The New 52 From A Newbie’s [Kinda] Perspective: Part 1
So right off the bat, I must let you know that I am not a DC fan. I am a collector of 25+ years and 80% of my collection is Marvel. I do know some DC history and I always pick up the “events” from the amazing Crisis on Infinite Earths until the most recent load of camel dung Flashpoint. I know most if not all of the characters but not their history or personality quirks. With the DC Reboot, I, as a DC Noob, was given the rare opportunity to get in on what is supposed to be the ground floor of a new Universe. A fresh start into some of the greatest comic book characters ever created.
Of course I was skeptical. Good thing my local comic shop keeps a reading set and allowed me to read the first six issues of every book that came out. Now I wasn’t interested in a bunch, but I did dabble in more than half of the new titles. What follows are my views and opinions on the titles that I did read. Let the high praise and/or carnage begin.
The flagship. The one that started it all. Introducing the most iconic comic book character of all time. I was definitely looking forward to this. Then I noticed the writer. Grant Morrison. That scared me. Sometimes the man is a god, like with his work on New X-Men. Then sometimes he has a few of the blue pills and the result is the second worst event of the past 25 years, Final Crisis. Which would this be?
In my opinion, Morrison took the blue pills while writing this book. This character is not Superman. He is not the big blue boy scout. He does not stand for truth, justice, and the American way. I understand he is a teen and not fully developed in his powers and beliefs, but his personality is still more vigilante than superhero. Was he still not raised by the Kents? Shouldn’t they have taught him how to be good and kind? I guess not. My first issue with this book was the lack of origin in the first issue. I thought this was supposed to be a reboot. Give us some sort of intro where we learn who this character is and where he got his powers. That’s how you hook us. Get us to care. Don’t start by having him act like a brat child throwing a temper tantrum and bullying his enemies into confessing their guilt. Then, he runs away without a care in the world. And what is the deal with Luthor? When did the most dangerous human in the DC Universe become a latte sipping pretentious coward who cuts deals with aliens then whines like a sissy when he gets double crossed? Also, why cut off the story mid-arc just to tell some side Legion story? Finish what you started and then tell the Legion story. One other issue. Where the hell is Superman’s supporting cast? Where are the Kents? Why did Lois and Jimmy get almost no face time? Where’s Perry? Where’s Clark Kent even? I feel like I have learned absolutely nothing about this character or his regular life outside of being a vigilante hero who does good deeds. As a new reader, I was so confused by all of the villains and threats that just showed up without any background to their purpose. The story was just too convoluted and overwhelming. Amazing art though. I, personally, would drop this title right now because I feel nothing for the main character or any of his supporting cast and I would not want to be confused any further.
Final Grade: D
I wasn’t sure if this would be the story of Clark as a boy, Superboy Prime’s title, or Connor’s book. Personally, I was hoping for a book on Superboy Prime, but I still gave this title a chance.
In my opinion, this book is not for new readers. Also, this book is not about Superboy. It should be titled Superboy and Gen13. I personally have absolutely no knowledge of Gen13 or any of their characters or history other than the name Fairchild. Without a proper introduction to Gen13 and their powers and backgrounds, I felt that there was a huge hole running through the entire arc. I get that N.O.W.H.E.R.E. is the villain of the book. I just don’t know why or, honestly, care why. I just feel that the writer expected the reader to know every character being introduced and named so he didn’t even bother creating a backstory. I did recognize Rose Wilson and am glad that she’s in the book. I also enjoyed the action and the progression of Connor discovering his powers. I just wish he wasn’t monologing so damn much. Try talking to the characters around you. Build a relationship or two. Now this book was not all bad. The action was pretty cool. I also enjoyed the connection to the Teen Titans title. It made me want to read it to see what happens. (That should be the premise behind every DC book. To connect to another title so more sales and interest can be created) I liked the small mystery as to Connor’s origins. The art was sensational. I just wish it was more focused.
Final Grade: B
The original sidekick super team is back. With some new?? characters in tow.
In my opinion, this was a really good all around book. It had a great story, all surrounding the formation of the new Teen Titans team. The characters were introduced at a slow and steady pace. Each one had the opportunity to develop themselves and let the fans get to know them a little. Their individual personalities are clearly defined. I loved the action and the connection to the Superboy title for the same reason as above. I liked the similar villains and the overall nods to the rest of the DC NU. I also really enjoyed the comedy that was infused throughout the issues. These are teenagers, supposedly. They need to act like it and cuss and play pranks and generally have attitude. I also really liked the new looks for Wonder Girl and Red Robin. Those are some nice new costumes. The overall art was fantastic as well. Once again, I was not happy with the lack of origins of the new characters. (Except for Skitter) Maybe they’re not new. I have no clue since I wasn’t a big Teen Titans reader. But even if they’re not new, Solstice and Bunker need origins cause I like that about “new” titles. Giving origins to characters helps the reader feel like they’ve known this character all their life. Other than that, this was honestly one of the better “superhero” title reboots that was “new” fan friendly.
Final Grade: A-
The Emerald Archer with the awesome goatee and hot woman by his side strings up the bow once again. (Wait. Who is this child on the cover? Speedy? Is this book about Speedy?)
In my opinion, this book is a bit of a lie and a minor rip off. As a former fan of Green Arrow, I was expecting the facial hair and holier than thou attitude. What I got instead was a partial clone of the Green Hornet. I mean seriously, how is this guy different from Britt Reid? He’s rich, pompous and privileged. He ignores his company and real life to go out fighting crime. He argues with his boss way too much over being spoiled. He has a team making him weapons. He’s a womanizer. Other than the bow and the car, these two are way too similar for my tastes. That being said, the actual story was top notch. I loved how it didn’t drag over six issue but actually managed to tell two stories over six issues. A rarity for the TPB generation of writing. I loved the villains and the action. The art was really nice. Once again, we are not given an origin or any reference to one. I’m not sure if this Green Arrow story is happening now or in the past, mostly because Oliver looks like a child. Still, I’m enjoying the tale and can’t wait till next issue.
Final Grade: B+
The most dangerous assassin in the world in his own little series.
In my opinion, this book was not impressive in the least. Other than some action, the book lacked substance. The story was completely one note. Deathstroke gets a job, completes it, then kills the competition. Big freaking deal. There were no surprises or character development. I knew immediately that Ravager was alive and behind Legacy. TPB writing mentality made this story drag three issues longer than it had to. If I was a new reader to the character, I would still have no clue what his powers are, how he got them, or why I should care. He’s not funny. He’s not overly villainous. I have no clue what to think of him. The art was great, which seems a common theme throughout the DC Nu. I just wish that oh so famous DC writing was there as well.
Final Grade: C
Don’t get attached to them. Don’t think everyone is on the same squad. Don’t expect a regular comic. This series throws all rules out the window.
In my opinion, this book is awe-freaking-some. I love the insanity that this book provides. I used to read this before the reboot when it was called Secret Six and it was a great book with a lot of extreme characters. I’m extremely happy with Harley’s transformation into Bane or Ragdoll. Either way, she provides the team with much needed comedy relief. I really like the whole do the mission or die concept. It’s always fun to watch member after member get broken, only to be replaced by another b list character. Harley, to me, is clearly the star of this title, where Catman was the focus in the one that ended. Deadshot is cool as the only familiar member from the old book. The rest of the team are new to me at least. They definitely add a nice power range to the team and should make for interesting bonding moments later. I did enjoy the actual origin and purpose of the team being cleanly spelled out in issue number one. This has been lacking from most of the DC Nu books. This issue makes it pretty easy for new fans to jump on board and have a general idea of who the characters are, how they got there and what the theme of the book will be. The art is sensational as well. One issue, to me, is the transformation of Amanda Waller into a hot supermodel type. What’s the point? To make it more sexy? Amanda Waller doesn’t need to be sexy. She was one of the strongest, toughest, women in the DC Universe. Adding sex appeal actually cheapens her memory to me. Still, overall, this is one of the better books in the reboot.
Final Grade: A
The team that protects the earth from the rest of the galaxy. Plus the Martian Manhunter.
In my opinion, if I had any clue who the hell these guys were, I might actually care about this book. However, since there is no origin or definition of the characters and their powers, I was extremely confused for all six issues. I get the general concept, but could care less since these characters are all blank slates to me. For six months, I’ve been reading the same story. Get Apollo to join. Midnighter is bad ass. J’onn has a dark secret. Generally, when getting a number one, I like it to contain some sort of explanation of who the characters are and how they got there. This title packs jumbled confusion upon more mysterious confusion. Great art and phenomenal action though. Still, this is not a reboot book. This is just another continuation of an old concept from a different point of view. Plus, the Martian Manhunter is added to give it the “DC” cred.
Final Grade: C
Buddy Baker is back, with a family in tow, and some really weird powers and enemies.
In my opinion, this is clearly one of the better thought out titles in the DC Reboot. I have really enjoyed this title each and every issue. It has a little bot of everything. We have action, family dynamics, supernatural enemies, a tie in to other DC Nu titles, as well as a general enemy that can potentially threaten the entire DC Nu. All in a book where the main character’s powers revolve around animals.Who saw that coming? I love the supernatural aspect of the title. The whole concept of the Rot is pretty cool and I believe new. (As a person who never read Animal Man or a lot of DC, I can’t really be sure) I love how this book ties into Swamp Thing, another surprisingly wonderful book. The art is a bit strange, but definitely fits into the psychedelic theme of the title. In a way, this first story arc can also serve as the origin of Animal Man and his family. The reader is effectively sucked into Buddy’s world and you really feel empathy for him and his situation throughout. Did I mention the cool demonic battles? Seriously! This is Animal Man versus demons. How cool is that? Damn cool if you ask me.
Final Grade: A+
The elemental protector of the Green is back to stop decay from taking over the world and get the girl.
In my opinion, this is another perfect title. Just like in Animal Man, the title not only focuses on the Swamp Thing, but the man behind the monster. Alec Holland is a complex and tragic character. As the story progresses, the reader feels like he is getting in on the ground floor of something. We are seeing the birth and origin of the Swamp Thing. The supernatural aspect of the title is an added bonus and it’s ties to Animal Man’s main enemy connects the two titles and makes you want to pick up the other book. To me that is a successful bit of writing and marketing. I love the whole elemental powers thing. Swamp Thing was one of the major players in Brightest Day and it’s nice to see him still being that powerful in the reboot. I also like the way his powers and where they came from are being explained as well. Not many of the DC Nu books are doing this simplistic writing tool that allows new fans to understand the character they are reading about better and connect with them more. Top it off with pretty nice art and you have another winner in the DC Nu.
Final Grade: A+
Dungeons and Dragons meets the Dc Nu and the results are AWESOME.
In my opinion, this title is the best book to emerge from the reboot. A completely new concept for DC that is written extremely well and drawn phenomenally. Action, adventure, comedy, and non stop thrills from cover to cover is the best description I can give for this wonderful book. For an in depth review of issues 1-6, please go to the following link and read my issue by issue reviews:
Final Grade: A+++
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2 Comments
I’m glad to see you enjoyed Demon Knights, Swamp Thing, and Animal Man too. To my surprise, those three books quickly rose to the top of the crop. In fact, now that I’m beginning to make some cuts, I find myself completely unable to live without any of the “Dark” series.
I agree completely. I have always been a fan of outside the box comics and these books are just perfect.