Hello again GEN readers! It’s Jill a.k.a. The Nerdy Bird back with another installment of DoubleDCoverage. (Click here to learn more about the changes to DoubleDCoverage) This week I take a look at two very different number ones. The one, the only, Barry Allen is back but should anyone who hasn’t been reading comics for over twenty years care? Also, there’s a new “good vampire” on the block trying to make a name for himself created by a new writer to DC Comics trying to do the same. Does he succeed in making a vampire I can obsess over? Read on to find out.
THE FLASH: REBIRTH #1 (OF 5)
I guess you could say I’m at a bit of a disadvantage here. I haven’t been reading comics for over twenty years and I’ve never read a Barry Allen Flash story. But the man who sacrificed himself in “Crisis on Infinite Earths” and was resurrected during “Final Crisis” is back for the world to see whether they like it or not. This first issue packs a lot of information and drama into it, enough for anyone to start running with the in crowd.
A twisted version of Barry’s origin gets us ready for what’s possibly to come for the rest of the mini-series. An evil Speedster breaks into a Central City Police crime lab, killing the scientists, covering himself in specific chemicals and waits to get struck by lightning. (Gee, if I’d known it was that easy I would have turned myself into a Speedster years ago!) Everyone has gathered to celebrate Barry’s return, except of course, his Rogues. Jay Garrick reminisces about how Barry is the reason he started running again, Wally West feels fortunate to have had such a great mentor and Bart Allen is a little bitter. If you weren’t reading “Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds” or you’ve been distracted by the Barry fanfare you might have missed Bart Allen returning as Kid Flash from the future. He may be Barry’s grandson but he feels no connection to him and seems to be speaking for some fans when says this of his great sacrifice, “He’s back. So what did he sacrifice exactly?”
Barry finally arrives in the second half of the book looking particularly epic. That Ethan van Sciver sure can draw a chiseled man. Hal Jordan meets him at the Flash museum where he gets a crash course in what he’s missed. He thinks the world might have finally caught up with his pace. He’s wondering if being back is too good to be true and he’s waiting for the other shoe to drop. All of which may very well be true. In a corn field in Iowa, some kids find the remains of what very well could be the Black Racer Barry helped destroy in “Final Crisis.”
For a moment we flash back to Barry’s father being arrested for the murder of his mother. His father insists he didn’t do it and Barry pushes his speed back in current time to compensate for not being fast enough then. A lightning surge on his chest, felt by all the other Speedsters, seems to free Savitar from the Speed Force. When Barry gets close enough to touch him his life is sucked away until he’s bones and dust. Has Barry become the new Black Racer without even knowing it? His rebirth is definitely not as simple as it seems.
DEAD ROMEO #1 (OF 6)
We’ve got a new mini-series about an ex-rock star vampire written by DC newcomer Jesse Blaze Snider, whose name sounds a bit like rock royalty itself. Guess what? He is. Jesse is Dee Snider’s (Twisted Sister) son and contestant on MTV’s “Rock the Cradle” reality show from last year. So, does a talent for music translate to a talent for writing comics? Judging by this issue, no.
According to the preview Jonathan Romero, aka Dead Romeo, used to be the lead singer of an 80’s rock band until he was turned into a vampire and sent to Hell. Good luck trying to figure that out from this issue. Romeo comes back to life, digs himself out of his grave and meets a homeless goth chick who’s been hanging out there. He teases her all the way back to L.A. while she alternates between ignoring him and screaming at him for no reason. He manages to find out her name is Whisper before she finally splits.
Several other resurrections were happening on the same night. They others had help. The last one they’re digging up, Dwight, is bound with a mini cage around his head and needs some fresh blood to completely awaken. He kills the one called Fearless soon after. Romeo eventually joins them all at a bar called The Lair, tended by Death himself. Wicked Uncle Ernie is a pedophile, The End used to be an action film star, Fuzzy Wuzzy was a rapist, Silverhammer a weightlifter, Dwight has a familiar named Yoko who is akin to a succubus and Desperado was a gunfighter from the West. Romeo, like many “good vampires” doesn’t drink blood. Death reminds them all they’re on a mission from “the boys downstairs” and they only have two days before their parole is revoked.
So what’s this mission? I have no idea but they go on a bit of a killing spree and eventually wind up capturing Whisper. They insist Romeo kill her to permanently join their group. I can’t see a reason why he wouldn’t really. The preview says she’s his true love but this first issue did absolutely nothing to establish that or anything about our main character to be honest. There’s one slight mention of a rock band making his funeral arrangements but no explanation as to why he’s a good vampire. In fact, on the very first page the narrator says, “At this point he’s not even sure he likes Whisper, and yet he knows he loves her.” Oh, well, in that case.
BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – MAN-BAT
- A complete waste of paper.
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #25
- It would have gotten 5 if it weren’t for Fetish Mary Marvel. The cover was just a tease for awesome Black Mary.
THE MIGHTY #3
- This new hero is turning out to be really entertaining.
TEEN TITANS #69
- Hilarious teen antics before things get too serious again. M’gann asks where the “hug button” is on their video game.
TEEN TITANS ANNUAL 2009
- Could have been better if not for Titans Tower getting destroyed for the billionth time. Definitely not worth $4.99.
TRINITY #44
- Yeah, keep arguing with the Trinity “Gods” over and over about the same thing. That will help.
So, what did YOU think? What are you excited to be reading and what could you live without?
My pull list for next week:
BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #2 (OF 3)
BOOSTER GOLD #19
GREEN LANTERN #39
SECRET SIX #8
SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #2 (OF 12)
TITANS #12
TRINITY #45
Which two should I review for DoubleDCoverage #3?
April 9th, 2009 at 8:01 am
I agree with Bart. Can’t they ever let comic book heroes Rest In Peace? Oh, wait … no.
Three words that should never have to be used together: “homeless goth chick.” Good God.
*giggles at “Wuzzy was a rapist”* You’re crackin’ me up, Jill!
Alliteration can be so fun.
WOW, was MAN-BAT that bad?! I’m getting my copy soon; I’ve heard mixed things about it. It can’t be as bad as GORDON though, is it?!
I vote Supes and BOOSTER GOLD for next week! Lovin’ the new format, Jill! Is there any way you could cut those DC stamp ratings into stars? That would be unbelievably awesome.
April 9th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I almost wrote Fuzzy Wuzzy was a wapist, but couldn’t bring myself to do it. I think it works well like it is.
As with Gordon’s spotlight, nothing much really happens in Man-Bat. Maybe it will all tie-in at the end but right now it feels like filler for filler’s sake.
Oooh good idea about the stars, maybe Meg can help me on that!