Warning: the following reviews contain some spoilers. If you want to know nothing about the comics until you read them, skip to the last paragraphs.
Last week, DC Comics defied naysayers with the release of Justice League #1, the first of 52 issues relaunching all of DC's titles. This week, more issues were released, such as Batgirl, Green Arrow, Static Shock and more. Here, I'll be reviewing the relaunched first issues of the comic lines that introduced Batman and Superman to the world, Detective Comics and Action Comics.
Detective Comics #1 picks up with the Joker hacking someone to death with a knife, only to escape when Batman arrives. Batman then rescues the man's niece, before a police team starts attacking him because they think he's a threat. Batman escapes, and after some searching finds the Joker again. After a brutal battle between the two, Joker is eventually arrested, and the ending sets up a new villain created specifically for the new series called The Dollmaker.
What caught my eye the most was the fantastic artwork for the issue. From the graphic depictions of Joker's insanity to Batman's ass-kicking, the art is just excellent. Tony Daniels has apparently had a pretty bad reputation for his previous work on Batman, but in this issue he delivers a compelling story that barely disappoints.
The characters are quite believable too. The way Batman was depicted was exactly how I imagine him when reading a Batman comic book, delivering the emotion and actions necessary for the character. The same can be said for The Joker. In fact, I'd love to see a film version for
Detective Comics #1's take on Joker in the future. The other characters (such as Gordon and Alfred) were handled very well too.
As for flaws, all I can say is that the ending (which sets up Dollmaker) is WAY too much of a cliffhanger. I know I said that I would drop spoilers in this review, but this is something that I DON'T want to spoil for anyone. Otherwise, I can't really think of anything that kept the issue from being enjoyable.
In the end,
Detective Comics #1 is a great way to kick off the relaunch of the comic line that introduced Batman & Co. to the comic world, and I can't wait to read the next issue.
With a compelling story, believable characters and brutal artwork, Detective Comics #1 is another excellent read from DC Comics.
Another relaunched title,
Action Comics, also began its run this week. Depicting a younger Superman/Clark Kent, it features the Man of Steel fighting off the military (who suspect that he's a threat) while saving others. The issue abruptly ends with Supes attempting to save a runaway train before he's stuck between the train and a brick wall, ending the issue on a cliffhanger.
While the artwork for
Detective Comics #1 and
Justice League #1 were seriously perfect,
Action Comics #1 doesn't seem top notch. It works fine with the story, but seems like a drop compared with the two aforementioned titles. The storyline itself is good, and I liked how Superman was depicted as more of a badass than usual.
Another flaw with this issue is that the role of Lois Lane. We all knew that the marriage between Clark and Lois was gonna end with the relaunch, but it's odd reading a Superman comic book that doesn't even have them interested in each other. Also, while the Superman side was done well, Clark Kent was hit-and-miss in his depiction. I kept thinking of Peter Parker when Kent's scenes would pop up (which I don't want to happen when reading Superman).
I've also had beef with Superman's costume ever since the cover for
Action Comics #1 was released. I know it's Superman's first costume and all, but it just looks hideous. With plain and a T-shirt, they could've gone for something that looked at least a little better than that.
So what did I like about
Action Comics #1? As I said before, I enjoyed how Superman was depicted as a true badass. While it may be a bit out of character, I'd say it's for the better. Also, the story itself is very good, and the cliffhanger ending definitely wants me to read the next issue later this month.
In the end,
Action Comics #1 isn't all that it could be, but is still entertaining. While I'm certainly reading the next issue, I can't help but feel a little disappointed when reading this first issue.
While containing average artwork, radical changes to some characters, and a hint of unoriginality, Action Comics #1 still offers a strong storyline that makes it a decent read.