Keeping Up Appearances

We’ve previously talked about our excitement at Ret-Conned HQ about the return of Cassandra Cain. Finally, CC Day has arrived.

Looking back at previous posts somehow we never actually talked about Superman: Earth One. For those who haven’t seen all the buzz about it, basically this is a re-envisioning of the Superman story set in an alternative universe (one of the 52 alternative universes in the DC Multiverse). In this alternative story, Clark Kent is a little bit younger when he comes to Metropolis to make his mark in both the reporting world and as Superman. Whereas the original Superman has always been a big boy scout, who - while sometimes unsure of himself - has always had a fairly consistent notion of right vs wrong and his place in the world, the Earth One Superman is a more uncertain with his powers and his place in the world. Basically, he’s given just enough of a hint of angst to make him more “human.”

The graphic novel was extremely well received and got glowing reviews as the “Superman for the Twilight Generation.” While we weren’t completely thrilled with how the Main Stream Media was portraying this reinvention of Superman, there’s no doubt that Superman: Earth One has been a success. Amazon sold out of the graphic novel on October 28 and now two weeks later it’s still unavailable.

With the huge success of Superman Earth One, there’s no surprise that DC has already started planning a sequel. What is surprising is that they’ve decided to fast track the sequel such that it’s author, J Michael Straczynski, is going to stop writing both the monthly Wonder Woman and Superman books to focus on the new OGN.

It was with pretty big fanfare that JMS took over both WW and Supes at their 600 and 700th issues, respectively, with big, bold new directions. His run on Wonder Woman made huge waves when he not only made the character younger and reworked her backstory, but gave her a completely new costume. JMS also decided to let Superman get back to his Earthly roots by walking across America. Here at Ret-Conned HQ, we’ve been big fans of the reworking on Wonder Woman to the point that for the first time in a long time I’m seriously interested in what’s going on with the character. The new Superman arc, on the other hand, has been fairly ho-hum and comes of rather preachy. So far, our favorite issue of the new Superman arc was one not even written by JMS. DC has copious notes of where JMS was planning on taking both storylines. It’ll be interesting to see if there’s a dramatic difference in the stories as the new writers take over.

One other interesting thing we can’t wait to see is what happens with Batman: Earth One comes out. Kris thinks that it’ll be an even bigger success than Superman: Earth One. Personally, I’m less interested in the Batman side of the story and more interested to learn about super grizzled, no nonesense Alfred.

Travis, what’s on your pull list?

• Atomic Robo & the Deadly Art of Science #1 - Not as uproariously funny as previous volumes. You have to get Young Robo’s voice in your head before it really makes sense.
• Batgirl #15 - We start with the Chibi Bat Family history and end with a bang. Great issue, like always.
• Birds of Prey #6 - Helena is Hardcore. Nuff said.
• Knight & Squire #2 - I love British humor, but this is either on a level so far beyond me that I don’t get it or it’s not that funny. I really want to like this mini, but it’s not happening for me.
• Red Robin #17 - Cassandra Cain! Go buy it!! Plus, I’m really liking Lynx and hope to see more of her. Pick of the Week.
• Tiny Titans/Little Archie #2 - Let’s rock out to Josie and the Pussycats! Aw yeah!
• The Unwritten #19 - Tommy Taylor’s searching for his White Whale, but it looks like Savoy’s got problems of his own.

Kris, what’s on your pull list?

• Batgirl #15 - This is a good issue, showing Steph’s continuation into her “second year” as Batgirl.
• Birds of Prey #6 - Dinah still loves Ollie! Sure, some other stuff went on in this issue, but that’s what you need to take away from this.
• Booster Gold #38 - General Glory and Ernie! Great issue tying the the current run to Generation Lost in an odd, but endearing way.
• Cowboy Ninja Viking #10 - A remarkably depressing issue. But it’s good to know the creators are in this for the long haul.
• Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #4 - The scene between Guy and Bleez in the upper atmosphere is a prime example of why Tomasi is a great writer. I was saying to myself “Wow, that’s kind of hot” until I realized what was actually happening. Yikes!
• Justice League: Generation Lost #13 - No holding back. Winick throws everything out on the table and let’s god sort it out. You have to love a writer who gives it everything. Pick of the Week. Series of the Year if it keeps up.
• R.E.B.E.L.S. #22 - This book is better read in large chunks. Bedard writes in broad strokes, its easy to say its a crap series like I did originally. I’m glad I realized I was wrong.
• Red Robin #17 - I have to make fun of Trav. He finally pulled enough books to give his own pick of the week. This is a great book. This is a set up issue for the next year in my opinion. The roof top scene with Bruce is amazing and something missing from Bruce’s return.
• T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1 - How to write a 1st 101. Tell me who they are, what they are doing, and why I care. This book does that in spades. It’s well written and engaging.
• Titans #29 - And interesting read. Wallace has the skills, I think he’s just getting lost in this book. He needs to either focus it in, or find a solo book to write. I did love the interaction between Dick and Slade.