The book is a kind of collection of the type of stories that plague the recent specials. By this I mean, that they are essentially teasers and adverts for the next series’ featuring a range of characters. Here though, as the book has been sown as such, these seeds do not feel like much of a cheat. Holding it all together is the framing pages featuring Wonder Woman’s ascension to god-hood, written by Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder, the latter primarily included as this runs from the last Metals event. The art by John Timms works well and adds a level of stability to the otherwise chaotic art changes throughout. Colorist veteran Alex Sinclair bring all the grandeur of Wonder Woman’s existential journey.
A regular who’s who features in the books with Superman, Batman, Flash and Green Lantern all getting some pages. Also included are the two big new characters from Future State in Jace “Can’t call him Tim incase people get confused” Fox and Yora Flor, who seems to have been demoted to Wonder Girl? There are surprises in Green Arrow and Black Canary being together, and Simon Baz makes an appearance. Finally, proving that the original Crisis has been undone, Alan Scott returns complete with his Earth Two sexuality and Stargirl. Does this mean we are getting Power Girl back?
Along with the characters, the creator list is equally strong featuring Brian Michael Bendis, Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad, Joelle Jones, Tim Sheridan, Philip Kennedy, Geof Johns, Geoffrey Thorne added to framers Joshua Williamson and James Tynion IV. The stories are a mix bag as you would expect. Personally, I can do without the Next Batman and the original Batman story is overwrought and carries the same ideas seen in Tynion’s own Detective Comics run. The Stargirl story reads well, if it was fifteen years ago maybe. Jones’s work with Yara continues her excellence shown as both writer and artist. My favourite was the Green Arrow Black Canary which felt a lot maturer than previously shown, especial with the art by Alex Maleev and colors by the alway fantastic Jordie Bellaire.
Talking about the art, along with Maleev, David Marquez, Jorge Jimenez, Alitha Martinez, Mark Morales, Stephen Byrne, Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, Jamal Igle, Todd Nauck, Dextor Soy and Howard Porter. John Romita Jr. and Klaus Jansen Jack Kirby it up for the epilogue and for very good reason. To be honest, there is a charm to most of the art. Jones, Maleev and Jimenez are probably the pick of the bunch, with Romita Jr. also packing a punch. With Jimenez, we get to see a new Huntress suit; it will be interesting if Helena’s Wayne and Bertinelli get to meet. Colors help give the book a premium, polished look with Sinclair and Bellaire joined by Tamra Bonvillain, Tomeu Morey, Emilo Lopez, Alejandro Sanchez, Hi-Fi and Brad Anderson. Finally, letterer Troy Peteri from ALW adds a consistent font, for the most part.
Books like this are ambitious in their scope and often promise much and deliver little; a sleight that has been levelled at DC previously. Yet, with the magic of comics, we the reader are once again filled with the hope that this time, that this reboot will pack the punch that we hope for. Maybe it is that frontier of hope that is truly infinite!
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars
Overall – 4.5 Stars
Written by; Brian Michael Bendis, Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad, Joelle Jones, Tim Sheridan, Philip Kennedy, Geof Johns, Geoffrey Thorne, Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder
Art by; John Timms, Alex Maleev, David Marquez, Jorge Jimenez, Alitha Martinez, Mark Morales, Stephen Byrne, Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, Jamal Igle, Todd Nauck, Dextor Soy, Howard Porter, John Romita Jr. and Klaus Jansen
Colors by; Alex Sinclair, Jordie Bellaire, Tamra Bonvillain, Tomeu Morey, Emilo Lopez, Alejandro Sanchez, Hi-Fi and Brad Anderson
Letters by; ALW’s Troy Peteri
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
-
I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
Latest entries
