Comic Book Herald

A Comic Book Reading Order Guide For Beginners & Fans

Zoe Tunnell

Green Lantern: Earth One Volume 2 Review

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Green Lantern: Earth One was a shocking surprise upon release in 2018. DC’s line of self-contained graphic novels had found decidedly mixed success since their launch years prior, and Green Lantern seemed like an odd fit. The other titles featured high profile creators such as Geoff Johns (Batman: Earth One) and Grant Morrison (Wonder Woman: Earth One). At the same time, Green Lantern sported an undeniably talented, but not as well known, team in Corrina Bechko and Gabriel Hardman. The graphic novel arrived to critical acclaim, presenting a hard-edged revamp of the iconic DC hero in a near-future sci-fi infused setting. Thankfully, the sequel, Green Lantern: Earth One Vol. 2, is nearly every bit as good as the original and drives the reimagining of Hal Jordan forward in exciting, timely ways.

The events of Earth One Vol. 1 left Hal Jordan as a member of the newly reformed Green Lantern Corps in a galaxy overrun by the despotic Manhunters. Picking up three years after the first volume, Earth One Vol. 2 presents an Earth that is taking its first steps to join the galactic community after learning of extraterrestrial life via Hal Jordan’s return to his home planet. Earth’s overtly authoritarian governments, including the United States, chafe at the new status quo, but progress has been made to bring Earth forward. [Read more…] about Green Lantern: Earth One Volume 2 Review

Injustice: Year Zero Review!

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Injustice: Year Zero’s first three issues make for a confusing and muddled debut. Set a year before writer Tom Taylor’s original run on the wildly popular Injustice: Gods Among Us, the digital-first series introduces the Injustice universe incarnation of beloved World War 2 superhero team: the Justice Society of America.

These heroes give the series a split identity of reaching for the warm nostalgia of more heroic days gone by while also responding to the rise of real-world fascism in the years since Gods Among Us first debuted. The latter goal likely fueled by the use of fascist and totalitarian imagery and beliefs within Superman’s regime. Unfortunately, neither direction feels particularly well-realized and leads to an unsatisfying beginning for the title. [Read more…] about Injustice: Year Zero Review!

Excellent Ideas & Squandered Execution: AQUAMAN by Deconnick and Rocha Review!

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2018 was a significant year for Aquaman, both as a character and as a figure in the cultural consciousness. After spending decades best known as a useless punchline, Arthur Curry’s status in pop culture was overhauled entirely into that of a muscular, sea-soaked sex symbol thanks to the outrageously successful Aquaman film, starring Jason Momoa. In contrast, Aquaman had never suffered the same harsh reputation as a joke in the world of comic books, thanks to well-regarded runs from creators such as Peter David and Dan Abnett.

On top of his blockbuster debut, Arthur found himself under one of his biggest comic book spotlights yet, leading a crossover event with DC’s flagship Justice League series, titled Drowned Earth. Wanting to capitalize on the hype surrounding the 77-year old mainstay’s movie debut, DC Comics announced a new, high profile creative team to take over Aquaman following the crossover: Kelly Sue DeConnick, the writer who modernized Captain Marvel and led to the Marvel superhero’s current massive popularity, with Robson Rocha, a historically overlooked but very talented star within DC’s artist roster.

With one successful revamp of a longstanding superhero into a mega star under her belt, DeConnick seemed like a natural fit to overhaul the King of Atlantis for modern readers. Unfortunately, Aquaman has yet to live up to those lofty expectations, having nearly all of its exciting ideas weighed down with questionable execution. [Read more…] about Excellent Ideas & Squandered Execution: AQUAMAN by Deconnick and Rocha Review!