When we last left this series, we were in the middle of the cover art scene. Superman was kicking the pants of the Bats. Remember, Superheroes don't know each other at this point, and they certainly aren't a team. They are feared by civilians and operating in the shadows of their own little superhero closets, trying to discover the origin of these crazy aliens and the mysterious little boxes they leave behind.
SPOILER ALERT: This issue introduces two new characters to the mix (OK, three if you count a
reference to a bad guy). GL calls in good old friend Barry West (yes, Flash for those of you not in the know) to come aid in the struggle against Supes. It becomes clear that superhumans are feared since Flash is being investigated by Central City PD. In another part of Metropolis, a team of scientists led by Dr. Stone are analyzing another of the "little boxes" trying to discover their purpose. In a simultaneous event, both boxes become inter-dimensional portals transporting alien armies with the battle-cry "For Darkseid!" causing, in one location, the horrific disfiguration of teenager Victor Stone (way to set up the Cyborg).
Johns' story line is pretty simplistic. Trying to reinvent/reintroduce the most well known team on the planet (OK, the DC Planet) can't be easy, so keeping the storyline simple helps aid that process, provides some character development and lets the noob reader find the character they like best. I understand this process, but for the tried and true devoted fan, it's a bit
sssssllllllooooooowwwww. Especially for $3.99. Really? You draw the line at $2.99 for everything but
this title and you make it so basal? You're lucky the story and artwork are so good, otherwise I might be offended.
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| Nice glutes, Supes |
The artwork by Jim Lee continues to impress. He captures the tension of the action as clearly as that in the muscles in the bodies he sculpts, and he can draw scenes effectively from so many different perspectives. While the S.T.A.R. Labs scene is so "Hallmark after-school special," it's still great to see the lab from above and the attack from below. As a reader, I don't think I ever question where I am, but I also get the feeling that I can be anywhere and everywhere.
He's also executed the costume design quite nicely. While the re-design has lost Superman's red undies and yellow trim, Lee certainly gives us multiple chances to see those "buns of steel." And who can resist those baby blues? Take note, Mahnke, this is how faces should be drawn. Maybe Lee can sit down with you for a lesson or two.
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Will he, won't he. Barry
can't resist Hal's call. |
I've always wondered about the Flash/Lantern relationship. I know that it's quite the bromance, but I can't help feeling there's some underlying homo-eroticism there. Or Hal is taking advantage of the man-crush Barry has on him. Or I'm wishful thinking. Regardless, in this issue, Barry has every excuse in the book NOT to help Hal, but comes running anyway. When he learns the fight is over, like a good mo, he starts cleaning up. Party's over! WTF is up with that?
In spite of it all, this is MY TEAM. While quite remedial, I feel like I'm living it from the beginning, almost as if I'm becoming part of the team as it slowly forms. Next month, the teaser promises we meet Wonder Woman, so I'm excited to get the testosterone-infused estrogen in the mix. See you in November.
Fatality - While she's not my favorite SS, Fatality really holds her own, especially in this new series. When fighting with lanterns of all other colors, she kicks the most ass. She completely exercises her crystallizing matrix power to neutralize other lanterns, both red and green in this issue. I love this strategy. In doing so, she dodges the attack of the Indigo Lantern. 
