CONVERGENCE: ACTION COMICS #2: Power Girl and her boyfriend Andrew share a kiss before she goes off into battle against the Red Sun version of Wonder Woman. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor has locked Stalin away and has taken over Moscow. Earth-2 Superman convinces Wonder Woman and Power Girl to work together to save their cities and together they succeed in toppling Luthor from power. Superman and Power Girl head off to CONVERGENCE #6 to save Metropolis.
Also included is an 8-page preview of SINESTRO by Cullen Bunn and Brad Walker. Kanjar Ro has arrived to menace to refugees from Korugar when Sinestro and his team arrive to save the day.
Man: this probably would have been a great tale…if it actually arrived at the same time as CONVERGENCE #6. Unfortunately, we have been down that road and know what happens, so this is kind of anti-climatic. A nicely written story by Justin Gray, with art by Claude St. Aubin is wasted because of where it dropped in the schedule. What a shame…
As far as SINESTRO goes: same story, new month. I wasn’t jumping up and down prior to CONVERGENCE and I don’t expect much after it.
CONVERGENCE: BLUE BEETLE #2: Captain Atom, Blue Beetle and The Question face off against the combined might of the Legion of Super-Heroes. The Legion tries to settle it with words, but jump into Beetle’s ship and teleport away to plan their next move. The Legion tracks them down and they battle until an earthquake levels the city. Dejected, the two teams end their hostility, but it’s all a ruse, as the city was never destroyed. Together, they head off to CONVERGENCE #8 to the final battle.
Also included is an 8-page preview of BLACK CANARY by Brenden Fletcher and Annie Wu. Black Canary is playing at a club and she gets into a rumble with members of another band. Once she uses her Canary Cry to defeat them, she and her band take the stage, while three mysterious figures plot to eliminate her.
Scott Lobdell and Yishan Li give us a nice story with two groups of characters I would like to see again, especially the classic Charlton heroes. And this version of the Legion is classic and unsullied. Maybe it’s because I’m old, but I do love the classic era of Silver Age heroes.
I’m not sure what to make to the BLACK CANARY. The art is very angular and unusual and feels more like an Indy title. Fletcher’s story is a great one…if you want a rock and roll comic and not a superhero one. Again…not sure where this is going to end up on my reading list.
CONVERGENCE: BOOSTER GOLD #2: Booster is still amazed to find Blue Beetle alive and realizes that he is in a different time and place. But he is also suffering from radiation poisoning and confesses that to Ted. Meanwhile, the other Booster Gold, his sister and Rip Hunter battles the Legion of Superheroes before stepping out of the fight by sliding out of time. They track down Ted and Booster where Rip explains to his father that his mother needs him. All of them go off to find Vanishing Point, where the older Booster gets transformed into Waverider and he sends everyone back to their proper places and times. Then he heads off to CONVERGENCE #8 to stop a crisis.
Also included is an 8-page preview of EARTH 2 SOCIETY by Daniel H. Wilson and Jorge Jimenez. Earth 2’s survivors from the war with Apokolips try to adjust to life on a new planet that has two suns. Can the heroes, including the new Batman, cope with the machinations of The Huntress, Oliver Queen and Doctor Impossible, Jimmy Olsen?
Dan Jurgens and Alvaro Martinez gives us a great ending here, even if the Legion places a smaller role than anticipated. The fact that Waverider is reborn was the kicker for me! Not to mention, the meeting of the Boosters and Rip Hunter’s wonderful reunion with his father. If you didn’t know that fact, then you should have read the TIME MASTERS mini-series from a few years back.
I am totally interested in where EARTH 2 is going. Although most people wrote off the series and the mini-series that destroyed Earth 2, I was one of those fans who liked the characters. With Dick Grayson as Batman and Jimmy Olsen as Doctor Impossible, this could be a fun ride.
CONVERGENCE: CRIME SYNDICATE #2: Justice League Alpha battles the Crime Syndicate, leading to a battle between Wonder Woman and Lois Lane. An earthquake ravages the planet and only one of the women crawls out of the rubble. But which one?
Also included is an 8-page preview of CYBORG by David F. Walker and Ivan Reis. Cyborg, Batman, Shazam, and Wonder Woman are battling the Tekbreakers, who claim to be here to retrieve what Cyborg stole from them. They manage to shut him down and it looks like he might be dead, but his body regenerates into something new and different.
I wish I could say that I enjoyed the lead story, but I can’t. What should have been a great battle turned out to be way too talky for my liking. Brian Buccellato writes great dialogue, but there is just way too much of it here and I really didn’t care for the “THE END?” ending. Even Phil Winslade’s art, which I like, didn’t seem to fit here. Who lives and who dies? Honestly, who cares?
However, the CYBORG story has hooked me right from the start as Walker throws us a plot twist that is a total surprise. I have to at least read the first few issues to see how this all plays out. And I’m a huge fan of Ivan Reis, so there’s that too!
CONVERGENCE: DETECTIVE COMICS #2: The Huntress and the adult Robin from Earth 2 have been transported to Earth –30, where they are forced to battle the Russian Superman. Luckily, the Russian Batman comes and rescues them, taking them to his hideout in the slums where he allows removes his mask long enough to allow a tearful Helena to see this version of her father. He explains that he is the balance to the evil Superman and gives them a secret weapon to use in their fight with him. They are totally outmatched, causing Robin to reveal the secret weapon: Kryptonite. But he can’t go through with the killing stroke and Superman and Robin shake hands and call the fight a draw. Claiming the rules have been broken, Telos sends Dick and Helena back to Earth 2, where Dick finally dons the mantle of the Batman.
Also included is an 8-page preview of THE FLASH by Van Jensen and Brett Booth. Following the conclusion of his last adventure, things have changed for Barry Allen. He now shares an apartment with Director Singh and Hartley Rathaway, and his girlfriend has broken up with him. And it seems Professor Zoom and his proteges are on the hunt.
As far as THE FLASH goes: I like Jensen and Booth’s work and liked where they were going prior to CONVERGENCE. So, I expect this should be a continued fun ride. But, when did Rathaway and Singh become a couple? Was I sleeping when that little thing happened?
Len Wein gives us a story with a lot of heart and not much else. I want some kind of resolution here! I mean, the rules are broken, Telos is pissed and everyone seemingly goes back home. Does ANYONE die in these little mini-series within a mini-series? Apparently not as even The Huntress survived her cliffhanger moment from the last issue. Denys Cowan and art is nice, if you like their style. It’s pretty obvious that Sienkiewicz’ inking is totally dominant here.
As far as THE FLASH goes: I like Jensen and Booth’s work and liked where they were going prior to CONVERGENCE. So, I expect this should be a continued fun ride. But, when did Rathaway and Singh become a couple? Was I sleeping when that little thing happened?
CONVERGENCE: INFINITY INC. #2: Infinity Inc. finds themselves in a fight with the future Jonah hex and his Dogs Of War. After Obsidian enters Hex’ mind and forces him to relive his origin, they agree to a truce, which upsets Telos. Working together, they load the survivors of the earthquake onto a spaceship, allowing them to escape before an atomic explosion destroys the city. The team returns to Metropolis where the original Justice Society asks them to become the NEW Justice Society of America, now known as Justice Society Infinity.
Also included is an 8-page preview of BATGIRL by Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr. Batgirl battles a video game designer in a giant video game before teaming up to defeat the real enemy.
Although it was great to see Jerry Ordway’s name on a comic, I would have liked to have seen his art as opposed to Ben Caldwell, June Brigman and Roy Richardson. The story is okay, as it is obvious there is a place in his heart for these characters. But I totally could have done without this version of Jonah Hex as I was never a fan of this version to begin with. The passing of the torch was nice, especially as this book tied in nicely with the CONVERGENCE: JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #2, which you will read about below
As far as BATGIRL is concerned: I still REALLY HATE what has been done to this character! If this is the future of DC Comics, I may really need to jump off this train before it derails. And, I don’t care how many way they spin it, most of the comic fans I know feel the same way.
CONVERGENCE: JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #2: The original surviving JSA members, Green Lantern, The Flash, Hawkman, and Doctor Fate have been restored to their youthful selves and are battle against the Qwardian death machine. They spend most of the book fighting it before finally defeating it and being awarded the win. In the end, they return to their aged selves and head off for coffee. All that is except for Kent Nelson, who goes off to meet with Infinity Inc.
Also included is an 8-page preview of SUPERMAN WONDER WOMAN by Peter Tomasi and Paulo Siqueira. In this segment of the “Truth” storyline running through the many of the Superman titles, a gravely wounded and powerless Superman knocks out The Flash, steals a ship and breaks up with Wonder Woman.
Thank you Dan Abnett and Tom Derenick for giving us a warm, wonderful visit with the original JSA. While it is simply a book long fight sequence against a single villain, it was great to see dialogue that was so spot-on! Quips, jokes, and snide remarks between members hearkened back to the Golden Age and I was thrilled to see that. And the passing of the torch, even if it was only the prequel to that event in CONVERGENCE: INFINITY INC. #2, was wonderful. So, DC can now but these characters to bed and give them the rest they so richly deserve.
As far as the SUPERMAN WONDER WOMAN story goes: it’s kind of hard to get a vibe when you get dropped in the middle of a story and still don’t know all the details that leads up to this point. Tomasi’s writing is his usual crisp stuff and Siqueira’s art is also top notch. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
CONVERGENCE: PLASTIC MAN AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS #2: The Freedom Fighters watch as the Nazi’s have to fight the Future’s End robots. They quickly realize that having the robots win would be worse than having the Nazi’s in power, so they jump in to help and team up with Silver Ghost and company to defeat the robots, despite Silver Ghost’s eventual betrayal. In the end, Plastic Man saves the day.
Also included is an 8-page preview of HARLEY QUINN by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmitotti, and Chad Hardin. Harley names her new team: Carli Quinn, Hanuquinn, Harley Queen, Harvey Quinn, Bolly Quinn, Harlem Harley, the Quinntuplets, and Coach.
Simon Oliver and John McCrea gives us a really silly book, considering that we have the good guys and the bad guys teaming up and there is a betrayal by the bad guys. Like we didn’t expect the Nazis to turn out to be bad guys! One nice moment was Eel O’Brien retelling his origin story. But, other than that, this book left be cold.
As far as the HARLEY QUINN preview: this book has SO JUMPED THE SHARK! Can Amanda and Jimmy go back to doing more drawing and less writing. Actually, that’s not totally fair as I like Palmiotti’s work when he teams up with Justin Grey. The high spot here, as always is Chad Hardin’s art.
CONVERGENCE: SHAZAM #2: The Marvel Family, Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel, and Captain Marvel Jr., teams up with Batman in the world of "Gotham by Gaslight". It seems that Mr. Mind has arrived here from Fawcett City and has gotten Gotham’s own villains to team up with him. In the end, with help from Bulletman and Bulletgirl, the Marvel’s win, and the world of Gotham by Gaslight goes away permanently.
Also included is an 8-page preview of CONSTANTINE THE HELLBLAZER by Ming Doyle, James Tynion IV and Riley Rossmo. John Constantine offers to help a woman named Katie, who has a problem with some otherworldly creatures she killed for their clothing. Unfortunately, Constantine is known as a liar and turns her over to the demons who have been searching for her.
Jeff Parker and Evan Shaner give us a beautifully written and masterfully drawn book. This, by far, was the most fun of all the mini-series within a mini-series for me. If we could only get a regular series by these two, I would be willing to drop most of the rest of the DC line for that. The love evident by these two creators was there from word #1 in issue #1. What a masterpiece that reminds me how much fun the not so serious Fawcett heroes was.
And then, we get a killer preview of the new CONSTANTINE title. Constantine the bastard is back and the world better look out! He even touches on his roots in the days of Mucous Membrane. There is just enough Vertigo anger here to make this interesting. Say goodbye to the lovesick John Constantine!
CONVERGENCE: WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #2: Sir Justin and the remaining Seven Soldiers of Victory find themselves in a fierce battle with weaponeers of Qward while Scribby Jibbet looks on and takes notes. Vigilante and the Crimson Avenger are slain in battle against the horde. Meanwhile, one of the weaponeers slays the winged horse Victory, sending Sir Justin into a rage. With an assist, from Sribbly, Sir Justin wins, but Telos intervenes, claiming this city is useless to him and their fates are ordained. In the end, Scribbly and Sir Justin head into town to face their doom.
Also included is an 8-page preview of WE ARE ROBIN by Lee Bermejo and Jorge Corona. A team of want-to-be heroes named Shug-R, Robina, DaxAtax, The Troy Wonder, Dre-B-Robbin, and R-Iko, battle crime in Gotham City
The lead feature was my second favorite of the mini-series within a mini-series as Paul Levitz, Jim Fern and Ron Wagner give us a loving tribute to legendary DC creator Sheldon Mayer. Scribby Jibbet WAS Mayer and to have the Seven Soldiers of Victory and Jibbet go down fighting, with a feel very much like the ending of THE WILD BUNCH, was just spectacular. I was sad to see these classic characters fall, especially after watching the Qwardians get defeated throughout the other titles. Beautifully written and lovingly illustrated, with inks from Jose Marzan, Wayne Faucher, and legendary artists Joe Rubinstein, this was a true standout among a field of also-rans.
As far as WE ARE ROBIN goes: I think I would rather have a meal at RED ROBIN…YUM!). I really can’t say that I was impressed or even like these characters, who we only see in the last page reveal, although we get their text conversations throughout the entire preview. I’m not a big fan of the concept and definitely not a fan of the story.
CONVERGENCE #8: With Deimos dead at the hands of Parallax, the gathered heroes believe that their fate is sealed, as the Multiverse is ending. But Waverider, Booster Gold and Goldstar arrive and free Brainiac who is the only person who can absorb all the temporal energy. The heroes immediately attack him but Brainiac reveals his machinations and explains that his time in prison has changed him He wants to send everyone back to their homes, but he cannot because of the Crisis on Infinite Earths. Parallax, The Flash, Supergirl, and the Pre-Flashpoint Superman, along with Lois and their son, all decide that they will go back to that point in time and save the Multiverse. With that, they leave and reset to Multiverse to where it was before the Crisis on infinite Earths. Brainiac wipes the planet clean of all the cities that were on it, leaving it barren until Earth 2’s Green Lantern turns it into a lush, green planet and it has been transported back into the New 52 Universe by Telos. In space, the survivors of Earth 2 find a light from Green Lantern and head for their new home.
Okay…what the f**k just happened here? I’ll tell you what happened: everything that ever happened, with the exception of the NEW 52, in the DC Universe AFTER the legendary CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS NEVER HAPPENED. THIS is how we celebrate the anniversary of that legendary series? By wiping the slate clean? So, all those events that came AFTER…things like ZERO HOUR, INFINITE CRISIS, 52, INVASION, COUNTDOWN, FLASHPOINT and more NEVER HAPPENED. Wait…does that also mean that the Death of Superman, Knightfall, Identity Crisis, Blackest Night, Brightest Day and the “death” of Batman ALSO never happened? Roy Harper never lost his arm or his daughter? Coast City was never destroyed? Earth-1’s Barry Allen and Supergirl never died? DC Comics just wiped 30 years of continuity, even though much of it has been reset over the years, clean. Holy Moley, man! That’s WHACKED!
So this was brought to you by the writing team of Jeff King, who has stated that everything I have just said is true, and Scott Lobdell. The art was by Stephen Segovia, Carlo Pagulayan, and Eduardo Pansica. The book is filled with wonderful two page spreads-fifteen of them, in fact. This all allows DC to move forward with what they are calling DC YOU: where story is more important than continuity. At the same time, it does give them room to play in the sandbox and paint on a whole world of canvases. And, obviously, the NEW 52 Universe, although we don’t call it that anymore, is THE Universe where most of the core superhero adventures will occur. Symbolically, this whole thing wipes the slate clean as the offices have moved from New York to California.
Was it a success? In the end, we could have done without ALL of the mini-series as they solved NOTHING. Everything that happened within them was reset in CONVERGENCE #8. Does this mean that every book POST CRISIS is now worthless? Maybe. But, are you reading comics or making an investment. The DIVERGENCE Universe, as I will probably refer to it, begins on June 3rd with the publication of the first ten titles: ACTION COMICS, BATMAN BEYOND, BAT-MITE, BIZARRO, GREEN ARROW, GREEN LANTERN, JUSTICE LEAGUE, LOBO, MIDNIGHTER and THE OMEGA MEN. Many DC fans are already jumping off this bandwagon. Of course, many fans are jumping off the Marvel bandwagon too as they rest the Marvel Universe with the epic length SECRET WARS event.
So…maybe it’s a good time to explore other choices.
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