Earth 2 #32 Review

Tags

Apokolips, Batman, comics, DC Comics, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #38 Review, Hawkgirl, The Flash, The New 52, Worlds End

Earth 2 #32

Review by Paul Bowler

All seems lost in Earth 2 #32 as the heroes of this world prepare to defend Atom’s Haven, the last refuge for the survivors of Earth 2’s war with Apokolips. Earth 2’s avatars have fallen, Amazonia is now in ruins, Mr Miracle and Holt are trapped, Deathspawn has covered vast swathes of the world in molten metal, and Apokolips itself about to drill into the planets surface. Could this really be the end of Earth 2?

Well, not quite… Although this is the final issue of DC Comics monthly Earth 2 series, World’s End isn’t over just yet. Earth 2’s war with Apokolips will continue over in the World’s End weekly series, as the story builds towards its conclusion in Earth 2: World’s End #26 (On sale 1/4 /15).

Earth 2 #32, written by Daniel H. Wilson, Marguerite Bennett, and Mike Johnson, does a reasonable enough job including all the main characters gathered at Atom’s Haven as Apokolips surrounds the Earth and prepared to use a gigantic drill on the surface. Yes, that’s right, most of the main characters actually appear in this issue of Earth 2, wonders will never cease! Dr Fate also returns after his trip to Apokolips from last issue, and it’s great to see Khalid reunited with the Flash and Hawkgirl.

In fact, it’s this brief moment that Earth 2 #32 finally recaptures a little of the essence that originally made this comic book so good. I haven’t reviewed Earth 2 for quite some time. Frankly, after Earth 2 #26 (Nicola Scott’s last issue as regular artist) I slowly became disillusioned with Earth 2 and the new World’s End weekly book. I found World’s End to be very inconsistent and disjoined, worse still, the monthly Earth 2 series became a shadow of its former self, with the main characters often sidelined completely by the banal excess of subplots and characters that World’s End discarded like scraps from the table.

To its credit, Earth 2 #32 does have a few standout moments. Captain Steel’s confrontation with Batman was good, and we also got a rousing speech from Commander Sato as these ten heroes bravely prepare to stand together against the gods: “For Earth!” Hell yeah, you tell ‘’em Val Zod! For me though, the real highlights were the scenes featuring Dr Fate and Hawkgirl as they attempt to shut down the drills power source. Kendra’s close bond with Khalid as he struggles to resist Nabu’s powerful influence when he uses the Helm of Fate is crucial here, providing some terrific moments that will delight fans of these characters. We also finally get to see how Hawkgirl got her wings during an intense and emotional flashback to events in Egypt, when Khalid donned the Helm of Fate for the first time, and saved them both.

Earth 2 #32 is a fairly consistent looking issue as well. Featuring pencils by Andy Smith and Airi Kamiyama, inks by Trevor Scott and Airi Kamiyama, and colors by Peter Pantazis, the action flows nicely from scene to scene. Earth 2’s heroes flying dramatically into battle is another high point, those flashbacks in the tomb are effectively structured, we’ve the explosive results of the attack on the power source, and lastly there’s a very impressive final page that hints at so much more for one character …

I’ve collected Earth 2 since the monthly title began, it quickly became one of my favourite team books, and it was also the first comic book I reviewed here on Sci-Fi Jubilee when I started my blog. Even though I’ve disliked World’s End, I’m glad I’ve stuck with the Earth 2 monthly book until the bitter end.

For me, I guess everything that was great and good about Earth 2 was defined by James Robinson and Nicola Scott in issues 1-16. Those early issue were superb. James Robinson did a terrific job reinventing these classic golden age characters, while Nicola Scott’s fabulous artwork established the distinct look of this world, its characters, and even its technology. Although I was disappointed when James Robinson left Earth 2, I still thought Tom Taylor was a good choice to take over the writing duties Earth 2; he brought in new characters, action-packed storylines, and reinvigorated the series to a certain degree.

However, despite being optimistic about World’s End, I felt the monthly Earth 2 series quickly deteriorated from issue #28 onwards. With all the changes on Earth 2 the writing and art seemed to lose all sense of cohesion. I still hung in there, hoping Earth 2 would improve, but I think I’d guessed the writing was already on the wall.

I am vaguely curious to see how World’s End concludes, or perhaps I’m just morbidly fascinated, to be honest I’m not really sure how I feel about it anymore. Seeing Earth 2’s steady decline has been difficult. Or maybe I’m just a bit fed up that a comic book series that I really used to enjoy got so totally distorted beyond all recognition and swept up by yet another big event, re-launch, or whatever…

At least Earth 2 #32 was a relatively good issue to end this monthly series on, nice to have one last reminder of how good this series could be. Its just such a shame that Earth 2 became something that was little more than a bland supplement to World’s End. I’m hoping something good emerges from DC’s Convergence event, perhaps the new Earth 2: Society and Dr Fate titles in June will recapture the magic of Earth 2 for me, fingers crossed.

Follow @paul_bowler

 

Advertisements

Earth 2 #23 Review

Tags

Apokolips, DC Comics, Earth 2, Earth 2 #23, Earth 2 #23 Review, Green Lantern, Lois Lane, Nicola Scott, Parademons, Red Tornado, Superman, The New 52, The New Doctor, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #23

Review by Paul Bowler

Now that Green Lantern has been resurrected, the heroes of Earth 2 gather in the Batcave to plan their offensive against the forces of Apokolips. As soon as Darksied’s herald learned of Val’s existence, the young Kryptoninan was attacked by the evil Superman. While the heroes of Earth 2 come under attack from the Parademon horde of Apokolips, a desperate plan is set in motion as the Red Tornado attempts to stop Superman.

Earth 2 #23 blazes a trail of non stop action right from its opening pages, as The Kryptonian Part 3 finally reunites the Red Tornado / Lois Lane with Superman. Tom Taylor has been building up to this moment ever since Lois was resurrected as the Red Tornado, and it’s certainly been worth the wait. I really like the way that Tom Taylor has made Lois such an integral part of Earth 2 since her return. In the space of only a few issues we’ve seen Lois readjusting to her new life within her android body, as well as coping with her fathers death, she’s also helped Val in overcoming his fears, and seen the return of Superman as Darksied’s crazed herald. Now as Lois bravely confronts Superman to protect Val and Hawkgirl, we get a very surprising resolution to last issue cliff-hanger, and once Lois departs with Superman the destination that the evil Man of Steel chooses brings an added twist to the storyline.

After being resurrected from the ashes of Dherian’s destruction by the green energies of the world last issue, Green Lantern also returns in earnest this issue, arriving at a crucial moment for Val and Hawkgirl as the Parademons close in. While Val’s attempt to protect Hawkgirl and his pacifist stance about the conflict are commendable, it’s a good job Green Lantern arrived when he did, and it’s great to see him unleash the full fury of his powers against the Parademons. This is one royally pissed off Green Lantern and it’s great to him back in action!

When they return with Green Lantern to the Batcave to regroup with the others, it soon becomes clear that Lois had been expecting this moment when she would run into Superman. It is interesting to note as we watch the heroes of Earth 2 eavesdropping on the location where Superman has taken Red Tornado that our heroes are not the only ones monitoring these events, and it quickly becomes apparent they are all in terrible danger.

Nicola Scott’s art for Earth 2 #23 is as superb as ever, which together with inks by Trevor Scott, continually leave me spellbound with every issue. From the panoramic exterior sequences to the dark confines of the Batcave, the attention to detail in every scene is astounding, it makes you want to read the issue right away as soon as you’ve finished it. The emotional scenes between Red Tornado and Superman are brilliant, Nicola Scott excels herself here, the way Lois’ emotions are conveyed on her android face, together with her body language, are simply sublime, and its artistic flourishes like this that constantly makes Earth 2 so compelling for me. The colors by Peter Pantazis are also exceptional, with each location having its own distinct tone, and I really liked the moment where Green Lantern cut loose against he Parademons.

It seems like Dr Fate has been babbling in a corner of the Batcave for ages now, so it was good to see Khalid respond to Green Lantern’s return, and I hope this will help speed Dr Fate’s recovery. We also get another hint from Dr Fate’s prophecies, when Red Arrow’s jibe at Khalid’s ramblings foreshadows a dark twist towards the end of the issue. I think its good how Green Lantern’s return also gives us more insight into his connection with the green energies of the world that gave him his powers. He feels the pain and anger of the planet itself as the Parademons relentless attacks spread around the globe, which in turn brings the necessary impetus they all need to strike back against the forces of Apokolips. Much as I’ve enjoyed this story, we’ve been stuck in the Batcave for a while now, so it feels good to see the heroes of Earth 2 ready to implement their plan and strike back.

As Earth 2 #23 races towards its action packed conclusion, the tension continues to build as the Parademons attack in force. These exciting final moment, with the heroes of Earth 2 battling insurmountable odds, leads to a frenetic race against the clock that will have you on the edge of your seat until the next issue. Earth 2 #23 is another brilliant issue by Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott, I’m enjoying this series so much, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Well, as if all the excitement of Earth 2 #23 wasn’t enough for us, DC Comics announced last month that we will soon have a new weekly Earth 2 series to look forward to as well: “Earth 2 Worlds End,” that will debut in October, featuring the talented writing team of Daniel H Wilson, Tom Taylor, Paul Levits, Marguerite Bernnett, and Mike Johnson, together with artists Eddy Barrows, Jorge Jimenez, Stephen Segovia, Paulo Siqueira, and Tyler Kirkman. I’m really pleased we are getting a weekly Earth 2 series, and the stunning teaser art by Ben Oliver certainly suggests that big changes are on the way for Earth 2 and its heroes!

Follow @paul_bowler

 

Earth 2 #22

Tags

Apokolips, Batman, Darkseid, DC Comcs, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #22, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Nicola Scott, Pete Pantazis, Red Tornado, Superman, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #22

Review by Paul Bowler

Things look bad for Earth 2 as the forces of Darkseid continue their attack on Earth 2, all hope seems lost, but suddenly a light begins to shine in these dark times when Green Lantern is reborn from the ashes of defeat. Having taken refuge in the Batcave, the remaining wonders can only wait as, Val, the young Kryptonian they saved from Arkham, learns to use his powers, with the hope that he will help them fight the evil Superman. Now that Darkseid’s herald has learned of Val’s existence he sets out for Gotham with a squadron of Parademons, determined to crush the young Kryptonian and deal with Batman’s sudden return…

Tom Taylor beings us right back to the moment where Green Lantern was beaten to a bloody pulp by Superman in Dherain, as Earth 2 #22 transports us back into the inferno unleashed by Steppenwolf’s demise at Superman’s hand. The power of Green Lantern was given to Alan Scott by the very essence of the planet itself, now that same power suddenly returns to bring him back from his death in the raging heart of the terrifying maelstrom of Godfire that consumed him and gouged a massive scar across the surface of the world.

Green Lantern’s resurrection is stunningly crafted; Nicola Scott’s art elevates this scene to an epic scale, as Alan Scot returns from the ashes and bones of Dherain’s destruction. It’s a powerful and striking image, with skulls bathed in the glow from Green Lantern’s power ring carpeting the ground for as far as the eye can see. Perfectly accentuated by Trevor Scott’s inks and Pete Pantazis’ bold colors, this moment gets Earth 2 #22 of to a rousing start.

We then check out what’s happening back at the Batcave, as Red Arrow and Jimmy Olsen try to make sense of Dr Fate’s ramblings, and Red Tornado continues to advise Val as his Kryptonian powers begin to develop. I really like how Tom Taylor has made Lois Lane such a pivotal character in this storyline. The Kryptonian Part 2 continues to see Lois adjusting to her new life in the android body of the Red Tornado, there is an especially moving scene when she is taking to Val, and she catches sight of herself in a mirror. Its scenes like this that really makes Earth 2 something very special indeed and the poignancy of this moment remains with you long after the issue is over.

Tom Taylor keeps things bubbling away at Bedlam’s science facility where Mr Terrific, Terry Sloan, and Mr Miracle have been captured and forced into helping build a boom tube capable of transporting Earth 2 through space. Superman quickly learns about the circumstances behind Val’s arrival on Earth – as well as his fellow Kryptonian’s full name – and how Terry Sloan’s kept the young Kryptonian hidden in Arkam’s basement in a secret cell. Furthermore the herald of Darkseid soon discovers what he perceives to be an even greater threat as Bedlam replays the images gathered from Arkham by the Parademons.

My favourite scene in Earth 2 #22 is where Lois / Red Tornado and Val leave the cave. Having spent his whole life in Arkham, the young Kryptonian is gradually overcoming his agoraphobia. Here we witness the pure joy as he discovers the wider world outside the Batcave, his senses evolving with each passing moment, before taking to the skies with the Red Tornado. Here we get to see that Earth 2 is much more than the all-out-action of previous issues, as Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott deliver a delightfully simple, yet wonderful moment, one that sparkles with awe and laughter as Val makes his first tentative attempt at flight.

The joy of Val’s first flight is short lived as the Parademon horde rapidly approaches Gotham; fortunately Hawkgirl is around to warn them. Earth 2 #22 wraps things up in style as the Parademons begin their attack. With the Red Tornado and Hawkgirl up against impossible odds, the bone crushing finale moments hurtles towards you before setting up the potentially game-changing confrontation we’ve been waiting for.

Overall this was a really good issue, with some fabulous character development, and plenty of action to keep us on the edge of our seat. While its been intriguing to guess what Dr Fate’s ramblings are about, he makes a very sad sight this issue, forlornly gazing at the cracked Helm of Nabu and mumbling in the corner of the Batcave. I just hope Tom Taylor brings Dr Fate back to normal soon. He’s a great character with so much potential and it’s been a shame to see him reduced to this state, especially for so many issues.

So, this is another great issue then by Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott. Earth 2 #22 certainly seems to be setting things up for something really big, especially given Alan Scott’s resurrection and this issues cliff-hanger ending.

Follow @paul_bowler

Earth 2 #21 Review

Tags

Apokolips, Aquawoman, Batman, Darkseid, DCComics, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #21, Jimmy Olsen, Nicola Scott, Paredemons, Red Tornado, Superman, The New 52, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #21

Review by Paul Bowler

With the fate of the world resting heavily on the shoulders of Earth 2’s reluctant new hero, various battles rage around the world, as the final World Army command post is crushed by the evil Superman and the hordes of Apokoilips. Batman and his new allies can only watch as events unfold. Commander Khan oversees his forces after they retreat to their last safe haven, meanwhile a secret project make preparations to abandon this doomed world, and having set Superman’s prisoners to work Bedlam makes a startling discovery…

Earth 2 #21 doesn’t exactly hit the ground running, instead Tom Taylor grabs you by the arm right from the very first page, and then proceeds to drags you dizzily through an action packed issue filled with brutal violence and more than a few surprise plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Kryptonian Part 1 pulls no punches, the evil Superman’s reign of terror has crushed the World Army and the New Wonders that opposed him, leaving the survivors from the carnage scattered and dazed by the ferocity and sheer speed with which Darkseid’s herald and his Parademons horde have decimated all resistance.

Earth 2 #21 is epic in scope and scale: from the opening battle in Moscow, events spiral outwards from Gotham, taking in the wonder of Amazonia, and even the majesty of Altantis itself. Perhaps most striking of all though is Project Beyond, a privately funded initiative by the rich and powerful, which despite their desperate attempt to abandon Earth, proves that in the end all the money in the world is ultimately worthless when you suddenly find yourself at the back of the queue just as the shit is about to hit the fan.

We also get to catch up with Commander Khan this issue, his shock and guilt about what he perceives as his failure as commander of the World Army is almost palpable as Colonel Dodds reports how many people he was able help evacuate. Tensions are still running high back at the Batcave as Batman and Red Arrow argue, Lois / Red Tornado intervenes in a great scene, being openly critical of  the new Batman’s tactical skills compared to his predecessor, who she knew was a tactical genus, and urges him to take decisive action while they wait for Val’s powers to develop.

The art by Nicola Scott for Earth 2 #21 looks as good as ever, with inks by Trevor Scott, their work elevates the thrilling events of this story further still, especially with the world wide scope that this issue presents them with. The numerous locations featured in Earth 2 #21 are vividly brought to life by Nicola Scott’s art, the attention to detail here is astounding, which, together with Trevor Scott’s inks and striking colors by Peter Pantazis, really encapsulates the increasing darkness of the apocalypse that Taylor has unleashed on this alternative world. This is brutal stuff as well. The opening scenes in Moscow, where the Atom valiantly stands his ground against Superman, are shocking and violent in the extreme. The carnage continues as Project Beyond meets a particularly nasty end on the edge of space after Superman makes an example of them.

Its not all doom and gloom though, we do fortunately have some lighter moments, especially after Major Sato manages make contact the World Army. Jimmy Olsen is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters, not only does he point out everyone’s arguing in the Batcave isn’t exactly helping to inspire Val’s confidence un humanity, the scene where the young super genus  hacks into a conference call between Commander Khan and Aquawoman is priceless; especially the banter between Olsen and the Queen of the Sea.

As Earth 2 #21 draws to a close we are also reunited with Mr Terrific, Terry Sloan, and Mr Miracle, as Bedlam begins to instigate the next stage of Apokolips’ master plan for Earth 2 and its civilization. These closing moments also lead to the fateful discovery of a secret that could change everything.

Tom Taylor cerographs the action perfectly, with each scene moving seamlessly to the next big event, and the series certainly seems to be building towards a titanic showdown. I also really liked that we got to see so many different locations and characters in this issue, sure it’s taking a while for everyone to regroup, but I think that really helps build the suspense as the World Army and the New Wonders formulate their plans – unaware of the knowledge gained by the forces of Apokolips that could now force their hand in the battle to come.

I would have liked to have seen more scenes with Hawkgirl and Dr Fate, especially as the brilliant cover for Earth 2 #21 by Ken Lashley and Matt Yackey featured Dr Fate so prominently, but that minor quibble aside, I really enjoyed this issue and can’t wait to see what Tom Taylor does next with Earth 2, especially now that Superman looks really, REALLY, angry! Bring it on!!!

Follow @paul_bowler

Earth 2 #20 Review

Tags

Apokolips, Barry Kitson, Batman, Darkseid, DC Comcs, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #20, Hawkgirl, Oclair Albert, Parademons, Red Tornado, Robson Rocha, Superman

Earth 2 #20

Review by Paul Bowler

(Contains Spoilers)

Superman’s plans for Earth 2 take a sinister turn as the forces of Apokolips invade the world. In the skies outside Gotham the Parademons are closing in on Hawkgirl as she carries Batman, Major Sato, and Aquawoman. Fortunately Aquawoman is able to help deal with the Parademons. As the Queen of the Sea returns to her people, Batman, Hawkgirl and Major Sato meet the others back at the Batcave, where the new ally they rescued from Arkham could well help them defeat Superman and alter the course of the war with Apokolips.

Ever since Tom Taylor took over Earth 2 in November the series taken a number of twists and turns, with Superman returning from the dead as the herald of Darkseid, war has engulfed this alternative world once more. Earth 2 #19 also introduced us to a new Kryptonian, a being that Terry Sloan had secretly hidden in the subbasement of Arkham. The identity of the new Batman was finally revealed in the pages of Earth 2 Annual #2; now in Earth 2 #20 we pick up the action as Hawkgirl returns to help Batman and his new allies escape.

Its was great to see Hawkgirl swoop into to airlift Batman and the others away from Arkham at the end of Earth 2 #19, I was beginning to think she’d been sidelined completely, so I’m happy to see that’s not the case. Tom Taylor keeps piling on the action as we witness them struggling to avoid being shot out of the sky by the Parademons. I also really like the way Aquawoman used her powers to help them all escape, it provided a magnificent opening to the issue, and although I was sorry to see her depart I’m sure the Queen of the Sea will be ready to answer Batman’s call when the time comes.

Batman finds that Hawkgirl has brought Dr Fate and Red Arrow to the Batcave as well, and Red Tornado has also arrived with Val and Jimmy Olsen. It will be interesting to see exactly how, or if, Dr Fate’s ramblings will be related to Alan Scottt’s return. Of course, they could point to something else entirely, so we should pay close attention to Khalid’s words – they may not be quite so incoherent as we think.

Now that we know Thomas Wayne is the new Batman, having survived being attacked by Joe Chill, we also saw how Bruce discovered his father had survived but decided to cut him out of his life completely. Thomas Wayne assumed the identity of the Batman after Bruce Wayne’s death, in order to honour the memory of his son. However, at 65 years of age, Thomas had to resort to using Miraclo, a drug he stole from Rex Mason (not Rex Tyler incidentally) which gives enhanced strength but only last for one hour at a time. The inclusion of Metamorpho’s identity, along with the Miraclo drug referencing the Tyler connection and Hourman, is most intriguing, and I’m sure Taylor will address the whole Rex Mason / Rex Tyler quandary in time. The new Batman has admitted he is addicted to this drug. Perhaps most shocking though, was the way he killed the Joker in his stasis chamber. It is clear this new Batman is a very complex character, however with hindsight; it is perhaps understandable now why Thomas Wayne would execute the man who caused such pain and suffering to his family.

We also get to learn more about Val, the young Kryptonian, who Terry Sloan kept hidden in Arkham’s subbasement, sealed away from the world and the sunlight that would charge his Kryptonian superpowers. Val has never left his room at Arkham, so he is very apprehensive of his new surroundings, but luckily Lois Lane, her mind now existing inside the andriod body of the Red Tornado, is able to get through to him. I really enjoyed this scene between Val and Red Tornado; where Lois explains what she is going through in order to help Val overcome his fear of the outside world.

Superman goes on the rampage again in Earth 2 #20, instructing the Parademons to destroy every place of worship around the globe, to show the people of Earth 2 that there is now only one God, and his name is Darkseid! The Dark Age pt 4 features pencils by Barry Kitson and Robson Rocha, as well as inks by Kitson and Oclair Albert, with Color by Peter Pantazis, and together they strike a seamless balance between the early action sequences and character driven moments, while showing the terrifying wrath of Darkseid’s herald.

Tom Taylor brings a lot of plot threads together in Earth 2 #20, time is given over to some significant character development, especially for Val and Lois (Red Tornado), and I thought the final scenes were particularly moving, especially in the light of all the havoc and destruction Superman is causing around the world. After several frenetic, action packed issues, and Batman’s origin over in the Earth 2 Annual #2, Earth 2 #20 is another excellent issue, one that brings a ray of hope into the lives the new wonders during their world’s darkest hour.

Follow @paul_bowler

Earth 2 #16 Review

Tags

Apokolips, Brutaal, DC Comics, Doctor Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #16, Green Lantern, James Robinson, Lee Travis, Nicola Scott, Steppenwolf, The Hunger Dogs, The New 52, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #16

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers]

The war against Steppenwolf seems lost after Green Lantern, Doctor Fate, and the Flash, led the attack on Dherain, teaming up with Atom, Red Arrow, as well as Colonel Dodds and his Sandmen, only to be savagely defeated by Steppenwolf’s Hunter Dogs: Brutaal, Bedlam, and The Beguiler. Now even the World Army has fallen, proving no match for what remained of Darkseids’ army from Apokolips. With every soldier in the World Army defeated, all hope is gone. Steppenwolf announces his victory to the world as the Wonders of America return to rescue the survivors, a hero will fall, and Brutaal’s identity is revealed at last…

Now that Villains month is over, Earth 2 #16 marks James Robinson’s final issue on the series. I have really enjoyed Robinson’s tenure on Earth 2, so rather than dwell on the circumstances of his departure, let’s dive right in and enjoy every action-packed moment of James Robinson’s last issue as the battle for Earth 2 is rocked by a shocking revelation!

“To the Victor” opens with Steppenwolf facing the advancing forces of the World Army battle fleet as they descend over Dherain’s capital, Draemyre. Almost every moment of Earth 2 #16 has accompanying narration from reporter Lee Travis, who along with her cameraman, is hiding in the rubble as the conflict rages around them, relaying events as the battle unfolds. The soldiers of the World Army soar from the sky as Steppenwolf surveys the chaos unleashed by his fearsome Hunter Dogs on the advancing battle fleet.

The art by Nicola Scott and inks by Trevor Scott captures every explosive moment of the conflict raging over Dherain. You will watch in awe as Brutaal launches a devastating strike against the commanding vessels, destroying them with ease. General Jason “Stormy” Foster’s ship is the first to be destroyed; Mr Terrific and Commander Khan only just manage to abandon their own vessel before it too is obliterated by Brutaal’s onslaught.

But it is the carnage on the ground that really strikes home, as Steppenwolf battles the legions of the World Army, cutting a swathe through their ranks. Sixty minutes later the World Army has lost and Steppenwolf is victorious. The vivid tones that colourist Pete Pantazis employs for the spectacular opening soon give way to the bleak greyness of the World Armies defeat as Steppenwolf tramples over the bodies of the dead. These panoramic scenes of carnage are a veritable showcase of Nicola Scott’s tremendous art work; we get to see the Hunter Dogs in combat as well, although it is Steppenwolf and Brutaal who get the biggest slice of the action. This issues cover by Juan Doe is also very menacing, and gives a hint of what awaits inside.

With the help of Doctor Fate’s mystical healing spells, the heroes of Earth 2 recover just as Colonel Dodds receives a transmission from Khan, who says the invasion has failed and they have new orders to rescue any survivors. Putting aside their differences and their confusion over why the Hunter Dogs didn’t kill them while they were unconscious, Doctor Fate teleports the Wonders of America into Dherain to save who they can. Lee Travis looks on as the heroes use their combined abilities of speed, science, and magic to carry out their rescue mission.

Green Lantern races across the battle field to confront Stepnwolf himself in direct combat. The two battle furiously, with no quarter given and none taken. But when Brutaal strikes Green Lantern down with his eye beams, but not even the Atom can prevent what happens next, as Steppenwolf and Brutaal turn on Green Lantern and batter his helpless form into a bloody pulp until he stops moving…

As the dust settles over this shocking scene Steppenwolf notices Lee Travis and advances towards her to make an address to the television camera. Steppenwolf was once Darkseid’s former Grand High Marshal, now the triumphant warmonger savours his victory by declaring himself the master of the people of Earth. Steppenwolf is unaware that Brutaal is about to “slice” into his victory, only then does Brutaal remove his armour to reveal his true identity and allegiance. Reporter Lee Travis and her cameraman is rescued by Colonel Dodds, who teleports them away,  just as a devastating energy wave rips across the world.

To say more about the big reveal in this climatic final scene would utterly ruin it, suffice to say that it’s utterly brilliant, and perhaps holds a clue as to why the Hunter Dogs didn’t kill the New Wonders when they had the chance. It certainly offers up some intriguing possibilities for this trinity of villains.

Well, here we are… Earth 2 #16 was a brilliant issue, and it provides an astounding conclusion to James Robinson’s run on the series. Yes, there is a tinge of sadness, I will be sorry to see James Robinson leave this title. As much as I enjoyed this issue I couldn’t help but feel that I had just read a storyline that had been cut off in its prime. While I’m sure Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott will continues to do great things with the series, while retaining the essence of the carefully crafted world Robinson has built, I still can’t shake the feeling of regret for what could have been.

Ok, that’s enough; I said I wouldn’t dwell on the negative side of things didn’t I? Earth 2 was one of the first comics I reviewed on my blog; I’ve covered nearly every issue and look forward to seeing what Tom Taylor has in store for us all. This review is actually the 150th post on my blog, so I’m pleased that it turned out to be a review for Earth 2. One of the things I’ve liked best about Earth 2 though, aside from the story and art of course, is the way it has introduced to me to lots of new comic book fans who also enjoy the title as much as I do. I’ve got to know many of you and look forward to tweeting and discussing the events of this issue. Yes, Earth 2 has had its critics, some have bemoaned the slow pace, but for me Earth 2 quickly became one of my favourite comics. Its funny, I put off reading this issue for a while, I felt like one of the guest at a leaving party, you know where everyone says their farewells and wishes them all the best for the future.

I didn’t want to say thank you and goodbye to James Robinson just yet, I still don’t, but sadly I must. Thank you James Robinson, thanks for all your amazing work on Earth 2, it’s been brilliant, cheers and all the best!

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.