevertheless, here are the seven..er…six DC comics I did successfully take to the cash register today (in alphabetical order):
Batman and Robin – The Dynamic Duo is back! Bruce Wayne and son Damian (whose granddad is none other than Ra’s al Ghul) team up for a stress-filled mission where Batman has to play team leader and parent at the same time. The issue gives us a strong read and maintains the ominous tone we know Gotham so well for. With young Robin in tow, the story does get pretty whiney at times, but still succeeds overall. (Writer: Peter Tomasi / Penciller: Patrick Gleason) Grade: B+
Batwoman – For a starter issue, a little more background origin would have been appreciated. The art pleasantly changed styles between pages and the writing is sound. Cons to the issue include a lack of introduction and what appears to be a supernatural villain. When I think of Batman, Batwoman, or anyone associated with the Batman universe, I think of stories a little more grounded in reality. What appears to be an apparition on today’s pages was a quick buzzkill. On the upside, Batwoman issue 1 has the best cover of any title to come out today. Overlall, this book suffers from mediocrity. Of any title here, this one most closely resembles kissing your sister. (Co-Writer: J.H. Williams III / Co-Writer: W. Haden Blackman / Artist: J.H. Williams III /) Grade: C
Demon Knights – I usually dig the dark stories. Plus, Etrigan is a pretty cool character and here is his moment to shine. Establishing a far better origin than Batwoman, we get to see how bystander Jason and Etrigan came to be one. There is no shortage of demons and magic in this inaugural release, though many of the panels do not offer a seamless transition for the overall story. At the end of the issue, I was left scratching my head. It wasn’t so much a case of “oh they’ll explain that in the issues to come,” as it was a case of “WTF is going on?” I don’t recall reading a story this disjointed before. The art is nice. The writing…ehhh…not so much. (Wrtier: Paul Cornell / Penciller: Diogenes Neves) Grade: D+
Red Lanterns – Here is the hottest commodity of the day. I am not a fan of the Green Lantern universe at all, but this read was just wicked fun. We get a brief but great background story on Atrocitus and the layout for what could be a no-holds-barred story to come. The writing offers one very well placed bit of humor and a whole lot of angry tension, while the art brilliantly carries the visuals. Relying on the emotion of rage, the Red Lanterns like to exact retribution swiftly and in uncompromising fashion. I can’t wait to see them go to work. Ain’t nuthin’ to it but to do it! (Writer: Peter Milligan / Penciller: Ed Benes) Grade: A
Resurrection Man – Little did I know of this title before today, but the name alone hooked my interest. Mitch Shelley is almost un-killable. Well, let me rephrase that. He’s definitely killable. It’s keeping him from coming back that’s the hard part. The well-intended man who has abilities of electricity control can die and come back to life at will. His quote early in the story of “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” says a lot about this guy and his M.O. So who takes interest in someone of Mitch’s capabilities? Why, those in the afterlife of course, and with Mitch on the run from something, you can bet the spirits from beyond want his soul like no other. His background is still left a little foggy here, though there is enough substance to go on for now. (Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning / Artist: Fernando Dagnino) Grade: B+
Superboy – By far and away, issue 1 of Superboy lays the best foundation for any of today’s releases. I, for one, was not familiar with the kid’s history and how he came to be. Search no further. You’ll find it all here. Rage, love, espionage, and fear of the unknown. These are all aspects covered in the reboot of Superboy. You’ll see one or two familiar faces on the pages and while the story doesn’t offer a whole lot of action, it does offer quite a bit of education on the character. The artwork typically isn’t my style, but the writing is definitely on target. (Writer: Scott Lobdell / Penciller: R.B. Silva) Grade: A-
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