Convergence #1
Writer: Jeff King and Scott Lobdell
Artists: Carlo Pagulayan, Michael Jason Paz, and Peter Steigerwald
Cover Artists: Tony Daniel and Tomeu Morey
Publisher: DC
If you missed out on last week’s #0 issue, don’t worry because this issue ends up explaining everything all over again. In that regard actually, if you missed out on this issue, you’ll still probably be fine moving forward, because very little happens. Convergence is essentially a battle royal between all of DC’s multiple universes with only the strongest surviving. This issue was particularly problematic for multiple reasons. The first being that the issue is centered on characters from Earth 2; characters who mean absolutely nothing to any reader who have not been reading Earth 2. This decision is rather strange because even as the worlds are coming to an end, unless you’ve been keeping up with Earth 2, there is no emotional connection, no reason to care. Another thing that is particularly strange about Convergence, is that while these are supposed to be the different world’s heroes, they don’t seem to have any problem fighting and defeating one another, with a few minor standouts. A voice in the sky just tells them all to fight and they do it and it’s not very becoming of a superhero. Hopefully this series picks up in pace, purpose, and in overall entertainment, because right now it’s particularly underwhelming. 2.5/5 – AP
Convergence: Batgirl #1
Writer: Alisa Kwitney
Artists: Rick Leonardi, Mark Pennington, and Steve Buccellato
Cover Artists: Rick Leonardi, Mark Pennington, and Steve Buccellato
Publisher: DC
While all of the tie-in books have mostly been better than the actual Convergence book, this issue just wasn’t quite as good as the others. The story centers around three of the most popular characters from Pre-Flashpoint Gotham and still manages to be slightly dull. The issue goes heavy on the exposition, going into great detail what has been going on in Gotham in the year since the Dome went up. Also, while these characters look exactly like the Pre-Flashpoint versions of themselves, they don’t actually seem like themselves. Cassie exists here with almost no personality, Stephanie seems more like she was when she first became Batgirl, and Tim is completely unlike himself. The story is decent, the art is nice, but it seems like DC cared more about capitalizing on the popularity of these characters than telling a strong story. 2.5/5 – AP
Convergence: Nightwing and Oracle #1
Writer: Gail Simone
Artists: Jan Duursema, Dan Parsons, and Wes Dzioba
Cover Artists: Jill Thompson, Sandu Florea, and Hi-FI
Publisher: DC
Hands down, this is easily the best Convergence related issue to be published. This is Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon as you remember them: loving, caring, flirtatious, but most of all a strong team. Gail Simone does an absolute amazing job of capturing that wonderful Dick and Barbara relationship. While some issues had trouble capturing the personalities of characters who haven’t existed for years, Simone wonderfully brings these two back in top form. Coupled with some great artwork, this issue is the standard for all future Convergence tie-ins. 4.5/5 – AP
Convergence: Batman & Robin #1
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Denys Cowan
Cover: Denys Cowan & Chris Sotomayor
Publisher: DC
This Convergence tie-in centers on the pre New 52 Batman & Robin around the time when Damian and Bruce were in the beginning stages of their team up. So when Red Hood shows up to assist the duo Damian becomes quite jealous and it all goes downhill from there. Marz does what he can with this issue but if you’re unfamiliar with the relationship between these characters at this point and time then it might be a bit confusing. The story does improve a little as things progress in both the tone and character interactions. Making you realize that it’s probably not this story that is the problem but the event itself that’s framing it. Also if you’re picking up more than one of the Convergence tie-ins just be prepared to read the same announcement from Brainiac’s emissary over and over again. As far as the visuals are concerned, Cowan’s artwork is usually something I look forward to seeing but it just wasn’t at it’s strongest in this issue. 2.5/5 -IS
Convergence: Harley Quinn #1
Writer: Steve Pugh
Artist: Steve Winslade
Cover: Steve Pugh
Publisher: DC
It’s been a year since the dome went up and Harley has been mentally stable and leading a pretty “normal” life. But now the champions have been chosen to represent their worlds in the big fight and Harley is on the list. Though Ivy and Catwoman seem to think that the only way she’ll win and save their world is if they get the old Harley back in action. This is where things get complicated and not so great for Harley. The great thing about this issue is that it features the pre New 52 Harley whom everyone just loved to pieces! Complete with classic costume, giant mallet, and adorable accent all here for those that missed her. However that’s pretty much where the fun stops as we see yet another attempt by thugs to take over Ivy’s garden. If it’s the only source of food and that crucial why isn’t there constant patrols by good guys? Winslade’s art is pretty solid for most of the issue. However, if you’re going to focus heavily on a character getting shot three times complete with heavy blood splatter the next two panels should be consistent with that. Instead all we see is a guy who just looks unconscious while Harley yells at him. This was another tie-in that just was “okay” in the end. If you want to see this version of Harley again you might want to go and grab back issues instead. 2/5 – IS
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net
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