Written by: Joshua Williamson Art by: Paul Pelletier
Barry Allen’s history with the Psycho-Pirate isn’t pleasant. The Flash encountered this mind-bending villain all the way back in the original Crisis on Infinite Earths, and it did not end well for the Scarlet Speedster. For the first time since his death and rebirth, Barry runs afoul of this foe-hopefully it will go better this time around! That is, if the even bigger villain behind the Pirate stays out of the fray, or if President Superman of Justice Incarnate sticks around to help win the day.
While the recent Death Metal storyline was a bit mixed in its quality, its legacy is potentially massive for the DC Universe. The event has opened up a comic universe of infinite possibilities. Characters are back and an infinite amount of worlds and universes exists. Infinite Frontier is the series that looks to explore all of those possibilities and Infinite Frontier #2 expands that a lot as it continues its investigation of the mysteries set up in the debut issue.
Written by Joshua Williamson, Infinite Frontier #2 packs a lot into the issue. There’s the mystery of the disappearance of Jade and some characters who may not have returned from the dead. There’s the new Black Lantern. Then we have Thomas Wayne’s crash landing. Finally, there’s the D.E.O. that looks like it’s getting back in business. Any one of those storylines could be an entire issue. But, Williamson balances them well delivering just enough for each to move forward in a satisfying way.
And he still delivers a hell of a shock at the end.
Infinite Frontier #2 is solid in not just putting the pieces of the storylines together but also feels like a fun tour of the DC Universe for new readers. As President Superman and Thomas Wayne examine Wayne’s appearance we get to see ship crashes on different Earths. It’s a fun tour and there’s a few that may have some massive implications. And implications is part of what this issue is about. It’s not just what’s to come but also what it means for the return of all of these characters. Which versions are back? Who hasn’t returned? All of that is thrown out making the series even more intriguing.
With so many stories and worlds, the art is handled by the trio of Paul Pelletier, Jesús Merino, and Xermánico. Norm Rapmund, Merino, and Xermánico handle the ink with Romulo Fajardo, Jr. on color, and Tom Napolitano on lettering. The art works and works well. There’s little issues with the trio all handling different aspects and the art flows together. There’s also a nice build-up to the end of the issue. The surprise hits you as the issue builds. You get a sense of something coming but not exactly what. With some of what else is touched upon in the issue, there’s coming to be some waves over events.
Infinite Frontier #2 is a fun comic. It just feels like a throwback to that time that anything can happen while also building towards something. This is THE series to keep an eye on and looks to be key for the future of the DC Universe.
Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Paul Pelletier, Jesús Merino, Xermánico Ink: Norm Rapmund, Jesús Merino, Xermánico Color: Romulo Fajardo, Jr. Letterer: Tom Napolitano Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Written by: Joshua Williamson Art by: Xermanico, Jesús Merino, Paul Pelletier
What secrets and changes lurk inside the newly expanded Multiverse? The devious Director Bones of the D.E.O. re-forms a ragtag team to keep the new worlds at bay, but was highly skilled agent Cameron Chase recruited because the director needs her help, or because he wants a patsy when things go south? Meanwhile, Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, takes drastic measures to find his missing daughter. Someone has kidnapped Jade, and Alan’s going to find out why and bring her home. Plus, the resurrection of Roy Harper gives the former Teen Titan some unexpected and unpredictable new powers.
Start here for everything you need to know about Joshua Williamson and Xermanico’s summer blockbuster Infinite Frontier before the new DC miniseries launches on June 22!
Picking up directly from Infinite Frontier #0, when our heroes saved the Multiverse from Perpetua in Dark Nights: Death Metal, everything was put back where it belonged…and we do mean everything. All the damage from all the Crises was undone, and heroes long thought gone returned from whatever exile they had been in.
Most of them, at least. Alan Scott, the Green Lantern from the Justice Society of America, has noticed some of his allies are still missing in action, and he’s determined to find them. There are others, though, who would rather remain hidden than explain themselves, like Roy Harper, a.k.a. Arsenal, a man who should be dead but now is not.
What does all this mean for the DCU’s place in the Multiverse? On opposite sides of a dimensional divide, both Barry Allen and President Superman ponder this question. Not to mention the Darkseid of it all! Or a team of Multiversal heroes called Justice Incarnate!
Infinite Frontier #1, written by Joshua Williamson with art by Xermanico, a cover by Mitch Gerads and a card stock variant cover by Bryan Hitch, publishes on June 22. Add this Multiverse-defining new series to your pull list!
Just a week later, get an inside look into the cast of InfiniteFrontier! Do you have the lowdown on all the characters starring in DC’s summer blockbuster? If not, Infinite Frontier: Secret Files will tell you everything you’re dying to know. Take a look inside Director Bones personal database for stories featuring Jade and Obsidian, the children of the original Green Lantern; Psycho–Pirate, the scourge of many a Crisis on many an Earth; President Superman, the Mutliverse’s ultimate beacon of hope; Roy Harper, back from the dead; and just who are the Totality…?! Featuring six stories set in DC’s Infinite Frontier!
Infinite Frontier: Secret Files #1,written by Joshua Williamson, Brandon Thomas, Stephanie Phillips, and Dan Watters with art by Inaki Miranda, Valentine De Landro, Stephen Byrne, Phil Hester, and Christopher Mitten, featuring a cover by Bryan Hitch, publishes on June 29.
And then in July, the mysteries deepen! How is Roy Harper alive? Who abducted Jade? In Infinite Frontier #2,what secrets and changes lurk inside the newly expanded Multiverse? The devious Director Bones of the D.E.O. re-forms a ragtag team to keep the new worlds at bay, but was highly skilled agent Cameron Chase recruited because the director needs her help, or because he wants a patsy when things go south? Meanwhile, Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, takes drastic measures to find his missing daughter. Someone has kidnapped Jade, and Alan’s going to find out why and bring her home. Plus, the resurrection of Roy Harper gives the former Teen Titan some unexpected and unpredictable new powers.
Two weeks laterInfinite Frontier #3 arrives, and all you need to know is that Barry Allen’s history with the Psycho-Pirate isn’t pleasant. The Flash encountered this mind-bending villain all the way back in the original Crisis on Infinite Earths, and it did not end well for the Scarlet Speedster. For the first time since his death and rebirth, Barry runs afoul of this foe—hopefully it will go better this time around! That is, if the even bigger villain behind the Pirate stays out of the fray, or if President Superman of Justice Incarnate sticks around to help win the day.
Infinite Frontier #2, written by Joshua Williamson with art by Xermanico, Paul Pelletier, and Jesús Merino, a cover by Mitch Gerads and a card stock variant cover by Bryan Hitch, publishes on July 13.Infinite Frontier #3, written by Joshua Williamson with art by Xermanico, Paul Pelletier, and Jesús Merino, a cover by Mitch Gerads and a card stock variant cover by Bryan Hitch, publishes on July 27. Let your Local Comic Shop know you want this Multiverse-defining new series on your pull list!
Coming up in August, the Multiverse’s Finest clash! In Infinite Frontier #4, President Superman finds himself in the wrong world, and it isn’t looking good. Bones and Chase attempt to stop super-powered heroes and villains from crossing Multiversal lines. If they can shut down the President of Steel, they think that it will serve as a signal to all to not mess with Earth-0! This is only a distraction, however, as Injustice Incarnate begins to show them the worst the Multiverse has to offer, and only Flashpoint Batman is there to lend the heroes backup.
And then, building towards a finale that could mean chaos, or crisis, or both for the DC Multiverse: what is the Omega Planet? In Infinite Frontier #5, Roy Harper finds himself forced to do things on his own. He’s been through a lot since he was Green Arrow’s sidekick, and usually, the only person he can count on is himself. Hence, he’s hiding the fact that he’s back from the dead from his old friends. He comes across Jade, who has also been stranded by herself—can he help her while letting her help him? Because neither of them can handle Darkseid all by their lonesome. Meanwhile, Barry Allen sends out a call: it’s time for all the heroes exploring the Infinite Frontier to come to the Omega Planet!
Infinite Frontier#4, written by Joshua Williamson with art by Xermanico, Paul Pelletier, and Jesús Merino, a cover by Mitch Gerads and a card stock variant cover by Bryan Hitch, publishes on August 10.Infinite Frontier #5, written by Joshua Williamson with art by Xermanico, Paul Pelletier, and Jesús Merino, a cover by Mitch Gerads and a card stock variant cover by Bryan Hitch, publishes on August 24.
How will DC’s Multiverse-spanning summer blockbuster end? With the reveal of Flashpoint Batman on the cover of Infinite Frontier #4 by Mitch Gerads, everything you think you know about DC’s Infinite Frontier gets turned upside down! Two more Mitch Gerads covers to be revealed! One more Bryan Hitch variant cover! And did you miss the Darkseid of it all!?? Stay tuned for more news about DC’s Infinite Frontier!
Since his first appearance in November 1941’s More Fun Comics #73, Arthur Curry, a.k.a. Aquaman, has defended the Seven Seas and the DC Universe itself from all manner of threats. On August 31, DC and Aqua-fans alike can celebrate the legacy of the Atlantean Sea King, with the release of the Aquaman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular.
Some of the greatest names in comics will contribute their storytelling firepower to this 100-page collector’s item – writers Dan Jurgens, Geoff Johns, Brandon Thomas, Chuck Brown, Stephanie Phillips, Michael Moreci, Marguerite Bennett, Dan Watters, Jeff Parker, Becky Cloonan, and Francis Manapul. They’ll be joined by some of the most prolific artists in comics, including Steve Epting, Paul Pelletier, Valentine de Landro, Hendry Prasetya, Pop Mhan, Trungles, Miguel Mendonça, Evan “Doc” Shaner, and more.
In addition to a stunning cover by the iconic team of Ivan Reis and Joe Prado, the Aquaman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular will feature eight “decade” themed card stock variant covers, portraying the marine monarch throughout the years:
1940’s variant cover by Michael Cho
1950’s variant cover by Ramona Fradon
1960’s variant cover by Walt Simonson
1970’s variant cover by José Luis García-López
1980’s variant cover by Chuck Patton and Kevin Nowlan
1990’s variant cover by Yvel Guichet
2000’s variant cover by Becky Cloonan
2010’s variant cover by Robson Rocha
This all-star-filled anthology spans across the ocean king’s legacy, not just celebrating his own triumphs but also those of his greatest allies and enemies. The main cover version of this 100-page blockbuster is priced at $9.99, with each card stock variant priced at $10.99.
Generations Shattered #1 is an interesting comic. As a standalone miniseries, the story would be quite compelling and engaging. But, with its release of “Future State”, the comic isn’t released in a vacuum. Spinning out of Dark Nights: Death Metal, the story involves a villain using the messed up time and history to shape their own. A group of heroes throughout time are gathered to save the day.
The concept of Generations Shattered #1 and where it goes would be an event miniseries I’d take a lot of interest in normally. But, it’s a bit of an oddity with the release of all of the other “Future State” comics. While they focus on possible future events, this one features a villain attempting to shape a new reality and history. Where it fits into this reshaping of the DC Universe and history is a bit of a headscratcher. While time seems to have mended as per other comics, maybe not? It’s a little unclear how this fits into what’s going on.
Written by Dan Jurgens, Andy Schmidt, and Robert Venditti, Generations Shattered #1 brings the heroes together in an oversized first issue. Dragged out feels like a better way to describe it. The issue is mostly the heroes being gathered as time is erased as it’s being rewritten. Over 45 pages are dedicated to this creating a slow build and long way to get to the point. Other comics have done the “gathering of characters” and their introduction quicker and in a much more entertaining way.
What this does though is give a massive amount of artists to stretch their legs. Each segment is handled by a different team giving the comic a jam-session sort of feel. That could be interesting as well if any of the art really popped. There’s not bad but there’s little that’s exciting either. Still, it’s fun to see the different styles and takes on the characters from so many artists.
Generations Shattered #1 is an oddity of a comic. It’s hampered by its release along “Future State” making its story a bit confusing. The concept is quite good and entertaining, especially where it leaves things. But, it takes forever to get to the interesting part. It’s a comic I both felt like a chore to read but at the same time I want to see where it goes.
Story: Dan Jurgens, Andy Schmidt, Robert Venditti Art: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Scott Hanna, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan, Emanuela Lupacchino, Wade Von Grawbadger, Bernard Chang, Yanick Paquette, Kevin Nowlan, Dan Jurgens, Klaus Janson, Paul Pelletier, Sandra Hope, John Romita, Jr., Danny Miki, Doug Braithwaite, Rags Morales, Klaus Janson, Mike Perkins Color: Hi-Fi Letterer: Tom Napolitano Story: 6.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 6.0 Recommendation: Read
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Written by: Andy Schmidt, Robert Venditti, Dan Jurgens Art by: Paul Pelletier, Kevin Nowlan, Fernando Pasarin
A threat of cosmic proportion to DC’s newest (and oldest) universe compels one of the most unusual groups of heroes ever assembled to take on the most mysterious foe they have ever encountered. What started in Detective Comics #1027 explodes out of Dark Nights: Death Metal to tell the story of the generations-spanning history of the DC Universe! Join the original Batman, Kamandi, Starfire, Sinestro, Booster Gold, Dr. Light, Steel, and Sinestro in their quest to save the universe before time runs out…
Written by: Geoff Johns, Scott Snyder Art by: Jerry Ordway, Ryan Benjamin, Paul Pelletier, Francis Manapul
The DCU’s darkest secrets are explored while two titans clash! The heroes search for a way to defeat the Darkest Knight through the universe’s past, while Superboy Prime faces down the demonic Batman!
To safely return to his own timeline, Batman Beyond will have to defeat the villain Blanque without being seen by his mentor, the World’s Greatest Detective-Batman! Will Booster Gold help keep Batman Beyond hidden, or will time as we know it become completely undone? You do not want to miss this issue!
“First Contact” begins! Something is very, very wrong with Bruce Wayne, as he lashes out in anger and tries to kill Batman Beyond! Who else can save him but…Booster Gold?! The greatest hero history never knew is going to take Batman Beyond back in time to the Gotham of old, where Bruce Wayne is Batman-which means Batman and Batman Beyond will meet at last!
