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IN Reading Guides, Lists, Reviews
ESSENTIAL NEW 52 RUNS FOR YOUR DIGITAL COLLECTION
STAR RATINGS:
Best: 5 to 4.5 stars.
Good: 4 to 3 stars.
Bad: 2.5 to 2 stars.
Worst: 1.5 to 0 stars.
BEST: GREEN ARROW (2016)
Collects Green Arrow #17-34, #23.1; Secret Origins #4, Futures End: Green Arrow #1.
Dialogue: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Plot: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Characterization: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Art: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
From 2013 to 2016, Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino had some of the best runs on Green Arrow in recent memory. Namely, the story arc is simply titled Green Arrow that acts as a soft reboot. Critically, it is one of the best runs of the New 52.
In a sense, it is similar to a Batman: Year One story. In fact, it is a back-to-basics run about Green Arrow‘s origin story including the loss of his fortune and his time stranded on Starfish Island. Thematically, it is about loss, responsibility and overcoming extreme pain.
Really, critics and die-hard fans of Green Arrow have raved about this run. At Comic Book Movie, Bradley M. Walker Sr. lauds the series as a successful jumping on point for new and old fans alike.
Furthermore, the work by the tandem Lemire-Sorrentino is revolutionary. In fact, Sorrentino’s artistic experiment lends itself well to a digital format.
Certainly, the Green Arrow vs Count Vertigo battle is a highlight of the run. Without a doubt, it reveals the brutality and the savagery of Oliver’s training and skills. Definitely, it is not for the faint of heart.
Definitely, this story is one of the best Green Arrow stories ever told. Successfully, the comic gains new fans onboard with its back-to-basics approach and its origin story. In fact, it is available on Amazon in the link below.
A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON Green Arrow By Jeff Lemire & Andrea Sorrentino Deluxe Edition BELOW TO BUY THE COMIC ON AMAZON.
BEST: WONDER WOMAN (2011-2016)
Collects Wonder Woman Vol 1-9.
Dialogue: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Plot: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Characterization: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Art: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Wonder Woman may become a classic collection in the future. Namely, it is the fourth volume in the Wonder Woman series that lasted the entirety of the New 52. And that is saying the work is top-notch.
At the helm, is a creative team that had a long-lasting impact on the character and the DC Universe.
As matter of fact, the changes that Azzarello and his team brought to the series impacted Wonder Woman well into Rebirth. It may be said that when Wonder Woman became the God of War, she slowly became the central character in the DC Universe.
Indeed, this is evident in Justice League: Darkseid War which clotures the New 52 and in Dark Nights: Death Metal which gives a fresh beginning to the DC multiverse.
For new readers, Wonder Woman presents a stark contrast in its colorful cast of characters. Though the confrontation between the heroine and First Born is complex, it is amplified by caricature.
In effect, both characters by their physical appearance and their morality stand diametrically opposed. It is this caricature that is evident in the Olympians who have abandoned mythological attire for a more modern outlook.
This colorful cast of characters with its machinations seems to weave a tapestry that ultimately seeks power and domination.
When Wonder Woman has to protect a new life, a new dimension of maternity is added to her personality. In the end, she saves the day by making a difficult choice in battle. And the new love interest with Orion is an added breath of fresh air.
Really, this may be some of the best Wonder Woman writing in years.
Definitely, this volume is essential Wonder Woman and the caricatures flow perfectly on the Kindle format.
A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON Wonder Woman (2011-2016) (9 book series) BELOW TO BUY THE COMIC ON AMAZON.
BEST: BATMAN: COURT OF OWLS
A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON Batman: The Court of Owls Saga: (DC Essential Edition) (Batman (2011-2016)) BELOW TO BUY THE COMIC ON AMAZON.
CHECK OUT THE REVIEW: ’80s HE-MAN AND MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE STORYLINES RANKED FROM BEST TO WORST.
BEST: DC UNIVERSE VS MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (2013-2014)
Collects ‘Superman: Birthright’ #1-12.
Dialogue: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Plot: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Characterization: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Art: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Technically, DC Universe vs Masters of the Universe is a limited series. However, its popularity, fan service and characterization make it a strong contender for the best New 52 story arc.
And including, the mega-popular Superman vs He-Man battle that overjoyed fans of the DC Universe and The Masters of The Universe.
Really, the crossover event captured a moment of glory and excitement for the New 52 reboot. Indeed, were He-Man and company going to shake the DC Universe status quo?
For some reason, it would have made sense for He-Man to dethrone Superman as the most powerful DC hero.
Notwithstanding, the first appearance of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in the New 52 has value for comic collectors. For the first time, the Justice League, the Masters of the Universe and the Justice League Dark stop a multiversal threat!
Really, this limited series revealed the potential of the New 52: to change the status quo, to deliver on bold and inventive ideas.
Certainly, this limited series is essential New 52. Definitely, you can collect equally the paperback or the digital formats.