As most of you will know, DC have initiated a line-wide reboot of their superhero comics. As of September 2011, it’s a brand new day for the DC Universe, with brand new issue 1’s for all.
Many titles have retained some measure of their established pre-reboot (pre-boot?) continuity, while others have been entirely returned to day one.
As a long-term fan I have some reservations about this whole endeavour, but recognise that DC had to do something to refresh their properties and compete with Marvel Comics’ significant lead in market share.
Starting this week, and every week in September, I’ll be reviewing some of the new releases from DC. Joining me on this voyage into the relative unknown, will be my lovely assistant (I’ve been told this is the one and only time I get to call her that, by the way, so I’m making the most of it) amberleyn. Lower-case A by choice. amberleyn has less experience with the capes & tights genre than myself, so is an ideal foil to me when it comes reviewing these books from a new reader perspective. She’s an exceptionally erudite young lady and I recommend you all read her professional blogs over at Propel, the digital recruitment company. I’ll pass you over to her for her own intro…
(Brief point to clarify, books were read independently of knowing the other's views.)
I do love a good collaboration: Bowie & Jagger, Bonnie & Clyde, Mac & Me, Ummm... jelly & ice cream. And now - for your viewing pleasure - Dapper Dan & amberleyn. So, you all know Dapper Dan already and you know he’s gonna bring Rain Man type comic book knowledge and a dash of ready-sharpened wit to this party.
But who the devil is this amberleyn character, and what is she doing here? Well, she’s a movie geek with an unhealthy interest in the written word. She can scan a book quicker than Johnny Five and vomit out obscure facts about the Tudors at the speed of light AND she’s a shadow walker. Awesome, Right? In ‘real life’ she’s a marketing executive at Propel London, a digital recruitment agency. Basically she helps geeks find jobs.
Knowing of her obsession with wordsmithery and her love of a good yarn, Dapper Dan covertly investigated her views on the art form known as comics. Operation ‘how does that pretty red head who can write sweet copy feel about comics?’ (snappy huh) was an unmitigated success. Not only did amberleyn like the idea of comics, she’d actually dipped her toe in the graphic novel pond before. She rates Maus as one of the finest pieces of literature EVER committed to page and has dabbled in Hellblazer, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen & of course she’s read Watchmen. Result.
So here we are. Together this Jedi master of comics and his young Padawan will journey in the new DC universe to bring back to you the most balanced view of this reboot you’re likely to find. Open eyed naivety & discovery combined with the sage musings of a hardened comic veteran. And sarcasm. Definitely sarcasm.
Sit back, grab a Soder Cola (If they’re still in continuity…) and join us as we take a look at the new DCU…
Detective Comics #1
Dapper Dan: Wow. Well, that’s not a comic for kids. No hyperbole there, this is utterly unsuitable for kids. The finale of this issue has something I’d expect to see in a Garth Ennis Vertigo book, or Avatar’s Crossed. It’s THAT bad.
Surely if one of your main aims of a re-launch is to encourage new younger readers to get on board, you want a book they can actually read?
Ignore the final scene and you have a functional, if uninspiring Batman tale chasing the Joker across Gotham, trying to halt a murder spree. The GCPD’s attitude towards Batman reminded me of early episodes of the Dini/Timm Batman cartoon from the early 90s and that’s no bad thing.
Tony Daniel has never been an artist I’ve enjoyed, even back in his X-Force days when I thought *anything* X-related was awesome. That said, there are a couple of panels in this issue where he echoes Frank Miller’s “Dark Knight Returns” very strongly.
The biggest crime in the book, however, is the dialogue. While Daniel’s taken some artistic cues from Miller’s Dark Knight, he seems to have taken Miller’s All-Star Batman & Robin for his dialogue influence.
“Dizzy in seconds. But I can take it. I’m Batman”
Well at least he’s not the Goddamn Batman this time…
Dapper Dan’s Verdict: Wait for the trade, or get Snyder’s Batman instead
amberleyn: Right, I’m gonna dive straight in with Batman Detective Comics. Primarily because I’ve been to Gotham City before - 1st with Burton & then with Nolan - & the cookies were great. But also because there are bloody dismembered dolls heads on the cover and that really talks to my sensibilities.
My initial thoughts are that this is not a comic for the kids. Which is weird because I was under the impression that this reboot was designed to bring in a whole new readership. You know the whole “lets snag ‘em young and then keep ‘em forever” shebang. But hey what do I know?
Moving on, I think the artwork is superb. It reminds me of the darkest parts of Pan’s Labyrinth. Surreal and gritty but with enough of a grip on reality to make it delightfully unsettling.
Oh... is that a reference to Catwoman sneaked in on page 14? Intriguing.
I have to say that it’s nice not to have to start right at the beginning again. I know it’s a reboot but I doubt there’s anyone in the world who doesn’t know poor little orphan Brucie’s early back story. Frankly, If I have to see Ma Bruce’s pearls skittle across the back streets of Gotham one more time I might just scream!
From the initial couple of panels you start to get a good sense of what kind of Batman this is going to be, and he’s definitely a Dark knight. Much more Bale than Keaton. And all the more interesting for it. I do love a tortured soul.
Oh my. Well I wasn’t expecting that. That final page is FRICKING awesome. And boy do I want to read #2. But this is definitely not one for the whippersnappers. I love a good flaying but I’m not so sure anyone under the age of 15 will... or should.
Batgirl #1
Dapper Dan: OK, I admit, I come to this with a hefty degree of bias. Brief history lesson: In 1988 Barbara Gordon is shot by the Joker and paralyzed from the waist down. Unable to operate as Batgirl, she pursues a new career as an information broker to the superheroes; Oracle. Initially a supporting character in various books, she eventually gains her own ongoing series “Birds of Prey” co-starring Black Canary, another strong female role-model, that lasted for over ten years. Oracle was arguably the strongest female character DC had. Consistently named as a positive feminist role-model
Batgirl #1 gives us a healed Barbara Gordon, walking, but still haunted by the memory of the Joker’s bullet tearing through her spine. How she’s walking has yet to be revealed. Yes this is a reboot. Yes things will be different in this new timeline, but to just wholesale sweep Bab’s time as Oracle under the rug like this is a massively contentious issue. That said, a new reader can come to this book and get the character quickly. By omitting Oracle, they’ve made Babs a very uncomplicated concept to get into.
So how does Nu-Babs read? Well, a bit like an irritating teenage girl. Again, as with Detective Comics, the dialogue reads stilted and forced.
“Gotham, bless my aim”
This is pretty unusual for Gail Simone as she’s usually spot-on with the voice of her characters. (Gail’s recently wrapped Secret Six not being part of the new DCU is inexplicable. Ragdoll, we hardly knew ye…) Batgirl is getting back in the suit following her miraculous recovery. She’s moving out of her Dad’s place and into a flatshare. Having earlier stopped a home invasion that appeared to borrow more than a little from Funny Games, Batgirl intervenes when the suspect is attacked in his hospital bed. Faced with a mysterious killer aiming a gun at her, Babs freezes. PTSD kicks in and I imagine her struggle to overcome this loss of nerve will be key to the book going forward.
Ardian Syaf’s pencilwork here is better than his run on the last Birds Of Prey series, complementing the styles seen in this week’s Detective Comics and the forthcoming Batman. Gotham is a grimy, dirty, rain-sodden hole. They’re really trying to accentuate the differences between Gotham and the gleaming spires of Metropolis seen in Action Comics and Superman.
Verdict: Shaky, I’ll take a chance on issue 2, but more out of faith in the writer than the book itself.
amberleyn: Keeping with the nocturnal theme I’m going to get involved with Batgirl next. Now I have to admit that I am aware of the contention surrounding this character. You can’t be friends with Dapper Dan and not learn a little bit of comic lore on your travels. I’m interested to see what kind of character she is. In my humble opinion the world needs an awesome differently abled computer genius more than it needs a pretty girl in Lycra. Having said that, she does look damn feisty on the cover. And who doesn’t love a feisty red head? *cough* Dapper Dan *cough*.
Unknown assailant who appears to be some kind of mirror and he’s after our hero. Always a good start.
The artwork on this one has much more ‘pop’ in the colouring than Batman Detective Comics, It looks much more like what I expect a comic to look like. Much more ‘superheroy’, which to be honest isn’t really my bag and Batgirl’s a bit, well, twee. The dialogue makes me want to eat my own kidneys.
“HEY! YOU KNOCKED TONYA OUT COLD!”
“I DID?”
I completely did! (Like totes. Wait ‘til I tell Cindy at the mall. Blergh.)
It’s all a bit: "Why, dear reader, I’m much stronger than I thought I was. Golly gosh."
The art really isn’t much cop either. On page 20 Barbara Gordon looks a bit like a leprechaun. And not a cute one either *shudder*.
Oh. He’s The Mirror, he doesn’t just constantly wear one like a walking wardrobe. No wait he does, kinda.
Eeeep! Will Hellblazer be in Swamp Thing? I do hope so he’s my favourite. Sorry I digress...
Overall, so far so meh for Batgirl. Won’t be rushing out to buy this one.
Action Comics #1
Dapper Dan: The writing of Grant Morrison is a curious beast. I really enjoyed the first three quarters of his JLA run. It still stands as the perfect example of how to write that particular group. His JLA 1 is light years ahead of last week’s Justice League 1. His New X-Men run for Marvel defined the team for a decade. Despite this, I really disliked his work on Batman and Final Crisis was unreadable, for me. As a result I really didn’t know how I was going to feel about this book. I was very much on the fence.
Action Comics shows us Superman before he gets the suit. Before he gets as powerful as we all know him. Before he even works at the Daily Planet or dates Lois Lane. This Superman can’t fly, but he can leap tall buildings in a single bound. In a clever way, Grant’s showing us a Superman with the original power set from the 1930’s, fighting the same kind of social injustice as his predecessor; corrupt slumlords, gangsters and organised crime. This Superman isn’t fighting sentient computers from space, kryptonite-powered cyborgs or 5th dimensional imps. He’s fighting real world problems. One big notable difference is where before Superman was all about doing things legally and the right way, this new Superman isn’t above roughing someone up to get a confession. Whatever would Batman say?...
“You know the deal, Metropolis. Treat people right, or expect a visit from me”
Rags Morales artwork pops off the page as always. I can’t say enough about how much I like the guy’s work. His facial work is solid and almost every time we see Superman in the book he’s in motion. He’s a blur, nicely tying into Clark’s alter-ego from the Smallville TV show.
I’m curious to see how this develops, as so far Superman is an idealist who’s being beaten down by a system that doesn’t care, a military that’s scared of him and a certain follically-challeneged businessman who sees him as a threat to the planet’s indigenous life. I hope Clark’s character shines through and he doesn’t lose faith in humanity.
Dapper Dan’s Verdict: Sign me up for the first arc at least, this one’s looking promising.
amberleyn: Now, I’m not a teenage boy. So to be honest at first glance the cover of Superman Action Comics didn’t really float my boat. Plus Superman’s always seemed a bit too All American for me. And the whole ‘I can just throw anything into the sun’ thing always made him a bit well, boring in my eyes. But I’ve only ever seen the films so maybe print Supes can change my mind.
Boyfriend cut jeans instead of tighty whiteys reddies. How disappointing. However I do like the idea that the citizens of Metropolis have no idea who Superman is. Or what he is capable of.
But what’s with the constant laser eyes pray tell? Wait, It’s all right they’ve gone now. But we are being treated to some spiffing J.J. Abrams style lens flare. Which is nice.
I like the part where he shows some fallibility and has to be saved by the poor people. Maybe this Superman might be a bit more interesting?
In conclusion, I’m just not sure about this one. I’m more interested in Clark than I was in Barbara but I can’t get a grip on who Superman is. Or if I like him. He’s so smug from the outset that I’m almost happy he got smooshed by the train. Maybe some chains will bring him down a peg or two and I’ll be more inclined to give a damn. Only time & #2 will show.
Stormwatch #1
Dapper Dan: This was my favourite of the DC books this week. I enjoyed Stormwatch when it first started back at Image in the early 90’s all through to its’ evolution in The Authority and well into that series before missed ship dates, constantly changing art teams and writer headaches killed it. This new Stormwatch owes as much, if not more, to The Authority as it does Stormwatch.
Where the previous incarnation was the UN’s superhuman response team, that role has been taken by the Justice League International in the new DCU. So where do they fit in to this brave new world? Well, for starters, this team is comprised of superhumans, not superheroes. This distinction is important.
“Do we look like “superheroes”? They’re amateurs. We’re the professionals”
Following his stellar turn on Action Comics (pre-reboot) Paul Cornell delivers a perfect first issue; we see a host of new characters and some familiar faces, we’re given just enough information to surmise the group’s general aim and purpose but not enough specifics to nail it down. While two different threats are rearing their heads, the team members not up to their eyes in craziness are on a recruitment drive for their own Superman deterrent. While Superman spent this week racing trains and beating up property developers, Stormwatch battle the moon as a claw comes out of it. Yes, a claw is coming out of the moon to attack Earth. These guys are dealing with the big stuff.
The lunar antagonist is either a precursor to Solaris the sentient computer sun of doom, or the introduction of Kirby’s Fourth World concepts. I’m hoping it’s the latter as the New Gods are sorely missed.
Sepulveda’s art is fantastic. Equal parts Kitson & McKone, he draws the streets of Moscow as adroitly as the caverns on the moon. My only real gripe is the Midnighter’s redesigned outfit. He’s clearly been down to Super Steve’s Spike Sale, for extra spikes. Clad in leather and the aforementioned spikes, the man looks nothing less than an S&M-fuelled hedgehog.
Dapper Dan’s Verdict: Book of the week. Hands down.
amberleyn: I’m just not interested in Stormwatch. It looks like the 80’s has been vomited onto shiny paper so I’m not even gonna bother. I think it’s ‘cause it looks a bit like Flash Gordon. If I was a better person I’d give it a chance. But I’m not.
So, lets swiftly move onto Men of War before Dapper Dan has chance to tell me why I must like Stormwatch. Which is like, totally against the point of this experiment.
Men Of War #1
amberleyn: Of all of the delights placed in front of me today, Men of War is the one which really grabbed my attention. Tales of the valour of the ordinary ‘man’ and the ridiculous nature of war have always interested me. Ever since I read Anne Frank’s Diary, I am David, Brother in the Land and The Iron Sword as a school girl. I wept like a child during Saving Private Ryan, and Black Hawk Down. And I once really believed I was in the trenches at Bastone after taking too many painkillers whilst watching Band of Brothers. All in all Men of War, looks just my kind of thing. But what I don’t know from the cover is whether these are ‘real’ men or superheroes. I’m hoping for the former.
I’m enjoying the fact that pre that-annoying-ad-with-the-blonde-women-which’s-been-in-every-comic-so-far Men of War seems more Full Metal Jacket than Universal Soldier. This is my favourite so far. Sorry Brucie.
There’s a whole ‘I’m not a hero, but I did serve alongside a company of heroes’ air that’s really interesting. I particularly like it when the everyday man becomes the extraordinary (see Maus) in the face of adversity.
Wait one darn tooting minute. Is that a floating man? FFS.
At the moment he seems like he might be a character like them what’s in Watchmen. Powerful but as mentally unstable as the rest of us - what with fighting his own shadow and all. I won’t pretend I’m not disappointed by the flying man, but I’m going to persevere. However, I’m only doing this for you.
It’s a BOGOF, how exciting. Every little helps. Really like the style in this Navy Shields bonus bit. It feels really authentic.
Well now then, this is a turn up for the books. It turns out I’m much more interested in the mini series at the back of Men of War than I am in the main feature. Shame it’s only a three parter.
Dapper Dan: I think amberleyn enjoyed this one far more than me, but I did enjoy it. We get introduced to a Corporal in the US Army. He’s a man’s man. He’s a man’s man’s man. He likes being a grunt, he doesn’t want command and despite his attempts to stay down in the trenches, he’s been earmarked for bigger things. Oh yeah, and his grandfather was Sgt Rock (He of a thousand exquisitely drawn by Joe Kubert adventures) so he’s got big boots to fill.
Art-wise, I was really impressed by Tom Derenick here. Previous exposure to his work has produced, at best, a lukewarm reaction from me. Here it’s a much more satisfying visual. I notice he’s not being inked by anyone else, just him and a colourist. Maybe that’s the reason?
Between the main strip and the Phil Winslade-pencilled back-up, this book was a bit of a pleasant surprise.
Dapper Dan’s Verdict: If I can afford it, I’d pick up issue 2. Failing that, the first collected edition.
Justice League International #1
Dapper Dan: It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows my favourite comics and characters, to hear that this was the relaunch book I awaited with the most trepidation. And my fears have kind of been realised.
Here goes… The previous incarnations of the JLI (The frankly amazing Giffen/Dematteis era) never happened. This is the first time there has been a JLI. So all those amazing stories that DC are currently reprinting in full (Thank you Bob Wayne!) are as removed from continuity as Superboy in the LSH and the Batman of Zurr-En-Ahh… 
That being said; I liked this issue. The absence of Max lord was a surprise, but I don’t doubt he’ll turn up in the DCU sooner rather than later.
*cough*Checkmate*cough*
The redesigned Booster Gold outfit seems to have missed the simplicity and impact of the original, replacing it with what appears to owe more to Baryshnikov than Jurgens’ original suit. minor quibble, but still annoying.
The culture clash, between China and Russia’s nominated representatives on the group, is amusing and not overplayed. Hopefully this will continue to provide laughs as the series goes on.
The new group is assembled so that the UN can have their own heroes, rather than the more well-known Justice League of America, who protect the world but are accountable to no-one. Actually this is a running theme in the new DCU; people don’t generally trust the heroes. Reminds me of the Legends crossover they used back inthe 80’s to launch their post Crisis On Infinite Earths reboots. Wait a minute…
Dapper Dan’s Verdict: Sold, despite my misgivings, this looks fun, accessible and worth sticking with.
amberleyn: Justice League International looks like rip roaring, unashamed fun. And I for one am well up for it. I know a couple of the characters that grace the cover and I’m eager to meet the others. Really looking forward to diving in.
Of all the comics I’ve read today, this one seems like the most fun. And the one best aimed at the kids that DC are trying to snag. Visually it reminds me of films like the recent The Green Lantern. Which I thought was a well spent 2 hours of mindless viewing. No Oscar winner, that’s for sure. But also not time I’ll never get back. Plus it had Ryren - in just his pants *swoon*.
JLI got some clever dialogue & looks like it’s going tackles some big ‘real world’ issues like oppression, racism and international relations. While managing to maintain a child friendly engaging feel. It’s a bit like the Simpsons. But with capes.
Enjoyed the intro to the characters panels. It’s good to meet the whole gang early on.
You know what, this is great. This is the kind of comic I didn’t know I was looking for. Multiple characters, all with their own backstory but interweaved. I’m really looking forward to learning about all of them.
One thing though, the Green Lantern isn’t Hal. I’m confused.
Also loving that the writers are giving us an in-joke right from the get go. I bet Booster Gold does end up stroking Guy Gardner’s ego every week. Way to involve the newbies, DC.
And now there’s monsters! Monsters made from the earth. Awesome. And the Iron Giant... I wonder if he’ll talk like Vin Diesel?
So at the end of my first real foray into the weekly comic world I’ve pleasantly surprised myself.
1. My pick of the bunch is the one I didn’t think I’d like very much because it didn’t seem all that serious.
2. It turns out I’m not at all interested in the ‘strong’ female character on offer
and
3. Despite thinking I was a long form graphic novel kind of girl I’ve really enjoyed just getting the first little bit of the story and having to wait for the next installment.
I’ll definitely be back next week.
