DC Preview Review for September Part 3 of 11

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1Written by PAUL JENKINSArt by BERNARD CHANGCover by RYAN SOOK
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TIt’s the start of a new series spotlighting some of the DC Universes’s most exciting super heroes! First up is Deadman, straight from the pages of BRIGHTEST DAY, in a five-issue epic where the body-hopping hero meets his match in a new foe who wants to make sure the souls that Deadman helps out go straight to Hell!

Paul presents the DCU

Jim: I love this idea of having a book that rotates what its lead feature will be. DC has tried this concept before with stuff like JSA and JLA classified, but this more free ranging idea should allow writers to pitch a good story idea for any character they choose. Of course this means it could be uneven as heck since the writer / artist combo will make or break each arc.

Gwen: I'm not sure how much this will work out in the long run but they've picked a good starting character to feature. The idea of giving some of the supporting characters in DC the spotlight for a bit is pretty cool though.
Lee: I thought it worked well on Legends of the Dark Knight. Granted, it was Batman, and this is open ended... but still. Another series that has potential in for a long run.
Matthew: I love Deadman. This seems like a promising idea -- too bad it has 51 other titles to compete with!
Thomm: Deadman's a dead duck. No way this series competes with all the other new DC titles that have a steady cast and creative team.

Greg: Every time a company releases a new anthology title, we always get excited and the book always goes away within 2 years. I hope this can be a success, but I'll be shocked if a) there is anything resembling a high profile creative team after this arc and b) its around in 2 years. And leading with Deadman is not exactly starting on your strongest foot.

ACTION COMICS #1Written by GRANT MORRISONArt by RAGS MORALES and RICK BRYANTCover by RAGS MORALESVariant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T The one and only Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) returns to Superman, joined by sensational artist Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), to bring you tales of The Man of Steel unlike any you’ve ever read! This extra-sized debut issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe!

Morrison video on Superman

Jim: Maybe the book I’m most excited about. Grant seemed to be at his best when writing Superman and Rags is one of my favorite artists, so the combination should be fantastic. My concern is that Morrison has already done the best Superman book ever with All Star Superman, can he do it again? My second concern, can Rags deliver a monthly book?

Gwen: Yeah, not sharing Jim's enthusiasm on this one. But who knows, every once in awhile I like Grant Morrison in monthly books. Like that one time with Batman and Robin.

Lee: I thought Rags was always good with monthly chores. Along with JLA, this appears to be one of the biggest titles in the new universe.

Matthew: Renumbering Action Comics is sacrilegious and a terrible idea, but it'll sell extremely well, I'm sure. The only other Morrison book I've ever really read was Joe the Barbarian, so beyond curiosity and an intense desire to like reading a Superman book again, not much of a draw. I'll still probably get the first issue.

Thomm: It's one of the better draws for this project. Might give it a shot.
Greg: Ok, here's something else to get excited about. The only problem is, as Jim noted, we've already read All Star Superman. That'd be hard for anyone to top, including Morrison. Also, years after Identity Crisis, Rags Morales gets another high profile assignment! About time!

SUPERMAN #1Written by GEORGE PEREZBreakdowns and cover by GEORGE PEREZArt by JESUS MERINO
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TThe new adventures of Superman begin here! What is The Man of Steel’s startling new status quo? How does it affect Lois Lane and The Daily Planet? There’s no time for answers now, because Superman must stop a monstrous threat to Metropolis – one that he somehow is the cause of!

Jim: This one caught me by surprise, but I like that George is doing breakdowns as I think Merino will benefit a lot from that help and I have a feeling this will be a great looking book. Again I was surprised by George Perez writing this book, but when he did Wonder Woman years ago he had some great ideas, but he overwrote the book. Hopefully a strong editor and maybe he has learned when to let the art carry the story.

Gwen: By the way I've liked DC redesigning Superman's costume without the red underwear on the outside. Good call DC!

Lee: To steal another blogs comment (Savage Critic), Perez is no longer buy on sight for me. He's good and I liked his WW run but that was 20 years ago. Maybe more. It worth trying an issue or two at least.

Matthew: The art's going to be fantastic and who can resist another Superman #1.

Thomm: Haven't seen new Perez in years so this is a good choice for me. I'd take this over Action.
Greg: I though this book would have an in-story explanation for that costume, but from the JLA promo art, it looks like that's going to be his new costume. Yuck. If this is the new costume, that's a terrible idea. Its a needlessly complicated update of the most beautifully simplistic design in comics. If it sticks around, we're going to look at this like the Super Pony Tail in a few years.

SUPERBOY #1Written by SCOTT LOBDELLArt by RB SILVA and ROB LEANCover by ERIC CANETE

On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED TThey thought he was just an experiment – and a failed one at that! Grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA, the Clone was no more than a set of data to the scientists of Project N.O.W.H.E.R.E. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon! Now the question is: Can a clone develop a conscience?

Jim: Have to say it this is a bitter disappointment. Jeff Lemire and Pier Gallo were doing a great job on the recent re-launch of Superboy, Lobdell does not excite me. Plus no matter how you cut it Lobdell is a known buddy of Harras and it seems obvious why his name is all over DCNu books. Worse reading the solicitation it seems like Connor has been almost totally retro-conned out of existence and we are starting at ground zero for Superboy.

Gwen: Okay, I really liked Conner Kent - and honestly DC has spent a lot of time building his character. I have no idea who thought it'd be a good idea to restart the character - which is what it seems like they're doing. I really hope I'm wrong.

Matthew: I could care less about this character.

Lee: I agree with Jim on this one. This is one of the newer (last 20 yrs new) characters that seems to have been steadily built into someone interesting. Lots of change, lots of progression. Why does he need a complete overhaul? Starting over with a new Superboy really doesn't appeal.

Greg: I know that everything that's not Action and JL takes place a year after superheroes appeared, but I don't think spin off heroes like this work if the hero they're based on is supposed to be new. DC's trying to have their cake and eat it too. Also, Lobdell? Really guys, really?

Thomm: Why's he look like a cyborg on the cover?

SUPERGIRL #1Written by MICHAEL GREEN and MIKE JOHNSONArt and cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T Meet Supergirl. She’s got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman – and none of his affection for the people of Earth. So don’t piss her off!

Jim: Again Supergirl has been retro-conned back to ground zero. Considering they rearranged her origin about five or six times in her last 60 issues I guess this is no surprise. It is a decent writing team and an artist who is on the rise, so maybe it will be good, but I have been hoping for a good Supergirl series for forever.

Gwen: Really? I give up on ever liking Supergirl ever again. I feel like the current version had really started to work out after the whole New Krypton thing where they fixed her Kryptonite poisoning. I was willing to go with that. And now lets revert back to an angsty teenage Supergirl - who doesn't like Earth on top of everything. Joy. Interesting costume redesign - I like most of it but they could have kept the skirt.

Matthew: Her continuity has been so convoluted that it's easy to get on board with a new version. I'm interested.

Lee: In contrast to Matthew, her continuity is so convoluted that it just drives me away. I didn't like the last version and there's little chance I'm gonna like this one.

Thomm: I'm with Matthew. I never cared about all her previous continuity problems and I like the idea of her having less fondness for Earth than her cousin who was raised here. Makes her less of a female copy of the Big Blue Boy Scout.

Greg: Its not about continuity, its about consistency. DC's not trying their second take on Supergirl in the past couple years, they're trying their 30th. No one's take on this character ever gets a chance to breathe. Anyway, I've got some hope for these writers cause I like their previous work, but yeesh, talk about a poisoned chalice.

Next Part 4

DC Preview Review for September Part 2 of 11

CAPTAIN ATOM #1
Written by J.T. KRUL Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Charged by nuclear energy, possessing vast molecular powers, Captain Atom has the potential to be a literal god among men – a hero without limits. But the question is: Will he lose himself in the process?
Don’t miss the start of a legend from writer J.T. Krul (GREEN ARROW, TEEN TITANS) and artist Freddie Williams II (JSA ALL-STARS)!

JT on CA, Atom not America.

Jim: I see this as a miss. JT has done nothing that makes me can’t wait to read his work. Maybe he will one day, but JT looks to be a mediocre writer. Freddie on the other hand did great on Red Robin, but his JSA All Star work was too glossy and over rendered. I think Freddie could benefit from a good inker and a toned down color palette. Add to that the fact that Captain Atom has been made into a convoluted character and this series is not getting me jazzed at all.
Gwen: Never got into this character so can't say I'm terribly interested this time around either. He seems to work better as a supporting character in other book (at least in the stories I've read).
Lee: And it's series like these that actually get my interest. The truth is that there is only so much you can change about Batman, Superman, & WW. The true test of the new DC is going to be the secondary books. Is DC really going to push it? Are they going to try something new with old characters? Only time will tell. As for this book, the word of mouth at the LCS on Krul's handling of Green Arrow was... not kind, to be kind. And for that reason, I shall wait and see what the reviews say.
Matthew: If I want to read Captain Atom, I can dig out my old Pat Broderick books.
Thomm: I know Captain Atom came first, but I don't think he can be done any better than Watchmen.
Greg: Ok, this. Right here. This is why I am extremely dubious of the DC relaunch. I cannot imagine why JT Krul is involved in any capacity of this relaunch. Not only does he have a thoroughly mediocre track record at DC, he is responsible for Rise of Arsenal, one of the worst comics of 2010. For those who missed this particular gem, this comic involves Arsenal wacked out on heroin fighting a bunch of thugs to protect a dead cat that he thinks is his dead daughter. He wrote that and he's getting more, not less work.

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #1
Written by ETHAN VAN SCIVER and GAIL SIMONE
Art by YILDIRAY CINAR
Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond. These two high school students are worlds apart – and now they’re drawn into a conspiracy of super-science that bonds them forever in a way they can’t explain or control. The dark secrets of the murderous Dog Team and its Firestorm Protocol force them to put aside their differences to confront a threat so terrifying that it may lead to a new Cold War! Welcome to a major new vision of nuclear terror
from writers Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone with astonishing art by Yildiray Cinar!

Jim: This character is beloved by many, but has never been one that has generated fondness for me, having said that this book is intriguing in that we have Van Scriver and Simone teaming up as writers. Van Scriver has no other writing credits to his name, so I think teaming him up with someone is a great way to go. Cinar is okay, but a little on the generic super hero art side, but still learning. All in all this book will get a three issue try out from me.

Gwen: And another character I'm not all that interested in. Even so, every time I do read a book with this character in it I wonder how the character functions. The boys seem unwilling to ever work together.
Lee: So, in an effort to contradict myself, I shall say this appears to be too much change for me. All the changes in Captain Atom seem natural. To me, it seems that we now have a 'firestorm force' not unlike the Flash's 'speed force' which means I, hypothetically, can get an unlimited number of Firestorms. Wow, that sounds dumb.
Matthew: This is some serious restructuring, but Firestorm IS a character beloved by me so I'm very curious if this will be good. I just hope Ronnie and Jason's differences aren't totally centered on racial issues.
Thomm: Maybe they can have a debate on whether blacks should assimilate in America or maintain a nationalist stance. Sorry, that came up in the local press recently, though I hadn't heard such a discussion in about 20 years. Anyway, I have no real interest in Firestorm, but Gail Simone is a major draw.
Greg: Interested in this purely cause of Gail Simone's involvement, but bringing in any character who is not Ronnie Raymond should help this book dramatically.

GREEN ARROW #1
Written by J.T. KRUL
Art by DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND
Cover by BRETT BOOTH and ROB HUNTER
On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Green Arrow is on the hunt. Driven by inner demons, Ollie Queen travels the world and brings outlaws to justice…by breaking every law.
Now, armed with cutting-edge weaponry and illegally gained intel (courtesy of his team at QCore), Green Arrow is shooting first and asking questions later.

Jim: This book has to be one of my top "I will get issue #1 but that is about it", books. JT on the story, Dan and Norm on art (great layouts, still very super hero generic) and a character that I’m totally over and done with. DCNu wants to generate excitement, this is not it.

Gwen: Green Arrow has become worse and worse ever since the whole wedding thing. And actually the wedding was a bad idea too but the book itself actually worked for awhile as a sort of family-team book.
Lee: Wow, do I not care. Gotta agree with Jim. This appears to be fluff for the sake of shelf space.
Matthew: Nothing inspires more than a criminal super-hero. I don't care for this hero anymore either.
Thomm: I liked leftist, humours Ollie. Don't much care about this guy.
Greg: QCORE! YEAH!

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1
Written by TONY S. DANIEL
Art and cover by PHILIP TAN
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Carter Hall’s skill at deciphering lost languages has led him to a job with an archaeologist who specializes in alien ruins – but will the doctor’s latest discovery spread an alien plague through New York City? No matter the personal cost, Carter Hall must don his wings and become the new, savage Hawkman to survive! Witness the start of a new action series from writer Tony S. Daniel and artist Philip Tan that will take Hawkman where no hero has flown before!

Tony talks Savage Hawkman and Batman

Jim: Again I’m bored reading the solicitation. I get that DC wants Clark Kent to be Superman forever and Bruce Wayne as Batman forever, but no one, I mean absolutely no one is clamoring for Carter Hall to remain Hawkman forever. Like Green Arrow now would have been a perfect time to take the series in a different direction. Add to that Tony Daniel, who has been a weak writer, with Phillip Tan, who to my knowledge has yet to hit a monthly deadline and you have a recipe for a crap book.
Gwen: Does it really matter at all if Carter Hall is still Hawkman? Seeing how Hawkman is just a reincarnation of his previous self? So really he'll essentially always be Carter Hall anyway.

Lee: Well, it only took Jim until Part 2 to get on the "new face under the mask" rant. Beyond that... do I really need an all new, all savage Hawkman? Didn't Johns do that a couple of years ago with limited success. There doesn't seem to all the much new about this.

Matthew: Maybe I can pick up the Silver Age Hawkman Archives at Comic-con instead. I like the Thanagarian Hawkman, put Carter back on Earth 2!
Thomm: Meh. What's new about this launch?

Greg: When Johns brought Hawkman back however many years ago, he drew off some stuff from Hawkworld and introduced the idea of Hawkman as a more brutal superhero. And this made sense since he'd lived for so long, but it has since come to overwhelm everything else about the character and its become kinda boring. But hey, he's not using a mace any more, he's got an AXE! That's change I can believe in.

MISTER TERRIFIC #1
Written by ERIC WALLACE
Art by ROGER ROBINSON
Cover by J.G. JONES
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The world’s third-smartest man – and one of its most eligible bachelors – uses his brains and fists against science gone mad in this new series from Eric Wallace (TITANS) and Roger Robinson!
Michael Holt is the head of a successful high-tech corporation and an institute that recruits and encourages the finest minds of the next generation to excel. As Mister Terrific he inhabits a world of amazement few others know exists, let alone can comprehend.

Eric and Mr. T

Jim: This is more like it. Of course Greg Rucka writing would have been perfect, but Mr. Terrific is a great character and deserves a chance at a solo book. I wonder if in this continuity if he has been part of the JSA. Heck what is funny is this character is now over ten years old. The bottom line is I’m looking forward to this book and wish DC had tried out more JSA characters in their own books.

Gwen: Mr. Terrific does deserve a chance at a solo book - but the cover makes it look like he's gone disco dancing.

Lee: Sounds like Batman without the cape and insanity of the Joker. This has potential.
Matthew: I don't have any attachment to this character, which is a sure bet that it'll be a GREAT book that I WON'T be getting.
Thomm: Not being a long time fan of Mr Terrific, I've always wanted to know who the smartest and second smartest guys are. Again, nothing much new to this re-launch.

Greg: I like that DC's giving new characters a chance at solo titles and I especially like that they're diversifying their universe, but that's a weird solicitation. Is about him being a superhero or is he in the matrix? Perhaps he's going to Oz? Anything's possible in the DCnU!

Part 3 coming next

DC Preview Review for September Part 1 of 11

Jim: Well for this month we are going to give our views on all 52 #1 books from DC and a few other items, since we do not want the world’s longest blog post it will be going up five books at a time and with 55 items to review that is 11 parts! Yikes! The whole crew will chime in when they feel like it. Click on links for interviews and other stuff when I found something.

Gwen: Oh good, a free for all. I'm always up for some insanity!

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
1:25 Variant cover by DAVID FINCH
RETROSOLICITED • On sale AUGUST 31 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US RATED T • Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Comics superstars Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make history! In a universe where super heroes are strange and new, Batman has discovered a dark evil that requires him to unite the World Greatest Heroes!
This spectacular debut issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of the issue.

Jim: No matter what the continuity is, it is hard to not be excited about this book. Having the big six back together on the group and Cyborg should be interesting. I also think it is odd that Cyborg was chosen to be the major star in the DCNu. Obviously added for diversity reasons and as an analogue to Iron Man, but Cyborg has never clicked with me. Black Lightning, John Stewart, Mr. Terrific or resetting Green Arrow as a black man would have been better or a flat out new character. I’m not over the top about this book as the cover is too 90’s for me and Johns has been hit or miss lately, but a book that should be DCNu’s best seller.

Gwen: I like the JLA - but honestly my all time favorite version of the JLA was the animated series - with the Blue Beetle/Booster Gold/Fire/Ice ext team following in close second. For whatever reason the JLA doesn't work well for me most of the time. I think it's because of the sheer power of the team - the only things that are "realistically" going to be a threat are threats that should be earth shattering. Strong creator team for pulling in sales initially though. Also I do like Cyborg but only from the earlier Marv Wolfman Teen Titan stuff.

Lee: DC starting the previews with this book is a wise choice. It has two of the biggest names in comics on it and appears to be returning to it's roots. My only concern, as been stated everywhere, is can Jim Lee maintain a monthly schedule? If this starts to slip, then it doesn't bode well for the line.

Matthew: The world will have had to have changed for Cyborg to be included with these "A-listers". I always liked him in the original New Teen Titans though. Maybe his inclusion is to drum up sales for the Wolfman/Perez [20 years in the making] HC or the new omnibuses. I don't really remember much of him in action, mainly just how he dealt with being mostly a machine. I would love for this to be good, but with the last relaunch still fresh and dull in my memory, it's hard to get too enthusiastic.

Thomm: A lot hatin' on Cyborg. I've always like the character. I think he'll make a good addition. He's got the chops for large scale fights.
Greg: I'm not sure if launching with JLA is the best idea. Perhaps get the new characters established and then bring them together for the big team book. It sort of embodies my problems with DC. There's a top down approach. Editorial is setting the agenda for all these characters and the creative teams have to follow their notes, as opposed to letting the creative teams run the show. Oh well, at least DC is trying to diversify their line up. The question is can Cyborg survive in the A List or is he going to become the next "Poochie."

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by AARON LOPRESTI and MATT RYAN
Cover by AARON LOPRESTI
On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
With the growing presence of super beings around the world, the United Nations resolves to create a new group called Justice League International.
Batman, Booster Gold, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, August General in Iron, Fire, Ice, Vixen and Rocket Red are charged with promoting unity and trust – but can they reach that goal without killing each other first?

Jurgens talks about JLI

Jim: First off Batman is in both groups? This is another reason why Dick Grayson should have stayed as Gotham’s Batman. The art team is solid, but JLI denotes a witty book that has equal parts action and humor. Dan Jurgens’ is not that writer. I predict a slow death for this book and about an 18-24 issue run.

Gwen: Don't be silly Jim, Batman is everywhere! Anyway I'm looking more forward to this team than the main JLA. The line up is more interesting to me as far as a team dynamic is concerned. Except I still haven't gotten into Vixen as a character - I love the current Rocket Red though - he's awesome.

Lee: While the first JLA book looked great, this looks painful and unnecessary. Fire? Ice? Vixen? As a lapsed DCU reader, this does nothing to bring me back to the fold.
Matthew: I agree having Batman in both teams in dumb (Gotham must be finally under control). However, I've been following Booster Gold for over four years now and I may end up following this series. Jurgens is a good writer and he can be funny too, if need be. Who says this has to be a humor book though?
Thomm: Call me oblivious, but I haven't seen anything that says these two guys are the same Batman. What's not to say one if them is Dick Grayson? I like the presence of Fire, what with Brazil being one of the rising former third world nations, but who does Ice represent? Nordic grifters? August General interacting with Rocket Red has good humor potential, not to mention Guy Gardner. Talk about your tripartite conventions.
Greg: Ok, here's something I never thought I'd say about a book: I wish Judd Winick was writing this. Aside from drawing out Blue Beetle's death for 20 issues (ok, 3), it was one of the most fun books DC's put out in ages. That said, Jurgens is solid, if unspectacular, which automatically makes him better qualified to write than most of DC's writers. I just fear this will descend into a pleasant sort of mediocrity.

AQUAMAN #1
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The superstar creators from BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY reunite to take AQUAMAN to amazing new depths!
Aquaman has renounced the throne of Atlantis – but the sea will not release Arthur Curry so easily.
Now, from a forgotten corner of the ocean emerges… The Trench! A broken race of creatures that should not exist, an unspeakable need driving them, The Trench will be the most talked-about new characters in the DC Universe!

Johns on Aquaman

Jim: Now if Johns can continue to make Aquaman as exciting and powerful as he was in Brightest Day and Ivan Reis is making his monthly deadline we have a chance for Aquaman to finally become a player in the DCNu. Underwater characters have traditional only enjoyed brief spurts of popularity, but it has been awhile since DC has used this character in any capacity. By the way with, Aquaman getting a book why isn't Cyborg without his own series?
Gwen: Well, it's hard to take Aquaman seriously sometimes. I mean... Topo - need I say more? Well also it was hard to move past the fish bowl over his head. I think the character has been trying to recover ever since.

Lee: And now I think Johns is going to be stretched too thin. I've always had a soft spot Aquaman since Peter David incredible run on the series. But since then, no one seems to have been able to capture the essence of him. I didn't read Brightest Day, but I am not convinced that Johns's blood, guts, and violence approach to characters is the Aquaman that I want to read.
Matthew: I used to love Aquaman on the Superfriends and I really enjoyed the 80's mini-series where he got the blue-wave uniform. Other than that, I really don't like the character, especially if he's the brooding king type (like he was portrayed in JLU). And I HATED him with a hook!
Thomm: Meh.

Greg: OHHHH MY GOOOOOOD LEEEEE. I LOVE HOOK HAND AQUAMAN TOOOOOOO! ITS LIKE WE'RE BROTHERS!!!! Ahem. Anyway, I suspect this will be the super serious mythology, heavy violence kinda thing that Johns specializes in, which I'm not all that interested in. But, I do kinda like Aquaman. Who knows, maybe the Johns who wrote Hawkman all those years ago will resurface for this. But probably not. I suspect someone will bite a chunk out of someone else by the end of this issue.

WONDER WOMAN #1
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The Gods walk among us. To them, our lives are playthings. Only one woman would dare to protect humanity from the wrath of such strange and powerful forces. But is she one of us – or one of them?

Jim: Now this book has great potential and hard to believe that about Wonder Woman, since no writer has ever made the character work. Although in JLA one time McDuffie did a great job on a one and done story once. Cliff Chiang’s art will work great with this book, but Azzarello has been hit or miss on his super hero stuff.

Gwen: I don't know - I thought Wonder Woman in her hippie/disco chick years was pretty awesome. The changes made to the character of late have me interested in seeing what this new creative team will do with the character.

Lee: Now this has my interest piqued. WW always seems to get top notch creative teams and then the series crashes and burns. But, I am willing to give Azzarello a chance, even though I believe writing capes isn't his strongest material.
Matthew: The best Wonder Woman stories were the Lynda Carter ones and the JLU ones (I liked the Byrne run too). I followed the Perez relaunch after Crisis and I liked that too, but I'm sick of her being new to man's world all of the time. Another book I would love to succeed.
Thomm: Perez is the standard for me. This has very good potential to take her in a new direction, which is much needed.

Greg: Many excellent creators have failed to make this book interesting. This creative team is not only outstanding on paper, but their last collaboration was some of the best work of either of their careers. This is easily the book I am most excited about reading in this relaunch. If anyone could make Wonder Woman interesting, its these guys.

THE FLASH #1
Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Variant cover by IVAN REIS and TIM TOWNSEND
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can’t be everywhere at once, but what happens when he faces an all-new villain who really can! As if that’s not bad enough, this villain is a close friend!

The Flash team speaks!

Jim: Now I know a fair number of fans are upset over all of these artists becoming writers, but Frank Miller, Matt Wagner, Bill Willingham and many other excellent writers were artists when they started. Heck add Terry Moore into that group and Grant Morrison and I believe even Geoff Johns were inclined towards being artists at first. Just because you can draw doesn’t mean you can or can’t be a writer. Having said all of that I’m more concerned about whether Francis can hit a monthly deadline than anything else. So far DC has failed to impress with the Flash for quite some time, I hope that this time we get a good series. Of course going in I’m tired of Barry being the Flash and I’m guessing they have ret-conned his marriage.

Gwen: I still miss Wally West as the headlining Flash. I mean, I like Barry - but in some ways it was more fun to read about the people who were his (well his and Jay's) legacy.

Lee: It's funny, relaunching a series that I didn't care about in the first place continues to not interest me. Unlike WW where I have a passing interest, the Flash bores me. So unless this was an ultra stellar time, there was little chance I was coming back. It seems to be the same as the last Flash book with a new numbering system.
Matthew: I really liked Manapul's art on the last Flash series. He had a great way of showing his speed that was unique. With him as co-writer, we could get some interesting images. Worth a look at least.
Thomm: Meh, again.
Greg: Barry's boring, I want Wally/someone new, etc. etc. What puzzles me about this is that DC stick artists on these books as writers and it seems to hurt their ability to meet their deadlines as artists, which is the reason we're interested them in the first place. Adding to the confusion is the fact that this seems like a fairly low powered creative team considering the major relaunch this character just got. Has DC already gotten bored with Barry Allen? Can I laugh and say I told you so?

Part 2 of 11 coming soon!

Guerillas – Help Make Volume 2

NEW UPDATE: THE PROJECT ONLY NEEDS ANOTHER $999 TO GET MADE - BACK THIS PROJECT - PLEASE

I have loved this series and was fortunate enough to get some of Brahm’s time to do an interview with him some time back on the blog. At first the book was single oversized issues published via Image and then Brahm moved the book to Oni and republished it as a graphic novel. Well to get to Volume 2 Brahm’s needs some funding to make it happen. Kickstarter is a program where people request money to help them fund a project. Like many art projects grant money is needed to make it happen and in this way we get to pick and choose what we want to support.

I encourage people to at the very least check out the Kickstarter link. Also if you support the project almost every level of support you get something back. I have pledged $60 myself which buys me Volume One and Volume Two with sketches inside and signed by Brahm.
Finally I think it is cool that we can make something like this actually happen. Too many good books go under the radar and/or die because the creators can’t make a go of it and this is way to make it happen. So check it out and donate $5, $10 or $20.

CLICK HERE