Women are in the spotlight as DC Comics ‘All New 52’ rollout continues
A quick recap: Last week we saw 13 new #1 DC Comics issued as the company continues – as part of a bid to attract newer, younger readers – to re-set the clock for 52 of its super-hero comic book lines. Last week kicked off with the release (or re-release) of Batman and Robin, Batwoman, Deathstroke, Demon Knights, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., Green Lantern, Grifter, Legion Lost, Mister Terrific, Red Lanterns, Resurrection Man, Suicide Squad, and Superboy.
It's an impressive array of books and a few require a special nod:
Batman and Robin #1, by writer Peter Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason, could have been titled "Batman and Son" as Bruce Wayne turns his impetuous son Damian into his crime-fighting partner Robin. The challenges our caped crusader faces in raising his son as well as training a partner will make this a refreshing take on the Batman mythology.
Batwoman # 1, written and drawn by J.H. Williams III and co-written by W. Haden Blackman, features incredible artwork by Williams. The story is a great setup to an intriguing mystery.
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1, written by Jeff Lemire and drawn by Alberto Ponticelli, is a wild monster fest that could be DC’s "Hellboy."
Green Lantern #1, written by Geoff Johns with art by Doug Mahnke, has our hero Hal Jordan no longer a Green Lantern but, rather, his arch-foe Sinestro is now a Green Lantern. An interesting turn of events that has lots of great possibilities.
And finally Superboy #1, written by Scott Lobdell and beautifully drawn by R.B. Silva, is a total reboot of the "clone of steel" that sets up a storyline that will leave you wanting more.
Now onto the new releases out today. The 12 new issues are: Batman, Birds of Prey, Blue Beetle, Captain Atom, Catwoman, DC Universe Presents (featuring Deadman), Green Lantern Corps, Legion Of Superheroes, Nightwing, Red Hood And The Outlaws, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman.
The notable picks in this batch include:
Batman #1, written by Scott Snyder with some amazing art by Greg Capullo, reintroduces us to Bruce Wayne and his surrogate family of former and present Robins. In this first issue a murder mystery begins that may have ties too close to home for our Caped Crusader.
Catwoman #1, written by Judd Winick and illustrated by Guillem March, promises to be an exciting crime caper book with snappy dialogue and some gorgeous art.
Green Lantern Corps #1, written by Peter Tomasi and drawn by Fernando Pasarin, is a cross between NCIS and Star Trek with these interstellar cops out to solve a shocking "mystery in space." What really caught me by surprise was the artwork by Pasarin. It is amazing! He’s sure to become a big name if he keeps this up.
And last but certainly not least there’s Wonder Woman #1, by writer Brian Azzarello with art by Cliff Chiang. Comic’s top super heroine is back battling the gods and monsters of Greek mythology. It's off to a great start, as our Amazon protects a pregnant woman from creatures of myth. This series will hopefully elevate Diana back into the limelight with Superman and Batman where she belongs.
So check out these exciting new issues in either print or digital versions.
Next week brings the last batch of DC’s "New 52" with 13 more #1 issues.
Rich Clabaugh is a Monitor staff artist.
