EARTH 2 #4

Say hello to my mate 'Atom' the smasher. He looks like a great little party basher. Though I could be very wrong. As he once smoked a bong. Filled with potassium and a touch of hashish-a. Which is something these guy's won't touch at all!! Writer: James Robinson; Artist: Nicola Scott; plus Publisher: DC Comics in September 2012. Maybe? Hehehehe!

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

I once saw a fight between a couple of clown's at a circus. And do you know what? It reminded me of this issue of Earth 2 entitled 'A Confluence of Wonders'. Colourful --yet slightly brash at the same time.

Picture the scene if you will; the deranged man-monster known as 'Grundy', is smashing up the nations capital, just like a small child having a hissy-fit in its pram.
Don't fret, though! A number of heroes turn up and try to save the day.
Like the Flash and Hawkgirl for example -- who rescues or bashes whomever they see fit.
Then there's someone like Green Lantern -- bless him -- who zaps with the best of em'.
Oh! And I best not forget -- BANG! The military man, the Atom -- whose come to take everybody in.

And I do mean everybody.

To be continued....

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

On first reading I truthfully wasn't too keen on that 'military speak' depicted by the troupes in Papua New Guinea. However, upon closer inspection, not only was their fractured musing's very well conveyed, a mate of mine from the army told me that this is how they talk to each other in a combat situation.

Relevant and fractured -- what a combination!!!

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

There were three things that I really did like in this story. (1) It looks like 'the band' is starting to get together. Perfect! Great to see. (2) I enjoyed the simple yet incremental way that each of the heroes where introduced to the Grundy situation, and how they each added a different flavor to this tale. (3) Al Pratt. Say no more.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

Personally speaking, I felt that there was a slight malaise in this tale compared to the previous instalments. Listen, don't get me wrong; the story onto itself was still up to James' usual high standards. It's just that a certain sparkle was missing is all -- a certain 'je ne sais quoi'.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: The twist at the end of this tale was a real clincher for me. Granted, I had a sneaking suspicion that things would not play out as smoothly as I'd hoped they would -- due to the ominous beginnings. Nonetheless, BANG! GRAB! GOTCHA! And a great innovative spin at the end which I can't wait to read more of.

ART: I can not fault any of the artwork on this book at all. Artist, Nicola Scott, draws a lean looking hero, and I was even nicely surprised with how good Alan Scott was illustrated in this issue. Although, for my own liking there's still a bit too much green in his costume. Agreed?

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

GRUNDY: Looks too obvious, doesn't it? But Sylvester Stallone was made for this monstrous role. They both have an earthy nature about them. Their diction is something to be questioned. And they both once slept with Brigitte Nielsen.

GENERIC COP: It's not easy standing in the background busying yourself with stuff to do just to make yourself appear busy. Just ask ex-British-politician, Opik Lembit, and he'd tell you what I mean by this.

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

Need Some Plastic Surgery? Then Come To Grundy's Are Us. We Can Give You A Face Lift The Old Fashioned Way. POW!

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

OK, so this was a story where a group of heroes came together to fight a monstrous foe, correct? So why not compare it to something like the 'Justice League - The New Frontier' cartoon?

Slightly too palpable? Yeah. But a good match all the same.

FINAL thoughts...

I've been looking at my computer screen for about five minutes or so now, thinking about what I should write here. I like this book -- no doubt about it. And I like this creative team too -- one hundred percent. However, the one thing that keeps' on niggling at the back of my mind are those JSA stories I've already read.

Hey! Don't get me wrong. I'm all for progress and innovation for the masses. Though, in the same breath, I'm all for history too, and I would like to see preservation and respect to those tales that truly deserve it.

The JSA deserve some respect -- and so far this book has only given them a friendly pat on the back, and not a warm hug of affection.

Know what I mean?

MARKS out of 10? 9