Earth 2 #26 Review

Tags

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 #24 Review

Tags

Batman, DC Comics, Earth 2, Earth 2 #24, Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Parademons, Pete Pantazis, The Beguiler, The Flash, The New 52, Tom Taylor

Earth 2 #24

Review by Paul Bower

Faced with impossible odds as the Parademons attacked, Batman initiated the Batcaves self destruct system. Sandman arrived to teleport Batman and the others to safety, while Green Lantern and Hawkgirl elected to remain in Gotham. As the heroes of Earth 2 are reunited with Commander Khan and the surviving World Army forces, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl embark on a dangerous mission to find the Flash and rescue him from the Beguiler.

Tom Taylor keeps the action and suspense building as Earth 2 #24 follows on from last issues explosive cliff-hanger. The Kryptonian Part 4 charts the aftermath of the battle as the dust begins to settle over Gotham. The news of the second wave of Parademons sudden demise in Gotham quickly spreads to the forces of Apokolips. However, as Bedlam relays the news, the Beguiler has other, more pressing concerns to attend to.

These opening scenes with Beguiler and the Flash are terrific, even though Jay Garrick has to endure being tortured; he still manages to verbally spar with his skeletal tormentor. It seems ages since we last saw Jay Garrick, so it’s good to seem him back. Meanwhile, in the ruins of Gotham, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl emerge from the carnage where Green Lantern quickly sends his hapless Parademon prisoners packing back to their masters with a killer punch line, and it soon becomes clear why he asked Hawkgirl to remain with him.

Sadly, not everyone managed to survive being extracted from the Batcave. Now with Amazonia, the former home of the Amazons, serving as the last refuge for Commander Khan and the surviving forces of the World Army, the heroes of Earth 2 must take stock of what happened. Batman’s rage at Val is almost palpable here, infuriated that the young Kryptonian was unwilling to use violence to help defend them, the tables are suddenly turned on the Dark Knight when a furious Jimmy Olsen confronts him. Tom Taylor has really excelled himself here, it’s a brilliant little scene, with dialogue so tautly honed to perfection, that your jaw will hit the floor with the unflinching clarity of Jimmy’s argument and the wealth of potential it presents for the future.

Eddy Barrows steps in for Nicola Scott to provide the art for Earth 2 #24, together with inks by Eber Ferreira, and the superb work of colorist Pete Pantazis, this issue is as visually impressive as we have come to expect from this series. From the ominous scenes where the Beguiler tortures the Flash, we blaze a trail across Gotham’s ravaged skyline, the action packed mission to save the Flash is brilliant, and this issues final page is simply awesome! Eddy Barrows has done a terrific job with Earth 2 #24; encompassing the global scale of events as the action unfolds at an incredible pace that makes great use of all the locations and characters.

Green Lantern and Hawkgirl also play a pivotal role in Earth 2 #24 as they attempt to rescue the Flash. I’ve always liked the dynamic between this parallel world’s first trio of “new wonders”, and it’s great to see them reunited at last. I especially like how well Green Lantern and Hawkgirl work together, Green Lantern may have the raw power necessary to get them into enemy territory, but it is still Hawkgirl’s tracking skills, judgment and sound reasoning that makes her such an invaluable ally.

While certain plot points from last issue are left hanging for now, Earth 2 #24 still has more than enough stand out moments and excellent character development to make up for it, and the cover by Philip Tan and Norm Rapmund is also a real stunner!

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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.

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Earth 2 #13 Review

Tags

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

Earth 2 #13

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earth 2 Annual #1 Review

Tags

Batman, Cafu, Cam Smith, Captain Steel, Commnader Khan, DC Comics, Earth 2, Gotham City, James Robinson, Julis Gopez, Major Sonia Sato, Mr Miracle, Pete Pantazis, Steppenwolf, The Atom, The New 52

Earth 2 Annual #1

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers]

The new Batman of Earth 2 finally makes his debut in this months Earth 2 annual #1, while the World Army gears up to confront the return of Steppenwolf from his stronghold in Dherain. James Robinson draws together many ongoing plot threads, setting the stage for the next challenge the New Wonders of Earth 2 must face.

Following a lead that takes him to Cambodia, the Atom goes undercover in Phnom Penh to find a war criminal, Henri Roy, who runs a lucrative black market operation dealing in high-tech weaponry and cybernetic enhancements. The Atom allows himself to be captured so he can get to Henri Rory, unaware that a new Batman is watching from the shadows. As soon as Captain Pratt turns into the Atom he is attacked by the bodyguards, and then Henri Roy himself, after he dons a battle suit.

The Atom manages to defeat and capture Henri Roy, with some unexpected help from Batman, before meeting up with Major Sonia Sato. It turns out that the war criminals son, Henri Roy Jr, was the one who told them where his father was. He decides to join the World Army, in an attempt to make up for what his father has done, and to find an explanation for the terrible headaches that he used to suffer from. Major Sato then informs the Atom that Steppenwolf is now the ruler of Dherain.

After a short interlude on the Sentinel (The World Army Central Intelligence Hub) where Commander Khan sends Captain Steel to investigate one of the fire pits caused by Sloan in Rio, we rejoin the Batman as he fights Mr Icicle in Colmenar Viejo, Spain. The new Batman of Earth 2 is hunting a being known as Kanto, the Assassin of Apokolips, who helped enhance humans like Mr Icicle during the Apokolips War. Batman has learned that Kanto is calling in his markers to those he empowered, intending to uses them in some new plan he is devising. After dealing with Mr Icicle and questioning him, Batman decides its time for him to find out more about Hawkgirl.

Over in the ruins of Gotham City, where the world once reeled from the fiery wrath of the Agonists, mutated monsters now roam this desolate place. It is here that Mr Miracle and Barda have been since they escaped from Steppenwolf. They are searching for the mysterious new Batman and the cave he reportedly dwells in. Mr Miracle is worried that the time Barda has spent hunting mutants could have revealed their location to the World Army, he want to move on, but before they can act Barda is suddenly attacked by Fury.

Earth 2 annual #1 is another great instalment of Earth 2 by James Robinson. As well as introducing the new Batman, the spotlight initially falls on the Atom and his secret mission to Phnom Penh. We get a much greater insight into the character of Captain Pratt, as he recalls events leading up to the nuclear explosion that created him, as well as having to come to terms with being the only survivor from his platoon and his new found powers.

The artwork for Earth 2 annual #1 is shared by Cafu and Julis Gopez, with Cafu and Cam Smith on inks, and Pete Pantazis on colours. Their work on this first Earth 2 annual is excellent, especially during the scenes where Captain Pratt reflects on the past, and the moment where he becomes the giant sized Atom and pursues Henri Roy’s robotic suit across the rooftops.

It was also good to see many of the supporting characters again, including Commander Khan and Major Sato, as well as introducing Captain Steel and the new subplot involving the fire pits. We also get to see Mr Miracle and Barda exploring the ruins of Gotham City, before they are attacked by Fury who has been sent by Steppenwolf to find them.

The hype surrounding the new Batman has helped build expectations for Earth 2 annual #1, and the cover by Andy Kubert and Brad Anderson is really striking. While most of the plot is actually centred around the Atom and his mission, when the new Batman does appear, it’s done with incredible style. He swoops in to take out the reinforcements attacking the Atom, before sneaking back into the shadows, where he listens in on the news that Steppenwolf has announced his presence in Dherian. We then follow Batman as he searches for information about Kanto, the Assassin of Apokolips, and fights one of the augmented humans he created in the war, Mr Icicle.

The identity of the new Batman remains a mystery for now, his search for Kanto will no doubt bring him into contact with the rest of the New Wonders of Earth 2 soon enough, and I look forward to seeing how his story develops in the main series. Sadly writer James Robinson has announced that he is leaving Earth 2 as of issue #16, and will no longer be working for DC Comics. This news came as something of a shock to fans of the series, and his successor will certainly have a lot to live up to. Despite the news of Robinson’s departure, Earth 2 annual #1 is still an exciting issue, full of intense action and it sets up terrific a closing scene that will be continued next week in Earth 2 #13.