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DC’s New 52: A Look in the Rear View Mirror

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Whew! That was a lot of writing about one publisher’s comics. My New 52 Review Project turned out to be a success, as far as Eye on Comics is concerned. Traffic on the site rose, and I found the tight schedule to review all 52 first issues in the line in a timely manner to be an interesting exercise in writing. I was able to write a lot more about each comic book than I expected, and I think I refined my process as a writer — not just as a comics reviewer, but in writing in general. I pumped out almost 50,000 words between Aug. 31 and Oct. 3, and it’s made me realize provided the right motivation and circumstances, I could pen a book (not about comics) I’ve had on the backburner for some time.

I’ve had a number of readers urge me to write a retrospective piece, to comment on the New 52 line as a whole once I’d read it all. I certainly have some thoughts. The first thing that came to mind was the pleasant surprises. Had I not taken on this project, there are select titles I wouldn’t have read, and as a result, I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of discovering some unexpectedly entertaining work. Among them were O.M.A.C., Batwing, Demon Knights and Superboy.

There’s no doubt the New 52 stunt has proven to be a huge success for DC, at least in the short term. All signs indicate DC will unseat Marvel’s dominance in the comics marketplace for September and into October. From a marketing perspective, DC has proven its critics wrong.

But from a creative perspective, has DC achieved all of its goals? Creatively, there were high points. I think the Paul Jenkins/Bernard Chang Deadman feature in DC Universe Presents was the best the New 52, though I think it went overlooked by too many. DC also showed it was willing to shake up some properties, allowing some creators to deviate significantly from the status quo. I applaud that willingness to experiment.

The question is, though: is the storytelling in DC’s super-hero line particularly stronger after the New 52 initiative than before? The answer is clear: no. Don’t get me wrong. There were a lot of fun comics to be found among the New 52. There were a number of poor efforts and too many examples of gratuitous sexuality in its line. But in retrospect, I don’t DC’s titles are particular better or poorer as a whole after such a massive undertaking.

That being said, I think it’s understandable. DC’s focus was clearly on the marketing side of the move. The editorial aspect of the New 52 had its problems but succeeded well in light of what was clearly a hurried effort in many instances. Dc’s new continuity is a mess, as it’s clear DC Editorial didn’t have a chance to hash out what carried over from the past and what was gone. I have no doubt there will be a number of stories forthcoming designed to address the disconnects in continuity. It happened back in the 1980s after Crisis on Infinite Earths, and it’ll happen again.

I hope I don’t sound too negative. I think DC and its talent are to be applauded for this effort. The publisher has broadened its audience, has introduced its properties to new readers, brought lapsed comics fans back into the fold and — here’s the clincher — has reportedly improved the state of the industry for all publishers and creators. DC hasn’t just improved its own state of affairs… it’s provided a boost for retailers and other publishers. DC drove more people into comic shops, and that put more eyes on everything the industry has to offer.

The New 52 certainly proved to be of benefit to me as a comics critic, as I noted above. I don’t have DC to thank for that, though. I have to thank my sponsors. When I conceived the notion of writing in-depth reviews of each of DC’s 52 new titles, I knew I couldn’t give up so much of my spare time just to see if I could pull it off. I decided I needed to make it worth my while, and I was thrilled to find sponsors who were willing to support my endeavor. I’m incredibly appreciative of the financial and promotional support of my sponsors: AllNewComics.com, Happy Harbor Comics and Strange Adventures. If you enjoyed the New 52 Review Project on Eye on Comics and want to show support for my work, the best way to do so if by supporting them. And let them know who sent you.

I also have to thank the readers. The rise in traffic and comments, both on Eye on Comics and in the social-media sites where I promoted the reviews, were encouraging and validated my decision to take on such a project.

Most of all, though, I have to thank my wife, Emily. Before I decided take this project on, I talked with her, letting her know I’d be spending a lot more time at the keyboard, writing about comics. She didn’t hesitate in her support. She would’ve been justified to dissuade me from dedicating so much time to the site in a month. After all, our son Callum needs as much attention from his mom and dad as possible, and the fact I’ve been working nights recently in my regular job means I had even less time than usual to spend with my family. But she encouraged me… even read the reviews (and alerted me to a typo here and there). SO thanks honey, and thank you Callum. Love you both more than you can imagine.

I think I’ll end on that sappy note, and leave you with a handy list of links to all 52 reviews in the New 52 Review project, organized by week of release.

Week 1: Justice League #1

Week 2: Action Comics #1, Animal Man #1, Batgirl #1, Batwing #1, Detective Comics #1, Green Arrow #1, Hawk and Dove #1, Justice League International #1, Men of War #1, O.M.A.C. #1, Static Shock #1, Stormwatch #1, Swamp Thing #1

Week 3: Batman and Robin #1, Batwoman #1, Deathstroke #1, Demon Knights #1, Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1, Green Lantern #1, Grifter #1, Legion Lost #1, Mister Terrific #1, Red Lanterns #1, Resurrection Man #1, Suicide Squad #1, Superboy #1

Week 4: Batman #1, Birds of Prey #1, Blue Beetle #1, Captain Atom #1, Catwoman #1, DC Universe Presents #1, Green Lantern Corps #1, Legion of Super-Heroes #1, Nightwing #1, Red Hood and the Outlaws #1, Supergirl #1, Wonder Woman #1

Week 5: All Star Western #1, Aquaman #1, Batman: The Dark Knight #1, Blackhawks #1, Flash #1, The Fury of Firestorms: The Nuclear Men #1, Green Lantern: New Guardians #1, I, Vampire #1, Justice League Dark #1, The Savage Hawkman #1, Superman #1, Teen Titans #1, Voodoo #1

Note: My picks for the top 10 titles in the first month of DC’s New 52 can be found in the comments thread below.

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October 5, 2011 Don MacPherson

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Beaton the Odds → ← A New 52 Review: Batman: The Dark Knight #1

12 thoughts on “DC’s New 52: A Look in the Rear View Mirror”

  1. Eric says:
    October 5, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    Don, your reviews were really entertaining. One more month for the 52 issue #2s? (Kidding, of course).

  2. Emily (and Callum) says:
    October 5, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    We love you too and we’re very proud of you!

  3. Jonathan says:
    October 5, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    Thanks for reviewing all 52 of the new books, Don. Your reviews were insightful and informative.

    Out of all the new books you’ve read, which ones will you continue to follow monthly?

  4. errolmorris says:
    October 5, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    Top 10?

  5. Don MacPherson says:
    October 5, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    Emily wrote:
    We love you too and we’re very proud of you!

    Honeeeeeyyyy, you’re embarrassing me in front of my friends! 😉 jk Love you guys too.

  6. Don MacPherson says:
    October 5, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Jonathan wrote:
    Out of all the new books you’ve read, which ones will you continue to follow monthly?

    I thought about writing up lists along those lines, as I’ve seena lot of other reviewers do the same. I decided against it, because there are some I just don’t know about. However, as Errolmorris suggests, I will give you a list of what I thought were the top 10 titles in the first month. They are, in alphabetical order:

    Action Comics
    Animal Man
    Aquaman
    Batman
    Batwoman
    DC Universe Presents
    Demon Knights
    Green Lantern
    Justice League Dark
    Wonder Woman

  7. Narrative Review says:
    October 5, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    Don,

    I’ve really enjoyed your reviews over the past few weeks. I’ve enjoyed your reviews since the days of The Fourth Rail. Keep up the good work.

  8. HellBlazerRaiser says:
    October 5, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see this continuity mess you mention.

  9. Don MacPherson says:
    October 5, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    HellBlazerRaiser wrote:
    Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see this continuity mess you mention.

    Superman was never Superboy in the new continuity, but Legion history is linked to Superboy

    Wally West was never Kid Flash, but he was an integral part of Titans history.

    Earlier Titans teams existed — there have been references in other stories — but key characters have been removed from the equation.

    Dan DiDio says Crisis on Infinite Earths never happened, but Hawk and Dove #1 alludes to the original Dove’s death in Crisis.

    If the Flash never died in Crisis on Infinite Earths, then he didn’t come back in Final Crisis. But if Final Crisis didn’t play out as it was originally told, how was Batman lost in time? We knew that’s still part of continuity because Nightwing #1 acknowledges Dick just came off a stint filling in for his mentor.

    The Martian Manhunter was never a founding member of the Justice League. So what’s his story now?

    The humor-era of the Justice League never happened (as per JLI #1). So how and why is Guy Gardner emotionally attached to Ice?

    How can Roy Harper/Speedy/Arsenal exist as a former Teen Titan when he’s apparently the same age as Green Arrow?

    How can Dove and Deadman still be in a relationship as a result of the events of Brightest Day when key players from that story — Firestorm and Hawkgirl, for example — either no longer exist or no longer exist as they did then? Any problems with Brightest Day also plague to Swamp Thing’s return.

    These are all just examples off the top of my head.

  10. Andrew Draper says:
    October 7, 2011 at 4:25 am

    I’ve been reading this site for years Don, and I’d just like to say thanks for all the great reviews, and congratulations on your accomplishment this month. You’ve turned me on to some good reads. All the best and good luck with your upcoming book.

  11. Andrew Irwin says:
    October 7, 2011 at 9:19 am

    I’d like to echo the thoughts of others Don – been reading the site for some years and really appreciate your reviews (and the thought you obviously bring to them) in general, and have been coming back with increased frequency to read your thoughts on the New52. Thanks!

    And Emily (and Callum) – thanks for facilitating!

    (Don – my wife recently agreed to me taking a ‘boys week’ to spend seven days following rugby overseas, so I can appreciate)

  12. Tim says:
    October 13, 2011 at 8:05 am

    Agreed, been a fan of your reviews ever since the 4th rail days. always fun to read.

    Cheers

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