Time for Another Threesome

The word "trinity" is becoming as synonymous with DC Comics as the word "crisis."  It usually refers to DC's oldest and most commonly known icons: Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. 

In 2003, a three-issue mini-series titled Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity was published, written and drawn by Matt Wagner.  It told of the first meeting of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

In 2008-2009, a weekly series titled Trinity replaced the 52 weekly series.  It, too, featured Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.  

Now, in 2013, DC Comics is offer the "Trinity War" storyline.  While it does feature the three superheroes again, the "trinity" in this story refers to the Trinity of Sin:  Pandora, Phantom Stranger, and the Question.  It could also refer to the three Justice Leagues -- Justice League, Justice League of America, and Justice League Dark -- as the story runs through all three titles, and the consequences of the war is supposed to affect all three teams.  I'm only halfway through the complete crossover story, but so far, it's one of the better stories I've read by DC since the New 52 began.  Unfortunately, typical New 52 story fare shows all the superheroes as "angry" and "stubborn," two qualities I prefer my superheroes not to have, unless it's Guy Gardner.  "Trinity War" also depicts the characters as angry (since the three teams are fighting one another), but at least it's a better told story. 

I like the character of Pandora, and I'm glad that DC gave her her own series.  (Kudos to DC for adding another female solo superhero comic!  She now joins the ranks of DC's growing number of female-led comics such as Batgirl, Batwoman, Birds of Prey, Katana, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Worlds' Finest (starring Power Girl and Huntress), and the forthcoming Harley Quinn.)  Pandora reminds me of Pariah from Crisis on Infinite Earths.  She's doomed to witness the woes of the planet/universe for all eternity.  She also wears a dark, creepy hooded robe, like the pre-New 52 Raven. 

Since Pandora first appeared at the end of the Flashpoint mini-series which led to DC's New 52 (that wiped out every character's history and personality), I've always had hopes that the New 52 was temporary and Pandora would help dissolve this new world and bring DC back to its former glory.  I fear that's not going to happen with "Trinity War," but one can still hope. 

At any rate, I'm enjoying the storyline and the lame-up-til-now Justice League comics. Let's hope Pandora not only rocks my world, but hers as well. 

Wave 3 Washes Over DC Comics

With the cancellation of four DC titles (Justice League International, Captain Atom, Resurrection Man (ironic, right?), and Voodoo) came Wave 3 and the introduction of four new series.  This is about the three new titles that I've read; I refuse to read the fourth.

Talon.  Yes, I was as sick as everyone else reading about the Court of Owls in EVERY Batman-related title for months on end.  However, I was curious about this new title and one of the Talons as a supposed superhero.  Meh.  It's an interesting concept and I think the characterization of Calvin Rose has promise, but after reading Talon #0, it wasn't enough to get me hooked (pun intended).  

Sword of Sorcery.  Worst.  Title.  Ever.  Sadly, though, this was the title I was most excited about.  Why?  Amethyst!  She was one of my favorite characters in the 1980s and I loved her monthly adventures (up until they made her a Lord of Order).  They took a fun series with a fun, energetic, youthful character and made her all serious and boring in confusing, nonsensical storylines.  Blah!  The reintroduction of Amethyst in the new Sword of Sorcery comic was actually decent.  Instead of being a 13-year-old blond girl who steps into Gemworld as a blond adult, she's now an unpopular punk high school teenager with purple streaks through her dark hair who steps into Gemworld as a blond adult, much to her disgust.  The second story featuring a new character of Beowulf was just okay.  (Although the silver fox was pretty sexy in his tight black boxer briefs.)  I'll keep reading this comic for Amethyst, but I don't expect it to survive at a $3.99 price point.

Phantom Stranger.  I've never been a fan of the Phantom Stranger, and since the disintegration of the Outsiders at Dan Didio's generic writing hand, I wasn't a fan of his writing either (although I loved what he did with DC Comics as a leader to help turn it around several years ago).  I gave PS a shot, though, and surprisingly, this turned out to be my favorite comic in Wave 3.  The writing was spot-on and I loved the characterization of this wandering soul.  And -- spoiler alert -- we got two origin stories for the price of one in Phantom Stranger #0.  There are also ties to the mysterious Pandora, another mysterious character, and the Shazam family as well.  What I thought would be a so-so comic will probably be one of the first ones I read every month if the stories are as good and well-written as this one.

Team Seven.  A team of Punishers wielding guns.  'Nuf said.  No thanks. 

I still wish DC would combine elements of the New 52 with the former DCU and its well-established characters, though.  The replacements just aren't the same...and sadly probably never will be.  They're too angry and there's little room for characterization and  personalization of their private lives.

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.