THOUGHTS ON DC REBOOT PART 3 (of 3): Every Damn Series Starting in September!!!

This may be the most over-analyzed move by a comic book company...

EVER!

So, I may as well contribute my thoughts as well.

PART 1 of this blog series contained a legal research article I wrote back in 2000 when the Siegel Estate's lawsuit against DC Comics to recover partial ownership of the Superman copyright was just beginning. Ultimately, the issue at hand at that time was whether the Siegel Estate had successfully terminated Jerry Siegel's earlier "transfer of copyright" to DC Comics and my conclusion, based on the facts available and the law at that time was, yes, they had successfully done so.

PART 2 discussed some key developments up through the 2009 Summary Judgment in the Siegel Estate's favor and my thoughts on how that decision has driven nearly every corporate and creative decision as it relates to the Superman copyright and trademark (and the DC Universe of characters by extension).

PART 3 will move on from the legal and corporate shenanigans and focus on a fan's perspective and thoughts concerning the announced reboot of the entire DC Universe line of comics and flooding the market with 52 first issues of new ongoing series.

My initial thoughts are more concerned with what was NOT included in this initial offering more than what IS included.  I find it quite odd that there is not a JUSTICE SOCIETY or SHAZAM! series on the September launching pad but garbage like GRIFTER and HAWK & DOVE made the cut.  It makes me seriously wonder just what is really going on in the editorial offices.  We can figure out the seed-reason for the changes.  That boils down to a corporate decision to shore up the Superman ownership issue and let Dan Didio make his mark and legacy.  And I will give Dan a couple of props.  First of all, he is a brilliant carnival barker (second to Stan Lee) in that I have never in my life seen someone shmooze and work the cons and the fans the way Dan does.  He is always fun, funny, and charming.  I've never seen him with anything other than a smile on his face and a willing handshake.  He also gets props for actually following through on this idea that he's had in his head for years.  I may not agree with it and I may not like how the details all fall out, but he doggone did it and that's a substantive achievement. 

On the downside, I think his decision is driven by ego more than anything truly creative.  And that, in the long run, will be the undoing on this whole REBOOT nonsense.  We've seen some of his "relaunches" already, such as the horrible Bruce Jones written WARLORD and DEADMAN redos as well as the obscenely awful BATMAN: ODYSSEY by Neal Adams that was supposed to give us a peak at the early years of Batman.  But instead all we got was monumental suck.  These were under Dan's regime and stunk up the comic stands.

I would love to have seen a METAL MEN, METAMORPHO, and KAMANDI series in the bunch rather than kindling like GRIFTER, STORMWATCH, 2 LEGION series, 4 JL series, etc.  Spreading out all these new series out over a few months would have been preferred and, absolutely, NO character or team should be starting over in a reboot with multiple titles all at once.  Build up interest and enthusiasm and desire to see more of the characters first and then follow up with the new series later.  By dumping all of this all at once, the "reboot" winds up coming with it's very own continuity weight from the get-go.

The biggest problem I am seeing in this crazy venture is that they aren't really "rebooting" (other than Superman) and are just rearranging the same incredients, wrapping them in different flavored tortillas, and declaring that it's a "brand-new" menu when it's really just the same old Taco Bell.  When the first appearance of these characters brings with it a world in which there are still 4 human Green Lanterns and 4 current or former Robins running around, then really, what ultimately was the point of this other than one more false sense of change for short-term profit and long-term suck?  They could've done all this kind of house-cleaning just like they did the "One-Year Later" gimmick a few years ago and just kicked off the "New" DC and these new titles and status quo changes without the fiction of a "reboot."  It's not really a "reboot".  It's not starting from scratch and going forward.  Some characters are starting fresh but it really looks like most of them will still be retaining at least the broad points, if not the specifics, of the past continuity.

Which makes the DC Reboot nothing more than one more sales gimmick in a line of sales gimmicks.  And that wears me down as a reader.  It's why I barely buy any comics from DC and Marvel at this point anyway.

But I want to reinforce one thing that I think is getting buried in my cynicism.  I see a spirit of excitement and creativity coming from the creative artists and writers working on this relaunch.  That is infectious and makes me interested in a lot of it, even if I don't break down and buy the new series.

If it took something this bold to re-inspire the creative talent and/or empower the editorial staff to let the creative talent break boundaries and do something truly new and fresh, then I applaud the decision.

However, I think that philosophy could've taken creative root without the need for the bread and circuses stunt I've been watching unfold over the past couple of weeks and on into September.  I'm sure there will be huge bursts of interest initially, but the telling point will be one-year after the event and looking at the numbers to see where they stabilized at or sank.

So, here I go diving into the first 52 of the "new" DC Universe with the official solicitation info and then my reactions:

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
On sale AUGUST 31
Comics superstars Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make history! In a universe where super heroes are strange and new, Batman has discovered a dark evil that requires him to unite the World Greatest Heroes! This spectacular debut issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of the issue.


I don't care about the digital.  But I do care about Johns and Lee on the America-less Justice League.  I will very likely love this one based on the talent involved.  So, yeah.  I will be checking this one out to see how the "new" Justice League fits into the rejiggered DCU.


JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by AARON LOPRESTI and MATT RYAN
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
With the growing presence of super beings around the world, the United Nations resolves to create a new group called Justice League International. Batman, Booster Gold, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, August General in Iron, Fire, Ice, Vixen and Rocket Red are charged with promoting unity and trust – but can they reach that goal without killing each other first?

I don't give a flip about the JLI.  I like Dan Jurgens, but I don't have any reason to be interested in this line-up at all.  Especially considering the fact that this is the new continuity, I don't have any interest in these second-stringers and worse-stringers...and no....throwing Batman on the cover doesn't make me want it.

AQUAMAN #1
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
The superstar creators from BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY reunite to take AQUAMAN to amazing new depths! Aquaman has renounced the throne of Atlantis – but the sea will not release Arthur Curry so easily. Now, from a forgotten corner of the ocean emerges… The Trench! A broken race of creatures that should not exist, an unspeakable need driving them, The Trench will be the most talked-about new characters in the DC Universe!

Yeah.  Aquaman matters.  The only story I cared about during the BRIGHTEST DAY series was the Aquaman one by Johns and Reis.  Reis is the finest artist working at DC right now.  I'll definitely be checking this out.  Plus I like the new Aqualad too.  My curiosity is piqued as to the new status quo of Aquaman in the rebootiverse.
WONDER WOMAN #1
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art by CLIFF CHIANG
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
The Gods walk among us. To them, our lives are playthings. Only one woman would dare to protect humanity from the wrath of such strange and powerful forces. But is she one of us – or one of them?

This one is one for the trades.  Chiang is one of my favorite artist.



THE FLASH #1
Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art by FRANCIS MANAPUL.
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can’t be everywhere at once, but what happens when he faces an all-new villain who really can! As if that’s not bad enough, this villain is a close friend!

DC is being real sneaky with this one.  We know that Bart Allen is Kid Flash in the new TEEN TITANS series, but they're choosing their words very carefully in this solicitation so that we can't tell whether it is Barry or Wally who runs as The Flash after FLASHPOINT and on into the rebootiverse.  Which makes me suspect that Barry will once again sacrifice himself at the end of FLASHPOINT (like he did in the original CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS) and Wally will be the only "Flash" in the rebootiverse.


CAPTAIN ATOM #1
Written by J.T. KRUL
Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
Charged by nuclear energy, possessing vast molecular powers, Captain Atom has the potential to be a literal god among men – a hero without limits. But the question is: Will he lose himself in the process? Don’t miss the start of a legend from writer J.T. Krul (GREEN ARROW, TEEN TITANS) and artist Freddie Williams II (JSA ALL-STARS)!

J.T. Krul is the "Ron Zimmerman" of DC Comics.  Possibly the worst writers I've ever read on high-profile titles.  Until he came along, I would've said Judd Winick, but the truth is Winick can actually write.  I just usually don't care for what he writes -- kind of like how I am with Garth Ennis.  I cannot complete a Krul comic.  Add that to a title featuring a character nobody was clamoring to read about and you've got a recipe for "No."  Had they relaunched BREACH instead, I would've been there for that!

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #1
Written by ETHAN VAN SCIVER and GAIL SIMONE
Art by YILDIRAY CINAR
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond. These two high school students are worlds apart – and now they’re drawn into a conspiracy of super-science that bonds them forever in a way they can’t explain or control. The dark secrets of the murderous Dog Team and its Firestorm Protocol force them to put aside their differences to confront a threat so terrifying that it may lead to a new Cold War! Welcome to a major new vision of nuclear terror from writers Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone with astonishing art by Yildiray Cinar!

I'm a fan of Firestorm in his original form with Ronnie and Prof. Stein.  I'm not a fan of Jason Rusch and I'm not a fan of the redesign.  I like Gail Simone as a writer and I like Yildiray Cinar as an artist, but I can't bring myself to muster any interest in this.  No diss to the creative types working on the book but the combo of talent and characters isn't doing it for me.  Maybe if everyone starts carrying on about how it's the greatest thing since Mello-Yello I'll check out the trade, but for now.  No.

GREEN ARROW #1
Written by J.T. KRUL
Art by DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
Green Arrow is on the hunt. Driven by inner demons, Ollie Queen travels the world and brings outlaws to justice…by breaking every law. Now, armed with cutting-edge weaponry and illegally gained intel (courtesy of his team at QCore), Green Arrow is shooting first and asking questions later.

I'm sure the art will be nice.  Jurgens is king of the "old-school" super-hero art right now, but this is J.T. Krul and the description for the series sounds just as awful as every other awful piece of garbage he craps out.

 
THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1
Written by TONY S. DANIEL
Art by PHILIP TAN
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
Carter Hall’s skill at deciphering lost languages has led him to a job with an archaeologist who specializes in alien ruins – but will the doctor’s latest discovery spread an alien plague through New York City? No matter the personal cost, Carter Hall must don his wings and become the new, savage Hawkman to survive! Witness the start of a new action series from writer Tony S. Daniel and artist Philip Tan that will take Hawkman where no hero has flown before!

Not interested.  The cover is kinda cool, but covers are not comics.  I'm not sold on Tony Daniel as a writer yet and Tan hasn't blown me away with the art.  I'm curious about the status quo on HAWKMAN, but I'm not curious enough to buy this.  Good thing we have Wikipedia so I can keep up.


MISTER TERRIFIC #1
Written by ERIC WALLACE
Art by ROGER ROBINSON
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
The world’s third-smartest man – and one of its most eligible bachelors – uses his brains and fists against science gone mad in this new series from Eric Wallace (TITANS) and Roger Robinson! Michael Holt is the head of a successful high-tech corporation and an institute that recruits and encourages the finest minds of the next generation to excel. As Mister Terrific he inhabits a world of amazement few others know exists, let alone can comprehend.

Seriously?  Mr. Terrific?  In his own series?  How the hell do we know who the "third-smartest man" is anyway?  That's kind of ridiculous on its face.  Just go ahead and say he's the world's "smartest man."  Much cooler than being the bronze medalist of smarts.  Very stupid says I.  On top of that, I hate hate hate making his "Fair Play" mantra into tattoos.  Again...stupid says I.  Add into this mix a writer and an artist I've never heard of and nothing says "Buy Me".  So I will sit this one out.

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1
Written by PAUL JENKINS
Art by BERNARD CHANG
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
It’s the start of a new series spotlighting some of the DC Universes’s most exciting super heroes! First up is Deadman, straight from the pages of BRIGHTEST DAY, in a five-issue epic where the body-hopping hero meets his match in a new foe who wants to make sure the souls that Deadman helps out go straight to Hell!

I remember the name of Bernard Chang from THE SECOND LIFE OF DOCTOR MIRAGE and that's about it -- and that was like 20 years ago.  Paul Jenkins I know from his excellent INHUMANS series awhile back.  I like Deadman.  But I'm not interested in this.  Not sure why it's DCU PRESENTS unless their plan is to have rotating features after Deadman finishes his story arc.  I don't really think anthologies really sell in 2011/2012.

ACTION COMICS #1
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by RAGS MORALES and RICK BRYANT
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
The one and only Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) returns to Superman, joined by sensational artist Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), to bring you tales of The Man of Steel unlike any you’ve ever read! This extra-sized debut issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe!

This is the one I'm most interested in.  ALL-STAR SUPERMAN demonstrated that Grant Morrison understands the mythology of Superman better than anyone else working in comics.  So, when tasked with reimagining Superman for the new Millennium, I have to be there to see what he came up with.  The only thing we know at this point is that the "New" DCU will feature a Superman that is the first of all of them.  Which makes me think that Morrison is going to go 1 of 2 ways with it.  (1) Superman appears first on the scene in 1938 but is basically immortal and doesn't age, or ages very slowly, and the familiar aspects of Superman will be time-placed within the early-to-mid-20th century and that as world moves on around him his Clark Kent identity will be pushed aside (or relegated to pretending to be his own son and grandson); or (2) Morrison's ALL-STAR SUPERMAN becomes the template for the classic Superman who sacrificed himself at the end.  ALL-STAR concluded with the teaser that a "Superman 2" was prepared to burst on the scene to continue the heroic legacy of the original Superman.  Effectively, the current Superman becomes the "Superman 2" hinted at in ALL-STAR SUPERMAN and the spirit and history of the first Superman is the yoke upon his shoulders. 

This allows Morrison to explore the whole of Superman's career (from '38 through to today)and the mythology in ACTION COMICS while Perez and Merino explore the present-day incarnation in SUPERMAN.



SUPERMAN #1
Written by GEORGE PEREZ
Breakdowns by GEORGE PEREZ
Art by JESUS MERINO
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
The new adventures of Superman begin here! What is The Man of Steel’s startling new status quo? How does it affect Lois Lane and The Daily Planet? There’s no time for answers now, because Superman must stop a monstrous threat to Metropolis – one that he somehow is the cause of!

I really kind of hate the seamed, armored-style costume for Superman.  When even George Perez can't make the suit look good, then it's a bad design.  But I'm going to be there to see what the "New" rebootiverse Superman is like from a plot and story standpoint.  But in terms of the new "look", that's a big thumbs down.  I actually would've liked to see them go even bolder in the redesign.

SUPERBOY #1
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by RB SILVA and ROB LEAN
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
They thought he was just an experiment – and a failed one at that! Grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA, the Clone was no more than a set of data to the scientists of Project N.O.W.H.E.R.E. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon! Now the question is: Can a clone develop a conscience?

I don't know what the hell's happening here.  Worst cover of all of them and not only makes me uninterested, it makes me actively dislike the comic without having looked at it.  The thing is that the original SUPERBOY series by Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett was as fun as a comic can get.  It had its own attitude and is one of my favorites.  The more recent version of Superboy that is more brooding and angsty holds no interest for me.  This looks like more of the same and the art and design are awful.  It's a bummer because I do generally like Scott Lobdell as a writer.  But I have no interest in this.

SUPERGIRL #1
Written by MICHAEL GREEN and MIKE JOHNSON
Art and cover by MAHMUD ASRAR
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
Meet Supergirl. She’s got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman – and none of his affection for the people of Earth. So don’t piss her off!

I don't know the writers.  I don't know the artist, but the cover and the costume redesign are gorgeous.  But that's not enough to get me to buy this based on the solicitation info.  I don't want a Supergirl with no "affection for the people of Earth."  Buh-bye.


BATMAN #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
Be here for the start of a new era for The Dark Knight from writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE, BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM) and artist Greg Capullo (Spawn)! A series of brutal killings hints at an ancient conspiracy, and Batman learns that Gotham City is deadlier than he knew.

Looks good.  Snyder was terring it up on DETECTIVE before the reboot.  I will check this out.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1
Written by TONY S. DANIEL
Art by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
DC’s flagship title is relaunched for the first time ever, with new Batman adventures from acclaimed writer/ artist Tony S. Daniel! A killer called The Gotham Ripper is on the loose on Batman’s home turf – leading The Dark Knight on a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Again, not feeling Tony Daniel as a writer, but I do like his art.  I might give the #1 a try.  But if it doesn't hook me fast, I will drop it faster than I dropped J.T. Krul's TITANS.


BATWING #1
Written by JUDD WINICK
Art and cover by BEN OLIVER
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
Africa, a land of beauty – and of great horror. A land of creation and conflict. It is in desperate need of a defender, and from the ranks of Batman Incorporated comes a soldier to carry on the legacy of The Dark Knight in the most tumultuous region on Earth. Meet Batwing, the Batman of Africa!

This deserves a series?  Shouldn't he just be one of a rotating series of international "Bat-men" that are featured in the upcoming BATMAN INC. series?  Besides, it's written by Judd Winick.  Which means it's going to be pretty bad.  Other than the BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD DVD, I can't think of any Winick writing I didn't hate.  Sorry, African Batman.


BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1
Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
The Dark Knight struggles against a deadly – yet strangely familiar – foe in this phenomenal debut issue from superstar writer/artist David Finch (BRIGHTEST DAY, ACTION COMICS)! As a mysterious figure slinks through the halls of Arkham Asylum, Batman must fight his way through a gauntlet of psychos, and Bruce Wayne faces the unexpected legal ramifications of Batman Incorporated!

Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me!  No fuh-RIGGIN' way!

BATMAN AND ROBIN #1
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
Battling evil with his son, Damian, at his side, Batman now realizes that the hardest part of the job may be trying to work together! As Batman and Robin try to adjust to their new partnership, a figure emerges from Bruce Wayne’s past: His name is NoBody, and he’s not happy that Batman Incorporated is shining a light on his own shadowy war against evil…

I don't understand why this needs to be it's own book.  I love Damian Wayne.  But only under Morrison's writer hand.  I'll skip this one.

 
BATGIRL #1
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE CIFUENTES
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
Yes, it’s really happening! Barbara Gordon is back as Batgirl – and she’s going to have to face the city’s most horrifying new villains as well as the dark secrets from her past. You won’t want to miss this stunning debut issue from fan-favorite BIRDS OF PREY writer Gail Simone!

It's Gail Simone and Barbara Gordon.  Of course I will be checking it out.  Don't know the artists tho.

BATWOMAN #1
Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art by J.H. WILLIAMS III
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
At last! Batwoman’s new series begins, from the multiple award-winning creative team of J.H. Williams III and Haden Blackman! In “Hydrology,” part 1 of 5, Batwoman faces deadly new challenges in her war against Gotham City’s underworld – and new trials in her life as Kate Kane. Who or what is stealing children from the barrio, and for what vile purpose? Will Kate train her cousin, Bette Kane (a.k.a. Flamebird), as her new sidekick? How will she handle unsettling revelations about her father, Colonel Jacob Kane?

I checked out the BATWOMAN mini-series from the library and was pleasantly surprised by it.  I'm looking forward to trying this one out.  Hopefully, J.H. Williams can keep up with the deadlines.  Maybe DC should've made it bi-monthly.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.

NIGHTWING #1
Written by KYLE HIGGINS
Art by EDDY BARROWS and JP MAYER
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
Dick Grayson flies high once more as Nightwing in a new series from hot new writer Kyle Higgins (BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM)! And as he embraces his destiny, Haley’s Circus, the big top where Dick once performed, returns to Gotham City – bringing with it murder, mystery and superhuman evil. Nightwing must confront his past, among former friends and enemies from his circus days, while uncovering a much greater evil!

I love the redesign on Nightwing's costume.  Never heard of the writer.  But Eddy Barrows is pretty good.  Problem is?  I found I really preferred Dick Grayson as Batman over Nightwing in the DCU Classic.  So, not really interested. 

CATWOMAN #1
Written by JUDD WINICK
Art by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale SEPTEMBER 2
Meet Catwoman. She’s addicted to the night. Addicted to shiny objects. Addicted to Batman. Most of all, Catwoman is addicted to danger. She can’t help herself, and the truth is – she doesn’t want to. She’s good at being bad, and very bad at being good. Find out more about what makes Catwoman tick in this new series from writer Judd Winick (BATMAN: UNDER THE HOOD) and artist Guillem March (GOTHAM CITY SIRENS)!

Winick.  Nuff said.  I'll be skipping this.

BIRDS OF PREY #1
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by JESUS SAIZ
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
One is wanted for a murder she didn’t commit. The other is on the run because she knows too much. They are Dinah Laurel Lance and Ev Crawford – a.k.a. Black Canary and Starling – and together, as Gotham City’s covert ops team, they’re taking down the villains other heroes can’t touch. But now they’ve attracted the attention of a grizzled newspaper reporter who wants to expose them, as well as a creepy, chameleon-like strike team that’s out to kill them. Don’t miss the start of this hard-hitting new series from mystery novelist/comics writer Duane Swierczynski (Expiration Date, Cable).

Who the hell is Duane Swierczynski and why isn't he Gail Simone?  No way!

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #1
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by KENNETH ROCAFORT
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
No sooner has Batman’s former sidekick, Jason Todd, put his past as the Red Hood behind him than he finds himself cornered by a pair of modern day outlaws: Green Arrow’s rejected sidekick Arsenal, the damaged soldier of fortune, and the alien Starfire, a former prisoner of intergalactic war who won’t be chained again. As a loner, Jason has absolutely no interest in this motley crew of outlaws. So what’s he going to do when they choose the Red Hood as their leader? Find out in this hot new series from writer Scott Lobdell (WILDC.A.T.S, Uncanny X-Men), featuring art by rising star Kenneth Rocafort (ACTION COMICS)!

Ick.  Dumping the absolutely BRILLIANT villainous version of the Red Hood from his more than brilliant BATMAN & ROBIN run to return the Winick version?  Ick.  I hate Jason Todd.  Morrison made him the perfect nemesis for Dick Grayson as Batman.  I have no interest at all in this and predict it lasts a year or less.

GREEN LANTERN #1
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
The red-hot GREEN LANTERN team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Doug Mahnke introduce an unexpected new Lantern.

Same ol' same ol'.  They actually burned out this huge GL fan over the last 2 years.  I used WAR OF THE GLs as an opportunity to stop buying GL.  So, since they're continuing more of the same....I'll sit on the sidelines.  Sorry Geoff.

 
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
When deadly conflicts emerge across the universe, it’s up to Guy Gardner, John Stewart and an elite Green Lantern strike force to keep the peace – or else.

Same ol' same ol'.  Wasn't buying it before and won't be buying it now.


 GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #1
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
Kyle Rayner has assembled the most powerful team in all the universe, selected from the full spectrum of corps. But can he even keep this volatile group together?

Not even a glimmer of interest.  This is what is known as overusing characters that should appear infrequently.



 RED LANTERNS #1
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by ED BENES and ROB HUNTER
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps return in their own series, battling against injustice in the most bloody ways imaginable!

I can't imagine why anyone would want to read this and get month after month of blood spewing out of everyone's mouth.  The only redeeming thought is that Peter Milligan can get kinda weird.  But I'm not buying this and I can't imagine who would.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by MIKEL JANIN
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
The witch known as The Enchantress has gone mad, unleashing forces that not even the combined powers of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg can stop. And if those heroes can’t handle the job, who will stand against this mystical madness? Shade the Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna and John Constantine may be our only hope – but how can we put our trust in beings whose very presence makes ordinary people break out in a cold sweat?

Not interested.  Zatanna without fishnet stockings and a top hat?  Not interested.  John Constantine on a super-hero team?  Not interested.  SECRET SEVEN #1 was horribly written.  Maybe Milligan has lost it.  I won't know because I won't be here.


SWAMP THING #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by YANICK PAQUETTE
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
One of the world’s most iconic characters has returned to the heart of the DC Universe, and every step he takes will shake the foundations of the Earth! Alec Holland has his life back…but the Green has plans for it. A monstrous evil is rising in the desert, and it’ll take a monster of another kind to defend life as we know it!

Seems like an odd mix with Snyder and Swamp Thing.  I may pick up the first issue to check out.


ANIMAL MAN #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by TRAVEL FOREMAN and DAN GREEN
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
Buddy Baker has gone from “super” man to family man – but is he strong enough to hold his family together when Maxine, his young daughter, starts to manifest her own dangerous powers? Find out in this dramatic new series from writer Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and artist Travel Foreman (The Immortal Iron Fist).

Not interested.  ANIMAL MAN was great back in the day, but not every concept needs to be revisited with an ongoing series.  Plus the cover is atrociously unatttractive.

FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
It’s Frankenstein as you’ve never seen him before, in a dark new series from acclaimed writer Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and artist Alberto Ponticelli (UNKNOWN SOLDIER)! Frankenstein is part of a network of strange beings who work for an even stranger government organization: The Super Human Advanced Defense Executive! But can he protect the world from threats even more horrifying than himself? And since he’s vilified for who and what he is, will he even want to take on this mission?

I am so there.  I LOOOOOVE Frankenstein and that pulp-like cover totally sells me on this one. 

I, VAMPIRE #1
Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
Art by ANDREA SORRENTINO
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
For hundreds of years, vampire Andrew Stanton kept mankind safe from the horrors of the supernatural world, thanks to a truce he made with his ex-lover Mary, the Queen of the Damned. But now that truce has reached a bloody end and Andrew must do everything in his power to stop Mary and her dark forces from going on a killing spree – and she plans to start with the heroes of the DCU!

 First of all, I am one of the only fans of the I, VAMPIRE strip that used to run in HOUSE OF MYSTERY.  I read it through to the end and it was amazing and Tom Sutton drew his ass off on that series.  But, if that cover is any indication, they are Twilight-ing and suck-ifying this very cool idea into a mushy turd and I'm not going to be a part of supporting it.  I don't know the writer or the artist and I have no clue why they changed the esteemed "Andrew Bennett" (I, VAMPIRE) to "Andrew Stanton" but it doesn't bode well for any other pointless changes in an already perfect Vampire concept.  Blech.


RESURRECTION MAN #1
Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING
Art by FERNANDO DAGNINO
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
It’s the return of Mitch Shelly – and he’s still dead. Resurrection Man can’t stay dead for long, though – and with each rebirth comes new and unexpected powers. But his many returns have not gone unnoticed, and forces are gathering to learn what’s so special about him – and to see which of them will finally stop Resurrection Man dead.

 Have I gone through a time machine into the mid-90s?  Look guys, RESURRECTION MAN is one of my favorite series from that time, but this is done.  Stick a fork in it and move on.

DEMON KNIGHTS #1
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art by DIOGENES NEVES and OCLAIR ALBERT
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
Set in the Dark Ages of the DC Universe, a barbarian horde is massing to crush civilization. It’s fallen to Madame Xanadu and Jason Blood, the man with a monster inside him, to stand in their way – though the demon Etrigan has no interest in protecting anyone or anything other than himself! It’ll take more than their own power to stop an army fueled by bloodlust and dark sorcery, and some very surprising heroes – and villains – will have no choice but to join the fray!

The only thing that makes this a possible check-out for me is that Paul Cornell is writing it.  Oh, and the artist is named "Diogenes" and that may be the coolest artist name ever.

STORMWATCH #1
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art and cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
They are Stormwatch, a dangerous super human police force whose existence is kept secret from the world Directly following the ominous events of SUPERMAN #1, Adam One leads half the Stormwatch team to recover the [INFORMATION REDACTED] from deep in the Himalayas. Meanwhile, Jack Hawksmoor and the rest of the Stormwatch crew look to recruit two of the deadliest super humans on the planet: Midnighter and Apollo! And if they say no? Perhaps the Martian Manhunter can change their minds…

 They shaved Apollo's head?  These characters should not be a part of the DCU, they were and are parodies of DC characters.  Not interested.


VOODOO #1
Written by RON MARZ
Art by SAMI BASRI
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
Who is Voodoo? Is she hero, villain – or both? Learn the truth about Priscilla Kitaen as she leaves a trail of violence across America. Discover the new DCU through her eyes, because the things she sees are not always what they seem…

I actually like Ron Marz.  His WITCHBLADE work and  GREEN LANTERN particularly.  But I have zero interest in something called VOODOO who leaves a "trail of violence across America."  I'll pass.

 GRIFTER #1
Written by NATHAN EDMONDSON
Art by CAFU
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
The DCU’s most wanted man stars in his own series! Cole Cash is a charming grifter few can resist. And yet he’s about to be branded a serial killer when he begins hunting and exterminating inhuman creatures hidden in human form – creatures only he can see! Can the biggest sweet talker of all time talk his way out of this one when even his brother thinks he’s gone over the edge?

Besides the fact that I hate Grifter and have no interest in ever reading anything with this stupid character and his stupid outfit, the artist is CAFU.  I don't buy comics by artists with fake names.

 DEATHSTROKE #1
Written by KYLE HIGGINS
Art by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
“Friends die, family disappoints, but a legacy… That lives forever.” Slade Wilson is the best mercenary in the DCU, and he’s been doing this a long time. Some might say too long. But they’ll learn: Never turn your back on Deathstroke the Terminator. He won’t quit, no matter how high the stakes. Kyle Higgins (BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM) and Joe Bennett (TEEN TITANS) team up to bring you the finest in mayhem and gore.

No Palmiotti?  No me.

SUICIDE SQUAD #1
Written by ADAM GLASS
Art by MARCO RUDY
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
They’re a team of death-row super villains recruited by the government to take on missions so dangerous – they’re sheer suicide! Harley Quinn! Deadshot! King Shark! Defeated and imprisoned, they’re being interrogated about their mission – and about who’s pulling the strings behind this illegal operation. Who will be the first to crack under the pressure?

Harley Quinn as a stripper?  No John Ostrander?  Writer and artist I've never heard of so have no trust built up?  I'm not joining this SUICIDE SQUAD.

O.M.A.C. #1
Written by DAN DIDIO and KEITH GIFFEN
Art by KEITH GIFFEN and SCOTT KOBLISH
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
The all-seeing Brother Eye satellite has unleashed a new beast upon the DC Universe in this smashing new series! Kevin Kho has become an unwilling participant in a war between Checkmate and Brother Eye as he is transformed into the One Machine Army Corp known only as O.M.A.C.!

I don't have any faith in Didio as a writer.  And it smacks of something unsavory to have the "boss" appoint himself as a "writer" on a book.  But the fact that Giffen is listed as co-writer gives me hope.  I love me some OMAC and I love Giffen.  But I can't imagine this will really connect with new readers.  It will probably connect with me though.

 BLACKHAWKS #1
Written by MIKE COSTA
Art and cover by KEN LASHLEY
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
Welcome to a world waging a new kind of war that’s faster and more brutal than ever before. It’s fought by those who would make the innocent their targets, using computers, smart weapons and laser-guided missiles. The new enemy is hard to find – and closer to home than we think. Between us and them stand the Blackhawks, an elite force of military specialists equipped with the latest in cutting-edge hardware and vehicles. Their mission: Kill the bad guys before they kill us.

I'm not familiar with the writer or the artist, but I love the BLACKHAWKS, I like the cover, and I dig the description.  I'll probably give this one a go and see if the execution matches up with the concept.

MEN OF WAR #1
Written by IVAN BRANDON
Art by TOM DERENICK
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
On the ground and on the front lines, a young, headstrong soldier known as Joe Rock assumes command of Easy Company – a team of ex-military men turned contractors. Will they survive the battle-scarred landscape carved by the DCU’s Super-Villains? Find out in this explosive new series from Ivan Brandon (Viking, DOC SAVAGE) and Tom Derenick (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA)!

I love the concept and Derenick is an incredible artist.  I may check this out.


ALL-STAR WESTERN #1
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by MORITAT
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
Even when Gotham City was just a one-horse town, crime was rampant – & things only get worse when bounty hunter Jonah Hex comes to town. Can Amadeus Arkham, a pioneer in criminal psychology, enlist Hex’s special brand of justice to help the Gotham Police Department track down a vicious serial killer? Find out in this new series from HEX writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, with lush artwork by Moritat (THE SPIRIT)!

I love everything about this EXCEPT for parking Jonah Hex in Gotham.  Hopefully it's just for the initial story arc.


TEEN TITANS #1
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale SEPTEMBER 28
Tim Drake, Batman’s former sidekick, is back in action when an international organization seeks to capture, kill or co-opt super-powered teenagers. As Red Robin, he’s going to have to team up with the mysterious and belligerent powerhouse thief known as Wonder Girl and the hyperactive speedster calling himself Kid Flash to stand any chance at all against a living, breathing weapon with roots in another world! They – along with a few other tortured teen heroes – will be the Teen Titans in this new series from writer Scott Lobdell (WILDC.A.T.S, Uncanny X-Men) and artist Brett Booth (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA)!

I do really love the Red Robin costume redesign with the wings.  But that's not enough to get me to read this.  The description and the other costumes and character designs suck hard.

STATIC SHOCK #1
Written by SCOTT McDANIEL and JOHN ROZUM
Art by SCOTT McDANIEL and JONATHAN GLAPION
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
The brilliant, slightly awkward high school student Virgil Hawkins transforms into the cocky electromagnetic hero Static! A mysterious tragedy forces the Hawkins family to relocate from Dakota to New York City! Virgil embarks upon new adventures in a new high school and a new internship at S.T.A.R. Labs! As Static, he dons a new uniform and establishes a new secret headquarters! But is he ready to take on the new villains who lurk in New York City’s underworld?

I've never quite gotten the appeal of Static.  Icon is the one Milestone character I really connected with.  I think I need to be 30 years younger again to be interested in this comic.

HAWK AND DOVE #1
Written by STERLING GATES
Art by ROB LIEFELD
On sale SEPTEMBER 7
Hank Hall is not happy. He’s not happy to have Dawn Granger as a new partner in his war on crime. He’s not happy that she’s dating the ghostly Super Hero, Deadman. He’s not happy to learn that someone is trying to plunge the United States into a new civil war! Now it’s up to Hawk and Dove to root out the forces behind this conflict and stop them before they turn the U.S. into a wasteland! And who is the monster lurking in the shadows, watching Hawk and Dove from afar? Find out in this new series from Sterling Gates (FLASHPOINT: KID FLASH LOST) and artist Rob Liefeld (X-Force, Youngblood)!

This falls in the WHAT WERE THEY THINKING????? category.  An embarrasment to even be on the schedule. 

BLUE BEETLE #1
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by IG GUARA and RUY JOSE
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
It’s not easy being Jaime Reyes. He has to deal with high school, family and all the drama that comes with being a teenager. Also, he’s linked to a powerful scarab created by an alien race known as the Reach who seek to subjugate planets – or annihilate them. It’s up to one teen hero to turn this instrument of destruction into a force for good.

If at first you don't succeed, try try again.  I guess they're going to keep shoving this Reyes version of BB down our throats until somebody actually buys the book.  But it won't be me.


LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #1
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by FRANCIS PORTELA
On sale SEPTEMBER 21
The Legion of Super-Heroes has been decimated by the worst disaster in its history. Now, the students of the Legion Academy must rise to the challenge of helping the team rebuild – but a threat of almost unstoppable power is rising at the edge of Dominator space, and if the new recruits fail, the Legion Espionage Squad may be the first casualties in a war that could split worlds in half!

How many LEGION #1 comics have there been in the last 25 years?  Well, I signed on for the most recent one and thought I had finally found a worthy continuation of the classic LEGION comics of my youth.  And now they're rebooting it once again.  One time too many.  I'm out.  I was really digging that run too.  They really should've just given the whole LEGION concept a rest for awhile with the rebootiverse, sort of like they're doing with the JSA.


LEGION LOST #1
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by PETE WOODS
On sale SEPTEMBER 14
Seven heroes from the 31st century have traveled back to the present day. Their mission: Save their future from annihilation. But when the future tech they brought with them fails, they find themselves trapped in a nightmarish world that, for them, is the ultimate struggle to survive! Don’t miss the start of this all-new LEGION series illustrated by Pete Woods – fresh off his spectacular run on ACTION COMICS – who is joined by writer Fabian Nicieza (RED ROBIN)!

How many more times do they have to fail before someone finally will wise up at DC that readers are not interested in series that feature Legion members stuck back here in the present.  The thrill of time-displacement is lost when you try to do an open-ended series.  And it's written by another odd-man-out writer who peaked in the 90s.  Kill this one.  I'm not taking part in it.

Whew!  That's a lot of comics.  I hope DC knows what they're doing. :)