Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan: J. Michael Straczynski, Adam Hughes, Laura Martin, Steve Wands, P. Craig Russell

Whereas the first issue was extremely interesting because of how true to the original the writing and characters felt, this one was because of the probabilities it explores and the quantum observer effect. Just how smart is Straczynski anyway?

At the end of last issue, Manhattan found himself staring at the reactor room at the Gila Flats Intrinsic Field Chamber, the room in which he was made and John Osterman was killed. The room was empty. How could it be empty, if Manhattan is there to witness it? It’s a complete contradiction.

Life then proceeds as normal for John. He continues dating Janey, and they end up getting married. Everything seems fine. The only problem is that Janey’s watch is, for some reason, unfixable, even though John’s the son of a watchmaker. At the wedding reception, we get to see the effects of the parallel universes that are made when John is forced to choose a room to go into: left or right. Not much seems different between the two universes at first…but things start to spin wildly out of control as John makes more decisions.

Then we get to see a series of choices and consequences. How the world plays out in so many different ways. Some are familiar, some are drastically foreign. Wally, Janey and John’s colleague, then starts explaining the Schrodinger’s Cat experiment and quantum observation’s affect on the observed. It’s all very interesting.

What’s even more interesting is that Dr. Manhattan - as we know him - is observing this very timeline, where John is living out his normal life. So he is actually affecting the outcome of the universe by observing it. I’m not sure what that means at this point, but it’s definitely something I’m keeping in mind. 

I’m also wondering just what the hell is going on with this. What’s with this alternate reality? Is Manhattan unwittingly witnessing it? He does have the ability to see how things play out in the future, is this that? Or is this part of the tachyon particles that Ozymandias used to block Manhattan’s clarity?

It’s always a treat to have Adam Hughes’ art on the interiors of the issue. He’s such a fantastic artist, and it’s rare that he’s dedicated to an entire issue and not just the cover. I, again, like how the faces are consistent, even John’s and Manhattan’s. What was weird, though, was how we don’t actually see John’s face properly for a few pages. It always seems to be hidden in some way.

Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #2 of 4, the verdict: It’s a solid addition to the franchise, and I’m very interested to see where it’s going. The first issue did a great job of helping us get back into the mind of the crazy genius that is Dr. Manhattan, and this issue is outstanding at introducing a truly original feeling story to the mythos that doesn’t feel at all out of place. It’s almost confusing, because of what’s happening and what it means, but it’s really enjoyable because of the mystery.

(Photo Source: What Culture!)

Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan: J. Michael Straczynski, Adam Hughes, Laura Martin, Steve Wands, Paul Pope, Lovern Kindzierski, Jim lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair

I loved the graphic novel, I loved the movie adaptation. Though I was never truly excited about these “Before Watchmen” books DC announced. I felt the stories were very well explored, the characters fully developed. There’s really nothing to say. But there’s enough incredible talent tied to the project to really get us fans foaming at the mouth and ready to buy.

Of the Watchmen, Nite Owl and Dr. Manhattan were my favorite characters. I loved the pathetic, pining hero in Dan Dryberg, and the awesome power of the disconnected Dr. Manhattan, the only member of Watchmen who actually has any sort of powers. Incredible characters. So I had to pick up this mini-series. What’s brilliant about this book is that it’s so very able to capture the voice of the curious superhuman, and also convey the same disjointed, non-linear storytelling style the original graphic novel displayed.

The concept of this story is set up with the quantum theory of Schrödinger’s box. A closed box contains any possibility at all, and remains in a state of flux between all possibilities until opened, and one is then displayed within. There are several examples of this given throughout the story, and it’s used to great effect.

This issue doesn’t spend as much time focusing on Manhattan trying to figure out how he fits back into the puzzle of human existence, but more on him figuring himself out. Why is he? What is he? Of what process is he the product? And the whole issue is narrated in that brilliant, if sometimes frustrating, voice of Manhattan. He speaks so intelligently, and I have to give some incredible amounts of credit to Straczynski for making it work and sound true to the original character.

I made the mistake of starting to read this issue while a headache was coming on. Dr. Manhattan did nothing to stem the pain. I may have had to think too much, but I still enjoyed that.

Hughes’ art is…well, need I say anything? Hughes is a master. Not only are his characters so perfect, but the landscapes are breathtaking as well. The barrenness of Mars is what’s most impressive there. But look at Jon, and all his incarnations in this issue…they all look alike! I know it sounds stupid to be this amazed. But it’s so incredibly easy for an artist to screw up younger/older versions of a character. Hughes got everything right here in the facial structure of Jon, which is the most important aspect of his physical appearance, given that it’s the only part of him that translates over to Dr. Manhattan. Everything else is gone.

Also impressive is how true to the originals all the other characters appear. I just can’t get over how great a job was done on the art in this book.

Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #1 of 4, the verdict: A great addition to the “Watchmen” story. Yeah, I didn’t think this was all necessary, and it definitely felt like an attempt to get more money out of a franchise in a most Lucas way…but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I still haven’t checked out the others, and I may or may not. Given the great first impression this issue provided, the blow is softened. The ending of this story presents a very cool conundrum that throws Dr. Manhattan’s very existence into question, and I’m definitely excited to read more. As long as the creative team doesn’t change. My one caveat.

(Photo Source: Everything Action)

Fairest: Bill Willingham, Phil Jimenez, Andy Lanning, Andrew Dalhouse, Todd Klein, Adam Hughes, Romulo Fajardo Jr.

So I’ve never read Fables, which is from where this spin-off series apparently comes. That being said, I’m minutely intrigued by the possible fun and enjoyment I might get from Fables, should I ever give it a try…and if it’s anything like this book. I saw this cover in one of those big Previews books and knew, immediately, that I had to buy this issue…for my wife. I’m always on the lookout for a comic series that she could actually enjoy, since she’s not one to go for anything the Big Two generally have to offer. This caught my eye, and I’m so glad it did…because I loved this issue. I was practically laughing from cover to cover thanks to some incredibly witty dialog that’s full of pop culture references (my favorite, of course, being the - not one, but - two Firefly nods) and an outstandingly smarmy attitude. We are introduced to Ali Baba, Prince of Thieves, and his newfound companion, the Bottle Imp, Jonah Panghammer. They are an unlikely pair that meet in the ruins of a once-great civilization. You get the feeling, at first, that this could be our ruined civilization, but in another universe or something. I’m waiting for the top half of the Statue of Liberty to be poking out of some beach somewhere. Jonah tries to steer Ali toward some kind of treasure, but it’s hinted to us that Jonah may have some ulterior motives in guiding Ali like this. Eventually we find a pair of fair maidens that will awaken with true love’s kiss, so Ali gives it a go. But Captain Oakheart, a kind of wood elf soldier (literally, he’s made of wood), erupts onto the scene with the desire to kill Ali. This Oakheart fella was probably one of the less-enjoyed parts of the book…if simply because I didn’t believe in his cause. He apparently feels guilty for leaving his people just before the village/city was wiped out, so he hunts the grave-robbers and the looters to atone for hos absence. But he plans to take his life once his vengeance is felt. So my question is…how long until that? Will there ever be a time when there are no longer any robbers picking through the rubble? Or is it more like just whenever he feels satisfied? It wad his father’s kingdom, so I would imagine that he may not ever feel sated in his quest for absolution. Such is the case when it comes to something so personal, usually. And then we aren’t even treated to the satisfaction of seeing him carry out any kind of thing, because of what happens to him near the end of the issue. So I feel like why did we set him up so much in the issue? Are we going to see him again in future issues? Is there something about these wood-kind that I don’t know? Are they featured in Fables? Anyway, my reservations with Oakheart aside, I really did like this issue, and so did my wife (score!). I’m excited to see where this goes…though at the same time I’m a little disappointed. Going by the brilliant Adam Hughes cover art, I was expecting something completely different in the pages of Fairest #1. It looked like it was going to be something of a modern take on the fairy-tale princesses, right? What I got was something more akin to “Arabian Nights.” Now, I’m not complaining…because it was still an enjoyable story. I want to mention the AMAZING art team on this book. When I was talking to colorist Andrew Dalhouse about lining something special up for SoMuchComics here, he said that Fairest was kicking his butt, and I definitely understand and see it here. The color work is absolutely some of the best I’ve seen in comics lately. It’s so detailed, with such a grand scale and sine truly astounding color tricks throughout the entire issue. Look at the night sky, the detail on Oakheart’s wooden face, the firelight details, the colorful lizard monster that chases Ali, and Jonah’s magic bottle. And that’s just some of it. Jimenez and Lanning are such a great team for this book as well. I can hardly tell it’s been inked. It all looks so fluid and natural. To me, this is a teal, old-school style accomplishment of fantastically detailed comic book art. Everything together is so reminiscent of some older comics I have that are really full of life and character. I like this paper stock too. Helps add to that “old” feeling. I don’t see many books done with this paper anymore.

Fairest #1, the verdict: For a comic that I had really intended to buy for my wife, I seriously enjoyed it. It’s definitely a series that I can get into, and look forward to. It has a great writing style and a whole universe of potential, along with a killer art team. Really killer. I’m looking forward to whatever else this book dishes out, and I’m curious as to where the story will go from here, what with the awoken princess-looking lady. Needless to say, I’ll be picking up #2.

(Photo Source: Kabooooom)

Batgirl: Gail Simone, Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes, Ulises Arreola, Dave Sharpe, Adam Hughes

Mad props, yo. This is the best issue yet, I think. There’s a little bit of weirdness going on in the writing of Gretel’s character, but it ends up working very well anyway. Let’s start with Adam Hughes’ fantastic cover. I’ve been a fan of his for a while, and this one looks great with the darkness of Batman behind the lighter color of Batgirl’s cape and armor. And then there’s the white background - to which I’m partial. Complete the look with falling snow, and a glowing hue at the edges, and you’ve got a thing of real beauty. I’ve been loving Syaf’s pencils on the interiors. He gives Batgirl such a unique look that I really like. But I think it’s incomplete without Vicente Cifuentes and Ulises Arreola on inks and colors. The coloring in this book is so fantastic. It’s so bright and vibrant…and it almost gives the book a cartoony feel. But at the same time, the colors really help nail some realism down because of the real definition to the clothes and other elements that we see in the panels. This is probably one of the best books in terms of color. Simone has been doing a knock-out job with writing this series. This issue is probably my favorite so far because of the interaction between Batgirl and Batman - and Batgirl and Bruce. We get to see Gretel’s background here, which is good. It’s nice that the story moved right along without wasting any time. Two issues…and we’re good. We’re not dragging things out for many issues at a time. DC had said that they were going to move away from multi-issue arcs…but it looks like old habits die hard. Except here! The Mirror arc lasted a while, but we’re picking up speed and momentum. I liked how tragic Gretel was, and I dug how the 338 finally came out. What was even better, though, was how Batgirl was able to relate to Gretel and talk to her. I like that Batgirl is still aware of how fragile she is, and how new she is back at this whole gig. She recognizes how this could all go so poorly so fast. The piece with Batman visiting the injured Barbara in the hospital was really touching, and - like I said - the scenes between Batgirl and Bruce were really awesome. I love how, after Batgirl helps save him from Gretel’s hold, he says that she was always meant to be Batgirl…especially after Batgirl was questioning and remembering how she just soared onto the scene, with Batman never having wanted a Batgirl.

Batgirl #6, the verdict: Gail Simone continues to just absolutely nail it with a book that not only delivers in the action but on the emotional level as well. I’m really excited to see what happens when Barbara really starts to face her injury and recovery. The tease at the end of this issue is “The Joke Revisited,” complete with Joker colors. This…is completely exciting, in such a way that I cannot fully express. I’m also interested in getting a full admittance or denial that Barbara was Oracle after getting shot. I think if we start dealing with the Joker…that’s bound to come out (along with a lot of other things).

(Photo Source: iFanBoy)

(Photo Source: ComicsBulletin)

Batgirl: Gail Simone, Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes, Ulises Arreola, Dave Sharpe, Adam Hughes

Wow, the cover really makes her look younger than in the comic. Like probably how should’ve looked pre-Killing Joke. Anyway, now this is an interesting story. We have a true mystery on our hands, and it seems like there’s just no way for Batgirl to win! I’m really excited about this new story, and the new villain. What’s even greater is that Batgirl is still the same hero we saw in the last story. There’s no inconsistencies regarding her strengths and weaknesses. In fact, she gets pretty beat up in this issue. You can tell that Batgirl is still rusty from her time in the chair, and I like that. I like that she hasn’t magically become an expert after defeating just one villain. We see improvements here and there, one even pointed out by Batgirl herself, but she still has challenges she must overcome. This story starts us out with a crime family - father and three sons - who are robbing people on the highway…but only for $3.38. That’s all they demand. How strange, right? Well, even stranger when the father of the crime family does the unthinkable and Batgirl is left, yet again, questioning her ability to be a protector. Thankfully, that hasn’t gotten old yet. But that’s not the best part. The best part comes when Gretel shows up…a strange woman in white that seems to change her hair color in between fights. She can apparently feel no pain, and barely budges after savage blows from Batgirl. So…unfortunately, that’s similar to the last villain, Mirror, in that Batgirl cannot physically best her. I’m looking forward to a villain whom Batgirl would have no trouble beating down, but that would truly challenge her mind…like Riddler or something. Luckily, this new mystery is definitely going to be a headache because of the “338” that everyone associated with Gretel is talking about. Batgirl finds the first lead and discovers it’s somewhat tied to Bruce Wayne’s revitalization project (again, nice to see elements from other books incorporated here). Where that leads Batgirl, though, is a pleasant and unexpected surprise. I really wasn’t expecting that last page. It shows what kind of true power Gretel possesses, and just how ungodly dangerous she really is. There are a couple of side-plots that are touched upon in this issue, too. The main one I want to mention is in regards to Commissioner Gordon talking to Detective McKenna (the officer who lost her partner in issue #1) about tracking down Batgirl because of her connection to the murders at the beginning of this book. This will, clearly, put Batgirl on a collision course with her own father that could end up exposing her identity. I can only pray that this doesn’t happen soon. I would hate for Gordon to find that out so early in the series…if at all…because that jeopardizes Batman’s entire operation, and the identities of the rest of the bat-family. Tim recognizes this, and that’s why he doesn’t reveal his name (though his face is okay). So I’d be really upset if Gordon finds out Batgirl is his daughter. Remember that Batman Animated Series episode where Gordon and the GCPD is hunting Batman and Robin because of the death of Batgirl (due to Scarecrow’s fear gas)? I have a feeling that would happen…and that would just throw the entire DC universe out of whack. What would be interesting is if McKenna found out, and then somehow she was killed…and it’s kind of Batgirl’s fault…and then that guilt of “Did I really kill McKenna over my identity” would haunt Barbara going forward. But I’m confident in Simone’s skill as a writer to handle this issue with care. I’m still hesitant to fully trust Barbara’s roommate, especially when she starts talking smack against Wayne’s attempt to renew the city’s crime-laden areas…because that, again, will someday put her at odds with Batgirl…and things are gonna get cray-cray.

Batgirl #5, the verdict: January’s “failure” theme is also apparent in this issue. There are the deaths on the bridge in the beginning of the issue, and then that last page of the issue that shows us just how outmatched Batgirl is against Gretel. I’m interested to see where this goes, and I love this “338” mystery. I really hope it turns out to be something truly cool and original, that we haven’t seen yet in the “Batman” comics or rogues gallery. This has a lot of great potential.

Batgirl: Gail Simone, Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes, Ulises Arreola, Dave Sharpe, Adam Hughes

Great cover work here by the astounding Adam Hughes. This is the same pose from a move in issue #1, isn’t it? Against those masked serial murderers? Anyway, we start this issue with the obligatory “dream of regret.” Batgirl feels like why should she get the second chance out of a million other people. Here’s me thinking, “Because you can do the most good.” Why did Bruce get a second chance, healing up after Bane broke him? I mean…she’s spending a lot of time questioning this, when I think she should embrace it. This second chance could become a great strength for her. She could use it to show herself just how strong and resilient her body and spirit are. Those are good things, not something over which to allow yourself to fill with doubt. But so far it’s making for an interestingly flawed character, and I like that. There have been some books so far in the New 52 that display super-powerful or skilled characters who don’t really have much in the way of challenges. Batgirl could be that way, but there’s this regret holding her back. I do hope she grows, however, instead of lingering on this for the next year. On this first page of the book, I noticed something: Batgirl’s boots. They look…plain. I saw these boots here and thought they were missing something. The gloves have this strange ribbed ridging or something on them, and I thought the boots were molded similarly, but apparently not and I’m imagining things. Maybe the boots need something like that to avoid looking so plan and smooth. They almost look like they belong on Iron Man or something, if not for the bat outline at the knees. I have a few other points to make on the art though - and these are all good. I’m suddenly realizing that this art style is somewhat “old school.” I’m looking at the epic poses of the characters here, like in Babs’ dream where Barbara stands in front of Mirror and her hair is all waving around like crazy. This panel reminded me a lot of an old X-Men comic I had, where Jean Grey is looking a lot like this. That’s from back in the late ’80s! I’m on board, though, I like this look. The style seems very throwback, and I’m okay with that. Later in the book, Mirror makes this gesture with his right out jutted out to the side as he enters the carnival for their playdate…and it’s like, dude you’re just walking through the snow…no need to so powerfully declare something to nobody as you move. It was hilarious. I can just imagine Mirror mumbling inanely to himself as this happens. Speaking of epic poses…I LOVE Batgirl perched on the fire escape railing, with her cape all draped over the rail. Oh MAN did that panel do things to my body that I wasn’t prepared for…and the fact that we see the woman’s face reflected on the thug’s pipe as we see Batgirl appear just about finished me off for the night. Moving on to story now. In that aforementioned scene with Batgirl on the fire escape, we see the thugs robbing the couple using this “Batman spotter” app on their smart phone. Two things. One, GENIUS. That’s OUTSTANDING. Why hasn’t anyone done this before (or have they and I missed it)? A way for thugs to try and stay ahead of, or away from, the Bat! I love seeing modern technology working into these comics in such unique ways. Social networking is the future, and the future is now, and the comics need to continually update with and ahead of the curve. Two, I love that, even while Batgirl is taking out the thugs, there’s the one that’s still fiddling with the app, trying to post that Batgirl’s right there with them. Hilarity. That’s Gail Simone signature humor, folks. We’ve had a lot of fun with the villain Mirror in this arc, and now it’s over. It’s a great way to end it, too, what with the Hall of Mirrors reminiscing back to Conan the Barbarian (that scene always scared the CRAP outta me). Here we learn that Mirror is truly just psychotic. He’s lost his mind and any connection he had to reality long ago. I love where he breaks down when he sees the photo reflected on his chest, it reminds me of older “Batman” comics where Scarecrow would end up falling victim to his own fear gas, or something. Great turn. I’m still hoping we see more from Barbara’s roommate…she has something to her that could really make an interesting adversary for Batgirl - I mean, look at the way she LUSTS over that knife she gets from Barbara! I know it’s a cooking knife, and they were talking about her having wanted to cook before, but still…she’s way too happy about that knife. There’s that final twist at the end of the issue, and I’m excited…but I feel like, “Whaaaaaaat?” in that sardonic tone. First of all, I think they look too alike, and should be more diverse. No one looks that alike. But, I guess we’ll see where this goes. It’s been a fun ride so far on this book.

Batgirl #4, the verdict: I really did like this issue…it might be my favorite so far. I loved the art, which had some truly stand-out moments, and the story was a great way to wrap up the Mirror arc. That ending with the showdown was very real and it felt like it really hurt Mirror emotionally much more than it ever could have physically. This fits very well with Gotham’s normal cadre of villains: they all have some sort of psychological damage (well, most of them). Mirror will fit right in at Arkham Asylum. I hope he becomes a series regular. Only issue I had, in the end, was it never explained why Mirror was so incredibly strong. This was a point that Barbara made several times throughout the arc, and it was never resolved. Oh well, guess he just did a lot of weight lifting after losing his whole family.

Batgirl: Gail Simone, Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes, Ulises Arreola, David Sharpe, Adam Hughes

Time for some excitement, folks. This issue is full of all kinds of great little things. We have great action, great character develop, great art…it’s just a lot of fun. We pick right up from issue #2 with Batgirl chasing down that train Mirror threatened to blow up. I want to point out, real quick, that this book is doing such a good job of subtly including bits and pieces from the rest of the DC universe. We’ve already seen graffiti before, highlighting the other book Simone is writing: The Fury of Firestorm. Here we see another bit of graffiti that’s a nod to another former Gotham hero-turned-villain-turned-Outlaw. Hilarious. What I get out of this book is that, for Babs, this is a struggle. At every turn, at every challenge, Batgirl either finds it to be a physical struggle…or some kind of emotional struggle. We see her, more and more, questioning her miracle - whatever it was that fixed her - and wondering why she’s better when so many others didn’t get that chance. Especially now with Mirror and his psychotic mission poking at her mind. It’s a very interesting choice of villain for Batgirl’s return…someone who thinks people don’t deserve second chances. I like how, in each issue so far, Batgirl has failed somehow. She’s fallen short. She’s made mistakes - some of them huge. This one prompts the appearance of Nightwing, with whom Babs was once romantic. I love the guest star here, this was an excellent choice. Sure, Batman could have easily shown and told Batgirl to be more careful, or to stop altogether. But having Dick there brings a whole different dynamic. We even get a good look at the past, at when Babs first came on to the scene with Batman and Robin. This was a fun scene, and Syaf did a great job of making Dick look younger, but still kept him looking like himself. The chase and spar that Babs and Dick share is a lot of fun that suddenly takes a very serious turn. You can really see Batgirl’s struggle to stretch her legs and reach for herself. She feels like Nightwing’s there to keep her from that, to try and limit her. Aside from all that, I’m into this side-plot with Detective Melody McKenna, who witnessed Batgirl’s failure in the hospital and was put on temporary leave for the death of her partner. She seems like she’s really out for revenge…and wants to get right back at it. I like how much of a slow-burn this is. Simone isn’t rushing to get her back into the mix of things. Same with the roommate - who’s actually absent from this issue. I’m sure there’s something up with her - Babs even wants to say so to her father, but doesn’t. This is an excellent example of a book that delivers just enough plot and characters for us readers at a time. Art-wise, I wasn’t thrilled with Batgirl’s new costume at the start of the series. It looks like her gauntlets are made of bone or something. They’re sculpted very strangely. But it’s growing on me…if but slowly. 

Batgirl #3, the verdict: This is a good book about struggle and overcoming adversity…overcoming self-doubt. Conquering what you believe you cannot do. Batgirl, so far, is struggling with all of that. And this is real. This is where, I believe, someone in Barbara’s position would be after her miracle. Is she the same as she was before the Joker? Is she better? Worse? She’s not sure of her own ability…and she’s faced with the ultimate physical and emotional challenge in this Mirror villain. I have hope that she’ll be able to overcome this huge obstacle, but it doesn’t feel like it will be easy at all.

Justice League Dark: Peter Milligan, Mikel Janin, Ulises Arreola
This issue is a knock-out. I loved every page. There’s only one thing that I would mention about it that, I feel, could use improvement. But, see, it’s also something I loved about the issue. Double-edged sword here. The narration…. Sometimes it’s difficult to fully understand what’s going on here. Mainly with John. I understand that he’s conducting a spell here…but what is it? And why? I get he’s trying to find Zatanna…and, in issue #1, he blames her for his strange teleportation or whatever that was. But we’re not given a lot of details here. But…the narration that is given, by Madame Xanadu, is spectacular. It’s so well-done, and ties the issue together so perfectly…I love the message she’s delivering, and that it relates to everyone within this new “team”, for lack of a better term. This is some groovy stuff, Milligan. I love how Xanadu’s working the game here, too. This is shaping up to be extremely exciting. The art is absolutely wonderful. I cannot say enough about this quasi-photo-realistic art we have going on here. Parts of it remind me of Mike Mayhew’s spectacular work in the “Brightest Day: Green Arrow #7” issue. But it’s just slightly different. Zatana’s leather outfit is just mind-blowing. I will never, ever, ever get over how Janin and Adam Hughes do their leather/latex work. It looks so REAL! In terms of spooktastic art…issue #1 showed us some disturbing imagery of attacking disembodied teeth - swarms of them - and of a woman repeatedly being brutally run over on the freeway. This issue is not shy at showing us some gruesome stuff. We get a giant-insect infested street here, with the different kinds of creepy-crawlies “harvesting” people’s naked bodies. It’s enough to make you go “BLAUUGHGHGAGHHAG”. I also want to mention how beautiful Dawn’s transformation into Dove is. Outstanding. This is turning into one of my favorite New 52 books…and I barely know anything about half the cast! That’s the key, here, folks. Where Legion Lost and Batwoman failed, in my eyes: delivering a compelling story, complete with stellar writing, and out-of-this-world art can help win over new readers who don’t know much about the characters within the book. I can’t wait to find out more. I thirst for it. Like giant wasps thirst for human blood.
Justice League Dark #2, the verdict: This book is scary. It’s creepy. It makes your skin crawl. It’s full of underdogs who wield powerful magical abilities, who you’d never expect to win a fight, let alone save the world. And each of them has an unforgettable personality. It has stunning imagery and masterful artwork that’s sometimes too real to say, “Oh, it’s just a comic book.” Watch out, comic book community, Justice League Dark just may be one of the best new comic books on the shelves right now.