Earth 2 #13 Review

Tags

Apokolips War, Apokorats, Batman, Booth Rapmund, Captain Steel, Commander Khan, DC Comics, Dezi Sienty, Earth 2, Hawkgirl, James Robinson, Jim Lockhart, Pete Pantazis, Red Torpedo, Rob Hunter, The New 52, Yildiray Cinar

Earth 2 #13

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers

As the World Army prepares to go to war with Steppenwolf in Dherain, we rejoin Commander Khan on the Sentinel as he confers with his superiors and explains his reasons for sending Captain Steel to investigate the strange reports coming from the fire pit in Rio De Janeiro. The fire pits were created by Terry Sloan during the war, using Apokolips science from Steppenwolf‘s base, and they have continued to burn around the world ever since. While the pit in Rio is fiery and hot, it is no longer radioactive. After years of being dormant the pit has suddenly become active, in the last week people have gone missing, and a figure has been seen in the flames.

Khan is confident that the unique properties of Captain Steel’s metal body will allow him to enter the fire pit safely and ascertain the cause of the strange activity. When Captain Steel arrives in Rio he is greeted by the inventor Jim Lockhart, who is responsible for developing vehicles for the World Army to use in special missions. Lockhart has now completed the Red Torpedo, a small craft with a tough outer shell that Captain Steel will use to travel into the fiery core of the pit.

The people of Rio watch and wait as Captain Steel boards the Red Torpedo and descends into the fire pit. Meanwhile in China, where Hawkgirl is trying to find out why Green Lanterns partner Sam was murdered, she is attacked in the graveyard where Sam is buried by a group of assassins riding genetically enhanced Apokorats. She manages to fend off some of her attacker, blasting them from their mounts, when the new Batman arrives to dispatch another rider with an explosive Batarang. The mysterious Batman informs Hawkgirl that Kanto the Assassin of Apokolips is involved, instructing her to follow the trail to Kanto, before vanishing in a cloud of red smoke. Hawkgirl is left stunned by this new Batman’s sudden appearance; neither can she begin to understand how Sam became involved with Apokolips Battle Tech, or why he was killed for it.

Back in Rio the fire pit is raging as something begins to emerge. Commander Khan desperately asks Lockhart to report what is happening, they are expecting the torpedo to return, but Lockhart can only watch in horror as a burning figure emerges from the flames and shambles towards him.

The new subplot introduced in last weeks annual, about the investigation into the fire pits Sloan created during the Apokolips War, quickly becomes the focal point in Earth 2 #13 as we finally get a chance to see Captain Steel in action. Earth 2 #13 is another fine example of how richly detailed James Robinson’s alternative world has become, as he skilfully integrates Captain Steels origin into the plot, while revealing several key aspects about the World Army and their operations. We learn how American citizen Hank Heywood JR, a native Filipino, was born with a congenital defect that made his bones crumble. His father was a scientist, who used his genius to create a form of metal which he then infused with his sons DNA, before injecting it into Hank’s body.

The metal bonded with Hank JR’s skeleton, before replacing his limbs, and even some of his internal organs. The procedure saved his life, giving him super strength and the ability to control any machinery by will power alone. Heywood then contacted the World Army about his discovery, intending to help them create an army of Captain Steels. The Apokolips forces discovered Heywood’s plan and attacked before he could reveal his secrets. His son fought valiantly against the Parademon horde, but he couldn’t stop them all. His father killed himself to prevent Steppenwolf from obtaining his research data, sacrificing himself to keep his secrets safe, and afterwards Hank JR went on to join the World Army – becoming its first new wonder.

For fans of the golden age character Commander Steel, or the more recent Citizen Steel, it would seem that James Robinson has worked his magic again to update the character and his origin for a new generation of readers to enjoy. Captain Steel also takes a steely approach to his duty as a member of the World Army, he is very abrupt and just wants to get the job done, and seems to have little time or inclination to discuss his mission with Lockhart. The introduction to Captain Steel has been perfectly handled by James Robinson, the inclusion of Jim Lockhart is also an added bonus, striking just the right balance between the past and updating it for the New 52 version of Earth 2.

We also learn details of the Red Files, secret projects initiated by the World Army after the Apokolips War to form contingency plans and deterrents against any future threats. These projects all contain the word red in their code names: the Red Tornado was one of the first, then there is the Red Arrow who has apparently been working secretly in the field for years, and the inventor Jim Lockhart is the man who built Red Torpedo.

The new Batman also returns in Earth 2 #13 after making his debut in last weeks annual. He arrives to help Hawkgirl when she is attacked in the graveyard. Although I think she would have been more than capable of handling the Apokorats herself, it sets up a nice scene between her and Batman, who then suddenly disappears in a cloud of red mist. One aspect here that I do find a little irritating is the fact that Hawkgirl’s name has suddenly been changed from Kendra to Shiera. No reason given to explain this change, hopefully it’s just a mistake, but it is a little worrying and highly inconsistent with what we have come to expect from this series.

With the news that James Robinson has decided to leave DC and move on from Earth 2 after issue #16, there has been intense speculation about his reasons for leaving. He will be greatly missed by fans of the series, the dedication and attention to detail that Robinson has invested in establishing the characters of Earth 2 has been remarkable, and whoever takes over from him will have a lot to live up to. I just hope that Hawkgirl’s name change isn’t a sign that things are already starting to unravel, as it would be a great shame to see the essence of what has made Earth 2 so enjoyable become diluted by a series of bland concepts and uninspired storylines.

The art for this issue of Earth 2 is handled by Yildiray Cinar, his brilliant pencils are nicely complemented by Rob Hunter’s inks, and together with color by Pete Pantazis and some great lettering by Dezi Sienty this issue really seems to jump off the page. Earth 2 #13’s dramatic cover, with Captain Steel swathed in flames, is provided by Booth Rapmund. Its a really eye catching cover, with Captain Steel battling his way through fire, and gives a sense of just how powerful this character is. As this issue races towards its shocking conclusion, a new threat is discovered within the crimson flames of the fire pit, one so powerful that it could destroy the entire planet.

Although I was a little disappointed that the cliff-hanger from last weeks annual wasn’t resolved, I do like how Robinson is maintaining the mystery surrounding the new Batman, who indecently has no trouble disappearing back into the shadows. Earth 2 #13 is a densely plotted issue, full of great character moments, and Robinson keeps you on the edge of your seat right up until the final page.

Earth 2 Isue #8 Review

Tags

Amazon, Apokolips, Apokolips War, DC Comics, Earth 2, Fury, James Robinson, Parademons, Steppenwolf, The New 52, The World Army, Yildiry Cinar

Earth 2 Issue #8

Review by Paul Bowler

The alternative universe of Earth 2 was rocked to the core when its Trinity of Wonders died saving the Earth during the Apokolips War. Facing insurmountable odds Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman made their last stand against Steppenwolf and his Parademon horde in the ruins of Metropolis. They fought bravely, but even Superman was overpowered by the Parademon’s, forced to watch helplessly as Steppenwolf ruthlessly slaughtered Wonder Woman, before he too was vaporised and killed. After Batman sacrificed himself to destroy the Metropolis beacon tower, Steppenwolf’s forces lost their connection to Apokolips.

Steppenwolf managed to escape through a Boom Tube, and until now his whereabouts have been unknown. Now in Earth 2 #8 writer James Robinson finally reveals what happened as we rejoin the alien war criminal five years after the Apokolips War. Having taken refuge in Dherain, the stranded alien has made an alliance with King Marvo, who assisted Steppinwolf’s invasion during the war and has since managed to evade the World Courts by implementing a treaty which allowed him to close the borders of his country at the end of the war.

Having benefited from Steppenwolf’s advanced technology; King Marvo has grown tired of his alliance with the alien General, and lures him to a meeting where Dherain’s military forces stand ready to kill him. Using suits of armour developed from Parademon schematics, Marvo and his elite Northern Cavalry attack Steppenwolf. But the monarch has gravely underestimated Steppenwolf, he is not alone, and as he rises to face his former ally, Steppenwolf’s most loyal soldier emerges from the shadows to strike back at Marvo’s army.

Guest artist Yildiry Cinar is on hand to ensure Earth 2 #8 is as spectacular as ever. After the pace slowed somewhat while the World Army and its New Wonders dealt with the fallout from their battle with Solomon Grundy, Earth 2 #8 sees the long awaited return of this series first protagonist and the debut of the mysterious Amazon warrior: Fury! When we first get a glimpse of Fury she strikes down two soldiers who are talking about Steppenwolf and their Kings plan to betray the alien, and she promptly ends their lives with a snap of her whip.

Yildiry Cinar’s art is as impressive as ever, with great inks by Ryan Winnn and Ruy Jon, perfectly rendering every moment of the Amazons rampage through the Dherain army – cutting a swathe through the troops with her energized whip before smashing their bodies with a tank that has had the audacity to fire at her. It is here, in the heat of the battle, that Steppenwolf reveals to King Marvo that Fury is actually Wonder Woman’s daughter, who he took from Amazon Island, corrupting and training her in the ways of Apokolips to be his most deadly and trusted warrior.

As the issues races towards its climax, Steppenwolf cuts down King Marvo in mid air with his axe, in probably one of this series most brutal scenes yet. Fury stands by her master’s side as he lifts Marvo’s severed head up for his people to see. Steppenwolf addresses the crowd and demands their obedience and they kneel before him as Fury declares he is their new king.

The activities of the World Army and the New Wonders take a back seat this issue as Steppenwolf and Fury carve a bloody trail of death and destruction through Dherain’s futuristic cityscape of gleaming towers. Although it dose seem a little strange how Steppenwolf could have remained hidden for this length of time, with only a cleverly worded treaty to keep the World Army at bay, I’m sure all will become clear as Robinson reveals the full extent of Steppenwolf’s plans.

It’s also going to be interesting to see how Fury’s character will develop over time. She is a real powerhouse, who seems to revel in using her immense strength and deadly whip to dispose of anything that stands in her way. I’m looking forward to the impending showdown between Steppenwolf and the New Wonders of Earth 2. Although it’s unclear how, or if, Fury will switch sides and stand with Earth 2’s heroes against Steppenwolf and his army, I’m sure the Amazon warrior will have some part to play in bringing about her masters downfall.

Earth 2 Issue #7 Review

Tags

Alan Scott, Apokolips War, Colonel Dodds, Commander Khan, DC Comics, Earth 2, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, James Robinson, Mr Terrfic, Terry Sloan, The Flash, The New 52, The Sandmen, Trevor Scott, Yildiray Cinar

Earth 2 Issue #7

Review by Paul Bowler

In the aftermath of Solomon Grundy’s defeat Alan Scott’s global media empire GBC is covering every aspect of recent events as news reports begin to emerge about the new wonders of Earth 2 and the heroic part they played in saving the world. Although the headlines state that Alan Scott was not one of the victims of the train crash in China, the claims that he is fine and well are far from the truth.

Alan Scott is consumed with grief over Sam’s death, smashing up his penthouse in a furious rage, before Hawkgirl arrives on the balcony with a renewed request for him to join with her and the Flash to work together as a team. When he refuses Kendra attacks him, forcing him to put on his power ring again, but before he can retaliate she vanishes.

This issue really throws the spotlight on Hawkgirl

While Alan Scott ponders his future, over in The World Army Central HQ in Tokyo, Commander Khan is summoned to a meeting before the members of The World Army Council. Khan is aghast when the Council appoint Terry Sloan to be the new Head of The World Army Science Directive. He may be forced to work with Terry Sloan for now, but having secretly uncovered one of Sloan’s secret bases in Paris, Khan has sent Colonel Dodds and his Sandmen to investigate the building where they find a lab guarded by Sloan’s brainwashed prisoner from Earth 1 – Mr Terrific. After subduing Mr Terrific and trashing the lab, Colonel Dodds reports back to Khan with his findings.

Although Khan and Dodd are uncertain why Terry Sloan captured Mr Terrific when he mysteriously appeared in Manhattan, they are sure he is the key to Sloan’s plan. Yet as they covertly decide to deprogram Mr Terrific it may already be too late, Terry Sloan has quickly gained the trust of The World Army Council, and soon all the secrets of The World Army and its facilities will be his to govern and implement as he sees fit.

James Robinson seamlessly shifts the tone of Earth 2 from the all-out-action against Solomon Grundy with a somewhat reflective 7^th issue that not only deals with the global recovery in the wake of recent events, but also sees the heroes of Earth 2 gradually coming to terms with the implications their new powers will have on their lives. Robinson addresses the reasons behind Green Lantern’s arrogant dismissal of The Flash’s idea of banding together to form a new team of wonders, revealing how a grief stricken Alan Scott cannot even bear to look at his power ring, let alone consider using it to help form a new team of superheroes. Having trashed his penthouse in a furious rage, Alan is surprised to get a visit from Hawkgirl who once again tries to persuade him to join her and Flash as part of a new team.

Kendra attacks Alan Scott, forcing him to put on the power ring again

This issue really throws the spotlight on Hawkgirl as she talks to Alan on the balcony of his penthouse: even going so far as to reveal her full name, Kendra Munoz-Saunders, one time Archaeologist turned Tomb Robber, whose skills brought her to the attention of The World Army where on a subsequent mission she acquired her wings. Feeling trapped and persecuted by society, Kendra tried to distance herself from The World Army, however, fighting alongside the new wonders in Washington against Grundy – as well as the prophecy that an even greater threat is coming – has made her realize that Earth 2 needs its heroes now more than ever. As if to illustrate her point, she forces him face up to his grief by demonstrating how vulnerable he is. Kendra fires her crossbow when Green Lantern turns his back on her, shattering a photograph of Sam which enrages Alan enough to instinctively draw the power ring to him, but as he turns to face her Hawkgirl is gone.

Confrontations come thick and fast this issue, the air positively crackles with tension as the scene shifts to Commander Khan and Terry Sloan at The World Army HQ in Japan where Sloan has been placed in charge of The World Army Science Directive. While Khan does little to hide his disgust of what he describes as the “obscenity” of Sloan’s placement, he agrees to work with him in principle – at least for now. Having dispatched Colonel Dodds and his elite squad of Sandmen to break into Sloan’s secret lab in Paris, Khan is intrigued when Dodds reports how they discovered a deranged prisoner from Earth 1- Mr Terrific – and brought him in for questioning. We still have no real clue about how Mr Terrific fits into Sloan’s schemes but it will be interesting to see how James Robinson develops the fearful symmetry between these two hyper-intellects.

As well as a welcome return of Colonel Dodds and the Sandmen Earth 2 #7 continues to entice us with snippets of dialogue that offer the promise of even more wonders to come. It is clear that The World Army has vast resources at its disposal. After the horrors of the Apokolips War the World Army Council has been working on a number of top secret programmes in a bid to research and replicate a new age of wonders. Khan realizes just how dangerous it is to allow Sloan access to this data, but is powerless to prevent the Council giving Sloan free reign to initiate his own interpretation of The Wonders Protocol and Project: Biohive. While we are teased with another mention of Captain Steel regular readers are rewarded by the appearance of The Red Tornado! Terry Sloan has decided to transfer the feminine robot still under construction to the Wonders Imitative Facility in Portland. Here’s hoping it won’t be long before we get to see this new Red Tornado in action.

Hawkgirl tries to persuade Alan to help form a new team of wonders

This issue features the debut of guest artist Yildiray Cinar (The Fury of Firestorm the Nuclear Men; Teen Titans) as he joins Earth 2 for issues #7-8. This will also be Cinar’s debut collaboration with James Robinson. Fan favourite Yildiray Cinar is a perfect choice to illustrate Earth 2, his dynamic flair leaps from every scene and is perfectly complemented by Trevor Scott’s inks. Although Earth 2 #7 is comparatively light on super powered action, Cinar and Scott lavishly depict the global recovery from The Rot, allowing the characters and their conflicts time to play out against the stunning backdrops of high tech military instillations and panoramic city skylines. The focus on quieter moments of reflection is tempered by the conspiracy and betrayal beginning to form at the very heart of The World Army. Earth 2 continues to astound and impress on all levels, with the imminent return of Steppenwolf and the introduction of this parallel worlds last Amazon, I have a feeling that we have only just begun to scratch the surface of all the wondrous characters and storylines Earth 2 has to offer.

Earth 2 Issue #6 Review

Tags

Alan Scott, Apokolips War, Commander Khan, DC Comics, Earth 2, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, James Robinson, Jay Garrick, Nicola Scott, Solomon Grundy, Terry Sloan, The Atom, The Flash, The New 52, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 Issue #6

Review by Paul Bowler

With the Earth now engulfed by the decaying tendrils of the rot the new wonders of Earth 2 struggle to make their final stand against Solomon Grundy in Washington.  Realizing that Grundy’s power is somehow linked to his own Earth Energies, Green Lantern entrusts the Flash, Hawkgirl, and the Atom to protect him from Solomon Grundy while he uses his spirit form to confront The Grey in its bizarre otherworldly realm. Meanwhile in the World Army Central Intelligence Hub floating above the ruins of Metropolis, Commander Khan can only watch helplessly as Terry Sloan assumes command of The Sentinel and orders a nuclear strike against Washington to destroy Grundy.

As the nuclear missiles home in on the capitol Flash, Atom, and Hawkgirl fight bravely to defend Green Lantern’s helpless body from Grundy, unaware that The Grey is trying to deceive Alan Scott’s spirit form with an facsimile of Sam (His recently deceased lover) into forging an alliance – promising to resurrect Sam from the dead if Green Lantern will willingly join forces with it and let Solomon Grundy destroy the world. But just as his allies are about to be overwhelmed by the rot, Green Lantern manages to see through The Grey’s illusion; his brief moment of joy giving way to rage as he obliterates Sam’s doppelganger with his power ring and returns to his physical form.

Flash, Atom, and Hawkgirl defend Green Lantern’s helpless body from Grundy

Green Lantern attacks Grundy and pummels the monster into the upper atmosphere, giving the Atom, Hawkgirl, and Flash time to get free as the rot begins to recede now that Grundy is no longer present on Earth. The Atom tries to carry out his original orders and capture Hawkgirl, but the Flash helps her and they manage to escape the giants grasp. With Green Lantern and Solomon Grundy’s furious battle taking them perilously close to the brink of space, Alan Scott is horrified to see the wave of nuclear missiles about to strike Washington. Although his powers begin to fade as they reach Earth orbit, Green Lantern uses the last vestiges of his power rings energies to take out the missiles, tossing them harmlessly into space before blasting Solomon Grundy into exile on the moon – effectively rendering the creature powerless as there is no energy for The Grey to utilize or corrupt on the lunar surface.

With his power ring completely depleted, Green Lantern plummets back to Earth, but Hawkgirl swoops in to rescue him and together they rejoin the Flash. It seems that Green Lantern’s ring has been recharged upon his return to Earth, so he uses it to give the planet a boost of energy to help undo some of the damage inflicted by the rot. The crisis may be over for now, but Flash reminds them all of the warning Mercury gave him about a new danger they will soon have to face, one that could be even greater than the Apokolips Invasion itself. Green Lantern reveals how the Green Earth Entity that gave him his power ring also warned of such a threat, but he dismisses the Flash’s idea that they work together and form a new Trinity of Wonders, believing himself to be powerful enough to handle any situation from now on without their help. So Green Lantern bids them farewell, soaring into the sky, leaving Hawkgirl disgusted by his arrogance and the Flash to ponder their future as flowers begin to bloom in the rapidly regenerating dirt beneath their feet.

Earth 2 #6 is the culmination of several plot threads that have been carefully developed by James Robinson  over the course of this new series, and it is this careful plotting and attention to the finer details of these classic character that continues to make this parallel version of the New 52 DCU so appealing. Not only has Robinson given fan favourites Jay Garrick and Alan Scott exciting new origins, he has reintroduced Hawkgirl and the Atom, as well is the incongruous menace of Terry Sloan and a plethora of new supporting characters to spawn a whole new mythology steeped in the rich lineage of the Silver Age which Earth 2 so successfully seeks to emulate.

Commander Khan confronts Terry Sloan

The winning combination of Nicola Scott’s art and Trevor Scott’s inks once again make Earth 2 a delight to behold. Few titles really capture the energy and excitement of a story, but Earth 2 #6 perfectly encapsulates the epic scale of Green Lantern’s struggle with Solomon Grundy in orbit as the nuclear missiles descend over Washington. It also highlights just how Green Lantern’s and Grundy’s powers are connected to the Earth itself, providing a highly plausible limit to their immense abilities. The rich colours by Alex Sinclair enhances every panel, superbly complementing the kinetic action, all serving  to make Earth 2 one of the most vibrant looking team books of The New 52.

The 6^th issue of Earth 2 is bursting with character set-pieces: when Alan Scott nearly succumbs to The Grey’s false image of Sam his retribution is swift and precise as this Green Lantern’s emotional turmoil seems to elevate his rings power to almost unimaginable levels, Hawkgirl’s tactical skills play a crucial role in helping the new wonders hold the line in Washington, and even the Atom seems to realize just how much his loyalty to the World Army has been tested by the crisis when the chance to apprehend Kendra slips through his fingers once again.

For me though, Jay Garrick has been the biggest revelation in Earth 2. This quite, and unassuming character is easily the most appealing we‘ve met so far in this alternative reality. Even in the heat of the battle with Grundy, his thoughts reveal just how much he doubts his own abilities, although he does his utmost to hide his insecurities from the Atom and Hawkgirl. It comes as something of a shock when his hand of friendship is coldly brushed aside by Green Lantern at the end of the story, completely crushing the young heroes dream of building a new Age of Wonders, even Hawkgirl is surprised by Green Lantern’s indifferent attitude towards them. This scene sits awkwardly with the sense of camaraderie that was starting to evolve between the heroes, it also leaves you feeling a bit cheated by the ending, although events are sure to bring them all together again soon.

Although it seems like Green Lantern was behaving very badly, we have to remember that Alan Scott is a man who is used to giving orders as the owner and CEO of GCE, and is probably just delegating, using cold logic to try and come terms with the death of his partner as well as the full magnitude of his newfound powers. That power is in itself symbolized within the ring he was going to use to propose marriage, which in a cruel twist of fate, also served as the instrument that vanquished The Grey’s effigy of Sam and a dream of eternal bliss. There is no excusing Alan Scott’s behaviour towards the Flash and Hawkgirl – particularly as Hawkgirl just saved his life – but it is clear that Green Lantern has some serious issues to deal with, and I’m sure in time he will come to realize that he should have been much more gracious in victory.

The new wonders of Earth 2 make a final stand against Solomon Grundy

This small quibble aside, I think Earth 2 has a very promising future. One aspect I would like to see explored further is the story behind Terry Sloan and Commander Khan’s furious confrontation on The Sentinel. These two characters obviously have a great deal of bad blood between them: most evidently when Sloan taunts Khan about his real father, which yields further revelations about how Khan single-handedly faced Parademons and Terrornauts during the height of the Apokolips War, as well as recalling Sloan’s acts of genocide that saw a third of Khan’s homeland destroyed in that conflict. Khan also gets to turn the tables on Sloan when his faith in the New Wonders is validated by their victory, and it’s a serendipitous moment when Khan smiles and delivers the “wonderful” news to Sloan.

Above all we still have the portent of a new threat yet to be revealed, as well as the exciting prospect of even more classic Silver Age characters waiting to be reinvented within the context of this alternative universe. Earth 2 issue #6 has been one of the most exciting so far, in spite of the somewhat unsatisfactory coda with Green Lantern, and never the less successfully sets the scene for the next chapter in this exciting new age of wonders.