Off-Topic: Comic Book Reviews

Thought I'd lighten the mood a bit with a digression on one of the comic book series I'm reading. I plan to do this from time to time.

Today let me tell you about DC's EARTH 2. Basically this is alternate universe where some of the biggest names in the DC Vault (Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman) have been killed and the world has been reshaped by a war against alien invaders (led by the villainous Darkseid).

A few years later various supernatural forces have started to choose and empower new 'wonders' (the name for superheroes in this world) to fight some new rising worldwide threats. Three of these beings, Flash, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern (Alan Scott), are starting to team up while a world government organization works both with them and against them using their own 'wonders'.

The book is incredibly well done. Basically a re-imagining of Justice Society, it puts new twists on classic characters that stay true to what has come before and yet surprise at any turn. Alan Scott has long been my favorite Green Lantern, and while I am not a fan of the shift in sexual orientation, I feel overall this book is handling him better than any other has in a long time. There is exciting and mysterious political intrigue, some interesting interpersonal dynamics between the wonders, and a lot of fun "shoot-em-up" action.

The pacing on the book is usuall great. Good paneling and the stories flow well. You don't get the sense that things are jumping around too much. While NO comic book really gives all the bang for your book, ie, they are all too short, this one feels longer than most. And the art, WOW, just stunning people. So check out the series, get the back issues, start buying the new issues, it is well worth it.