My Annual Dilemma

Comic book annuals used to be something exciting that were "must haves" because they featured the debut of a new character (Rogue in Avengers Annual #10 from 1981), featured a big reveal (Jade and Obsidian discover their mother is Rose/Thorn in Infinity Inc. Annual #1 from 1985), or wrapped up an important storyline ("The Judas Contract" finale in Tales of the Teen Titans Annual #3 from 1984).  They also used to be annual.

  
I think the big two comic companies have lost sight of the purposes for annuals.  They're not just to increase sales in the summertime.  They're supposed to give the readers something in return, too.  I used to look forward to DC's and Marvel's annuals.  Now they just feel like a huge waste of money.  $5+ for a comic in which they test out on me new writers with bland, generic stories and artists with dubious art?  No thanks. 

I've been reading the "Zero Year" storyline in DC's New 52 Batman series.  Unfortunately, I've been less than impressed.  So when I saw that the latest Batman Annual #2 (2013) also featured part of the storyline, new writer Marguerite Bennett, and about 16 different artists, my first impression was, "Ugh."  What happened to quality storytelling?  What happened to consistency in artwork throughout one freakin' comic book?  Those were questions I asked myself as I set aside some extra time and waded reluctantly into Batman Annual #2.  

As I began to read it, I was quick to note that the dialogue was very appealing.  It didn't feel amateurish, forced, or untrue to character (hello, Felicia Henderson).  It wasn't full of crappy action scenes with no direction or plot.  I didn't even notice the changes in artists.  Everything felt seamless.  And I was actually drawn into the story and into Arkham Asylum, where the entire story takes place.  The introduction, history, and character of the Anchoress, Arkham's longest resident, was intriguing as well.  I think Bennett did a wonderful job, and I'm actually a bit green with envy.  (I overlooked the fact that this woman who looked like a frail 90-year-old was holding her own against Batman.) 

Batman Annual #2 gives me hope in summertime annuals again.

DC's Newest Comics

DC Comics announced today four new monthly series beginning this fall:  “Night of the Owls” spinoff Talon, the fantasy Sword of Sorcery (anchored by “Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld” with a “Beowulf” back-up), The Phantom Stranger, and the DCU/Wildstorm-merging Team Seven. I've already commented on Sword of Sorcery, so now I'll take a moment to comment on the others based on the information DC provided in their press release and images: 

Team 7?  Seriously?  A group of Punishers?  Pass.  

Does anyone really think that the Phantom Stranger can carry his own comic book series?  He may be okay as part of a team-up book, but no one's ever said, "The Phantom Stranger is my favorite superhero," have they?  

I will point out, though, that his newest look somewhat resembles one of my favorite character's costumes, Obsidian, who apparently doesn't exist in DC's New 52 because of his now-gay dad, Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern.  Sigh... :(

Of the four new announced series, Talon probably has the greatest chance of survival.  It has a good title and an interesting new character and scenario.

So, will I pick these up?  I probably will, except for Team 7, just to see what they're about.  But I don't imagine staying with them unless they're exceptional.  I'm already considering dropping a lot of my favorite pre-New 52 mainstays like Teen Titans because I'm not particular fond of the new vision.

Desperate Manhunters

I came back into comics around the time that the new Manhunter by DC Comics was supposedly cancelled with issue #30. I really didn't have much interest in the series, as the comic -- from what I remember -- was always about a generic Manhunter character. Plus, there now have been eight Manhunters in the DC Universe . After discovering that one of my favorite "lost" superheroes (Obsidian) from the 80s Infinity, Inc. was now appearing in the new Manhunter, I had to take a peek! Right away, I was hooked by the writing of co-creator Marc Andreyko. I bought up all 30 past issues and read them all in a row, cover to cover. I could tell that Andreyko was more interested in telling a story than fight/action sequences. He used a variety of minor characters in his stories that I grew to know and care about. (I use the term "care" loosely, though, as some of them are assholes, but I still want them in the stories.) He also successfully merged Kate Spencer, the new Manhunter, into the world of DC Comics as she became the attorney for superheroes and supervillains of the DC Universe, such as Copperhead, the Shadow Thief, and even Wonder Woman. And Andreyko was all about Infinity, Inc., bringing back characters from one of my favorite series from the past, as well as using Infinity's premise of superheroes' children when he revealed that the new Manhunter was actually the granddaughter of Phantom Lady and Iron Munro from The Young All-Stars, a follow-up to the All-Star Squadron. You with me? Good. Andreyko even brought back Mister Bones from Infinity Inc.'s Helix team. Yea for Andreyko reviving some of my favorite characters that DC shooed aside!

When the series returned with issue #31, it took a surprisingly different (and downward) turn for me. The comic was no longer about Kate Spencer, attorney to superheroes, and her supporting characters. It was now about being a member of Birds of Prey (Oy vey! Kat'e not team-oriented!) and Manhunter, the vigilante, going to Mexico. And staying. For issue after issue after issue. And the fabulous crisp art apparently stayed in the U.S., too, leaving only jagged lines by Michael Gaydos. What happened to our girl, Andreyko?

I've now just read the latest issue, issue #37, and discovered that now Andreyko went all Desperate Housewives on us. Flash forward about 12 years. Kate Spencer's young son, Ramsey, is now a young adult, gay, in a relationship, and becoming a superhero in his own right. Kate is in a relationship with a younger man. Dylan has a mechanical leg. Huh? I guess Andreyko wanted to wind things up since the series is going to be cancelled -- again -- with the next issue (#38). Maybe if the Mexico storyline wasn't involved and there was better art upon the series' return, this second cancellation wouldn't have happened? Hmmm?

Sigh...I'm going to miss Kate Spencer and her cast of characters.