Wow, I never thought we’d see the day, but here we are. After a month of reading, reviewing and writing, we have reached the final week of DC Comics New 52, the comics giant’s attempt to grab a new or lost audience by relaunching literally every single book in their roster.  So far, it’s been a mixed bag - between the comics themselves being mixed in quality, to some major controversy about how female characters are handled (and you thought the backlash against a lack of female creators was bad) - but the fact is the books are selling. In fact, every single issue has sold out. Sure, the proof will be in how many copies of issues 2 and 3 of these books get ordered.

But the fact is, we’re in the final week, and it’s a week full of Batman, Aquaman, Flash, Vampires and more Green Lanterns!  So lets get it going!

All-Star Western #1 Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti, Art by Moriat

Pros: This is actually a fun yarn! Moriat’s art is really solid, and the color work gives the book a proper old timey feel. I also love that the setting is Old Timey Gotham, giving us a lead in Dr. Arkham, and fun easter eggs to the rest of the Bat-universe (what up, Mayor Cobblepot?).  Also, this issue definitely felt like we were biting into a big chunk of a larger tale as opposed to “part 1 of 6 for the trades”.  Kinda had a nice Downey era Sherlock Holmes vibe, too.

Cons: Much like Men of War, it’s a book that I can tell is being competently put together, but at the end of the day, I’m really not the audience for it. It’s rare that a western grabs me, and this has its moments, but at the end of the day, it’s just something I’m not that into. So I guess these are my cons, not everyones.

Would I Continue Reading It?: If you’re a western fan, you’d probably dig it, a lot. I can respect it for what it is, but really, it’s not my bag. Sorry.

Aquaman #1 Written by Geoff Johns, Art by Ivan Reis  

Pros: Goddamnit, Geoff Johns made me like Aquaman. In short, this issue is “hey guys, Aquaman can be awesome, deal with it”.  He knows he’s a joke and he hates it. He knows he’s worth more, but he knows the slings and arrows he must bare. But just as importantly, he remembers that he’s half human.  It’s a great setup for a character, the last time I saw him, he was running around with a crazy beard and hook hand.  Also, Ivan Reis' art is pretty damn solid, his rendering of Boston in the opening sequence are stupendous.

Cons: Unfortunately, the book doesn’t give us much more than “Hey guys! Like Aquaman!” There seem to be some creepy fish, and I look forward to more of Aquaman vs. Dry Land antics, but…there isn’t a lot to chew on here.

Would I Continue Reading It?:  Like a lot of the books across the 52, if the first collected story ends up good, I’d consider the trade. But I think it says something about the state of many of these first issues that that is the best compliment I can come up with.

Batman: The Dark Knight #1 Written by David Finch, Art by David Finch  

Pros: David Finch was pretty much born to draw Batman. He brings a rugged, yet slick quality to the art that just screams the mix of brutality and high tech which makes up the best versions of the character.  The story is mostly solid, giving us some Bat action, some Wayne action, and a big Arkham Asylum setpiece…

Cons: …but uh, that was the same plot of Batman #1 last week. And they did it WAY better.  Where are the EDITORS here, goddamnit? We had the week of airplanes, now two debut Batbooks with the same story? Who is making these calls?  I wouldn’t have minded it if it wasn’t done better the week before. Also, the last page reveal? Possibly the silliest character change ever, and unless they’re doing an homage to the shlocky 50’s-60’s Bat Books, a bad move.

Would I Continue Reading It?:  Of the 4 Batbooks on the market (Batman: The Dark Knight, Batman, Batman & Robin and Detective Comics) one rises above the rest…and it isn’t that one. Stick with the Synder/Capullo Batman. Solid effort, but just not as good.

Blackhawks #1 Written by Mike Costa, Art by Ken Lashley  

Pros: This is actually kind of a slick book. Reinventing the Blackhawk crew as a group of super spies, I feel like this book is ready made for a really awesome summer blockbuster. Decent writing, solid art, it was a breezy and enjoyable read.

Cons: I have to admit, it did kinda feel like they really really wanted to have a S.H.I.E.L.D.-esq group for the DCU, and I have to say the characters kinda hit all of the action-team archetypes. Well done archetypes, sure, but still archetypes.

Would I Continue Reading It?: Sadly this is another one for the middle for me. Not bad, a fun read, but it wouldn’t be high priority for me.  I could see the book getting some serious fans, however.

The Flash #1 Written by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato, Art by Francis Manapaul

 

Pros: Wow, this is a BEAUTIFUL book. Art is absolutely tremendous, and I found the story pretty compelling, at least what was there. We got a good idea of Barry Allen’s moral compass, some cool sequences demonstrating his speed (speed DNA research is interesting), and the foundations of what could be a very unique story.

Cons: Maybe it’s fatigue at this point, but really, ANOTHER book with the last page cliffhanger? Also, for the long time fans of the Flash franchise, retconning romances and writing out one of the most beloved characters in Wally West is a serious bummer.

Would I Continue Reading It?: Actually, yes. I’ve never been a Flash hardcore, but I REALLY liked what I read here, not to mention I want to track down every other book that Francis Manapul has drawn.

The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men #1 Written by Ethan Van Sciver & Gail Simone, Art by Yildiray Cinar

Pros: If you like teen hero books, guess what, this one has TWO leads! And they don’t like each other! How wacky!

Cons: Overall, I was NOT into this book (and I typically like Simone and Van Sciver). The racism conversation seemed unnecessary, as did the extreme violence from the presumed big bads of this run, and the “Fury” form looks a lot like the X-Men villain Holocaust. Also, reading this bland book after reading what Atomic Robo’s Brian Clevinger wanted to do with the book? Just depressing.

Would I Continue Reading It?: This book did next to nothing for me over its length. While far from the worst book in this run, it’s definitely towards the bottom in terms of my interest or even enjoyment. Bleh.

Green Lantern: New Guardians #1 Written by Tony Bedard, Art by Tyler Kirkham

Pros: So in here, we get a new version of Kyle Rayner’s origin (minus the stylish Nine Inch Nails t-shirt), and a vague setup for him and all of the other lanterns staring in this series (ONE OF EACH FLAVOR!). It was fun enough, I guess? At the least, Kyle’s ring constructs were really cool.

Cons: Another team book setup where…not much happens. Page after page of narration and dialogue, we get everyone in a room, and then BLAM, SEE YOU NEXT MONTH! Come on dudes, compression is KILLING me.

Would I Continue Reading It?: I could see the book becoming fun down the line, but I saw next to nothing in here that made me want #2, let alone #3, #4, etc. My GL book preference is with Green Lantern Corps right now.

I, Vampire #1 Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov, Art by Andrea Sorrentino

Pros: This is definitely one of the more unique books in the New 52. Clearly designed for the Vertigo reading, True Blood watching set, it certainly has immersive art and solid visual storytelling.  There are some very jaw dropping images here, and for that, I enjoyed my time with I, Vampire.

Cons: That said, the writing was a little too vague for my liking, and some unclear art definition certainly didn’t help in some back and forth exchanges. And given that it looks like that there are 2 characters in this world worth paying attention to, does the book have the longevity necessary to last as an ongoing title? I don’t know.

Would I Continue Reading It?: I think I’d be more interested in a Art of Andrea Sorrentino book, honestly.

Justice League Dark #1 Written by Peter Milligan, Art by Mikel Janin

 

Pros: Alright, the idea of a “Justice League” being made up of a team of the dark, magic characters of the DCU sounds like a really fun read, and Mikel Janin is more than game to make them look fantastic doing whatever they do.

Cons: But that’s the problem, they do NOTHING. I feel like I’m repeating myself. Vaguely introduce characters, have them sorta arrive at the same plot device, and then BAM, ISSUE TWO. Make me want to read number two, don’t just assume because I dropped $3-$4 that I am invested and HAVE to get involved. I want to like this concept, but this book gave me essentially the vague pitch as a comic. “Well, we have Zatanna, Constantine, Shade, Madam Xanadu…they’re gonna be a team.” Also, sounds like a candy bar.

Would I Continue Reading It?:  Another one for the “has potential, but it isn’t demonstrated here” pile. It bums me to put books in this pile.

The Savage Hawkman #1 Written by Tony S. Daniel, Art by Phillip Tan

Pros: This I liked! A superhero who dislikes being a hero, but keeps getting dragged back into the mess, really well crafted art, some nice changes to the Hawkman mythos (his armor being somewhat living/sentient is very cool), a creepy ass foe, and setup for Carter’s world makes for a great first issue!

Cons: Honestly, not too much - I really liked this book a good bit.

Would I Continue Reading It?: Absolutely! Not one of my first string MUST reads, but I could see catching up with this book and being really pleased with where it is.

Superman #1 Written by George Perez, Art by Jesus Merino

Pros: Well, if you’re an old school Superman fan, this book had, nearest as I could tell, EVERYTHING you could want, minus Lex Luthor action, but I assume that’s because he’s the main villain over at Action Comics. This book got a LOT of story and a LOT of exposition out there, which (as I’m sure you can gather by my other reviews) is something I’m very happy to see. Jesus Merino does a great job with the human moments juxtaposed against the large scale action, and it gives a nice grounded touch to the book.

Cons: Am I crazy, or did this not really feel like it was about Superman? More Metropolis and Daily Planet: The Series? I know that the deep cast of characters are what make the Superman universe what it is, but this felt like a pizza with one topping too many - I can’t really taste the pie anymore because of all the other ingredients in the way.  Also, the new costume sucks. But that’s not their fault.

Would I Continue Reading It?:  Of the Superman books, this is #2 for me - Morrison’s doing much more interesting work in my eyes over at Action, but I could see the long time Superman fans being more into this.

Teen Titans #1 Written by Scott Lobdell, Art by Brett Booth

Pros: Wow, the book that pissed me off from it’s cover art alone ended up being not that awful.  Unfortunately, it follows Justice League’s setup of give us two characters and setup a Super-person at the end.  But there are some changes that I find intriguing - why did Tim step down as Robin, why is he working in the shadows, why is Wonder Girl on the run, and what does Superboy have to do with all of this?  Which reminds me, the tie in with Superboy #1 was well done. Should be cool to see how both books line up moving forward.

Cons: I really hate everyones new costumes - also, why did they spring a surprise new cover on us?   But besides that, I was intrigued for more.

Would I Continue Reading It?: Like Superboy, I expected to hate this book, but finished it intrigued for more - if each book follows up on their respective mysteries well, they could make for a great 1-2 punch of reading. If only Lobdell wasn’t also responsible for one of the worst books of all the 52 so far…

Voodoo #1 Written by Ron Marz, Art by Sami Basri

Pros: Sami Basri would be great on…oh, any other book. Kid has talent.

Cons: Did you ever want a comic series about a stripper? No? Well here you go! Oh, and she’s an alien killer, too. What utter dreck. Really, this is a Skinamax movie but as a comic with less boobs.

Would I Continue Reading It?: No. Just, no. No, no, no. I’d be embarrassed to buy it. Would be interesting to compare digital sales (where people can’t judge you) versus hard copy (heh) sales moving forward…

And that’s it! ALL FIFTY TWO BOOKS! DONE!  We’ve read a lot, we’ve learned a lot…and that gets to my next post.

There will be ONE FINAL update - Me vs. The New 52: What Have We Learned! Look for it this weekend. Should be fun.