DC Preview Review for December Pt 1 of 2

Lee: Eh, this is gonna be a rough month. For years, Jim has culled the DC previews for hot books because he is a DC guy. The problem is that I am an Indies first, Marvel second, and way way in the back of the bus lies my love for all things DC. So, this month, I shall pick books based upon: (1) so much blood I wouldn’t show it to my children, (2) Monkeys, because Jim loves monkeys, and (3) the viability of the super-person outfit being a Halloween costume that I would dress my children… or Gwen… in.
Gwen: Maybe next month I should pick DC...

GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD WARRIORS #5
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Fernando Pasarin & Cam Smith Cover by Rodolfo Migliari
Guy Gardner is seeing red rage! Much blood will be spilled, as the truth about his shocking pact with Atrocitus and Ganthet stands revealed to his teammates Kilowog and Arisia. And whose side will Sodam Yat find himself on? 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Lee: Yeah, I know the blood thing is the whole concept behind the Red Lanterns… but it doesn’t make this cover any less disgusting. This is gonna look great on the shelves at the store.
Gwen: I'm still wondering where this story line is going. It hasn't been a bad book so far but all the mystery makes me feel like the book has no direction.

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #51
Written by Marc Guggenheim Art and cover by Jerry Bingham
“Super-Powers” part 2 of 5! Now: Batman gets to the bottom of the mysterious disappearances in Gotham City only to find himself facing something very alien to his experience as The Dark Knight! Then: Bruce Wayne finds himself facing something very deadly to his existence – the sword of the villain, Huairen! 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Lee: DC tries to do bloody covers, See Emerald Warriors, but they’re really only one of’s. DC’s bread and butter covers are ludicrous costumes for women. Take this cover for example, all you need is some duck tape and two post-it notes and you have a costume. Now that is simplicity of design. Please note, I wouldn’t dress my children in this for Halloween…
Gwen: I don't think that only applies to DC - Marvel likes their mostly naked women too - as do most of the comic book companies with cape books. As a woman who reads comic books the naked women thing does get old after awhile.

SUPERMAN #706
Written by J. Michael Straczynski Art by Eddy Barrows Cover by John CassadayThe epic “Grounded” story arc brings The Man of Steel to Des Moines, Iowa! A chance encounter there, however, suddenly thrusts Superman back in time. So somehow he’s Superboy again, the world is on the brink of nuclear Armageddon and it’s all his fault!Please note: This issue’s content was previously solicited for issue #705. 32 pg, FC $2.99 US
Lee: I’d have to verify but I believe that on every single one of Straczynski’s Superman covers, Supes has been walking or standing. Pretty cool!
Gwen: After reading this solicitation all I can say is: huh? I've actually enjoyed a lot of the Grounded storyline but I feel like it's gone on too long at this point and it could have been done as a mini series.

THE FLASH #9
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Francis Manapul
BRIGHTEST DAY rushes forward! Now, make way for Hot Pursuit – the latest speedster to come out of the Speed Force! He’s here to make sure no one breaks the speed limit – hero or villain! And just wait until you see whose face is under Hot Pursuit’s helmet… 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Lee: Due to the lingering recession, Ghost Rider is currently without a series. In order to make ends meet he has been forced to sell the motorcycles with flaming wheels…. Et voila, a new villain is born at DC.
Gwen: Hah! Make sure that no one breaks the speed limit? *Falls over laughing*

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #52
Written by James Robinson
Art by Mark Bagley, Rob Hunter & Norm Rapmund
Cover by Mark Bagley & Rob Hunter
With Washington, D.C. in the hands of The Omega Man and the full extent of his horrific power revealed, the JLA is forced to make a difficult decision. Is there no choice for the World’s Greatest Heroes but to team with the World’s Worst Villains – the Crime Syndicate – in order to save both Earths? How will this desperate action be affected by Ultra Man’s betrayal of everyone. . . and the reappearance of Dark Supergirl? 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Lee: I know, I know, I praised the costume design in Batman Confidential #51, but there still something about the classic Supergirl, teenage Porn… I mean Teenage PROM Queen, that gets my head a-racin’. Please note, I wouldn’t dress my children in this for Halloween…
Gwen: Supergirl's costume is really not that bad. Not in comparison to most. Regardless JLA is a terrible comic book of late and adding the Crime Syndicate to the mix just makes it worse. This book needs an overhaul.

JSA ALL-STARS #13
Written by Matthew Sturges
Art by Howard Porter & Art Thibert Cover by Freddie Williams Ii
Left powerless, Cyclone struggles to lead a “normal” life apart from the ALL-STARS. But the sudden appearance of a team of Cy-Clones leaves her questioning her mental powers as well! And how can she prove she’s the one and only original when the others seem to have her abilities – and more? 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Lee: Jim loves monkeys and if you notice, there’s a monkey on the cover. The little fella is wearing a loin cloth and fez. Perfect for Jim!!! Nothing screams ‘I love Halloween’ like greeting little trick or treaters at the door in a loin cloth and fez.
Gwen: I like the Cyclone character and am happy to see a focus on her character. Not enough has been done with this character so far and she has a lot of potential.