Earth-2 #2 review

 “Age of Wonders”

Rating: 4 / 5

Pros: Rich characters; Great art; Tons of mystery

Cons:  Alan Scott’s dialogue; Flash’s costume

The foundation laid down by James Robinson continues to grow in this issue of the new Earth-2 series, a part of DC’s second wave of released titles.  Detailing the events after the death and disappearance of all the heroes, otherwise known as Wonders here-in, the world is coming to terms with the loss of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Robin and Supergirl.  (note: follow the adventures of Robin and Supergirl, now known as Huntress and Power Girl, in Worlds’ Finest written by Paul Levitz).  As mentioned previously, Robinson works best with a blank slate, with new worlds, and with fresh new ideas applied to very familiar or underused characters.  This foundation is developing into what can be considered the new Justice Society of America. 

In this issue, a number of familiar faces make their mark.  He reveals the appearance of Jay Garrick as the new Flash, with powers gained by the god Mercury.  Although Jay is now a down & out youth with nowhere to go, he has now been given a great power and a direction in life.   We see the appearance of Michael Holt (aka Mr. Terrific), as he travels from Earth-1 to this new dimension... but runs into a mysterious and creepy Terry Sloan.  Is Terry a bad guy here... or just someone trying to protect his world from intruders?  We also see Alan Scott in a new light.  Likely, the best splash page of the whole issue, we are finally revealed the Winged Wonder of Earth-2 (what I was waiting for!).  Not the person you’d first expect, but a stunning reveal nonetheless.

The foundation is building block by obvious block.  Robinson is creating this world in the image he likely began with his run on Starman.  He is giving a gentle nod to the history, the very important and longstanding history of the Earth-2 characters born from the WWII era of comics... but continues to inject his contemporary spin and depth of character.  Despite his writing prowess for the development of these types of worlds, Robinson’s style sometime misses a step when it comes to dialogue.  Particularily, the dialogue between Alan Scott and his partner, Sam.  Sure, Alan and Sam are a couple... but their lovey-dovey lines are so cheesy.  “I’d love anywhere if I get to go there with you”.  They only have small interactions, and I realize maybe Robinson was pressed from space to show how deep and strong their relationship is... if only to have more impact for what happens next, but being economical with dialogue does not mean you have to fill it heartfelt googly eyes. 

If this was written as a straight couple, it would read like poor daytime soap opera.  And please of please, don’t take that as “he doesn’t like gay characters in my comics”... believe me, I’m in full support of waving a rainbow flag loud and proud.  I’m disturbed by this display not as a straight man, but as a writer.  What Robinson does well here is show Alan to be a kind and gentle soul, an honest man, a decent man... which makes the rage he’ll display next so much more powerful.

Again, Nicola Scott’s art is clean, crisp and mesmerizing.  She is flawlessly creating this sometimes bright (see Alan Scott’s story) and often dark (see Jay Garrick’s first act of inner-city heroism) landscape of Earth-2.  Her action scenes of the Flash seem almost Ivan Reis-inspired... but still with her own visual style.  Her panel and scene work have great movement and flow. 

Her talent with facial expressions is up there with Barry Kitson, George Perez, or Ivan Reis, himself.  I’m eager to see more of her work.  Just don’t get me started on the Flash’s new “updated” costume design.  Unnecessary design elements, a horrible helmet, a horrible yellow streak down his side?  Did Mercury design this?  Is this based on Jay’s image of a Wonder?  Or did Nicola Scott read too many 90s comics before putting pen to paper?  Please change it soon... before I become accustomed to it and stop noticing how much a hate it.