Earth 2 #32 Review

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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In fact, it’s this brief moment that Earth 2 #32 finally recaptures a little of the essence that originally made this comic book so good.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.

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Earth 2 #26 Review

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Aquawoman, Batman, comics, DC Comcs, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #26 Review, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Nicola Scott, Pete Pantazis, Red Tornado, Superman, The New 52, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott, Val Zod

Earth 2 #26

Review by Paul Bowler

The final battle begins in Earth 2 #26. A massive Boom Tube has opened in space. While Green Lantern attempts to prevent the world being transported to Apokolips, the Wonders of Earth 2 have united with Commander Khan and the surviving World Army forces to attack the facility generating the Boom Tube in Geneva. The young Kryptonian Val Zod must now battle the evil Superman as Earth’s fate balances on the edge of oblivion…

Events take a dramatic turn in The Kryptonian: Part 6 as Tom Taylor steers the conflict on Earth 2 towards the mother of all showdowns between the combined forces of this parallel world and the might of Apokolips itself. After last issues extra sized prelude to this main event, Earth 2 #26 wastes no time at all in plunging you right into the thick of the action, with Green Lantern using all his power to stop the world being dragged through the Boom Tube, while Batman leads the charge against Bedlam’s base in Geneva, and Val Zod steps up to the plate as Earth 2’s new Man of Steel to confront the wrath of Superman, the former protector of this world, now transformed and resurrected by Apokolptian science as Darkseid’s crazed Herald.

Tom Taylor rounds off the current Kryptonian storyline in Earth 2 #26, with an issue that’s positively bursting at the seams with action, as we see Val Zod embrace his destiny as the new Superman of Earth 2. Faced with an army of Parademons and Warhounds standing between them and the complex housing the source of the Gateway threatening the world, Batman forms a plan with Aquawoman, Flash, Hawkgirl, Major Sato, and Commander Khan’s forces to breach the facility so they can free Mr Terrific, Terry Sloan, Mr Miracle, from Bedlam’s mind control and shut down the device they’ve been forced to build.

Earth 2 #26 certainly has more than its fair share of action, and Tom Taylor does an excellent job maintaining the pacing and structure of this issue while balancing all the characters and big action set-pieces. Its great to see all the Wonders of Earth 2 working together as a team, there are some great moment of characterisation as well, along with a couple of surprising plot twists that few of us could have seen coming either. Unfortunately there’s no sign of Dr Fate this issue, which is a shame really, as it would’ve been great to see him take part in the battle.

The scenes in Smallville, where Lois and Martha are still reeling after Superman killed Jonathan Kent, as the young Jimmy Olsen continues monitoring the global situation from Amazonia are handled really well. Tom Taylor has written some really strong roles for all the female characters of Earth 2, especially Lois Lane, her resurrection as the Red Tornado was an inspired move by Taylor, and her role proves even more crucial now following the events at the Kent’s farm. Aquawoman is another great character, regal and powerful, Queen Marella dominates every scene she’s in. The way she puts Commander Khan in his place when she arrives in Geneva is priceless, dismissing Khan’s greeting with hardly a glance, and her clash with Bedlam leaves us with no doubt that the Queen of the Sea is a mighty force to be reckoned with.

Ever since the Superman returned from the dead as the crazed Herald of Darkseid and Val Zod was discovered in Arkham Asylum, the inevitable showdown between these two Kryptonian powerhouses has been the major event that we’ve all been waiting for. One of the four Krytonians that Lara and Jor-El sent into space before Krypton was destroyed; Val Zod was then hidden in Arkham Asylum by Terry Sloan. It’s been fascinating to see Val’s character progress over the course of this storyline, as his new friends Jimmy Olsen and Red Tornado helped Val overcome his agoraphobia and he learned how to use his powers. Now his journey has come full circle. Val Zod’s confrontation with the evil Superman is the undoubted highlight of this issue as Val’s vow of pacifism clashes with the raw power and ferocity of Superman’s wrath.

Nicola Scott’s art is as superb as everything we’ve come to expect from her work on this series. Earth 2 #26 contains so many artistic highlights that you will be completely immersed and swept away by the sheer spectacle of it all. Nicola Scott has excelled herself with this issue, along with inker Trevor Scott, and colorist Peter Pantazis, every page is so vividly detailed and crammed with action: from the Warhound flattening Bat-Punch, to the epic scale of the ground battles themselves, and the conclusion of Val‘s showdown with Superman, this issue of Earth 2 has it all.

Earth 2 #26 is also Nicola Scott’s final issue. Nicola Scott has been with Earth 2 since issue #1, she has brought so much to this series, creating the distinct look and style of this parallel world, its technology, and of course its heroes. Nicola Scott’s contribution to this series has been outstanding, and I look forward to her future projects.

So, with Nicola Scott’s departure, a new era of Earth 2 is set to begin. First off we will discover what happens during the major clash of worlds in Futures End, followed by a glimpse five years into the future, with September’s special tie in issue Earth 2: Futures End #1, before Earth 2 #27 hit’s the shelves (Oct 8th) and the new DC Comics weekly series, Earth 2: Worlds End, debuts in October. Earth 2 #27, written by Tom Taylor, also sees Marguerite Bennett joining the main series as co-writer, (Taylor and Bennett are also part of the writing team on Earth 2: Worlds End), with Andy Smith taking over as Earth 2’s series artist.

While not quite living up to the promise of the great cover by J.G Jones and Paul Mounts, Earth 2 #26 is still an excellent issue. Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott have wrapped up this storyline up in fine style, with its brilliantly staged action, beautiful final page, and intriguing epilogue, the possibilities for the future look very promising indeed….

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Earth 2 #25 Review

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Batman, DC Comics, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #25 Review, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Nicola Scott, Superman, The Flash, The New 52, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #25

Review by Paul Bowler

The heroes of Earth 2 have joined Commander Khan and his troops on Amazonia, the last outpost of the World Army. Meanwhile, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl rescued the Flash, now they must escape from the Beguiler and thousands of Parademons over the North Pacific. Val-Zod must also prepare to embrace his destiny as the new Superman of Earth 2 as he confronts the savage, unrelenting brutality of the evil Superman, the former hero of Earth 2 now resurrected as the Herald of Darkseid, while the world trembles before the might of Apokolips.

Earth 2 #25 is without doubt one of Tom Taylor’s most ambitious issues so far. This extra-sized special is a blockbusting epic that sees many of the ongoing plot thread and characters’ being drawn together as the fate of Earth 2 hangs in the balance. The Kryptonian Part 5 begins as Hawkgirl’s message reaches Batman on Amazonia, former home of the Amazons. As Earth 2’s new Batman coordinates his efforts with Commander Khan, elsewhere on this mystically shrouded island, the young Jimmy Olsen must convince Val-Zod to use his powers to help them fight the evil Superman.

Val’s striking blue and white costume, first glimpsed last issue, is finally revealed in Earth 2 #25 along with an account of the young Kryptonian’s origin. These scenes between Val-Zod and Jimmy are so well written, Taylor has established a great bond between these two characters, and the dialogue really draws you in as Val-Zod recalls events on Krypton. We learn the circumstances which led to him being taken in by Lara and Jor-El before he too was sent into space, along with three others, as Krypton met its doom. Perhaps most intriguing of all though is the mystery of the fourth child that Lara and Jor-El sent away from Krypton along with their son, his cousin, and Val, which offers up a wealth of intriguing possibilities…

The great respect that Val has for the symbol of the House of El is also apparent. His suit was designed to help him survive his voyage to Earth, so it makes Val’s reasons for hiding the symbol, along with his hesitance to use his powers for violence, and his agoraphobia, seem all the more poignant now considering how long he was held in Arkham. His friendships with Red Tornado / Lois Lane, and now Jimmy, have seen the character slowly emerge from his shell, and it’s been great to see him confront his fears and anxieties while discovering his Kryptonian powers.

Just as it seems all is lost for Hawkgirl and her friends, the tide of the conflict over the Pacific turns dramatically, and the Beguiler soon finds herself battling against forces that even she is powerless to resist. While events take a sinister turn in Smallville as the evil Superman and Red Tornado visit Jonathan and Martha Kent, the device that Bedlam has forced Mr Terrific, Terry Sloan, and Mr Miracle to construct is now complete.

Earth 2 #25 has so many key moments it’s almost impossible to know where to start. Tom Taylor keeps the action moving at a blistering pace, quite literally at one point, as the Flash pushes his abilities to the limit, and beyond. I really like how so many of the major characters get to feature in some way during this issue, it really builds on the dramatic sense of urgency, as differences are put aside and the heroes of Earth 2 work together to save the planet.

It was also good to see Dr Fate taking a more active role at last. He seems to have been babbling away on the sidelines for ages now, so I was really pleased with his scenes with Val, and hopefully it looks like Dr Fate will be back in action very soon. Tom Taylor has never been one to shy away from the depiction of graphic violence and wanton destruction in Earth 2 and the events which unfold in Smallville are some of the most shocking we’ve seen so far!

Nicola Scott’s art for Earth 2 #25 is phenomenal, those sunning two page spreads covering the scenes over the Pacific are just stunning, especially when an old ally returns, and the way Flash uses his powers really blew me away. The scenes on Amazonia, with the magical barrier shimmering in the air are beautiful. Val-Zod’s costume and the way his origin is told was also excellent, and his scenes with Jimmy and Dr Fate are another great highlight of this issue. The dark air of menace on the Kent farm is deeply unsettling while the thunderous energies unleashed around the Earth are done so with the familiar technological “pings” of yesteryear ringing in our ears. Nicola Scott is absolutely killing it with every issue of Earth 2, together with superb inks by Trevor Scott, and mesmerising colors by Peter Pantazis, this title is a visual spectacle of the highest order.

While Commander Khan, Major Sato, Batman, and Sandman prepare to lead the remaining forces of the World Army into battle, a clash of the titans ensues as the world teeters perilously on the edge of being drawn through space. Earth 2 #25 is another outstanding issue by Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott; its packed with non-stop action, great character moments, and that final page will have you counting the days until the next issue.

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Earth 2 #22

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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.

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Earth 2 #21 Review

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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!!!

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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.

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Earth 2 #19 Review

Tags

Batman, DC Comics, Doctor Fate, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #19, Nicola Scott, Red Arrow, Red Tornado, Superman, The Flash, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #19

Review by Paul Bowler

The Arkham World Amy Base is in ruins following Superman’s attack, Flash, Mr Terrific, and Terry Sloan have been captured, and the Parademons of Apokolips have risen from the fire pits to invade Earth 2. Batman managed to reach the lower levels of Arkham and release Jimmy Olsen and Aquawoman from their stasis chambers. Now as the forces of Darkseid prepare to turn Earth into the New Apokolips, the Dark Knight of Earth 2 discovers there could be something in Arkham that could help him bring Superman’s reign of terror to an end…

Tom Taylor continues to make his stamp on this series as Earth 2 #19 kicks into overdrive. As Superman departs with his captives, Dr Fate is still delirious after his battle with the man of steel, and Red Arrow must face the Parademons attack. Having killed the Joker in his stasis chamber, Batman informs Major Sato and the others he has arranged an airlift for them. Jimmy Olsen reveals he was imprisoned for hacking Sloan’s personals files, were he learned about the alien Sloan keeps in Arkham’s sub basement. Major Sato denies all knowledge but Red Tornado quickly pinpoints the location and Aquawoman smashes a way into the sub basement.

As they make their way into the sub basement Taylor uses this opportunity to explore the new characters introduced last issue. We already knew Jimmy Olsen was part of the Accountable, a terrorist group that hacked the World Army systems and released thousands of documents online, his photographic memory also proves invaluable, and the reasons for his incarceration soon become clear. Aquawoman is a real force to be reckoned with, she uses her immense strength to break into the sub basement, and the guards there can offer little resistance. Furthermore, considering the atrocities we lean the World Army have inflicted on the Queen of Atlantis and her people; Marella is surprisingly merciful to these soldiers considering how easily she could have killed them.

The mystery surrounding Batman continues to build as they make their way towards the cell holding the alien. His ambivalence towards Red Tornado is particularly striking, especially as Lois Lane now inhabits the androids mind, and she obviously knows more about this Batman’s predecessor than he seem to know about her. The identity of the alien is another of Earth 2 #19’s big surprises, as is the reaction to one of its rescuers.

From the opening scenes of the Parademons swarming in front of the sun, through to Superman’s devastating attack on Washington, the big action set-pieces are stunning. The pencils for Earth 2 #19 are provided by Nicola Scott and Robson Rocha, with inks by Trevor Scott and Oclair Albert, with colors by Pete Pantazis and letters by Dezi Sienty. I like how the mystery slowly unfolds in Arkham, with all the characters getting a good share of the action, before Superman goes balistic with the Washington Monument. The reason for capturing Mr Terrific and Sloan also becomes clear as Bedlam attempts to take control of their minds.

Superman’s message of conquest reverberates around the world as Batman and the others escape from Arkham and are confronted by the massacre on the surface. The Dark Knight gives Red Tornado coordinates to get Olsen and the alien to safety, having arranged for a very special air lift of his own to be waiting for him. With their heroes and armies defeated, the people of Earth 2 look on in fear as the Parademons invade. However, the fiery wound torn in the Earth’s surface by Steppenwolf’s demise continues to burn, and somewhere amidst the bones of the millions who died here, a glimmer of hope begins to shine…

Earth 2 #19 is one of Tom Taylor’s best issues so far, The Dark Age storyline has given us plenty of surprises already, and with this third instalment Taylor keeps us guessing right up until the final page as the pieces begin to fall into place. To say more would absolutely ruin the intricate plot twists that Tom Taylor has woven into this superb issue. Instead, prepare to be swept along by the epic scope of the story and art as Apokolips sets its sights on Earth 2, and look forward to the discovering the new Batman’s origin in the Earth 2 Annual #2.

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Earth 2 Issue #11 Review

Tags

Brett Booth, DC Comics, Doctor Fate, Dr Fate, Earth 2, James Robinson, Jay Garrick, Khalid, Mr Miracle, Nabu, Nicola Scott, The Flash, The New 52, The Tower of Fate, Trevor Scott, Wotan

Earth 2 Issue #11

Review by Paul Bowler

[CONTAINS SPOILERS]

The all new origin of Doctor Fate continues in Earth 2 #11 as the Flash and Khalid Ben Hussain begin to make their way through the elaborate corridors and walkways of the Tower of Fate. Here they must face the Great Beast, the demonic guardian of the Helm of Fate, and find a way to confront their innermost fears so they can escape the labyrinth and rescue Jay Garrick’s mother from Wotan. Meanwhile in Dherain, the independent nation’s new ruler, Steppenwolf, has learned of some heroes seen in Gotham City and sends Fury to bring them to him.

Earth 2 #11 is an awe inspiring tale by James Robinson who has successfully crafted a brand new mythology for the introduction of Doctor Fate, while still remaining faithful to many of the classic elements of the character. Opening with a confrontation in ancient Egypt between Nabu and Wotan, we lean how the dark mage used a spell to become immortal, existing as both male and female throughout countless lifetimes. After being defeated by Nabu, the Egyptian mage altered Wotan’s skin, killing the dark mage, and tarnishing Wotan’s flesh with a ghastly hue that would last forever.

One character that has continually stood out amongst the cast of Earth 2 is Jay Garrick. Of all the New Wonders of Earth 2 the Flash has been defined by his youthful spirit for adventure and selfless acts of heroism. Having narrowly evaded the Great Beasts clutches the Flash and Khalid take a rest for a moment on one of the Towers vast walkways. They realize the only way they can succeed is to split up. Jay volunteers to go back and face the Great Beast alone; hoping he can buy Khalid enough time to uses his knowledge of the Tower and find the Helm of Fate so they can escape.

Inspired by Jay’s bravery, Khalid sets off into the maze-like corridors of the Tower to find the Helm of Nabu. As he proceeds ever deeper the spirit of Nabu reaches out to him, guiding him towards his goal. When he approaches the chamber, the spirit of Nabu asks Khalid about his thoughts on the death of his guardian, Kent Nelson, and it would seem that many of Khalid’s fears stem from this event. This is a nice reference to the original Dr Fate by James Robinson, who clearly has a great respect for the character, and it also offers up a number of intriguing possibilities for the future. As he reaches for the helm Khalid asks the spirit of Nabu if he will loose his sanity, but Nabu sates he is merely an echo now, and that he will fade when Khalid embraces his new role. This seems to indicate that Khalid will gradually have more control over his powers, instead of just be possessed by the spirit of Nabu; he could become the sole embodiment of Doctor Fate himself.

Earth 2 #11 features some stunning work by Nicola Scott who brings Robinson’s mystical saga to life with some incredible scenes, with every detail beautifully enhanced by Trevor Scott’s inks, and the vivid colours by Alex Sinclair and Peter Pantazis, Earth 2 continues to raise the bar with each successive issue. From the first page we are propelled into the past to witness the magical duel between Nabu and Wotan in Egypt, with events fluidly dovetailing into the present as Wotan recounts his origins to Jay’s mother, through to the huge vaulted chambers of the Tower of Fate itself as the Flash and Khalid creep along the gravity defying walkways.

When the moment comes for Khalid to put on the Helm of Nabu he is instantly transformed into Doctor Fate and rushes to save the Flash from the gnashing jaws of the Great Beast. This fantastic moment is perfectly realized by Nicola Scott, as the new Dr Fate bursts from the page swathed in a magical glow, his armour gleaming with incredible energy. This issues stunning gatefold cover by Brett Booth not only features Doctor Fate, but also heralds the return of Mr Miracle, whose redesign of Mr Miracle is also a faithful enhancement of the original characters appearance.

The stage is now set for an epic showdown between Doctor Fate and Wotan. It will also be interesting to see Fury hunting down Mr Miracle in the ruins of Gotham City. Earth 2 #11 has been one of this series most hotly anticipated issues to date, Doctor Fate’s return has lived up to all my expectations, and in many ways its actually exceeded them. Earth 2 has reintroduced these classic heroes back to the New 52 DCU with a flair of creativity that will satisfy fans of all ages. It has taken decades of complex storylines and reinvigorated them for a whole new generation of readers, offering a fresh perspective with some truly awe inspiring artwork.