Desk of Vess: DC You, Part Three

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

There are few phrases that ring more true than the one above. How many times have you been distanced (for whatever reason) from someone that you want to see or talk to and each day seems progressively worse than the day prior? Imagine the feeling you have when you know you’ll see that person again soon. Now imagine the feeling when that odyssey reaches its end and you look up to see that person’s beautiful face. It’s as if the entire world fades away and the only thing in existence is them.

For about two years, the Justice League book published by DC Comics has been mired in crossover after crossover ("Throne of Atlantis", "Trinity War", "Forever Evil"), has seen line-up changes (Green Lantern leaves, Lex Luthor and Shazam arrive), and has basically been in a state of flux. While this isn’t a bad thing (as a matter of fact, Justice League has been consistently one of my favorite titles), sometimes you just want an epic scale story with the premier superhero team in comic history.

So, imagine how overjoyed I was at the announcement that superstar writer/artist Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates, Authority, Fantastic Four) would be working on a new series, simply titled Justice League of America. More on that later, let’s take a look at some other releases this week.

Black Canary #1

Spinning out of the pages of Batgirl, writer Brenden Fletcher (also co-writer of Batgirl) is taking DC Comics’ star siren on tour with her band, also named Black Canary. While this is still a superhero comic, and there’s quite a bit of fighting, the book is different from its spandex-clad sister-title, not just in the art style, but in the way that the character relationships are being built. I’m looking forward to seeing Black Canary on their next tour stop in July.

Dr. Fate #1

A hallmark character of DC Comics, the original Doctor Fate first appeared in May of 1940. There have been numerous heroes to bear the name “Fate” in the long publishing history of the character, the newest being Khalid Nassour, a medical student of Egyptian descent. Much like Black Canary this week and several other books in the past two, this book looks to break the “house style” and go for something truly visually different. Sonny Liew’s art is definitely different than your traditional superhero fare. Egyptian mythology is something that has always interested me so, while I picked up #1 to review for the blog, I’ll be picking up July’s #2 out of pure interest spiked by this issue.

Martian Manhunter #1

J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter was long overdue for his own solo series, in my opinion. A perennial member of the Justice League, J’onn is getting the chance to break out on his own and writer Rob Williams is not wasting any time in doing just that. “Everything you know about Martian Manhunter is wrong” is a line I’ve seen used in promotion for this series and, in a way, it fits perfectly. He changes shape, he has telepathic abilities, he is the sole survivor of the Martian race. Those are the three things you need to know going into the series and by the end of this issue, one of those things is no longer true. Based on the strong first outing of this series, I’ll definitely be picking up #2.

Wonder Woman #41

One of the more curious additions to Wonder Woman’s origin in recent years has been the revelation that she is the daughter of Hippolyta (Queen of the Amazons, that’s not new) and Zeus (Greek God of Thunder and King of the Gods, that is new). Roping in the Greek Pantheon has instantly bulked Wonder Woman’s supporting cast to gargantuan size. This issue takes time to highlight both sides of Wonder Woman’s world, featuring Greek Gods and her Amazonian sisters. I will say, though, that the entire issue felt like set up for the reveal of her new costume (as seen on the cover). There is, however, set up for the next conflict in Wonder Woman’s life.

Robin, Son of Batman #1

A spiritual successor to the Batman and Robin series, writer Peter Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason continue the story of Damian Wayne. This time, the Boy Wonder is on his own. Venturing across the world, Robin looks to atone for the sins of his past committed when still part of the League of Assassins (led by his grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul). The premise of this entire series looks to depict the maturation of Damian as a human being and the transformation of Damian into the mold of what (he presumes) his father wants him to be. The first solo title for a Robin since Tim Drake starred in the title in 2009, this book will be remaining on my read-list for sure.

Superman/Wonder Woman #18

Continuing the “Truth” storyline for the Superman titles, SM/WW #18 takes the title heroes to Superman’s hometown of Smallville. Building from plot lines from last year’s Action Comics, Superman and Wonder Woman investigate attacks on Superman’s family and friends in Smallville. Staying in lockstep with the other Superman titles, the Man of Steel’s identity is now known to the world at large, which plays a role in this story. There will be a guest star(s) in July’s #19, and the last page reveal is an exciting look at said crossover.

Prez #1

Originally created in 1973 by Joe Simon (co-creator of Captain America), the first Prez was a teenage boy who was elected President of the United States. The series looked to appeal to the “baby boomer” demographic, which would have been the largest group of comic book readers in the seventies. Reimagining the series for modern audiences, this iteration of Prez features a teenage girl, Beth Ross, who is elected President via a Twitter poll in the year 2036. Can’t make this shit up. The book is actually a really interesting read. Lots of social, political, and cultural commentary. I can’t find any verification, but I believe this is a limited series, so I’ll probably continue through based on intrigue alone.

Secret Six #3

The Secret Six is a concept I love: six seemingly random characters thrown onto a team together. More anti-hero than villain, the six of them band together to accomplish mutual goals. A creative success from the late 2000s/early 2010s, the title was revived for The New 52 with issue #1 being released way back in December 2014. With delays in shipping and the two-month break for Convergence, #3 hits the stands today. Basically all you need to know going into this issue is that the six were held captive for quite some time by an enemy unknown, but they managed to escape in #2. The issue picks up with the team attempting to adjust to life together in suburban Gotham City (which exists, despite how weird it sounds). Secret Six #3 takes the silver medal this week.

Justice League of America #1

I’ve looked forward to this book for months and it lived up to every bit of hype my mind imposed upon it. Clocking in at 56 pages, this mammoth issue is well worth the $5.99 price tag. “#1” on the cover of your book is oftentimes used as an excuse for the story on the pages within to be nothing up set-up for the issues that follow. Hitch does not employ this logic here. Every page feels necessary and contributes to the scope of the story. “Cinematic” is the most appropriate word I can think to use here, as this issue feels the most like a movie of any comic book I have ever read. The whole gang is here and each member is highlighted in his or her own unique way. Plot threads are laid for the team to be split up in the coming issues (Flash & Green Lantern should get a heavy portion of #2 or #3 dedicated to just the two of them) and one member of the team is still off on his own. According to writer/artist Bryan Hitch, the villain of the story is new and old, stating both that "you've heard of him before," and that the villain is "one for the old comic fans…but at the same time something completely new because you've never actually seen this character before." That’s got me excited for #2 alone. Speaking of, longtime comic fans are probably skeptical of Hitch not only being on the art of this book, but actually being the writer as well. Well known for his high standard of quality, Hitch is not necessarily known for his timeliness. If reports are true, Hitch has been working on this series for about two years in somewhat secrecy. I, for one, am hoping this is true, because I cannot wait for issue #2 (and #3 and #4 and #5 and #6…).

If my words haven’t sold you on this book, please, allow the first four pages to do so. See what I mean when I say “cinematic”?