Earth 2 #12

(w) James Robinson     (a) Nicola and Trevor Scott


** MILD SPOILERS AHEAD **


I really like Earth 2. It's a refreshing change of pace from the normal 'New 52', and James Robinson's uncanny character development has made this title one of the best DC publishes each month. Earth 2 isn't solely about the Justice Society, which gives Robinson the freedom to play around with his own , separate pocket of the multiverse. This series is about an alternate version of history where superheroes didn't become the norm, like on Earth 1 (the main 'New 52' universe).

For all it's good, Robinson's been dropping the ball, as of late, in terms of pacing. While the first seven issues moved at a deliberate and meaningful pace, these most recent ones felt overly decompressed. Then, with this month's Earth 2 #12, Robinson has gone the opposite direction and packed as much story as he could into this conclusion issue. I'm not saying this wasn't a good issue because it was a great issue. It's just that it was preceded by three mediocre issues. In a way, previous shortcomings now really highlight all the good things about Earth 2 #12.

Robinson's handling of the multiple plot lines in Earth 2 #12 show that he's got specific directions for each character; Green Lantern is still trying to uncover the mystery behind his fiance's death, and gets Hawkgirl to help out, a pairing I wouldn't have pegged a few months ago. Fortunately, Robinson's excellent interpersonal dialogue makes their working relationship feel more than just organic: it feels like it needed to happen.

Keeping Jay Garrick's mom around was a good decision. Having one element that's more grounded and relatable is arguably essential to superhero comics, yet the technique is employed far less than it should be. Superman has Lois Lane, Batman has Alfred, even Green Lantern Hal Jordan had Carol Ferris before she became a Star Sapphire. The point is, Mrs. Garrick gives these new superheroes perspective they may not have had yet.

One of the best aspects of Earth 2 is the how easy James Robinson makes creating a world look. This isn't just a team book -- this title is about an entire separate universe. The changes and differences between the main DCnU and Earth 2 are important because they are there and the moer Robinson shows us, the better this series becomes.

GRADE

8/10

EARTH 2 #3

STORY: James Robinson
ART: Nicola and Trevor Scott

Whoa. That was honestly my first reaction at the end of Earth 2 #3. While the first two issues dealt mostly in grander exposition while dipping into character introductions, this month has James Robinson pulling out all the stops to reveal more about how Earth 2 operates, how it's similar and different from the main DC universe, and to give more character development, no matter how corny it gets.

If I have any complaints about Earth 2 thus far, it would have to be the stiff dialogue. I'm still on the fence deciding if Robinson is intentionally putting a cheeky spin on the writing to mirror the style of the original 1940s comics more closely, or if he's just stumbling in these early issues that are so chock-full of plot to bring readers up to speed that it's proving difficult to pen more in-depth narrative. More than likely, it's a bit of both - Robinson has built up Earth 2 into this crazy awesome big new world that has so much to explore that he wants to give readers as much as he can, which is not a bad thing. The only reason it flops a little is due to it's quick pace. It's a common misstep that mars a lot of good ideas in the very early stages: writers rushing through an origin to get to bigger and more in-depth arcs. That's all well and good for these creators who have their characters planned and rounded out in their heads, but it can be frustrating for readers who want to see a more realistic approach to how a person comes to grips with gaining unwieldy power.

Let's start off with the Flash and Hawkgirl. That's right - Hawkgirl makes her official debut as a messenger for the new superhero still learning how to control his super speed. Throughout their conversation, Hawkgirl (we don't yet know what her real name is, she makes an effort to point out) drops hints about future events; Dr. Fate is explicitly brought up, she mentions that Jay needs to be better trained, and that she had a somewhat unusual past year - a point I'm hoping Robinson will revisit in the future. This meeting is pretty light on actual plot development, focusing more on broader ideas that will be playing a role in the future of the series. While there's nothing wrong with that technique, this whole section feels very dry and set-up.

The rest of the issue is dedicated to the origins of Earth 2's Green Lantern, an undertaking that probably should have been stretched out over a few issues, but nonetheless gets the job done and gives Alan Scott something to think about for the future. As Alan wakes up, he is confronted by a talking green light that begins spouting nonsense about the guardian of Earth and the such. Alan takes the logical route at first - believing the head trauma is causing him to hallucinate - but very quickly has an about-face and accepts the unknown. Alan Scott has traditionally been a very straight-laced character, so it's a little odd to see Robinson apparently throw out the old and give us a totally new Alan Scott that seems to have the psychological strength of a seasoned CIA agent.

The third main point Robinson brings to Earth 2 is the idea that Green Lantern's power comes from the energy of the Earth, similar to Swamp Thing. The connection is made even more explicit with the introduction of the Grey, Earth 2's equivalent of the Rot that's currently plaguing both Swampy and Animal Man in the main DCnU. This revelation is an excellent example of how dedicated DC has become to creating a shared world, even crossing into other universes.

Nicola and Trevor Scott's art this week is a bit mixed. The Flash/Hawkgirl panels are fantastic, while the Green Lantern pages look like Alan is wearing Hollywood makeup and talking to a green screen, which I don't even know how they could pull off. Overall, I'm still very invested in Earth 2. Green Lantern, Flash, and Hawkgirl are enough to entice me to keep reading, and the promise of the Atom and more of Earth 2's (Solomon?) Grundy is too much to resist. Robinson gets a 'pass' this month on the character dialogue simply because the first two issues were so good, this may just be a hiccup.

GRADE

C+

(COMIC) 4-SENTENCE REVIEWS #3! [UPDATE]

Dial H #2
(Mieville, Santolouco)

While Dial H's first issue was a twisting maze of nigh-incomprehensible narrative descriptors stuck between amazing artwork by Mateus Santolouco, this second issue sees China Mieville beginning the obviously slow and gradual process of piecing together an actual plot that gives the dial reason beyond a few hours of novelty superpowers. Nelson is a generally unlikable character who seems to be getting more benevolent with each appearance; while his initial reasons for using the dial made him seem selfish, more and more, Nelson is using it to keep people (albeit, ones of his choosing) safe. The latter half of the issue serves to introduce new characters, most notably the Squid-  a metahuman who looks more like Killer Croc or the Lizard from the Marvel Universe - who kills Nelson's friend Darren, "because you told us not to," as the Squid tells Nelson (as Iron Snail) in a moment that begs the question how Nelson's relationship with the dial will begin to affect his real life. Dial H has only increased it's quality since last month and in on the path to being one of the most intricate and compelling comics in ages.

GRADE: A

Earth Two #2

(Robinson, Scott, Scott)

James Robinson is slowly - and beautifully, thanks to Nicola Scott's art - weaving his own world together in the pages of Earth 2. This month we see the genesis of Jay Garrick's super-speed, a gift from the dying god Hermes, as well as the oh-so-controversial revelation that Alan Scott is now a gay man! Robinson also brings Mister Terrific to Earth Two by way of quantum tunneling as seen in the final issue of Mister Terrific, a move that is both exciting and mysterious, considering he was attacked as soon as he arrived. Robinson has done a fantastic job - in two short issues - of really giving readers a sense that this Earth is different without being overtly unique, and it's just going to get better next month with the birth of Green Lantern!

GRADE: A

Action Comics #10
(Morrison, Morales, Bryant)

Grant Morrison's deconstruction of Superman throughout the first arc of Action Comics is about to be rivaled by his second arc that looks to tell the tale of the 'Death of Clark Kent'! While being tracked by a master hunter, Clark is dealing with the repercussions from his expose on Glen Glenmorgan, namely being offered work at the Daily Planet, a position Kent long held in the old-DCU. Morrison takes this chance to really shake things up and masterminds the martyrdom of Clark Kent to a bomb-carrying man at the end of his rope out for revenge against the Daily Star. The 'New 52' has given writers the chance to really change things up for a pantheon of characters, and while most are content to give them new origins and (somewhat) new villains, Morrison is looking to reinterpret every facet of Superman - from his origins and early years, to his alter ego(s?), and even to his personality and clout within the Justice League (an element that used to be untouchable).

GRADE: B+

Justice League International #10

(Jurgens, Lopresti, Ryan)

As Dan Jurgens and Aaron Lopresti's Justice League International winds down to it's announced cancellation after a twelfth issue and an Annual, it gives readers perspective on the events unfolding within the pages of this tenth issue. The villain Breakdown gathers his posse of super-thugs to unleash his righteous plan to destroy modern society in an effort to make civilization more equal for the poor people around the world. Jurgens takes half the issue - before the JLI faces off against Breakdown - to show the team members during their 'off time'; Guy Gardner visits Ice in the hospital, while Batwing goes to Vixen's bedside, and August General in Iron gives O.M.A.C. a much-needed moral boost concerning the blue dude's irreversible condition to lead the rest of his life as a living weapon. It really is unfortunate that JLI is ending after September; with a sold roster of interesting characters that encounter more grounded problems than those of the Justice League proper, Justice League International could have been a launching platform for new characters, a home for those in limbo (like O.M.A.C.) and much, much more.

GRADE: A

World's Finest #2
(Levitz, Perez)

Paul Levitz has done a great job - not unlike James Robinson with Earth 2 - fleshing out both Karen Starr and Helena Wayne as best friends who developed a friendship deeper than most when they became the only two people from their dimension living in the Prime timeline. Their relationship is really the focal point of the series, and Levitz conveys that through their casualness with each other and how they protect one another, not only in battle, but also in life. This first arc's villain, Hakkou, is obviously one of Darkseid's parademons from Earth 2 that's developed a higher intelligence, but Levitz is smartly letting this fact evolve naturally instead of forcing it like, say, Scott Lobdell. While World's Finest #1 somewhat floundered a bit for me, this month's issue is really turning the adventures of Power Girl and Huntress into one of my favorite titles.

GRADE: A-

(FEATURE) ALAN SCOTT IS TOTALLY GAY

Earlier today, DC unzipped their mouths and let the beans spill about the "iconic" character that would now be gay in the 'New 52' universe. While speculation ran wild from Jay Garrick in Earth 2 to Barry Allen and Dick Grayson, Alan Scott - Green Lantern in Earth 2 - was announced to be the character receiving a new sexual identity.


Fans and critics alike have already sounded off about the mislead in describing Scott as "iconic", claiming that media hype led most to believe it would be a 'top-tier' character, one more on the public eye. The funny thing about the Alan Scott revelation is that the general public is already confusing Scott with Hal Jordan as Green Lantern.

Let's look at this logically. Gay rights (or lack thereof) is an extremely controversial topic in the United States today. While my personal ideology precludes me from understanding why giving every single person equal protection and rights under the law, the debate exists nonetheless. When DC announced - just a week ago - that it would be revamping one of it's characters with a new sexual preference, One Million Moms (a conservative Christian organization) came out in defiant protest of the decision. They stated that comic books are marketed to children and that including a topic as mature as sexual identity would confuse impressionable youths. Of course, this was just the tip of their prejudiced iceberg. And all of that was over the announcement.

Alan Scott from the old DCU.

If DC were to make, say, Superman gay, this change would capture the attention of the nation. It would be a huge step to reimagine an American symbol in a homosexual light. There would be nothing wrong with this decision. If Alan Scott draws the wrath of one conservative Christian group, think of the hate and bigotry that would display itself if Bruce Wayne was gay. Though it saddens me to say, America isn't ready for a gay Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, or Flash.

As an avid Green Lantern fan, I'm ecstatic that Alan Scott was the choice. The Green Lantern mantle has always been an avenue for diversity. In the old DCU, Alan Scott's son, Obsidian, was gay, as well as GL Kyle Rayner's personal assistant, Terry. John Stewart was one of the first prominent black superheroes, and in the 1960s, Hal Jordan and Ollie Queen (Green Arrow) took a Guardian of the Universe on a road trip to show the Guardian the more compassionate side of life and how good and bad are not as black and white as the ancient beings would like to believe. Revamping the original Green Lantern into a gay man was a bold and smart move.

I'm proud to be a Green Lantern fan, now more than ever. As society moves forward and our culture becomes more accepting of diverse lifestyles, it's up to the media to convey and present these changes to the status quo. In the 1940s, women were rarely featured as prominent characters. African American heroes were unheard of until the 60s, and the first gay kiss in comics happened in 1998. It's time for the comic book industry to embrace new lifestyles and cultural norms to better relate to their readers and create more believable stories in the process.

(COMIC) EARTH 2 #1

STORY: James Robinson
ART: Nicola Scott and Trevor Scott


Here it is! The first review from "The Endless Reel" covering DC's 'New 52: Second Wave'! I wanted to start things off with James Robinson and Nicola Scott's Earth 2 #1. Fans have been clamoring for the Justice Society since DC the 'New 52' relaunch came with no mention of the heroes of yesteryear (except for Mister Terrific). Obviously, DC has answered those fans with a series built around not only the Justice Society, but about an entire parallel universe.

Earth 2 #1 kicks things off spectacularly with a brief history of the Apokolips War - a conflict similar to the one faced by the Justice League of the 'primary' Earth, except the Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman from Earth 2 sacrifice themselves to end the war and save the planet. The first five pages alone depict the three pillars of DC against an unending army of Parademons. It's actually quite incredible that Robinson is able to make Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman all likable and emotional investment-worthy within the span of 20 pages. It's sad that these three main characters won't be around going forward, but it means we get to see that much more of Alan Scott, Jay Garrick, and the the rest of the JSA.

Earth 2 also sets up another Second Wave series being debuted this week, World's Finest, starring Power Girl and Huntress, a.k.a. Supergirl and Robin of Earth 2. Batman's task involved infecting Apokolyptian technology with a virus from within one of their communication spires. After the virus caused all the alien technology to start malfunctioning, Supergirl and Robin take off after Steppenwolf (the leader of Apokolips, as far as we know) through an unstable boom tube.

The final pages of the issue are dedicated to giving readers a bit of the retooled backstories for both Alan Scott, who is the owner and CEO of G.B.C. Media, and Jay Garrick, a recent college graduate with no plans for the future and a girlfriend who dumps him for a better life. Already, it's quite obvious that the Justice Society is going to be a parallel to the Justice League instead of their forefathers.

GRADE:

A