Thoughts on the New 52

I know a lot of the new 52 from DC has been met with resistance and disappointment. I agree, to a degree, that it wasn't a neccessary move by DC but it did something for me that Marvel achieved. When Marvel released their 'Ultimate' line I was actually excited. I love the vintage characters but ti gave them a chance to approach each from a different angle. To me, most are an institution. The original will never be replaced in the hearts of comic book readers. But these changes mean that character features that have been present for the last 50-70 years can be tweaked to be relevant in the modern age of the comic book reader.

There are some of us who have been reading for many years and have grown up with these characters but there if also a generation of new readers that are influenced from the cinematic side of Marvel and DC. It is never a change for change sake. Most will will be crying "...it's just like a bank or mobile phone company. They look after their new customers and care little for their existing customers". I agree but also am aware that this is a neccessity in any business...and that is what it is, good business.

I have always read, and loved, both Marvel and DC. The only difference now is that my DC reading outweighs my Marvel pull list. That is because of the new 52. So it's not just new readers who can be converted to spending more. It's also people, like me, who felt a little disillusioned with where DC was heading a year ago. A lacklustre run after Blackest Night.

Here are those that fill my bags, boards and boxes currently. What has already been omitted. And those that are in danger of being forgotten:

Batman Titles:

Detective Comics/Batman/The Dark Knight:

I initially didn't pick this up. It was only the fact that 'Batman' was so slow that I decided to jump ship so quickly. The artwork for 'Batman' was way too simplistic for my liking and seemed to start on a very flat note. All the complete opposite of 'Detective Comics' in my opinion. It's great to see Batman back to being a detective in this run. We get an insight in to what he is thinking as he's pursuing whichever villain is trying to foil him. It actually takes time to depict the detective in him whilst also have plenty of action. 'The Dark Knight' started at a far better pace than 'Batman' which is why it was also a tidy replacement for the flagship title. Maybe I'll come to regret this decision but I wasn't willing to wait 10 issues for something to attract me to a title.

'Batman' (dropped), 'The Dark Knight' (in), 'Detective Comics' (in)

Superman Titles:

Superman/Action Comics:

I found 'Superman' to have the same problems as 'Batman'. It was very slow. The artwork was incredible and #2 looked like it was going somewhere. But it sadly didn't grab me in its first outing. Action Comics on the other hand had a refreshing take on the man of steel. Ok, so I can agree that the costume is extrememly lame but I'm willing to hang around for him to go through that change. The artwork wasn't as eye-popping as 'Superman' but the story of an alien appearing from nowhere and having to win over a city that's against him, despite his heroics, is more captivating. 'Superman' has the lonely Superman wondering what his purpose is. 'Action Comics' is more about a Superman who is heroic despite peoples resistance to accepting him. I feel I've made the right choice between the two.

'Superman' (dropped), 'Action Comics' (in)
Green Lantern Titles:

Green Lantern/Green Lantern Corps/Red Lantern Corps/New Guardians:

I will start by saying I am a HUGE Green Lantern fan. I have EVERYTHING from 'Rebirth' onwards. I've been such a fan of what the guys at DC have done with this character. It's never about a generic 'save the girl' storyline. It has expanded into an entire universe that has always, to me, been exciting. 'Green Lantern Corps' was a bit saggy and 'Emerald Warriers' was a bit of a skidmark. Both have been rectified in the new 52.

'Green Lantern' has been one of the major disappointments. It was great that the reset button wasn't pressed for this title but it was in such an awkward position prior to the 'relaunch' it has fallen flat. I'm still collecting due to a ridiculous commitment I have to the book. The only saving grace for me has been the exciting and reinvigorated 'Green Lantern Corps'. I was always a Hal Jordan fan but Gardner and Stewart, along with many interesting Corps members, are making this my most anticipated comic of these titles. Even the intriguing 'New Guardians' has been slow to inspire, yet the concept was more exciting than all of the others put together following the 'relaunch'. Again, it's my loyalty to Green Lantern that's kept this on my monthly list. I'm sure as more issues roll out I'll find that enjoyment again...it has 10 issues to do so. The same goes for 'Red Lantern Corps'. I was suprised that they chose to expand on this side of things. But it does offer a darker insight into the corps (all of the spectrum) in general. With the Krona factor still in play and some deathly dealings on earth brewing I think it can be saved after a 3 issue introduction.

'Green Lantern' (in (just)), 'Green Lantern Corps' (in), 'Red Lantern Corps' (in), New Guardians (in)

Aquaman:

A title that threatened to be a joke. And the first issue took the opportunity to not take itself too seriously. With crisp pencilwork and some killer wit it has been my biggest suprise pick-up. I think an issue dispelling some of the laughable myths (powers0 surrounding Aquaman actually engaged me more and drew me more to the likeable side of Curry. The following issues have also shown that he isn't just going to swim around saving Dolphins from nets. It's actually diplayed some of the same charcteristics that made 'Detective Comics', in my opinion, more of a read than just pretty pictures.

'Aquaman' (in)

Flash:

I actually thought this would be a winner. After his exploits in the brilliant 'Flashpoint' I was expecting more. I picked up the first two issues but couldn't quite get in to it. Maybe I have less love for the character as a whole but it just felt like it was more action and no substance. I was hoping for more of a CSI title. Maybe that will change further down the line but it, like most of the titles, had to have a great first issue to keep me spending my money. It, sadly, didn't.

'Flash' (omitted)

Justice League:

This was one of the ones I was looking forward to most after 'New Guardians'. It hasn't disappointed. It displays the dynamic between these characters that shows they shouldn't eb together. It's, most probably, the angle we'll see in the up and coming Avengers movie. Ego against ego. Each thinking they are top dog when in truth they need each other to accomplish overcoming a serious threat. We have Hal Jordan in his infancy (?) as a Green Lantern. His cocky demeanour overpowering his ability to work in this team. Batman and Superman both showing the cool head that shows why they will eventually lead this group of exceptional individuals. From Wonder Woman's strong heroic personality to everybody's question mark over Aquaman's credibilty it will really show all those new to the title what it took to get these people together. I'm also happy with the addition of Cyborg and the journey he will take to come form confused college student to having a place among these big characters. I count down to every issue.

Justice League (in)


I'm a big 'Ultimates' fan so have been happy to see a refreshing take on these characters. So I have to admit, I haven't picked up every title. I would be glad of any input regarding what's good and what's not. My apologies for not naming every writer and artist but i felt it best to keep it as short as possible...even though I seem to have let my typing finger get the better of me. Apologies for any typos also.

Your comments are welcome as always!

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