Robb's Grade Card for the New DC 52

As many of you know, I am a huge DC fan. When the relaunch - reboot was announced. I was very hesitant, but open minded. I decided to read each number one and give an open and honest grade for their new introduction to me and the comic reading community. After the jump check out my letter grade for each of the 52.

1. Justice League #1: This one has a lot of potential. Tons. But as an opening issue for a new universe, it falls short. I understand opening with DC's 2 top sellers, but we get the JLA for big TEAM ACTION and this scratches the surface. I'm also so confused as to timelines and how this is affecting things that are going on now vs. 5 years ago. Johns is a solid writer and Lee has done some special things. All in all, I'm sticking with this title and I look forward to the DCU meeting the World's Greatest Heroes!  Grade B-

2.  Animal Man #1: I knew this title was going to be a different kind of Super-hero title. Tapping into the "Vertigo" roots, its very weird, dark, and intelligent. I loved it! A real fun read. Creepy and interesting. I can't wait to read more. Grade A-

3. Batgirl #1: A solid book. Good art and decent writing, but eh, no real flare. Again, since the relaunch, I'm super confused what remains of the previous version of Batgirl/Oracle? Gail Simone has earned so much respect from me, so I'm giving this a few issues, but its on the chopping block. it did nothing for me. Its not bad, just doesn't connect. Grade C+

4. Batwing #1: Woah! Dark and Real feeling! African Batman! This felt like really scary, realistic, Blood Diamond villains and settings. Its not Desert and Lions and stereo typical Africa. It felt like what Batman would be like in a real African Country! I really enjoyed this, but again it doesn't click with me. Maybe the spin-off Batman Inc. feel kills something for me. Solid Book but I doubt I'll stick around long. Grade B

5. Detective Comics #1: Oooohh, shocking! No, not really. I didn't like Tony Daniel on Batman and I like this even less. His art is inconsistent and odd (not in a good way). And there is no substance to the plot. It just felt like "I got a great last page... How do I get there?" I don' think I'm even doing 2 issues. Blah! This is how people are suppose to look at the NEW BATMAN?? Grade D-

6. Action Comics #1: This is how you reboot a book. This Superman is New and fresh. Its a story we've never seen before, but it still feels like Superman. Wow. I can't believe how much I like this book. It feels like Someone took the Golden Age Spirit of Superman and placed it into a modern setting. One of the top new books of the 52! Grade A+

7. Swamp Thing #1: Yeah! Creepy and Beautiful Art! I was a big fan of the Alan Moore Swamp Thing. This feels like it barrows from him and clings to what came since. I like Alec Holland as the main character again, and the "Incredible Hulk" man in hiding feel. I liked this book more than I expected. I'll give it a try for a while. Grade A-

8. Stormwatch #1: I really wanted this book to be good. I liked the concept and it felt like DC wanted to mold it into an answer to what Hickman is doing on Marvel's Shield. Its not even close. Its a confusing bland book. It doesn't feel like the Martian Manhunter at all. It even makes a "reference" to something that happened in Superman #1. (In one lousy panel) I don't care at all about this book. Done. Grade D+

9. Justice League International #1: Coming off Brightest Day, Justice League: Generation Lost, This book had nothing but strong momentum. Well other than character names... this book has NOTHING to do with Generation Lost. I know this is a relaunch... but if it wasn't broke, why'd ya fix it? I'm so lost at timeline and now I feel like all the good work done with Booster is lost. I was really bored with this. I'm gonna give it one more try. It better dazzle me in #2. Grade C-

10.  Red Lanterns #1: Hey I was ready to hate this book. I couldn't wait to say "pass". I was wrong. This was a quality book. Great art and a compelling story. Some insight on who Atrocitus is and who he is becoming. Never did I think a story could center around him. I still don't see this as a series. But if this was a mini... I'm impressed! Nice job on this! Grade B+

11. Batwoman #1: No surprises here. Good book that I was expecting back in March. I liked what I saw. But Batwoman is heavy into mystery and detective type of stories and this just doesn't speak to me. If you liked the back stories that came in Detective Comics, you'll love this. I just don't feel Batwoman is for me. Grade B-

12. Wonder Woman #1: I have very little in way of complaints here. And my biggest complaint is, I want more. This is great build up and hinting at what may be coming. I like this book a lot. Great Art and super cool action. A little violent, but not over the top. Very solid and a perfect start to one of DC's A listers. Grade A-

13. Resurrection Man #1: One of the bigger disappointments in this relaunch. I was a big fan of the old series. This new book just doesn't re-connect to me. I wanted to like it, but didn't. Grade C+

14. Red Hood #1: Ok, I read all the complaints before reading this title. I knew the controversy. But I really wanted this book to replace Secret Six. It doesn't. It could have. The first 6 pages or so were not bad. 2 guys in a prison break on the lamb... then comes Starfire. Oh, Starfire. They really did mistreat her. I know shes a sexual character, but not mindless, not meaningless. She WAS strong and mindful, now... PASS. Grade D+

15. Blue Beetle #1: Slow start, and I didn't expect a retelling of the origin. But I enjoyed the origin of how the scarab got to Earth and I was super impressed with the art. Fun book, but it doesn't feel as kid friendly as the previous Blue Beetle was. Good book. I plan to stay a while. Grade B-

16. Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1: I like the Flashpoint version of this. I was hoping we would see a bit more of that. Its close, but it lost something. A good book, but its missing something. Don't think I'm sticking around. Grade C

17. Mister Terrific #1: I loved Mr. T on the JSA. I thought he was one of the best creations to come out of that book. I was pumped for him to be solo. Instead I get arrogant jerk who goes around telling people that he's the 3rd smartest man on the planet. Who cares? Not me. Big disappointment. Grade D-

18.Teen Titans #1: It pains me to do this. I know Tracie liked this book, but if I'm honest with myself... I'm unhappy. Its not Titans to me. I'm a long time fan and this just moved too far from what works for me. I don't like how Tim acts or Cassie? This isn't my Titans. Not a bad book, just not for me. Grade C-

19. Nightwing #1: (Big Grin) This is where he belongs. As bad as Titans feels to me, this feels right. I think some writers did well with Dick wearing Batman's cowl. And Tracie and I discussed how Nightwing is a demotion. But to me, Nightwing is who Dick is. This is well written and full of action. Much like!! Grade B+

20. Green Lantern The New Guardians #1: I was confused to start. Timelines and a retelling of Kyle's origin seemed odd. But I liked it. I think this takes away the "fridged" girlfriend part of Kyle's origin, but many would argue... that's ok. I liked this. More than I expected to. Fun and Klye is perfect as a solo lantern. Hooked me for now! Grade A-

21. Captain Atom #1: Eh? Did something happen in this book? Freddie's art is great, but I found that I didn't care about the story. I liked "Bwahh ha ha" era Captain Atom, but this felt like even the writer was unsure about the character. Doubt I'll be back. Grade C-

22. Batman The Dark Knight#1: Not a huge shock, cause I like the pre-Flashpoint Batman TDK title. Good art and a cool story. This was good. Not great, but a good Batman book. I'm going to keep collecting for now. Grade B-

23. Superman #1: Talk talk talk... very little action with substance. Ok, fire monster vs. Superman. This doesn't feel like Superman. It feels very broody. I like the dynamic between Clark and Lois at the end. I see some potential, but this is SUPERMAN! Your flagship character. Its shouldn't be a "HoHum" issue. I'm a Superman fan, through and through... but even I'll admit, its going to be hard to collect this. Grade C-.

24. The Savage Hawkman #1: I heard nothing but bad things about ol' Carter Hall. So I went in thinking this was gonna stink. It didn't. It was a real good read. It didn't resemble any Hawkman I know, and it has NOTHING to do with the version from Brightest Day. (Which urks me to no end) But I like this story. I'm here for now. Grade B

25. Hawk & Dove #1: Speaking of Bird related Heroes that I was betting would suck. It did. No surprise. Grade D-

26. Green Lantern Corps #1: Before the "War of the Green Lanterns" I felt like this was a solid book. Tracie and I discussed GL fatigue and over saturation. I was afraid this boo would be more of the same. It wasn't. Guy and John are great. Trying to work back into "normal" life just doesn't fit. I think this is great. More of this please!!! Grade A-

27. Justice League Dark #1: I didn't like it when I first read this. But for what ever reason, I re-read this. (DCU Deadman put the bug in me) Its not great, but its good. I'm curious. I may give this a longer try now. Grade C+

28. Legion of Super-Heroes #1 I guess its ok. I mean... I was barely hanging on before Flashpoint, this doesn't feel like it changed at all since. If you like what was going on before, its decent. But for me... I'm done. Nothing new to see... move along. Grade C

29. Blackhawks #1: Its G.I.Joe... with a hint of of Secret Six. These aren't good guys, even though they are U.N. sanctioned. And we see what looks like some powers developing in one character. I was betting I would hate this title, and it turned out to be pretty good. I doubt I'll collect, but if you like G.I.Joe... give this a try. Grade C+

30. Green Arrow#1: Ugh! This art is what I get to have to look forward to in the future of Superman? The story isn't awful, but I feel like its total disregard for DC Green Arrow and "let's now focus" on Smallville Green Arrow. If they called this something else, I would give it a better grade, but since they have forsaken his history, I'm skipping this title. Grade C-

31. Green Lantern #1: Doing What Geoff Johns does best, grounded Hal Jordan stories. This GL title helps with the over saturation that I spoke of earlier... DC needed to get away from Green Lantern in every cross-over and focus on the individuals. This book does that very well. Great Book! Grade A-

32. Demon Knights #1: D&D, Skull Kickers & Seven Soldiers of Victory all wrapped into a Demon story... minus the rhyming. no Rhyming... really. This book wasn't bad. If you like a good fantasy story, jump in. This is fun, just doubt I'll stay. Not my book. Grade B-

33. Aquaman#1: Boom! Geoff Johns, you took what started as a great Aquaman story in Brightest Day and introduced a fun, action packed, powerful, self deprecating, emotional Super-hero book. I knew Johns would do well on this book, but not THIS WELL. I loved this. Loved this. Blew me away! The scene in the Diner was awesome. Touching and funny. Serious without being "brooding". This is a serious contender for best new book of the 52! Grade A+

34. Birds of Prey #1: Eh... Its did nothing for me. Good art, but I just couldn't get into this. I don't know, maybe subconsciously I miss Gail Simone? Who knows, but I think I'm skipping this book in the future. Grade C

35. Supergirl #1: Great introduction, but dammit... did we have to lose all the came before? Really? She was working... and this is what we get instead? I like it, but was it worth the reboot? Nah! Grade C+

36. Men of War #1: This is a War book. I am not a "military" comic fan, but this felt very grounded in military lore and realistic war situations... Until the floating "Hero" appeared in the sky. Even then, their way of dealing with the after-math was real. I liked this, more than I thought I would. Nice book. Grade B+

37. Deathstroke #1: Blah! Not worthy of a title. Not worth a mini. Not even a good single... I didn't care. The art was nice... no surprise, but skip it! Grade D

38. Superboy #1: I liked this. I feel like we lost the Conner we knew, but we also got a little bit of what makes "Young Justice" work so well in this new creation. Really great mystery and beautiful art. This is one I'm going to look forward to each month. Good series! Grade A-

39. Grifter #1: Speaking of well written... This was another surprise. I thought Grifter was cool looking, but I never cared for Wildstorm at all. Well this book has some great moments. I like the "sleeper" agent feel and man on the run take for this future anti-hero. Nice start for a book I didn't want to try. Grade B+

40. Catwoman #1: More Controversy... I have no problem with sexual Catwoman/Batman tension. But to throw it in my face? Really? This didn't feel right. To say this "adult" is wrong... this is adolescent fan fiction, not an intelligent, dangerous, sexy arch nemesis to Batman. I'm let down by Judd Winick on this one. Not his best work. Grade D+

41. Flash #1: Who knew? Francis Manapul wrote a stronger single issue of Flash than Geoff johns did his entire run. I'm gonna miss Wally West, but I think I will really enjoy what is going on in this title. And to top it off, Francis is one hell of an artist! This book was great! Really nicely done! Grade A

42. Batman And Robin #1: More good Batman! Better than that, more Great Damian banter. I am loving Bruce butt heads with his son. I'm happily sticking with this title. Great Solid Art and Cool new Bat-Villain. If you've not seen Tomasi and Gleason do Batman... read this book. Grade A-

43. Legion Lost #1: Confusing... but a step in the right direction for a Legion book. I had a hard time following what was really going on here... the real point of these heroes to come to "our" time. But It held my interest and had beautiful art by Pete Woods. Some of his best pencils yet! I don't think I'm staying with this book, but I'll give it to the count of 3! We will see. Grade C-

44. Voo Doo #1:  Tracie is not gonna like me for this one, but I really liked this. I really, really liked this. I wanted to be all, "Women shouldn't be portrayed as these sexual... " But Wow, I didn't expect there to be some backbone to this story. Yes this book is CHALK FULL of T&A eye candy. TONS. But I swear to you, there is a real story here and I liked it. A lot. One of the biggest shocks, I'm gonna give this book a serious try. And you can't deny that Sami Basri is an incredible artist. Hey, what do I know? Grade B

45. OMAC #1: If you like Kirby stuff... If you like Old Hulk from the 60's, if you like the whole Omac/Brother Eye concept... you'll love this. Only problem, I don't like most of those things. This is a really good book if that sort of thing is "your" sort of thing. Its not mine. Great title, I hope it lasts. Not for me. Grade B-

46. DC Universe Presents: Deadman: I'm not a fan of Bernard Chang. I didn't care for his style on Superman, or Supergirl... or anywhere I've seen him. So when I thumbed through this book I was pushed to think I'd hate this title too. BOY WAS I WRONG! This was excellent! A real in depth Deadman psyche story. Its barely an origin, but more importantly its a real look into what Deadman does, and why! Boston Brand is a jerk... will Deadman still be one too? I even enjoyed Bernard's art. Great Book! Grade A

47. Suicide Squad #1: First, I'm not happy with slinky, sexy Harley Quinn or Amanda Waller. Neither needed to be changed. But the rest of the book was ok. Not the hatefest I was expecting. Its NO Secret Six... not close! But it does feel like what I used to like in the ol' Suicide Squad days of the late 80's. Which I really enjoyed. Add in Boomer and you can count me in. I can see me collecting for a while. (If they fix Amanda!!) Grade B-

48. Batman #1: Nice! This is Batman's answer to Action #1. Damn near perfect. Great Art! Compelling mystery/detective story. Cliff hanger ending! New twists and all the "Wayne" boys under one roof. Who wouldn't love this title?  My only complaint... and its a small one. I struggled with who was who when "Lincoln March" came face to face with "Bruce Wayne". Tall, Brunette, Square jawed... hard to tell who's who when they are there talking. (small complaint) Otherwise, loved this book. Welcome back to the top Batman! Snyder & Capullo got you there in style! Grade A

49. I Vampire #1: Who said this book was gonna suck? (Pun intended) Seriously,, I hate the vampire craze, and I not a fan of horror comics. But this was cool. Great art that reminded me of Jae Lee with a drippy, creepy inker. I found myself very interested in this. 2 Vampires discussing their future and how Mary the Queen of Blood is planning to take on the world of heroes. This isn't what the X-men did about a year ago, this is deep and intelligent. I liked this book, a lot. I'll try it for a while. Grade B

50. The Fury of Firestorm The Nuclear Men #1: Not. What. I. Expected! In a good way. I'm upset that they felt they had to wipe out an incredible "Brightest Day" story, that showed more depth in the character since his inception. But I do like what they did to tweak the origin and incorporate both Ronnie & Jason as part of the original form. This was fun. Not great, but good. Grade B

51. Static Shock #1: This was about what I expected. I liked Virgil on the Titans. He was a good fit. I could even see him as a leader of other teen heroes. But I just didn't care about this version. The art looked much better than I expected, but the story seemed blah. its too bad, but this book isn't for me.  Grade C

52. All Star Western #1: This has to be the biggest surprise of the 52. I rarely have liked western themed books. (Until I tried 6th Gun) But I've not been a big fan of Jonah Hex since the 80's and then he was more Sci-Fi than western. I had heard that Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray were doing nice things on Jonah Hex, but I wasn't going to give it a try. Well if not for me trying all of DC's new 52, I'd not have tried this one. I'm here to tell you... as bad as Jonah Hex the movie was... is how GOOD All Star Western is. AN EXCELLENT BOOK. I'd say just a notch below Action #1. Wow. Loved it. Count me as a regular guys. Great book to end the grade card on. Wow! Loved it! Grade A+

Biggest Positive Surprises: All Star Western #1, Aquaman #1, Voo Doo #1, Red Lanterns #1, DC Universe Presents: Deadman #1, I Vampire #1, Grifter #1

Biggest Disappointments: Mr. Terrific #1, Teen Titans #1, Resurrection Man #1, Catwoman #1, 

Best Overall Book: Action Comics #1  (Just perfect, new, fun, stuck to the core, Superman!)

Worst Book: Detective Comics #1 (Maybe have Gordon make out with Bruce... that would've helped)

Final Thoughts: DC messed with a lot here. Some good, some bad. I think the "Vertigo turned DCU" books were all successful, and surprisingly there isn't a bad Green Lantern Book. Superman is halfway to being better, but I still don't like "current" storyline Superman. Wonder Woman is back on top and over-all the Bat-books are working. I'll miss Secret Six and feel like the gap isn't filled yet, and the Legion just hasn't settled to a place where I'm happy. I think the Titans are moving backwards, but DC really has figured out how to make all the Big Guns work. I'm happy with Flash, Firestorm, Aquaman, and Nightwing. And never did I think I'd like All-Star Western... that book rocked! I think this "relaunch" was un-necessary, but since its the world we have, I'm overall happy with most of the books... for now!

I have Superboy in there 2 times...