DC's Relaunch Analisis, Recommendations, and The New 52 Purge

It's been a while since I posted about comics, or posted at all for that matter, and there are few reasons for that that maybe I'll elaborate on at some point in another post, but today I'm going to scratch my comic itch. The six month mark for me is the sort of marking port for the beginning of my DC Comics New 52 purge.

I've had mixed feelings about the New 52 marketing campaign that DC started seven months ago now. For those that don't know what it means, the New 52 means that DC is restarted its entire line of comics with 52 all new series starting with a new #1 issue. The idea is that it would be a jumping on point, and, while I don't agree with relaunching Action Comics and Detective Comics, both of which have been in print and have been consistently numbered since the 1930s (for those of you who don't know DC was once called National Publications, took on the DC branding as the initials for Detective Comics, it's oldest running comic), I do think that jumping on points are good thing. Most of DC's history (more commonly referred to by comics fans as "continuity") was restarted, however some of their titles got what they refer to as a "soft reboot", basically allowing what were considered to be successful story lines to continue in the relaunch. This sort of thing can be a bit confusing, especially if your the kind of person who wants to connect all the dots and try to make sense of the larger reality in comics. It doesn't personally bother me as I've seen a number of "continuity" shifts over the years and you have to have an appreciation of suspension of disbelief when it comes to reading ongoing stories about superheroes, some of which have been in constant publication since 1938.

I'm more traditionally a Marvel Comics superhero fan. Marvel is the company that publishes characters like Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, The X-Men, and The Fantastic Four. I started collecting Marvel Comics first, particularly Spider-Man who was a character I could relate to and whose stories helped me survive the more traumatic experiences of my childhood. The Marvel Universe felt more familiar to me, it felt more grounded and yet more fun at the same time. But in the 1990s the quality at Marvel fell and a lot of the hype driven trends made it very difficult for me to enjoy Marvel Comics, which is the time that I started really getting into independent comics, particularly ones outside of the superhero genre. Now, since the 1990s have ended, a lot of really amazing comics have been produced by Marvel. But there is still a sense that I have at times that their continuity has advanced so far that I don't recognize many of the characters I used to enjoy, there are way too many events that make it hard for me to enjoy a single title and, while there are a few Marvel titles that I think are out of this world amazing (Winter Soldier and Daredevil are two I would strongly recommend), I have a really hard time jumping onto Marvel titles.

Despite my connection to Marvel with the comics, DC's superheroes were my introduction to superheroes with Superfriends, the Superman movies, and the Batman and Robin TV show. DC's heroes, particularly Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, are icons. And I think that DC has done a relatively good job in comparison to Marvel in treating it's characters like icons. There are a lot of things about the New 52 relaunch I really like. For example, I'm glad that Superman isn't married to Lois Lane now because part of the fun in comics is that soap opera element and if the characters have all settled, it's hard to build the same kind of romantic tension. There is that danger of going to the other extreme from where Marvel is at, where the characters play so much of tribute to themselves that it's hard to tell interesting stories with them anymore. No matter what you do you are going to upset someone. But what DC has done is very brave. The problems I have with it are specific and involve particular trends that don't appeal to me, many of which reminds of me that period in the 1990s that drove me away from superhero comics. But what DC has provided are icons that I recognize and a place where I can jump on, and enough diversity within their books that even though there is a lot I don't like, what I do like I really really like and can enjoy and feel comfortable jumping into without being bogged down by bloated continuity.

But as I've said, my New 52 purge has began and the most simple reason for this is that I have limited income. I'm a single dad whose kids live with him more than half of the time, I have lots of bills, I have other interests, and there are other comics I enjoy, not all of which involve superheroes and some of which are being published in deluxe formats that cost a lot of money. I checked out more titles from DC's New 52 than I normally would because I wanted to sample what looked good to me. And now that I have, there are some books that I love love love, some that I think are really good, some that I think are pretty good, some that I want to like more, and some that really aren't working for me. I also find that there are certain titles that I have fallen behind in reading and I only have so much time and so many things I've been meaning to get to. I also feel, as I often do with big business which has a tendency to pat themselves on the back too much, that it's important to remind DC not to take us for granted.

So what I'm going to do now is give a brief summary of the DC books I've been reading since the relaunch, and whether I recommend them or whether they're part of my purge. I'm going to be clear, most of the books I'm not recommending are not bad books. In fact, most of them are good books. But comics cost between $2.99 and $3.99, and that's the better part of a five dollar bill. My presumption is that you work hard for yoru money, that you don't have an unlimited budget, and you have other interests, so that anything short of awesome isn't worth me pushing on you. Also, keep in mind that these are only the titles that I've been following.


Action Comics
Action's first issue had the strongest start of the New 52 books and taking Superman back to his earliest roots where he had a bit more bravado and was a champion for the disenfranchised, really felt relevant in the modern world where business seems to have a parasitic relationship with both their employees and customers and cronyism and manipulators seems to run our government. But then the book just seemed to drift and explore more of the "fantastic" qualities of Superman rather than the populism that was in the first issue. I'm not purging this book yet, but now that he's in that awful costume that is so out of date, it's hard to remain enthusiastic for this book when it hasn't gone anywhere for a while. Not Purged, but Not Recommended, at this time at least.

All Star Western
I love Jonah Hex. I think Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray have done a great job with him since day one. This is a good book. Sometimes it's a great book. But I find myself falling behind in reading it. If westerns are your main thing you should check it out, but I've got it scheduled to be Purged after it's Court of Owls back stories. Still, I might pick these up as back issues down the road...

Aquaman
Geoff Johns has applied the magic that revived Green Lantern to Aquaman to tell straight forward superhero stories that make character relatable and cool. Recommended

Batgirl
One of the things I was excited about was the return of the real Batgirl, whom I consider an icon. Unfortunately the costume redesign loses everything that made Batgirl's costume both sexy and cool. Sometimes I think artists get so hung up in what they think is modern that they forget that marrying the modern with what is retro has been an enduring formula. The story is fine, but not strong enough to pull me in. Purged

Batman
This is DC's best book right now, and that's not just my opinion. Scott Snyder, who has made a name for himself on a comic called American Vampire, really gets what makes Batman work. Everyone LOVES this book. The Court of Owls storyline that is the next classic Batman story. And even though events from this storyline will spill into other titles, the story itself is complete within this title. MUST READ!!!

Batwoman
The draw for this book is J.H. Williams art. When he is the artist it's one of the most beautiful books DC produces. But with shakeups on the alternate art team, which didn't excite me that much in the first place, I'd much rather get this book bimonthly, than pay good money for filler. I do like the character so I suggest you Cherry Pick this one. Get the collected stories that Williams did with Greg Rucka in book form and then do the same when the first book collecting this new series comes out.

Catwoman
I truly believe that Guillem March is going to turn out to be one of the master artists in comics, but there is so much that makes me feel uncomfortable with this title. When sex and violence are combined in a graphic way, it disturbs me. I don't really like seeing corpses with a t-shirt so tight that their huge boobs are pushing out while having a bullet hole in their head. It makes me feel sick, and I'm a guy who would probably like the woman in that t-shirt in any other situation (even if I don't admit it out loud). If the story didn't drag on so much I'd try to get past it because I think Guillem March is more than he is usually dismissed as. Unfortunately I don't think that the stories in Catwoman are going to be the place where he's going to get to prove that.
Purged

Detective
The talk in my comic shop hasn't been favorable to this one but I'm not sure how many of those people are actually reading it. I actually like this one. It's the other side of Batman than what's shown in Batman. However, while I think Batman is a book that would appeal even to people who aren't normally into Batman, this one is I would say that if you already like Batman, I recommend this one. As far as my purge, I'm currently On The Fence with this one.

Flash
I think that Francis Manapul is showing what an artist can bring to storytelling when he's also the writer. It's a good book. But I'm finding myself falling behind reading it which means it's due to be Purged at the end of the current storyline.

Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
I loved the first storyline and I found myself going from not being into the internal art to being absorbed by it. Unfortunately there was a filler team up issue after that first story but it doesn't hurt it enough for me to Recommend it.

Green Lantern
Geoff Johns continues to do his Green Lantern magic and the interaction between Sinestro and Hal Jordan has been key to refueling this title. Unfortunately that while I enjoy reading it when I do, I'm still falling behind which means I'm just not as enthusiastic enough to spend money. Due to be Purged at the end of the current storyline.

I, Vampire
I like this one so far and I dig vampires so I'm Recommending it.

Justice League
The biggest disappointment of the DC relaunch. I am excited about the Shazam back up feature and with a new main storyline I'm hopeful that Geoff Johns will start to bring his A-game, but I'll be waiting for the trade for the Shazam feature because this one is already Purged.

Justice League Dark
The only thing I can say about this book is that the art looks great and everything else I've read by Peter Milligan has been fantastic, unfortunately while I've bought this book I'm yet to read the first issue which means that it's going to get Purged after it's coming crossover with I, Vampire. Now when I finally sit down and read it, maybe I'll absolutely love it. But I can't continue to spend money on something if I keep passing it up for other things.

Swamp Thing
Again, we get to see how amazing of a writer Scott Snyder is and with amazing art by Yanick Paquette, this one is Highly Recommended.

Wonder Woman
This isn't the Wonder Woman I wanted, but it is a Wonder Woman comic that sucked me in and that I love reading every month. Highly Recommended

DC New 52 Review: Wonder Woman #4

Wonder Woman #4
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Cliff Chang
Cover Price: $2.99

In a nutshell:
The Goddess Hera is really pissed off that Wonder Woman is the illegitimate child of her husband and she decides to pay Paradise Island a visit.

Synopsis:
Hera is a jealous Goddess. She is very deeply hurt that her husband seems to have no interest in her but is out shagging everyone else. She also feels betrayed by Queen Hippolyta whom she has favored. From the three previous issues I expected her to be vicious. What has surprised me and adds layers to the character, is that she genuinely seems to feel love for Hippolyta whose betrayal might hurt her as much as her husband's cheating, and regret for the vengeance she knows her anger demands. Anyone who has been in her situation can relate to her. The quality that makes her pathetic is that she continues to pine for Zeus, who is obviously unworthy of her love, instead of demanding more for herself and moving on. But then, Gods can be as human as anyone and while there are those of us who make very intentional decisions so that we are not tragedies of our circumstance, there are many that see a sense of romance in their own tragedy of love and even though of us who get beyond it have to suffer through it before hand. Meanwhile Wonder Woman is getting to know her half sister Strife and gets some perspective of her family and her relationship with her mother. But just as in life, sometimes we don't say the things we should to the people we love until it's too late...

The Good:
Here's an example of a story that isn't trying to meet our expectations of what the 21st Century would be, but adapts it's myth in an authentic manner for the time. The Greek Gods aren't so regal, they're more of a reflection of ourselves which seems appropriate and relevant. There is a depression to them which represents the depression of the times we live in which is filled with disappointment and uncertain expectations. And of course it is in a world such as this that heroism can truly have meaning. Unlike the last incarnation of Wonder Woman, this version seems accessible, more human and down to earth in her emotions, and yet even more heroic in her dealing with them.

The Bad:
Towards the end of the book Wonder Woman returns to Paradise Island and it is clear what has happened to her mother, but it's not clear what happened to the other Amazons and I'm not sure if I'm supposed to know or if it's purposefully left vague and that's never a good feeling to have when you're reading a comic. But the real bad here is that this book deserves to be pushed by DC's marketing department the same way Action Comics and Justice League is. Wonder Woman is an icon. This, while perhaps not the story I thought I wanted for Wonder Woman, is a story that finally makes the character interesting. DC has emphasized it's reinvention of Superman in this relaunch. Here we have a reinvention of Wonder Woman, another of it's icons, that mirrors it in relevance and DC hasn't given it nearly the push it deserves.

Is it worth it?
My only frustration is that I have to wait a month for the next chapter!

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DC New 52 Review: Wonder Woman #1-3

Wonder Woman #1-3
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Cliff Chang Cover Price: $2.99

In a nutshell:
A darker Wonder Woman tale that plays with her origin

Synopsis:
I wouldn't call this a horror story, but the story takes fantastic elements and interprets them in a horror setting. The Greek Gods in this story aren't as bright and shiny, they're very creepy and their presence is our world is quite startling. Paradise Island feels a bit like the island on Lost. Everything is a bit darker and Wonder Woman seems to be the most human of the characters we have met so far. In this story we discover a shocking twist about her origin, or at least it's shocking to Wonder Woman. It's hard to be shocked by twists like this in comics anymore and while Wonder Woman is one of the three big icons at DC, her iconic status is more associated with recognition rather than an intimate knowledge of her backstory. We know that Superman came from Krypton. We know that Batman's parents were murdered. But even as a comic fan I rarely think about the fact that Wonder Woman came from clay and it never seemed that important. Apparently Zues, king of the gods, likes to cheat on his wife and he has a number of illegitimate offspring. This pisses off Zues's wife Hera (I can't really picture Wonder Woman saying "Great Hera" after this story) and Hera is very jealous so she tries to kill these offspring when she can. Apparently Zeus is too busy being a slut to get involved in all of this. Zeus's latest conquest was a human young woman and Hera sends her minions to kill this girl whom Wonder Woman ends up protecting and bringing to her mother on Paradise Island. In the course of this Wonder Woman learns some shocking things about herself.

Why did I pick it up?
Wonder Woman is a character I loved as a kid but have had a very hard time connecting to as a comic book collector. Part of that is that it has taken this popular idea that feminism means being a better man than a man and a lot of the feminine qualities about her character have been swept away. Those characteristics, I felt, were a huge part of her appeal and, in my opinion, undervalued qualities in what is increasingly becoming a coldly competitive society. It's for that reason I feel that Wonder Woman could be the perfect hero to contrast that problem and show a reflection of something that's missing in us that we don't even know is missing. So whenever I know there is a new jumping on point for the character I give it a try.


The Good:
The story is well written in that it understands that we already know who Wonder Woman is, it's not just telling an origin story, but it has the character discover something about herself that allows the writer to say, here's your character, here's where she came from, here's how it's important to what she's dealing with right now. Although I was immediately put off but Cliff Chang's art as it marinaded it really started to grow on me and I think it's perfect for this story and I'll definitely keep my eye out for him from this point on. While this isn't necessarily the Wonder Woman I have been waiting for, I really enjoy it when creative teams of quality take these iconic characters and drop them into a different kind of story than we're used to seeing them in. I like that Paradise Island feels big and mysterious. I like that it's not just glistening in the sun. This gives it more depth and makes it more interesting to tell stories. Brian Azarello knows how to make something feel important even if we didn't go into it feeling that way in the first place, which is no surprise if you look at the work that he made his name on. Not everyone is an Azarello fan but you have to admit, the guy's name is based off his storytelling, not just playing with franchise characters that already get a lot of attention. I also really like that Wonder Woman's mother, Queen Hippolyta looks like her classic appearance again and not an older version of Wonder Woman. That might be that might be purely aesthetic but it's the little touches like this that makes me feel the roots of a character haven't been forgotten.

The Bad:
My daughters both love Wonder Woman and this comic isn't appropriate for them. I understand that it's tough to brand a character like Wonder Woman because girls don't support the comic industry enough to hold up a title like this and kids barely have a presence in mainline comics anymore, which is really the biggest shift in comics (that my generation took them with us). So you have this issue where some of the people buying the book want to see the sex appeal of the character. Some want this ultimate fighter warrior so that she can look badass next to Superman. And I really think that Wonder Woman hasn't established an identity in mainstream comics yet. I like this take on her so far. She seems more human than I've seen in a while. But when the creative team next shifts it's hard not to consider it as a possible jumping off point because at this point Wonder Woman is still just an icon. DC has to really figure out how to brand this character because I don't see that they've figured it out yet.

Is it worth it?
I'm enjoying this comic and I would enjoy it if this creative team stayed on it for a while.

DC New 52 Review: Justice League #1

Since DC has relaunched their line this month with new #1 issues of their mainline titles as well as a (partial) restart to the history of their characters, I've been searching for reviews that could give me the scoop on the books I haven't been checking out. In doing so I found very few reviews of the ones that I have been checking out that have matched my own feelings on those books or the feedback from other fans at the comic shop I do work for. So I've decided to review the books that I had enough initial interest to pick up. This is the first of those reviews.


Justice League #1
Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils by Jim Lee
Inks by Scott Williams
Cover Price: $3.99


In a nutshell:
Where's the beef?

Synopsis:
My main problem with this comic is that I feel like I've read it already. I get that this book is supposed to appeal to new readers, but that doesn't mean there aren't new ways to introduce characters in comics and team them up so that the story will be fresh. The story structure is very similar to the first issue of All Star Batman and Robin and the changes seem to be for the sake of being more provocative but really, these ones are kind of tired cliches at this point, not just in comics but other popular media as well. The majority of the story is about Green Lantern meeting Batman, we get a glimpse of pre-origin Cyborg, and most of the characters in the comic aren't in it. We see that Batman is an outlaw, but we've seen that before so it's not really a shocking start and the dialog feels contrived. Besides the dialog, it's not that the story is bad, it's that it feels like half an episode and doesn't really give us an idea of what the Justice League is about and why we should care. Since the story starts with the captions explaining that it is five years in the past, perhaps what it could have used is a scene preceding what is now the opening scene that shows the entire team in an actions sequence in the present time so we get to see the characters on the cover that haven't made an appearance yet (which is almost all of them) and we get a sense that something actually happened in the comic.


Why did I pick it up?
Curiosity, primarily. The advance images with the costumes really put me off but Jim Lee and Geoff Johns are top talent. While I'm not a hard core DC fan, I do feel a connection with Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman and the other "Super Friends" that I grew up with. So having really mixed expectations, I decided to take a risk on the chance that it might end up being an iconic story after all.

The Good:
This isn't Jim Lee's best art, but it's still Jim Lee with Scott WIlliams on inks (the under-appreciated member of that art team).

The Bad:
The costumes look dated, they seem to follow the trends of the 1990s with the only addition from the current trends in comics being a ridiculous amount of seams in patterns that don't make much sense. Superman has armor now for a costume and a ridiculous looking collar that reminds me of alternative versions of him we saw in 90s stories like Armageddon 2001 and the DC Year 1,000,000 Annuals. Of the DC trinity, only Batman has any story time, Superman doesn't show up until the last panel, and Wonder Woman isn't even in it which really doesn't give anything for the female reader who might be checking out the comic. The characters just seem in general to be snarky, confrontational, and pissy (kind of like fanboy posturing on internet message boards) which I don't find offensive but isn't interesting and has sort of become a cliche in modern comics. The cover is a week design, the character renderings on it and strange poses and angles are not examples of Lee's talent and the orange background cover and weak logo don't help. The characters that are supposed to be in a normal non-superhero setting looks like they're posed like superheroes and they are tensed up for battle, which might mean those kind of scenes are Lee's "Achilles Heal" as an artist (and perhaps one of the reasons Hush looked so awesome is because no other writer focuses on tailoring their stories to their artist like Jeff Loeb does). Geoff Johns has done so many amazing stories that were just home runs for me. Both him and Lee are A caliber talent. But they didn't bring their A game to this issue!


Is it worth it?
For $4 in today's economy, when most of the other books are selling at $3 with a story that feels incomplete, not at all! Which doesn't mean the complete story won't be good, but for a first chapter this really doesn't hook you. If the rest of the story arc delivers perhaps the trade would be worth it. But this single issue is not!