Review: Superman Unchained #1

Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Jim Lee
Published by DC Comics

An unknown force is disabling satellites and sending them hurtling towards Earth. Only one man can save the day - Superman. Or could there be another?

Superman has always been a particularly difficult character to write, especially in the New 52. His self-titled series has floundered from the get-go, at first under the "guidance" of George Perez and then the omnipresent Scott Lobdell. 'Action Comics' fared slightly better with Grant Morrison's big concepts set in the Man of Steel's early days (essentially rehashing his origin for the billionth time), but has sputtered to a halt due to creative differences that saw top tier talent Andy Diggle leave after only one issue.

'Superman Unchained' is DC's chance to start all over again, giving us the Superman book we should've had in September 2011. Taking their top writer in Scott Snyder and pairing him with their top artist Jim Lee, DC are hoping to give this franchise a super kick up the behind.

I'm loathe to judge a series based solely on one issue, but so far this hasn't been the knockout blow that the publisher was intending. If anything, it's a fairly by-the-book Superman yarn. He performs a few herculean feats of strength, checks in with his supporting cast of Lois and Jimmy (despite no longer working at the Daily Planet) and butts heads with life-long nemesis, Lex Luthor. Even the new threat introduced at the end of the issue failed to illicit any real reaction from this humble writer.

The initial action sequence featuring Superman saving astronauts from a falling space station was quite fun, but nothing terribly original. My favourite part being Superman activating the falling station's heat shield with his eyes to protect the astronauts in their free fall. Having astronauts survive re-entry from space in only their standard issue suits was always a big question mark, so I'm happy to see it addressed and solved somewhat.

Big Blue's interaction with Lex Luthor was another fun scene, with our hero accusing the supervillain of orchestrating the issue's events, even from behind bars and without any evidence whatsoever. I've always been a big fan of the antagonistic relationship between the two characters and in this respect the issue was no letdown. I can't remember the last intelligent confrontation between the fan favourites, so the more Snyder mines this dynamic, the better.

I won't write this series off straight out of the gate, but it does no better job of attracting interest in Superman than his other two ongoing series. Which personally, I find hugely surprising, given the talent involved. In this week's batch of comics alone, Scott Snyder had two absolute masterpieces in Batman #21 (the beginning of Zero Year) and his American Vampire one-shot, The Long Road to Hell. To see him turn in a story so generic is a genuine mystery. Maybe his take on Superman will simply take a few issues to gain traction, but this one makes for a rare stumble on the prolific writer's resume.

6 out of 10

Review: Justice League #19

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: Ivan Reis

Publisher: DC Comics

While the heroes are distracted by the tragedies in their lives, a masked assailant breaks into the Batcave. Taking out the unsuspecting Jason Todd and Alfred Pennyworth, the thief proceeds directly to a vault, containing dangerous items Batman has gathered secretly, designed specifically to take down the Justice League!

Now, it's impossible to address this issue without first pointing out the striking similarities to the famous "Tower of Babel" (JLA #43 - 46) storyline. Back in 2000, Mark Waid wrote a story whereby Batman had secretly compiled contingency plans for taking down specific members of the Justice League, should they ever go rogue and need to be dealt with. The idea of the Dark Knight safeguarding the world against his own friends seems to be a popular trope, as it's been repeatedly re-used since then. Between 2005's "The OMAC Project" and 2012's "Justice League: Doom", Batman has defeated his teammates numerous times. So to see these very same ideas pop up yet again, in a Geoff Johns book no less, tells me Bruce really needs to stop plotting the downfall of everyone he cares about. When he sits down to write these plans, he shouldn't be anticipating having to use them himself, but figuring out which villain is going to make a beeline towards him and use that plan to their own ends!

Also, while I'm not adverse to opening up the Justice League's world and using some of the individual character's supporting casts, I was truly taken aback when I flipped to the first page to find Red Hood and Alfred the Butler. It felt so random to have them there, even though they have every right. You just don't expect them to be mourning the events of Batman Incorporated in a Justice League book. Even though they both feature the adventures of Batman, there's usually a huge degree of compartmentalisation and the two portrayals to have no real effect on one another. I was similarly surprised with last month's issue, when Nightwing turned down League membership because he was still pissed at Batman due to "Death of the Family. Geoff Johns is clearly trying to make the DC Universe one big cohesive whole, I guess I'm just not used to it yet.

Two characters who are definitely benefiting from a functional shared universe are Firestorm and the new female Atom. Neither hero has had much success since the New 52 began, so bringing them both into the fold of the core Justice League book gives them a nice boost, where previously readers could take them or leave them. Firestorm has had a particularly traumatic time of it lately with his troubled ongoing series, which could never truly find a workable status quo. The union of Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch has had more than a few growing pains, so it's a joy to see them back to their more affable pre-Flashpoint selves. All the more credit to Johns for the creation of this new Atom. Where a typical fanboy may question his not using the original Atom, Ray Palmer, I didn't have much of an attachment to the character in the first place, he just happened to be the first attempt. So who is under the cowl is neither here nor there. For what it's worth, this new girl taking on the mantle seems like a lot of fun and is sure to find fans quickly.

The Superman/Wonder Woman romance continues to simmer in the background of the series. Where in the recent "Throne of Atlantis" crossover, Clark was attempting to soften Diana's view of humanity and potentially calm her warrior's instincts, the dynamic flips here. Rather than expose Clark to a noble trait of her own lifestyle, Diana shows him the worst humanity is capable of and has a speech that borders on a mustache-twirling supervillain, looking to impose her "just" will by any means necessary. Batman appears before she really puts her foot in her mouth, but it's clear that this incarnation of Wonder Woman isn't quite as friendly as she had been in the past. The Amazon could very easily lead Superman down the wrong path with the best of intentions, so I'm hoping their fling is short-lived before they do something they can't take back. After all, as we saw in the Justice League International Annual, one kiss between the pair was enough to erase Booster Gold from history. There's no telling what could go wrong the longer these two stay together.

Unlike the beginning of this volume, which tended towards big dumb fun, Johns is slowly returning to his traditional nuanced approach, preferring genuine character drama over the sight of muscly gods hitting one another. Every character in this book is working on several different levels, whether it be acting out, holding back suspicions, cracking wise, the works. There are genuine mysteries at play in this series and only now are we beginning to feel the ominous vibe sweeping across it's pages. Johns has finally found his feet on Justice League, I just wish it hadn't taken a year to get here.

9 out of 10

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Review: Justice League of America #1

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: David Finch
Publisher: DC Comics

In the wake of Justice League's just-completed "Throne of Atlantis" arc, several major cities have been flooded, thousands have died and the survivors are calling for a superhero team with a difference - accountability.

While the US government (and one assumes the rest of the world) have tolerated the existing Justice League due to their heroic deeds during the attempted invasion from Apokalips and their ensuing popularity with the masses, they've never had true control over them. Batman and Superman are both well-established vigilantes, having had numerous run-ins with their respective city's Police forces. Not to mention Wonder Woman, who is an out and out warrior, looking to solve the world's problems at the end of a sword over traditional diplomacy. If such a team decided the government didn't have their best interests at heart and turned on them, there's very little anyone could do.

Enter Steve Trevor and Amanda Waller. Two long-time government operatives and most importantly - loyal. Where you would usually expect them to be assembling the latest Suicide Squad, they've been tasked to create the brand-new Justice League of America! On the surface, the team is a PR exercise, much like the Justice League International before it. Protecting the world, while letting everyone know just who is in control of the literal superpowers. However, it has a much more sinister purpose, held back from everyone, even the majority of the team itself - each member has been chosen specifically to take out their counterpart in the existing Justice League.

As with most first issues, we're introduced to the team through a series of recruitment vignettes. Steve Trevor approaches the new team one by one. In doing so, he offers each prospective member a particularly personal reason to join, whether it be revenge, fame, cover or genuine patriotism. My favorite being Martian Manhunter. Rather than Steve having to track down J'onn, it turns out he was in the briefing room the entire time! His affiliation with the Justice League in the New 52 has been tenuous at best, so to see him lined up for such a prominent role definitely gets my attention.

The other recruits are a little more generic in their first appearances. Cliched scenes of characters being approached post-battle and basically being pitched the same deal over and over again. There's someone they know or something they want and the government can help them do it. Rinse and repeat. One that did catch my eye however was the reintroduction of Stargirl to the DCU. Pre-Flashpoint, the character had always gravitated toward the Justice Society. But with the team permanently shunted to Earth 2, we find the ever-enthused Courntey Whitmore making public appearances more akin to a celebrity than a superhero. The character is a passion project for Geoff Johns, having created her way back in 1999, modelling her personality and appearance on his late sister. As such, she's always had a special place in the heart of the DCU and Justice League of America assures us the New 52 will be no different.

With the recruiting done and the team assembled, their first mission prematurely kicks off with a badly wounded Dark Archer desperately trying to make his way back to base, after being hounded by what looks like the DC Trinity of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. There's a twist to the identity of this new character and it's surprising to see them placed in such peril so quickly, but would I be chancing fate to say we'll still see them back next month, if not a little worse for wear.

It's abundantly clear that the Justice League of America have been formed to fight the existing Justice League. However, Johns will have to be careful, walking a fine line with both titles, as neither team are outright villains, merely different perspectives on the same situation. In recent years, heroes fighting heroes, as a concept, has become insanely popular. But with each passing conflict, the reasoning becomes more and more laboured. If one of these teams is to truly become the villain of the piece, it better be for a damn good reason.

7 out 10

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Weekly Round-Up 25/08/2012

BATMAN INCORPORATED #3

After the brief respite of Talia's origin last issue, we're back, knee-deep in Wayne family affairs. It's quickly revealed that Damian is alive and well, hiding out from his mother's Leviathan army in the safety of the Batcave. But as anyone who's known Damian for more than five minutes will tell you, he's not likely to stay there! The majority of this issue falls to long-time Batman alter-ego, Matches Malone. It's been a while since Bruce donned this disguise, so it's good to see him take the wannabe-mobster out of mothballs. He puts so much gusto into his performance, it's hard to believe Bruce isn't having just a smidge of fun in the role. However, when coming to the aid of a hassled club singer, he gets himself into more trouble than he bargained for. Ultimately, a fantastic read with fantastic art. Why aren't you reading this already? 9/10

SUPERMAN #12

Continuing the trend of the past year, the adventures of this New 52 Superman have been spotty at best. No true drive or overarching storyline, they're simply random fights against forgettable foes. This issue is no different, opening on Superman held captive by an aggressive alien race (who bare an uncanny resemblance to Predators) and he's unable to communicate with them. Little more actually happens, besides a bizarre B-plot that bookends the issue, with Lucy Lane wanting to go bungee jumping. These don't feel like essential Superman tales that someone has been waiting a lifetime to tell. If anything, it's pure filler material. No one will remember this issue, no one will quote it in the future, it exists purely to have a Superman series on the racks. 2/10

THE PUNISHER #14

As this volume of The Punisher enters the home stretch, the reasons behind the upcoming War Zone mini-series become a little clearer. This issue opens on Frank surrounded by discarded Marvel Universe tech. Iron Man's helmet, Cyclops' visor, Spider-Man's webshooter, one of Doc Ock's mechanical arms, etc. How could he not draw the Avengers' scorn amassing an armory like that. But until then, he still has plenty of mobsters left to kill. To this end, he and his protege set up a buy for pieces of said technology, in an otherwise impenetrable location. Little do the criminals know, that's exactly where Frank wants them! The evolution of Rachel Cole-Alves over the past 13 issues has been fantastic and this installment provides yet another important piece of the puzzle. It'll be a wonder if this character isn't a permanent addition to the Punisher status quo going forward. 8/10

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: SPIKE #1

While the idea of a Spike solo mini-series is a no-brainer, this book is so steeped in recent continuity, it's sure to confuse alot of casual readers. To clarify, in a recent issue of Buffy Season 9, Spike decided he could no longer be Buffy's consolation prize, the dark place she runs to when things don't go her way. As such, our favourite English vampire has taken his spaceship (that's right, he has a spaceship now) and retreated to the dark side of the Moon for the purposes of excessive drinking and all-around moping. His insectoid crew don't take kindly to their captain's new melancholy attitude and verge on mutiny. While being a fun issue in and of itself, I can't help but feel the character is so far out of his (and our) comfort zone, the point of this series is entirely lost. Take William the Bloody back to Earth and have him carve out a niche where it really counts. 6/10