EARTH 2 #2

[ NEW BARGAINS GOING FAST ] 

When a new earth comes into play. Sometimes things can come across a bit gay. Alan Scott knows what I mean. Whilst Jay Garrick looks a bit mean. Because his temples may one day turn grey. Unlike Writer: James Robinson; Artist: Nicola Scott; and Publisher: DC Comics in May 2012. But I could be wrong you know.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

'Age of Wonders' comes across like watching an episode of 'Heroes' whilst doped up on candy. True. Especially if you check out at what is happening to some of the chaps on 'Earth 2' at this present moment in time! For example:

• In Manhattan, the time displaced 'Mister Terrific' runs into the smartest man of this world, Terry Slone, who gives him a taste of his own medicine.
• In Michigan, Jay Garrick is confronted by the fallen God of Speed, Mercury, who informs Jay of an up and coming danger, before giving him some direction in life. THAT WAY!
• And in Honk Kong, G.B.C. executive, Alan Scott, has a rather gay time with his partner, Sam, until... BOOM!

Next issue, Hawlgirl and the coming of the Green Lantern.

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

The got a right kick out of reading 'The Flash' origin sequence I can tell you. And I thought it really magical when Mercury touched Jay's hand and said to him...

'You claim to lack a future? Let me give you one. My spirit wanes. So too would my powers fade to naught if I let them'.

Well, this sentence does have that whole sparkly sentiment behind it, huh?

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

I really dug the whole Jay Garrick section of this story, as it came across very 'Spiderman' in tone.

Also, the straight forward nature of how the whole story unravelled was very refreshing all in all, as it allowed the 'new-ness' to not be bogged down with to much top-heavy exposition.

Plus, on a site note, Terry Sloane does come off a bit like Ozymandias from Watchmen, right? Which is both good and bad I suppose. 

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

Now this is a difficult question to answer really, because overall I really did love reading this issue. However, if I did have to pick out something within this tale, it would have to be how Jay Garricks chin strap makes him look like 'Ant-Man' from Marvel. 

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: As I mentioned previously, this yarn was very easy and refreshing to follow. From my own experience I find that most of the great stories do start off on a very simple footing, as it allows for the subsequent strands of the 'larger arc' to develop per issue.  

ART: At the moment I am sitting on the fence where the new costume designs are concerned. I think that Jay's new duds may grow on me over time, but I am not really sure about the red Mister Terrific 'T' or the Beyonce inspired Hawkgirl as of yet. 

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

SAM: Well, as he hit the jackpot by winning Singapore's version of 'Star Search', why not let Huang Jing Lun win the jackpot again by becoming Alan Scott's 'very close' friend?

TERRY SLOANE: Now as I have already stated that Terry reminds me of Ozymandias from Watchmen, why not get the actor who played Ozymandias in the film, Matthew Goode, to play him too.

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

If Doom Is Looming Around The Corner, Don't Fret, Be Gay Darlings! 

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

In spite of some of you homophobes out there in comic book land, I have to stand up for this new poofer Alan Scott by saying that this story reminded me of a seventies disco classic - Y.M.C.A.!

It's it just fabulous?

FINAL thoughts...

OK, I know that I have only touched upon the whole 'gay' Alan Scott controversy in my review, but in my defence I am feeling a bit confused about it really.

On the one hand it is very nice that DC are trying to do something new with their characters, just to give them more scope and a wider appeal. Whilst, on the other hand, I can not help but wonder what the deceased creators of Alan Scott, Martin Nodell and Bill Finger, would have thought about it also.

Would they have stood up and applauded it for being an alternate take on their creation? Or would they surmise that DC are just jumping on a band-wagon and trying to capitalize on a trend sweeping their line of books at the moment?

Food for thought, huh?

MARKS out of 10? 9