The long-awaited "Batman: Earth One" was released a few weeks before "The Dark Knight Rises" and it proved to be a great primer. Although it's not a masterpiece, Geoff Johns' re-telling of the Bat legend is a bizarre, but entertaining take on the Caped Crusader's not-so-great beginnings. In this alternate universe, Alfred Pennyworth is a badass with a prosthetic leg and the Mayor of Gotham City is none other than The Penguin himself who is now a tall, slender man. There's also a new version of Harvey Bullock who seems to be modeled after Kevin Spacey's Det. Jack Vincennes of "L.A. Confidential". In this first volume of "Batman: Earth One", Bruce Wayne is out to solve the mystery of his parents' murders. Along the way, he befriends a young Lucius Fox, but constantly butts heads with Alfred and even socks Jim Gordon in the face as Batman (during an escape that is). The book gets ugly with the introduction of a serial killer named "The Birthday Boy" and the murder of a major villain, but it's still a fun alternative version of the Bat-verse with a good ending and the promise of a sequel. Additionally, the artwork by Gary Frank is quite magnificent. Overall, if you're a Batman fan, then consider "Earth One" to be a worthy purchase.

A carbon copy of "G.I. Joe". Nothing really distinguishes it from that long running franchise other than the DC Comics stamp. A nicely drawn, but mediocre debut.

Issue #1 of The New 52’s “Green Arrow” is a fast and fun introduction to the character that does away with any origin story. Unlike the first issues of “Batman” and “Detective Comics”, it isn’t gritty or graphic, but extremely light in tone, if a bit dopey. It’s as if DC wanted to aim this book towards younger readers as evidenced by the cheesy lines spoken by the titular character. Speaking of which, Green Arrow is first shown tracking a trio of super-powered villains in the streets of Paris. He eventually engages in combat with them showcasing his trademark trick arrows. As Oliver Queen, the “Emerald Archer” also battles with Emerson, the CEO of Q-Core who will obviously become his future rival, if not enemy. This first issue also introduces us Ollie's new support team, but the new villains are a tad too generic. While the New 52 update of "Green Arrow" could've been so much grittier, it's still provides some lightweight fun.

The first issue of "Green Arrow" established itself as a simple book suited for younger readers. In The New 52, Green Arrow is good, while the bad guys are bad; shades of grey do not apply. Even the banal dialogue spouted by Ollie was something out of a Saturday morning cartoon show. While it's a direction many readers might've not appreciated, the premiere issue did deliver some lightweight fun. "Going Viral" picks up shortly after the first book ended, with Green Arrow battling the super-powered vixens Lime and Light in Seattle. It eventually ends with the Emerald Archer being ambushed by their crew, while being broadcasted on the internet. Issue # 2 hits many of the same notes of the first book, but slows things down a bit with a few needless panels. For instance, early on, Ollie is shown playing basketball with a random pro baller, then gets into an argument with a CEO immediately afterwards. The information relayed on these pages is redundant and kills the pacing of the book. Overall, while this second issue is moderately entertaining, it's not as exciting as I'd hoped it would be.

This first issue of "Men of War" is better than the debut of "Blackhawks", but not by much. It's a decent throwback to 1970's war comics and the artwork is great, but it's not amazing or essential reading. The story isn't too exciting and that goes for the backup story as well. Overall, it's just a standard war comic with a link to the world of superheroes. Premiere issues should offer more of a hook than this one manages to do.

This first issue of "O.M.A.C." is breezy, light fun. It may not have much of a plot or deep character development, but it provides a good set-up while delivering plenty of over-the-top comic-book action. Fans of the Hulk and the great colorful artwork by legendary artist Jack Kirby will certainly be entertained. Prior to the launch of The New 52, I was not much of a comic book reader, but this series is supposedly a throwback to the 70's era of the medium. That means it's a book that won't take itself too seriously and just provides simple fun. That's what this issue does. In it, the headquarters of a scientific research division is attacked by a gigantic rampaging cyborg named O.M.A.C. But in the final panel, it is revealed that a "Big Brother"-type satellite is the one truly responsible for the attack. With so many other higher-profile books out there, I did not follow through with "O.M.A.C", but this premiere issue was a fun read.

The first issue of "Red Lanterns" is filled with the color red. It's a nice touch that distinguishes the book from the rest of The New 52. This "Green Lantern" spin-off also features some great artwork by Ed Benes, but the dark script by Peter Milligan is perhaps a bit too downbeat. It mainly focuses on the pain and anger of Atrocitus, the alien leader of the Red Lanterns. In a flashback sequence, we see how the murder of his family caused his grief and suffering, but his rage is now lacking. So Atrocitus offers the blood of his enemy (the deceased guardian Krova) to an unknown entity to gain insight and understanding of his purpose. This issue also includes a seemingly random murder that occurs in the United Kingdom. How that ties into Atrocitus' mission is unknown for now. Overall, the issue is gripping, but some readers might be put off with all of the dark themes. It can be depressing.

"Kicked in the Teeth", the premiere issue of The New 52's Suicide Squad is a guilty pleasure. It doesn't contain a real story, but it does manage to entertain in a sickly way. The main problem with the book is that nothing really happens; it's all just setup. Writer Adam Glass reintroduces the team through an extended torture sequence which includes a few flashbacks and a "twist" ending that most readers will see coming a mile away. The enjoyment comes from the colorful artwork and the dark humor sprinkled throughout the issue. The gruesome violence displayed is a little over-the-top, but I guess that just goes with the territory. After all, this series is dealing with some of the hardened criminals of the DC Universe. Long-time fans of Task Force X will probably be disappointed with some of the character changes, but as a new reader, I just wished there was more of a story. Issue #1 isn't a classic, but it does provide nasty fun and the cliffhanger is a doozy.

The first question I had with Issue # 2 of Suicide Squad is, "Why is named after a classic Led Zeppelin song?" It's entitled "When the Levee Breaks" and yet contains no references to the legendary band. Whatever. With this issue, writer Adam Glass brings on the Squad's first assignment; taking on a horde of cyborg zombies. Yes, it's rather silly, but the whole thing comes across as tongue-in-cheek with Harley Quinn delivering cheesy one-liners. While the first issue was dark in its tone, this one comes across as campy. Yet, it still contains plenty of bloody violence and has a lot more action. It opens with team leader Deadshot taking orders from Amanda Waller. The Squad's task is to kill every infected person inside a sports stadium and rescue a woman who is carrying a vaccine...within her womb. The scenario is straight out of a B movie zombie flick. It does provide some brainless fun, but it lacks originality and a strong hook. Ultimately, the first two books of The New 52's Suicide Squad (while fun) are non-essentials and that's what made me drop the series.

A thouroughly entertaining and beautifully drawn series debut that features a mini poster which also serves the story. Writer Scott Snyder and the legendary artist Jim Lee are at the top of their game with this pricy premiere issue that is short in length, but delivers big with a good mystery and stunning visuals.

"Superman: Earth One" isn't the definitive Superman graphic novel, but its contemporary take on Clark Kent's journey of self-discovery is quite entertaining. It's also an obvious inspiration to Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel". Unlike "Batman: Earth One", this is a more conventional re-telling of a well-known origin story. There are no major changes or alternative versions of established characters. The book's biggest change to the mythos is that Clark Kent's journey to find himself is about the same as everyone else's. Here, Clark is first shown arriving at Metropolis with no idea of what to do with his young life. He is good at plenty of major professions, but lacks any kind of direction. It is a great beginning, but it quickly switches to action mode and becomes a bit more standard. Nevertheless, the book features terrific artwork and is a great way to get into the character if you haven't already.