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DC One Year Later Mega Review
Review posted: 28 March 2006
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Publisher: DC Comics
3.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by Adam White
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Catwoman #53
5.00 out of 5 Stars
I’ve been an avid fan of Catwoman ever since Ed Brubaker started his run of the book with Darwyn Cooke; however, I left the title when Brubaker did, unconvinced that anyone else could succeed him as writer. Although I enjoyed Will Pfeifer’s work on HERO and Aquaman, I just didn’t connect with any of his issues that I tried. Despite my reservations, I wanted to give it one more try with the OYL restart, and I’m certainly glad I did — Catwoman #53 recaptured the magic missing since Brubaker left and restored the book to the top of my reading pile. Pfeifer’s characterizations were dead-on, and the new direction he’s taking the book (with a new Catwoman, no less) is rife with mystery, intrigue, and fun. This issue even contains the only entertaining appearance of Batman I’ve seen for quite some time (worth the cover price).
David Lopez’s pencils seal the deal, bringing his combination of style and grace to Selina, Catwoman, and the book as a whole. I’ve been a huge fan of Lopez since his run on Peter David’s Fallen Angel (for DC), and he has only gotten better with time. The visuals in the series are perfect, and I hope Lopez is settling in for a long run. Lopez also works well with Pfeifer’s script, giving the series a quality not seen since its inception. This truly is a fresh start for Catwoman, and I will be with the title for as long as this team remains.
Firestorm #23
4.00 out of 5 Stars
The only other issue of Firestorm I ever picked up was the first one, and it didn’t really interest me enough to continue any further. However, current writer Stuart Moore has made the book solidly entertaining, especially considering the one year gap that could have enhanced my unfamiliarity with the new Firestorm. Moore instead uses the gap as an opportunity to make the book fresh for new readers, yet there are still details that play on past events in the series. Moore makes the time jump an advantage, one that hooked me as a reader and even has me looking forward to the next issue.
Jamal Igle also steps up the art, producing a smoothly designed book from start to finish. Characters are clear and distinct, and his storytelling skills mesh well with Moore’s script. Also worth mentioning is the fantastic cover, one that seems almost electric and features a superb iconic image of the new Firestorm. This book is going to make stars out of Firestorm, Moore, and Igle.
Manhunter #20
4.00 out of 5 Stars
Like Firestorm, I had only picked up Manhunter #1 back when it came out, then didn’t get anymore because it got lost in the shuffle of books that I pick up. However, #20 made me regret not giving the series a chance because it was a great story that succeeded on a variety of levels. Writer Marc Andreyko also utilized the OYL time jump much to his advantage, with Manhunter now a relatively experienced hero with a more clear understanding of herself than the unsure rookie she was before the time jump. The new confidence shows in both the character and the writing, featuring a strong mix of drama, action, and humor.
Javier Pina’s art fits the book like a glove, again making me regret missing issues. Pina provides distinct visuals that set this book apart from the rather homogenous offerings available these days due to unofficial company styles. Pina makes solid use of every panel, making the story retain its pace through fight sequences and conversations. Throw in a nice, iconic cover that even includes a jailed, psychotic midget clinging to Manhunter’s leg, and you have a winner.
Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #40
4.00 out of 5 Stars
Although I enjoyed Pfeifer’s and Arcudi’s runs on Aquaman, I was intrigued by the new direction the title was taking OYL. I’ve honestly found Kurt Busiek’s writing to be hit or miss over the last several years (he’s seemingly lost something since his Avengers days), with the notable exception of his excellent Conan, so I withheld my judgment until I read it. In #40, Busiek presents an entirely new, mysterious world within the DC Universe, with familiar yet somehow different characters. While the not-Aquaman Arthur Curry explains his supposed origin, many things are left in question as to what happened in the missing year. Busiek even makes King Shark interesting, although his unexplained resurrection makes him an Honorary Marvel character. There is even a mysterious new Dweller of the Deep, one whose true identity may be strongly hinted at on the last page of this issue.
The highlight of my day was the return of Butch Guice to a monthly title. Although apparently MIA since the lamented downfall of Crossgen, Guice hasn’t lost a step and graces the pages with lavish art, adding real depth and dimension to the new world below the sea. Guice captures the range of human and sea life with equal aplomb, demonstrating his wide range of talented abilities throughout. I do think that some things need to be cleared up sooner than later, as far as the story goes, but I think that Aquaman SoA is going to be a fun ride.
Hawkgirl #50
4.00 out of 5 Stars
I’ve read Hawkman sporadically since it began fifty issue ago (!), but wanted to give it a shot now that it’s re-titled with a new direction by veteran creators. Writer Walt Simonson works his magic, producing a highly readable, entertaining story that doesn’t even really feature Hawkgirl but her alter ego, Kendra. Simonson maintains a swift pace that retains your interest without relying on needless action sequences, wholly capturing a mysterious atmosphere through solid writing that focuses on characters instead of some pointless galactic crossover.
Upping the ante is artist Howard Chaykin, another master in the field of graphic storytelling. Chaykin makes the book and character his own from the first panel, something that many other artists take a few issues to do. Chaykin’s visuals blend seamlessly with Simonson’s words, producing a strong first issue for the new direction. The fact that Simonson and Chaykin are both excellent writers and artists definitely shows in their work, and makes the book stand out as something other than just another superhero book.
Supergirl and the Legion of Superheroes #16
2.00 out of 5 Stars
I have to admit I haven’t read a Legion book in years, not since before the Legion Lost series. As such, I am completely unfamiliar with Mark Waid’s take on the book; however, I was also unfamiliar with Firestorm and Manhunter, but didn’t have the problems with those that I did here. Perhaps it was just one too many redesigns/retcons for the venerable team, but I had no clue who anyone was or what they were doing. I did like the themes in the book and felt there is a lot of potential in the ideas Waid has for the series, but I’d have to have at least a thorough recap page and some more clear idea of the characters because they all seemed a little one-note and lacking in distinct personalities. Waid is a good writer, and he obviously knows all the Legion history, but perhaps needs to consider not everyone else does.
While Barry Kitson is a technically sound artist, I’ve never been too enamored of his work. I don’t think he’s a bad artist, it’s simply a matter of personal taste. Kitson’s work seems too clean, and borderline bland to me, although he does have solid composition and pacing skills. Again, personal taste, and I’m sure there are plenty who would validly disagree with me. Toss in the way-out-there ending of this issue, one that really made no sense, and you have an extremely confusing book built upon an already confusing legacy.
Robin #148
1.00 out of 5 Stars
Since the whole War Games crossover diluted the Bat-books to the point of ridiculousness, I have avoided them like the plague. I had hoped that the OYL offerings would allow new creators to put the past behind them and give Batman and his cohorts a fresh start; unfortunately, it seems everyone decided it was better to rehash the same old stuff. Case in point: Robin #148, where new writer Adam Beechen starts the book with confusion and gives us a fourth page “shocker” that turns out to be as big a load of crap as you think it will. There are lots of vague references to what happened during the gap as well as a plethora of new questions, leaving the book as one big question mark as to why I should care about it.
Karl Kerschl does actually seem like a good choice for Robin, but I could better tell if he had something remotely interesting to draw. I did have trouble with several female characters that I could not tell apart, which led to even more confusion. The whole issue just had that vibe of “sameness” that constantly plagues the Bat-books and doesn’t look to be changing any time soon.
Detective Comics #817; Batman #651
1.00 out of 5 Stars
I thought if anyone could resurrect Batman’s titles it would be James Robinson. As occasionally happens under rare circumstances, I was incorrect. In parts one and two of his story, Robinson offers up the same-old, same-old, with the only positives being that Gordon and Bullock are inexplicably back, and the Z-grade villain Magpie finally receives her well-earned demise. Other than that, if you’ve ever read any Batman story then you’ve read this one.
However, Leonard Kirk and Andy Clarke offer up some good art to somewhat brighten (darken?) an otherwise bland Batman adventure in Detective Comics #817. I can’t really say the same for Batman #651, as Don Kramer’s art seems a bit blocky and bland and really not suited to the Bat-titles. The bottom line is that the books read and look the same as they usually do, propelling along the Warner Brothers franchise because selling underoos is more important than telling original stories.
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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