Convergence: Justice League #1

DCU vs. Flashpoint!

I can sum up my interest in the older versions of DC’s heroes in one simple sentence. I’m paying $3.99 an issue for the chance to see these characters. And that is without digital codes. After all, those codes are how I justify the ridiculous $3.99 price point on Marvel’s books.

So after being so pleasantly surprised by the first couple Convergence books, I’ve decided that I’m all in. I might as well give DC some of my money when they put out a product close to what I actually want.

I was never a huge fan of James Robinson’s pre-Flashpoint run with the JLA, but I still bought it. What I enjoyed about this collection of heroes is that while most of them were serving on the League, some other characters have been shuffled about to make the story work more smoothly. Congorilla is namedropped, but not actually in the book. And Mera wasn’t in the league, but she’s practically become a member during the year the team has been trapped under the dome. So the lineup ends up as Zatanna, Supergirl, Jade, Jesse Quick, Vixen, and Mera. I’ve got to admit, that is a pretty great lineup with a fantastic spread of powers. I wouldn’t mind seeing these characters do more together, especially seeing how well they get along after their year in captivity.

A lot of the issue doesn’t involve super heroics, instead focusing on the relationships and interactions of the heroes. The moment Telos shows up to make his repetitive announcement sort of derails the book, to be honest.

I know nothing of the Flashpoint Aquaman, but he sure seems like a full-on villain. He’s not supposed to be nuanced, is he? I mean, he kidnaps Mera, tells her she’s his, and he seems to have no remorse over attacking Gotham. I don’t like that Mera is this submissive after Aquaman grabs her, but she still has time in the next issue to make up for it.

Vicente Cifuentes does a nice job with the artwork. The ladies look good in their costumes, FP Aquaman looks dangerous. There are an awful lot of belly shirts and skimpy outfits on the protagonists, but maybe that is accurate and I’m just old fashioned. Heck, judging by Arrow and the Flash on CW, I guess even scientists go to work in belly shirts!

This is a Fair to GOOD comic. Admittedly, seeing the real versions of these characters really softens my attitude towards the core plot, which is rapidly getting old. 

Justice League of America #59

So this is how the Justice League of America ends. James Robinson kicked off this storyline in an exciting fashion, but somewhere along the way I just plain lost interest. Was it that the fight was set on the moon in Alan Scott’s crazy elf city? Was it the lack of leading characters on the League itself (although the Atom tries to argue against that AGAIN this issue). When a series has multiple big-name guest-stars constantly saying “wow, the leads in the book are really good and deserve our respect!” that usually means they don’t deserve to be the leads.

This just barely dodges one of my recent pet peeves; winning the fight because its time. Saint Walker did succeed in setting Eclipso’s mind at ease last issue, giving him a nice little fantasy to dream about while the League pummels him until he turns back into Bruce Gordon. That’s it. Just lots of punching and hitting. And remember how the moon broke? Well, the League fixes that off-panel after Supergirl returns to the lineup (she’s been busy appearing in Action Comics and fighting Doomsday).

I’m sorry, but at this point, why should any of us care? None of this ever happened, and the story itself has been rather flat. Robinson even returns Obsidian and Jade to their old status quo, negating a 10-part story from earlier this year.

Daniel Sampere has a cleaner style than we’ve seen in this book recently, more like Fernando Pasarin than Brett Booth. I’m not complaining, the art looked a lot more consistent and folks looked more on-model.

Average

DC Comic Relaunch! Part Four!

DC Edge Titles
Stormwatch – Paul Cornell and Miguel Sepulveda – Ok, let’s review, the ONLY Wildstorm comic I have every issue of is Stormwatch. Martian Manhunter is my favorite DCU character. Paul Cornell has proven himself to me with Captain Britain and Dark Young Avengers. This is the easiest sell of the entire relaunch! I’m in!

Blackhawks – Mike Costa and Ken Lashley – I’m not opposed to this book, and I’ve enjoyed Costa’s GI Joe work. If I hear good things, I’ll go back and pick it up later. But I don’t think it will survive too long, unfortunately.

Sgt Rock and the Men of War – Ivan Brandon and Tom Derenick – I’ve tried to read a few Ivan Brandon comics and been unable to decipher what is happening. Pass.

All-Star Western – Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, and Moritat – I’m sorely tempted, but I’m going to pass, since this is looking like a $3.99 title. Plus, my Jonah Hex belongs in Vertigo.

Deathstroke – Kyle Higgins and Joe Bennett – I collected Deathstroke’s series in the ‘90s and enjoyed it, but reading a few issues of the current Titans series has put me off the character. I need a break. No thanks.

Grifter – Nathan Edmondson and CAFU – Ooh, Grifter with Rowdy Roddy Piper’s powers from They Live? And he’s hunted by Condition Red from WildCATS? I’m sorely tempted. I’ll probably pick this up digitally.

OMAC – Dan DiDio and Keith Giffen – the good: Giffen and Kirby concepts. The bad: DiDio. Right now, the bad outweighs the good, and I’m gonna pass. I’ll keep an eye on reviews, though!

Suicide Squad - Adam Glass and Marco Rudy – if there weren’t 51 other titles competing for my dollars, I might try this. But I don’t know Glass at all, so I’m going to pass.

Blue Beetle – Tony Bedard and Ig Guara – I have a soft spot for Jaime Reyes, I’m sure I’ll at least check out the first couple issues. My daughters are big fans too, this may be one of the couple of titles I pick up for them.

RUMORED Super-books
Action Comics – Grant Morrison and Rags Morales – the creative team is there, but I need to see if Superman is really wearing those AWFUL boots. And if he’s a kid. That will make my final decision.

Superman – George Perez – I know it will look pretty, but I remember Perez on Silver Surfer and Crimson Plague. How will this thing actually read? I’ll sample.

Superboy – Scott Lobdell – judging from the cover, he’s some sort of robot. And that terrible tattoo. No thanks.

Supergirl – Michael Green, Mike Jonson, and Mahmud Asrar- I don’t love the costume and I don’t know the creators. Pass for now.

Action Comics #901

Looks like I'm out as soon as I hopped back on to the Super-books. As a fan of the Triangle-era of Superman, I haven't loved anything from the Super comics for a few years now. I've kept up with everything through trades from my library, but it wasn't until Action Comics 900 last month that I decided I missed Superman enough to hop back on a monthly title. (I usually love Paul Cornell's work, but I wanted to protest the lack of Superman in Action Comics or Superman.)

Issue 901 is decent. The pacing is frantic, with the super-family shooting around a gigantic spaceship fighting off the Reign of the Doomsdays, where each Doomsday has taken on aspects of one of the super-characters. For some reason, the "normal" Doomsday is out of it and threatened by the other creatures.

This all sets up a sort of silly new super-Doomsday named Doomslayer. He's some sort of Brainiac/Doomsday hybrid, and in general he's pretty funny looking. I can deal with the simple plot because Cornell does such a nice job writing a heroic Superman and co.

Kenneth Rocafort's pencils aren't a good match for me. They are too soft and hazy. Sometimes he looks a bit like Cary Nord, but on a super-book, I like my comics looking a bit more "classic."

In any case, since this story won't count after the reboot anyway, I'm dropping this book. Perhaps I'll try out the Superman reboot, but I'm thinking that's unlikely.

Fair

Action Comics #900

What a fun little anniversary issue.

I picked this up to continue the Doomsday storyline I've been hopping around the DCU to read, so imagine my surprise when I saw that this is also the conclusion of the Black Ring storyline. I'm getting Black Ring in trade, so I'm a little annoyed to see the story spoiled, but I should have trusted Paul Cornell, he lays everything out nice and clear.


I guess Lex Luthor has become some sort of deity after bonding with some Phantom Zone creature. I don't know what happened, but the idea is straight-forward enough. Having a real, heroic Superman zip away from Metropolis, then face down his greatest foe was wonderful. Supes was confident, brave, and capable. I didn't see any tears or doubts, this is the Superman I want to read about. It was also fantastic seeing Supes take out the immensely powerful Luthor. Luthor had a chance to be the hero he THINKS he is, but destroying Superman is still the most important thing in Lex's life. What a sad life.

The other part of the story has the Superman family facing down Doomsday. I had predicted where this was going, but it is still fun seeing the S-shield crew going up against a problem this big. (And I'm also happy that all the Supes characters are still alive. Even Eradicator deserves better than to die in this story.) It should be pretty fun seeing everyone come together over the next months. (Is the Doomsday story continuing in Action Comics?)

The backup material is decent. The big moment is Superman renouncing his American citizenship, but I can't imagine that will stick. If it does, this issue may become a collectors' item, because people will be ticked. It's not just me, right? I mean, Supes getting so mad at America's place in the world that he decides America is too "small," that's a big deal, right?

Pete Woods does a nice job in the main story. I've always liked his work, so I hope he's going to a high-profile book like the JLA or something. There are a few pages where he aped different artists and it really came out well.

I think I may stick around Action Comics for a bit.

Good

Superman/Batman Annual #5

It's interesting that the Doomsday storyline trickled over to this title, a book I haven't bought in years. I guess this technically qualifies as a Super/Bat team-up, since Supergirl and NightBats feature quite prominently in it, but still, it's an odd choice.

James Robinson writes the Cyborg Superman really well. The guy's defining characteristic is a deathwish, but it's hard to write about someone who really sticks to it. I loved seeing Cyborg Supes actually trying to beat Doomsday, even if it was just to prove that he's superior to Superman.

The bulk of the issue has Supergirl trying to diagnose why she's gone "dark" again, wearing black togs and being all "bratty." It turns out that she's got survivor's guilt after the destruction of New Krypton, and she just has to forgive herself. It's trite and simple, but I'll take it if it restores Supergirl to the type of character she's supposed to be. Robinson presents the story in an interesting way, having Supergirl diagnosed and treated by holograms of Dr. Mid-Nite and Dr. Fate. NightBats does have some consistent words of encouragement too.

In the end, Doomsday runs off again, this time after "cyborging" himself. Are there are a slew of Doomsdays? One uber-Doomsday? Where does this story actually go after next week's Superboy?

Miguel Sepulveda is a Marvel-style artist, but his work looks good here. His Batman is bulky and clearly wearing body armor, which makes sense considering who he's fighting. Cyborg Superman looked fantastic, as did Supergirl. Sepulveda's Saint Walker is a bit odd looking, but then, that's an odd character.

Fair

Justice League of America #53

Has there ever been a worse JLA team? I mean, look at that "inspiring" cover? It's not just me, right?

In any case, James Robinson comes up with a great and unique way to deal with his new villain, the ultra-powered Omega. After fiddling around with the equipment that created him, the JLA succeeds in reversing his powers and setting him loose in the multiverse to rebuild all the worlds he's destroyed. The problem is, this "fix" will only work on other Earth's, not in the core DCU, so if we see Omega again, he'll still be a threat. Robinson gets to use Omega to fix all the multiversal damage that this story caused, AND he has created a JLA villain that can hold up. (Incidentally, my favorite thing about Omega is that he's occasionally overpowered by remorse from some of the world's he's destroyed. This is similar to Peter Milligan's take on Apocalypse in X-Men, and I loved it there too.)

Dick Grayson gets to show off that he can plan too, even though the JLA wasn't quite sure about how he was acting. It is nice seeing everyone revert to form as the story wraps up. The Crime Syndicate's maneuvering is pretty funny when negated by a scheming Batman. Robinson continues to do a great job with Blue Jay. Jay even gets a bit of internal monologue in this issue, and while he's sort of written out of the DCU, these days you never know when he might come back.

I'll miss Mark Bagley's energetic pencils on the JLA. The team looks sleek and powerful, and the Omega design is pretty cool. He's no Darkseid, but he's definitely imposing. I'm not excited about Brett Booth taking over next month; get ready for Donna Troy to have a long neck and a bubble chest.

Good

Justice League of America #52

I can only imagine how much I'd be enjoying James Robinson's JLA if he had a lineup I cared about. This is a pretty entertaining story even with that consideration.

I love all these off-hand references to Darkseid not being dead. Of course not, the biggest bad guy in the DCU is just about impossible to kill at this point; if Orion couldn't do it, I don't believe Batman could, even with a god-gun.

The Dark Supergirl aspect of the story is pretty silly, but I suppose it makes sense to put Ultraman and Supergirl on Omega's team to tip the deck. Even with the JLA and CSA teaming up, things look grim for the protagonists. I also find it interesting that Power Ring and Johnny Quick are already dead; what was the point of morphing around their identities to match up with the DCU last issue if they were just going to get pasted this fast?

I'm going to miss Mark Bagley's classic stylings on this title. His Blue Jay is a tad too Hawkman-ish, but that's a small complaint, especially since he still looks cool.

Good

Superman: World of New Krypton HC 2

James Robinson and Greg Rucka have clearly spent a lot of time setting up the complicated politics and environment of New Krypton, but I'm not sure the payoff is worth it. This collection contains the conclusion of the World of New Krypton series, and it ends on a cliffhanger. I'm so annoyed that the story seems unfinished that I have a hard time looking back for the more self-contained elements of this trade.

The book works best when it's throwing DC's space-based characters against the high and mighty Kryptonians. I would have loved to see Hawkman and Hawkwoman lead the Thanagarian assault, the fairly generic Hawks featured here just don't pack the same punch. Jemm Son of Saturn seems to have gotten a power upgrade (and an anger upgrade while he was at it). He doesn't do much except throw a tantrum, but it is neat seeing him again. Adam Strange actually hangs around for a few issues, and he's a nice comforting presence for Kal El.

For the entirety of this collection, Superman is dressed in his subdued military guild blacks. He's maneuvering around the unfamiliar world of Kryptonian politics as he fills in for the injured General Zod, and while this is new ground for Superman, it just doesn't grab me. Superman is cool because he's so far above the norm; having a ton of Supermen around dilutes the concept. How long has it been since Superman actually flew around Metropolis fighting criminals?

The art is pretty solid, with concept work from Pete Woods. Victor Ibanez picks up for him and keeps things looking consistent, but the guest-stars are the most interesting looking folks in the comic. Again, the only cool-looking Kryptonians are in the little-seen science guild. Too many people are just wearing black and gray!

Average

Justice League of America #51

When James Robinson sticks to straight-up super-heroics, he's pretty darn good. This issue opens with a ton of DCU heroes (both actually appearing and mentioned) trying to get into a sealed-off Washington D.C. It seems that the weird energy that was destroying the Crime Syndicate's alternate Earth started leaking into the main DCU, and the JLA had to stop it. Some of the heroes are concerned that only a new, relatively inexperienced Justice League is inside the bubble to stop the villains, but Superman is pretty confident. (It's funny, this is actually kind of close to the opening story arc in Shadowpact.)

The new League is coming together nicely. NightBats is a natural fit, he's been here before. I've stated before how much I love Donna Troy's new two-fisted Amazon attitude. Jesse Quick hasn't had a chance to make her mark yet, but clearly Robinson likes her. Congorilla and Mikaal Starman didn't make it to DC, so they don't have much to do here. Supergirl is doing well as the team powerhouse, although this "Dark Supergirl" development is worrying. I don't think Supergirl will stay bad, though, this is more of a chance to show her mental strength in addition to her physical powers. Jade is Robinson's current pet, and while I haven't warmed up to her yet, I don't mind what he's doing with her.

I absolutely love what Robinson is doing with Blue Jay. Not only did he not die like I thought a few issues ago, he actually lays a great smackdown on Owlman. I think Blue Jay would be a fantastic addition to the regular lineup, a sort of combo of the Atom and Hawkman.

Mark Bagley was born to draw super-comics. While Omega's design is a bit reminiscent of Onslaught, there is no doubt he's an A-level bad guy. The CSA and JLA both look great too.

Good

Justice League of America #50

I'm amazed that James Robinson has me picking up a JLA book with a line-up that I have no interest in.

I used to be a Nightwing fan, but too much of what made Dick Grayson cool has been submerged in his Batman identity. Congorilla and Starman are obviously Robinson faves, but they haven't done enough to win me over yet. I like Jade ok, but I've never been a huge fan. Supergirl is confusing, I can't tell if she's supposed to be a nice girl, controlled by Krypton, or what (obviously, I don't read her series). Jesse Quick is ok, but there isn't much personality there yet. That leaves Donna Troy as the only character I like, and that's mainly because of how Robinson is writing her. Robinson's Donna is a warrior, one keen to punch faces and kick butt, even if she doesn't know what's going on. In this issue, she starts making some observations about team dynamics, but she eventually settles on the idea that nothing much has changed as long as she's still punching bad guys in the face. That's my kind of hero. That said, this isn't a strong team yet.

This new arc brings the Crime Syndicate of Amerika back to the book as they chase the Tangent Green Lantern to Earth-1. Robinson leaves it vague on just how destroyed Tangent is, and I hope it is still around. There is no reason to destroy one of the alternate Earths just to establish how tough Alex Luthor's post-dead revenge plans are. In any case, the Syndicate is trying to decide if they are going to try and save their Earth, or if they will just settle on Earth-1. There's some confusing dialogue about different versions of Power Ring and Johnny Quick, but I was totally lost by all of that.

Robinson finally reveals what Doctor Impossible and his New Genesis-copy crew are after, they are resurrecting Omega, some new baddy. They do this by combining the essences of folks from multiple Earths, including Blue Jay. (Hmm, Blue Jay on this JLA team might be the missing puzzle, he'd be a fun addition!)

Mark Bagley was drawn to draw team books, and I love his JLA. Everyone looks so bright, shiny, and "comic-y," including the bad guys. I love the designs on those fake New Gods, I hope we see more of them.

Fair

Justice Legue of America #49

James Robinson gets to write his style of story in this done-in-one. There is more focus on characters overcoming personal demons than on big action. This is a downtime issue as the team recovers from their battle with the Starheart. Robinson gets a few panels of development for everyone, but the bulk of the issue focuses on Donna Troy and Jade. The two photographers are trying to figure out where they fit in. Jade tags along with Donna as they stop off at the meta-prison at Alcatraz, where Donna is checking in on an old Titans villain, the Bogeyman. He has a good, creepy visual; I especially liked seeing his old-school villain suit.

Because this is a DC book, Robinson had to darken the Bogeyman with some back-story. It turns out he's a pervert who prefers entering the mind of young girls. He also tormented some kids so badly that they had to kill themselves. Hey kids, comics!

I like that Donna and Jade come out of the experience stronger, and the explanation for Jade's "dark green" energy is pretty interesting. She may have paid off her White Lantern debt, but her Black Lantern days aren't totally behind her. Interesting.

I recognized Pow Rodrix as a new penciler when I saw how Supergirl was prettied up on the first page. Mark Bagley is a solid storyteller, but he doesn't lavish attention on the ladies, but Rodrix likes drawing gals. He's fine, his take on a whole slew of characters was fine, although he tends to draw some of the characters too large; check out Superboy's shoulders.

Fair

Justice League of America #48

James Robinson's conclusion to his Starheart story arc isn't bad, it's just a bit odd.

All the players sort of return to their pre-story status quo except for Jade and Obsidian, who can't get near each other without transforming into some evil combo-thing. It's an odd choice, but I'm ok with letting the characters breathe on their own for a bit. It's also interesting that Jade seems to have completed her White Lantern task; she's gets her life back (permanently?) as a reward for balancing out Obsidian's evil. I suppose that means this is no longer a Brightest Day tie-in book.

There are a few good character moments (like Kyle swooping away with Obsidian) and some odd ones (Hourman sure comes off as needy to Jesse Quick). I can't complain about the final product though. Robinson didn't kill anyone and he did a nice job putting some 2nd-string characters in the spotlight.

As near as I can tell, the JLA is now Nightbats, Wonder Donna, Jesse Quick, Jade, Supergirl, Congo Bill, and Starman. Are Cyborg and Red Tornado still on the team?

Mark Bagley's art is still a nice fit. His Hourman and Wildcat look darn similar, but that's ok, Wildcat has more stubble.

Fair

Justice Society of America #42

James Robinson is still taking his time getting to the point in this Starheart crossover, but adding Kyle Rayner to the mix is a step in the right direction. Kyle's romantic past with Jade and Donna Troy makes him a nice little catalyst for some interaction as the issue wears on. There is a surprising amount of time spent with Supergirl and Power Girl too, the two of them get some great shots in against Alan Scott. Dr. Mid-Nite gets a moment to shine too, as he sneaks around the star palace to save Mikaal Starman.

I'm still not a fan of this many dueling dialogue boxes. Too many people are narrating and thinking their way through this story. I think Hourman even gets some in-head time. It just gets confusing! I do like some of the odd interplay that the Starheart is forcing. Having the Starheart be "new" to existence and so eager for experiences is a cool take on a fairly repetitive villain.

Mark Bagley continues to amuse me with his great takes on Wildcat and the rest of the JSA. He's a natural fit on the JLA characters, but his JSA look a tad off. I'm also not a huge fan of the Jade/Obsidian hybrid that shows up at the end, but is should be short-lived.

Fair

Justice Society of America #41

James Robinson's crossover with the JLA isn't exactly bad, I just feel like there is nothing new here. In fact, since Mark Bagley draws this issue (he's the regular artist on JLA) it actually took me a few minutes to realize this wasn't an issue of JLA. Sure, the focus is a LITTLE stronger on the JSAers, but the JLA folks still play a large role.

And maybe it is just me, but the whole motivation for the crossover just doesn't sound like that big a deal. The Starheart might be making some heroes go crazy, and I like the idea that the heroes are fighting themselves, but I just don't see enough of it for it to really have an impact. It's like, this story could easily be a bigger event, but it still feels small. The best part of the issue was Dr. Mid-Nite having to do some actual doctoring. I always like seeing the character have to be a "real-life" super-hero.

Mark Bagley has a great take on Wildcat. I love the droopy sides to his mask. He does a nice job with the power-ladies too, PG and Supergirl look inspiring.

Fair

Justice League of America #46

Happy Fourth!

James Robinson's take on the JLA is fine. It just doesn't feel like the JLA! He's now got a substitute character in almost every iconic role for the team. Superman, Batman, WW, GL, Flash, they all have subs. I think that's why I think Congorilla is fitting in so nicely. The JLA has always had time for the background players. Starman works just fine for this too. They aren't expected to carry the load. I'm just not as drawn in by the subs as by the normal crew. It doesn't help that I actually prefer Jesse Quick in her Liberty Belle persona. I know the JLA doesn't need another strong character, but I love that she switches back and forth. Robinson's idea to tie Congorilla into Jesse's Dad's past is a nice idea.

I don't think Robinson has the voices down for the JSA either. Wildcat is not the correct cast member to be bringing up Durlans and other crazy ideas. Wildcat is down to Earth and supportive, he shouldn't be the one piling on Jade in the big team up scene. Having Jesse have to back him down made the whole thing even more weird. Those two are teammates. Is Robinson taking over JSA full-time now? If so, I'm a bit worried. It doesn't help that I really liked Bill Willingham's JSA.

I do appreciate the research that Robinson puts into his titles. He uses another fun bunch of characters in this issue, including Blue Demon, Klarion, and Naid. He even name-drops Primal Force! The evil base on the dark side of the moon is fun too.

Mark Bagley continues being a great fit for the DCU. Everyone looks... right. His style works equally well on the prime timers and on the lower level character. Everyone looks like they belong in a super-hero comic. I can't complain about the art.

Fair

Justice League of America #45

Hmm, I think it's pretty obvious where James Robinson's loyalties lie. In this team-up of the JLA and JSA, the JSA come across as grumpy fogeys (especially my fave Mr. Terrific). The JLA is where it's at. Since this is their book, I suppose that's ok, but I hope Robinson's JSA issues are just as skewed for the home team.

It seems the Star Heart has returned to Earth because it shares a link with Jade, and that's what she wanted to do. The problem is that the Star Heart's chaotic tendencies are affecting numerous Earth-based metas (including Power Girl, the Demon, Atlas, and Shango - an awesome-looking African Thunder God). The JLA and JSA don't actually do anything about this, but they do put the pieces together to figure out that the Star Heart is causing the problems. Jade has some tense moments with the German equivalents of the Rocket Reds introduced last issue, and Supergirl arrives because Congo Bill called for help. (I love that Bill is sort of leading the team, annoying Night Bats in the process). The book closes with Alan Scott in his Kingdom Come armor threatening to end the world.

I love Mark Bagley's work on this title. His style works tremendously well with the icons (or substitute icons) of the DCU. His Jade is great-looking too, I'm happy she's joining the team. This is the rare instance where my enjoyment of the issue is actually raised by the art.

Fair

Justice League: Cry for Justice #7

So why wasn't this a Green Arrow limited series? There is no real reason for anyone except Team Arrow to be featured in this farce, and yet the entire DCU (including the Sea Devils) gets all wrapped up in a blunder like I've never seen. I'll tell you what, the DCU might want to think about registering their heroes since they made a colossal error like this. Prometheus beat every single hero in the DCU. He outsmarted them, he outprepared them, and he sealed the deal. Forget about Green Arrow planting an arrow in the guy's head, this has got to be a sobering moment for the legions of heroes who got burned.

And of course, Lian Harper got killed in the destruction. At least DC had the good sense not to show the body, it actually shocks me that they passed up the chance to show Green Arrow cradling a dead kid more clearly, but maybe I'm selling them short.

I'm honestly just stunned at this story. The heroes never accomplished anything. The new Justice League team never needed to split off, get new members, hell, they never needed to exist at all. Vixen, Black Canary, Firestorm, and more are still active on the team through this whole thing! I've got to think there was a massive disconnect between the original idea for this book and what we actually read. I mean, there is no way James Robinson of Starman fame plotted this thing out to work like this, right?

The art is remarkably consistent considering three artists all worked on this. I just can't take the story as seriously as the art would ask me to.

I mean, the whole idea about other dimensional banishment of the DCU cities? Oh yeah, that didn't work. Sorry! Guess we wasted a few pages, huh? Why did Congorilla's family get killed? Why did Batwoman show up? Why are we still seeing new players like Mia and Bulleteer this late in the book? So much of this story didn't need to happen, I just don't get it.

Poor

Superman: The Coming of Atlas HC

I'm reading the Superman trades out of order, but I realized I had missed this one.

James Robinson is not the same guy he used to be. While there is good stuff here, Id say the ratio is down from Robinson's late 90's work. I like how Robinson writes Krypto's thoughts interspersed with his master's, and Atlas is awesome. Atlas has all the strength and power that Doomsday did, but he's got a mean cunning that takes the place of Doomsday's viciousness. There is a sequence where the art reverts to a Kirby-esque style and we see how Atlas views the world around him. I love the simple greed and entitlement that motivates Atlas. He wants to defeat Superman because he is the strongest person around, and after that, the rest of the world will follow. And Atlas believes it is his right since he's the strongest person on Earth.

The parts that I find more questionable are some of the characterization choices that Robinson makes. I just don't think Superman would hang out with Hal Jordan commenting on how hot Jade was, and how lucky Kyle Rayner was to hook up with her. I don't think he'd speak enviously of all the aliens Hal has banged either. Lois Lane is strangely jealous of Zatanna at one point too, it just didn't sound right coming from her.

One great bonus in this trade is the inclusion of the original Jack Kirby one-shot that introduced Atlas. It was great seeing the inspiration for this new Super-character.

Renato Guedes does a wonderful job with Krypto. His dog body-language is great. I also like how effectively Guedes gives his characters a sense of speed. The heroes and villains are streaking around at each other like missiles, it is quite impressive.

Fair

Superman: New Krypton HC

It seems that by the time New Krypton rolls around, James Robinson has more involvement in the super-books than Geoff Johns. I found myself a bit puzzled during this trade, even though I read Superman: Brainiac fairly recently. The collection opens with Jimmy Olsen setting out to find out who the mysterious observer was during Superman's recent fight with Atlas. This leads Jimmy back to Cadmus labs, where his old pal Dubbilex gives a very informative info-dump about a new villain named Codename: Assassin. Assassin is already on Jimmy's trail and is a step ahead though, Dubbilex dies after the conversation. I'm bummed to see the neat Kirby-creation die like this, but I suppose being a DNAlien, he could always come back. This is a good example of Robinson's recent penchant for killing though. (I fear for Agent Liberty who shows up later in the hardcover.) Jimmy continues to meet up with Guardian. The whole Guardian thing is confusing, but I think it boils down to this: the original guardian was cloned, killed, and since then has been replaced by one "prime" clone (the first) and a bunch of stand-ins who haven't lasted long. The less said about this the better, I'll just assume that the original was cloned and now we're reading about him. Let's leave the other stuff out of it! Robinson does some neat stuff setting up the non-Kirby aspects of Cadmus as a much more mundane and shady government contractor.

These plot elements all lead into the development that General Sam Lane is alive and in charge of a project to kill Superman. Cadmus, Codename: Assassin, Atlas, Lex Luthor, and Brainiac are all part of this crew that wants Supes dead. There are a few scenes with the Kandorian survivors of Krypton that are appropriately worrisome too, these aliens are not going to fit in, I can see why they need their own planet. I still don't like the idea of this many folks running around with Supes' power-set either.

Pete Woods handles a bunch of the art in this one, and I still like his clean, classic style. He's really set the style for the Superman books in this era, and everyone involved in this collection does a nice job keeping things consistent.

Average