Recently, I attended a book signing in Los Angeles hosted by none other than the name among names, the one and only Stan Lee. The living legend was there promoting one of his most recently completed works, Romeo and Juliet: The War, a futuristic adaptation of William Shakespeare‘s arguably most renowned play. Previously available primarily at conventions, this graphic novel was sold in a hard cover coffee table book styled special collector’s edition.

DC comics has revealed details for their second wave of comics to come out of the rebooted new 52, and a handful of titles promise the return of some fan favorite characters as well as the presentation of female characters in the fore-front. Namely in the former of Ravagers, featuring a new Terra and Beast Boy; and Worlds’ Finest, a title that used to be about Batman and Superman (it also used to be World’s Finest, a feat of punctuational distinction that excites your humble editor), is now housing the triumphant return of Powergirl and The Huntress to the DC Universe.

Christopher Holden continues a series reviewing the New 52 with…

ALL-STAR WESTERN

All-Star Western opens with Jonah Hex and Amadeus Arkham teaming up to solve the mystery of a slew of Jack-the-Ripper-like murders in 1880’s era Gotham City. As per usual, Jonah Hex is portrayed perfectly by Gray and Palmiotti. However, Hex seems somewhat out of place in Gotham, regardless of the time period. If he remains the main protagonist, I hope the stories return to the plains. Arkham’s internal commentary provides an interesting perspective on the situation, as well as a deeper examination of Hex’s motivations, but ultimately Arkham’s presence proves as annoying to the reader as he seems to Jonah. The story picks up at the end with revalation of the involvement of what appears to be the Skull and Bone society. If you’re a Jonah Hex fan, I would suggest skipping this opening story arc and waiting for a more traditionally western tale to be released.

Christopher Holden continues a series reviewing the New 52 with…

Editor’s Note: If you buy one New 52 comic this week, I hope it’s Wonder Woman #1. I hope it excites many of you when I say: If you like Sandman, or Hellblazer you will finish the issue in what feels like way too soon and be begging for more.

Unlike many of the other new 52 relaunches, there is no retelling of Diana’s origins. She simply IS Wonder Woman, and she is not one to be trifled with. Connections to the Greek gods are still an important aspect of the story, although given the looks of Hermes and Apollo, there may be more to the Greek Pantheon than meets the eye. Like any great Greek tale, the story begins in medias res, and although there is not a lot of focus on Diana, she is presented as a warrior who has been thrust into a new adventure of many. Wonder Woman has been reinvented several times over the last couple years, and I think this is the best interpretation we have seen since DC: The New Frontier.

With Barbara Gordon reclaiming the mantle of Batgirl in the rebooted DCU, it was uncertain whether the most recent Batgirl, Stephanie Brown, would remain part of continuity. However, just as Dick Grayson has once again reverted to the persona of Nightwing, it seems that Stephanie Brown has similarly been returned to being Spoiler. This is revealed in passing in the recent solicitations for Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes. It reads:

“Guest stars galore! Batman and Spoiler team to face the School of Night while Batman Incorporated travels to a sinister Cold War interrogation facility to face the mind-bending menace of Doctor Dedalus for the last time while the true identity of Leviathan is finally revealed, with shocking consequences for the Dark Knight.”

Reports came from Bleeding Cool yesterday that Brett Booth and Scott Lobdell will be introducing an outwardly gay character in their upcoming re-launch of Teen Titans, as a member of the team. Seen in solicitations under the moniker of the Wall, the character’s name has since been changed to Bunker. His powers are as yet unknown, but given his names and the cover of Teen Titans #3, it appears that they are defensive in nature, with the hero being able to create barriers and other constructs.

Christopher Holden continues a series reviewing the New 52 with…

BATMAN AND ROBIN

In this first issue of Batman and Robin, the main focus is the budding relationship between Bruce and Damian; both as a father and son, and as crime fighting partners. Expecting development primarily in Damian’s personality, I was surprised to find a great deal of growth in the character of Bruce Wayne. Coming into acceptance that he is now a father, Bruce is finally able to let go of the tragic death of his parents and begin to cherish the life they lived instead of focusing on how they died.

Christopher Holden kicks of a series reviewing the New 52 with…

ACTION COMICS

“Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.” This is the depiction of Superman generations grew up with during the Golden age of comics and through Max Fleischer cartoons. In Action Comics #1, Grant Morrison is making that Superman canon again.

Remember in Back to the Future Part II, when Marty McFly gets those awesome sneakers that, as if by magic, tie themselves and tighten; and then he remarks “Cool, power laces”? Well, soon we may all be able to get power laced shoes. That’s right, Nike is making Nike Air Mags, the exact same shoes and name from the movie.

At midnight releases around the country last Wednesday, DC fans (at least those who had not already pirated the issues) were able to purchase the last issue of Flashpoint, and the first issue of the DC reboot, Justice League #1. These two comics were the only ones released by DC this week, in an attempt to symbolize the end of one era, and the commencement of the next.