Teen Titans, Vol. 2: Family Lost!

The second volume of Geoff John's Teen Titans continues with that same level greatness, just with a hardy dose of evil. Demons and devils are not my thing. In this book, the Teen Titans' major villain Brother Blood and his Church of Blood rear their ugly heads. Since these guys are more on the level of Temple of Doom cultists, they're tolerable. However, when you add the character of Raven and her complex parentage with the demon Trigon, it does verge very close to territory that I am not comfortable with.

Brother Blood isn't the only baddie giving the Teen Titans fits. Deathstroke the Terminator is seeking revenge on the Titans, especially Raven, as she had something to do with the disposal of the corporal form of Slade Wilson's son Jericho. To assist in getting answers along with revenge is his daughter Rose, who seems brainwashed and now going by the name Ravager. 

There's a ton of stuff going on in this volume. Too much to cover without getting mired in details. I'll just say that there are elements of Rosemary's Baby, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and just about any movie where an evil son commits patricide in order to become the new ruler.

A great read. But I prefer the last volume more as the level of occult activity was near zero in that book.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Teen Titans, Vol. 1: A Kid's Game!

I don't know why I don't actively seek out the works of Geoff Johns. Everything of his that he writes has been something that I've enjoyed. I truly don't think he's ever written a bad sentence in his entire career. Maybe it's the subject matter. But that not entirely true. I'm a big fan of the Flash. He's one of my top 5 favorite superheroes. Yet, I think I've only read a fraction of The Flash books written by Geoff Johns.

I've owned this opening volume of Johns' Teen Titans for at least a decade I'd say. It was something my best friend owned that I inherited. While I added this book willingly to my collection, for the longest time I just couldn't bring myself to read it. Then my online database up and shutdown so as I rebuild a personal directory of my collection, I'm making decisions over whether to keep a lot of the unread pieces of my collection or not.

'A Kid's Game!' takes place almost immediately after the events of 'Graduation Day'. With the death of two Titans, both Young Justice and the Titans disbanded. In the aftermath there are two schools of thought: no more team-ups led by Nightwing or Cyborg's vision to train the next generation of superheroes. With the blessing more or less of Batman, Superman and Wally West, Cyborg along with Starfire and Beast Boy have agreed to act as mentors to the revitalized Teen Titans. With their tutelage on the weekends, Robin, Superboy and Impulse will finally see action not as sidekicks but full-fledged heroes.

Lurking in the background is a third party who intensely believes that children should not wear capes. Whomever this mystery player is, they'll be willing to maim and kill to keep the Teen Titans from reforming. Even if who they hurt is a teenaged hero.

Mike McKone's, artwork, among others, matches so well with this storyline. The first 3 issues of this version of the Teen Titans sold out and went into multiple prints and I can see why! That buddy cop humor between those 3 amigos, Tim Drake, Con-El, now Conner Kent, and Bart Allen has carried over from Young Justice. The art is almost as fanciful as the original art from that series. Only it's a tad more refined. The action was so fast paced and I was so engrossed in this new era of Teen Titans that as soon as I finished this volume I ran to where I keep my collection and pulled out volume 2! If it's only half as captivating as this volume, I am in for one heck of a treat!

Excellent covers by the late Michael Turner.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Flash, Vol. 6: The Secret of Barry Allen

Brad Meltzer's universe changing Identity Crisis still haunts me to this very day. Sue Dibny did not deserve her fate. Husband Ralph, the Elongated Man, didn't either. This collection of Flash comics are the prelude to Identity Crisis you didn't know you needed.

Hunter Zolomon lies in a special cell at Iron Heights Penitentiary, frozen in a moment of time. He targeted Wally West's family, causing wife Linda to miscarriage. As a result, West went to Hal Jordan, who inherited the mantle of the Spectre, for help. Using the God-blessed powers of the Spirit of Vengeance, Jordan made it to where the world forget that Wally West is the Flash; including Wally himself.

Now after about a month of a normal life, Wally has regained his memories and so has Linda. It's made marriage difficult and Linda has left her husband to deal with the sudden shock. Now the Justice League wants to know just who in the heck is the Flash; especially as the sudden loss of memory seems very similar to what happened to Doctor Light when he raped Sue Disney. Has the Justice League gone too far once more?

After Wally learns of his predecessor's role in the magical lobotomy of Light, the latest hero to carry the name of the Flash will learn that this is not the only sin Barry Allen made. What Wally must do to put things right will put something Barry Allen did right again. However, West's task may end up fracturing the uneasy detente between the Scarlet Speedster and the Rogues; including those who have reformed!

Over 200 pages of story featuring Scarlet Speedsters of the past, present and future. Yet, like with most Flash tales, the stars of the show are the Rogues. I felt when I watched The CW's The Flash TV show that the Rogues were so novel and unlike the comics. But I had based that assumption on a vast majority of my reading on books from the Silver Age and early Bronze Age. The strange moralism of Captain Cold. The vindictive nature of human hater, Gorilla Grodd. The reluctant heroics of Heatwave. It's all in here! 

It's also kinda making me rethink my stance on The Flash TV series. Will it make me re-watch it? Not in the least. I've got better things to do. But I have a much greater appreciation for it.

A wonderful collection of work by Geoff Johns, who in my opinion is a sorely underrated comic scribe. Everyone gives Jim Lee and Dan Didio props for the evolution of the modern DC Universe. But after reading 'The Secret of Barry Allen', I'm feeling that Johns deserves a heck of a lot more credit than has been due!

And YES! If you are keeping track, this is a re-read and yet I don't remember reading this prior! Oh, boy...

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Avengers, Vol. 1: World Trust

Washington D.C. has disappeared. So has dozens of other world capitals, which appear to have disappeared off the face of the earth. The planet is in crisis. The United Nations is operating under a skeleton crew. Once again, Earth's mightiest heroes are called upon to save the day. Only this time, the Avengers aren't defending us from a colossal menace like Kang or Galactus. Instead, they're acting as the de facto leaders of the world under special commission from the UN.

The first half of this book sees very little action. What we get from Geoff Johns is a political Armageddon story on par with Tom Clancy. Seeing Captain America acting as motivational leader of the world with She-Hulk as his political law adviser and Iron Man acting as the head of the World Bank was a welcome change from super hero stories full of fisticuffs and violence. There's a ton of political intrigue as many of the Avengers have trouble trusting the intentions of both T'Challa and the Sub-Mariner, both world leaders, who have joined the team recently. Nobody trusts Henry Peter Gyrich, the Avengers former liaison who oversaw a dramatic retooling of the superhero team in the 1980s. But, Gyrich is about the only government man from D.C. left on the planet and he knows how to play the political game.

I was disappointed when the story shifted over to the menace behind the chaos. On one hand, I like the villain and his reasons for his treachery kinda ties in nicely with the baddie's M.O.. But there was a component of a new player who is more on par with Doctor Strange matching wits with, as opposed to the Avengers. Okay- I admit it! Scarlet Witch and her chaotic hex powers does make her a perfect protagonist to take on one half of the extinction level foes unleashed by the story's main villain. I just hated to see this amazing story devolve back into typical comic book theatrics.

World Trust was another example of why I like the Avengers. They've never really disappointed me. I think one reason they work so well is because of how much they distrust each other.

Great additions of Jack of Hearts and the Scott Lang Ant-Man to this story. They added a distrustful tension to the story which each other really hating the other guy's guts. Plus, both have such tragic story lines going on at this point, that their inclusion in this adventures added a ton of heart. 

Definitely a keeper in my Avengers collection of reads. I just wish there was more crisis-level drama than over-the-top superheroing in this grouping of issue.

Oh, and the back-up story was awesome. If you ever wondered what the Avengers would look and act like if they existed in the Simpsons universe, here's your chance. Simpsons Comics' Bill Morrison crafts a wacky tale in which Loki seeks to regain the title of God of Mischief by playing a bunch of sophomoric pranks on the Avengers. It's another fun tale that was so unusual and extremely refreshing to read that I want to see more of!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Stargirl Spring Break Special #1

This 2021 special was released to do three things: 1) build on the popularity of the Stargirl TV series on TheCW, 2) act as a lead-on to the revamped Stargirl mini-series and 3) be a sort of bridge for yet another revamp of the Justice Society of America. I like to think that this one-shot has a 4th purpose- explain how Green Arrow and Speedy were members of the Seven Soldiers of Victory in the Golden Age way before the two characters even existed in the modern DCU.

The answer it turns out is time travel. Okay. Mystery solved. Still, that wasn't all this book was about. But it did do a very good job explaining a plot hole that's been dogging DC Comics since the CRISIS.

The remaining Soldiers are planning a reunion- in Myrtle Beach of all places. Pat Dugan is eager to see his old friends. Just as eager is Stargirl, who can't wait to get out of school for Spring Break and meet some other super heroes and hopefully, their younger sidekicks. The reunion starts off fairly well until one of the newer heroes makes an ominous proclamation resulting in the disappearance of Pat, Green Arrow and others. 

Together with Arrow's newest sidekick, Red Arrow, Stargirl begins a search for the missing Soldiers. The prime suspect behind all of this is the Clock King. Add some time displaced dinosaurs, the unsolved mysterious death of one of the Seven Soldiers and a time loop thanks to a malfunctioning time machine and you've got an exciting story that could be read as a stand alone or be your introduction to Stargirl #1. 

Only, there never was a Stargirl #1. 

Thanks to COVID related delays, the follow-up series to this special didn't debut until late 2022. With a cover date of January, 2023, Stargirl and the Lost Children continues the search for the missing member of the Seven Soldiers of Victory as well as a whole bunch of child sidekicks from the Golden Age who also went missing. 

As of right now, that 6-issue miniseries has not been collected as a hardback or trade paperback. But if it did, I would pick it up to read for sure. Just as this special was, the miniseries was written by Geoff Johns. I've said it once and I'll say it again: Geoff Johns could write the phone book and I'd read it. But don't think I won't read that story in single issue form. If I was to find these issues in a dollar bin, I'd definitely snatch them up for a read. Not knowing until now that The Lost Children was the follow-up to this book is why I hadn't read the mini before. 

Fun in the sun with some time travelling mishaps thrown in. Plus a preview of Justice Society of America #1, which was also delayed until 2023 and a fun page by the great Fred Hembeck!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Black Hammer Visions, Vol. 1

Jeff Lemire recruits a number of talented writers and artists to put their spin on

the Black Hammer Universe. 

Black Hammer Visions was an 8-issue anthology that told stories not

necessarily in the continuity of the residents of Black Hammer Farm. But these

tales are definitely in the thick of this growing self-contained universe of

superheroes, mages and monsters. 

Volume 1 reprints the first four issues of the series. Stories include an

examination of the hardships Golden Gail faces as an elderly woman trapped

in the body of a 10-year old child. Abraham Slam must restore his good name

when an usurper sponsored by the US military crosses the line into vigilantism. 

Things get meta when Madame Dragonfly hosts her horror anthology within the

pages of this very anthology as she recruits a young orphan to become the

next caretaker of the Cabin of Horrors.                                                              

        

The last story, which was the worst of this bunch, sees the residents of the farm

starring in a Downton Abbey type television series. Of course, Col. Randall Weird

is behind all of this. So the story is jumbled and uneven. Some readers really liked

this element of Col. Weird. Not me!

Patton Oswalt, Chip Zdarsky, Scott Collins and Johnnie Christmas are among some

of the talent behind the production of this volume. The Goldbergs' Patton Oswalt

brilliantly ties in Daniel Clowes' Ghost World, having main characters Enid and

Rebecca ponders why young Gail Gibbons never seems to age. Chip Zdarsky

(Spider-Man: Life Story) adds his quirky look on things with the Abraham Slam story.

I think the winner of this volume was Geoff Johns (Flashpoint) who crafted the eerie

Madame Dragonfly story.

Even though I wasn't a big fan of that last story involving Col. Weird, I very much

enjoyed this book. The Cabin of Horror concept is one that I really would like to see

become a monthly series, though I really think creator Jeff Lemire has other ideas to

close the books on Black Hammer. But before that happens, hopefully we'll see more

of the untold history of Abraham Slam.

Oh! and there's volume 2 to look forward to! I wonder if my library has that book

currently...

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

JSA #55

Jay Allen, Alan Scott, Ted Grant & Carter Hall make an annual Christmas Eve trip to visit an old friend. It's Ma Hunkel; formerly known as the original Red Tornado!

This is was perfect. From the hilarious Norman Rockwell inspired front cover. To the banter between old friends. The perfect facial expressions of Grant when he's caught being less than his usual gruff demeanor. And then just how everything wrapped up. I'm telling you this issue had no flaws.

I love Geoff Johns (The Flash). I think the guy could write the phone book and I'd be in line for the next volume. Leonard Kirk's (Agents of Atlas) artwork was very clean and evokes so much emotion. Together, these two make a very good argument as being the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby of the early 2000s.

If you are a collector of Christmas themed comics and you don't have this book in your collection- add it to your wish list! You shall not be disappointed!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

JSA #54

Day 9 of my Thanksgiving reads is an all-time holiday classic! 

The JSA has invited the members of the JLA to their headquarters for Thanksgiving dinner. It's a humorous mix of characters from both teams as they wait for the turkey to roast and the potatoes to mash. Only Batman is on edge as he feels that having all these superheroes under one roof is a recipe for disaster should a super villain decide to launch an attack.

A fantastic story written by Geoff Johns (Blackest Night) with amazing art by Don Kramer (Wonder Woman). I know it's probably not in fashion to say this, but Don Kramer's artwork of female heroes such as Wonder Woman and Power Girl is simply stunning cheesecake. It's very alluring. Though I will admit, the artist does try to draw the ladies in what could be considered extra-wide thongs.

A great read that was worth the wait. A must have for fans of holiday themed comic books.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Flash: The Secret of Barry Allen (Volume 6)

After an attempt on the life of his wife, Wally West made a deal with the Spectre to have his secret identity become secret again. The deal comes with a catch. It not only made everyone forget that Wally is the Flash. It also made him forget too! Thusly Keystone City is without a protector and that means it’s open season for the Rogues!

As Wally regains his memory, he must face the consequences of his actions. His wife has left him. The Justice League is weary of their mysterious ally. In addition, Wally must learn to have faith in himself as his brings his city back under control.

Meanwhile, the events of Identity Crisis is unravelling in the DC Universe. Sue Dibny has been murdered and the terrible role Wally’s Uncle, Barry Allen played in the punishment of Doctor Light has been revealed to both the superhero and criminal communities. Can Wally continue to operate as the Scarlet Speedster knowing that his idol was flawed? Moreover, how will West be able to rectify his image considering how his deal with the Spectre has tarnished his own image as well?

I’m a huge fan of the Flash. However, it’s the Barry Allen Flash that I am so devoted to. I do not hate Wally west. It’s just that I grew up reading the classic Barry Allen Flash tales and that’s the one I am fond of. So when I found a trade that united both the Allen and West Flashes together,, I thought this to be a good starting point to determine if I want to get into the Wally West years or not.

Geoff Johns wrote this book. The man is a freakin’ beast when it comes to writing anything DC. (Okay, has he written for any other company?) With that being said, I knew that I would be in good hands diving into the West era. I was not wrong either. Johns crafts two very compelling storylines while blending the action in seamlessly with the events of Brad Meltzer’s Identity Crisis.

Artwork duties were executed by Justice League 3000’s Howard Porter. His style was pretty decent and the way he renders a Speedster on print media was adequate enough to make me feel like the Flash and other characters were animated on the static two-dimensional page. One thing I felt was off was Porter’s drawing of the Flash’s feet. Compared to the hero’s stick legs and very narrow hips, the feet look ginormous! Plus a little goofy.

I loved the covers by Michael Turner. He’s like the Tupac of the comic book world publishing works almost a decade after his untimely passing. However, The Secret of Barry Allen was from 2004-05, so that’s not the case here. Nevertheless, his covers are amazing!

I was really impressed with this trade. I think if I ever come across further volumes, I will definitely consider them- for the right price. But right now, it’s completing a run on the Barry Allen Flash books that’s my main priority. Once I complete that search, who knows? Maybe a run of Wally West tales is next?

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Batman: Earth One, Volume 2

   It's the next chapter in the life of the Earth One Batman. Falsely accused of the murder of Mayor Cobblepot, the vigilante of Gotham must continue to work in the shadows. Meanwhile, Jim Gordon has gone straight and is now in the process of drying out his partner Harvey Bullock, whose idealism has been damaged after the tragic events that unfolded in Book One. A thorn in both parties side is District Attorney Harvey Dent who doesn't believe that Batman nor Gordon are on the level and makes it his duty to have Gotham free from their influence.
     All the while, a new player is operating behind the scenes. He's targeted the elite of Gotham who have been straying from the straight and narrow path of righteousness. Convinced that their wicked deeds should be punishable by death, this mystery man has got a unique way to mete out justice: trap the guilty, make them suffer, and then give them a chance to save themselves with the correct answer of a riddle...
     I really enjoyed this chapter. To me, the Earth One books are what the New 52! should have been. (I know that this series has it's haters, but this really is like the Ultimate Universe for DC Comics and is unfairly rebuked.) Batman and many of the characters in this story look familiar but there are subtle differences that aren't for the sake of being edgy or trendy but to make the established archetype a little more interesting. I wish I could present you with a case in point but any further info will ruin the great surprises cooked up by DC wunderkind
Geoff Johns (Green Lantern.)
    With fantastic art by Gary Frank (Action Comics), this a nearly flawless alternate look at 'Ultimate' Batman.

    Worth Consuming

     Rating: 9 out of 10 stars
    

Flashpoint #3

Barry Allen's attempt to get his powers back has failed. Now near death, Thomas Wayne struggles to keep Barry alive or any hope of reversing the Flashpoint event is gone with the formerly Fastest Man Alive.

  Meanwhile, Cyborg seeking to recruit an army to take on the combined Atlantis-Themyscira threat, is ordered by the President to stand down and let the Army take control. Apparently, standing down means hacking into the mainframe to the Pentagon to find. Will he uncover the secrets to the Superman and if he does will he find a friend or a foe?

   This miniseries just keeps getting better and better. I have been so impressed with Geoff Johns and how he created a new faucet of the DC Universe that's familiar but yet completely different as well. If you have not read Flashpoint point yet, what are you wanting for? This is classic alternate universe DC at it's very best and very much Worth Consuming.

  Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint #2

   Barry Allen has just awoken to a world that is not his own. Seeking answers to the insanity, he seeks out his old friend, the Batman. Only when he arrives at Wayne Manor, he finds the place hasn't been lived in for years. Worse yet- when he does come upon the Dark Knight, the vigilante doesn't even know him. See, there's a Wayne underneath the cape and cowl but it isn't Bruce! Can Barry convince this Batman that the criminologist is a true friend and that his claims that there's another, better earth out there isn't the delusions of a raving lunatic?
    Whereas issue #1 of Flashpoint was a tasting menu of what readers could expect from this massive crossover event, this issue really delivers the meat and potatoes of the story. There are dozens of mini-series and one-shots devoted to the world of Flashpoint (and I will read and review them all), but their purpose is to explore deeper the impact of whomever changed timeline. The main point of Flashpoint is Barry Allen's attempt to get back to his version of Earth-1.
   More than likely, since Barry has memories of pre-Flashpoint earth, he's the culprit behind the alterations to the timeline. But if that's the case, it's not been revealed up to this point. I'm just going to have to keep reading to find out...
    The team of Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert managed to hit another glam slam outta the park. The writing is superb and I just am in awe of Kubert's gritty artwork and amazing re-designs of some of DC's most iconic characters.
    Excellent stuff!

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.
   

Flashpoint #1

 Barry Allen awakens in a world that is not his own. He's no longer a speedster. He beloved Iris West is in the arms of someone else. And his mother is still alive!

  But this is just the tip of the iceberg. In this world, all of Europe has been sunk by Aquaman's Atlantean forces, the UK is under the control of The Amazons of Themyscira, and there's no such thing as Superman or the Justice League.

   One thing this earth does have is a Batman. But this version is more ruthless, cunning, and willing to use a gun. If Vic Stone- Cyborg can win him over to his cause, it will rally a global force of metahumans who could end the Amazon/Atlantis conflict and ensure global tranquility. But that's IF Batman agrees to lead this army of ragtag heroes.

   Geoff Johns does a masterful job in this opening chapter of Flashpoint. It truly is a DC Universe unlike any other that I've ever seen. As of right now, I’ve got about 100 questions. But to be fair, there’s about 100 Flashpoint related issues to dive into. So for right now, I’m going to try to shut up, sit back, and enjoy the ride. With deft artwork by Andy Kubert and colors by Sandra Hope, I think I can manage that.

  Worth Consuming

 Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Flash #12 (The Road to Flashpoint, Part IV)

This is it! The final chapter on the Road to Flashpoint! Hot Pursuit's allegiances and the true culprit behind the age accelerating death of the Elongated Kid are finally revealed.

  Geoff Johns ends this Flash series in such a way that to disclose anything else will reveal some major spoilers. I know that it's been 5 years since this issue first came out but what with the next season of the Flash going to cover the Flashpoint storyline, I really should stay mum on some things.

  A great read however! Now on to Flashpoint!

 
Worth Consuming

 Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Flash #11 (The Road to Flashpoint, Part III)

  Is the multiverse hopping Motorcyclist Hot Pursuit behind the bizarre death of the Elongated Kid? The Flash isn't sure. But the hi-tech biker thinks that the sudden aging of the fallen superhero might be the result of a chronal paradox and targets Bart Allen whose from the future. As the Central City crime lab performs an autopsy on the Elongated Kid, Barry must race Hot Pursuit for the life of young Bart. But the Scarlet Speedster had better be right that his descendant from the future isn't the culprit or the very fabric of the multiverse could unravel spelling the end of all existence.

     This is Barry Allen at his very best- solving a mystery. The Flash has a great group of villains with the Rogues but the character really is in his element when it comes to solving crimes. If the story is a mystery involving Flash's Rogues Gallery, even better!

  Whether or not Hot Pursuit will join the Rogues remains to be seen. But this was another action packed story by Geoff Johns that will leave you guessing all the way to the end and some…

 Worth Consuming

 Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Flash #8 (The Reverse Flash Rebirth)

This opening salvo in the Road to Flashpoint looks that the troubled, often confusing origin of the Flash's worst enemy: Eobard Thawne AKA Professor Zoom AKA the Reverse Flash. 

Though this isn't considered part of the Road to Flashpoint storyline, this issue is included in the Road to Flashpoint trade and it's an important piece of the puzzle. Written by DC genius Geoff Johns; Johns really the right person to craft this tale that is full of time paradoxes, thrills, and murders aplenty. Plus, Johns is the only one who can make this despicable villain just that bit sympathetic to the reader. Assisting Johns with artwork duties is Scott Kolins (Beyond!), who does a fantastic job throughout the entire issue.

Want to know the motivation behind the Reverse Flash's hatred of his 'idol', then you must read this story. The definitive origin of the villain who would be the World's Fastest Man at any and all costs!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

DC Universe: Rebirth #1

Someone is trying to break through the barriers of the DC Universe. With their return is a warning of players who are manipulating the timeline, causing the DC Universe to have lost 10 years of continuity. Players so secret, even though the clues to their identity are teased from the very first panel, you will be completely shocked as to who they are during the last panel reveal!

    With the completion of the New 52! experiment, DC Comics seeks to return their comics to that timeless multiverse that has endeared to DC fans for over 60 years! Geoff Johns, the mastermind behind the Arrowverse of live-action shows on the CW such as The Flash and DC Legends of Tomorrow, scribes the single best DC book in a long, long time. Featuring the art of Ivan Reis, Gary Frank, and many more, this issue evokes the classic artwork of Crisis on Infinite Earths' penciler, George Perez.

   Speaking of Crisis, this 80-page one-shot not only resets the DCU, it pays tribute to over 30 years of stories and art inspired by the Marv Wolfman/ Perez maxi-series from 1985-86. There are so many homages and easter eggs that along with the great story, comprise an epic love letter to DC Comics.

   I enjoyed the New 52! for the most part. But honestly, it wasn't the DC that I remembered. That's what I love about DC Comics, it's established on legend, myth, and nostalgia. Rebirth seeks to return DC to that classic framework. I'm so psyched as to what the events of Rebirth will bring and extremely excited to read more.

   To paraphrase DC's Mediocre Competitor: Make Mine DC!

   Worth Consuming!

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Batman: Earth One, Volume 1

   Convinced that there's a massive cover-up behind the death of his parents, Bruce Wayne becomes a costumed vigilante in hopes of bringing down the corrupt Mayor Cobblepot. Welcome to the world of Batman: Earth One. Here Detective Jim Gordon has been so beaten down following the murder of his wife, that he's a shell of the cop he once was. Harvey Bullock is a Hollywood cop newly transferred to Gotham in hopes of solving the Wayne murders and restarting his TV career, and a sadistic killer called the birthday boy is kidnapping young girls in hopes of reliving his first kill.

   Written by Geoff Johns, if this isn't the blueprint to the FOX TV show, Gotham, I'll eat my hat! Johns is DC's chief creative officer for its TV programming and there is just so much of Gotham in Earth One just as there is oodles of Earth One in Gotham. I love Gotham, it's an amazing show and I am in love with Batman: Earth One.

   Now here's where things get tricky for me. I've read volume one of Superman: Earth One, now I've read this volume as well- but what do either have to do with the New 52! universe? In the New 52!, there's an Earth 2, which houses most of the Justice Society heroes. Thus, I'm assuming that the red underwear-less Superman and the Jim Gordon Batman operate on Earth 1! Is there a difference between Earth 1 and Earth One besides spelling? 

   This kind of multiverse overlap is perhaps my biggest problem with the New 52! DC. It doesn't keep me from enjoying these stories but it does detract from my understanding of them. Perhaps the Earth One books are set aside much like the Ultimate universe was apart from the Marvel-616 one? But eventually, they both crossed over... So who really knows!

   Regardless, with excellent writing by Johns and killer art by Gary Frank, I am on board with this new take at the Dark Knight.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

DC Comics Presents Batman #1

A tribute issue in honor of the passing of the great Julius Schwartz, long-time EIC of DC Comics. Schwartz was known for having concept covers drawn up and then would assign writers to use that idea for use in a forthcoming issue of said title.

Here, Len Wein, Geoff Johns, and Carmine Infantino explore Batman’s relationship with the TV. In the first tale, the actor playing Robin on TV’s hit Batman is found murdered. Now, it’s up to the Dynamic Duo to solve the crime.

The second tale is even better in which a reality TV show’s producer always seems to know when Batman is going to strike fear in the hearts of Gotham’s underworld. Once the Dark Knight finds out is going on, he may be to late to stop Two-face from exacting revenge on the media mogul.

Two great tales, very much Worth Consuming.

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.