52 Pick Up

On August 31st DC Comics is going to launch one of the most bold, innovative, and monumental changes in the history of comic books. They are going to be starting every one of their ongoing titles again with #1. That's fifty-two brand new #1s for all their books from Action Comics to Wonder Woman. This will be coupled with some rebooting so that DC can alter some of its 80 years of continuity and have a fresher, more diverse look for the new millennium.

Nothing like this has ever been done before. Marvel in the 90's restarted a couple of comics in a "different universe" with Heroes Reborn, but that was only some of its poor-selling flagship titles (Thor, Fantastic Four). DC has done reboots of their continuity as well, major ones like Crisis on Infinite Earths and Zero Hour. But while these led to some comic series restarting it was far from 52 new titles.

Promo Art from Justice League #1 for the New 52

But I don't want to get into a symposium on the history of comic book reboots. I am here to advise you on the future of comics. And as far as DC's New 52 is concerned I have but two words for you: Pick one!

The Free Promo Book for the New 52

These stories will be starting fresh meaning you don't need to have an ultra nerd-level of knowledge to read these books. You'll be starting fresh along with everyone else. But that's just a perk. I think the real strength of this reboot is how awesome these books look like they're going to be!

DC has brought out their top talent as well as the hottest young guns in both writing and art. It is far harder to find a comic in this new lineup that isn't awesome, inventive, or exciting than it is to find one that looks bad (Teen Titans *cough cough*). But with 52 books it is a daunting prospect to find the ones that are right for you. So, with that in mind, I've picked out five books that I think look particularly good and would be particularly well-suited to readers old and new!

Action Comics

Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Rags Morales

Interior Art from Action Comics #1

Action Comics #1 was the premiere of Superman way back in 1938. And for almost 75 years it has been ongoing until a few weeks from now when #904 will mark the final issue. Action Comics volume 2 #1 comes out on September 7th. Restarting this title has been the most controversial decision of the reboot. I am not crazy about the idea of restarting this icon and breaking a tradition that has persisted since the first Superman fans gave DC Comics its real start. But despite this concern Action Comics #1 may be able to match the greatness of the first Action.

Grant Morrison is one of the visionaries of the medium. He's been revolutionizing comics since the 1980's as one of the progenitors of Vertigo with his Animal Man series and now he will be the standard-bearer on DC's flagship title. Many are familiar with Morrison's Arkham Asylum and All Star Superman. The latter is one of the best Superman stories ever (coincidentally the former is one of the best Batman stories ever) and the prospect of Morrison continuing to write Superman is tantalizing. He understands the character and embraces the concepts of Superman and all that he represents. Coupled with Rags Morales this book will have an element of humanity and compassion that is seldom seen in mainstream comics. Rags Morales' pencil work is emotive, delicate, and dynamic. Morales' drawings tend to be energetic, with the world and the characters in constant motion. He can capture both pathos and action with sublime skill. If there is a single key to understanding what the New 52 is all about this is it and I guarantee it will be both a pleasurable and rewarding read.

If you liked All Star Superman then Action Comics is a no-brainer.

Batwoman

Writing and Art by J. H. Williams III, Co-Writer W Haden Blackman

Interior Art from Batwoman Elegy

DC Comics has been stressing diversity, edginess, and creativity in regards to the New 52. Few comics will embody these ideals more than Batwoman. As a character Batwoman was created to allay fears of homosexuality between the dynamic duo in the 50's. But this is not the good-girl of the Eisenhower administration anymore. The new Batwoman who premiered in the brilliant 52 (a weekly comic from 2006) is a lipstick lesbian with military training and a penchant for ass-kicking. She is interesting, intense, and stylistic. She was such a hit as a supporting character that she got a year of stories in Detective Comics. With the aid of J H Williams' breath-taking art and layouts Batwoman became a fan-favorite. Now J H Williams' is devoting himself full-time to Batwoman doubling up on writing and art. Williams art is beautiful, engaging, and complex. Using different colors and inks to show the different gothic, technicolor worlds of civilians and superheroes and villains. Batwoman's brooding black-white-and-red colors spill over the pages and set the tone as well as tell the story. A veteran Star Wars comic writer, W Haden Blackman, will be helping Williams with the story and plotting so that the overworked Williams can keep up the monthly schedule. Based solely on Williams' previous work on Batwoman I would wager this will be one of the best books on the market whether it was part of the New 52 or not.

For those of you who enjoyed Promethea, Batwoman would be a great choice.

Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.

Written by Jeff Lemire, Art by Alberto Ponticelli

Frankenstein #1 Variant Cover

Jeff Lemire is one of the most talked about up-and-coming comic writers out there today. He made a splash with Essex County, a brooding, sardonic, and artistic work that exuded humor and heart. Then Lemire took Vertigo by storm with Sweet Tooth, a kind of Road Warrior/Bambi story (If you can't imagine what that is then pick it up - You'll see). Now Lemire is coming to the mainstream of DC and he's doing it with a character that is as off-beat and unique as the author himself: Frankenstein. DC's Frankenstein is a philosopher warrior with a penchant for ultra-violence, weapons that range from religious artifacts to James Bond gadgets, and an abiding hatred of evil. Frankenstein's weird, wild world is just waiting for Jeff Lemire. He is currently writing a Frankenstein miniseries in which the titular character kills Hitler in his Berlin bunker at the end of WWII. Now Frankenstein will be working alongside his four-armed "Bride" with the secret supernatural spy organization S.H.A.D.E. (Super Human Advanced Defense Executive). I've only seen italian artist Alberto Ponticelli's art on the Vertigo Unknown Soldier series but his gritty, violent covers always conveyed far more than the bright colors and bold line work initially let on. If there was one under-appreciated Vertigo series from the last few years it is Unknown Soldier and I can only hope that Frankenstein brings Ponticelli the credit he deserves.

If you like Hellboy or the BPRD then Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. is an ideal way to get into the New 52.

All-Star Western

Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, Art by Moritat and Jordi Bernet

Cover of All-Star Western #1

Scary Monsters and Super Creeps aren't the only ones riding through the New 52. The adventures of the cowboys of the wild west have been a long-standing part of the DC Universe and now the classic title All-Star Western is back for the first time since 1972. However, this comic is also a case of "Not broke, don't fix it". The team from the popular and ever-cool Jonah Hex series (which will be ending) are picking right up with All-Star Western and paragon DC cowboy Jonah Hex. Hex's adventures will take him to 19th-century Gotham where he will be teaming up with Dr. Amadeus Arkham (founder of Arkham Asylum) to track down Gotham's first serial killer. This story sounds so badass I can barely contain myself. Gray and Palmiotti have been making Jonah Hex the coolest cowboy in media (not just comics, but across all spectrums of cowboy stories) for 70 issues now and there is no indication that they're doing anything but amping it up for the new series. Jordi Bernet is another Jonah Hex veteran having drawn almost 20 issues to wide acclaim by fans and creators alike. Moritat is a new one on me but his name (an allusion to medieval murder ballads) is cool and I really liked what I saw of his art in a few issues of the Spirit. Also, Jonah Hex is only the beginning as All-Star Western will be telling stories from across the DC West from vengeance tales, to shoot-outs, to the weird west, and beyond.

For anyone who is a fan of westerns, I would urge you to give All-Star Western a read; It won't disappoint.

Wonder Woman

Written by Brian Azzarello, Art by Cliff Chiang

Interior Art from Wonder Woman #1

Brian Azzarello never fails to let his readers down with the brutal, clever, and pulpy tales of both heroes and criminals. The most talked about Batman story of the year has been his three-issue Flashpoint Batman mini-series and this is just the latest in a long list of hardboiled comics. He's done war comics (Sgt Rock), westerns (Loveless), and more than a few superhero comics including Batman, Superman, Luke Cage and more. Every one of these titles have been edgy and intense and now he's turning his unique eye to Wonder Woman. The story seems to be a Gods vs Mortals kind of story (Clash of the Titans-style) with Wonder Woman as the Perseus out to defend humanity from the whims of cruel celestials. Coupled with the art of Cliff Chiang this may be one of the most interesting Wonder Woman comics ever. Chiang was brilliant on the Beware the Creeper miniseries from '03 (despite a less-than-compelling story). He also recently showed the diversity of his character designs when he teamed with Azzarello on the Dr. Thirteen mini-series which featured such a colorful cast as Nazi gorillas, vampires, cavemen, and flying pirate ships. Wonder Woman will be facing off with Gods and monsters and I am sure it will rise to heights of violence and epic conflict to rival the siege of Troy.

Have you read 100 Bullets and can't get enough? Then give Wonder Woman a try.

And in addition to these there are 47 other great new titles that will come out between August 31st and September 28th. If these don't sound like your cup of tea then take my advice: Pick one! This is an exciting time in comics and it's your chance to get in on the ground floor and to get your hands on comics that I bet you'll end up loving. Some other titles that look awesome:

Aquaman - You know, now find out just how awesome he is. Geoff Johns (Blackest Night, Flashpoint) is writing the adventures of the Sea King - This could to be the first popular Aquaman comic ever!

Demon Knights - Etrigan the Demon stars in a sword and sorcery medieval adventure that takes place after the fall of Camelot. Featuring such DC characters as Shining Knight, Mordru, and Madame Xanadu this book looks like epic fantasy at its best.

The Fury of Firestorm - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch are the odd couple of the superhero world and only together can they become Firestorm the Nuclear Man! Written by Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Secret Six) and Ethan Van Sciver (Green Lantern Rebirth) this book looks awesome.

O.M.A.C. - The One Man Army Corps is being used as the pawn of Brother Eye against the world peace-keeping organization Checkmate. Dan Didio (DC Grand Poo-Bah) will be writing with the ever-talented Keith Giffen!

Static Shock - The young justice of the DCU is joined by the milestone Static Shock! Alas, poor creator Dwayne McDuffie because were it not for his untimely demise he would be writing this. Scott McDaniel is as good a replacement as I can imagine and I am psyched to have Static as part of the DCU.

Stormwatch - It's the Authority (basically) but with the added bonus of Martian Manhunter! Bad guys prepare to have your asses handed to you in the most vicious manner possible courtesy of Apollo, Midnighter, and the rest of the crew.

And that just scratches the surface of the New 52. There's something for everyone here, you just need to find it!

I kinda hate Atrocitus...

Atrocitus!Leader of the Five Inversions. New Guardian of the Red Lantern Corps. Rage Incarnate!

Atrocitus is the big, angry, nasty berserker of the ring-slinging team of New Guardians (the Rainbow-clad crew of aliens who've been on all the Green Lantern covers lately). He was one of the five survivors of Sector 666 - A particularly nasty hive of scum and villainy that the Guardians long ago wiped out. As Geoff Johns tells it, the unluckily named Space Sector is full of jerks and so the Guardians of the Universe send their spiffy new Space Police force: the Manhunter Robots. But, robots being robots, they just kill everyone there except for the Five Inversions. OooOoO. Creepy, right? So the Five Inversions form the Empire of Tears: a crazy three galaxy-spanning alliance of vile and reprehensible evil-ness. So the Guardians eventually defeat them all and leave the Inversions crucified of green pins (in a moment of Old Testament badassery) on Ysmault.But wait! Abin Sur (the Lantern who gave Hal Jordan his ring) goes to Ysmault after a crashed ship and he meets them. He is given prophesies that lead him to know fear and year later, this kills him! Wow - Atrocitus (or at least Atrocitus' crew) killed Abin Sur - The first Green Lantern we EVER SEE in Silver Age Green Lantern continuity; remember that we see the dying Abin Sur with the ring and uniform before Hal dons them. Not only that, but later when rookie Hal and Sinestro take Atrocitus back to Ysmault the Inversions give Sinestro a prophesy that Korugar will fall to Civil War and in-fighting. This leads to Sinestro becoming dictatorial and ultimately his downfall as well! So these guys have some clout.
Atrocitus then kills his fellow Inversions and uses their blood to create his Red Central Battery and the Red Rings. And he goes to Earth to help with the Blackest Night and teams up with the other Lanterns to try and kill Nekron and to stop Krona from collecting the emotional Entities.
Atrocitus as he is currently written is a wrath-filled alien who is just pissed off at the Guardians. It's a trope we've all seen before - But that doesn't make it a bad one. The Anti-Hero (or at least sympathetic antagonist) is common in comics. This Atrocitus has a mixture of Rorschach, Darth Vader, Superboy Prime, and Hyperion. He is angry, but hey, his whole world got wiped out. He's kinda justified in being peeved, right? And when Saint Walker looks at him he sees that Atrocitus wishes he could be married and back on Ysmault like he was in the good old days (in a moment that looks like every one of Martian Manhunter's "I wish it were so"-dreams but with red-skinned aliens). And when he was staying in New York with Dex-Starr (evil kitty Red Lantern of sector 2814) he pets the cat and the two of them feel a degree of comfort and remorse in a quiet moment as Atrocitus pets the little acid-blood-spitting killer fur ball."But Paul! All this sounds awesome!" I hear you cry.
"That's true," I sagely relply. "But Geoff isn't the first writer to deal with the Five Inversions. Alan Moore was."
The Five Inversion are from an Alan Moore story from Green Lantern Corps called "Tygers". And when Alan Moore wrote about the Five Inversions in their very first appearance their back story went like this: The Empire of Tears spanned three galaxies and were like evil demon sorcerers. "Deathless and malign essences whose cruelties had grown too sophisticated for mortal form" as Moore put it. So the Guardians went in and wiped 'em out. Then they entombed their disembodied minds on the graveyard world of Ysmault. And when Abin Sur went there it wasn't just the Five Inversions. There were lots of nasty, bizarre creatures that tried to tempt and corrupt him. It's just that Qull of the Five Inversions is the one he listens to (damning himself as a result). They were twisted, evil, disgusting beings of pure evil but the Five Inversions was just one group of many, many evil survivors on Ysmault. Oh, also, the Five Inversions were pictured. I guess Atrocitus is the two-mouthed face-thing on the ground...
Look at those guys! They are the most messed up freaks you've ever seen! And they are hardly the weirdest of Ysmault's residents from Tygers. Atrocitus looks pretty standard humanoid. Sure, his skin isn't exactly clear but he doesn't look like he's the metro-sexual kind of Lantern who would moisturize. Whereas in the original everything was surreal to the point that just being on Ysmault made Abin Sur fearful- And Abin Sur is a highly regarded Lantern. He was the Greatest Green Lantern before Sinestro and then Hal. I mean, a Ysmaulti Red Lantern should have been terrifying not only in manner but also in their twisted visage!The rest of the Red Lanterns all look like pretty conformist - Two arms, two legs, and a torso. Their heads are weird, but so what? That's the same thing as the Green Lantern Corps (the GLs have tons of non-human looking members). I think it would have been awesome if at least their leader was an inhuman, alien monstrosity: His form and features both frightening and foreign.
The change to his appearance aside, Atrocitus should be totally and unrepentently evil! The only reason he should be working with anyone (a concept I already have trouble believing) is to lead them to their dooms. The whole point of Tygers was that even when they appeared helpful they were just like a slow-working poison. Dealing with anything on Ysmault, the Inversions especially, it's like dealing with the Devil: You only THINK you're getting a good deal and in the end you'll wind up in Hell. Also - What the heck happened to the rest of the psychedelic cascade of maleficence that was Alan Moore's Ysmault? I often give Geoff Johns credit for taking disparate or even contradictory pieces of continuity and making them fit but this utter disregard for a piece of the Alan Moore Green Lantern canon is a gross oversight in my opinion. And a glaring red mark on his record.
I feel like he wanted to tie in some cool GL continuity and had this idea for making the Guardians seem less-than-infallible and so he gave it this "secret history" ret-con."Boo!" I say!
If he wanted to bring in the Five Inversions then he should have just given Qull (the leader of the Five Inversions in Moore's story) a Red Ring and had him be a mad, powerful, and malign manipulator who would work with the New Guardians but to further his own ends. It would add a sense of danger to working with the Red Lanterns that seems lacking in the current story. If these being of rage, so mad that they don't have hearts, can abide by a "truce" then how powerful is their rage?
Now, don't get me wrong. I am a HUGE fan of the current run of Green Lantern. It has been phenomenal both as a story and for the character's prestige. Blackest Night was awesome and now unfortunately overshadows the total Yellow Power Ring blast to the face that was the Sinestro Corp War. It's all great stuff. I just feel like Geoff Johns went too far trying to fit this all in. He wanted to get his story to fit in the puzzle of continuity and it seems like it's 95% right, but the last 5% is really badly contradictory and for no good reason.