The CW’s DC’s Legends of Tomorrow First Look Trailer!

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Arrow, Captain Cold, DC Comics, Firestorm, Flash, Flash and Arrow Spin Off Series, Hawkgirl, Heat Wave, Legends of Tomorrow First Look Trailer, Legends of Tomorrow Trailer, Rip Hunter, The Atom, The CW, The Time Masters, White Canary

The CW’s DC’s Legends of Tomorrow First Look Trailer!

Check out the CW’s DC’s Legends of Tomorrow First Look Trailer! This all new show is sent in the same universe as the Flash and Arrow and features characters from those shows, as well as a few new ones!

Can’t wait to see this series, it looks amazing!

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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 #15 Review

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Brutaal, DC Comics, Doctor Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #15, Flash, Green Lantern, James Robinson, Nicola Scott, Steppenwolf, The Hunter Gods, The New 52, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #15

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers]

War is about to break out on Earth 2 as the World Army prepares to strike at Steppenwolf in Dherain, but Green Lantern, the Flash, and Doctor Fate are already tearing across Dherain’s inland steppes towards the nation’s capitol city, Draemyre, to launch an attack of their own. As the battle intensifies the New Wonders receive some unexpected help from the Atom, Red Arrow, and Colonel Dodds and his Sandmen, before suddenly being confronted by the Hunter Dogs of Steppenwolf.

Earth 2 #15 opens with the Flash clinging to the edge of consciousness, as he recollects the terrible events of the battle. The Hunter Dogs of Steppenwolf were far more powerful than any of them could have realized: Brutaal was a raging powerhouse of bruit strength, Bedlam used his ability to drive people into a psychotic rage, and the Beguiler’s strange energy powers seemed able to counteract and reflect all forms of attack.

Hawkgirl’s investigation into Sam’s murder leads her to a casino in Morocco, while back in Gotham the battle between Mr Miracle and Fury continues. Now as the dust settles over the battlefield the Flash must quickly regain his strength if he is to help his friends, but as Commander Khan and General “Stormy” Foster lead the World Army forces into Dherain airspace, Steppenwolf’s Hunter Dogs are expecting them…

After last issues call to war, Earth 2 #15 sees the New Wonders fall in battle against the Hunter Dogs of Steppenwolf. War Torn is another excellent issue by James Robinson, filled with explosive action and exciting set-pieces, as Doctor Fate’s ominous words of caution from last issue becomes a frightening reality for both the New Wonders and the World Army Wonders.

Jay Garrick calls them “Terrors” which turns out to be an apt moniker, as Brutaal, the Beguiler, and Bedlam pick the heroes of Earth 2 apart with savage efficiency. The Beguiler seems to wield some bizarre form of energy manipulation, which she uses to disrupt Doctor Fate’s spells – effectively warping his own energies back at him – with devastating results. Bedlam’s powers causes the Sandmen and Red Arrow to crazy and attack everybody around them, creating absolute chaos on the battlefield, and even the Flash is not fast enough to evade Red Arrow’s lightning quick skill with a bow. But it is Brutaal who proves to be the most ruthless, unleashing his Apokolips eye beams on the Sandmen, cutting a swathe through their ranks before taking on Green Lantern and the Atom without even breaking a sweat. The art by Nicola Scott, with inks by Trevor Scott and colors by Pete Pantazis, brings a shocking clarity to every moment of the carnage, the most striking of which shows Brutaal ripping the head off a Sandman as the battle rages, and the bone crunching smack down Brutaal meets out to Green Lantern and Atom is so intense it will leave you wondering how they could ever hope to defeat these Terrors.

James Robinson also includes two breaks in the action, which allows us to catch up with Hawkgirl and Mr Miracle. In her quest to help Green Lantern find out the truth behind Sam’s murder, Hawkgirl has travelled to Casablanca, which is now a gleaming gambling mecca where Warlords and Mullahs have consolidated their power behind its secure walls. The trail leads to Darcy Twain, a wealthy recluse and owner of the towering Double Zero casino. However, before she can find Twain, Hawkgirl is captured by Hazard and Melody – two villains who quickly subdue her with disorientating notes from Melody’s violin.

Meanwhile in the ruins of Gotham City, Fury has caught up with Mr Miracle and Barda, who have been searching for the mysterious new Batman. Mr Miracle helps Barda escape so she can find Batman and tell him what they‘ve learned, while he stands his ground against Fury. Their battle is fast and furious, with Mr Miracle always managing to stay one step ahead of Fury. We get to learn more about Mr Miracle (Scott Free) and Barda during the fight as Barda recollects their time as fugitives, wanted by Steppenwolf and the World Army, these refugees from Apokolips are prepared to risk everything in their attempt to locate the mysterious new Batman.

Earth 2 #15 concludes as Mr Miracle’s and Fury’s battle is interrupted by a new arrival. This fantastic cliff-hanger rounds off this issue in fine style, with a beautifully crafted final page to reveal the surprise.

The cover of Earth 2 #15 by Juan Doe shows Brutaal, the Beguiler, and Bedlam painted on what appears to be the walls of a prison yard, with the words “Submit” emblazoned beneath them, in a stark contrast to last issue which depicted the Wonders of Earth 2 as murals on an oppressive looking brick wall topped barbed wire. Earth 2 #15 has searchlights beaming into the sky over the walls, as the barbed wire snakes around the walls and seems to wrap itself around the bottom of the cover. This image sublimely juxtaposes the call to war from the last issue, supplementing it with the impending sense of hopelessness and defeat that ultimately befalls the New Wonders during the course of this issue.

With only one more issue to go before James Robinson leaves, Earth 2 #15 has proven to be one of the most exciting yet, as the New Wonders suffer their worst ever defeat at the hands of Steppenwolf’s Hunter Dogs. With Desaad and Solomon Grundy featuring in the two Villains Month specials in September, we still have Robinson’s final issue, Earth 2 #16, to look forward to before Tom Taylor takes over in November with issue #17. I’m sure Taylor will continue to build on the blend of old and new that has made Earth 2 so distinctive, showcasing all of the heroes, as well as focusing on the new Batman. Although it’s still a shame that James Robinson is about to depart, this final storyline look sets to be one of his best yet, and issue #16 will bring his run on Earth 2 to a spectacular end.

Earth 2 #14 Review

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DC Comics, Dherain, Doctor Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #14, Flash, Green Lantern, James Robinson, Nicola Scott, Steppenwolf, The New 52, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #14

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers]

While a crowd in Rio watches in horror as Captain Steel staggers from the fire pit, his body ravaged by flames and warning everyone about the Red Lantern trapped inside the pit, Hawkgirl encounters the new Batman in China during her investigation into Sam’s death. Tired of waiting for the World Army to strike at Steppenwolf in Dherain, Green Lantern, the Flash, and Doctor Fate decide to launch their own pre-emptive strike against the warlord of Apokolips – declaring war on Steppenwolf as they race across Dherain’s inland steppes towards the nation’s capital, Draemyre.

James Robinson cranks up the action as the New Wonders of Earth 2 prepare to take on the next big threat to their world. Green Lantern believes that by attacking Dherain ahead of the World Army invasion his Global Broadcasting Corporation will be able to use the media- spin to get public opinion on their side. After boldly declaring war, Green Lantern leads the Flash and Doctor Fate into their first engagement with Dherain’s army. Although they make light work the opposition Doctor Fate is quick to warn them how achieving their goals may come at a price, and even he cannot predict the outcome with events as momentous as this.

As Green Lantern, Flash, and Doctor Fate prepare to face another wave of troops, word of the New Wonders attack reaches Steppenwolf in Dherain. The warlord of Apokolips has been expecting them and orders the release of his “Hounds”. While a fleet of battle cruisers led by Commander Khan and General “Stormy” Foster prepare to fly into Dherain, the New Wonders are surprised when Colonel Dodds and his Sandmen, along with the Atom and Red Arrow, arrive to help them. Dodds understands why the new heroes of Earth 2 want to help, but he is worried their actions might impede the World Army, and potentially jeopardize the offensive against Steppenwolf. The tense standoff is broken when they are all attacked by Steppenwolf’s “Hounds”, three mysterious super powered beings, who vow to destroy them all.

Earth 2 #14 is an incredibly fast paced issue, bursting with intense action, and Robinson also manages to squeeze in some great character building moments for the New Wonders as well. I like how Green Lantern is adapting to working with the other heroes, they are developing a great bond, and he seems more like a natural choice for leader now than he did in the early issues. The moment where Doctor Fate hinted that victory could come at a price was quite foreboding, and it highlighted just how significant this moment is for Earth 2. It was also great to see Colonel Dodds and his Sandmen again, although Flash wasn’t too pleased to see the Atom, and we finally get to meet another World Army operative – Red Arrow. Instead of brining Sloan to help with the invasion, Commander Khan has brought his own genius, Mr Terrific, to assist them. The addition of General “Stormy” Foster is also a nice reference by James Robinson to another All Star Squadron character from the golden age, the mystery man known as the Great Defender, Stormy Foster.

Nicola Scott’s artwork on Earth 2 #14 is incredible, every page is overflowing with action as the New Wonders take the fight to Steppenwolf, the inks by  Trevor Scott enhance every detail of the explosive advance on Dherain, and the glorious colors by Pete Pantazis helps convey the raw power of this first engagement. There are plenty of spectacular action set-pieces as Green Lantern, Flash, and Doctor Fate battle the Dherain army on the inland steppes, the World Army also make an impressive entrance as Dodds confronts the New Wonders on the field of battle. The fleet of battle cruisers make an imposing sight as they fill the sky, enhancing the suspense as the impending conflict with Steppenwolf looms on the horizon.

Steppenwolf’s “Hounds” each have a very distinct look about them: one is a fearsome warrior clad in armour; there is a woman who appears to have some kind of energy powers, and scrawny looking man. Although we know little about them at the moment, or their powers, these dogs of war seem hungry for a fight, so it looks like we are in for one hell of a battle. Earth 2 #14 has a fantastic cover by Juan Doe, featuring a striking mural of the New Wonders of Earth 2 painted on a brick wall topped with barbed wire.

It has recently been announced that Tom Taylor, writer of DC’s Injustice: Gods Among Us will be taking over as the writer Earth 2 with issue #17 in October, following James Robinson’s recent announcement that he will be leaving the series and DC Comics. Tom Taylor is an excellent choice to replace Robinson, he will join artist Nicola Scott, who is remaining with the series. While it is a great shame that James Robinson is leaving, I’m convinced that the series will be in safe hands with Tom Taylor, and together with Nicola Scott’s amazing art I’m positive they will continue to explore the limitless potential this title has to offer.

In a statement to MTV Geek by DC Comics, artist Nicola Scott said of Tom Taylor’s appointment as writer on Earth 2: “I’ve had so much fun working on Earth 2 with James Robinson over the last year. While I’m sad to see him go, I’m really looking forward to exploring the ever expanding mysteries of the title. I’m even more excited about moving forward on this journey with my great friend and fellow countryman Tom Taylor! Not only a charming guy but a great talent to boot. She continued, I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have lined up!” Earth 2’s new writer Tom Taylor also spoke about his admiration for Earth 2: “I’m a big fan of what James and Nicola have created so far with Earth 2, and I’m honoured to be adding to this world, with its rich characters and its many mysteries. Earth 2 is entering a new age, and I’m thrilled to usher in this new age with my good friend, and fellow Australian, Nicola Scott. It was good of DC Comics to give Australia our own Earth to play with. We’ll try not to wreck the joint.”

With the announcement of Tom Taylor as his successor, the future of this title seems assured, and with all the speculation out of the way it will allow us to enjoy every moment of James Robinson’s last few issues on the series. I sincerely hope the majority of the outstanding storylines are resolved satisfactorily so that the transition will be relatively smooth and Taylor will be able to build effectively on what has already been established.

The bells of St Dramemyre ring out in Earth 2 #14, much to the displeasure of Steppenwolf, to herald the onset of war as the New Wonders of Earth 2 lead the charge into battle against Dherian and its new ruler. This is another great issue of Earth 2 by James Robinson, it really feels like this storyline is building to an epic conclusion, with everyone banding together in the fight against Steppenwolf as the fate of this alternative world hangs in the balance.