s previously mentioned, I’m on a one man mission to become the 14 year old comic book reader I always wanted to be. With the recent DC Comics reboot and their September of 52 issue #1s in full flow, it’s time to tuck into to some books and see how they fare.
With 52 books to choose from this September (and only a finite amount of time and money available) I’ll be checking out books from old favourites (that’s anything you might have heard of) and also testing DC’s claim that anyone can pick up a #1 issue without any previous knowledge (that’ll be me reading some unknown stuff).
Find out what I made of week 1, week 2 and week 3‘s titles. It’s now the final week. Time to shed a tear and tuck into the final batch of books.
The following books were released September 28th
The Flash #1
Writer: Francis Manapul, Artist: Francis Manapul
Prior Knowledge
The Flash. He runs fast. Couldn’t tell you his real name.
The story
A good start to week four! Snappy dialogue, great action sequences and a killer twist ending. Over twenty odd pages we’re introduced to Barry Allen (that’s his real name, real name fans), his girl and a cast of characters who have, well, character. While Barry’s ‘angry boss’ may be a little trite touches like his sardonic work colleague give the book a nice dry humour.
The art
After Batwoman, this is possibly the best looking book I’ve read so far. While the artwork is spot on (well directed action sequences, a real sense of speed for a guy who runs super quick) the panel design is second to none (well, maybe second to Batwoman).
Favourite Panel
Did it make sense?
The opening splash page (above) includes a potted history of the flash. Other than that you need know prior knowledge to get through the book.
Verdict
Good looking, nice humour, great twist 4.5/5
On the pull list?
Would be stupid not to.
Superman #1
Writer: George Perez, Artist: Jesus Merino
Prior Knowledge
The single most famous superhero of all time. I’m assuming this one is important to DC.
The story
Woooaaaaahhh! And not in a good way woooaaaahh! That was pretty horrible. Seriously. Read it and see if you can be bothered to get to the end. Nothing happens except a lot of talking. And don’t get me wrong, I’m all for some hard-hitting dialogue, but The West Wing this aint. One page has 13 panels and 28 word balloons. 28! And what’s it about? Lois’ editorial integrity of calling back a news helicopter from a dangerous scene. Fun! Action Comics was a great book, Superman was the anti-hero. Here, I couldn’t really tell you anything about him other than he’s man in blue tights. If this is any kind of indication of what to expect from the film, they may as well call it Superman Returns 2
The art
Really clunky. Panels everywhere. Covered in word balloons.
Favourite Panel
New reader friendly?
Sadly people might pick this up on the basis that ‘I know where I am with Superman’.
Verdict
So so bad. Too much reading, not enough story. 1/5
On the pull list?
Nooooooooo
The Justice League Dark #1
Writer: Peter Milligan, Artist: Mikel Janin
Prior Knowledge
Well we’ve already had a Justice League book. Are these the nocturnal ones? Also, is that Deadman (from last week) on the cover?
The story
Another team book (no prizes for working that one out) but, it would seem, a valid one. While the Justice League use their brawn to take down villains it turns out they suck against magic. Superman vs Paul Daniels — the grudge match! Very much an issue 1, we’re slowly introduced to our cast of characters (Deadman, Madam Xanadu, John Constantine, Zatanna and Shade) and their main threat.
The art
It’s a good looking book, no doubt about that.
Favourite Panel
New reader friendly?
Things do get a little confusing, but it’s all there if you pay attentions. Seems the trouble with team books is that you have to introduce the team.
Verdict
Was a little suspect of a Justice League spin off title but this was really good. 4/5
On the pull list?
More than likely.
Blackhawks #1
Writer: Mike Costa, Artist: Graham Nolan
Prior Knowledge
None.
The story
Amazing scenes! There’s not a superhero in sight! This is a pretty cool book. Essentially the Blackhawks are a team of crack GI Joe style army types… taking down the bad guys (as you’d expect). Once again, as this is a team book and it’s an issue one there’s lots of ‘meet the team’ type story telling but that doesn’t let the book down at all. While it can be a touch confusing to follow at first (they’re all dressed the same for a start) things get suitably kick-ass pretty quickly. In a nutshell, this is a blockbuster movie in comic book form.
The art
Big and bold — as it needs to be for this type of book. There’s also plenty of guns, explosions and other helpings of awesome.
Favourite Panel
New reader friendly?
Pretty much. As mentioned before, it can get a little complicated when it comes to who’s who, but you’ll manage.
Verdict
Guns and ammo fun. 4/5
On the pull list?
Yes.
Aquaman #1
Writer: Geoff Johns, Artist: Ivan Reis
Prior Knowledge
Well I knew he existed. Another than that, nothing. Well, except that he’s some sort of fish dude.
The story
So it turns out that Aquaman is the laughing stock of the comic book world. Here Geoff Johns addresses that head on… to a surprisingly comedic effect. Down on his luck and seemingly the least super of all heroes, we see cops embarrassed that Aquaman came to their rescue, people offering Aquaman water (he is on dry land after all) and there’s even a strange scene where Aquaman goes for a meal in a fish restaurant — in full costume. In amongst this humerous tackling of Aquaman’s less than favourable status in the ranks of comic book heros, we are of coursed introduced to the man himself (humble, confused) and his main threat (big teeth fish things). While the tongue-in-cheek approach worked well here, it could wear thin if the book continues in that vein.
The art
Good looking book, especially Aquaman’s expressions has his ego takes continual beatings. Extra nod to the art on the closing pages; those “big teeth fish things” are fierce!
Favourite Panel
New reader friendly?
While I didn’t get why Aquaman was a laughing stock, it was still pretty easy to go along with.
Verdict
A funny, self-deprecating book. 4/5
On the pull list?
Probably. It needs to move away from the Aquaman is a joke angle though.
All Star Western #1
Writer: Justin Gray, Artist: Moritat
Prior Knowledge
None. Cover says it all though: it’s a western set in Gotham. I’m totally in for this.
The story
Well hello book of the week. In another refreshing step away from the world of superheroes, we’re introduced to Jonah Hex — famous, disfigured bounty hunter. Having moved to a Victorian-era Gotham from ‘the west’, Jonah teams up with Amadeus Arkham (yes!) to investigate a series prostitute deaths. While things do take a turn for the Sherlock Holmes / Doctor Watson / Jack The Ripper it still works. Brilliantly. Old town Gotham feels right, the characters feel right and you’re in from the beginning. This looks like it’s going to turn into a good old fashioned gruesome detective story with a little prairie attitude thrown in for good measure.
The art
As mentioned, old Gotham is a living, breathing city full of bustling saloons, buxom maidens and bar-room brawls. The muted colour pallet only adds to the effect.
Favourite Panel
New reader friendly?
Definitely. No real exposition of Jonah’s back story (how did he get that disfigurement?) but it wasn’t needed. If it’s drip fed in the future then good, if it’s not then I can’t see it mattering too much.
Verdict
A right royal romp. 5/5
On the pull list?
Yeah!
Picks of the week
My final picks of the week. So sad, so sad. It’s been a great ride dipping a toe into the world of comic books and I can safely say I’m hooked. I’ve even been picking up some non DC New 52 issues on the sly (the Ultimate Comics X-Men and Ultimate Comics Spider-man books are both great). While there has been some dross in the new 52 there has also been a lot of gold.
My picks for week four have to go to All Star Western as it’s just so much fun — and not a superhero in sight. Speaking of superheroes, my second pick goes to The Flash. A great looking book, a great story and a popular comic book hero that I think I’m going to really enjoy getting to know.
So that’s it then. Hopefully these articles have inspired you to maybe extend your interest in comic book films, games and TV shows and pick up a book to see where it all stems from. While there’s a lot out there to choose from, if you dip into a few issue 1s you should fare ok.
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