It is about that time that I take inventory of what is on the Revolution’s permanent pull list. I like to do this once every six months. It lets me cull the titles that I don’t really enjoy and keeps me from buying too many titles. If left unchecked, I would end up buying almost every single title cranked out by Marvel and DC. I am that much of an addict. Currently, I am pulling 23 DC titles and 21 Marvel titles. As you can tell, I have never favored one company over the other. Plus, I have already decided to start collecting several titles that have yet to be released. For DC, that would include Justice Society of America and Trials of Shazam. For Marvel, that would include Iron Fist and Mighty Avengers.
I think that it is time to trim some fat and for the axe to fall on some titles that are not worthy a position on the Revolution’s pull list. Feel free to try and persuade me to either axe or keep a title that I end up placing on probation. Here is the drill. Any comic book that gets a grade of either an A or a B is safe and is in no danger of being placed on probation. Any comic book that gets a grade of C gets scrutinized and may be placed on probation. Any comic book that gets a grade of D automatically gets placed on probation and if it doesn’t rapidly improve in several issues then it gets the dreaded axe.
We’ll hit DC in this post and then do a follow up for Marvel.
DC
GRADE: A
52: I love this title. Excellent pacing and an exciting storyline. This is a must read.
All-Star_Batman_and_Robin: Yeah, I like Miller’s insanely over the top Batman, rats and all. It makes me smile.
All_Star_Superman: I also enjoy Morrison’s beautiful modern twist on Silver Age storylines.
Batman: Morrison is writing the Bruce Wayne that I have been waiting to read about for a very long time. Excellent writing and incredible art.
Detective_Comics: Dini is spinning out some fantastic reads. We also are treated to some solid art. Definitely one of DC’s better titles.
Green_Lantern: Geoff Johns and Ethan van Sciver on the same title? I must be in heaven. This title boasts arguably the best writer in comics and the best artist in comics. Fantastic.
Justice: I am a big fan of Krueger and Ross. Together they are crafting a very compelling storyline. They are also doing a great job developing the characters of these silver age heroes. It is nice to see the real Aquaman, the real Flash and the real Atom in action.
Justice_League_of_America: I loved issue #0 and think that Meltzer is going to do a fantastic job on this title.
Teen_Titans: C’mon, Geoff Johns and Tony Daniels! What more could you want? This has been the best DC title since the end of Infinite Crisis.
GRADE: B
Checkmate: Rucka has really created a unique and interesting comic. This title is always a blast to read.
Creeper: The first issue hooked me enough to get me into this mini-series.
Martian_Manhunter: Nice writing and solid artwork made this a mini-series that I am defiantly going to collect.
Uncle Sam and the Freedom_Fighters: I enjoyed Battle for Bludhaven. This mini-series is even better. I wish this was an ongoing monthly instead of a mini-series.
Robin: This is a title that I have never collected. I decided to pick this comic up with its One Year Later storyline. I heard plenty of people complimenting this title, so I decided to give it a try. Wow, have I been pleasantly surprised. This is a title with solid writing and good artwork. Above all else, Robin is simply a fun read.
Superman: Busiek is doing a great job with this title. Busiek has a wonderful feel for the characters and understands that this title is much more than the big red S fighting generic villains. Busiek knows that this title is about an interesting Clark Kent and his fantastic supporting cast. And that is exactly what Busiek is developing. Along with plenty of entertaining action of Superman kicking butt. Plus, Pacheco’s artwork is incredible.
Superman/Batman: Ethan Van Sciver is the best artist in the industry right now. His artwork is just sick. Plus, Verheiden is delivering a pretty interesting story.
Wonder_Woman: I have never been a big fan of the Amazon Princess. I have never collected this title. However, I loved the debut issue for this new Wonder Woman. Heinberg delivers a funny and entertaining story. Dodson serves up some of the best artwork in the industry.
GRADE: C
Action_Comics: The last issue and current storyline is very generic. However, the promise of Johns and Donner is what is keeping me on this title.
The_Outsiders: This title has gotten better with the past two issues. However, it is still a little hit or miss with me. Winick is shaky and can have moments where he is great and then stretches where he is just pedestrian at best. The artwork is average. Nothing great, but nothing bad. This title just seems to be missing something.
Shadowpact: I really want to love this title. I want it to be a grade A or B comic book. However, it just isn’t. Everything about this comic has simply been average.
GRADE: D
Atom: This title just hasn’t hooked me. The writing a bit too light hearted and comedic for me. Plus, Ryan Choi reads more like Gon from Hunter x Hunter than a scientist who is also the Atom. This title is on probation. The Atom is two issues away from getting the axe.
Flash: I have not been very impressed with the writing. I have absolutely no interest in an older Bart as the Flash. The supporting characters are equally uninteresting. The storyline itself lacks any real sizzle. The only think enjoyable about this title has been Lashley’s artwork. He draws a wicked cool Flash. I will give this comic book until issue #5, but at this point I don’t see how this comic book doesn’t get the axe. I would be stunned if Flash earned a spot on my permanent pull list.
Nightwing: Jones has made this title practically unreadable. The only reason that this title has not gotten the axe is my hope that Marv Wolfman can resurrect this title.
Supergirl and the Legion_of_Super_Heroes: I think that Waid clearly is focusing his energies on 52 instead of this title. I also feel that Supergirl’s hijacking of the Legion’s comic has done absolutely nothing positive for either Supergirl or the Legion. This title would have definitely gotten the axe if it weren’t for the fact the Legion is my all time favorite comic and super hero team.
Are my grades totally incorrect? Am I missing out on a title that I’m not reading? Sound off and let me know.
2 thoughts on “Making The Grade: DC Comics”
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I totally agree with your Nightwing comments and I hope Wolfman brings it back to life. I’ve been getting Nightwing since #1 so I’m not dropping it, but the last few issues have been some of the worst in its history. Only ones worse were the ones that were drawn by McCarthey.
As for Flash, I personally like the new approach. I care more for Bart than I do any of the other Flashes, probably because of my fondness of TT and Young Justice.
Glad you are liking Robin, it’s been great lately. I hope it and Busiek’s Superman gets moved up to an A in six months for you.
You should be reading DC’s Manhunter, it had been cancelled but brought back according to the DC editorial brass after a mass public outcry over the cancellation announcement. A good thing too, after 25 issues, this is still one of DC’s most entertaining original and solid reads. If you like a strong and uncliched female protagonist, Kate doesn’t disappoint.