My Comics: What's Working And What's Not (Part 2)

Here’s part two of my evaluation of the comic books I’ve been reading regularly for awhile now. Last time I took a look at my “team” books. This time I’m zeroing in on the “solo” books I read.

The Flash: Rebirth

I first started reading comics on a regular basis while collecting “Crisis On Infinite Earths”, in which the silver age Flash, Barry Allen, died saving the universe. It was a heroic and noble death for a character that, for many, was bland and uninteresting. His successor, Wally West, has been my Flash for virtually all of my comic book reading life.

With so many other heroes returning from the grave, the death of Barry Allen was the one reminder of the seriousness of death in the DC Universe. I saw absolutely no good reason to bring Barry Allen back from the dead. To be honest, I still don’t. But I’ve always said(of both Flash and Green Lantern) that who wears the suit isn’t near as important as how good the story is. And in Flash: Rebirth, Geoff Johns works his magic again, presenting a character driven story and a redefined hero.

Barry Allen’s time away has brought him back with an intense desire to make every second count. This has effects on his relationships with those closest to him that make for a very sympathetic character portrait. Johns has also monkeyed with Barry’s past just a little to give better motivation to Allen’s pursuit of Justice. All of his life, Barry Allen has believed that his Father was wrongly convicted for the murder of his mother, and this has driven his pursuit of truth and justice, driving him to find out what the truth is in criminal cases and pursue justice for the deserving while protecting the innocent.

The end result is a character that I look forward to reading more about. And though I hope Wally finds ways to be prominent and well-written in books like “Titans”, Barry is positioned best right now to tell the strongest Flash stories possible. This 6 issue miniseries is a must read for DCU fans.

Superman: Secret Origin

I’ve not been a consistent Superman reader. I jump on and off when the writing is good because Superman is a character that has to be written very well be good. But when he IS written well, it’s wonderful.

After reading Crisis On Infinite Earths, I collected the “Man Of Steel” miniseries which re-established Superman’s origin in “post-Crisis” continuity in the mid-80s. (No Superboy or fully developed adolescent powers.) I really enjoyed this new take on the Superman mythos and started becoming frustrated when it would be ignored by more recent stories. “Last Son Of Krypton” was a more recent attempt at redefining Superman’s origins, but Mark Waid’s story was just not “pure” enough in its focus or characterization.

Leave it to the most recent “time crisis” to give Geoff Johns an excuse to work his magic and redefine Superman for this generation of readers. It should come as no surprise that he does a fantastic job. If you are under the impression that Superman is a sterile, 2-dimensional character, be sure to pick up this miniseries. (Currently on issue 4 of 6.)

Many of the little things we take for granted about Superman are given purpose or a brand-new perspective. Johns’ distills these characters into their purest forms while reminding us why they have endured and what makes them worth writing about. Considering that Superman is the hero that started it all, this miniseries is a must read for all superhero comic book fans.

Wonder Woman

I’ve never been drawn to reading female character books, but I had always wanted to give “Wonder Woman” a try because of her iconic status in the comic book world. Like Aquaman, she is a character that I have always wanted to see work, but always seem to be disappointed. Sandals, togas and all the Greek stuff just don’t do anything for me. But I came on board this new Wonder Woman series impressed with the story and writing. At first. But they couldn’t seem to hang onto their strong writers and the book began to fail.

Gail Simone to the rescue!

Although this is a very different book from Secret Six, Gail Simone continues to prove her worth as a writer. Diana is a character from a foreign world but is brought down to earth by her quirky supporting cast. As Diana plays straight man to the rest of the world, we’re reminded of how poorly she fits in. I would guess that many geeks who feel out of place in the world will likely feel right at home with this book.

But despite her social awkwardness at times, Wonder Woman is no insecure weakling, and the action in this book is a load of fun. If you’ve ever wanted to give this character a try, now is the time!

Ex Machina

Although published by DC (through Wildstorm), Ex Machina takes place outside main DCU continuity. In a world without superheroes, one man is given the power to control technology with the sound of his voice… and then enters into politics.

Don’t misread me here. There is plenty of superpower stuff happening, especially with all the flashbacks to “The Great Machine’s” brief stint as a costumed hero. But the book has a very realistic tone and dark, gritty sensibility.

The writing has been strongest at the beginning and now as it starts to come to a planned finale. But even its weaker story arcs have been interesting enough to keep me from dropping it.

If you want a superhero story without the costumes and “Heroes” is boring you as much as it is me, give this book a try. However, be forewarned that it is designed for “mature readers”. Rough language, and sexual references abound. And if you are politically charged, you may also want to know that although the book starts out in the middle ground, it reveals more and more of its left leaning sensibilities as it progresses. Though not extremely so.

Green Lantern Corps

The “Blackest Night” storyline has done nothing but good things for Tomasi’s already solid writing. This book has been consistently good, though not great. But currently, it is a great read every month. A cosmic war is raging and this book tells the story of space marines who are in it together through thick and thin. The action is massive and often non-stop, and the sense of brotherhood between GLs is inspiring and in a couple instances surprisingly moving. Not a book that will interest everyone, but worth picking up if you want the whole story behind “Blackest Night” and a must read for Green Lantern fans.

Green Lantern

In the midst of the massive “Blackest Night” storyline, Green Lantern is not only vital to exploring the deeper goings-on, but it is also where much of Green Lantern history is being remembered, celebrated or renewed. Geoff Johns continues to be a master of presenting the core essence of characters and reminding us of why they are captivating. And somewhere along the way, Johns even made this crazy idea about a “rainbow of lantern corps” work really well!