EARTH 2: WORLD’S END #1 by Various
DC has made the courageous move of launching its third and concurrently running weekly title this year in the form of Earth 2: World’s End. The inaugural double-sized issue is handled by a great talent pool. Chief among them are writers Daniel H. Wilson, Marguerite Bennett, and Michael Johnson. Some of the notable artists working on this particular issue include Ardian Syaf and Eddy Barrows, both of whom DC readers should be well acquainted with by now. This may sound like too many cooks in the kitchen, but believe me, they successfully gave fans the most bang for their buck as I will detail in this review.
As I said, this issue is double-sized and actually has a price tag of $2.99, no doubt to invite all willing readers. The first half catches you up on all major events to date that have taken place in the Earth 2 monthly title, as narrated by Green Lantern Alan Scott. If you haven’t read the monthly before, you will learn all the basics to enjoy the weekly, though I do recommend that you go back and read what’s come before sometime soon. For those already familiar, some new revelations are abound. If you’re a fan of the Earth 2 Trinity (Batman/ Bruce Wayne, Superman/ Clark Kent, and Wonder Woman), you should be happy to spend a little more time with them here.
When we come to the present, we join our new ragtag group of heroes featuring the likes of Batman/ Thomas Wayne, Superman/ Val-Zod, Red Tornado/ Lois Lane, and others readying themselves for the coming war with Apokolips. They finally get to meet up with the returning duo of Power Girl and Huntress. PG’s reunion with Lois is quite touching, but the Wayne reunion between Thomas and Helena is mostly teased; they tell you to buy Earth 2 #27 to see what happens. It may seem like a cheap trick, though it may end up working on me.
There are several other pieces on the chessboard that can be seen such as The Flash/ Jay Garrick, Hawkgirl, Dr. Fate, and the Graysons. The Graysons, you ask? Yes, Dick and Barbara and their young son! Do they have your attention now? The inclusion of all listed makes me compare this issue to the recently aired Gotham pilot episode: it’s a great first effort with a bit much to take in, but has vast potential. I have no doubt this book will only get better. Score: 8/10