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Review: Earth 2 #16

By | October 4th, 2013
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After a year and half of crafting this strange new world, James Robison bows out of “Earth 2,” in what turns out to be one of his finest issues.

Written by James Robinson
Illustrated by Nicola Scott

The war against Steppenwolf and the Hunger Dogs is over…all hope is lost!

Under James Robinson’s pen, “Earth 2” did some great things. Not only did it revitalize and showcase DC’s golden age characters for a new generation, but it also did something that few New 52 titles have done; it moved forward. Most New 52 books have had their cake and eaten it, cherry picking continuity and, in general, pussyfooting around the whole “reboot” thing. While it has yet to reach the level of quality seen in books like “Wonder Woman” or “Batman,” it has always felt fresh, well paced, and genuinely surprising. Fittingly, “Earth 2” #16 features what is perhaps the most surprising twist yet.

When I say surprising, I don’t quite mean it in an “OMG I can’t believe he did that I never saw it coming” kind of way. This issue’s big twist is probably pretty obvious to anyone who has kept up with the series, as Robinson has subtly seeded and hinted at the development for a while now. Rather, it’s that “anything can happen” mentality that really sells the moment, which I wouldn’t dare spoil here (although the cover makes it pretty obvious in hindsight). While Didio and company are busy protecting their cash cows from things dangerous like marriage (a stance I disagree with, but understand), Robinson is left to his own devices, leveling entire worlds in an instant. I’ve said it before, but that freedom makes this book truly special compared to nearly every other book at DC.

Yes, the ending of the issue is fantastic, but the rest of the issue is just as great. “Earth 2” #16 feels like a season finale. Robinson gathers everyone together for a major clash against the big bad, and each member of the rather extended cast gets a bit of the spotlight. By setting the issue through the perspective of an embedded reporter, Robinson successfully captures the grandiose nature of a superhuman war, making this issue feel like more than your standard super hero brawl.

Everything about this issue feels big, due in large part to Nicola Scott. When Scott started out on “Earth 2,” it was easy to see she would be a talent worth watching. With a style reminiscent of Ivan Reis, Scott instantly contributed the feel of a high-profile super hero book. Here, she takes it to a new level. Regardless of your feelings about 2 page spreads, one has to applaud Scott for her ability to capture the scope of the story Robinson is telling. The opening pages, in which hundreds of thousands of World Army soldiers take on Steppenwolf, is nothing short of epic. Scott could’ve made an entire issue worth of such spreads and it would’ve felt appropriate, almost warranted. Instead, the artist does one better, utilizing a wide array of interesting panel structures. It’s been a thrill to see the artist grow so much over the course of “Earth 2,” and it’s certainly a blessing that she’s staying on after Robinson leaves.

With this being Robinson’s last issue, there comes the expectation for a certain level of “wrapping up.” Unfortunately, several of Robinson’s bigger plot threads are left dangling. It’s a shame we’ll never see the writer unveil the identity of the new Batman, or the new Red Lantern teased back in issue #13. Neither will we see him resolve the Alan Scott/Sam subplot, explore the new Mr. Miracle/Big Barda, or any of the countless other ideas the writer had waiting in the wings. That is, unless upcoming writer Tom Taylor chooses to pick them up. The upcoming issues certainly seem to be centered on the new Batman, for instance. Still, even with so many loose ends, Robinson bows out with a respectable level of grace, even going as far as leaving the book in a place that seems tailor made for Mr. Taylor.

While it’s certainly sad to see Mr. Robinson leave, the future of “Earth 2” is just as exciting as it’s always been. I eagerly await Tom Taylor’s work, as well Robinson’s upcoming Marvel and creator owned projects. Congratulations are in order for what has come so far, and best of luck to all!

Final Verdict 8.8 – Buy. This is high octane super heroics done right.


Zach Wilkerson

Zach Wilkerson, part of the DC3 trinity, still writes about comics sometimes. He would probably rather be reading manga or thinking about Kingdom Hearts. For more on those things, follow him on Twitter @TheWilkofZ

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