One of the hardest things to do when writing a comic book is
introducing readers to a new series full of new characters, as well as
establishing a good story to go along with them. James Robinson was able to
accomplish both in the New 52’s Earth-2. Robinson has been given an entire
world to tell stories. Its not just about one hero; not even about one team of
heroes, but an entire, alternate universe full of infinitely new characters,
and Volume One introduces us to the first alternate universe of the New 52.
Volume One, titled: “The Gathering” focuses on the joining
of the Justice Society of America, by introducing us to revised take on their
classic members. The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl and the Atom take center
stage and are immediately appealing. While they have the same names as their Golden
Age counterparts, they have been updated with relevant and modern characteristics
that current readers can associate themselves with. Robinson has taken the,
almost forgotten, JSA and updated almost everything about them from their
backgrounds to their costumes and applied them to a new world.
I think that creating this comic series was one of the best
things that DC could have done. The idea of reading about stories set in an
alternate universe, stories that effect alternate versions of our favorite characters
is very cool, making me wonder if they may eventually release more series about
more alternate Earths.
Volume One begins with the death of Earth-2’s Superman,
Batman and Wonderwoman and the destruction of almost half the planet. While
Darkseid attempted to invade Earth in Geoff John’s Justice League, he succeeds
in Earth-2, jumping us ahead in the future to see the formation of the new “Wonders”.
Solomon Grundy acts as the catalyst to force the heroes to unite, which leads
to a very climatic battle between Grundy (the grey) and Green Lantern.
Not only is the book written well, but Trevor and Nicola
Scott’s artwork is one of the best I’ve seen. The color work may be the finest
in the New 52, which all accumulates to the overall beauty of the book.
I look forward to seeing future installments of this
alternate Earth, as well as the next alternate characters Robinson will
introduce. Overall, based on what I’ve read in Volume One, Earth-2 shows much
promise and appears to only get increasingly intriguing by each issue.
I give this volume:
8.8 / 10
Be sure to check out more reviews upon more volumes’
releases.
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