
So here we are now.. a year past the DC reboot we know as 'The New 52'! What do you think? Are you happy with what DC has presented? Most important.. are you buying and reading more DC?
As I look back at the last 52 weeks I think one word comes to mind and that is inconsistency! That doesn't mean the books have been bad but for every 'Batman', 'Green Lantern' and 'All Star Western' there has been a 'Static Shock', 'OMAC' and 'Blackhawks'. Sure you're gonna have some clunkers but it seems there were more now then there was back in the pre 52 world.
It also seems that titles themselves have been inconsistent. 'Superman' and 'Action Comics' are the two that jump to my mind. One is the early years the other tells of today but both seem to have no clear direction. Sure creator changes don't help, but it seemed like there was no defined plan in place.
Sure the entire Batman line, 'Green Lantern' and 'Flash' have been entertaining from issues #1 to 12, but is that because those characters didn't change much? Those books could have been written and produced in the post New 52 world.
Books that I was nuts over at the beginning; 'Resurrection Man', 'Swamp Thing' and 'Animal Man' have gotten away from me for one reason or another. And 'Justice League Dark' which still is amazing has seemed to get away from its original premise as the team that handles the stuff the 'Justice League' can't take on.
But it hasn't all been bad. In fact, I'm reading more DC than I ever have and that means something for a lifelong DC guy. I think for the most part DC is as strong as it ever has been, in fact stronger. 'Wonder Woman', 'Nightwing' and 'Aquaman' have been as perfect as can be. Not to mention the Earth 2 line and 'Before Watchmen' have been incredible reads.
So a year in where does DC go?
Stay the course and solidify the creative teams. There are some incredible creators out there (Joe Kelly and Jamal Igle to name just two) that could bring a nice touch to the DCU.
Have a clear plan and direction! Take books like 'Teen Titans', 'Supergirl' and 'Superboy' who all seem to be lacking guidance and give them a purpose. Look to the past to make them ready for the future? What is the Titans lacking? Why do we not care about this Supergirl?
You took a chance last year DC and it paid off! But now it's time to get the best creators to tell the best stories featuring the best characters ever created!
So which creators do you think could make bad books good or great books incredible?