Picks of the Week - September 14, 2011

DC’s new 52 rolls into its third week with only one dud title so far.  How does this week fare?

The Keepers

Batwoman #1 –  Kate Kane returns along with a sidekick (the former Flamebird – this issue addresses that) with an attitude that is very close to the Dark Knight himself.  This issue pits Batwoman against a very supernatural foe.  Look for appearances by Renee Montoya, Cameron Chase and Batman himself.

Green Lantern #1 – This issue picks up after the events of War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath.  Hal has been kicked out of the Corps, and a very reluctant Sinestro is back in the Corps, with both having a difficult time adjusting to their new lives with and without the ring.

Suicide Squad #1 – This is one brutal issue, showing how the members of the Suicide Squad have “joined” Task Force X.  This issue has caused a bit of a stir with the appearance of the new 52 version of Amanda Waller (a change that I’m not completely behind either).

Resurrection Man #1 – I have to admit that I was a big fan of the original run of this series, but I really liked this darker take on the character.

Legion Lost #1 – Members of the Legion of the Superheroes find themselves in our time, pursuing a a villain carrying a dangerous pathogen.  However, things do not go as planned.  The smaller “squad” for this book works well, as does the concept that they are stranded in our time with a mission to complete.

Grifter #1 – Cole Cash enters the DC Universe with this gritty, action filled first issue.  The issue sets up a mystery that draws the reader in as much as it draws in Cash, and shows that even without guns, Grifter is a force to be reckoned with.  (For those playing the find the woman from Flashpoint game, this one, I believe is the first appearance that show a definitive super power)

Red Lanterns #1 – Atrocitus takes center stage as we see the history of the leader of the Red Lanterns.  The issue also features appearances of a number of the Red Lanterns as Atrocitus makes a decision about the direction of his Corps.

Batman and Robin #1 – Bruce and Damien star in this book which features Damien’s first visit to the site of where Bruce’s life changed forever.  This issue also features the fall of one of Batman’s network.

We’ll See

Superboy #1 –  The issue feels like a combination of Superman, The Matrix and The Truman Show.  The issue is not the best of the week, but the twists and turns left me wondering what exactly was going on with Superboy.

Mister Terrific #1 – Mister Terrific starts off with a bang, as the issue sets up Mister Terrific as the science hero of the New 52.  Curiosity about Karen Starr (Power Girl’s former alter ego), and the appearance of a visitor with a connection to Mister Terrific will keep me reading at least a few more issues.

Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1 – I have to admit I am not completely sold on the artwork or the concept as a whole, but I am an old fan of the original Creature Commandos, the modern version of which makes an appearance in this issue.

Demon Knights #1 – The first book of the new 52 that is not set in modern times, Demon Knights pulls me in with the fantasy setting, but I am not entirely sure about a series where the lead characters are Demon, a very young Shining Knight, and Madame Xanadu.

Deathstroke #1 - Slade Wilson is allowed to reach his full violent potential in this series.  The issue shows him as he is, the best at what he does, and unapologetic about what he does.  My fear about this series is that Deathstroke will not grow into any sort of character that readers could have any empathy with.

Other Releases

Ultimate Comics All-New Spider-Man #1 (Marvel Comics) – After a teaser in Ultimate Fallout #4, Miles Morales story takes center stage as we role back to see the origins of how he got his powers.  Like Hitchhiker’s Guide the the Galaxy, the number 42 takes a prominent role in Morales’ life.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – Buffy finds herself dealing with the aftermath of the previous run as she takes up residence in San Francisco.  Even with the world’s connection to magic broken, Buffy still finds herself facing vampires and demons.