I've Been Reading A Lot Of Disappointing Books Lately

Justice League 28
DC Comics
Geoff Johns, writer
Ivan Reis, Joe Prado and Scott Hanna, artists

I enjoy reading comics, so I want to talk about the ones I enjoy, not the ones that didn't live up to the potential I hoped they could have. But there have been several in the past few days that just didn't meet my expectations going in.

In the case of this issue of Justice League, continuing the "Forever Evil" crossover, the story itself was good: Cyborg got a complete makeover in the previous issue after all of his cybernetic parts split off, decided to call itself The Grid, and joined the other-dimensional Crime Syndicate that has taken over the world and imprisoned most of the League. This new, much more streamlined Cyborg 2.0 seeks out Dr. Will Magnus, creator of the Metal Men, to help him counter-attack the Syndicate, so this issue serves to introduce the New 52 versions of the Metal Men, who all act pretty much as they did before the New 52 reboot.

The problem is, the only real change I can see that the New 52 has brought to the Metal Men is that they all got a bad case of the uglies, especially Iron, Lead and Mercury.

These three, in particular, look as if they are wearing armor they should be able to remove. All six of the Metal Men — also including Gold, Tin and Platinum — look a lot more robotic than they used to. Now, I know that they technically are robots. But their respective responsometers not only give them their distinctive personalities, but each of the Metal Men also has complete control over his or her shape, allowing them to be able to shift and form tools and such from their bodies. Based on that fact alone, they should have very streamlined, fluid bodies, but especially when seen next to Cyborg's own new chassis, they look very clunky.

I've looked through the issue several times and can't find any kind of design credit. So maybe Ivan Reis, Joe Prado and/or Scott Hanna designed the new looks for the Metal Men. These guys have wowed me with their art in the past, so I would hate to think that they are responsible for this mess. Rather, almost the entire New 52 redesign came from Jim Lee, another artist whose past work I have enjoyed, but who seems to have gone overboard with the unnecessary costume details and seams and such in the New 52. These look to me like they are more of Jim Lee's bad design work for the reboot.

Here's hoping the Metal Men's appearances soften over time.

It's A Team Book, Dammit

Justice League 1-4
DC Comics
Geoff Johns, writer
Jim Lee, artist

I've heard a lot of people complain that for a writer known for his character work, Geoff Johns has dropped the ball with this title because it lacks any real characterization, instead opting for little more than slam-bam fights and too-cutesy quips. The criticism is usually joined with the charge that this book, above all others as the flagship title of The New 52! relaunch, deserves better.

After finally having a chance to read some of the DCnU debut titles, I say that Johns DOES add character moments in this title, albeit small ones, and that because this is the BIG team book leading off the relaunch effort, it must be mostly big and splashy or fans would decry the effort as lackluster.

Those of you who've been to this blog before know I tend to be somewhat behind in my comics reading. Life intrudes and quiet moments to sit and read are often precious and few, especially with a new baby in the house. So now that I've finally reached the beginnings of the relaunched titles from DC, I opted to read the first four issues of the titles I bought to get a real feel for the books before commenting. I'm so behind much of the time anyway, maybe I should just trade-wait most of my comic purchases, and do on some titles, but haven't made that switch completely.

Anyway, back to Justice League. This book in particular benefits from reading four issues at once, or even the entire arc. I have no defense for anyone wishing to complain about this book being a little slow in monthly form. This truly is an arc that would be better as a trade so the reader doesn't lose momentum between issues. Because momentum is what a book featuring this many big guns is all about. Early on in their careers, these heroes all give new meaning to the term big guns. Each of these heroes is new to superheroing, and even newer to working with others. I can handle the excess bravado and one-upmanship amply on display here because of that lack of experience. Those attitudes should not continue once this book leaves behind the League's origin and moves to more contemporary stories where the heroes are seasoned by five years of working together.

Also, let's face it: Most of these characters -- all of them, in fact, except Cyborg -- star in at least one title of their own. Those books, most written by other creators, are where the early character development will happen for Aquaman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Superman and Wonder Woman. Those other creators would resent Johns stealing their individual character-defining moments for his group book.

This is a fun superhero romp, and I'm enjoying the ride. If you are wanting deeper characterization, seek out these heroes' individual titles. This book is all about the larger dynamic.