DC has relaunched is main line with 52 new issue ones that serve as a jumping on point. Some titles are fresh starts where one doesn't need to have read any previous stories since they are remakes so to speak. Other titles retain elements of previous continuity. Honestly, its very headache inducing if one worries about it too much. It actually helps not to be familiar at all with previous DC continuity...
Anyway, today I picked up my selection from this week's shipment. Now, there were titles that came out this week that I was interested in but didn't get because 52 titles are a bit too much. Rather I'll sample them either digitally or in trade form. This week's selection is Stormwatch and Swamp Thing. Now I am only vaguely familiar with both concepts so for both titles I am that 'new reader' DC hopes to attract. Interestingly enough I wouldn't call either title a 'superhero book'.
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing #1 reads like a Vertigo title which is a good thing. How much previous continuity does it retain? I don't know. Brightest Day Aftermath: Search for Swamp Thing for sure (with exception of continuity ripples) but its not necessary. This is mostly just set up for the series and is quite new reader friendly. Alec Holland is a rather interesting character and his interaction with the titular character equally so once we actually see it. As an aside I do wonder if Death of Superman is still in-continuity but I digress... Read it if you're fan of weird fiction, Swamp Thing, or what I would call 'early or pre-Vertigo'. As for me, I am definately getting next issue.
Stormwatch
Another set up issue that quickly introduces the reader to protagonists, the 'antagonist', and the concept of the book and does so marvelously. Apparently Stormwatch has operated on the fringes of the new DC universe for centuries and no superhero with the exception of the Martian Manhunter has noticed them until now. Guess it sort of works since the new history is 5 years old. Anyway, Paul Cornell did a bang up job getting me to like a book where with exception of MM I had no familiarity with either the characters or the concept. In addition to the writing, the art team did a decent job as well. Read this if you like Doctor Who, Torchwood, Heroes, Alphas, and any modern/furistic anime. Yep, I am getting the next issue.
So in conclusion, DC won with this first week. Stormwatch and Swamp Thing remain on my pull list.
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