DC's New 52, Top 5: Week 2

After an amazing first week, it was definitely a possibility that I'd be let down the second. But the comics, yet again, were amazing. Below is my top 5 list for the second week of The New 52.

#1: Demon Knights

Written by PAUL CORNELL, Art by DIOGENES NEVES and OCLAIR ALBERT, Cover by TONY S. DANIELS

What makes Demon Knights #1 it stand out most is its setting: Medieval Europe. Old time villages, swords and shields, magic, kings and queens, Arthurian mythology, etc. On top of having a wonderful backdrop, though, Demon Knights also has an extremely unique set of characters. Etrigan the Demon, the cover and titular character, is a comic fan darling - and he's done justice. He also doesn't hog center stage. In Demon Knights, he's presented as one of many, and the brief glimpse you get of characters this issue leaves you wanting more, as they all seem magnificent and interesting.

Demon Knights is filled to the brim with unique settings, characters, and scenes and the art manages to capture it all. A lot goes on in this comic, and the art's crisp portrayal makes it easier to follow. Demon Knights starts at the very beginning of a story, where the heroes don't even know each other, so it's a perfect pick up for all readers who enjoy good, Medieval fun. 

And I'm just going to say one last thing: the last page had me dying of laughter. I wish I could say more, but I don't want to spoil it.

#2: Batwoman

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN, Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

DC has stated multiple times that they are focusing on character driven stories with The New 52. Batwoman #1 has the best, strongest character I've ever read. She's tough, independent, but also has a much softer, romantic side you get to see briefly in this issue. Batwoman is also getting a sidekick, and I can't wait to see how they work together.

The art in Batwoman deserves to be hung in a museum. Not only does everything look stellar, but the layout of the pages is wildly creative. The normal scenes are drawn normally, but the new villain is given and drawn a chillingly creepy introduction, and you can see Batwoman's distress in the emotionally charged scenes.

The most dramatic scene actually occurs between Batwoman and her dad. Why there's such tension between them is explained, as are all important aspects of Batwoman's history, in a brilliantly crafted two-page splash. Her history is dished out very quickly and in one big chunk, so it might be a bit confusing, but it does its job in terms of getting across the main elements of this amazing character. 

#3: Suicide Squad

Written by ADAM GLASS, Art by MARCO RUDY, Cover by HOWARD CHAYKIN

This comic is over the top and insane. Suicide Squad #1 is indulgent in ridiculous violence like I've never seen before. The premise itself is absurd: a team of super villains gathered to do the dirty missions the government doesn't feel like doing themselves. Harley Quinn is the most recognizable character (although she is now in a much slinkier outfit, which fits her personality well), and she's as Joker-crazy and full of corny jokes as ever. But if you've ever wanted to see her act without Joker over her shoulder, telling her what to do, this comic is a great place for it. 

The other well known characters are Deadshot and King Shark, but there are more that round out the crew of evil-doers. How this team will get all of their massive and naturally antagonistic personalities to work together to complete their missions (the first one, teased towards the end of the issue, is psychotic) is beyond me. The comic's art is a bit inconsistent, but that's my only real complaint. If you enjoy sheer lunacy and brutal fun, with a very mild touch of depth, this comic is perfect for you.

#4: Deathstroke

Written by KYLE HIGGINS, Art by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT, Cover by SIMON BISLEY

Deathstroke #1 is also violent, but the violence isn't fun. Not that it's not enjoyable, it is. But Slade Wilson (a.k.a. Deathstroke) is not a light character. He's the mercenary of the DCU, and his physical and tactical abilities are matched by none. But he, like his job, is not lighthearted. The comic starts out at a point in his life where people are beginning to doubt him and his abilities, and he's hellbent on proving them wrong. He does, and it's not pretty.

Deathstroke used to be the Teen Titans' main adversary, but I don't even think you need to know that to appreciate the comic. The art is good and depicts some pretty wild actions. A great read if you want a serious and morbid comic.

#5: Grifter

Written by NATHAN EDMONDSON, Art and cover by CAFU

Grifter is one of the most unique superheroes I've ever seen. Firstly, his past isn't a glorious one: he's a con artist (a grifter!). But what makes him stand out most is that only he can perceive the enemies he's fighting. To everyone else, he's attacking innocents. He'll never be loved like Superman is; it seems like he'll always be considered a criminal. 

Grifter #1 looks like a standard comic, except when the villains are actually seen. They are really wild looking, and I can't wait to learn more about them.

Honorable Mention: Superboy #1 (Written by SCOTT LOBDELL, Art by RB SILVA and ROB LEAN, Cover by ERIC CANETE)