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DC COMICS => DC HEROES TEAMS & EVENTS => Topic started by: EmeraldWarrior420 on January 12, 2013, 03:07:34 PM



Title: Earth 2
Post by: EmeraldWarrior420 on January 12, 2013, 03:07:34 PM
(http://images.comiccollectorlive.com/covers/b1e/b1e51ba0-6e8e-481a-8c77-f1f13ddedb84.jpg)

So, how is everyone liking this series?

I really want to like it. I love the JSA and Infinity Inc. characters and this is the closest I'm gonna get to them in this New 52 era. And I've really enjoyed James Robinson in the past, especially the Jack Knight Starman series.

But I just can't seem to get into this series. It's not "hooking" me, and I'm not really appreciating the changes to these characters. The story just seems "so-so", and too drawn-out. And the redesigned characters really aren't all that impressive. Compared to the legacy and wealth of history these characters have lost, it's not worth the changes.

The first issue and the zero issue were the best issues in the series so far, easily. Unfortunately, the Earth 2 versions of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman were the stars of those issues, who are dead now. So we won't be seeing them anymore, unfortunately. Figures that the best part of the book is the part that we immediately lose.

What is everyone else's take on this series so far?


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on January 12, 2013, 04:40:10 PM
Tried it twice. And in fact ...

I really like James Robinson. I listen to him about once a month and he gets me laughing my ass off all the time. Also, like almost everyone, I really enjoyed his STARMAN. His Earth 2 however ... I just can't get into. I tried it twice and dropped it each time after 2 issues.

It is as if he doesn't trust Nikola Scott or something. Too many panels of 'descriptive exposition' that irritates the hell out of me.

For example, while battling the heroes, Grundy looks up and says (something along the lines of) - "What is this? Coming from above me?"

Arrhhh. Come on James, we know he is looking up, you don't need that.

The scenes with the 'green flame' and Alan Scott were also so full of unnecessary exposition that it ruined at least 4 pages.

 :)


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jeff on January 12, 2013, 05:38:17 PM
Funny.  I was thinking as I started to read this post that the only issues that were any good were #1 and #0 and then - BANG! - you said the same thing.  Great minds think alike.  This could have been a good series if he had stayed along those lines.  Unfortunately, it got boring fast and I let it go.



Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: sinisteri on January 15, 2013, 06:10:29 AM
You know,

A friend and I were just talking about what got us into Earth 2 characters as kids. It was the legacy and seeing who this other GL and Flash were with the different costumes. For me, it was Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Plastic Man and Batman without the yellow oval on his chest. For my friend, it was the race of Flash, Wonder Woman and Superman.

Without the history, I am not sure of the purpose for Earth 2.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on January 15, 2013, 01:29:17 PM
Without the history, I am not sure of the purpose for Earth 2.

Especially when DC is restricting what heroes James Robinson can use (no Hawkman for example) trying to keep the "same name game" to a minimum, for fear of confusing "new" readers.  But I think having "EARTH 2" in bold letters across the cover would pretty much be explanation enough. But hey, I'm just a comic reader, not a smart EIC.
 :)


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Tokyo Vigilante #1 on January 20, 2013, 02:39:44 PM
I have to agree with Perry.

When DC works with multiple Earths it's like when the X-Men mess with the time travel.  Harder to follow than anything else, IMHO.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: EmeraldWarrior420 on January 20, 2013, 04:34:03 PM
I have to agree with Perry.

When DC works with multiple Earths it's like when the X-Men mess with the time travel.  Harder to follow than anything else, IMHO.

I loved the old Pre-Crisis Earth-2 stuff. It wasn't hard to follow at all. Golden Age characters on Earth 2, while the Silver Age (then current) characters on Earth-1. No Golden Age characters on Earth-1 to make it confusing, either. Quite simple.

The difference between then and now being that the JSA of Earth-2 back then had a rich history and legacy behind it, and a wealth of characters.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on January 20, 2013, 06:32:54 PM
I loved the old Pre-Crisis Earth-2 stuff.

I also. As well as the other "Earths" characters like Earth-X (FREEDOM FIGHTERS), Earth-S (SHAZAM) and of course the characters from Earth-C  ;)


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on May 18, 2013, 10:27:27 AM
Well James Robinson is off EARTH-2 it seems. Walked off (I presume) or let go, I don't know. Shame. Even though I am not a huge fan of his writing, I am a fan of him. Hoping the best for him.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: EmeraldWarrior420 on May 18, 2013, 05:36:12 PM
Well James Robinson is off EARTH-2 it seems. Walked off (I presume) or let go, I don't know. Shame. Even though I am not a huge fan of his writing, I am a fan of him. Hoping the best for him.

That sucks. He didn't just quit the book, he also quit DC Comics in general. And this wasn't planned, because he had long-term plans for the book including an eventual lead-up to an Earth-1/Earth-2 crossover event.

DC seems to be pissing off creators left and right. Granted we don't know exactly what happened, yet; but considering how many other times this has happened since the New 52 began with other creators, and the fact that Robinson had long-term plans for the book, I'm guessing it's "creative differences" yet again.


I really hope we still get to see an Earth-1/Earth-2 crossover event, though.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: EmeraldWarrior420 on May 18, 2013, 11:55:36 PM
This probably explains why it's been taking so long for issues of this series to hit the stands. There's probably been a few arguments between Robinson and editors that held them back.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on May 20, 2013, 02:53:08 PM
Would not shock me in the least to find that DC told James it was okay to use a character (their initial stance of not having characters with the same name on both Erth 2 and ... whatever the main Earth is) and then after spending all the time to plot and script, the editorial staff or higher-ups decided to change their mind again and told him to scrap his plans.

I honestly can't see how DC is keeping any writers. I realize that plans change and sometimes editors have to step in and make changes that effect writer's plans, but it is getting out of hand at Destructive Comics. I am hearing about waaay too much editorial changes, interference and bungling taking place ... even after the "editorial retreat" to fix the issues. Now that Morrison is "done with hero books" for awhile, could you imagine, and this will not happen, but still a 'what if' to ponder, if Johns and Snyder left DC?

(And yes, I have once more added that damn SUPERMAN: UNCHAINED back on my pull)  ::)


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: EmeraldWarrior420 on May 20, 2013, 05:14:21 PM
Would not shock me in the least to find that DC told James it was okay to use a character (their initial stance of not having characters with the same name on both Erth 2 and ... whatever the main Earth is) and then after spending all the time to plot and script, the editorial staff or higher-ups decided to change their mind again and told him to scrap his plans.

I honestly can't see how DC is keeping any writers. I realize that plans change and sometimes editors have to step in and make changes that effect writer's plans, but it is getting out of hand at Destructive Comics. I am hearing about waaay too much editorial changes, interference and bungling taking place ... even after the "editorial retreat" to fix the issues. Now that Morrison is "done with hero books" for awhile, could you imagine, and this will not happen, but still a 'what if' to ponder, if Johns and Snyder left DC?

(And yes, I have once more added that damn SUPERMAN: UNCHAINED back on my pull)  ::)

Johns did leave Green Lantern. I think he's still on Justice League, although I'm not positive as I don't follow that book.

Was there any word on if Johns is planning on taking on another book to replace GL?


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on May 20, 2013, 05:36:18 PM
He just took over (well, started) the New JL of America and he is also still doing the regular JL and Aquaman, so he is still has his three.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on December 04, 2013, 04:38:48 AM
Sooo, anyone tried this title with the new writer yet?


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jimmy T on December 04, 2013, 04:49:58 AM
I still really enjoy it with Tom Taylor. Although, I miss the 'world buidling' aspect of rediscovering heroes. All we have now is full on, continual, Armageddon.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on January 03, 2014, 02:59:22 PM
Just read through the last 6 issues of EARTH 2 and now eagerly await issue #19 next week.

Not sure I like the way the planet is being handled, but am eager to see what happens after reading that last issue.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on February 07, 2014, 05:01:50 PM
EARTH 2 ANNUAL #2

Okay, that was very ... different ... and that is perfectly fine for an "alternate" Earth story. At first it is hard not to find fault with the plot as the characters are so different than both their Earth 1 counterparts (or whatever DC calls the main DC Earth) and their past incarnations, but once you settle into this being a new universe it all kinda becomes a better story. A "fine" story that changes a little/a lot of what we know without damaging what can be.

Art wise it was also fine. One of those perfectly clear, non-stylized forms of art that won't make any noise one way or the other. Sorta like the good ole Kerry Gammill in his Power Man and Iron Fist days which for me, always just worked. I do like the way the artist kept the facial scars of Joe Chill consistent even in mirrored imagery. Whether that was luck or not I can't be sure, but I damn sure checked and it was correct.
 ;D   

My only small complaint would be to have made Batman a little younger than what he says he is, but that is such a small nit-pick and it really changes nothing. Of course my biggest complaint was being spoiled on who this Batman is so long ago from a toy advertisement.
 >:(
 ;D

Overall, a fun romp and a nice book that actual adds to the Earth 2 story and not just the usual, throw away annual.

7 outta 10 orgies I never thought I would see  :D


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jimmy T on February 07, 2014, 05:25:36 PM
I somehow made myself avoid that spoiler. Very surprised at myself!!


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: EmeraldWarrior420 on February 08, 2014, 12:57:12 AM
I enjoyed the annual, too. But I still have the same complaint about the overall series: LET'S MOVE ON ALREADY! How long are they going to fight Darkseid's minions? We haven't even seen the "wonders" fight Darkseid himself, yet.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jeff on February 10, 2014, 06:01:42 PM
So I read straight through the series from Issue #1 to Issue #19 (including both annuals) over the weekend.

The switch from Robinson to Taylor was very disjointed and three plot points totally vanished.

1.  In Issue 13 it is clearly stated that the pit in Rio is different from all the others and Steel comes out of it at the end stating that a Red Lantern is in it.  And yet, in Taylor's later issues the para demons come flying out of it just like all of the others.

2.  Hawkgirl is captured by two new villains in issue #15.  But in the Annual and I see in the first page of issue #20, she's with the rest of the team fighting the war.  What happened to her investigation of Sam's murder?  How did she escape capture?  What happened to the new villains?

3.  At the end of an earlier issue (can't remember exactly which one) the Red Tornado appears at the end of the book as she is coming to the rescue.  In the Taylor issues she is activated for the first time.  How can that be when she was already introduced and we never saw how that battle ended.

I'm not a big Robinson fan and thought I would like Taylor so I picked this up.  Surprisingly, I liked how Robinson was slowly building this world and I hate the inconsistency.  It's gone from interesting to average all of a sudden.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on February 10, 2014, 06:22:25 PM
ISSUE #20

My memory is crap, and I have to go back and look at issue #19 now because I do not remember
Hawkgirl flying Aquawoman and Batman around at the end of that issue
, but other than that, other than my own hangup  :D, this was a decent issue.

No a ton of fighty fighty punch kick, except for the opening sequence and a few destructive Parademons, but an issue that flowed well and had me ready to see what happens next. A good, solid, non-spectacular issue.

6.5 outta 10 people that can't commit to giving this issue a full "7" grade  ;D



Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on February 10, 2014, 06:27:56 PM
I was busy writing my post, and answer my phone and getting sidetracked  ;D when you posted yours, Jeff. You kinda solved (or didn't) my question -

2.  Hawkgirl is captured by two new villains in issue #15.  But in the Annual and I see in the first page of issue #20, she's with the rest of the team fighting the war.  What happened to her investigation of Sam's murder?  How did she escape capture?  What happened to the new villains?

Okay, so it wasn't just me  :D My memory is so bad I wasn't sure.

I agree. Robinson (who's dialog can bug the hell out of me) is a better writer when it comes to structure and pacing and it shows in the last few issues of this title. I couldn't even give this issue a full 7 as I just didn't "feel" it was worth it. I guess, in hindsight, I should have just dropped a "6" and left it at that. A tad better than an average book for me, but I can see where you would be more comfortable with a 4 or 5 I think. (5 being a dead even, non-descript, "okay" comic with no jarring problems, but no need for any praise either.)

And I can understand that


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jeff on February 10, 2014, 07:11:40 PM
I haven't actually read issue #20 yet.  Wife made me turn out the light last night right as I was getting to it.   ;D

So I'll read it tonight and report back.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jimmy T on February 11, 2014, 03:49:09 PM
I've begun my reread as well. Just finished the first trade, and I sit a little confused wondering how we got from that first Grundy arc to now, even! There' s a disjointed nature to it, but what I find a little more unsettling is the refocus on

New Batman, Evil Superman, and newly revealed Kryptonian

I'd prefer to see more of Alan, Jay, Al and Kendra developed. Sandmen and Terrifics abound, but they've been shunt aside as well.

I still really like the book...but I really liked what the book originally was as well. I could read both books, to be honest.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jeff on February 11, 2014, 05:01:27 PM
I read issue 20 last night and I was thinking the same thing as Jimmy.  Where is Flash, Green Lantern, the Atom, and the Sandmen?  What about Terry Sloan?

Had I not read the Robinson stories right before this I might be enjoying it more but right now I have a bad taste in my mouth.  Not ready to abandon it yet but really missing where this was originally going.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jimmy T on February 18, 2014, 03:15:18 AM
Things lost as I reread (through the first 2 trades)

Who targeted Sam to die? What was up with that cargo container holding loads of dead parademons?
Where is Scot Free? Big Barda?
What are Khan and Mr. Terrific up to? (honestly forgotten)
Is Fury (WW's daughter) this world's Donna Troy? (that's my hope/prediction)

I know I repeated some things (and frankly, am forgetting some events between 14 and 20) but the disjoint ...unsettles me now.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on March 08, 2014, 03:12:53 PM
Issue #21

Wow. Jeff just wasted $4.  ;)

/comments


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jimmy T on March 15, 2014, 04:01:50 AM
wow. Also read the last released issue. WTF DC. This book has spun out and away why people picked it up in the first place. If all Tom Taylor can do is write and write Injustice, then put someone else on Earth 2. I read a buddy, but pick this up in trades.

Seriously rethinking that notion.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: sinisteri on March 24, 2014, 06:52:33 PM
Well,

I glance at it or skim it once in a while. I am still trying to wrap my head around the new version of the classic character that is a drug addict thief perhaps murderer. Just what fans have always wanted, I guess.

Not much of the gay GL(why is he gay again).

I reason that this was a way to give Earth 2 a war to replace the World War II theme it would always carry with war veterans in its midst.

Is there actually a team yet, or just a bunch of characters running around somewhat disjointed?


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Perry on April 07, 2014, 08:14:49 PM
Issue #21

Wow. Jeff just wasted $4.  ;)

/comments

Just going back through some old posts and realized I didn't make myself very clear here. What I meant was ... Jeff said he only bought this issue because of the cover. But after reading this issue, it is clear that this is one of those "this cover represents nothing in this issue". I mean it was a great image of Dr. Fate, on the cover, but did he even have any lines in this issue?
 :D


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jeff on April 07, 2014, 08:45:28 PM
Issue #21

Wow. Jeff just wasted $4.  ;)

/comments

Just going back through some old posts and realized I didn't make myself very clear here. What I meant was ... Jeff said he only bought this issue because of the cover. But after reading this issue, it is clear that this is one of those "this cover represents nothing in this issue". I mean it was a great image of Dr. Fate, on the cover, but did he even have any lines in this issue?
 :D

I read the issue and I think your statement could go either way.   :D


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: Jimmy T on April 24, 2014, 06:39:09 PM
Ya know what? Screw this book now. Issue 25 solicit shows that the war is still doing on. That's now hitting a year +1 month that this is occurring. I'm done with it. IN fact; I"m going to sell my vol 1 & 2 HC and just walk away clean from this series. It's purely become an elseworlds tale of Batman-and Superman-analogues fighting for the end of the world.

Whatever. My hands are now clean.


Title: Re: Earth 2
Post by: EmeraldWarrior420 on April 24, 2014, 11:17:06 PM
^ I was about to do the same. But then they announced the Earth-2 related weekly. Seems like they may be looking to end this war. So I'm roped in again.