DC’s New 52 Week One – What to Buy This Wednesday!

So I know DC launched Justice League #1 last week, but as far as I’m concerned this is the first week of the new DC Universe. DC is releasing 13 new number ones this week. How can anyone possibly be expected to determine which of those books they should buy? To make your life easier, I’ll offer my ill-informed, expert opinion on what titles are worth picking up each week during this first month of the New 52.

As far as this week goes, in my opinion there are six five new DCU books that are probably worth checking out.

Swamp Thing #1 – Having obviously not read any New 52 books other than last week’s Justice League #1, this is the title I’m expecting to be the best of the entire relaunch. Scott Snyder is hands down my favorite writer that DC has discovered in the last few years. His runs on Detective Comics and his own American Vampire are well-worth your time and money. He seems perfectly suited for this title. Meanwhile Swamp Thing is a character that has been out of the spotlight for so long, that it just feels like the right moment for his resurrection. I can’t wait to read it.

Action Comics #1 – Grant Morrison wrote one of the most beloved Superman stories of the last decade in All-Star Superman. That title followed Superman’s last days. In the years since that was published, Morrison’s primary DC work has been weaving one of the most complex and interesting extended runs on Batman that I’ve ever read. I know not everyone loves his Batman as much as I do, but Morrison reimagining the Superman’s early years for the next generation of fans definitely sounds like something worth reading. I especially love this silliness of his costume consisting of a t-shirt, jeans and cape. As if that’s any less weird than wearing tights with red shorts on top.

Animal Man #1 – While Snyder is DC’s current best “new” writer, Jeff Lemire seems to be on the cusp of being DC’s next great writer. I think it’s just a matter of him being matched with the right material. Teaming Lemire’s quirky tastes with such a strange character; Animal Man may just be the Lemire book for which we’ve been waiting. I can’t imagine Animal Man ever being a top-ten title, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a good read. I also anticipate ties between this series and Swamp Thing, which is a further selling point in my opinion. This is also the book Geoff Johns has been calling his favorite of the New 52.

Batgirl #1 – The big story here is Barbara Gordon not only being able to walk again, but mobile enough to resume her superhero career. Gail Simone is a fantastic writer. Her work with Gordon to date on Birds of Prey has been unquestionably top notch. Simone seems to understand fans’ concerns and to really want to deliver an exciting and satisfying series. Having said all of that, if this title is not the best thing she’s ever written then it’s a giant mistake. The DC Universe is going to miss Oracle and I’m absolutely convinced it’s only a matter of time until she’s back.

Stormwatch #1 – This title is part of DC’s new “Edge” family of titles and teams the Martian Manhunter with some of the most notable Wildstorm characters including former members of The Authority. It’s written by Paul Cornell who is coming off a successful run on Action Comics (mostly starring Lex Luthor) and the surprisingly strong Knight and Squire mini-series. This title has been described as “a really important book in the new wave of titles, because it’s a capstone. It’s where a lot of things come together.” This has led to speculation that Stormwatch is the place where we may learn more about the mysterious woman in pink from Flashpoint #5.

Hawk and Dove #1 – This is Rob Leifeld drawing a monthly DC book. Yeah, that’s probably not reason enough to buy this comic, but it does carry a certain level of infamy. If this isn’t the book for you, there’s always Detective Comics or Justice League International or Men of War or Static Shock.

Wow. There really are a ton of titles that are part of this new initiative that I’m at least curious about.

Below is this week’s entire list of new DC Comics #1 titles according to Previews:

• ACTION COMICS #1
• ANIMAL MAN #1
• BATGIRL #1
• BATWING #1
• DETECTIVE COMICS #1
• GREEN ARROW #1
• HAWK AND DOVE #1
• JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1
• MEN OF WAR #1
• OMAC #1
• STATIC SHOCK #1
• STORMWATCH #1
• SWAMP THING #1