DCnU Week 3 Mini-reviews:

Batman and Robin #1– Tomasi “gets” Bruce and Damian. In a relaunch that is about distinguishing characters and their place in the universe for new readers, B&R leaves little ambiguity about how different the two Waynes are. Gleason is on fire—he proves again that he is one of the best superhero artists at DC. This book is one of the ones long time readers should suggest to newbies, in my opinion.

Batwoman #1– So we knew Batwoman would be gorgeous (the comic book, not the character—Ms. Kane is well drawn but fictional...stop looking at me like that!). Issue #1 proves that the character is in capable hands with Williams and Blackman. Interestingly, Batwoman more than any other book feels like it takes place pre-Relaunch. This makes sense considering its been in the works since before the relaunch was even announced, but its still an interesting feeling.

Demon Knights #1– Another week, another Cornell book. Its definitely a more successful issue than last week's Stormwatch. A book filled with interesting characters that have not been used very much. Jason Blood, Shining Knight, Vandal Savage, and Etrigan are personal favorites. Perhaps unintentionally evokes Morrison's Seven Soldiers of Victory (which is a good thing in my book). The art was great. I especially liked how expressive Madam Xanadu's eyes were. (The reason Demon Knights is lower than Stormwatch on the interest-meter is because I wasn't interested in it in the weeks before it came out. So, really, 75% is up...from 0.)

Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1- There is a ton going on in this issue—not only is Frankenstein being introduced to readers so but are S.H.A.D.E., Father Time, the Creature Commandos, and even Ray Palmer. The issue works, and I am intrigued but the Creature Commandos are not as cool at first blush as I expected them to be. Father Time's new body is pretty funny. The narrative and storytelling gel into a much more intriguing point toward the end of the issue. Though I miss Mahnke's version of Frankenstein, the art is a medium. Almost somewhere between Lemire's own art and Mahnke's...though I might just been imagining that.

Green Lantern #1– Meet the new Green Lantern, same as the old Green Lantern. Love him or hate him, Geoff Johns consistently comes up with solid stories filled with clever ideas. Sinestro's position in the GL Corp is intriguing and the actions he is forced to take are fascinating. Mahnke's art continues to be solid, but I'm so used to seeing his work take place in space that when he draws Hal is on earth it looks kind of weird. The Green Lantern movie may have been a bit of a flop, but I think I can see its influence on the way Geoff is writing Hal.

Superboy #1– Much more solid than I expected. A first issue filled with entirely passable writing. Yet, about halfway through something happens that is much more interesting than anything else going on in the book. Sadly, this fascinating moment is barely touched on before moving on. I cannot help but feel that other writers would have chosen to give more attention to it. I really like Silva's art, and it seems like a good fit for a teenaged hero's book.