Post by David on May 3, 2009 20:59:27 GMT -5
Hi, and welcome to The DC2 Pull List!
Check back every Monday for member reviews of each week's new issues! We will also spotlight one title every week to critique and discuss, interview the writer and artist and celebrate the talent and effort that goes into creating the #1 DCU fan fiction/art site on the web!
When the DC2 first started, we worked on a 4-Wednesdays-a-month posting schedule, but then a funny thing happened: we found that some months had a fifth Wednesday! We decided that Fifth Weeks would be reserved for specials, and thus were born books like DC2 Illustrated and Who's Who. Always fun projects to work on, what I love most about Who's Who in particular is that we got to showcase the unique continuity we all work so hard to build together. And that is exactly what makes this latest edition so interesting: the scope of Who's Who #4 focuses on the books of our sister-site, the DC3, a multitude of unique continuities that sweep from Fawcett City of Earth-S to the almost-familiar-but-intriguingly-different environs of the Ultimate titles of Earth-5. Yes, there is still Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, but maybe not the versions you'd expect--- or could have imagined!
This week's Spotlight Title is Who's Who #4: The Multiverse Edition, and joining me are Alex Vasquez (writer Firestorm, artist Justice Society of America), House Of Mystery (writer, DC2: Nemesis, Wonder Woman, Detective Comics), Pat Owens (writer Aquaman) and representing the cretive team for this issue is the Pull List's own Don Walsh (writer Justice League, Danger Trail, Editor-in-Chief of DC3), and Boris "Riz" Mihajlovic (Art Director, DC3).
As always, beware of SPOILERS below!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Who's Who
Issue #4: The Multiverse Edition
Written and drawn by many of our best creators
DAVID: In a project like this, equal time must be given to the fantastic art that accompanies the great stories and histories--- and with a cover like Jamie Rimmer's glorious technicolor group shot, we are certainly starting out on the right foot! I mean , where else can you see in one place Batgirl, the Golden Age Green Lantern, Superwoman, Captain Marvel, the android Hourman and Supergirl? Right away, we know this project is going to celebrate the rich divirsity of our Multiverse!
DON: Thanks for a great introduction, Dave. Glad to be here to join in the chat and speak up for our wonderful creators. And yes, you nailed it right on the head, our artists worked over time on these pictures. We even have the rookie James Stubbs stepping in for Supergirl and a brand new recruit doing her first picture for Harley Quinn, Tamara. Plus our crew of veterans, led by the unrelentingly prolific Boris. Don't know where we'd be without him. And as for Jamie's cover, that's only surpassed by the two group shots he does inside.
ALEX: Our talented artists came through big with this issue. My favorite pieces are Hourman, Owlman and Green Arrow. I love the Supergirl with the iPod pic, thought it was very fitting. Bravo to all and your efforts are appreciated.
RIZ: I think many readers will realize that Earths Two, Five and S are the earths with the most told stories over on the DC3 so far, that's why they are taking most of the space in this issue of the Who's Who. But there are more earths existing already. We're still searching for new writers and artists who want to fill our ranks on the earths like Earth Three (a world where the CSA rules), Earth-X (known names, different people and origins/powers) and Maximus! (what if the heroes and villains started their careers today?).
But let's focus on this issue of Who's Who for the moment. Don mentioned the huge amount of work that went into creating this issue and I absolutely agree. The writers and artists did a fantastic job. I want to say Thank you very much for all the effort you put into this little project. And a special thanks goes to Don and Mark who made this all possible. We hope that with this first step to introduce the DC3 to a greater audience... okay, I know we had the Flash crossover a while ago and the current Justice Society of America storyline (which are both fantastic reads and introductions to Earth Two, a world were time went faster and the heroes aged differently)... but as I wanted to say, we hope that with this introduction to the whole DC3 we can get some more readers interested in our other fantastic worlds.
CHARLIE: If you weren't itching to read DC3 before, you should be now! I mean come on, the rich story potential that is being tapped by everyone over at that site is a joy to behold! I have a question to Don, who can probably speak for the contributors to the title... how long did it take to get this thing together?!
DON: Charlie, without checking out in advance, I think I started shopping this project around in mid to late February. That's when I first tossed the idea out to our creators, and when the response was so overwhelmingly positive, I took it to Mark and asked if it would be cool to cross-post it here as well. So it's been a couple of months in the making and well worth the effort in the end, I daresay.
DAVID: The most interesting aspects of the worlds of the Multiverse are where they diverge from the more familiar continuity of the DC2--- our Earth One.
I am very impressed with the world-building, specifically, of Earth-S. The map (and accompanying notes) of Fawcett City are detailed, well-thought-out and pregnant with story potential (I always envisioned Fawcett as a Midwest city, but here it is a Pacific Coast boomtown); perhaps the most fascinating aspect is it's connection to Earth-Five. What's going on there?
Also, I just wanted to point out I think it's neat how Captain Marvel has the same sort of relationship (only backwards) with the Golden Age JSA as Superboy has with the Legion of Super Heroes of the future. Was that intentional?
DON: The Earth-S/Earth-Five connection actually comes from the original Ultimate DCU site that led to our eventually joining up with DC3. It was all one "Ultimate" Earth over there, and then when DC3 was founded, I arranged with you, Dave, to have an Earth-S, so I could run Mightiest Mortals there, as I'm sure you recall. Later, we merged UDCU into DC3 as Earth-Five, but Mightiest Mortals and Earth-S was already established, so I decided we should make it an interesting plot point to use the Rock of Eternity at the "middle" of both earths.
And what an interesting view of Captain Marvel's connection to the Golden Age JSA. I'm going to have to play with that some more, I think, I really like it. It wasn't intentional...before.
DAVID: Let's take a look at Earth-Five, for a second: after Batwoman is crippled, Barbara Gordon's best friend Renee Montoya takes up the mantle as Batgirl. If that wasn't enough of a twist we have the added factor of Renee's crush on Barbara! This is a pretty original--- not to mention controversial--- spin. Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson are cousins. Oliver Queen and Roy Harper are buddies who are stranded on that deserted island together... How long before these original "takes" on familiar characters diverge significantly enough to disconnect readers from the analogues upon whom they are based? What do you need to retain in a character like Kara Zor-El or Harvey Dent to maintain that connection?
DON: The "ultimizing" of characters is always tricky in my opinion. To find what makes the character THAT character, and keep the core true while spinning a new version of events and a world around them. Taken too far, and it's not really the same character. I think our creators have done a great of walking that fine line and letting the characters shine through despite some heavy re-building of their world. And as an interesting note, the second issue of the Outsiders/Teen Titans mini-series reveals who crippled Batwoman, and how the Birds of Prey broke up.
RIZ: I think creating "original takes on familiar characters" who "diverge significantly enough to disconnect readers from the analogues upon whoma they are based" is the best part about writing fan fiction. We have the chance to do something completely new and lead the readers to discover a new version of characters they thought they knew.
Sure, going too far from the source could alienate the readers too much, but on the other side it could also be the one thing that makes the character interesting for somebody else. For example the thing with Renee and Barbara as Oracle and Batgirl... and Renee's crush on Babs. I love that. Renee is my favorite Batgirl at the moment. I like her even more than Babs (which will alienate some of the Silver Age fanboys a lot now
). I admit that I'm a big fan of Samantha's Gotham Girls book and I think that she really captures the essence of every character in it, but her Poison Ivy and Harley are what make this book so awesome in my eyes. She's very true to the original form of these characters (Harley as Joker's little puppet who's so madly in love with him that she'd do anything for him, and Ivy as this "plant godess" with violent tendencies, who just wants to be left alone) but also has found a way to make these characters her own. I wish they had done something like that with them in the real DCU, not just in the Animated Universe. But maybe that will change soon with DC's Gotham Sirens book... we'll see soon.
Bruce is Dick's cousin, an easy way to explain why they have a connection and are around the same age without the heavy continuity problems like in the original DCU. How can Bruce adopt a guy who will be older than himself in a few years... For me that's a perfect solution to have the characters you want (in the condition you need them) without all the continuity baggage. Dick is Nightwing on Earth-Five. A similar solution was done in Green Arrow: Roy is an adult already in his Arsenal identity. That's only understandable if you try to build a constant continuity of your own. Wally is already grown up in Speedforce, he's the Flash. There was no way to have Roy and Dick still being teenagers.
This also gives us the opportunity to include new sidekicks like the new Robin or Impulse.
And to answer your Kara Zor-El question... that was what I meant when I said creating something completely new can be what makes the character interesting. I never liked the real DCU Supergirl (again alienating the Silver Age fanboys). This story is something completely new. Kal-El died on Krypton, because he was born some years before it exploded. She's the sole Kryptonian on Earth. Will she be its greatest hero like her cousin on so many other Earths or will she be the harbinger who will lead her Kryptonian people to Earth... maybe even resulting in an alien-invasion...? Okay that's something I just came up with, but you see, there's so much potential with this new take on the character. It's not the same old "young girl comes to earth, meets her cousin and decides to be a hero like him" story.
CHARLIE: Gotham Girls is continuously one of the best books on the site, and when I'm in the mood it's the one book I go to when I read DC3 (and a title I cannot demand you read more of!!). The Batgirl profile was one of the most involving and interesting there, and I'm really impressed with the scope that Sam has for the series. I just wanted to say that it's always a pleasure to be dragged into these characters lives, and this profile helps so damn much.
PAT: Reading the different profiles was very interesting and the art really did a good job of accompanying the bios. I think some standouts for me were the characters from Gotham Girls (a book I'm gonna start reading now). Earth-Five is a very fun Earth for the reasons you guys have said. It's got to be a perfect balance of original and different ideas while also not being too radical that it's impossible to follow.
And even though I love Superman, I think it's great for storytelling that there is no Superman for Earth-Five and it kind of gives the other heroes a big chance to stand out.
ALEX: Earth Five is something that really piques my interest. Like what Don and Dave have said before, ultimizing characters is a risky proposition, as a creator has to balance what's going to stay the same and what's going to be revamped. Fan Fiction, by nature, relies on the readers familiarity with the characters to draw them into the story and you don't want to alienate them by changing them too drastically. On the flipside, if you don't take risks and keep things pretty much in-step with what's been written before, you're just re-hashing and it gets boring.
With that said, from the bios here and what I've read of this world, I think that the Earth-Five creators have done a great job with these characters, making them fresh and different, but still keeping the core, as Don put it. Renee Montoya really fascinates me and I'm going to have to really check out Gotham Girls. I also find the Earths-Five and S connection well thought out and cool.
DAVID: Terrific points, fellas, and I think they really get to the heart of what good fan fiction can be: taking a familair concept and making it novel again.
Now, Captain Cold is one serious individual on Earth-Five! What make's him the Lex Luthor of the Flashs' Rogues Gallery? Why does Barry always have to die? And what the heck is the Church of Speed?
DON: The only hint I'm going to give about Speed Force questions is this one: Barry's missing, presumed dead. Nothing more...nothing less.
DAVID: Moving onto Earth-Two!
I said I wasn't going to do this, but in an issue chock-full of gorgeous images (the Sentinels of Liberty, Ultraman, Green Arrow, Mister Miracle, Wonder Woman, just to name a few of my favorites!), I just have to say the pin-up of Hourman really stands out. Kudos, Riz! That picture crackles off the screen! The entry also may have the single most effective opening statement in the whole issue:
Riz, this has got to be one of the most original stories done with these characters; what can you tell us about how you and Scott came up with the concept of an all-new Metal Men team?
RIZ: Haha! I had the idea for the Metal Men team at the very beginning, before the first issue on Earth-Two was posted. I just loooooove the android Hourman and wanted to put him in a book. Then I started thinking and it hit me: Earth-Two has no JSA, so no Hourman... Arrrrrrgh! But by then I already had the idea to put him and the other members (Tomorrow Woman, Red Tornado, Wonder Man and Indigo) on a team... The idea was laying around for maybe a year until Scott joined us with the Checkmate: Operation Outsiders title. We started throwing some ideas around and then I asked him to write the Metal Men 2.0. Together we came up with the idea of Hourman being some kind of "Anti-Terminator" sent back from the future to stop the machines from taking over the universe. But it works. It works far better than I ever thought. And having a damaged Indigo being the reason for him to return to the "past" was the perfect way to include Doc Magnus and his brother... and with them one of the original Metal Men.
So 2/3 of the mini is done. If we feel that there is more interest in these characters we'll continue the book, but for now it's supposed to be a mini-series. Check it out and let us know if you like what you see and maybe we'll make it an ongoing.
DAVID: I hadn't considered the Terminator analogy! The DC future has always been so locked in with the Legion of Super Heroes looming out there, that the dystopian nature of a Psion/Coluan occupation is even more thrilling! I wonder, will we get a more detailed glance at the Earth-Two future?
ALEX: Earth 2 is another standout world. Using the concepts of DC2 co-founder Brandon Herren, Riz really has created a vibrant world where the Silver Age DCU characters have aged in real time. I really like how the Titans are more of the veteran team and the Justice League is sort of the junior team of upstarts. But by far, my favorite concept is the idea of the Metal Men. That's just a great idea and like Dave, I'd love to see how this plays out in Earth-Two's future.
DAVID: Continuing with the legacy aspect of Earth-Two, we have Gene Nigma: he's the Riddler's son, White Queen's Bishop of Checkmate and the manager of their house superhero team, the Outsiders. This is a mash-up of two (maybe three, really) very different concepts that seem like they shouldn't work together, yet this makes for an intriguing--- not to mention quirky--- set-up.
DAVID: As the writer of the Earth-Three entries, I want to thank Roy, Jay and Riz for delivering three beautiful images. When I was approached by Roy for ideas for the Ultraman pin-up, I suggested a little bit of the old Ultradickery (as the DC3's Mature Audience title, I hope my co-writer Brian and I have also been able to inject some black humor into the book), but Roy came back with a Neal Adams-inspired piece--- and of course, he was right. And writing the entries has lit a fire in me to finish off the long-simmering opening arc, hints of which are in the entries. This is a fun book to write, and Brian and I have plenty of material to work with for years to come.
Finally, as big and as wonderful as this edition of Who's Who is, it barely scratches the surface of what the Multiverse has to offer. With new worlds to explore (like For Earth: The Golden Years, the only Earth-Four title, teased here), big events on the horizon (like Brandon Herren's Crisis on Infinite Earths), and simply much more depth to the titles we've already and only briefly touched upon here, there's a little something for everyone at the DC3--- at the very least, I think we can expect to see another Multiverse Edition of the Who's Who somewhere down the line!
And now for our reviews of this week's new issues:
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Pat Owens
Cover by Brandon Herren
Edited by House Of Mystery
Review by Kevin Feeney
DC2 Nemesis Prologue: Aquaman is a great example of a tale that contributes to the 'Nemesis' story while still feeling like a great Aquaman tale from the book's new team. As he does on the main Aquaman title, Pat weaves a fast-paced tale with some stunning action scenes. The wider focus on Garth and the Atlanteans as a whole as well as just Orin lends the book an epic, widescreen feel which works for the character. The issue doesn't delve into the characters deeply- understandable for a big event issue, and some of the dilalogue is a tad forced, but the all-around quality and the pitch-perfect ending more than compensate for that and demonstrate why Aquaman on the DC2 is back and better than ever. I imagine this would also make a great gateway for those unlucky enough to have not yet picked up the main Aquaman title, or indeed, Nemesis itself!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Cam
Cover by Andy Gray
Edited by Jay McIntyre
Review by Brian Burchette
Elseworlds stories in DC2 all have one thing in common; strong writing, solid stories, and exceptionally great covers. Robin: Betrayel continues in that tradition. Cam shows us a look into what Tim's deepest desires are as he continues to search for the emerald gem that will stop his friend Raven. Meanwhile the rest of the Bat Family and friends guard against the imminent attack. This is a highly creative and entertaining story that gets better with each issue. And the best thing about an Elseworlds tale is that it can go anywhere... and boy does this issue do that! An excellent cover is the topper to this chapter of a story I find fascinating! Great job!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Kevin Feeney
Cover by James Mohan & Steven Howard
Alternate cover by Yul Espinosa & Jonathan Biermann
Edited by House Of Mystery
Review by House Of Mystery
A complete change of pace this issue (come on, I had to), in which we see the aftermath of the awesome "Legacy of the Lightning" arc! We have some major changes across the board, and Kevin shines the spotlight on the three wise men of the Flash dynasty, Max Mercury, Johnny Quick and the legendary Jay Garrick! There's some dark stuff, and understandably so considering the content, but Kevin's sense of humour shines through (I was especially gleeful with the reveal of a major new player in Keystone's criminal underworld, you'll know the line) and I cannot wait for the next phase of Kevin Feeney's run (boom, there we go again!) on The Flash.
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by: Brian Burchette
Cover by Gareth Williams
Edited by Don Walsh
Review by Cam
Well well well.... What can be said of the latest issue of Green Arrow, other than BRILLIANT! Brian Burchette has always had a handle on Green Arrow, there's no doubt about that, but with this issue, he shows an even deeper understanding of this character that he obviously loves. An exciting car chase and fight scene were only kind of amazing compared to the story that's brewing underneath! This is Brian (and Ollie) at his finest! And, from the epilogue of this story, Brian has made one thing, if nothing else, very clear.... NEVER piss off a vigilante..... you won't like the result...
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Don Walsh and Brian Burchette
Cover by Roy Flinchum
Edited by Mark Bowers
Review by Samantha Chapman
If there's one thing that all team series need, it's a solid, clear set of characters with intense, interesting interrelationships. I can't think of any better example of these strengts than Justice League Annual #2. Centered around the wedding of Ray Palmer and Jean Lorring, there was no way that this issue could not have been a tear-jerker. The threat and story are perfectly epic and large-scale for such a big event, and the emotions are equally soaring. There is no excuse for missing out on the astounding adventure, intricate plotting, and true love filling this issue to the brim!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Brian Burchette
Cover by Roy Flinchum
Edited by Mark Bowers
Review by Aaron Martel
Note: This title is Mature Audiences only and password protected. Please apply to admin for password (CLICK HERE to be taken to the New Outsiders password request thread).
It's easy to take Brian Burchette and his New Outsiders for granted. Always one of the strongest titles in the entire DC2, New Outsiders has been so consistently stellar in quality that you nearly expect greatness every month from this book. And #40 is no exception. Concluding a multi-part arc begun in issue #35 yet referencing events from the title's very beginning, a final plot twist is revealed that both solves the current whodunnit murder mystery and shakes the Outsiders to their core. This is a story that packs an emotional wallop as our heroes wrestle with a major moral dilemma that could cause profound consequences for the team down the line. All of Brian's trademark strengths of characterization, sensitivity and even humor are on fine display here. Add to this brilliant tale a stark but effective black and white cover by the illustrious Roy Flinchum, and you have the makings of another DC2 classic.
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)[/center]
Written by Batkid
Cover by Steven Howard
Edited by Ellen Fleischer
Review by Pat Owens
Dick Grayson has been the new Batman on DC2 for quite some time now but as Nightwing #37 proves, the stories are still incredibly interesting. This issue focuses mainly on a murder mystery and Batkid does a fantastic job with interactions between all of the characters as the story unfolds into a bit of a cliffhanging ending. The cover by Steve Howard is a perfect represention of the ending scene to the story, mirroring the mood that the words in the scene described. Whether you're a Nightwing, Batman, or even just a plain old Dick Grayson fan pick this book up!
Check back every Monday for member reviews of each week's new issues! We will also spotlight one title every week to critique and discuss, interview the writer and artist and celebrate the talent and effort that goes into creating the #1 DCU fan fiction/art site on the web!
When the DC2 first started, we worked on a 4-Wednesdays-a-month posting schedule, but then a funny thing happened: we found that some months had a fifth Wednesday! We decided that Fifth Weeks would be reserved for specials, and thus were born books like DC2 Illustrated and Who's Who. Always fun projects to work on, what I love most about Who's Who in particular is that we got to showcase the unique continuity we all work so hard to build together. And that is exactly what makes this latest edition so interesting: the scope of Who's Who #4 focuses on the books of our sister-site, the DC3, a multitude of unique continuities that sweep from Fawcett City of Earth-S to the almost-familiar-but-intriguingly-different environs of the Ultimate titles of Earth-5. Yes, there is still Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, but maybe not the versions you'd expect--- or could have imagined!
This week's Spotlight Title is Who's Who #4: The Multiverse Edition, and joining me are Alex Vasquez (writer Firestorm, artist Justice Society of America), House Of Mystery (writer, DC2: Nemesis, Wonder Woman, Detective Comics), Pat Owens (writer Aquaman) and representing the cretive team for this issue is the Pull List's own Don Walsh (writer Justice League, Danger Trail, Editor-in-Chief of DC3), and Boris "Riz" Mihajlovic (Art Director, DC3).
As always, beware of SPOILERS below!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Who's Who
Issue #4: The Multiverse Edition
Written and drawn by many of our best creators
DAVID: In a project like this, equal time must be given to the fantastic art that accompanies the great stories and histories--- and with a cover like Jamie Rimmer's glorious technicolor group shot, we are certainly starting out on the right foot! I mean , where else can you see in one place Batgirl, the Golden Age Green Lantern, Superwoman, Captain Marvel, the android Hourman and Supergirl? Right away, we know this project is going to celebrate the rich divirsity of our Multiverse!
DON: Thanks for a great introduction, Dave. Glad to be here to join in the chat and speak up for our wonderful creators. And yes, you nailed it right on the head, our artists worked over time on these pictures. We even have the rookie James Stubbs stepping in for Supergirl and a brand new recruit doing her first picture for Harley Quinn, Tamara. Plus our crew of veterans, led by the unrelentingly prolific Boris. Don't know where we'd be without him. And as for Jamie's cover, that's only surpassed by the two group shots he does inside.
ALEX: Our talented artists came through big with this issue. My favorite pieces are Hourman, Owlman and Green Arrow. I love the Supergirl with the iPod pic, thought it was very fitting. Bravo to all and your efforts are appreciated.
RIZ: I think many readers will realize that Earths Two, Five and S are the earths with the most told stories over on the DC3 so far, that's why they are taking most of the space in this issue of the Who's Who. But there are more earths existing already. We're still searching for new writers and artists who want to fill our ranks on the earths like Earth Three (a world where the CSA rules), Earth-X (known names, different people and origins/powers) and Maximus! (what if the heroes and villains started their careers today?).
But let's focus on this issue of Who's Who for the moment. Don mentioned the huge amount of work that went into creating this issue and I absolutely agree. The writers and artists did a fantastic job. I want to say Thank you very much for all the effort you put into this little project. And a special thanks goes to Don and Mark who made this all possible. We hope that with this first step to introduce the DC3 to a greater audience... okay, I know we had the Flash crossover a while ago and the current Justice Society of America storyline (which are both fantastic reads and introductions to Earth Two, a world were time went faster and the heroes aged differently)... but as I wanted to say, we hope that with this introduction to the whole DC3 we can get some more readers interested in our other fantastic worlds.
CHARLIE: If you weren't itching to read DC3 before, you should be now! I mean come on, the rich story potential that is being tapped by everyone over at that site is a joy to behold! I have a question to Don, who can probably speak for the contributors to the title... how long did it take to get this thing together?!
DON: Charlie, without checking out in advance, I think I started shopping this project around in mid to late February. That's when I first tossed the idea out to our creators, and when the response was so overwhelmingly positive, I took it to Mark and asked if it would be cool to cross-post it here as well. So it's been a couple of months in the making and well worth the effort in the end, I daresay.
DAVID: The most interesting aspects of the worlds of the Multiverse are where they diverge from the more familiar continuity of the DC2--- our Earth One.
I am very impressed with the world-building, specifically, of Earth-S. The map (and accompanying notes) of Fawcett City are detailed, well-thought-out and pregnant with story potential (I always envisioned Fawcett as a Midwest city, but here it is a Pacific Coast boomtown); perhaps the most fascinating aspect is it's connection to Earth-Five. What's going on there?
Also, I just wanted to point out I think it's neat how Captain Marvel has the same sort of relationship (only backwards) with the Golden Age JSA as Superboy has with the Legion of Super Heroes of the future. Was that intentional?
DON: The Earth-S/Earth-Five connection actually comes from the original Ultimate DCU site that led to our eventually joining up with DC3. It was all one "Ultimate" Earth over there, and then when DC3 was founded, I arranged with you, Dave, to have an Earth-S, so I could run Mightiest Mortals there, as I'm sure you recall. Later, we merged UDCU into DC3 as Earth-Five, but Mightiest Mortals and Earth-S was already established, so I decided we should make it an interesting plot point to use the Rock of Eternity at the "middle" of both earths.
And what an interesting view of Captain Marvel's connection to the Golden Age JSA. I'm going to have to play with that some more, I think, I really like it. It wasn't intentional...before.
DAVID: Let's take a look at Earth-Five, for a second: after Batwoman is crippled, Barbara Gordon's best friend Renee Montoya takes up the mantle as Batgirl. If that wasn't enough of a twist we have the added factor of Renee's crush on Barbara! This is a pretty original--- not to mention controversial--- spin. Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson are cousins. Oliver Queen and Roy Harper are buddies who are stranded on that deserted island together... How long before these original "takes" on familiar characters diverge significantly enough to disconnect readers from the analogues upon whom they are based? What do you need to retain in a character like Kara Zor-El or Harvey Dent to maintain that connection?
DON: The "ultimizing" of characters is always tricky in my opinion. To find what makes the character THAT character, and keep the core true while spinning a new version of events and a world around them. Taken too far, and it's not really the same character. I think our creators have done a great of walking that fine line and letting the characters shine through despite some heavy re-building of their world. And as an interesting note, the second issue of the Outsiders/Teen Titans mini-series reveals who crippled Batwoman, and how the Birds of Prey broke up.
RIZ: I think creating "original takes on familiar characters" who "diverge significantly enough to disconnect readers from the analogues upon whoma they are based" is the best part about writing fan fiction. We have the chance to do something completely new and lead the readers to discover a new version of characters they thought they knew.
Sure, going too far from the source could alienate the readers too much, but on the other side it could also be the one thing that makes the character interesting for somebody else. For example the thing with Renee and Barbara as Oracle and Batgirl... and Renee's crush on Babs. I love that. Renee is my favorite Batgirl at the moment. I like her even more than Babs (which will alienate some of the Silver Age fanboys a lot now
). I admit that I'm a big fan of Samantha's Gotham Girls book and I think that she really captures the essence of every character in it, but her Poison Ivy and Harley are what make this book so awesome in my eyes. She's very true to the original form of these characters (Harley as Joker's little puppet who's so madly in love with him that she'd do anything for him, and Ivy as this "plant godess" with violent tendencies, who just wants to be left alone) but also has found a way to make these characters her own. I wish they had done something like that with them in the real DCU, not just in the Animated Universe. But maybe that will change soon with DC's Gotham Sirens book... we'll see soon.Bruce is Dick's cousin, an easy way to explain why they have a connection and are around the same age without the heavy continuity problems like in the original DCU. How can Bruce adopt a guy who will be older than himself in a few years... For me that's a perfect solution to have the characters you want (in the condition you need them) without all the continuity baggage. Dick is Nightwing on Earth-Five. A similar solution was done in Green Arrow: Roy is an adult already in his Arsenal identity. That's only understandable if you try to build a constant continuity of your own. Wally is already grown up in Speedforce, he's the Flash. There was no way to have Roy and Dick still being teenagers.
This also gives us the opportunity to include new sidekicks like the new Robin or Impulse.
And to answer your Kara Zor-El question... that was what I meant when I said creating something completely new can be what makes the character interesting. I never liked the real DCU Supergirl (again alienating the Silver Age fanboys). This story is something completely new. Kal-El died on Krypton, because he was born some years before it exploded. She's the sole Kryptonian on Earth. Will she be its greatest hero like her cousin on so many other Earths or will she be the harbinger who will lead her Kryptonian people to Earth... maybe even resulting in an alien-invasion...? Okay that's something I just came up with
, but you see, there's so much potential with this new take on the character. It's not the same old "young girl comes to earth, meets her cousin and decides to be a hero like him" story. CHARLIE: Gotham Girls is continuously one of the best books on the site, and when I'm in the mood it's the one book I go to when I read DC3 (and a title I cannot demand you read more of!!). The Batgirl profile was one of the most involving and interesting there, and I'm really impressed with the scope that Sam has for the series. I just wanted to say that it's always a pleasure to be dragged into these characters lives, and this profile helps so damn much.
PAT: Reading the different profiles was very interesting and the art really did a good job of accompanying the bios. I think some standouts for me were the characters from Gotham Girls (a book I'm gonna start reading now). Earth-Five is a very fun Earth for the reasons you guys have said. It's got to be a perfect balance of original and different ideas while also not being too radical that it's impossible to follow.
And even though I love Superman, I think it's great for storytelling that there is no Superman for Earth-Five and it kind of gives the other heroes a big chance to stand out.
ALEX: Earth Five is something that really piques my interest. Like what Don and Dave have said before, ultimizing characters is a risky proposition, as a creator has to balance what's going to stay the same and what's going to be revamped. Fan Fiction, by nature, relies on the readers familiarity with the characters to draw them into the story and you don't want to alienate them by changing them too drastically. On the flipside, if you don't take risks and keep things pretty much in-step with what's been written before, you're just re-hashing and it gets boring.
With that said, from the bios here and what I've read of this world, I think that the Earth-Five creators have done a great job with these characters, making them fresh and different, but still keeping the core, as Don put it. Renee Montoya really fascinates me and I'm going to have to really check out Gotham Girls. I also find the Earths-Five and S connection well thought out and cool.
DAVID: Terrific points, fellas, and I think they really get to the heart of what good fan fiction can be: taking a familair concept and making it novel again.
Now, Captain Cold is one serious individual on Earth-Five! What make's him the Lex Luthor of the Flashs' Rogues Gallery? Why does Barry always have to die? And what the heck is the Church of Speed?
DON: The only hint I'm going to give about Speed Force questions is this one: Barry's missing, presumed dead. Nothing more...nothing less
. DAVID: Moving onto Earth-Two!
I said I wasn't going to do this, but in an issue chock-full of gorgeous images (the Sentinels of Liberty, Ultraman, Green Arrow, Mister Miracle, Wonder Woman, just to name a few of my favorites!), I just have to say the pin-up of Hourman really stands out. Kudos, Riz! That picture crackles off the screen! The entry also may have the single most effective opening statement in the whole issue:
"In the far-flung future, where the robotic tyrants Computo and Brainiac 7 ruled the universe with an iron fist, the dwindling resistance managed to capture and reprogram Brainiac 8. Using schematics taken from her, they constructed their own champion, a time-traveler designed after the superheroes of old. They named him Hourman."It sounds like the opening creditd voice-over to a TV series I would watch every week!
Riz, this has got to be one of the most original stories done with these characters; what can you tell us about how you and Scott came up with the concept of an all-new Metal Men team?
RIZ: Haha! I had the idea for the Metal Men team at the very beginning, before the first issue on Earth-Two was posted. I just loooooove the android Hourman and wanted to put him in a book. Then I started thinking and it hit me: Earth-Two has no JSA, so no Hourman... Arrrrrrgh! But by then I already had the idea to put him and the other members (Tomorrow Woman, Red Tornado, Wonder Man and Indigo) on a team... The idea was laying around for maybe a year until Scott joined us with the Checkmate: Operation Outsiders title. We started throwing some ideas around and then I asked him to write the Metal Men 2.0. Together we came up with the idea of Hourman being some kind of "Anti-Terminator" sent back from the future to stop the machines from taking over the universe. But it works. It works far better than I ever thought. And having a damaged Indigo being the reason for him to return to the "past" was the perfect way to include Doc Magnus and his brother... and with them one of the original Metal Men.
So 2/3 of the mini is done. If we feel that there is more interest in these characters we'll continue the book, but for now it's supposed to be a mini-series. Check it out and let us know if you like what you see and maybe we'll make it an ongoing.
DAVID: I hadn't considered the Terminator analogy! The DC future has always been so locked in with the Legion of Super Heroes looming out there, that the dystopian nature of a Psion/Coluan occupation is even more thrilling! I wonder, will we get a more detailed glance at the Earth-Two future?
ALEX: Earth 2 is another standout world. Using the concepts of DC2 co-founder Brandon Herren, Riz really has created a vibrant world where the Silver Age DCU characters have aged in real time. I really like how the Titans are more of the veteran team and the Justice League is sort of the junior team of upstarts. But by far, my favorite concept is the idea of the Metal Men. That's just a great idea and like Dave, I'd love to see how this plays out in Earth-Two's future.
DAVID: Continuing with the legacy aspect of Earth-Two, we have Gene Nigma: he's the Riddler's son, White Queen's Bishop of Checkmate and the manager of their house superhero team, the Outsiders. This is a mash-up of two (maybe three, really) very different concepts that seem like they shouldn't work together, yet this makes for an intriguing--- not to mention quirky--- set-up.
DAVID: As the writer of the Earth-Three entries, I want to thank Roy, Jay and Riz for delivering three beautiful images. When I was approached by Roy for ideas for the Ultraman pin-up, I suggested a little bit of the old Ultradickery (as the DC3's Mature Audience title, I hope my co-writer Brian and I have also been able to inject some black humor into the book), but Roy came back with a Neal Adams-inspired piece--- and of course, he was right. And writing the entries has lit a fire in me to finish off the long-simmering opening arc, hints of which are in the entries. This is a fun book to write, and Brian and I have plenty of material to work with for years to come.
Finally, as big and as wonderful as this edition of Who's Who is, it barely scratches the surface of what the Multiverse has to offer. With new worlds to explore (like For Earth: The Golden Years, the only Earth-Four title, teased here), big events on the horizon (like Brandon Herren's Crisis on Infinite Earths), and simply much more depth to the titles we've already and only briefly touched upon here, there's a little something for everyone at the DC3--- at the very least, I think we can expect to see another Multiverse Edition of the Who's Who somewhere down the line!
And now for our reviews of this week's new issues:
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Written by Pat Owens
Cover by Brandon Herren
Edited by House Of Mystery
Review by Kevin Feeney
DC2 Nemesis Prologue: Aquaman is a great example of a tale that contributes to the 'Nemesis' story while still feeling like a great Aquaman tale from the book's new team. As he does on the main Aquaman title, Pat weaves a fast-paced tale with some stunning action scenes. The wider focus on Garth and the Atlanteans as a whole as well as just Orin lends the book an epic, widescreen feel which works for the character. The issue doesn't delve into the characters deeply- understandable for a big event issue, and some of the dilalogue is a tad forced, but the all-around quality and the pitch-perfect ending more than compensate for that and demonstrate why Aquaman on the DC2 is back and better than ever. I imagine this would also make a great gateway for those unlucky enough to have not yet picked up the main Aquaman title, or indeed, Nemesis itself!
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Written by Cam
Cover by Andy Gray
Edited by Jay McIntyre
Review by Brian Burchette
Elseworlds stories in DC2 all have one thing in common; strong writing, solid stories, and exceptionally great covers. Robin: Betrayel continues in that tradition. Cam shows us a look into what Tim's deepest desires are as he continues to search for the emerald gem that will stop his friend Raven. Meanwhile the rest of the Bat Family and friends guard against the imminent attack. This is a highly creative and entertaining story that gets better with each issue. And the best thing about an Elseworlds tale is that it can go anywhere... and boy does this issue do that! An excellent cover is the topper to this chapter of a story I find fascinating! Great job!
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Written by Kevin Feeney
Cover by James Mohan & Steven Howard
Alternate cover by Yul Espinosa & Jonathan Biermann
Edited by House Of Mystery
Review by House Of Mystery
A complete change of pace this issue (come on, I had to), in which we see the aftermath of the awesome "Legacy of the Lightning" arc! We have some major changes across the board, and Kevin shines the spotlight on the three wise men of the Flash dynasty, Max Mercury, Johnny Quick and the legendary Jay Garrick! There's some dark stuff, and understandably so considering the content, but Kevin's sense of humour shines through (I was especially gleeful with the reveal of a major new player in Keystone's criminal underworld, you'll know the line) and I cannot wait for the next phase of Kevin Feeney's run (boom, there we go again!) on The Flash.
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Written by: Brian Burchette
Cover by Gareth Williams
Edited by Don Walsh
Review by Cam
Well well well.... What can be said of the latest issue of Green Arrow, other than BRILLIANT! Brian Burchette has always had a handle on Green Arrow, there's no doubt about that, but with this issue, he shows an even deeper understanding of this character that he obviously loves. An exciting car chase and fight scene were only kind of amazing compared to the story that's brewing underneath! This is Brian (and Ollie) at his finest! And, from the epilogue of this story, Brian has made one thing, if nothing else, very clear.... NEVER piss off a vigilante..... you won't like the result...
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Written by Don Walsh and Brian Burchette
Cover by Roy Flinchum
Edited by Mark Bowers
Review by Samantha Chapman
If there's one thing that all team series need, it's a solid, clear set of characters with intense, interesting interrelationships. I can't think of any better example of these strengts than Justice League Annual #2. Centered around the wedding of Ray Palmer and Jean Lorring, there was no way that this issue could not have been a tear-jerker. The threat and story are perfectly epic and large-scale for such a big event, and the emotions are equally soaring. There is no excuse for missing out on the astounding adventure, intricate plotting, and true love filling this issue to the brim!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Brian Burchette
Cover by Roy Flinchum
Edited by Mark Bowers
Review by Aaron Martel
Note: This title is Mature Audiences only and password protected. Please apply to admin for password (CLICK HERE to be taken to the New Outsiders password request thread).
It's easy to take Brian Burchette and his New Outsiders for granted. Always one of the strongest titles in the entire DC2, New Outsiders has been so consistently stellar in quality that you nearly expect greatness every month from this book. And #40 is no exception. Concluding a multi-part arc begun in issue #35 yet referencing events from the title's very beginning, a final plot twist is revealed that both solves the current whodunnit murder mystery and shakes the Outsiders to their core. This is a story that packs an emotional wallop as our heroes wrestle with a major moral dilemma that could cause profound consequences for the team down the line. All of Brian's trademark strengths of characterization, sensitivity and even humor are on fine display here. Add to this brilliant tale a stark but effective black and white cover by the illustrious Roy Flinchum, and you have the makings of another DC2 classic.
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Written by Batkid
Cover by Steven Howard
Edited by Ellen Fleischer
Review by Pat Owens
Dick Grayson has been the new Batman on DC2 for quite some time now but as Nightwing #37 proves, the stories are still incredibly interesting. This issue focuses mainly on a murder mystery and Batkid does a fantastic job with interactions between all of the characters as the story unfolds into a bit of a cliffhanging ending. The cover by Steve Howard is a perfect represention of the ending scene to the story, mirroring the mood that the words in the scene described. Whether you're a Nightwing, Batman, or even just a plain old Dick Grayson fan pick this book up!
JOIN US NEXT WEEK HERE AT THE PULL LIST WHEN THE SPOTLIGHT TITLE WILL BE...
DC2: NEMESIS #3
DC2: NEMESIS #3