A lot of people are looking September’s DC Relaunch as a bad thing. They point to great books that are being cut short, like Secret Six, and decry the whole experiment.
But I’m an optimist; I look at all of the horrible books that are ending and getting the chance to be awesome for the first time in years. There are plenty of books that I buy out of routine or laziness, in that I’m too lazy to take them off of my pull list.
Teen Titans – This book hasn’t been enjoyable since before Infinite Crisis. We’re talking about dozens of issues that I’ve collected and halfhearted read. I’ve suffered a variety of creative teams and their takes on the heroes.
But with the DC Relaunch Teen Titans has a shot at being readable again. Sure it’s a new bunch of kids who have apparently never met before, but it’s a fresh start. It can’t be any worse than the past few years on the title.
Supergirl – This book has some interesting novelty when it first launched. Loeb had some interesting ideas, but it was quickly derailed. When Joe Kelly stepped in things looked good, especially the stories dealing with Power Boy.
Then there was a lull when Kelly left. But Kelley Puckett took over the book looked like it was on the right track again. Supergirl actually trying to cure cancer? I’m impressed. But that too withered away. Sterling Gates came aboard and the book started meandering.
However in September we get an all new, all different Supergirl. Hopefully this new Supergirl will be unlike the current one; readable.
Gotham City Sirens – I was a fan of this book when it first launched. Generally I dig any book that really adds to the Gotham skyline. And while I missed Catwoman, this book was a delight to read.
But lately it’s sort of lost it’s way. Since Paul Dini left the book, things have felt rather off. Of course in hindsight we can see that this book has just been spinning wheels before the big relaunch. And that relaunch will thankfully put this book out of it’s misery.
Batman – There’s really not much good to be said about Tony Daniel’s run on the book. He brought the Falcones back to Gotham, gave Catwoman a protégé, reverted The Riddle to crime, created a new Black Mask and made Damian a moron.
But with the DC Comics Relaunch, Tony Daniel is off Batman and dealing with Hawkman. So we get a new Batman book with a fresh take.
Wonder Woman – I honestly feel bad for Wonder Woman. She hasn’t had a memorable run in years. I’d imagine it was probably Greg Rucka’s run on the book that was the most readable. Actually Gail Simone’s run was probably just as good.
But again, lately the wind has not been in her sails. In September, Cliff Chiang and Brian Azzarello take over the character. How can that not be awesome”
Superman – Poor Superman. He’s cursed. Since before Infinite Crisis his books have been largely unreadable. It’s really unfortunate that this marquee hero is suffering such as he is.
I literally can’t wait to see George Perez’s return to the character. It should be awesome.
Action Comics – Ditto. Though, in fairness, Paul Cornell’s run with Lex Luthor as the lead was stellar.
Hopefully the DC Comics Relaunch will live up to the hype. Because if I’m wiring a similar column in a year, I’ll be irked.
