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Review – Justice League Vol. 2: The Villain’s Journey

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Justice_League_Vol_2_11When it came to DC Comic‘s New 52, Justice League was the pillar of this new universe. This series unites the titans of this world. The heavy hitters of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern and Cyborg. The first story arc set up these characters and was the origin of their teaming up. It presented a villain that seemed like a challenge to them in a story that was more action than substance.

Justice League Vol. 2: The Villain’s Journey collects the second story arc, issues #7-12 of the series. Hitting shelves today this 176 page book retails for $24.99. But, how do you follow up the initial story arc? Where do you go from there?

Shifting to the present day (the first story arc was about 5 years in the past), the story arc introduces an eager Green Arrow who wants to join the team as well as a villain who lurks in the shadows. His goal is to bring these seemingly all-powerful beings down to human levels and that’s the focus of writer Geoff Johns.

This second volume focuses on the team dynamic and their interaction. While the first volume was a Michael Bay movie with lots of flash and not much depth, this second volume attempts to add that. And it does a good job. The volume has the characters finding their place on a team and in the world, including how they’re interacting with a world that both puts them on pedestals and at the same time fears them. The team isn’t all that smooth either. Years have passed since their their formation, but there’s still friction, there’s still arguing, there’s still tension in everyone’s roles.

And there’s a set up and premise that’s intriguing. Though they clearly do good, they also destroy in the process, so not everything is as rosy as it seems. This leads to the villain which I’ll leave to play out for those who haven’t read this yet. Overall, not a bad bad guy, but coming after Darkseid, there was something missing for me. But, that bad guy isn’t the focus here, it’s the characters as well as how this world is reacting to super powered beings existing.

The art is provided by a a few different artists, all of it solid and complimenting Johns’ writing. The action explodes from the pages, keeping up the excitement established in the first story arc.

DC has brought excitement to the Justice League, updating it with a new vibe that feels more with modern times.  It’s a great way for new reader to join the growing DC universe. If you’re still looking to dive in, this is a pretty good place to start.

Story: Geoff Johns Art: Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Gene Ha, Carlos D’Anda, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Star Wars #1 Sells Out Again, Goes for a 3rd Printing

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The highly anticipated Star Wars #1, written by Brian Wood, has officially sold out of its second printing before the release of issue #2!

This all-new Star Wars series is set in the time period of the original trilogy, directly following the events of Episode IV: A New Hope, and features the franchise’s best-loved characters, as told by Brian Wood, with art from Carlos D’Anda. This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before! Dark Horse is taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star—when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!

SWARS #1 CVR 3PR

 

 

 

 

Dark Horse Announces Four Limited Pencil Variants for Star Wars!

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The year is off to a HUGE start, as this past week saw the release of what is not only one of 2013’s most anticipated Star Wars comics, but also one of the most-talked-about comics launches of the year overall!

To add to the excitement, Dark Horse has announced that it will produce special variant covers for Star Wars #1–#4, which will be consecutively tied to issues #4–#7. These special variant comics will feature artist Alex Ross’s original cover sketches!

This all-new Star Wars series is set in the time period of the original trilogy, specifically directly following the events of Episode IV: A New Hope, and features the franchise’s best-loved characters, as told by Brian Wood with art from Carlos D’Anda. This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before! Dark Horse is taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star—when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!

Retailers, look for specifics on how to order these soon to be highly sought-after issues in Diamond’s Previews catalog! Fans, make sure to tell your local retailers that you’re on board for this blockbuster series, and these exciting variant covers!

Look for Star Wars #1 on sale at finer comics shops everywhere now!

SWARS #1 C1 SKETCH

 

 

Star Wars #1 Sells Out In 24 Hours!

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The critically acclaimed and highly anticipated Star Wars #1, written by Brian Wood, has officially sold out of its first printing and will be going for a second run next month!

Set in the classic era with classic characters, this all-new Star Wars features artist Carlos D’Anda with covers by the legendary Alex Ross. The initial print run of this smash-hit issue came complete with a download code for a free digital issue of the comic through Dark Horse Digital.

You can read our review here!

While a second printing is in the works, hurry now to your local comics retailer and grab a copy from the first print run before they’re gone for good!

SWARS #1 FC FNL

Review – Star Wars #1

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Star Wars #1Brian Wood is one of my favorite writers. Star Wars, I’m a fan, though not a die hard one. Combining the two together, I couldn’t get giddier. So I dove into Dark Horse‘s new series Star Wars #1 expecting to be blown away. That didn’t quite happen, but the new series started off solidly.

Instead of being bogged down by tons of history and cannon, this is a new series with an all new direction. Think what J.J. Abrams did with Star Trek. This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before! The series starts during those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star—when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!

That’s right, forget the sequels, forget the prequels, this new series takes place after Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. We might see some familiar faces, but Wood is free from his shackles to go in any direction he wants.

And right away he goes to that placing Leia into the cockpit of an X-Wing as she, Luke and Wedge head out on a scouting mission to find a place for the Rebel’s to build their new place. But, clearly something is up and there might be a traitor in the Rebel’s camp. But, lets circle back. Yes, Wood is writing Leia as a bad ass instead of the somewhat passive character she is in the movies. A nice change, one I’m sure to piss off fans.

The series is familiar but new and exciting and it should be fun to see where Wood takes us from here. The story and the writing isn’t quite up to Wood’s normal quality though. There’s a lot of explanation as to what’s going on, but that’s clearly there for new readers who might not be familiar with Star Wars. There’s a bit too much of this though. I’m coming from someone who knows the series, but maybe it was helpful for new readers. It was definitely different for a Wood comic.

Overall, a pretty solid start. It didn’t knock it out of the park like I expected, but you better believe I’m lined up to check out the second issue.

Story: Brian Wood Art: Carlos D’Anda Cover: Alex Ross

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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