So I’m reading this and I’m traditionally a Marvel guy. I’m that fan that started when I was a kid, knew Claremont’s X-men like my own family, and regarded it as my responsibility to have a general geek knowledge of all comics, regardless the publisher. I knew the rough goings on of DC, but Marvel was my ‘place’, and remained so until about a decade ago.

Through reading the relationships and the legacies of the characters showcased in Blackest Night #3, I had to admit: DC EARNED this level of richness and texture.

This isn’t a review of the book, but an observation about the payoff that Johns (and, frankly, most of the DCU writers) achieves month after month. Characters have families in these books. There are ‘bat’ families and ‘speedster’ families, and “superman families’, and “lantern families”. Each character within the family brings their own dimension to the mythology and offers completely different additions to the respective teams to which they contribute (see J. Caleb Mozzocco’s fantastic breakdown of the new JLA), or to the legacies they’ve inherited.

More, characters grow and stories really seem to matter. Histories are recalled, and character changes are acknowledged. Characters grow into their paths, teams have purposes (and actual roles in the DCU), and if they don’t fit, they evolve to their proper places.

Without seeming too geeky, it’s fucking awesome in BN#3 seeing not only Firestorm meet Firestorm, but the differences between the two. Barry Allen has a fantastic conversation with Hal about calling him out on his bullshit, and there’s something geeky-fucking-cool about the fact that Tim, Dick, AND Daimen are running around as the OFFICIAL Bat Authorities over in BL: BATMAN #2, and all are equally important, all three are need each other.

DC has become this fantastic place with legacy and characterizations and superheroes, and continuity, and movement that is such a fun place to be with Morrison , Johns, and Tomasi leading the charge.

Then, I go over to Marvel – my home – and barely recognize the place. I’m all looking around and wondering, “are we STILL in Dark Reign?” “Who the heck ARE these people? “, and “What’s going on???” It feels like the Civil War/Skrull/Reign storyline has been going on for YEARS. Ultimate universe got destroyed, the mainstream heroes are still on the run, Spidey’s a swinging bachelor, Cap’s dead but we’re reading more old WW2 stories about him….

I simply can’t believe that these are Marvel comics anymore. It’s like a team of people who never really ‘got’ Marvel, have the keys to the kingdom and it’s crazy. There are some GREAT guys that work there and this isn’t an attack on the creative teams as much as the choice in the direction and tone of the company. It’s a bad day when Marvel treats the universe like an etch-a-sketch: Shake, erase, redo.

Anyway, sorry for the rant, guys. Just wanted to give props to Geoff Johns and DC as a whole. They clearly love what they’re doing and it comes through page after page.

Symbols of the Spectrum – How They Came to Be, and What They Represent

by Ethan Van Sciver of Sector 2814

A great and hidden mystery began to unfold for the GL Corps, and for Geoff Johns and me, when in the middle of the script for GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #1, Geoff casually asked me to draw The Parallax Symbol. In the story we were telling, Hal Jordan was in a transitional phase between three different identities: himself, the Spectre, and the monster we had come to know as Parallax. A halo of greenish-yellow energy was above his head representing this turmoil, and Geoff thought I should shape it like The Parallax Symbol.

I referenced EMERALD TWILIGHT and FINAL NIGHT, two trade paperbacks I was going to have to rely upon pretty heavily in the coming months, and was flummoxed. There was not, as far as traditional DC Universe superhero emblems are understood, a “Parallax Symbol.” When Hal Jordan was possessed by the Fear entity, he wore a beautifully designed armored suit and cape. His chest, where GL wore his well-known symbol, contained a sort of ring shape that merged with a green pyramid shape that wrapped around his waist. Two curved, almost key-shaped white stripes grew upward from behind this, meeting with two broad, green shoulder pads. It was a nifty little costume, worthy of an action figure and a statue or two, but there was no hint of a Parallax Symbol.

Geoff, who is often victimized by manic telephone calls made by me in cases such as this, just offered that I should make one up. And I did. Using a shape pulled from Darryl Banks’s magnificent Parallax design, I found a very interesting, very creepy symbol made of simple, insect-like lines growing from a central ring. And then I began to use it within GREEN LANTERN REBIRTH, subliminally and often. It, and the symbols that followed, took on meaning and purpose, and grew to become the foundation of the event you’re now reading, BLACKEST NIGHT.

The Symbols of the Spectrum are primitive and universally understood shapes that have existed since the beginning of consciousness. They represent the ambitions, motivations and emotions of everything that’s ever lived. They are at once a written language widely used, then to disappear, only to be realized and rediscovered. Where did they come from? I can only imagine from the earliest encounters with the Entities themselves, creatures like the insect-like Parallax, or Ion, who resembles a large, primitive whale or fish. I was careful to design these entities around the Symbols that represent them, so that any poor creature staring into the mouth of Fear might have told his tale by scratching that circle and a few crooked lines into rock. It is what he saw, and it is what he felt. And others saw and understood. And so it was and is.

And Sinestro claimed it as his own.

The Blue Lanterns are motivated by Hope, and inspiring hope in others. Hope is the reversal, the undoing of fear. In considering what their symbol should look like, I realized that inverting the Yellow symbol would provide some visual balance and basic symbolism. It is almost the opposite of the symbol worn by the Sinestro Corps, a ring with “arms” growing from the top and pointing down and inward, like a hug. I sketched this in an airport, and immediate designed the first Blue Lantern Corps member, who became Saint Walker. While the Sinestro Corps were hideous aliens with jagged stalactite shapes on their uniforms, the Blue Lantern suits were based on round shapes, and only the noblest, kindest-looking creatures were eligible.

Orange and Indigo, Avarice and Compassion, are the simplest shapes I could conceive of. The Orange Lantern symbol is merely a ring with lines pointing inward and a V shape, which I thought represented some sort of singularity and selfishness. In the end, it looks like a child’s drawing of a chubby little devil. It looks evil, and it looks like Greed to me. On the other side of the spectrum, we find another simple shape to represent caring and giving. It’s the basic ring with lines pointing outward, both up and down, drawn to meet together to become arrows. The Indigo Tribe symbol is humble, as it represents compassion, charity, concern for others at the expense of self.

One of the clues that Geoff and I realized along the way was that the Star Sapphires, who wore Violet-colored uniforms, already had a symbol, and already represented passionate, reckless love. They were on the far side of the spectrum, positioned there by the Green Lantern creators long before we came around, helping us realize this was all meant to be. Their star-shaped icon was in place, established and ready to go. It just needed a ring in the center.

Which left us with my personal favorite corps, The Red Lanterns. They are rage, hatred, violence, like rabid animals choking on their own blood and Red energy. I was inspired by two of my favorite zombie films, 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, and decided that those possessed by the Red rings would vomit from the energy that filled them. It is uncontrollable, and spills from every pore. They, like the Star Sapphires, are on the far end of the spectrum, as far as possible from the calm and order of Green Willpower. They are both religions of chaos. The Red Lantern Symbol is the only one that doesn’t feature a centered ring shape. It is slightly below the others, with tall spires that bend up, outward and up again.

The last symbol to be discussed here is worn by the Black Lanterns. When Geoff and I were redoing Black Hand’s uniform for GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH, Geoff and I had a very specific vision in mind, including utilizing the old triangle on his original uniform as the “palm” of a hand. So he sketched over Black Hand’s old uniform and faxed it to former Green Lantern editor and current GREEN LANTERN CORPS writer Peter Tomasi.

And this brings us full circle, so to speak. These ancient avatars, buried and forgotten, are all active and in use once more. But their fate is to be determined by the event that brings them all together. Whether any of them will survive BLACKEST NIGHT, no one can say.

Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #1-#3 are all available in stores now.

Click here for Blackest Night Prelude checklist

TRINITY #36-39
Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza
Art by Mark Bagley & Art Thibert, Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens, Tom Derenick & Wayne Faucher and Mike Norton & Ande Parks
Covers to issue #36 by Shane Davis & Richard Friend; covers to issues #37-39 by Andy Kubert & Jesse Delperdang

The war to save all of reality rages on and is waged in the memory of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. But the legendary Trinity battle to end the conflict themselves by becoming more than just a memory!
Issue #36 on sale February 4; issue #37 on sale February 11; issue #38 on sale February 18; issue #39 on sale February 25 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN #686
Written by Neil Gaiman
Art by Andy Kubert & Scott Williams
Covers by Andy Kubert and Alex Ross
Variant sketch cover by Andy Kubert
“Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 1 of 2! Best-selling author Neil Gaiman (THE SANDMAN) and superstar artist Andy Kubert (BATMAN, Marvel 1602) join forces for a special 2-part BATMAN event! “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader” is a captivating and mysterious tale the likes of which Batman and friends have never experienced before. Delving into the realms of life, death and the afterlife, Gaiman leaves no stone unturned as he explores every facet and era of Bruce Wayne’s life.
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Andy Kubert and Alex Ross that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. For every 50 copies of the Standard Editions, retailers may order one copy of the Variant Sketch Edition (with a cover by Andy Kubert). Please see the
Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale February 11 · 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US

DETECTIVE COMICS #853
Written by Neil Gaiman
Art by Andy Kubert & Scott Williams
Cover by Andy Kubert
Variant sketch cover by Andy Kubert
“Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 2 of 2! This second part of Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert’s special collaboration is sure to be a BATMAN story for the ages. This extraordinary tale, told as only Gaiman and Kubert can, explores the intricate relationships between Bruce Wayne and his friends and adversaries and builds toward an exciting and unexpected climax. It’s a classic in the making!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 50 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Andy Kubert), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Sketch Edition (with a cover by Andy Kubert). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale February 25 · 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US

SUPERMAN #685
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes & Wilson Magalháes
Cover by Alex Ross
An “Origins & Omens” issue! Continued from ACTION COMICS #874! With “New Krypton” behind him (for now), Superman must come to terms with the death of Pa Kent. And things heat up in Metropolis when the mysterious new Nightwing and Flamebird take up residence in the Man of Steel’s hometown! Are they here to help Earth like they say – or do their ties to Kandor run too deep?
This story sets up next month’s new status quo as Superman makes a tough decision, the repercussions of which will be felt for years! Please see page 73 for part 1 of this story!
On sale February 25 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #10
Written by Steve Niles
Art and cover by Kelley Jones
Death strikes close to home for The Dark Knight as an important person in Bruce Wayne’s life dies at the hands of the Midnight Killer. But what’s Catwoman’s involvement? Will her heart belong to the murderous Midnight – both literally and figuratively – or can Batman stop this St. Valentine’s Day massacre before it’s too late?
On sale February 25 · 10 of 12 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SIMON DARK #17
Written by Steve Niles
Art and cover by Scott Hampton
Tragedy tears apart Simon Dark’s patchwork life! There aren’t many people who’ve gotten close to Simon Dark, but the events of this issue will leave them all hurt…or worse! Can Simon’s fragile world ever be stitched back together?
On sale February 11 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #26
Written by Christina Weir & Nunzio DeFilippis
Art and cover by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez & Kevin Nowlan
From the late ’60s Batman TV show comes King Tut making his first comic-book appearance in Gotham City ever in part 1 of a 3-part arc! A trail of murders involving museum executives and the mysterious riddles left behind lead Batman to suspect an old foe is back at work. But the Riddler is safely locked up – and not too happy that someone has stolen his M.O.!
On sale February 11 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

NIGHTWING #153
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art and cover by Don Kramer & Jay Leisten
It’s the fateful, final “Batman” Last Rites” issue featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup! As Robin, Dick Grayson fought alongside Batman as part of the dynamic duo, the greatest crime-fighting team in history. As Nightwing, he teamed up with his peers to combat injustice in the Titans and the Outsiders. Now, Dick Grayson faces the most important battle of his life. Batman is dead. The Mantle of the Bat must be passed, but it will require all of Dick’s training and skills to carry out the last wishes of Bruce Wayne and protect Gotham City. Will it be enough to protect himself from the dangers that await him? Or is this the last the world will see of Nightwing?
FINAL ISSUE · On sale February 4 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

ROBIN #183
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art and cover by Freddie E. Williams II
A “Batman: Last Rites” tie-in and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Gotham City has found a new hero and his name is Robin – but with a battle for Batman’s cowl looming, is Tim Drake ready to become something more? Guest-starring Jason Todd and Lady Shiva. And don’t worry, this final issue doesn’t mark the end of Robin – it’s just the start of an all-new beginning!
FINAL ISSUE · On sale February 18 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE OUTSIDERS #15
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art and cover by Lee Garbett
& Trevor Scott
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Continuing where the epic BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS SPECIAL #1 left off, the mystery of who and what “The Insiders” are opens into a labyrinth of dread and deceit as The Outsiders, in their newest incarnation, follow Batman’s final directives into a heart of darkness. If you’ve waited to pick up this title, jump on now for this exciting new era!
On sale February 18 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

ACTION COMICS #874
Written by James Robinson
Art by Pablo Raimondi
Cover by Aaron Lopresti
An “Origins and Omens” issue! Mon-El has been trapped in the Phantom Zone since Superman was a teenager, and now he might finally be able to return to Earth! But how will he overcome the fatal lead poisoning that kept him away for so long? And with all the changes the blockbuster “New Krypton” storyline wrought, would he even recognize the planet he left behind?
Meanwhile, life continues to be difficult for Superman thanks to Earth’s growing anti-Kryptonian sentiment. “New Krypton” may be over, but its fallout has only begun! To be continued in SUPERMAN #685, which you can find on page 68!
On sale February 11 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

ADVENTURE COMICS #0
Written by Otto Binder
Art by Al Plastino
Cover by Aaron Lopresti
One of the cornerstone stories of the DCU is reprinted in this special issue priced at just $1.00 featuring an important “Origins and Omens” backup tale! To celebrate the upcoming ADVENTURE COMICS #1, we’re reprinting a Silver Age classic from the title’s prior volume – ADVENTURE COMICS #247, the first appearance of the Legion of Super-Heroes! Witness Superboy’s first encounter with three super-powered teens from the 30th Century – Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl! Featuring a new cover by Aaron Lopresti that’s an homage to the original!
On sale February 4 · 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US

SUPERGIRL #38
Written by Sterling Gates Cover by Joshua Middleton
Art by Jamal Igle & Keith Champagne
“Who is Superwoman?” part 2! The mystery of the year continues! Supergirl uncovers a vital clue to Superwoman’s identity, but the Woman of Steel is more than willing to fight to protect her secrets! Plus, just what is Reactron up to – and what does a certain Metropolis police inspector have to do with it?
On sale February 18 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #56
Written by Michael Green & Mike Johnson
Art by Rags Morales & John Dell Cover by Rags Morales
This is it! The World’s Finest Heroes face off against the JLA and their greatest foes – each other! The final chapter of “Super/Bat” explodes as the powerless Superman battles the unstoppable Batman with the soul of The Dark Knight hanging in the balance.
On sale February 18 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

DC UNIVERSE

BIRDS OF PREY #127
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Claude St. Aubin & John Floyd
Cover by Stephane Roux
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Oracle calls on Batgirl to investigate her newest operative, Infinity, to find out what she’s made of. The answer is a lot more disconcerting to the team than they’d expect in this series finale!
FINAL ISSUE · On sale February 18 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BOOSTER GOLD #17
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art and cover by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Part 3 of the 4-part “Reality Lost” arc finds Booster Gold transported back to a seminal day in the history of The Flash! Here’s a hint: it has to do with a bolt of lightning and a chemical bath!
On sale February 11 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BLUE BEETLE #36
Written by Matthew Sturges
Art by Carlo Barberi
Cover by Rafael Albuquerque
Say goodbye to the bravest Teen Titan of them all as Blue Beetle takes on a whole space army all on his lonesome in a tale so epic it could only be called the “Valentine’s Day Dance Massacre”!
FINAL ISSUE · On sale February 25 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #22
Written by David Hine
Art and cover by Doug Braithwaite & Bill Reinhold
The 4-part “Without Sin” comes to its mind-blowing conclusion! On Earth, Green Arrow battles to protect the children of the Arcadia Orphanage. And on the planet Kahlo, Green Lantern and the Phantom Stranger locate the one cosmic power that can stop the evil of The Purge!
On sale February 18 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #17
Written by Andrew Kreisberg
Art by Mike Norton & Joe Rubinstein
Cover by Ladrönn
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Merlyn’s been apprehended, but who’s broken him out of custody? And what have they done to him? It all seems to be a horrific love letter to Green Arrow, which does not sit well with Black Canary!
On sale February 11 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #3-4
Written by Jen Van Meter
Art and cover by Cully Hamner
The mystery of the gang leader called The 100 deepens as does his hold on Suicide Slum as Black Lightning investigates his own father’s past. But only one person can really help him find the answers: Talia al Ghul!
Issue #3 on sale February 4; issue #4 on sale February 18
3 and 4 of 6 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #33
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art and cover by Patrick Gleason & Rebecca Buchman
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! It’s the prelude to “The Blackest Night” as the “War of Light” continues to intensify! Mongul attempts to establish his hold on the Sinestro Corps by enslaving the planet Daxam and making it the home world of his Corps. What does Sinestro’s nleft hand man, Arkillo, think of all this? And will Sodam Yat, the Green Lantern known as Ion, fight to save his homeworld, which he’s vowed to never return to?
On sale February 11 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GREEN LANTERN #39
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Philip Tan & Jonathan Glapion
Cover by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert
Variant cover by Rodolfo Migliari
“Agent Orange” Part 1 and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup tale! As the orange light of avarice erupts in violence within the Vega System, the secrets of the Guardians’ pact with the criminals of the universe that has kept the Vega System off limits is revealed. Hal Jordan comes face to face with the mysterious and immensely powerful Agent Orange in a bizarre confrontation.
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Rodolfo Migliari ). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale February 25 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

EL DIABLO #6
Written by Jai Nitz
Art and cover by Phil Hester and Ande Parks
The fiery finale! He’s lost his allies, his girlfriend and his soul – now former mob lord Chato Santana, the new El Diablo, must use all his Tony Soprano-like cleverness to escape the death penalty. Will the DCU’s new spirit of vengeance live to see another day?
On sale February 4 · 6 of 6 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JONAH HEX #40
Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Art and cover by David Michael Beck
Meet Doctor Zimmerman, a physician with a hunger for knowledge matched only by his appetite for torture. When Hex ends up on his examination table, the recriminations start to fly – along with a few body parts! Join us for the first half of “Sawbones: A Grindhouse Western”!
On sale February 4 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #30
Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art and cover by Ed Benes
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Can the entire combined might of the Justice League of Amercia and Dr. Light stand up to the cosmic entity known as Starbreaker as he continues consuming the sun? Could this be another Final Night for the DC Universe?
On sale February 18 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #24
Written by Geoff Johns & Jerry Ordway
Art and variant cover by Jerry Ordway
Cover by Alex Ross
“Black Adam and Isis” part 2 and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup! The Justice Society faces off against a fully powered Black Adam and his wife, Isis, for control of the Rock of Eternity. But when Mary Marvel enters the fray, will she side with the Justice Society or join the Black Marvel family?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Alex Ross), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Jerry Ordway). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale February 25 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE MIGHTY #1
Written by Peter J. Tomasi & Keith Champagne
Art by Peter Snejbjerg
Cover by Dave Johnson
Variant cover by Ivan Reis & Joe Prado
Welcome to the world of The Mighty! Alpha One – America’s first and only Super Hero – is supported by Section Omega, an entire police force devoted to assisting him in his quest for justice. Lt. Gabriel Cole has worked his way up the ranks of Section Omega and his connection to Alpha One reaches back to his own tragic childhood and an accident nobody could have survived. But when murder strikes at the top of the organization, the case falls into his lap, and he’ll begin to learn what being a hero is really all about!
Written by Peter J. Tomasi (FINAL CRISIS: REQUIEM, GREEN LANTERN CORPS) and Keith Champagne (WORLD WAR III) with gorgeous art by Peter Snejbjerg (STARMAN, THE LIGHT BRIGADE), this new ongoing series is not to be missed!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Dave Johnson), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Ivan Reis & Joe Prado). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale February 4 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

R.E.B.E.L.S. #1
Written by Tony Bedard
Art and cover by Andy Clarke
Variant cover by Andy Clarke
The future is now in this all-new monthly series! Brainiac 2 is a hunted man. His cosmic police force safeguarded over 80 worlds until a mysterious adversary suddenly seized control. Now Vril Dox must recruit a new team to win back his command and free countless billions. But
this time, he’s basing his new group on the greatest heroes and villains of the 31st Century!
Guest-starring Supergirl and The Legion of Super-Heroes!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Andy Clarke), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Andy Clarke). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale February 11 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SECRET SIX #6
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood
Cover by Nicola Scott
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! This is the big one! After Junior’s horrifying unmasking last issue, the bruised and battered remnants of the Secret Six try to deliver their package to their mysterious benefactor in Gotham City, a city made even more dangerous by the notable absence of Batman. The only problem is a crowd of villains and heroes determined to block them every step of the way!
On sale February 4 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

REIGN IN HELL #8
Written by Keith Giffen
Art by Tom Derenick & Bill Sienkiewicz
Cover by Justiniano
The bloody denouement arrives as the heir to the throne of Hell is chosen! Will Blue Devil regain his soul? Will there be a Hell left once Lobo’s had his way? Will Dr. Occult convince his lost love to come home? Find the answers here!
On sale February 25 · 8 of 8 · 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US

SGT. ROCK: THE LOST BATTALION #4
Written by Billy Tucci
Art and cover by Billy Tucci
Holding out against all odds for four days without food and water, the trapped Easy Company has suffered countless wounds and fatalities. But as Sgt. Rock leads a desperate patrol to find sustenance, angels arrive in the forms of Johnny Cloud and the Haunted Tank. But unbeknownst to all, the Nazis have laid a trap for the Lost Battalion by springing 7,000 Reich soldiers against the would-be rescuers.
On sale February 25 · 4 of 6 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TERROR TITANS #5
Written by Sean McKeever
Art and cover by Joe Bennett & Jack Jadson
As the Terror Titans wrestle with the revelations brought about by Clock King’s trials, one teen stands triumphant in the Dark Side Club tournament. The winner will lead Clock King’s newly formed army to their first – and final – target.
On sale February 4 · 5 of 6 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TITANS #10
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Howard Porter
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! It’s Titans vs. the JLA! In the aftermath of DCU: DECISIONS #4, the JLA wants Jericho, but the Titans don’t give up on one of their own. In the end, though, it looks like they’ll lose another member!
On sale February 11 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TEEN TITANS #68
Written by Sean McKeever
Art and cover by Eddy Barrows and Ruy Jose
Kid Eternity is back in this issue featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup tale! But is he here to stay? In part 3 of “The New Teen Titans,” learn how the Kid’s struggle with the Lords of Chaos and Order has progressed, why his abilities are on the fritz and how his arrival creates major problems for his teammates!
On sale February 25 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE SPIRIT #26
Written by Michael J. Uslan & F.J. DeSanto
Art by Justiniano & Walden Wong
Cover by Brian Bolland
An unmissable and gorgeous 3-part vision of The Spirit’s female foils begins here! Star penciller Justiniano joins The Spirit film producers and new series writers Michael Uslan and F.J. DeSanto to bring you the heartbreaking tale of Silken Floss, the whip-smart super-scientist whose love for The Spirit is rivaled only by her ambition! And when the knock at the door of opportunity comes from the gloved fist of the Octopus, there’s no telling who she’ll betray to get her way.
On sale February 11 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #10
Written by Bruce Jones
Art by Graham Nolan & Dan Green
Cover by Justiniano
The secret’s out! The puzzling mystery of the island is revealed…but has it come too late for those who hoped for a life beyond its shores? Get set for some of the strangest, most explosive TNT clashes between men and beasts ever chronicled!
On sale February 25 · 10 of 12, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TANGENT: SUPERMAN’S REIGN #12
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Carlos Magno & Julio Ferreira
Cover by Dan Jurgens & Will Conrad
The duel universe-spanning epic concludes as the Justice League of America attempts to rally against Tangent Superman. It all comes down to one last-ditch effort as all hope remains with one lone individual. Who’s this being, and what’s their relationship to the Man of Telekinesis? And what will become of the Tangent Universe?
On sale February 18 · 12 of 12, 32 pg, FC, $2.99

VIGILANTE #3
Written by Marv Wolfman Cover by Walter Simonson
Art by Rick Leonardi & John Stanisci
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Released from prison, Vigilante has learned that the Titans are the key to the mystery behind the recent election bombings. In order to flush out Jericho, the traitor on their team, Vigilante must confront the Titans to learn which one is harboring the former hero.
On sale February 18 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

VIXEN: RETURN OF THE LION #5
Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by Cafu
Cover by Joshua Middleton
The stunning conclusion! Vixen becomes the one hero who can
pull her Justice League of America comrades back from the brink of
doom in her homeland of Zambesi – and Zambesi itself from becoming
an engine of apocalypse!
On sale February 4 · 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

WONDER WOMAN #29
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopresti & Matt Ryan
Cover by Aaron Lopresti
Variant cover by Marcos Martin
“Rise of The Olympian” part 4! Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! The Olympians have risen to begin their all-out assault on war across the globe! One particular attack could spell the end of the Department of Metahuman Affairs, and Wonder Woman’s life is changed forever in the aftermath of Genocide’s savage beating…and that’s just the stuff we can tell you! Don’t miss this crucial arc in Wonder Woman’s history!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Aaron Lopresti), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Marcos Martin). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale February 25 · 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

COLLECTED EDITIONS

BATMAN: THE HEART OF HUSH HC
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs
Cover by Dustin Nguyen
Secrets shared years ago between Bruce Wayne and Tommy Elliott – a.k.a. Hush – come to light with dangerous consequences in the present! Guest-starring Catwoman, this new hardcover ties directly into the “Batman R.I.P.” event and collects DETECTIVE COMICS #846-850. As Batman finds himself barely capable of handling the diabolical threat of the Black Glove, Hush attacks Bruce Wayne in his personal life by setting his sights on Bruce’s ex-lover: Catwoman!
Advance-solicited; on sale April 1 · 144 pg, FC, $19.99 US

DC COMICS CLASSICS LIBRARY: BATMAN – THE ANNUALS HC
Written by Bill Finger, Edmond Hamilton and others
Art by Lew Sayre Schwartz, Dick Sprang and others
Composite cover by Curt Swan and others
Some of the greatest Batman tales ever are collected in this new hardcover! Reprinting the classic BATMAN ANNUALs #1-3 from 1961 and 1962, this can’t-miss collection reveals the secrets of the Batcave, the Bat-Signal and more!
Advance-solicited; on sale April 22 · 256 pg, FC, $39.99 US

THE BATMAN CHRONICLES VOL. 7 TP
Written by Don Cameron, Bill Finger, Jack Schiff and Joseph Greene
Art by Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Jack Burnley and others
Cover by Jerry Robinson
The chronological reprinting of every Batman story continues with this new set of tales from the 1940s in which Batman and Robin meet Two- Face for the first time! Collecting BATMAN #12-13, plus stories from DETECTIVE COMICS #66-70 and WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #7.
90 Advance-solicited; on sale March 18 · 192 pg, FC, $14.99 US

BATMAN: HAUNTED GOTHAM TP
Written by Doug Moench
Art by Kelley Jones, John Beatty & Jason Moore
Cover by Kelley Jones
The team behind the popular BATMAN/DRACULA: RED RAIN, BLOODSTORM and CRIMSON MIST reunited in 2000 for the 4-issue miniseries HAUNTED GOTHAM, collected here for the first time. Cut off from the rest of the world, Bruce Wayne must prevail against a nightmare army of demonic villains, led by a patchwork Joker.
Advance-solicited; on sale March 18 · 208 pg, FC, $19.99 US

CATWOMAN: THE LONG ROAD HOME TP
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez & Alvaro Lopez
Cover by Adam Hughes
Selina Kyle is back from the Hell Planet of SALVATION RUN – and she’s ready to get back into action in this volume collecting CATWOMAN #78-82, the final issues of the series. But to reclaim her place in Gotham City, Catwoman will have to declare war on the city’s underworld.
Advance-solicited; on sale March 11 · 144 pg, FC , $17.99 US

CHECKMATE: CHIMERA TP
Written by Bruce Jones
Art and cover by Manuel Garcia
CHECKMATE #26-31 are collected in this final CHECKMATE volume. Once a human soldier, Chimera may be the only thing standing between civilization and total anarchy. But can Checkmate control him?
Advance-solicited; on sale March 25 · 144 pg, FC, $17.99 US

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA: THY KINGDOM COME PART III HC
Written by Geoff Johns, Alex Ross and Peter Tomasi
Art by Alex Ross, Dale Eaglesham, Fernando Pasarin and Nathan Massengill
Cover by Alex Ross
Collecting JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #19-22, and the JUSTICE SOCIETY: KINGDOM COME Specials MAGOG, SUPERMAN and THE KINGDOM! Picking up where PART II left off, the Justice Society begins to dissolve as Gog vows to bring peace to Earth in a way that fnleftens some and thrills others. Torn between Gog’s desire to help the world and the moral cost it comes with, it’s old guard vs. the new as the line that was drawn is crossed.
Advance-solicited; on sale April 15 · 224 pg, FC, $24.99 US

SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL TP
Written by Jeff Smith
Art and cover by Jeff Smith
“Remarkable . . . a comic book that can be savored and admired by everyone from kids to the most sophisticated graphic novel devotee.” – Entertainment Weekly
Jeff Smith, the award-winning creator of BONE, tells the story of young orphan Billy Batson who finds himself transformed into the World’s Mightiest Mortal whenever he says the magic word “Shazam!” In this new trade paperback edition collecting the cclaimed 4-issue miniseries at DC’s standard trim size, Billy must use these extraordinary abilities to face an invasion of alien creatures as well as stop mad scientist Dr. Sivana and his Monster Society of Evil from taking over the world!
Advance-solicited; on sale March 4 · 208 pg, FC, $19.99 US

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN: FOR TOMORROW HC
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams
Cover by Jim Lee
From Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS) and artists Jim Lee and Scott Williams (BATMAN: HUSH) comes this oversized, slipcased volume collecting the entire 12-issue “For Tomorrow” epic originally presented in SUPERMAN #204-215!
A cataclysmic event has struck the Earth. Millions of people have vanished without a trace. No one is left unaffected – not even Superman! Now, the Man of Steel must face the mystery of how millions of people vanished without a trace, only to find that he may be responsible. But the solution leads to a royal rumble with Wonder Woman! And after a battle with the deadly Equus, Superman comes face-to-face with the villain who has been responsible for turning his life upside-down!
Featuring an introduction by Azzarello, an afterward and sketch section by Lee and a newly illustrated 2-page origin of Superman by Lee & Williams!
Advance-solicited; on sale April 29 · 340 pg, FC, 8.25″ x 12.5″, $75.00 US

SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF ATLAS HC
Written by James Robinson and Jack Kirby
Art by Renado Guedes, Jack Kirby, Jose Wilson
Magalhaes and D. Bruce Berry
Cover by Alex Ross
Titans clash in this first hardcover collection of SUPERMAN tales from fan-favorite writer James Robinson (STARMAN)!
Featuring SUPERMAN #677-680, this is the battle to end all others as Superman faces off with Atlas, lost god of myth. And when Atlas stakes a claim on Metropolis, it’s up to Superman and Krypto to take Atlas down.
As a bonus, this collection also includes FIRST ISSUE SPECIAL #1, the 1985 tale by Jack “King” Kirby that introduced Atlas!
Advance-solicited; on sale April 8 · 128 pg, FC, $19.99 US

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 1 TP
Written by Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis
Art by Kevin Maguire, Terry Austin & Al Gordon
Cover by Kevin Maguire & Terry Austin
Collecting the classic JUSTICE LEAGUE #1-6 and JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #7! Can an unlikely new Justice League lineup work as a unit to stop terrorists at the U.N., the Royal Flush Gang, and other threats – or will they succumb to squabbling and bad jokes?
Advance-solicited; on sale March 4 · 192 pg, FC, $17.99 US

SUPERMAN/BATMAN: ENEMIES AMONG US TP
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Ethan Van Sciver, Matthew Clark, Andy Lanning, Marlo Alquiza and Joe Benitez
Cover by Ethan Van Sciver
Don’t miss this explosive new trade paperback volume collecting SUPERMAN/BATMAN #28-33! The JLA’s Martian Manhunter attacks Batman! The villainous Parasite and Titano return! Superman’s allegiances will be tested in this story involving the Green Lantern Corps and more!
94 Advance-solicited; on sale March 25 · 160 pg, FC, $12.99 US

SHOWCASE PRESENTS: AMBUSH BUG VOL. 1 TP
Written by Keith Giffen, Robert Loren Fleming, Paul Kupperberg
and Paul Levitz
Art by Keith Giffen, Robert Oksner, Carmine Infantino, and others
Cover by Keith Giffen & Bob Oksner
Collecting DC COMICS PRESENTS #52, 59 and 81, SUPERGÃŽRL #16 (1984), stories from SECRET ORIGINS #48, ACTION COMICS #560, 563 and 565, AMBUSH BUG #1-4, SON OF AMBUSH BUG #1-6, AMBUSH BUG STOCKING STUFFER #1 and AMBUSH BUG NOTHING SPECIAL #1 – whew!
Advance-solicited; on sale March 25 · 480 pg, B&W, $16.99 US

SHOWCASE PRESENTS: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA VOL. 4 TP
Written by Gardner Fox and Dennis O’Neil
Art by Mike Sekowsky, Dick Dillin, Sid Greene,
George Roussos and Joe Giella
Cover by Neal Adams
The JLA continues to fight evil in this new bargain-priced volume collection JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #61-83. These epic tales feature the JLA debuts of the Red Tornado and Black Canary, plus the annual adventure with the Justice Society of America!
Advance-solicited; on sale March 11 · 544 pg, B&W, $16.99 US

TEEN TITANS SPOTLIGHT: CYBORG TP
Written by Mark Sable
Art by Ken Lashley, Carlos Magno and Jonathan Glapion
Cover by Ken Lashley
The 6-issue DC SPECIAL: CYBORG miniseries is collected in this new trade paperback spinning out of TEEN TITANS. Vic Stone has a new foe – one who was a friend, and has been turned into a killing machine by the mysterious Mr. Orr!
Advance-solicited; on sale March 18 · 144 pg, FC, $19.99 US

THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT VOL. 1 TP
Written by Bruce Jones
Art by Al Barrionuevo & Jimmy Palmiotti
Cover by Neal Adams
It’s a time-warped tale for the ages as warriors throughout the history of the DCU find themselves trapped on a dangerous, dinosaur-infested island. How did characters like G.I. Robot, Enemy Ace and Firehair wind up here – and for what nefarious reason? Find out in this collection featuring issues #1-6 of the 12-part miniseries event!
Advance-solicited; on sale March 4 · 144 pg, FC, $17.99

Jump to: DCU | Collected Editions | WildStorm | Vertigo | Johnny DC | CMX | DC Direct

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Pete Woods

Art : 8/10
Story : 8/10
Overall : 8/10

This is a fast read that moves with a purpose, but at no point does it feel rushed.

Johns and Robinson have clearly done their homework in preparing the New Krypton story, an ever-changing matrix that constantly shifts and readjusts as Johns and Robinson slide the various chess pieces around the board. The story is seamless as it shifts to different titles with each installment of this story. This is amazing considering that most large stories that are delivered by more than one writer tend to get a bit clunky and often have a poor flow to them.

The themes of Superman’s true heritage and what role the Kandorians will have on Earth are well handled and reflected as Johns presents the reader several different viewpoints of those two main themes. Kal-El may love his Kryptonian heritage, but the fact remains that he has no connection to or memories of Krypton. Johns does a fine job using this scene to get the reader to understand and sympathize with Gor and Mur and their disdain for Superman’s diplomatic approach over exacting payback on Brainiac for the death of Krypton.

I enjoyed how Johns points out the similarities between these two characters even thought there are also start contrasts present as well. General Lane clearly sees himself as a patriot and a hero while Lex is nothing more than an egotistical sadist. However, both men view the threat of Superman and the threat of a city full of Kryptonians the same. Surprisingly, the Zod loyalists in Gor and Mur view Superman roughly the same as how Lane and Lex view Superman.

Johns also does a fine job fleshing out the tension that exists on a personal level between General Lane, Superman and Lois. General Lane has sacrificed everything including his relationship with his daughter in his quest to protect Earth from Superman. The reader is able to get a good sense of why Lane views Superman and the Kandorians as such a threat. And General Lane’s personal loss in terms of his fractured relationship with Lois serves to make Lane a bit more vulnerable and sympathetic to the reader.

Of course, Action Comics #871 was not all about fine dialogue and interesting character work. This issue was also about some serious bone-jarring action. Johns delivers a fantastic brawl between the Kryptonians and Doomsday. I enjoyed watching the Kryptonians squash Doomsday. This scene served notice on just how powerful a fighting force even a handful of Kryptonians can be.

What was also so impressive about this fight scene is how Johns seamlessly filled the reader in on Doomsday’s back-story without employing a boring flashback scene or breaking the flow of the story. This was a smart move to help bring newer readers up to speed on Doomsday so that they could fully enjoy this issue.

Action Comics #871 ends with a fantastic hook ending as Johns unveils the new Nightwing and Flamebird. I dig how they were assigned to guard the Phantom Zone Projector in order to prevent any Zod loyalists from freeing him from the Phantom Zone. This shows that Superman may be an idealist but he is not stupid.

I am certainly curious to learn more about Nightwing and Flamebird. These two codenames have been used many times in Superman’s continuity. Pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths, Nightwing and Flamebird were secret identities assumed by Clark and Jimmy Olsen while in the bottled City of Kandor and the Nightwing codename was used later by Superman’s cousin Van-Zee. However, Post-Crisis on Infinite Earths, these names were ascribed to two historic Kryptonian super heroes.

Now, at first I figured that this current version of Nightwing and Flamebird are from Kandor as well. However, Kryptonians certainly do not have flame powers. At least not that we know of. What was particularly intriguing was that Johns makes a point of having Nightwing state that he has natural tactile-telekinesis. That is a power that Conner possessed when he first became Superboy.

Overall, Action Comics #871 was another entertaining installment of the New Krypton story. Johns does a fine job keeping the ball rolling and helping to make the New Krypton story one of the more exciting events in the DCU.

For more reviews, scans, story recaps and news visit Comic Book Revolution!

Norwalk, CT, November 13, 2008: Two more notable comic book celebrities will be joining the festivities at New York Comic Con (NYCC) this year as Guests of Honor. Affording thousands of fans the opportunity to meet them in person, Geoff Johns, who is well-known as a comic book writer of a number of DC Comics characters, including Superman, Green Lantern and the Flash as well as for his work as a screenwriter; and superstar artist Jim Lee, known for his acclaimed artistic runs on titles including BATMAN, ALL STAR BATMAN and WILDCATS, will be attending NYCC to help launch the new Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing game, DC Universe Online (DCUO), produced by Sony Online Entertainment for PLAYSTATION 3 in collaboration with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

Both Johns and Lee will be signing autographs and they will conduct a large DC Universe Online event on Saturday, February 7, 2009. New York Comic Con will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, February 6 – 8, 2009.

“Having both Jim Lee and Geoff Johns at our show is a great ‘get’ under any circumstance, but it’s especially cool to have them here to as part of DC Universe Online,” notes Lance Fensterman, Vice President and Con Manager for NYCC. “They will do a fabulous job entertaining our fans and I know that they will attract huge crowds, not only for autographs but also for their demonstration. I am enormously grateful to them for participating in New York Comic Con and we’re pleased to have them as Guests of Honor.”

“Jim and Geoff represent two of the top talents in comics, so it only makes sense that they’d transfer those skills to the gaming world,” said Dan DiDio, SVP and Executive Editor for DC Comics. “It’s a perfect fit to have them named Guests of Honor at New York Comic Con.”

GEOFF JOHNS: Johns began writing for DC Comics with Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. Through the years he has written primarily for DC and was responsible for the return of Hal Jordan in 2005 as the writer of the Green Lantern: Rebirth mini-series and subsequent Green Lantern ongoing title. In 2006 Johns reunited with his mentor Richard Donner on the Superman title Action Comics and this year it was announced he would write and Ethan Van Sciver would draw the miniseries The Flash: Rebirth, focusing on the return of Barry Allen as the Flash. He recently wrote an episode of Smallville that introduced the Legion of Super-Heroes to the world of live action for the first time. Johns is a principal writer for DCUO, where he has been tasked with bringing the DC Universe to life.

JIM LEE: Acclaimed comic book illustrator Jim Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1964. Today, Lee is the creative director of WildStorm Studios (which he founded in 1992) and the penciller for many of DC Comics’ bestselling comic book and graphic novels, including All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder, Batman: Hush, and Superman: For Tomorrow. He also serves as the Executive Creative Director for the upcoming DC Universe Online videogame. In his spare time, Jim notes that he enjoys a good laugh or two.

ABOUT NEW YORK COMIC CON: New York Comic Con is the East Coast’s biggest and most exciting popular culture convention. Our show floor plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Our panels and autograph sessions give fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators. Our screening rooms feature sneak peeks at films and television shows months before they hit either big or small screens. And with dedicated professional hours, New York Comic Con is a market place, bringing together the major players in the entertainment industry. New York Comic Con is the second largest pop culture convention in America and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world — Gotham City. Further information can be found at newyorkcomiccon.com.

ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS: The New York Comic Con is operated by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading events organizer. In 2007, Reed brought together over six million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today, Reed events are held in 38 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia and organized by 39 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a FTSE-100 company and world-leading publisher and information provider. In 2006, Reed Elsevier made adjusted profit before taxation of £1,052 million on turnover of £5,398 million.

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Dale Eaglesham
Inks: Nathan Massengill

Art: 7/10
Story: 8/10
Overall: 7.5/10

The Good

Johns understands and gets the JSA members like no other writer. His strong character work affords him the ability to create plenty of excellent chemistry between the JSA’ers. It’s so easy for the reader to lose themselves in this story as these characters seemingly spring to life. The scene where Power Girl refuses to let go of Alan and Jay once they arrived back home was perfect. It was touching and poignant without ever crossing the line and becoming overly dramatic.

The incredible long range vision and wonderfully complex and detailed plot lines on the Justice Society of America is impressive. There are very few titles that can rival the depth and range of the plotting that we get on the JSA.

Johns manages to nicely fold the Earth-2 plotline into the larger Gog plotline. On the surface, it appears that Johns places the Gog plotline on hold while he wraps up the Earth-2 plotline. But, upon closer review, Johns slyly uses the Earth-2 plotline to further the Gog plotline by pushing two of Gog’s biggest critics closer to accepting this seemingly benevolent god.

Johns gives an excellent and impressively concise and clear re-cap of the history of the Multiverse. I found it interesting that the Multiverse expands just like the universe does. This would suggest that the new Multiverse will continue to expand and will eventually keep growing past the original 52 worlds. This would seem a logical way to bring back the original Multiverse that had an infinite amount of Earths. I have a feeling that the Multiverse will certainly not be limited by the original 52 Earths that we saw at the end of 52.

Johns ends Justice Society of America #20 with a fantastic hook ending. The adventure on Earth-2 and the sight of their loved ones alive once again appears to be enough to get Alan Scott to finally buy into Gog. Alan has been the leader of the faction of the JSA who do not trust or believe in Gog. That appears to be changing. I am curious to see how Mr. Terrific reacts to Alan’s question.

The Bad

I only have one minor complaint. I thought that the Earth-2 Power Girl began channeling a bit too much of her inner Superboy-Prime with the maniacal way that she interrogated our Power Girl and the general over the top presentation of Earth-2 Power Girl’s character.

Overall

Johns continues to impress with this title as Justice Society of America remains one of DC’s best and most consistent titles on the market. If you enjoy incredibly complex plotlines along with quality character work then you should give JSA a try. This title is balanced enough in terms of action and drama that should make it appealing to a large percentage of comic book readers.

For more in-depth reviews, story recaps, scans and news visit Comic Book Revolution!

Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Shane Davis
Inks: Sandra Hope

Art: 8/10
Story: 6/10
Overall: 7/10

The Good

There is no doubt that action junkies will enjoy Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns #1. Johns lives up to his reputation as a writer who cannot resist butchering characters as often as possible.

As a general rule, I am completely sick and tired of the endless amount of death, gore and ultra-violence that has become mind numbingly ever-present in DC’s comic books. However, I did not mind it at all in Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns #1. This is a war story dealing with competing paramilitary police forces. It makes sense that in a universe spanning war story there would have plenty of violence and death.

I dig how Johns is handling the complex relationship between Hal and Sinestro. I know that the theme of mentor, friend and enemy that Sinestro has played in Hal’s life may not be the most original theme, but Johns has done a fine job with it and it makes for an interesting read. I do think that before the Blackest Night is over that Hal might be forced to realize how he and Sinestro are more alike than he would want to admit.

Johns proceeds to tease the reader with several little twists in the plotlines that we have been getting over in Green Lantern. Clearly the scarred Guardian has her own agenda. And I am wondering of she is working with Sinestro or if she is simply playing every single side against each other in an attempt to demolish all of the different colored Corps. It also appears that Johns has several surprises in store for the reader when it comes to the chase for the various colored power sources.

This was a dynamic looking issue with the best artwork being reserved for the action scenes.

The Bad

Many readers may not dig the dark somber nature of this issue and the graphic violence and killing.

I found the Red Lanterns to be simply way too over the top. The constant blood puking and how the Red Lanterns all manage to synchronize it with their teammates was too much. And the fact that the Red Lanterns can evidently burn people to death with their blood puke just made it that much more silly. I do not know if Johns was trying to be campy with the Red Lanterns, but if he wanted me to take the Red Lanterns seriously and not chuckle at them then he failed.

Another problem with this issue is that it had nothing at all even remotely to do with Final Crisis. I have no idea why DC even bothered to call this a Final Crisis tie-in issue. This issue simply read like the newest issue of Green Lantern. It might have been wiser for DC to delay this issue until the end of Final Crisis and then bill this issue as a Blackest Night prelude instead.

Once again, DC seems determined to flood the reader with a myriad of “big events.” It would have been a smarter move for DC to let one big event end before cranking up the hype machine for the next big event. I swear, readers are going to end up getting “big event” fatigue at the rate that Marvel and DC are going.

Overall:

Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns #1 was a solid advertisement for the upcoming Blackest Night event. Johns made this issue as new reader friendly as possible and presented enough interesting mysteries to drum up interest in the Blackest Night event.

For more in-depth reviews, story recaps, scans and news visit Comic Book Revolution!

Writer: Geoff Johns, James Robinson & Sterling Gates
Pencils: Pete Woods, Gary Frank & Renato Guedes
Inks: Pete Woods, Jon Sibal & Wilson Magalhaes

Art: 8/10
Story: 9/10
Overall: 8.5/10

Superman: New Krypton Special #1 effectively pulls together all of the various plotlines from Action Comics and Superman into one cohesive major story. This issue does its job of laying out a clear direction for both Superman titles and also manages to hook the reader’s interest into picking up both titles to follow this monster story.

The first three pages had absolutely no dialogue. Franks’ artwork was unbelievably powerful as he conveyed such a range of emotions from Clark’s heart wrenching sorrow, Lana’s feelings of regret and shame to Bruce Wayne’s ever constant distant personality. Most writers would have not had the restraint to allow an artist to tell the story. I appreciated the fact that we were not flooded with narration boxes.

I loved the scene with Ma Kent and Clark where she emphatically tells her son that he has nothing to be sorry about concerning his father’s death and then orders him to go do his job. I liked how Clark eagerly offers up the statement that the restoration of Kandor will not change him.

The theme of family continues as Superman fresh off the loss of one of his parents watches Kara’s emotional family reunion with her parents. Even though Superman is clearly happy about Kara being reunited with her parents, there is probably a tinge of jealousy that he not only does not have his biological parents, but now he is missing his adoptive father.

The writers do a fine job handling the debate between Superman and Jor-El concerning the debate about the newly super powered Kryptonians from Kandor. This is obviously going to become a serious problem. Superman handles his incredible powers well because of his Earthling father and Pa Kent’s humble and solid middle-American values. The teachings of Pa Kent and how they have impacted Superman are well contrasted with the fact that Jor-El seems horrified at the suggestion that the Kryptonians learn from the Earthlings. Jor-El’s comment of why the Kandorians would allow the Earthlings to teach them to be less Kryptonian was perfect.

It is totally unbelievable to think that all of the Kandorians are going to handle their awesome new powers like Superman has. The fact is that your average person, or Kryptonian, when blessed with such incredible powers would probably trend toward being a villain rather than a selfless and idealistic hero.

And on top of that, Superman will face a much more personal decision to make on whether he identifies more with his Earthling upbringing and his Earthling adoptive mother or more with his Kryptonian heritage and his Kryptonian family. The fact is that deep down inside, Clark is more a typical mid-west farm boy than he is a Kryptonian.

The artwork by committee was nicely done. Yes, it creates an inconsistent look to this issue, but that is offset by the fact that Woods, Frank and Guedes are all three great artists. Frank’s artwork was my favorite of the three due to his amazing ability to convey so many emotions and properly move the story along in the absence of any dialogue. Still, all three artists did a fine job with the artwork and they combined to make this a good looking issue.

The writers made this issue very new reader friendly. If you have not given either Action Comics or Superman a try then Superman: New Krypton Special #1 is the perfect jumping on point.

For more reviews, scans, story recaps and news visit Comic Book Revolution!

The first thing that struck me upon finishing this comic was how long it took me to read it.

I don’t mean that it was overly confusing or hard to follow; on the contrary, the basic story is quite the opposite, and the gist of the book and nuances of the characters could be picked up by a new reader. What I mean is the density. Geoff Johns and George Perez manage to pack story into a single issue in a way we don’t usually see these days. Sure, the extra eight-ten pages are a huge help, but it’s not just that – it’s the economy.

Every page, panel and word of this comic counts. On the rare occasions these two go for a double-page spread, it’s not to provide impact to what could be a single panel, it’s because there’s so much damn stuff to show that a single panel doesn’t cut it – for instance, the credit spread is a widescreen look at the Superman museum, and every inch of it is swathed with detail that, while all researched and accurate, in-story acts as a barrage of homage that overwhelmes both the reader and Superboy-Prime.

Regarding the art, this book is everything Brave and the Bold was criticized for not being – expansive, detailed, clear and futuristic. I expect a lot of it is Hi-Fi replacing Perez’s usual colorist Tom Smith; they bring a vibrancy and modernism to Perez’s art that Smith never did. Perez himself is at the top of his game; despite a humongous cast of characters that are, at this point, largely unknown to most readers, Johns and Perez present all of them as startlingly unique, from their dialogue to their mannerisms to their reactions. I’ve never been a Legion fan beyond following the Waid “threeboot,” but this comic makes me want to remedy that.

While many people think Johns can be guilty of using a character’s name and concept and then extending that to their every action – see Mirror Master’s cocaine addiction especially, as well as the rest of the Rogues and Black Hand’s sudden obsession with humping dead people – sometimes with large casts such as this it’s a blessing with establishing characterization. If he gets the ongoing later, let him work on them; a lot of the characters of the JSA are pretty interesting behind the plotcentric Kingdom Come wankfest. For this kind of five-issue miniseries – especially with such a huge number of characters unfamiliar to many audiences – it works.

The story itself is almost an afterthought; not for Johns, but for the reader – the character moments and character interactions steal the show, and the stuff about the Legion maybe being disbanded and etc etc etc is, while not boring, just a backdrop to see these characters Johns has such a clear vision of interact. It’s not lifechanging, it’s not philosophical, but it’s well-done and it’s fun.