Review: EARTH 2 #16

EARTH 2 #16
Written by James Robinson
Art by Nicola Scott and Trevor Scott
Published by DC Comics
Release Date: October 2, 2013

Earth2_cvr_16_FINAL_wys7w56eo7_WAR! The wonders of Earth 2 (who in another life could very well be the Justice Society) take a backseat to all out devastation as the planetary forces of the World Army go into battle with Steppenwolf, the abandoned lieutenant to Darkseid, and his Hunger Dogs. Not one, but two, major surprises pepper the end of this chapter, the last issue in fact for inaugural series writer and visionary, James Robinson.

This kind of storytelling is why Robinson has so many fans, particularly those among super-hero aficionados, because his ability to balance literally dozens of factors and characters into a story that feels clean and straightforward — without oversimplifying the plot or downgrading anyone’s role in particular — is unparalleled. We get to see every soldier, from those on the side of good like Mr. Terrific, Lee Travis, Amir Khan, and the Atom, to those serving the dark leader, have a significant moment as the chaos ensues. Readers are never allowed to forget, however, that the chaos itself is the center of the story, and how one feels inside a war is far different than reading about it from afar. Green Lantern’s utter focus on attacking the source of the conflict certainly speaks solidly to the Type-A leader Robinson has developed him to be over the past two years. And the moments of tragedy that occur as the story wraps? Sly readers of last month’s Darkseid Villains Month special could possibly see where this was going, but the real delight is tying these events back to Robinson’s very first issue. Steppenwolf may be a fearsome opponent, but he’s clearly not as devastating to the heroes, or the world this comic bears as its name, as what comes next.

Nicola Scott, hands down, delivers what is possibly the most breathtaking issue of Earth 2 since the inaugural one, pulling out all the stops in the initial pages to depict the sheer confusion and overwhelming drama of war. Her Steppenwolf is an exceptional foe, so beautifully rendered on that first full page, as is his next full page appearance (however disturbing). And that is one of the most exciting things about Scott’s work, is that it runs the gamut from soft personal moments to chaotic action scenes, without ever losing the finest of detail. With so many two page spreads in this issue giving the widescreen action its due, a lesser artist could have lost track of the pacing or the human moments, but Nicola’s focus on the beings actually on the ground fighting the war gives the reader exactly what we look for in Earth 2 month after month — an entire world we can get lost that can both feel like our own and a brand new experience every time as well.

Probably one of the best examples of the title truly living up to its name, Earth 2 #16 lays out the full scope of this title and doesn’t pull any punches in letting the audience know just how dire the circumstances are, not just for the heroes, but for every inhabitant on this war-scarred planet. That all of this is demonstrated so elegantly in Robinson’s final issue on the title is both fitting and saddening. The dilemma he has set up for his successor is nearly perfect in design, for sure, but as I have said before in much detail, I will certainly miss James’ commitment and touch to this series. Something truly special has evolved here, and we all owe Robinson a great deal of thanks.

The Verdict: 9.5/10

 

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One Comment;

  1. Guest said:

    Excellent comments. Still surprised, after seeing how well-liked “All-Star Superman” was, that this is where we’vr ended up. A liitle dissatisfied that that Jay, Alan, Kendra et al are relegated to almost being guest-stars on their own series, but…a better farewell than “Legion of Supet Heroes” 23’s unsatisfying wrap-up – one that surprisingly overlaps with this book.

    I wish Robinson was continuing to create this world, but you can feel this series being pulled into a different editorial graviational field.

    Scott is always so outstanding that its easy to take her for granted. Incredible here.

    But, yeah, after “All-Star Superman” and “Final Crisis”, never thought this is what DC Comics’ status quo would be.

    Look forward to Robinson’s Marvel work. Maybe we can get him and Kevin Maguire on a “Your loss, DC!” book.

    Thanks for receiving

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