Once again, I’m here to catch you up on DC’s weekly series Earth 2: World’s End. Not only that, I’ve also received a copy of a recent issue of The New 52: Futures End. I’ve decided to include it in an article with the other two, considering that these two books are headed for a Convergence, pun intended.
EARTH 2: WORLD’S END #5 by Various
Seeing that this is essentially a war story involving superheroes, it’s only fitting that this particular issue focuses on two important themes: uneasy alliances and “victory is in the preparation.” Daniel H. Wilson and company deliver another well paced issue that is just as compelling as those that have preceded it. I’m also getting used to this book’s habit of utilizing the talents of multiple artists. At least everyone is doing a good job.
When it comes to uneasy alliances, it seems DC has found quite the Odd Couple in Green Lantern Alan Scott and Solomon Grundy. These bitter enemies must unite for the sake of the planet’s survival, as good of a motivation as any. It’s up to them to seek out the avatars of the White, Blue, and Red (GL and Grundy represent Green and Grey, respectively). This seems like a marriage of concepts we’ve read about in Green Lantern and Swamp Thing and I can’t wait to see where it goes. Elsewhere, Aquawoman seeks to awaken an ancient evil as to not fail the people of Atlantis.
As some of the other heroes live by the credo of “sic vis pacem para bellum,” Sloan reveals the Shackleton Assault Craft and Mr. Terrific unveils his Boom Spheres, which he claims can kill gods. Meanwhile, Dr. Fate, Flash, and Hawkgirl succeed in defeating Famine and the core group (Batman, Superman, Powergirl, and Red Tornado) become separated from Huntress, as we’re left with the cliffhanger that Clark Kent may still be alive! Score: 8/10
EARTH 2: WORLD’S END #6 by Various
Okay, here’s the thing about Famine: she was defeated in the last issue, but apparently Dr. Fate’s spell has caused her power to go into him. Oopsie! Everyone within his vicinity suffers negative effects. This becomes a major problem for many and it will be interesting to see how this will be resolved.
It was nice to finally revisit Dick and Barbara Grayson. Our reunion with them is brief like previous encounters, though a positive comes from it: the introduction of Ted Grant. Hopefully we don’t have to wait long to revisit this thread.
Oh, about Clark Kent still possibly being alive… it looks like he isn’t. Well, he could be, but the core group hasn’t stumbled across him yet. What they did find was truly sinister indeed – Apokolips is making clones of him! Great Rao! Their problems continue as they now seem to be divided. You’ll have to read the book to find out exactly how.
Elsewhere, Green Lantern and Grundy locate the Avatar of the White. I won’t spoil their identity, as it is yet another one of World’s End’s crazy cliffhangers. This book maintains a consistent quality week in and week out and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Keep ’em coming, DC. Score: 8/10
THE NEW 52: FUTURES END #27 by Various
I’m going to be honest: I haven’t read this book since issue #0. It’s not that I wasn’t interested, it’s just that keeping up with weeklies can prove difficult and I usually read the collected editions. However, I am privy to some of the major beats because I am a comic book journalist who has internet access. Regardless of my admittance of being massively behind on this book, I was able to enjoy it for what it was and found myself sucked in by the intrigue.
Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens prove that they still excel at writing for ensembles and it doesn’t hurt that they are joined by top shelf writers like Brian Azzarello and Jeff Lemire. Aaron Lopresti lends his pencils to this issue and does a fine job, if I may say so.
The stronger moments that any reader, regardless of familiarity, can enjoy are those involving Lois Lane and Terry McGinnis (who are in separate scenes). Lois is well written as the intrepid, fearless woman that we all love. Her “leap of faith” ends the issue, which you possibly have read about in the past week. As for Terry, what Bat-fan wouldn’t want to read about him? He comes face to face with Bruce Wayne/ Batman before that encounter meets an explosive end.
I may not be all that knowledgeable about this series, but I wouldn’t say no to reading more of it if the opportunity presented itself. If you have yet to, maybe you should follow the example of Lois and take that leap of faith. Score: 8.5/10
