Convergence Week 3 Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

Mediocrity abounds in another moderately entertaining week for DC 

Oh Diamond, I've heard many things about you, and most of it ain't good. Well this week I find out why: Convergence: Batman and the Outsiders has shipped late. Fantastic. Put that on top of another mediocre week of Convergence titles and you've got yourself a recipe for trouble.

Convergence #3 - "Time Bomb"

Issue #3 is a confusing gut-punch. I've already expressed my grief with the lack of introductions in this main title, so I'll keep it to a minimum. I've also previously addressed the art in these books. Therefore, you will not find that section in this review. Can't say much more without specifics, so here we go...

Plot

Convergence #3

April 22, 2015 by DC Comics

32 page Comic • $3.99

Before we get any proper introduction to Deimos *sigh*, our heroes engage in a fight with a horde of Telos drones. The drones manage to capture Supes-2, but before he's taken out of the picture leaving us with an interesting dynamic of characters who would be utterly worthless against Telos' wrath, he's saved by Tom-Bats and Gray-2 in the Batjet-podthing. Unfortunately they are shit at pilot/copilot and the craft gets downed rather quickly. So welcome back to our incompetent heroes, everybody. Honestly, for those who have read Earth-2 and are really rooting for these heroes, this issue has to be a slap in the face.

So in other news, Telos is mad that the folks on Kandor aren't fighting. For some reason he doesn't send his drones to coax them into fighting like he did with Future's End-iverse. No, this time he must see to it personally. But not before another Jesus Christ Pose. So Flamebird and Silver Swift (or whomever, again *sigh*) don't want to duke it out, giving us the best panels of Telos so far when he decides to annihilate Kandor (or at least part of it). "Let this be a lesson. . ." he says. To whom? Who is watching Telos? Just you, that's who. Idiotic foreshadowing, check.

Now we come to the most confusing part of the book, where not only Skartaris, but also the masters of time and this whole vanishing point business. Just the whole thing, all of it, it's all a parade of unknowns. I'd love to learn more, but I know they'll never explain. It's like they're trying to drive new readers away. I'm sorry, I said I wouldn't... *sigh*Finally, the redeeming(?) part of the book, the death of Tom-Bats. I like the idea that if there were a younger Batman from a tangent universe, Tom-Bats would take the bullet if it meant taking out a bunch of villains. Now, I'm not sure if Tom-Bats has the same "I don't kill" thing going on as Prime-Bats, but it still makes for an interesting development either way. Plus, it gives us a couple really nice looking splash panels and a wonderful Joker/Telos moment. 

Verdict

The fact that my review looks like a sassy summary shows two things: 1) I'm tired. I've been awake for far too long, and the fact that I'm at work makes it a double whammy. 2) I'm unenthused and underwhelmed by this issue. Sure, stuff actually happens, so it's better than the first two issues in the series. However, I haven't found anything that connects with me. These are all characters I know nothing about and care for not at all. Sure I'm curious to see how it all goes down, but I think I may back out if the half-way point issue #4 doesn't deliver some relatively meaningful content.

What I imagine the shop owner thinks when he sees
the look on my face after reading a Convergence title.

Convergence: Swamp Thing #1 - "It's Not Easy Being Green!"

Art

Convergence: Swamp Thing #1

April 22, 2015 by DC Comics

32 page Comic • $3.99

The colors picked for this issue are all very appropriate (albeit sticking a little too close to convention) for a Swamp Thing title, all very murky and dark with lots of muddy greens throughout. The characters look decent, although simple. My biggest gripe with the art is that Thing comes off looking more like a Frankenstein, with big sinewy muscles rather than mossy swamp matter. However, I will say that Thing's eyes are the most important part, with the green encapsulated orange orbs standing out so well, and they are ever expressive in this issue. In fact, Things face is what always looks good here.

Plot

Fairly simple plot to this one. Perhaps too much so. After an unnecessary, but not unwelcome reintroduction to the character (because we have the near identical character bio in the back), the Thing is faced with being disconnected from the Green while the dome is in place. I have several gripes here, but my biggest is at the end when Thing is reconnected with the Green. If Thing is on Telos, the same planet where Green Lantern-2 is, then how come the "Green" of Telos hurts GL-2 and not Thing? How come Thing doesn't notice the vast difference? My other main gripe is with the lack of events. I like the setup, but nothing happens. It's several pages of Thing hiding in a park, feeling pitiful. Not that great for storytelling. Finally, the Poison Ivy of Pre-Crisis Earth-One seems more apt to causing random mischief than saving the people of Gotham with her gardens. This makes me really sad. This was the one book which could have explored that side of Ivy in more acute detail, with Swamp Thing helping her in her efforts. Alas, 'twas not to be...

Verdict

This issue has its holes and its pitfalls with not much to help it back on its feet. It could have been a lot better, but overall it falls flat on its face. I would only recommend this if collecting all of the Convergence titles. 

Convergence: The NEW Teen Titans #1 - "Opposing Truths"

Art

Convergence: The NEW Teen Titans #1

April 22, 2015 by DC Comics

32 page Comic • $3.99

I'm very happy with the art in this one. Nice vibrant colors that aren't overbearing with appropriate highlights, shadows, etc. The artist makes sure to open each scene with a wide shot showing us our setting, then zooming in on the characters in action shots and close up face shots for dramatic lines. It all comes together for a very pleasing aesthetic throughout the book. The action shots appear to be a little on the mediocre side, though. Mostly just the two teams shooting their projectiles/lazers/what-have-you at each other, but there is one nice looking splash page when the Titans finally assemble. I also have to mention the cover art for the standard issue. BAM! ZING! *shimmer shimmer* It draws the eye. The colors pop. Now that is a cover.

Plot

The story is pretty mediocre as a whole, but this issue excels at giving readers insight on the personality of the characters and how they have evolved since the appearance of the dome. While some character's story being notably more interesting than others (I'm looking at you Beast Bo-*ahem*-Changeling.), the dynamics of the group are clearly outlined for the upcoming battle against Doom Patrol from another Earth. Other than that, there isn't much to talk about, and I believe that is where this issue fails. While the character insight is nice, it doesn't make a story in itself. The issue also dips into the action I would expect to find almost exclusively in the next issue (if the rest of the Convergence titles are held to be standard), leaving me wondering how the next issue will attempt to 'wow' readers.

Verdict

While I really did enjoy reading through this issue, I was still left wanting more story. I would have happily exchanged some of the mediocre action sequences for some more exposition into the characters who were left forgotten.

Week 3 - Final Thoughts

While I may still be enjoying the ride though some of these Tie-Ins, despite their multiple failings, I don't know whether the main title is actually worth my time. Sure I'll be curious as to how it all gets settled, but should I continue paying for a series concerning characters which I care nothing about? I may hop off the boat if Convergence #4 has nothing to keep me on board. Really curious as to what the New 52 chaps are doing. They aren't in the main series and they aren't in the tie-ins. So where are they? I thought this was all of DC. Anyway, I wish I would have picked up Convergence: Wonder Woman, because I've heard this was a great horror-esque story. Also, Convergence: Hawkman, purely because I'm developing an interest in the character. Finally, Convergence: Batman and the Outsiders would have been a great one to pick up considering it was on my pull list. Dang it, Diamond...

Convergence: Hawkman #1
April 22, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence: Wonder Woman #1
April 22, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence: Batman and The Outsiders #1
April 22, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence Week 2 Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

A Week Late and An Excuse Short

So I'm finally getting around to doing some reviews after not doing any last week. I apologize for my general laziness (although I have been busier in the last week), and I'll try to make up for it this week. Therefore, I hope to get all these reviews in  before Saturday. However, I have two weeks to cover, I may not get to everything. So I'm going to be covering Convergence: Catwoman and Convergence: Shadow of the Bat in this review as well. The idea is to move toward a more focused weekly summary of the Convergence event. I'll do a full review of the main title and mini reviews of the tie-ins. So let's get to it.

Convergence #2 - "The Planet Incarnate"

Finally! Where Convergence #1 felt like a poor continuation of the introduction in Convergence #0, Convergence #2 actually delivers on some good action and some decent story development, even though it still leaves new readers completely in the dark when it comes to introducing characters.

Art

Convergence #2
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

I haven't taken note of the art before, because it was all setup stuff. There was no story to capture me and draw me into book; both Convergence #1 and #2 were quickly read then tossed aside. Now that we've come to an issue where action is happening, the art becomes an integral part of the storytelling. However, I feel that this is one why in which this series falls short of the mark. I have two main problems in this area: The first is the way the scenes are depicted. Too much of this book is up-close shots of our characters or simply don't provide enough view of the area. never are we given a good view of the surrounding areas. I would just like to view this planet in my head, but I'm having trouble. Secondly, the colors in this series seem very bright and vibrant. Everything pops and stands out, therefore nothing is highlighted. I feel like it is just too overbearing without any part being muddied or dimmed. Of course, this isn't so much of a problem, but more of a personal preference.

Plot

After an introduction featuring Earth-2 Grayson (more on that later), we find our characters are still being lectured by Telos about his might and his grand purpose or whatever... WE GET IT! Luckily, this only lasts for one page, and makes an example of how he will make the different universes fight with the Future's End universe in a two-page splash panel. His minion bots coax the cyborgs from Future's End to attack the Stan Lee universe characters and unfortunately Stan Lee is no match.

Now lets pause for a second here. First, we must grieve for Stan Lee's characters, which I know nothing about, but I assume they're awesome. Second, I need to underline the fact that I know nothing about these characters. I appreciate Telos trying to fill me in on their identities with "--This world, born of a great creator. . .", but honestly, that didn't help me much. I identified that they were the Justice League from another universe, but that's it (although the Flash threw me for a loop). I really just want short character bios at the end of the book PLEASE. I know I'm begging, at this point, for something I'll never get, but the need is real. I really don't understand why they didn't include this like in every other Convergence title. Oh, and don't get me started on the surprise appearance of Deimos at the end. Dei-who?

Anyway, Earth-2 Superman breaks out of Telos' goo while Telos is "distracted", and everyone starts to open up a collective can of Whoop-Ass on Telos. Things go weird when Green Lantern taps in to the planet's energy to fight Telos. (Earth-2 GL is the avatar of the Green on Earth-2, which make me wonder what Earth-2 Swamp Thing is like.) Well, Telos is the anthropomorphic manifestation of the planet; so while it seems to be effective (and it looks pretty dang cool), it really does nothing to Telos. So he comes back until he decides to give up on fighting. He says, "None of you are worth my time!" and leaves. Apparently he has better things to do, like. . . watch other fights. Man this guy must love MMA or something. Dude, just record it and watch it later.

So Lantern is now powerless in any fight, but he learned some of Telos' fears. While the League follows those fears through some Metropolis or other, Tom-Bats and Gray-2 head to Pre-Flashpoint Gotham. They follow Tom-Bat's intuition to a hidden door in a sewer which leads to the Batcave, where they meet up with Pre-Flash Bats and Alfred.

This is the part of the issue that everyone has been looking forward to, and we see it all from Gray-2's point of view, which I think is great. It points us to what kind of conversation Bats and Tom-Bats have when they speak in private, but we are left to our imaginations when it comes to the details. Beautiful story-telling right there. Also, when Tom-Bats is heading out, I love what he says, ". . . if your father is anything like I am, he'd be very proud." As Batman silently hangs his head, I swear I almost shed a tear... almost. Sadly, that's it. Only a few pages are dedicated to this highly anticipated moment. This issue just didn't leave enough time for what really mattered to readers. I honestly could have done without every other part of the book to see this moment explored in more detail.

So coming back to that intro with Earth-2 Grayson, it shows us his final moments on Earth-2. He is attempting to flee Earth with his son. However, when the gates are closed he's on the wrong side and his son is ushered onto the ships by a woman in a maroon cloak. After seeing the ships explode, Grayson runs until he is captured by Brainiac's/Telos' teleporting goo. This sets up his motivation from here on out. After seeing that there are alternate versions of Gotham, including one in which Thomas' son is alive and well, we are led to believe he now will be looking for another version of his own son. Which is great motivation to continue caring about this character, if you ever did to begin with.

Verdict

Although, I finally feeling like I'm getting my money's worth (which by the way, this is the first issue that is $3.99 rather than $4.99, which I find incredibly odd considering this is the first book of value), I'm just left wishing more of the New 52 characters were involved or I had read Earth-2. Oh well...

Convergence: Batman - Shadow of the Bat #1 - "The Dark Side of the Street"

Convergence: Batman - Shadow of the Bat #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Art

I'm a big fan of the art in this issue. It's dark and moody to accurately reflect the themes of the issue with realistic highlights and shadows giving a good sense of atmosphere. With excellent use of blurred lines in certain panels and some amazing action sequences, all four of the artists deserve a pat on the back for a beautiful issue. 

Plot

The plot is not the most amazing thing that could ever be, but for one issue, it does a pretty good job. Everything from the setup to the showdown and reveal of the challengers at the end is well done. We get character introductions, motivations, and proper setting all while telling a story that is worth reading. Pre-Zero Hour Bats and Azrael went to Metropolis because of the Green Lantern/Paralax event but got stuck when the domes came down. I love how this ties into another Convergence title, as we've not scene to much of that. The only gripe I can make for a one-issue story is the interactions between Bats and Azrael. Bats doesn't want Azrael to kill but Azrael doesn't care. Bats shows his disapproval of Azrael's apathy in the whiniest of ways. He knew this would happen (Azrael even told him as much) yet he continues to whine.

Verdict

A worthy title in the Convergence event series with every aspect enjoyable despite its very few shortcomings.

Convergence: Catwoman #1 - "Schrödinger's Cat"

Convergence: Catwoman #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Art

The art lends itself to the time period which are characters are from. Catwoman's suit is as purple as ever with the bright popping colors, and the dramatic facial expressions are the cherry on top. Not my favorite style, but I give props to the artists for taking me back to a time when I didn't even know comics were a thing.

Plot

What if Catwoman were a superhero instead of a morally ambiguous theif? It's a question that has been definitely been asked before and will undoubtably be asked again. Unfortunately, this is not one of the times that will make a difference. The entire book seems to be lack-luster. Nothing wows or excites, all is bland. "Catwoman fights people, but this time she's a hero!" It's still just Catwoman fighting random dudes. The story doesn't even come to an interesting conclusion. It casts aside any story built up and throws Kingdom Come Bats at us. So what was accomplished in this issue? I really don't know.

Verdict

Nothing new is explored and the plot is rubbish. Not a book to pick up unless you're going the Pokemon route.

Week 2 - Final Thoughts

Not a terrible week, but hopefully not the best week either. At least the main title was worth the money this time. Looking back to Week 1, there weren't any titles that I really regretted not picking up. This week, however, I'm kicking myself for not picking Green Lantern/Paralax. Apparently this title was amazing. Plus it was alluded to in Shadow of the Bat. Other than that, I wish I would have picked up Suicide Squad. I hear that it follows the early formation that will be depicted in the movie, and it would have been nice to read that. Aquaman was, as I've heard, very eye opening as to how the whole event works. Each week being within the cities listed at the begining of the issues. So that may have been one to pick up as well, but I missed out. Maybe later on I'll go back to it. For now, that's Week 2, over and done.

Convergence: Suicide Squad #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence: Aquaman #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence: Green Lantern/Parallax #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

  

Convergence: Batman and Robin #1 - "Father & Sons" Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

Poison Ivy is saving Gotham, but Robin is too jealous

Batman and Robin was a great series and for plenty of good reasons. The dynamics of the relationship between the duo are a roller coaster ride that show personal growth in both characters. Well, this issue takes us back to the early days of their relationship (Pre-Flashpoint aka Pre-New52) to bring us a rehashed tale of jealousy and set the scene for issue #2.

Convergence: Batman and Robin #1
April 8, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Before we get into it, I need to point out how much I appreciate the "Fight For Your City" page at the beginning of the issue. It gives us an idea of who we can be expecting in these week one titles. A convenience that the main title left out, leaving some readers (myself included) confused. Although, I already know the Batman and Robin within the issue, it was good to shake hands before getting down to business.

After we greet our heroes and setting, the book establishes that in year after being displaced to Telos, food sources have become scarce and Poison Ivy has risen up to save the city with fresh produce. This is an interesting concept which I would have liked to see more of. Yet rather than tell this story, the writer decided rather to give us something worth fighting for, and then rushed through the fight without any background. At least Batman said "Thank you, Ivy." That was considerate...

With the story worth telling being ignored, the book proceeds to re-introduce us to our already well-known star. Now, it definitely does a good job of highlighting Damian Wayne, the most current Robin's, character for those who may not be familiar. However, I question the necessity of this, because this is a tie-in title; if I hadn't already been interested in these characters, I wouldn't have picked up this book. I also wonder why the writer decided to go with another telling of "Robin is jealous of previous Robin". We get it. Using the title of Robin for more than one character creates the pissing match atmosphere that exists in all sibling relationships. Move on. To put insult to injury, there is a summary of Damian's Robin in the back of the issue. Personally, I think this should have been in the beginning of the book for readers who might be curious about these characters or are only coming for the Extremists. Maybe then we could have avoided the long-winded "hello".

Lastly, the book hastily sets up the fight for the next issue, with the Extremists appearing out of nowhere. (Sorry if you came for them. You get one splash page; that's it.)

Verdict

I want to be onboard for this issue, but I just can't. While Savior Ivy is a great start to a possibly good story; it wasn't fleshed out here. (Perhaps it is in the Harley book I failed to pick up. *sigh*) The issue doesn't do anything new, and the lack of true content is appalling. It's quite obvious that the Extremists are going to be killed off next issue; so should I even come back? I probably won't... Oh well.

Convergence #1 - "Domesday" Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

"Are we there yet?" "We'll get there when we get there!"

Whether you've been patiently waiting patiently or you've just now decided "Sure, why not?", Convergence has officially begun! What can readers expect going into this one? Well, readers should expect some lack-luster writing, some confusion (for some), and a lot of exposition that leaves with the feeling that we still haven't quite started...

Convergence #1
April 8, 2015 by DC Comics
40 page Comic • $4.99

The issue opens with the Injustice universe characters fighting Superman, and fortunately, this part doesn't rely on the reader having read the entire series, as simply understanding the fact that Superman turns evil is sufficient. So, I'm just glad I played the game and know that much. Despite the lack of exposition, at least they let you know which universe this is with the opening Evil Supes thought box: "Gotham City. A city where a great INJUSTICE was done..." Can't argue those coordinates. 

The next section of this issue is much more confusing, for those (like myself) who did not read Earth 2 or Worlds End. So Batman is the first to pop onto Telos, and I swear I thought he was Flashpoint Batman. Nope. Turns out Earth 2 Bats is just really similar to Flashpoint Bats. So I spent the rest of the book wondering who these characters were, how Tommy Wayne new them, and "What now with Darkseid?" Unfortunately we get no "Our world has ended, our second earth" blurb to set the scene. Maybe no necessary for everyone, but it would have been greatly appreciated by some.

Even more appreciation would have been awarded to less monologuing by Telos. (Oh Telos, you love that Jesus Christ Pose, don't you?) Honestly, he doesn't say much we didn't already know. We're already here, because we were promised DC's take on Thunderdome. Stop explaining give us some proper exposition sprinkled slug-festing. Please and thank you. Unfortunately this redo on last weeks issue takes us right to the end, with the last splash panel pretty clearly foreshadowing that Superman will be the one to save the day. I can't help but feeling like I just looked at a couple of bookends. Front cover - back cover, no pages in-between. 

Finally, we are again presented with a "Who's Who" bit in the back. Given the issue I just read, this seems even more important than I previously assumed. Without at least going to Wikipedia, I may end up completely lost by the end of May.

Verdict

I once again, can't recommend this book to anyone. Not for the $4.99 price. Borrow a friend's copy or don't even bother. I only hope that next week's issue is worth it. With all this setup out of the way, it would only be logical that we get into the meat and potatoes next week. (Yet, that's what I thought last time.) So, here me now DC, this is your last chance. Get on with it, or I'm out.