Teen Titans #1: This wasn't on my pull list this week, but I went ahead and picked it up out of curiosity. Glad I did. It's solid stuff and does a nice job of setting up and laying down the foundation for a good book. Already like the interesting set-up and where it appears to be going. The art is quite nice, too. I'm adding #2 to my pull list.
Voodoo #1: I had this on my list because I usually like Marz's work. Glad to say he did not disappoint. In fact, I was surprised by how interesting the idea and set up behind this character is. It starts in a strip club and there's obviously lots of sexed-up T&A. But just when you think, "Uh oh, here we go again with the New 52 bimboism" the true nature of the book, the title character and what the main players are up to is revealed and it's already 10x more interesting than the new Catwoman. It's definitely just an establishing/set-up issue, but it works. And the art is fantastic. If you're on the fence with this one you might wanna give it a shot. I'm definitely onboard, so far.
Aquaman #1: Now that's more like it, Mr. Johns! Everything he did wrong with JL #1 he did just right here. First off, the book engages right from the beginning. It's not just mindless action, it let's you know something interesting is going on... both with the main character and with the new threat in the world. But best of all, Johns takes the character of Aquaman and uses his almost punch-line status as rod to make the character instantly interesting and likable. They even reference the character as a joke on late night TV, YouTube, etc. When a kid asks him, "
So, how's it feel to be *nobody's* favorite superhero?", you don't laugh... you feel sorry for Arthur and wish he'd punch the dork in the face
. This makes Johns' work with the character instantly successful, and I can't wait to see where he takes it from here. The new "Trench" creatures arent in this issue much, but they're pretty damn threatening. This is going to be a dark, violent title and may just put Aquaman back on the map in the pantheon of popular DC heroes and not just a joke.
Good week, so far! Next up...
All-Star Western
Batman: The Dark Knight
Justice League Dark
Out of all of the books, I'm definitely in for #2 for the following:
Batman
Detective Comics
Batgirl
Nightwing
Green Lantern
Justice League (only to see how the Bat/Supes throw down goes, really didn't like #1) Wonder Woman
Captain Atom
Animal Man
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
Suicide Squad
Aquaman
Justice League Dark
Voodoo
Teen Titans
DC Universe Presents
All-Star Western
On the fence on a couple others, and several are definitely out. But I'm for sure still in on those above.
1. Animal Man
2. Detective Comics
3. Aquaman
4. Batman
5. Wonder Woman
6. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
7. All-Star Western
8. DC Universe Presents (Deadman)
9. Voodoo
10. Justice League Dark
11. Batgirl
12. Suicide Squad
13. Teen Titans
14. Green Lantern
15. Captain Atom
There were a few other solid ones, but you can't go wrong with any of those above, IMHO.
Cool list. I wasn't crazy about Captain Atom myself. I read 10 books today, I liked the Frankenstein book actually. And, I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked Green Lantern. I'll list my top 15 after I read thru the rest.
The New 52 while fun is definitely overwhelming. I'm going to simply cut my lists to 10 titles if possible. So I'm interested to see how this week's stack up against the weeks before.
Actually, I LOVE Superman! In fact, I wore a Supes shirt just last night. Unfortunately, though, I hated Action Comics #1 and while Superman #1 was much, much better it still failed to wow me and I'm on the fence for #2 on that one. Supergirl was pretty good, and I probably should have put that on the list of #2s I'll pick up. I almost ranked that one as #15, actually.
Superboy was meh. I think that character will be much more interesting in Teen Titans anyway.
The New 52 while fun is definitely overwhelming. I'm going to simply cut my lists to 10 titles if possible. So I'm interested to see how this week's stack up against the weeks before.
This week, overall, was the strongest one for me. I really, really liked:
Aquaman #1
All-Star Western #1 (this reads like a lighter Batman meets From Hell, with Jonah Hex & Amadeus Arkham as the leads in 1880's Gotham. I loved it.)
Teen Titans #1
Justice League Dark #1
Savage Hawkman #1
Voodoo #1
Also...
Batman: The Dark Night #1 was good, but it's not quite up there with Detective #1 & Batman #1.
GL: New Guardians #1 was a good read and sets up an interesting multi-colored showdown. I just hate Kyle Rayner I'll probably stick with it for now, though.
Yeah, so that's 8 that I'll spring for #2s from this week alone for me. My list is around 20 or so for next month, then I'll narrow it down from there.
Now that I think about it, I'm actually pretty bummed that there isn't a single Superman book high up on my list. Damn you, Grant Morrison, for screwing the pooch so much with Action Comics #1. I'll definitely give Perez the benefit of the doubt and pick up Supes #2, though.
I have a feeling that Superman is going to be one of those characters that is better as a cameo than in their own full fledged book which is funny to even write. I'm very interested in reading Superman #1 tonight although the leading thought is to make him pretty much a punk kid who is on a powertrip which gets old very fast.
He's actually much more likable in Superman #1 than the ____ that Morrison put in Action Comics. It's the story that didn't quite grab me, but Supes himself this time isn't too bad.
Seriously, though, I'm suggesting folks pick up All-Star Western #1 & Voodoo #1 and give them a shot. Those 2 and Aquaman were my favorite books from this week.
I remember Voodoo being in Wildcats years ago from Image Comics. looking forward to picking that one up tomorrow, it's GOTTA be better than Stormwatch and Grifter (also from Image / Wildstorm). Good to hear you say you really liked it Carl.
Unfortunately, though, I hated Action Comics #1 and while Superman #1 was much, much better it still failed to wow me and I'm on the fence for #2 on that one. Supergirl was pretty good, and I probably should have put that on the list of #2s I'll pick up. I almost ranked that one as #15, actually. 
