Comics For Noobs: September 13th
Sep 13, 2012 by     1 Comment     Posted In: Columns, Reviews

New DC Logo the BatmanComic books are a fascinating thing. So many series have been around for many years, standing the test of time over and over again. These ageless characters are the epitome of the comic world. When people think about comic books they see these heroes. But some misconceptions are that comics are still only for young children, or that comics have nothing new to offer. I’m here to dispel those myths and let you know that there are great new stories, featuring super heroes and regular people alike. And that there are still comics for children, and ones that appeal to all ages and grown adults.

September thus far has been pretty quiet on the new comic front, but one thing that is standing out as the trumpet call to any new readers is the DC Comics New 52 zero month. What is zero month? Well, September marks the one year anniversary of DC Comics mass relaunch, also known as The New 52. To celebrate, the creative minds at DC have put together #0 issues, events that took place prior to the #1 issues from last year at this time. Why is this good for new readers? It gives you a chance to try out a series free of commitment to storyline, and in most cases, allows you to jump in to a new story arc in October.

A quick run down of a few #0 issues thus far:

Batwing #0

Batwing is a new character in the DC universe. He is a part of Batman Incorporated, Batman’s worldwide organization of Bat based do-gooders. Batwing, aka David Zavimbe, is from Africa, and grew up as a child soldier, and through a series of events now revealed in this #0 issue, turned from his ways to fight evil in Africa. So far, Batwing #1 through #12 have been a fresh new addition to the Batman world, and Batwing #0 was perfectly executed.

Art: 9/10
Script
: 8/10
Parental concern:
Moderate. Blood and violence.

 

Earth 2 #0

Earth 2 is new DC concept involving an alternate earth that has all of our favorite DC characters, but with a new story and a new destiny. The series so far has been critically acclaimed for it’s art and script. #0 takes us on an epic journey to find out just what happened with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Mr. 8 at what was almost the destruction of earth. The series is a very good one to get in to, free from the chains of continuity, telling a fresh new story of well known and maybe not so well known DC characters. Earth 2 #0 is a must read for old and new comic readers alike.

Art: 9/10
Script:
9/10
Parental concern:
Moderate. Violence.

Batgirl #0

Batgirl’s popularity has been on the uprise lately, and the attention is well deserved. Barbara Gordon, daughter of Commissioner Gordon, is a quirky young woman with a lot to learn. That on it’s own has made her a very relatable character. What issue #0 has done for the series is what the rest of the #0 issues should be looking at for an example. It takes us far beyond the first issue of the new 52 series of Batgirl, back to her first crime fighting experience and her first encounter with Batman himself. I highly recommend the series to anyone, but most of all I recommend Batgirl #0 to anyone new to Batgirl and returning to Batgirl alike.

Art: 9/10
Script:
9/10
Parental concern:
Moderate. Violence, sexuality.

Batman #0

Batman, probably DC’s most successful series of the New 52 has also been my favorite of them all. Not only has it been an epic thrill ride in a recreation of Batman it has been a reevaluation that Batman gives himself. Batman #0 has done a wonderful job going back six years, right after Bruce returned from abroad and became Batman. That part of the story itself was wonderfully written and drawn. But there are two parts to Batman #0. The second part is a clever pulling together of the other “Bat” title #0 issue. It follows up with Batgirl, and the three different Robins, Dick, Jason, and Tim and where they were when the Bat-signal was first put to use. It was such a clever comic, and a great starting up point for Batman fans.

Art: 8/10
Script:
9/10
Parental concern:
Moderate. Violence.

New Comic Series:

Damsels #1  Published by Dynamite Entertainment on 9/5

Damsels is a fantasy series staring Rapunzel as a redhead, Rapa, a tattooed redheaded dreadlocked beauty, and a strange mermaid girl with the ability to walk on land. It has been amped up by Dynamite for a couple of months now, and I am always one to read a fantasy comic about beautiful women. But unfortunately, the comic doesn’t have much more gong for it than that it’s about beautiful women. The story was bland and confusing, with no defining moments and a lack of focus near the end to keep us readers coming back for #2. The art was a bit disproportionate, actions and features seemed out of place. I personally will read #2 since I am already on the train. But as for me suggesting this series to you, I can’t. If you enjoy fantasy movies and TV shows, or fable-like stories, this comic will appeal to you, but may not deliver.

Art: 6/10
Script:
5/10
Parental concern:
Moderate. Sexuality.

 

 

New story arcs in existing series:

X-O Manowar: #5 marks the beginning or a new story arc starring another Valiant Comics relaunch character, Ninjak!

Ultimate Comics X-Men: In #16, the story arc United We Stand begins, after Divided We Fall has come to a close.

The Massive: #4 marks the beginning of a new story arc, but the series is very lore needy. You may find you like it, and want to go back to #1.

Harbinger: #4 starts off a new story arc.

Thanks for reading this very Bat oriented column, comic book noobs! Tommy out.

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1 Comment Add Comment

  • Tim Morse September 13, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    Earth 2 is epic. I highly recommend that to anyone just getting started in comics. It’s such a great twist for DC, and it doesn’t focus heavily on the big three (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman). I really enjoy the new take on Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkgirl, and Grundy! Wow! Check that out, you won’t be disappointed.