DC Comics Relaunch: Breaking It All Down (Part 4 of 5)

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DC Comics Relaunch: Breaking It All Down (Part 4 of 5)

By Mike Maillaro & Grey Scherl

This is the last day of long lists of comic series. Tomorrow we’ll wrap things up. Thanks for sticking with us.

(Check out Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 5 which are now up.)

Today’s list is pretty Superman heavy and features what might be the most controversial of the new series, Teen Titans.

40. Resurrection Man

What DC Says:

A cult favorite character returns in a new series written by his classic creative team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. Joining them is JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST artist Fernando Dagnino. RESURRECTION MAN #1 is the story of a hero who wakes up with new powers each time he’s killed.

What Grey says: Fun fact, I’m a huge DnA fan, and the first book I ever read by them was Resurrection Man #1,000,000. In fact, I got that book signed by both Dan and Andy at NYCC this past year and was absolutely thrilled. Mitch Shelley is a character that I feel has been absent for far too long, and hearing about this book? Man, you guys have no idea how excited I am. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes

What Skitch says: Resurrection Man’s return was definitely one of the biggest surprises in DC Relaunch to me. Especially with DnA writing it. I loved this series back in the day, and Resurrection Man is easily in my top three books of the relaunch. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes


41. Savage Hawkman

What DC Says:Batman writer Tony Daniel will team up with artist Philip Tan (GREEN LANTERN: AGENT ORANGE, THE OUTSIDERS) for THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1. Carter Hall’s skill at deciphering lost languages has led him to a job with an archeologist who specializes in alien ruins – but will the doctor’s latest discovery spread an alien plague through New York City? No matter the personal cost, Carter Hall must don his cowl and wings and become the new, savage Hawkman to survive. The cover to issue #1 is by Philip Tan.

What Grey says: I liked when Johns wrote Hawkman, and Robinson before that. Other than that…notsomuch. The design looks cool, but I can’t forget that I’m not a fan of Philip Tan at all. This book doesn’t have as much going for it as it probably could. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? No

What Skitch says: Hawkman is a character that has always had very little appeal to me. I do love when Green Arrow mocks him, but other than that, I just can’t bring myself to read a Hawkman series. Last time I tried was Robinson’s run, and even then I only lasted like 5 issues. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? No


42. Men of War

What DC Says:The grandson of the original Sgt. Rock assumes the command of Easy Company, a team of crack ex-military men financed by a covert military contractor, as they brave the battle-scarred landscape carved by the DC Universe’s super-villains. MEN OF WAR #1 is contemporary military story fighting under modern conditions, and will be written by Ivan Brandon and illustrated by Tom Derenick.

What Grey says: Bottom Line: I liked Brandon’s Nemesis minis, but I don’t really care about war comics. Like, at all. I expect that this book will be great if you’re into the subject matter, but it’s just not for me. Will I pick it up? No

What Skitch says: After DC’s initial announcement, they seemed to have edited the column and changed the name from “Sgt Rock and the Men of War” to just “Men of War.” That’s why it’s so out of place alphabetically. Sorry about that. This book seems a little redundant with Blackhawks. I do like war comics, so I might check it out, though I am not sure it has much of a chance of lasting long. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Maybe.


43. Static Shock

What DC Says:Virgil Hawkins has been gifted with incredible electrical powers. Adopting the persona of Static, he faces super-powered street gangs, raging hormones, homework, and girls in STATIC SHOCK #1, co-written by John Rozum and Scott McDaniel, with McDaniel also illustrating along with Jonathan Glapion.

What Grey says: I never really read Milestone, but I did watch Kids WB. What does this mean? Super Hero, Static Shock! Screw the Teen Titans appearances, this is going to be all kinds of money. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes

What Skitch says: I was a huge Milestone fan, so I’m glad to see Static getting an ongoing series again. I really like the redesign of the character too. I think Static Shock is going to be one of the sleeper hits of relaunch. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes


44. Stormwatch

What DC Says:Stormwatch is a dangerous super human strike force whose existence is kept secret from the world. Jack Hawksmoor and the rest of the crew look to recruit two of the deadliest super humans on the planet: Midnighter and Apollo. And if they say no? Perhaps the Martian Manhunter can change their minds. Featuring a surprising new roster, STORMWATCH #1 will be written by the critically-acclaimed Paul Cornell (Superman: The Black Ring, “Dr. Who”) and illustrated by Miguel Sepulveda.

What Grey says: I was a late comer to Stormwatch, reading Authority beforehand, but I did do some back reading. Great book, great characters, but unfortunately it all sort of tapered off at some point. Stormwatch PHD was great,but Authority kept underwhelming. While I expected to see some Wildstorm titles, I have to say that Stormwatch makes for a much better choice than The Authority, who would just be universe breaking. Then we’ve got Paul Cornell writing it, and there’s no way I can fathom not giving this a chance. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes

What Skitch says: Under Ellis, Stormwatch was one of my all time favorite comic series. Paul Cornell wrote three of my favorite episodes of Doctor Who. Add in Martian Manhunter, a character I’ve always thought was under utilized. This new Stormwatch series looks and sounds terrific, and it’s definitely my pick for “Best of the Relaunch.” I just hope it stays more like Stormwatch than Authority, which pretty much didn’t work after it’s initial run. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes


45. Suicide Squad

What DC Says:Harley Quinn! Deadshot! King Shark! They’re a team of death-row super villains recruited by the government to take on missions so dangerous – they’re sheer suicide! Who will be the first to crack under the pressure? Find out in SUICIDE SQUAD #1, written by Adam Glass (FLASHPOINT: LEGION OF DOOM) with art by Marco Rudy (THE SHIELD).

What Grey says: I do love the Suicide Squad, but I’ll be the first to admit that the ups and downs are pretty steep. I loved Secret Six too. So really, the only thing that could break this book is the creative team, but Adam Glass has his Flashpoint mini to try and sell this title to me. Let’s see how he does. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Maybe

What Skitch says: As a huge Ozzy fan, I wish they would have called this book Suicide Solution. Not really all that sure about some of the character redesigns here, and Suicide Squad has always been hit or miss in terms of quality. I am still inclined to give it a try, though I am really not sure about how good it will be. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Maybe


46. Superboy

What DC Says:They thought he was just a failed experiment, grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon. SUPERBOY #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell with art by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean.

What Grey says: I’m intrigued, but at the same time, heavily confused. Is Superboy a robot? Is the cover just trying to put across the fact that he was created and not born? Yes, the preview says clone, but look at that picture! ROBOT! I’m going to wait to read more interviews as the book approaches before making a final decision. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Maybe

What Skitch says: Kind of strange that Superboy looks so drastically different than Teen Titans. This preview really didn’t say much, but with Lobdell on board, I will definitely check it out. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes


47. Supergirl

What DC Says:Supergirl’s got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman and none of his affection for the people of Earth. Writers Michael Green and Mike Johnson (Smallville, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) will team up with artist Mahmud Asrar to give a new take on the teenager from Krypton in SUPERGIRL #1.

What Grey says: I had really started to love the Kara Zor-El Supergirl over the past couple of years, so I won’t deny that I’m interested by this potentially soft reboot. However, I have no affinity at all for the writers, but I do really like Mahmud Asrar. This one will be a toss up. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Maybe

What Skitch says: I really miss the “Matrix” Supergirl, especially when Peter David wrote her. I will likely check this series out, though Supergirl is a tough sell to me. I am very curious about the “none of his affection for the people of Earth” angle. That could give this book a real cool spin.  Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Maybe


48. Superman

What DC Says:What is Superman’s startling new status quo? How does it affect his friends, loved ones and his job at The Daily Planet? Find out in SUPERMAN #1, written by legendary comics creator George Perez (CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, NEW TEEN TITANS and WONDER WOMAN) and illustrated by Jesus Merino.

What Grey says: The only way to make this better would be Perez drawing as well. Seriously, George Perez is my all time favorite comic book artist. Him writing the book still has me interested, however, and I really am looking forward to the potential ‘old school meets new school’ approach to the worlds greatest superhero. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes

What Skitch says: George Perez writing a Superman title? Between this and Action Comics, Superman looks like he’ll be in pretty good shape creative team wise after Relaunch. I am surprised (happily) that he’s only got two books of his own. DC should have taken this same approach with Bruce Wayne as Batman. As for giving Superman a new status quo, I actually think that is a good thing. The character has gotten pretty far from what Superman always was to me, and could use a bit of a rejuvenation.  Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes


49. Swamp Thing

What DC Says:DC Comics embraces its dark side. On the 40th anniversary of the character’s creation, the New York Times bestselling writer of AMERICAN VAMPIRE, Scott Snyder, teams up with Yannick Paquette (BATMAN, INCORPORATED) to bring horror back to the DC Universe in SWAMP THING #1. For years, one man served against his will as the avatar of nature. And while he may have been freed of the monster, he’s about to learn the monster will never truly let go of him.

What Grey says: I’m not a huge Swamp Thing fan, mainly because I’ve never really sampled the character, but Snyder’s Detective Comics has been wowing me. I might give this a chance in single issues, but if I don’t I’ll scope it in trade. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Maybe

What Skitch says: A horror-based Swamp Thing title? Reminds me of the Man-Thing series back in the 70’s, which I always thought was underrated. I haven’t read much with Swamp Thing, but I really think this is a good way to go with the character. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes


50. Teen Titans

What DC Says:Tim Drake is forced to step out from behind his keyboard when an international organization seeks to capture or kill super-powered teenagers. As Red Robin, he must team up with the mysterious and belligerent powerhouse thief known as Wonder Girl and a hyperactive speedster calling himself Kid Flash in TEEN TITANS #1, by Scott Lobdell and artists Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund.

What Grey says: I was a big fan of Generation X, and it’s hard to believe how many years ago that was. Teen Titans, more than probably any other book at DC, was in desperate need of a reboot. Now, it appears that despite the new costume, Tim is still Tim, former Robin, current Red Robin. Cassie’s reboot makes sense if Diana is getting one, and Superboy’s I’m waiting to see about. I guess the real point is…they have my interest and I really want to see if Lobdell is the one to return the Titans to glory. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes

What Skitch says: Unlike some people, I actually love the new designs for Red Robin and Wonder Girl. Kid Flash’s redesign has grown on me. Still don’t like Superboy. I am really curious who some of these characters are. Red Robin we know is Tim Drake. Kid Flash seems to be Impulse. I keep thinking Wonder Girl is Spoiler, though I could be wrong about that. Either way, I really like teen heroes and Lobdell so this series has a lot of appeal to me. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes


51. Voodoo

What DC Says:Priscilla Kitaen has just found out she’s a monster. A half-alien hybrid, the woman known as Voodoo must confront the secrets of her past to make sense of the nightmare her life has suddenly become. VOODOO #1 will be written by Ron Marz with art by Sami Basri.

What Grey says: I have creator loyalties which take me in weird directions. Ron Marz is one of these creators, and I mean, I checked out his Witchblade…but I’m not a Witchblade fan. However, the man created Kyle Rayner, and he’s bringing Voodoo into the DCU. This is definitely getting a look from me. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes

What Skitch says: I wonder if she’s still a stripper? With Ron Marz writing this, Voodoo has some potential to be a great series. I like that it’s listed under DC’s darker books, and I hope they give it a bit of a horror twist. That could be a very fun book. And I am really curious what happened to the rest of the WildC.A.T.S. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Yes


52. Wonder Woman

What DC Says: New York Times bestselling writer Brian Azzarello, author of The Joker and 100 Bullets, teams up with the immensely talented artist Cliff Chiang (Neil Young’s Greendale) for WONDER WOMAN #1, an exciting new series starring the DC Universe’s greatest superheroine. The cover to issue #1 is by Cliff Chiang.

What Grey says: So, fun fact, I hate Wonder Woman. Always have, I mean really, I have never liked the character, she does nothing for me. However, the solicit for the first issue has me doing something I never do with Diana…being curious. I loved 100 Bullets, but Azz to me is still unproven on superheroes, so this book has a fair shot of going either way in my eyes. I’ll most likely decide on the day of release. Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Maybe

What Skitch says: I’m not really the biggest Wonder Woman fan, and I hated Azzarello’s work on Batman. That said, I did like 100 Bullets quite a bit. I really am not sure if this book will be good, but I will likely check it out.   It definitely does sound cool.  The solicit that came out later also makes it sound like this book might have some similarities to Wonder Woman’s status quo in Flashpoint, so that could be a really cool twist.  Bottom Line: Will I pick it up? Maybe


Skitch Random Thoughts:

Some of my favorite books in the relaunch today including Stormwatch, Resurrection Man, and Teen Titans.

Yes – 8

No – 1

Maybe – 4

Grey’s Editorial Commentary:

The long awaited return of Resurrection Man? Stormwatch integrated into the DCU? Lobdell on Teen Titans? Ron Marz in the DCU? There is a lot of goodness to go around here.

Yes – 6

No – 2

Maybe – 5

Mike Maillaro is a lifelong Jersey Boy and geek. Mike has been a comic fan for about 30 years from when his mom used to buy him Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Adventures at our local newsstand. Thanks, Mom!! Mike's goal is to bring more positivity to the discussion of comics and pop culture.