New Justice League Trailer!

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Aquaman, Batman, Ben Affleck, Bruce Wayne, Cyborg, DC Comics, Ezra Miller, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Justice League, Justice League Comic Con Traler, Justice League movie, Justice League NYCC Trailer, New Justice League Trailer, Steppenwolf, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Zack Snyder

New Justice League trailer!

Warner Bros have released the new Justice League Official Heroes Trailer!

In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes — Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash — it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions!

Justice League is directed by Zack Snyder, from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, based on a story by Snyder and Terrio, Justice League stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Ciarán Hinds, Amy Adams, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons.

Justice League opens in theaters on November 17, 2017.

Follow @paul_bowler

Brand New Justice League Trailer Released At Comic-Con

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Aquaman, Batman, Ben Affleck, Bruce Wayne, Cyborg, DC Comics, Ezra Miller, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Justice League, Justice League 1st official trailer, Justice League Comic Con Traler, Justice League movie, Justice League sneak peak trailer, New Justice League Trailer, Steppenwolf, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Zack Snyder

Brand New Justice League Trailer Released At Comic-Con

Warner Bros have released a new Justice League trailer at Comic Con International San Diego. The special sneak peak Justice League trailer reveals loads of new footage!

In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes — Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash — it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Justice League is directed by Zack Snyder, from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, based on a story by Snyder and Terrio, Justice League stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Ciarán Hinds, Amy Adams, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons.

Justice League opens in theaters on November 17, 2017.

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 #15 Review

Tags

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

Tags

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.

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.

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.