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Justice League Dark#2 - Peter Milligan/Mikel Janin

Milligan is taking his time here, and, while that may be grating for some, this continues to be a layered exploration of a group of damaged characters who are slowly uniting against a common foe. The focus here switches to Deadman and Dove, two characters I'm not too familiar with. But one doesn't need to be to understand the relationship problems that impact their involvement in the plot. Milligan sets the tone of their relationship up well, so that all of the reactions and problems that arise feel natural and expected. They reminded me of John and Laurie in Watchmen, trying to connect and relate to each other, but coming from different frames of reference. There is a lot of time given to them here, but I found it to be strong material, well paced, ominous, and interesting. The wider plot is also starting to come together, with Zatanna and John Constantine separately investigating the Enchantress, while Madame Xanadu's plots in the background begin coming to light. There's a lot going on here, but the pacing still feels methodical and the proceedings have a haunting feeling to them. I'm coming around to appreciating Janin's style, which I still think is a bit too posed and photo-referenced on faces, but is still capturing the expression and body language needed for the softer moments. This book is an enigma - what is it going to look like when the plot really comes together? I have trouble imagining a traditional team book. It's wearing it's non-traditional style and plot construction on its sleeve right now, and I hope that keeps up.


The Flash#2 - Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato/Francis Manapul

Manapul and Buccellato continue their artistic experimentation with this issue, and it makes for such a unique reading experience. I have never read something that so incorporates the art into the flow and progression of the story. The character's speed powers come to life in new ways in this book, and also contribute to some of the visual effects on display. A new idea is explored here, with the Flash using his speed power on a mental level, using it to 'think faster,' and process everything he sees on a busy city street at once. Manapul produces some stunning visuals for these pages, with a succession of small panels depicting the activity around Barry, with his stunned face in the centre. There are other great artistic choices, like a splash of Barry running as he processes information about the Manuel Lago case. Story and art are fused in this book, with colour choices and panel arrangement contributing to plot progression as much as the story itself. As for the story, it is nicely building on a couple of fronts. There is a foreboding feeling to the Manuel plot that nicely contrasts with the brighter world of Keystone City being created, and it's going in several interesting avenues. I am also loving the supporting cast and work environment the writers are building for Barry, with a gentle love triangle progressing and a likeable lead character at the centre of it all. This book looks and feels fast-paced, it's fun and vibrant, and it's also building a strong story. Manapul and Buccellato are going out of their way to make the book feel special, and it's working.


Birds of Prey#2 - Duane Swierczynski/Jesus Saiz

I decided to pick up this second issue because I was impressed with the first. It was the right choice. Swierczynski has a very strong handle on pacing and story progression. He sets up his players and their mission and plows ahead fearlessly with a fast-paced action romp. At the same time, the dialogue of the three Birds is very strong, and we get a good feel for these characters and their interrelationships in the midst of relentless fun and action. Katana is a strongaddition, as her less mentally-stable characteristics are not overplayed and create some amusing moments with the other two. Starling is a vital and fun character, and Black Canary is growing into a strong lead. Her narration shows a confident, sure hand that is nagged by doubts and the inability to let herself relax. There is a fun interlude where she struggles not to lose focus on her mission and feel attraction to a doctor helping with this case. I'm enjoying the gathering of this team too. Not one of the women has answered why they are joining the group, and the last page arrival of Poison Ivy is a great moment - what would draw an acknowledged villain to this team? I can't wait to find out and see how her inclusion changes the great group dynamic that already exists. The mission over which this all plays out is perfectly fine, but it's the execution that really draws me in. Saiz' art mirrors the story - great work on the action, shadows, and fast pace. But a closer look reveals that, like Swierczynski, he too brings a depth and weight to the female leads, with vivid figures and expressions. These women command the page, both as characters and as drawings. A really surprising book.


I an X-completist, I also picked up Wolverine and the X-Men#1 (Jason Aaron/Chris Bachalo). This new title is coming off the heels of the X-Men: Schism mini series that I had huge problems with. That story was well-told, particularly the thrilling middle chatper, but I did not buy the "Schism" that split Wolverine and Cyclops one iota. The stance Wolverine took made no sense to me. And, because Wolverine can never look less than 'ultra-cool' in a comic/movie/cartoon, and Cyclops can never be anything more than the lame boy scout, Cyclops' position had to be the 'loser' side of the equation. Even though it logically made way more sense that Wolverine's side. The whole situation felt shoe-horned and forced, nothing about Wolverine's actions felt natural, and it all felt like it just existed to get us to this point. To add to it, in the atrocious X-Men: Regenesis one-shot, where characters chose if they were going with Wolverine or staying with Cyclops, almost none of them even mention the issue behind the Schism as their reason for staying or going! Most were like 'I like school, I'm going!' or 'No, I'm staying,' with nothing more. So much for "the schism that split the X-Men in half" - the majority of them didn't seem to care about the issue one way or the other.

Anyways, all of that nonsense brings us here. Was it worth it? Sure. This was a wholly enjoyable first issue, with the wit and charm of Scott Lobdell and Chris Bachalo's old Generation X mixed with a harder edge and some quirky characterizations. I love the idea of Wolverine, Shadowcat, and Beast at the core of this new school venture, and this title. All of the extra material on the curriculum and class lists was very fun as well. It didn't necessarily go anywhere as a first issue - it just introduced the school,the premise, and the light-hearted tone of the book, but it nailed its version of the lead characters and it's a tone I tend to like. I'm of course held back in my enthusiasm because I just didn't like the forced logic that brought us to this point, but I'm sure I'll get over it if all issues are this good. Jason Aaron's work at Marvel so far has just not even come close to touching Scalped for me, but this was probably the strongest I've seen him yet on a mainstream Marvel book.