Converse Convergence: Week 1 Of DC Comics’ 2015 2-Month Event

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Welcome to my new 8-part column called Converse Convergence where I assess each week of DC’s 2015 2-month event.

Converse Convergence Week One banner

We all know that this short-lived event will have long-term ramifications. Like anything else in this universe (or others), there are pros and cons.

PROS:

    1. Cross (off) the list. *phew* Imagine buying 84 books in one single month just to follow every minute detail?!?

    2. Short & sweet. Two issues. No more. No less. All wrapped up in a little bow. Character development is crucial. Plot development, not so much.

    3. Pleasing all people. Fan faves steal the spotlight once more. There is a different flavour for all the diverse communities.

CONS:

    1. Gone too soon. Sometimes one can’t wait for a long, dragged-out story to die already! Other times, the pace is too quick and the ending unsatisfying.

    2. The right stuff. Infinite applause to every single individual in the comic biz. However, does each artist and writer properly connect with the character(s)?

    3. Price isn’t nice. I never could wrap my head around Math but even I find an extra dollar for two extra pages a little exorbitant. It’s bad enough that 30 pages get you $5 but to have 22 pages for $4 doesn’t justify it for me. At least have a back-up feature at no extra price (which will sorta happen in issue #2 of each offering).

    4. Fake-out!! Very little (if nil) exposure to the other worlds featured on the inset of each book — I saw a glimpse of El Inferno and Flashpoint Gotham City but nary a hare [natch!] of Follywood, Califurnia nor a glimpse of NYC, Angor.

My rating system will be in panels, based on the gigantic grid shown on every world when Telos addresses his captors.

CONVERGENCE - The ATOM 1

CONVERGENCE: the ATOM #1 (of 2)
I’ve always enjoyed the B/C/D/F-listers. Truly!! No one can top the A-Team but these other characters are just as appealing. Ray Palmer’s life has been put through the wringer, and then some! To see him at a low yet again is a bit frustrating. The surprise re-emergence of Ryan Choi is a take on the Firestorm equation. [6 panels]

CONVERGENCE - BATGIRL 1

CONVERGENCE: BATGIRL #1 (of 2)
Stephanie Brown wrestles with major doubt. She needs a push in the right direction. Nice to see Red Robin and Black Bat as supporting characters. The stakes don’t feel so high and the encounter with Catman was bordering on perverted. [6 panels]

CONVERGENCE - BATMAN & ROBIN 1

CONVERGENCE: BATMAN & ROBIN #1 (of 2)
Bruce and Damian didn’t have much time together after Bruce’s return and just before the New 52’s nascency. I just don’t see the point of including a deranged Red Hood and an even more disturbing Scarlet. [6.5 panels]

CONVERGENCE - HARLEY QUINN 1

CONVERGENCE: HARLEY QUINN #1 (of 2)
There is method in madness, right, Polonius? Harley is loopy no matter what universe she hails from. I liked seeing her former Gotham City Sirens knock her to her senses (or in this case inject her). Silly rabbit indeed! [8.5 panels]

CONVERGENCE - JUSTICE LEAGUE 1

CONVERGENCE: JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 (of 2)
All the single ladies…Well, what else can I say? No men in sight. I’m all for this femme force since they are superior to their counterparts. Either way, this felt too “year-in-the-life” without given each lady a proper way to shine. [6 panels]

CONVERGENCE - NIGHTWING and ORACLE 1

CONVERGENCE: NIGHTWING/ORACLE #1 (of 2)
There are variations of the Dynamic Duo: and this is but one! I’d say this comes close to toppling Bruce & Damian. Two great tastes that go great together. I’m less than thrilled at Dick’s dalliances. My heart goes out to Babs’ increasing fears. She had me fooled. The Hawks are truly bad-ass. Cooler minds always prevail. [9 panels]

CONVERGENCE - The QUESTION 1

CONVERGENCE: the QUESTION #1 (of 2)
Greg Rucka is the only one who can write Renée Montoya, and Batwoman for that matter!! Despite the sci-fi trappings and outrageous situation, I applaud Mr. Rucka for having Renée stick to her true element: crime. It’s beyond logical and perfectly natural that she have a head-to-head-to-head with Two-Face. Huntress is one of my abso female faves. [9 panels]

CONVERGENCE - SPEED FORCE 1

CONVERGENCE: SPEED FORCE #1 (of 2)
Wally West is whimsical and wonderful!! I grew up with Barry as Flash but that admiration extended to Wally who held the mantle for 25 years (real time). He progressed beyond anyone’s expectations. It’s a plus to see his kids but it’s major sad that Linda isn’t around. [8.5 panels]

CONVERGENCE - SUPERMAN 1

CONVERGENCE: SUPERMAN #1 (of 2)
Dan Jurgens is the ultimate Superman scribe. I’ll admit I only read the major events he penned during his long tenure. Either way, his take on the Man of Steel fits like a cape draped on broad shoulders. I enjoyed the pseudo-vigilante thing Clark had going on with Lois as his pseudo-Oracle. Wink wink! Nudge nudge!! It was also heartwarming to see Jimmy’s enthusiasm and heart-wrenching to hear that Lois might lose her unborn child. [8.5 panels]

CONVERGENCE - TITANS 1

CONVERGENCE: TITANS #1 (of 2)
My fandom for the Titans has ebbed and flowed. They successfully shook off the sidekick syndrome but not every incarnation or roster is up to snuff. At least here there are only a trio with the main focus on Roy Harper. While it’s good to see that he has put his demons to rest, the thought of reuniting with his formerly deceased daughter puts him at risk of regression. [7 panels]

That’s a wrap for Convergence Week One!

Comic book junkie, now blogger/reviewer. Trilinguist. Educator of many. Complex individual with simple insights.