By Jim Krueger, Alex Ross & Doug Braithwaite (DC Comics)
ISBN13: 978-1-84576-630-6
The Big Finale to the epic battle between the Super Powers of the DC universe reveals the dastardly master-plan of Lex Luthor and the alien computer intelligence Brainiac as the resurgent heroes – each clad in personalised Battle Armour (Gotta Collect ‘Em All!) – go into concerted action to save the world not just from the depredations of the desperate villains but also the now real imminent threat of nuclear destruction.
Thrilling and sumptuously fulfilling it should nevertheless have been with us a lot sooner in this overlong and meanderingly padded tale that comes so close to being great comics but instead looks like a wish list for a toy-factory or DC Direct.
I truly understand that it’s a tough commercial world and that lots of fans love the toys, gadgets, statues and what-nots that are part-and-parcel of modern comics publishing. I just worry that when peripherals begin to dictate the content of your product then you have a product that’s no longer able to sustain itself.
In this case that translates into three superb creators spending a lot of time getting it almost right, but failing to make the kind of magic that inspired them to get into the business in the first place… and surely that’s a long term goal comics can’t afford to lose or forsake?
© 2007 DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.